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July/August 2010
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Hello and welcome to the July/August edition of Good Nooz. We continue to have great feedback from our ever growing readership, and would like to give a special welcome to all our new readers. We hope you enjoy our magazine. Please keep this safe until the next one arrives, you will never know when you need a local tradesman. This edition is focussed on Cannock Chase. Make sure you go on the chase and enjoy this lovely weather. In the garden? Fancy a new shed? Give Dove Valley Timber a call. A reputable business, they are down on Power Station Road and offer great service and have the best selection of sheds and timber in the area. Have a good month. Dave & Andy Good Nooz keep the magazine until the next one arrives, unlike leaflets and newspapers. We now have developed a network of local delivery people, and we conduct our own checks on each months deliveries. Advertising rates are fantastic value. Compared to other local publications, per 1000 magazines delivered our prices are the lowest around.
NOTICE We deliver to selected homes, farms and businesses within the WS15 post code area as well as Kings Bromley, and the Haywoods. Our goal is to reach every letterbox. However some are hard to find or even get to. With this in mind we are establishing pick up points within each village to help us reach as many people as possible.
It is easy to be in our magazine even if you don’t have any artwork, we can do it for you. If you are in business and need more customers can you afford not to advertise to 18,000 households (from as little as £50) Make sure your advert is remembered - increasing the frequency of advertisements increases growth in awareness.
By placing an advert in this one publication your advert will reach 18,000 homes (Similar publications deliver between 3000 - 6000). Our advertisers continually tell us it works for them and has helped them to gain more business and customers. The majority of householders
Copy Deadline: 10th of the month Good Nooz Unit 3a, Waterside Business Park Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 1LJ
Publisher: Good Nooz Editor: Dave Pemberton-Smith Sales & Marketing: Andy Herbert Artwork: In House Photography: Nancy Howmans
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or ommissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Good Nooz does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Good Nooz cannot guarantee 100% delivery to any area where a third party is used, and will not accept liability for any such claims. Good Nooz will endeavour to produce a top quality publication whilst striving to achieve 100% delivery within the areas covered. The reputation of the Good Nooz name demands that all involved will do their best towards the success we all deserve.
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es t r Birches Valley & The For Cannock Chase is best known for it’s open heathland and pine forest and its mining and military history which stretches back several hundred years and still effects how the land is managed today.
sion s i m y C om
Forest Fun Open Day! Come and Kick start our 2010 Summer Forest Fun programme and take part in our Forest Fun Open Day!
The Forestry Commission started planting woodland on the Chase in the 1920s when World War 1 had resulted in a shortage of home grown timber. The Forestry Commission has come a long way from the early days of intensive timber production and now manages the forest by balancing the needs of wildlife, recreation and the local timber markets.
This fun packed session gives you chance to take part in up to six hands-on activities, all set in the beautiful surroundings of Cannock Forest. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware, some activities are not suitable for pushchairs and children under 3.
Cannock Chase is a popular destination for people seeking fresh air, peace and exercise with Fairoak Valley amongst the most popular areas for walking and cycling. Birches Valley Forest Centre is an excellent starting point for an exhilarating day out on Cannock Chase. Refreshments, toilets, Cycle hire, Go Ape, play area and the Route to Health Sculpture trail are within easy reach of the car park.
Don't forget the "5+1 free" deal. Take part in 5 Fundays and get 1 free. To find out more ask the education team on arrival. WHEN:Thursday 29th July TIME: 10:30am until 1pm AGE: 5 - 11 Years Old COST: £1 per Activity WHERE: Outside Birches Valley Café
Miles of Cycling and walking trails stretch out from the forest centre including the now famous "Follow the Dog" mountain bike trail, and recently added ‘Monkey Trail’ why not hire a bike from Swinnertons Cycle Centre and give it a try. Or if you have a head for heights take to the tree tops on Go Ape high wire course.
Most events are based in the forest, please dress your children in sensible footwear and clothing. If you are interested in making a booking please call: Rowan Clark Education Assistant 01889 586593 e-mail:rowan.clark@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
But If you feel like taking a relaxing scenic walk Fairoak valley and it's magnificent fishing pools are only a short walk away, which links easily to the Chase Heritage Trail. When you have worked up an appetite, why not enjoy the wonderful fresh food, coffee and friendly atmosphere at the Birches valley café.
Concerts Off Roading Fishing Walking Cycling Go Ape
Whether it's fun and adventure or peace and relaxation Birches Valley is the perfect site for you.
Car Park Pay and Display Parking £1.50 up to an hour, £3.00 for all day. All funds from car parking contribute towards the upkeep and management of recreation and conservation on Forestry Commision land in the region.
