Telephone 01543 308000 · www.lichfielddc.gov.uk
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
WINTER 2011
Hot off the press! The Olympic Flame is coming to Lichfield District on 30 June 2012
intouch
Magical musical
Prize quiz
Find out if your bin collections are affected by the Christmas holiday
Graham Cole tells us why Lichfield Garrick’s production of A Christmas Carol is no humbug
Win a six month family membership to Friary Grange or Burntwood leisure centres
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Festive waste
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www.visitlichfield.co.uk/specialoffers With a special offers card you can save money on attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops
Welcome to intouch
Burntwood Christmas Lantern Parade and Christmas Market
Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council ouncil www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leadersblog
Hello and welcome to our festive edition of intouch – Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine. It’s full of council news, events and useful information. Lichfield District is a lovely place to be in the run up to Christmas. From the city’s Christmas Festival, Burntwood’s lantern parade, and the Lichfield Garrick’s production of A Christmas Carol, there’s plenty to get you in the holiday spirit.
In this issue we look ahead to next year, which is set to be a memorable one, what with the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay passing through Lichfield District, the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Pictured: Burntwood’s lantern parade
We also have news on the redevelopment of Friary Outer car park, your festive waste and recycling collection arrangements, how we’re investing in local voluntary organisations, and much more. I hope you find intouch interesting and that you have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Lichfield Christmas Festival
Come to see a community lantern parade on its procession through the streets of Burntwood. The parade of handmade, handheld lanterns will set off from Burntwood Youth Centre at 6.30pm and will finish at Burntwood Leisure Centre, where there will be a Christmas market. This event is only possible thanks to the hard work of many volunteers and organisations. Lantern making workshops are running up to 8 December. To find out how you can get involved, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/fab or contact Ryan Waldron on 01543 308225 or email ryan.waldron@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Carols in the Park Museum Gardens in Beacon Park Saturday 10 December 5pm to 6pm - free event Join Beacon Park rangers in the park to sing a selection of Christmas carols and festive songs. Find out more at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/historicparks
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Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 December Lichfield Market Square and venues across the city Spread a little festive cheer at a weekend of Christmas events throughout Lichfield City. Enjoy mulled wine, free face painting and entertainment, carol singing, a Christmas trail for all the family, a Christmas Fayre and special events at participating venues. Find out more at www.visitlichfield.co.uk
Burntwood Leisure Centre Saturday 10 December 6.30pm to 9pm – free event
If you would like to receive intouch in another “This is a great celebration of all things Christmas, so come to Lichfield to get some festive cheer!” Councillor Louise Flowith Cabinet Member for Tourism
format, such as large print, please telephone Esther Epstein on 01543 308778 or email esther.epstein @lichfielddc.gov.uk
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/planning Check out planning applications online
Eternal flame
2012 Titanic centenary www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/titanic
Pictured: Olympic Torch Relay announcement
On 27 July, the eyes of the world will be on London for the Opening Ceremony as the Olympic Flame arrives at the Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron, which will signify the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. In the build up, the Olympic Flame will make its journey from Greece and arrive in the UK on 18 May, ready for the Olympic Torch Relay to begin the next day. Representing peace, unity and friendship, the flame will start its 70-day journey throughout the UK towards the stadium carried by 8,000 inspirational torchbearers. We’re thrilled that on Saturday 30 June, the Olympic Flame will travel through Lichfield District. Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame to the National Memorial Arboretum and through Streethay, Lichfield and Hopwas.
“The Olympic Torch Relay will shine a spotlight on the people and places of Lichfield District and demonstrate that the Olympic spirit is alive and well.” Councillor Val Richards Cabinet Member for Leisure Services
Plans for how to celebrate this once in a lifetime event are being drawn up, so look out for updates in the local press and on online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/2012
On 14 April 1912, RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. The ship sank on 15 April, killing an estimated 1,500 people. The captain of the ship, Commander Edward John Smith, was one of those who died. As Lichfield is the proud home of a statue of Captain Smith, we are working with Lichfield City Council and local groups to mark the one-hundredth year of the sinking of the Titanic. The main commemoration will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April 2012. It will centre on the Museum Gardens, where the statue stands. So far, plans include a service of commemoration in Lichfield Cathedral, a wreath laying ceremony at the foot of the statue, a series of talks on the Titanic, an orienteering exercise for children and their families, and more. A short history of the statue •
Diamond Jubilee •
We want to make sure everyone who is planning a street party, to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee on 2 June, can hold one. If you want to close a road for your street party, you need to apply to us by 4 May 2012. To find out more, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/jubilee The Lichfield Garrick is also celebrating The Queen’s 60 years on the throne. In partnership with Lichfield Cathedral, the theatre is proud to present a Jubilee Proms Concert at Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 16 June at 7.30pm.
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To book your tickets, visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com • •
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Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne on 6 February 1952 and her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. The special bank holiday weekend is taking place on 2, 3, 4 and 5 June 2012.
Captain Smith was from Hanley in Staffordshire, and as the centre of the diocese, Lichfield was chosen as a fitting place for his statue. The bronze statue was unveiled in 1914. It was sculpted by Lady Kathleen Scott – widow of Scott of the Antarctic. The statue was restored by Lichfield District Council and Lichfield City Council in 2010, as part of the Lichfield City Historic Parks project.
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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/dogchip Get your dog micro-chipped for just £5
New bin calendars and Christmas waste collections www.recycleforlichfielddistrict.co.uk
Cold snap If it snows or is particularly icy, it can be difficult for our trucks to get out and about safely. So, if we have a cold snap this winter, please check www.recycleforlichfielddistrict. co.uk to find out when we will be emptying your bins.
This winter we are sending new bin calendars to every home in the district. The calendars are an easy way to double check when your bin day is and what colour bin you need to put out. They also include information about your Christmas 2011 bin collections.
So that our crews can enjoy the festive break, we are not emptying any bins on Boxing Day – Monday 26 December 2011.
If your bins are normally emptied on a Monday, please check your new bin calendar to find out when your replacement Christmas collection will be. We are also suspending some brown bin collections over the