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ty u a e B al r u t a N g n i Area of Outstand The following is an extract from the AONB website
Cannock Chase was designated as an AONB in 1958 Springs. As a kid I tried to count all the springs but never because of its beautiful landscape, its wildlife and its reached seven! Bear left as soon as you reach this history. Cannock Chase is the largest surviving area of parking area and locate the gravel track leading north to lowland heathland in the Midlands . Lowland heath is an the main road (A513). internationally scarce and threatened wildlife habitat. The AONB also has extensive areas of forest and Cross the main road with care woodland along with areas of designed parkland, sand and take the minor road and gravel quarrying and mixed agriculture. opposite. This leads across an attractive bridge over the River Cannock Chase and its associated animal and plant Trent and onto the village of Little communities are part of an historic landscape dating Haywood. Go under the railway (the West Coast main back thousands of years. Wild deer still roam the Chase line from Euston to Glasgow) to reach a canal. The steps and are probably descended from the original herd down to the towpath are on the right of the road and after introduced in Norman times for hunting p u r p dropping down to the canal you need to go under the bridge and follow the canal with the water on your right. Follow the Grand Union Canal to the first overbridge. You will see the River Trent on your left and also the impressive frontage of Shugborough Seven Springs, Little Haywood and Hall across the river as you follow the canal. Shugborough Park from Milford
Fancy A Walk Length 6.5 miles / 10.6 km Ascent 550 feet / 167 metres Grade easy
This pleasant route explores many of the features of the northern part of Cannock Chase. The route is similar to walk 2911 but has been shortened and rerouted at the end. Despite these changes the route offers an introduction to this part of Cannock Chase and is ideal for first time visitors to this part of England. The start is the off road car park at grid ref. SJ973208. This is reached by turning off the A513 at Milford common and taking the road south to Brocton. After passing Sister Dora’s rest home on the left, turn half left off the road onto a gravel track. You can park on the right in a few metres from the road. After parking continue along this gravel track soon entering a deep cutting. This was formerly a railway track that led up to the POW camp higher on Cannock Chase. As a child it was known as the German Cutting and this name survives today. Once through the cutting the main track continues and starts to bear right. At this point turn left down another gravel track. There is a signpost at the junction.
Leave the canal and climb up to the track. Turn south to almost immediately cross the Essex Bridge over the River Trent (grid ref. SJ995225). Once across this bridge you are in Shugborough Park and using the Staffordshire Way. You have to pay to visit the House and Gardens but this route enables you to enjoy the park and the outside of the house. Keep straight ahead on a wide path. This leads to a tarmac road. Continue straight ahead passing the farm on your right and a visitor centre (with toilets) on your left. The road crosses the railway, bears sharply right and then left to reach the main A513.
Turn right along the main road. At the first track bear right and almost immediately take a clear footpath on the left. This keeps roughly parallel to the main road and leads eventually to a small car park in a quarry (grid ref. SJ983208). Go through the parking area to the main road. Cross with care into another parking area and bear left and then half right to leave the car park at a clear wide track with a boundary fence on your left. Follow this track slightly uphill before descending to a junction of tracks (grid ref. SJ980202). You have now rejoined the outward route. Keep right and then climb gently up to another track. Bear right and walk through the Follow this track until you reach the next junction (grid ref. ‘German Cutting’ back to your transport SJ980202). Turn right and continue walking with a boundary fence on your left. Quite soon you reach some stepping stones on your left. You are now in the Sherbrook Valley with the stream of the same name. Cross the stream and follow the gravel path. This undulates a little and leads to a car parking area at Seven For more information visit www.cannock-chase.co.uk
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SE A H C K C O N C AN , Y E L L A V S AT BIRCHE We’re doing our bit to keep the adventure in adventure. We believe that zero risk equals zero development and we’re always looking to challenge people, to surprise and excite them. We’re also passionate about motivating people to believe in themselves – to swap ‘I can’t’ for ‘I can’. Great news is that a lot of our customers are finding this to be true of their Go Ape experience. It’s important to us to be socially and environmentally responsible and create worthwhile and well rewarded careers for our employees. In short, we just want to do the right thing. Sounds a bit worthy, we know. But we really mean it. We try hard to be an environmentally friendly company. Cannock Chase is one of the UK’s most valuable and beautiful environments and we take our responsibility to care for the area very seriously. The course is friendly to wildlife. The wood peel we use in our zip line landing site creates habitats for small creatures. At most sites we’ve set up bat boxes to create habitats, and the undersides of our platforms have provided the perfect shelter for nesting swallows and other unperturbed birds. Our course is designed to minimise impact on trees.
Nothing is bolted into trees – we use clever braces that grip trunks and our platforms rest on these. The magic of the system is that we can loosen the brace as the tree grows. Our trees are inspected annually by an independent aboriculturalist to ensure their health. You’ll find our sites are free of litter. We take pride in our little area of the forest. If you’ve been to Go Ape, you may have noticed our forest TH educational b o a r d s , 2010 strategically dotted around each course. EXCLUDING SATURDAYS These boards, which we commissioned from the G l o b a l C a n o p y Programme, are designed to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting the world’s great forest. We also work closely with the Gorilla Organisation. Last year, 108 Go Ape staff and customers took part in the Great Gorilla Run, and together raised over £35,000
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ir a F r e t r Good Nooz at the Cha What a great day for this years Charter Fair. The sun shone down on Rugeley and made it a great day for everyone. The Good Nooz team would like to thank all those that came along on the day and spoke to us. It was great to hear all your comments about our magazine. We have a few things planned over the next few months and along with some of your suggestions we can see our magazine going from strength to strength. Talking of a few things planned we are launching one in this edition of Good Nooz. So if you are a business, club, group, society or
charity keep looking through as you may be interested in what we have in store for you. Lewis Brailsford who inspired our ‘Draw Colin Competition’ can be seen here pictured with Steve Bull along with Ezra & Tobey Pemberton-Smith. Steve enjoyed the day meeting up with some of his fans old and new. His pen was on fire after all the things he signed. His hand must have been aching. Councillor Mick Grocott seen below was a frequent visitor to our tent. He kept on trying his luck at our football scoring game...... Although he put his best foot forward it was not enough to win one of our match play footballs personally signed by Steve Bull.
Although many tried for a signed ball we only had one winner. So well done to everyone who had a go but a special well done to one of Rugeley’s taxi drivers for scoring three out of three. Once again thanks to everyone that helped us to make our Charter Fair day a great success, and we look forward to seeing you next year.
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ot h S p a n S s Nancy Howman A few little tips to help you get the most from your camera on holiday wether at the beach or up in the mountains!
Getting The Most From Your Camera
I Love Macro
Taking Photos At The Beach The beach is a fantastic place to not only snap your family and friends having fun, but also beachlife in general - fishermen, boats, surfers, wildlife etc all make for lovely images to treasure Take pictures of sandcastles by dropping down at eye-level with it and have family members at the same height behind The summer sunlight can be very bright and harsh (we live in hope). The best light will usually be in the late afternoon or early morning. Take your telephoto lens if you have one. Pictures of surfers, swimmers etc work really well in closeup. Watch for beachlife such as anemone, crabs and all the lovely things left behind in rock pools, photograph them using your Macro function. Try standing in the water, keeping your camera close to the water (but not touching) and shooting towards the beach for an unusual shot. Keep the flash on. This will “fill in” the shadows on peoples faces (particularly if they are wearing hats) Be careful with your camera, as sand and salt water are very toxic to cameras!
Taking Scenic Photos
When taking photos of scenery, focus on the subject that attracts your eye, trust your instincts, but don’t make it the only thing in your photograph, include some sky, rock, or a person for scale. Again, keep the flash on to help with shadows on your subject’s faces. Take advantage of the scenery by using high vantage points that give you a more dominant view of the scene - and if you have a SLR camera a small aperture of f/11 or f/16 will let you keep everything in focus. Try different angles to see if you can make the shot more interesting. Eg shooting upwards from ground level. The best landscapes are usually found after a long walk, rarely do you glimpse the best spots from the car window so be prepared for some exercise to get the photo you want. If your camera is capable of it, shoot RAW images rather than JPGs. The RAW files will fill up your memory card quickly but there's no in-camera processing done on the image (as there is for JPGs). RAW images will give you greater scope for post-processing with software such as photoshop etc Look for interesting detail. The mountain might be breathtaking, but the climber half-way up the cliff face will make an interesting capture in your photos too. If you are that way inclined, try making your own filters - practically anything you can place over your lens (without obscuring the view completely) will work - translucent sweet wrappers, old tights, even breathing lightly on the lens will give a nice soft focus! Develop your own unique style of photography by experimentation and mostly have fun with it!
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hed The Chase Trails Volunteer c n u a Group, a local group of mountain ail Lbikers, steered r T e k i B the project into action giving up n i a Ultimate Mount countless weekends to plan and design sections of trail and The 'Monkey Trail', was unveiled last month at the Forestry Commission's Cannock Forest. Commonwealth Silver Medalist and Olympian rider Oli Beckingsale cut the ribbon and led the first riders out on the new red grade mountain bike trail, which has been designed as a technical route for expert cyclists, starting and finishing at the Birches Valley Forest Centre. The new 'Monkey Trail' is part of a £200,000 project to improve the visitor facilities at Cannock Forest over the past three years, which includes eight kilometres of new singletrack and some new look features added to existing routes. Cross-country, downhill, and family cycle trails ranging from 1 to 10 miles have all benefited from the revamp and were re-launched on the day with a variety of skills sessions aimed at riders of all abilities. Birches Valley Forest Centre is already the starting point for the popular 'Follow the Dog' technical route. The seven-mile, single-track trail, which was created by Chase Trails as the West Midlands' first dedicated Cross Country MTB trail, was also upgraded as part of the changes. Now linked together, 'Follow The Dog' and the new 'Monkey Trail', provide 24 kilometres of the West Midlands' finest bike trail. The 'Monkey Trail' features some short sharp climbs and long flowing descents, with some extremely tight twists and turns along the way, new features include lung-busting climbing turns, berms, rooty drops and lots of narrow flowing singletrack. The trail is built from locally sourced stone and natural features are beginning to merge into the trail so within a few months it will look as though the trail has always been there. Wider changes and improvements to existing trails will help more people of all ages and abilities get active and develop a healthier lifestyle. There is an easy green route for families and beginners through to blue and red courses for cycling enthusiasts. The project is supported by Giant Cycles. Giant UK Marketing Manger Collette Clensy said; “The Monkey Trail adds a whole new dimension to the facilities at Cannock now it's become a real destination for mountain bikers who will be amazed at the new route and the riding on offer.” She continued; “It was fantastic to see cyclists of all ages and abilities enjoying a healthy and fun day out; the improved family and leisure trails along with the new and improved technical routes for more advanced riders means the centre truly shares Giant's vision of offering something for all.” Speaking before the event, Jason Maclean, Environment Manager for the Forestry Commission at Cannock, said: “After three years of intensive planning, designing and building we're delighted to be launching the newest and biggest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the West Midlands. “This new trail has been designed to be sustainable and have minimal environmental impact, whilst allowing thousands of mountain bikers and forest visitors to develop their cycling skills or simply go out and have fun.”
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contributing numerous hours of work into painstakingly building many sections of the new trail by hand. They organised 'Big Build Days' to encourage the wider community to help out with trail building enlisting help from external supporters such RAF Stafford. Rob Lamb from Chase Trails, said: "Completion of the 'Monkey Trail' represents a huge milestone in the progression of Chase Trails. This is the second trail we've developed and will offer riders a technical step up from our earlier work. “Working with a great team of partners has been critical to the success of the project and we couldn't have achieved without the ongoing help of our volunteers. We're extremely lucky to have the regular support of a highly committed team of volunteers who have put completion of the trail ahead of everything else including their own valuable riding time. “We've met an almost countless number of new volunteers through our regular Big Build Days and to all these people we owe a great debt of thanks.” Anyone interested in supporting the project or joining the Chase Trails volunteer group should visit
www.chasetrails.co.uk
Large sections of the trail has also been built by specialist trail builders Clixby's, from Oakamoor in Staffordshire, who previously constructed singletrack mountain bike trails for the Forestry Commission at Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire, Whinlatter Forest in Cumbria and the descent line at Stainburn, near Leeds. Hugh Clixby from trail builders Clixby's, said: “Over the past 15 months we've built almost 10km of trails. We've built some lovely sweet flowing singletrack, technical short sharp climbs, fast flowing bermy descents and a couple of black technical features which wouldn't be out of place on the world cup course at Dalby. “I hope the 'Monkey Trail' provides riders with a worthwhile challenge, but most of all, loads and loads of fun. I have certainly enjoyed riding the trail as we have been building it and working alongside all the volunteers at Chase Trails.” Bike hire facilities, maps and information are available from Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre. For more information or to hire a bike visit www.bikechase.co.uk. For more information about recreational facilities at Cannock Forest and other Forestry Commission woodlands around the West Midlands visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westmidlands www.forestry.gov.uk/cannockforest.
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r e t e m e C r a W e s a h C k c o n Can
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They Shall Not Grow Old.... Nearly a century ago, Cannock Chase played a major role in the 1914-18 war as being one of the major military training areas of the country. At Rugeley and Brocton Camps, troops were taught how to prepare for trench warfare on the Western Front. There were countless British regiments stationed at Brocton and Rugeley Camp but in September 1917, Brocton became the home and Headquarters to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade (NRZB), the unit having returned from the war in France. Here reserve soldiers were trained and sent out as reinforcements to replenish the diminishing battalions. Brocton Camp also had a German Prisoner of War camp which had the necessary wired enclosures and guarded towers. The NZ soldiers were known by the nickname of 'The Dinks'. They wore the general issue 'lemon squeezer' hats, a broad brimmed hat with a high crown, which was pinched symmetrically at each of the four corners. On their uniforms they wore black engraved buttons and badges. Their Ceremonial Chief was the Earl of Liverpool. The area also has many links with the New Zealand Church. Bishop George Augustus Selwyn (1809-1878) of Lichfield became the first Bishop of New Zealand and later on William John Simkin who was born in Rugeley, was made the Bishop of Auckland.
Goodbye to an old pal The NZRB regiment had an official mascot, a dog known as Freda. Originally she was thought to be a Dalmatian but recent evidence now shows that she was a Harlequin Great Dane. She died in 1918 and received a ceremonial burial, near to “H” lines at Brocton Camp. A chiseled out headstone was placed on the grave bearing her name. In May 1919, the unit left the camp and returned home to New Zealand. In the mid 1960's, Private Fred Smith a native of Brocton, returned to the camp to search for Freda's grave. During the war Fred was stationed on Cannock Chase with the 13th North Staffords and had become friendly with some of the New Zealanders. In 1924 he emigrated to New Zealand and became a Hawkes Bay sheep farmer. When he found Freda's grave it was sunken in, overgrown and the headstone was weathered. He contacted the local British Legion who agreed to maintain the grave and to replace the headstone. A white stone inscribed with “Freda, Mascot, New Zealand Rifles 1918 marked her resting place. In 2001 the headstone was again replaced this time by the Friends of Cannock Chase. A granite memorial stone now stands there bearing Freda's name and the regiment she served. Her studded collar which bore the inscription 'Freda of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade' is now in the Army Museum at Waiouru, New Zealand but what still remains a mystery is how the collar manage to cross the world to the museum.
Fred Smith said in a letter that Freda was acquired locally. Sgt Ashby who was with the NZRB took the dog back to the camp and he asked his Regt Sgt Major if they could keep the dog as their mascot. He was accompanied with the dog to the orderly room on the following morning to ask the Commanding Officer for advice. The Commanding Officer was Brigadier General Fulton who was so taken with the dog that he ordered that she be put on the regimental strength of rations immediately and agreed she could remain as the NZRB mascot. Freda was often seen at the head of the men as they route marched around the area. Other sources say that Freda was picked up and adopted as the brigade mascot when the men were fighting in France. She had accompanied the unit back to Brocton in 1918. Whichever story is correct Freda provided the warmth, company and friendship to the soldiers which was needed during their time at Brocton. In 1918, Sgt Ashby, sent a Christmas card of Freda the dog to a Freda Wright and her family. Sgt Ashby had become friendly with Mr Mac Wright and his wife Annie, their daughter Freda, Walter their son and the youngest daughter Margaret. Mr and Mrs Wright were volunteers at the St John's Institute, Hednesford and Sgt Ashby had met them there. St John's provided refreshments and food, for the troops they also held dances. It was opportunity for them to meet some of the local families and their children. West Hill School, Hednesford, was the school where Freda, Walter and Margaret attended. The school raised funds for the soldiers this was known as the War Savings Scheme. They were given targets to achieve and West Hill raised a tremendous amount of money which earned them 108 target certificates in total. Some folks say that the dog Freda may have been named after Freda Wright, and some say it was just a coincidence that they share the same name. The regiment also had a cook- house cat, named Snooks, but nothing is known of what happened to the cat.
We shall remember them In 1918 there was a flu pandemic which spread widely across the world killing thousands of people. The close troop quarters and massive troop movements hasted the spread of the disease at the camps. At Brindley Heath, a military hospital was built to serve the needs of the men at the camps and the soldiers that were wounded or suffering from illness. As the camp grew so did the casualties. In 1916, the Earl of Lichfield had given land for a cemetery to be built at Broadhurst Green. The cemetery (Cannock Chase War Cemetery) lay roughly the same distance between the two camps and near to an isolation hospital (the former White House, now the site of the Baptist Bible College) and the Brindley Heath Military hospital. A track known as 'Deadman's Walk' lead directly from the hospital to the cemetery.
Landor is the local history society for Rugeley and the neighbouring parishes. We care for the heritage of the town of Rugeley and its surrounding area. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at the Landor Lounge, Sneydlands, Bryans Lane, at 7:30pm. For further details regarding the society contact Glenys Richards 01889 586040 or Marion Kettle 01889 576674
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interviewed by the Landor (Local History) Society and he reported that at the age of thirteen he left school and was employed by Bill Thomas of Church Street, Rugeley who was an undertaker at the time of the Great War. His work was to make the coffins for the many flu victims. Wooden crosses were placed on the graves and local women and children would visit and place flowers on the graves as the bugle would sound the 'Last Post'. The crosses have now been replaced by the standard Commonwealth War Grave Commission stones which bare the personal details and an engraved 'fern,' the emblem of New Zealand. In the Cemetery lie two Southland soldiers, John (Jack) Murray (aged 32) and Patrick Kennedy (aged 28) from Riversdale, NZ. They grew up in the same town, they played sport together and went to the same Catholic Church. They both served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and sailed to the UK on the 'Tofua' (a steamship which was named after an island in the Pacific). Rifleman John (Jack) Murray 80642,3rd Battalion, NZRB was a farmer before joining the 42nd Reinforcements B Company, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was a talented sportsman a fine tennis player and cricketer playing for Carlanton Cricket Club. He embarked on the Tofua from Wellington on the 1st August 1918 and dis-embarked at London on the 4th October. He was then marched to Brocton Camp to begin his training. On the 1st November he was admitted to the military hospital and by the 4th November 1918 he had died of disease (influenza). He was buried on the 9th November by the Rev J.McKenna a local priest. Jack had a brother Michael (Mick) Murray who was also at Brocton Camp and was with his brother when he died. His colleague and friend, Rifleman Patrick Kennedy 77133 was also in the 3rd Battalion NZRB. He had tried to enlist in the March of 1917 but due to 'flat feet' was refused and served in the Home Service until his call up a year later. Patrick was a slaughterman before joining the 42nd Reinforcements D Company. He sailed on the same boat as John Murray and was also sent to Brocton Camp. Patrick was admitted to hospital on the same day as his collegue Jack, he died on the 6th November 1918 (2 days after his friend Jack) and was buried alongside John (Jack) Murray in the Catholic part of the cemetery on Armistice Day 11th November 1918. In 2008, a ceremony was held at the Cannock Chase War Cemetery in memory of the two men Jack and Patrick. Children from West Hill Primary School, Hednesford were asked to lay the wreaths at the service. There were also representatives from the Staffordshire Regimental Association, New Zealand's own Naval Advisor and other guests and dignitaries . Thousands of miles away at Riversdale Primary School, NZ, a similar ceremony was held in memory of two men. Two oak trees were planted to ensure that these men will be remembered. After WW1, annual services for remembrance were held as near to Anzac day as possible at the cemetery. Sadly by 1953 they had ceased all together. In 1973 they were revived by the West Midlands Branch (Stafford) of the Military Historical Society. These have continued and annually ANZAC services are held at the Commonwealth Cemetery on the nearest Sunday to 25th April. It is in remembrance of the First World War entrenched fighting that took place at Gallipolli in 1915 by (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps,ANZAC)soldiers and men who fought in other areas during the 1914-18 war. 2010 was the 95th Anniversary since the ANZACS landed on the beaches.At this years service a piper was in
attendance. There was a ceremonial procession of flags of the British Legion as they marched to the music played by the Rugeley Power Station Band. Hymns were sung alongside the famous 'Down Under' song 'Waltzing Matilda' and the following ANZAC exhortation was read out: They gave their lives for that public gift They receive a praise which never ages, And a tomb most gloriousNot so much as tomb in which they lie, But that in which their fame survives, To be remembered forever, when the occasion arises For word or deed: THE ANZACS On each of the graves a hand crafted New Zealand flax cross had been placed alongside the red poppy. The crosses have become known as the 'Dolorus Cross' named after Dolorus Ho, Archivist of the National Army Museum, New Zealand. In Latin the word 'Dolores' means 'sorrows' a 'cross of sorrows', In her work as an archivist she had felt a personal contact with many of the soldiers that were being researched. So in 2008 she had the idea to make a cross out of New Zealand flax "harakeke# which is native to New Zealand and to have these placed on all the graves of New Zealand soldiers that were buried overseas. 'At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them' MK The author would like to acknowledge the information received from the following people. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission The family of Freda Wootton (nee Wright) A Town For Four Winters National Army Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand Don Mackay 'The Fallen!
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e s a h C The Wildlife of Cannock In 1957 the 3rd Earl of Lichfield gifted over 2,000 Reptiles acres of the north-west part of Cannock Chase to The most common reptiles are the adder and common lizard, which you might see in both wet and dry places. Frogs and toads are also common. Grass snakes and slow worms are rarer, and seldom seen.
Staffordshire County Council. This is the main area of today’s Cannock Chase Country Park. Its 5 square miles make it one of the largest Country Parks in Britain. In 1958 Cannock Chase received national recognition as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At only 26 squares miles, it is the smallest AONB in mainland Britain. Large parts of the Country Park and other areas of Cannock Chase are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Part of the SSSI is also a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), in recognition of its status as an internationally important wildlife habitat.
Birds Many familiar garden species of bird, such as thrush and robin can be found on Cannock Chase. Woodland birds include the solitary woodcock, greater spotted and lesser spotted woodpecker, treecreeper, crossbill a n d nuthatch. Goldcrest and great, blue, coal, marsh, willow and long tailed tits and sparrowhawks and tawny and long-eared owls may also be seen. Wetland areas attract wagtails, reed bunting, kingfishers, mallard, coot, teal, little grebe and heron. On the heathlands, yellowhammer and linnet inhabit the scrubby areas, and, high above, skylark and meadow pipit fill the air with song. The open heathlands attract the occasional kestrel, shorteared owl and hen harrier. Migrant birds arriving in autumn and winter include siskin and redpoll. Flocks of fieldfare and redwing are often seen in the more open scrubby areas. Summer brings the willow warbler, whitethroat, chiffchaff, blackcap, garden warbler, redstart, spotted flycatcher and wood warbler. Noteworthy species breeding on the heathlands are stonechat, whinchat, tree pipit, and nightjar.
Mammals One of the major attractions of Cannock Chase is the ancient herd of fallow deer. The main herd tends to remain in the centre of Cannock Chase throughout the year, with the males moving in from the outlying woodlands in time for the annual rut in October. Smaller numbers of red deer are to be found, whilst the muntjac, hardly bigger than a large dog, is present but is very secretive in its habits. The rich habitats of Cannock Chase also provide food and shelter for foxes, badgers, rabbits, grey squirrels, stoats, weasels, field mice and voles.
Plant Life
Invertebrates
The underlying soils of Cannock Chase give rise to wide expanses of open heathland covering much of the higher ground. A rare hybrid bilberry, known locally as the‘Cannock Chase’ berry, grows among the heather and bracken that are dominant in these dry areas. In the heathland and wetland areas grasses such as wavy hair grass, purple moor grass, fescues and cotton grass can be found. The mires contain sphagnum or bog moss and other species including round-leaved sundew and marsh violet. Traces of the ancient woodland can still be seen in the widespread scattered oaks, especially in Brocton Coppice, where about two hundred still survive.
Characteristic Cannock Chase butterflies include the green hairstreak and the small pearlbordered fritillary, which is largely confined to one or two of the wetland areas. Cannock Chase has at least a dozen species of dragonfly, including the large and brilliantly coloured common and southern hawkers. The rare bog bush cricket is found on the taller grasses, while the common field, mottled and common green grasshoppers can be heard in mid and late summer.
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Community Property Learning Personal Services For Sale Wanted Autos Jobs
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To Advertise Call: 01889 586263
e Springslade L odg
Tea Room
01785 715091
Spring Slade Lodge is situated on Cannock Chase. A Tea Room offering comfortable traditional indoor facilities and a private garden with benches and tables where you can enjoy the quality meals, snacks and drinks prepared by Kaye and her staff. Many outdoor activities such as rambling and walking, horse riding, mountain biking, bird watching and visiting the Commonwealth and German War graves can be enjoyed from Spring Slade Lodge which is located on one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the Chase.
Children’s Parties Children’s Parties are a popular attraction with many themed ideas and great food. Springslade Lodge is ideally placed for all sorts of exciting and different outdoor Birthday Party activities such as Fun Cookery, Treasure Trail, Lets
Camping & Caravanning Springslade Lodge is currently the only campsite on the Chase, and is perfectly positioned for everyone. Now with the new monkey trail going past Tackaroo it is just far enough to warm up those legs before the trail. When I spoke to Kaye she mentioned that she was cooking a midnight snack for a group of cyclists when they returned from their night time ride. The campsite is tucked away behind the Lodge and the only thing to go past would be a few horses and maybe a buzzard or two. What a great way to finish a day on the Chase.
make a den, It’s a Knockout and Pony Trekking but talk to Kaye if you have other ideas and she will be able to advise on the availability of the party activity. The tearooms have extensive private grounds where the children are safe and can enjoy the party which is well organised by Kaye and her staff. The tearooms can cater for 30+ children.
The Chase
Paddock Hire Springslade Lodge offers the Paddock for hire to horse riders who are travelling to Cannock Chase . Leave the horse transport at Springslade Lodge and enjoy your day’s riding. On your return leave the horses in the Paddock and enjoy refreshments at the tearoom. Riding on Cannock Chase varies from loose pebble surfaces, grass covered bridleways, forest tracks and fireroads. If you are new to the area Exporer OS map 6 is a good purchase, otherwise just follow the waymarked signs. There is a saddlery a short distance from Springslade Lodge for all your equine needs.
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The Chase is 25sq miles of Pine Forest, Heathland, Woodland, valleys and hills with quite roads passing through from east to west. To the north where Springslade Lodge tearoom is located there are rolling hills and the beautiful Sherbrook valley. A short walk soon gets you to the Glacial Boulder and a little further to Brocton Ancient Oak Woodland. Springslade Lodge offers many circular walks of various lengths and of different interest. A short drive sees you at Milford Common and the entrance to the famous Shugborough Hall and Stafford Museum a little further takes you to the historic Wolseley Bridge and The Wildlife Centre. The Haywood villages can be visited with a walk to the Ancient Packhorse Bridge that crosses the river at Shugborough. Visit the museum at Brindley Heath or the Cannock Chase Museum at Hednesford. The Heart of England Way and The Staffordshire Way pass The Lodge The tearooms are located on OS Explorer 244 grid ref 978165
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To Advertise Call: 01889 586263
p i h s r e b m e M lf o G e Fre Prize Includes: One Years Golf Membership Use of Golf Course Discounts on function Rooms Use of Club House
Unlimited use of Practice Facilities Driving Range Putting Green Short Game Area
Prize is Transferable
Where was the 2010 British Open Championship held? CUT HERE
Adult Competition (18 & Over) ANSWER: NAME:................................................................................................ ADDRESS:......................................................................................... EMAIL:............................................................................................... TEL:...................................................................................................
Terms & Conditions: One game of golf per week starting from 1st July 2010 to 30 June 2011 Monday to Friday ONLY. Guests can be introduced at the relevant guest fee. Any additional rounds must be paid in FULL. All the golf club and course rules MUST be adhered to. The management have the right to refuse access to all facilities. All tee-times are subject to availability and weather conditions.
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PRIZE VALUE: ÂŁ515
s t l u s e R n io t i t e p m Co Did you notice the mistake in the June’s issue? We got so carried away with the Charter Fair that we forgot to put the results of the Kids Competition in the magazine. So here are the results......
Mays Winners
Junes Winners
Kids Competition
Kids Competition
Our word search proved to be a challenge for a few. We thought some parents would lend a hand. Maybe next time you can get them involved to help you out. Anyway we have a winner and that is:
Gerogia Dixon
From Handsacre
Emily Jennings Hollie Kelly From Brereton A Night Out
From Rugeley
£50 Cash Mr T.C. Pallett From Hill Ridware
Kindly donated by The Plum Pudding and Town & Country Cars. The winner is:
Mrs Susan Knight
Please contact our office to verify your entry and arrange to claim your prize.
From Abbots Bromley
Enjoy yourselves, being picked up by Taxi, a meal out for 2 and then taken home later. All for FREE..
£50 Cash Stuart Hutchings From Little Haywood Congratulations Stuart.
The Kids Competition winners have won a tshirt and some Good Nooz merchandise. We need to know what size t-shirt they require. Once we have produced the t-shirts we will inform you and advise you when they will be ready for collection. The Night Out voucher will be posted out to Mrs Susan Knight. The £50 Cash prizes must be collected from our offices.
Thanks to everyone who entered in May edition. Kon having a go. You have more chance of winning than the lottery. Okay I know the prize is not quite the same, but it is taking part that counts.
We will be in touch with all our winners shortly.
A little not e to our competition entrants, you can put all the forms in the same envelope.
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To Advertise Call: 01889 586263
‘You might have noticed a few Of these’!
‘You probably noticed a lot more of these’!
Time for a change? Be part of our success. 01889 583377 26
Open to anyone 16 years or under
Colin’s Kids Competition Draw a picture about Summer Colin will choose his favourite drawing from each age group to be printed onto the winner’s and win a Colin’s Kids Club Badge t-shirt. Every entry can collect a FREE badge from Good Nooz
CHILDS DETAILS
NAME
AGE
PARENT OR GUARDIANS DETAILS
NAME ADDRESS E-MAIL TEL. NUMBER
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We will contact the winners via e-mail or phone. The deadline for the draw by post is the 15th August 2010. Winners will be notified shortly after the draw and can be featured in the September edition of Good Nooz. All entries will become members of ‘Colin’s Kids Club’ and receive regular Nooz Crew information To Advertise Call: 01889 586263
4, 6 & 8 Seater Loyalty Card Uniformed Drivers
The same as the smallest value coin
Quality is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
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Professional Embroidery & Print Established for 15 Years High Quality Garments 1st Class Service Sports, Work & Leisure Wear Business Signage & Vehicle Livery
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tr e n e C g kkin Cannock Chase Tre Established in 1995, Cannock Chase Trekking Centre is perfectly situated in the middle of idyllic countryside and is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK. The unique vantage point of being on horseback ensures the best views of the breath taking scenery and ancient woods of Cannock Chase, which is home to all kinds of wildlife including Fallow Deer. Whether your dream is a gentle walk through the picturesque landscape or a faster paced more exhilarating treks all under the supported instruction of Lisa and her team. No previous horse riding experience is necessary as Cannock chase Trekking Centre has an extensive selection of horses and ponies suitable for all age’s ranges and abilities. Lisa has a lifetime of experience with horses and specialises in Natural Horsemanship. Establishing Cannock Chase Trekking Centre in 1995 Lisa was following in the footsteps of her father Joe Gregory, who owned and managed a riding stables when she was a young girl. As she has been working with horses since she was two years old, it was a natural progression for Lisa to build her own horse riding business with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Lisa and her team provide a memorable and enjoyable trek through some of the most spectacular countryside you will ever see. No previous horse riding experience is necessary as Cannock Chase Trekking Centre has an extensive selection of horses and ponies suitable for all age ranges and abilities. Western, English and Treeless saddles ensure comfort for both horse and rider.
Experienced All Day Pub Ride 2 Hour Experienced Trek 2 Hour Mixed Ability Trek 1 Hour Beginners Trek ½ Hour Paddock Ride 4-7 year olds Evening Rides After School Children’s Treks Corporate Days Hen Parties Children’s Parties Cannock Chase Trekking Centre Teddesley Coppice, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5RP. Tel: 01785 711177 Fax: 01785 711177
The 1st, First Responder on Horse Back Seven-year-old Chase gallops to the aid of injured walkers and cyclists with his owner Mark Bennett, just as doctors used to ride by horseback to patients in the Wild West. Chase will be on Cannock Chase, as part of the Community First Responder scheme. He will be able to respond to emergency calls from the park quicker than any ambulance, thundering over the landscape with bandages, splints, oxygen supplies and a defibrillator. Mark, said: "I think having a horse on the team is a great idea. "People get into all sorts of trouble on the Chase - mountain bikers, runners and walkers can all get injured and it's not always easy for ambulances to get to them quickly. "But the horse is great at navigating the terrain and from within the park me and Chase can get to any area within quarter of an hour. "An ambulance would take much longer to get there - especially when they have to meet up with rangers to unlock gates for them. "Being able to respond on horseback means that I can quickly access patients in difficult, hard-to-reach locations, prior to the arrival of the ambulance service. "Chase is fully kitted out with a responder bag and defibrillator. Chase carries oxygen, a mask and valve to help someone breathe, kit for airway management assistance, bandages, splints and space blankets. Previous methods of getting to emergencies in the park included first responders heading out on motorbikes. Suzie Fothergill, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said: "This is the first time that a horse has been part of a First Response team. "We were all very excited when we heard that Chase would be part of our crew. He'll be a welcome addition and I'm sure he'll cope very well under pressure."
Community Notices
Just Call Keith or
COMMUNITY BOWLING GREEN The Longdon Club & Institute is delighted to announce that Planning Permission from Lichfield District Council for a community crown bowling green on its land at the rear of the Longdon Memorial Hall, as presented at the public meeting last year, is GRANTED. There are some anticipated compliances to be observed which include details of each of the surrounding fence and hedge, additional lighting (which is not envisaged), and a time-frame in which to start the build that amply exceeds the Club's intention. The Club is also very grateful to County Councillor Frank Lewis for his valuable support for this community amenity and for his grant from the Staffordshire Foundation Fund which was used to defray the costs incurred in the planning application. Funds are now being urgently sought from various sources to enable the Longdon Community Bowling Green to become a reality.
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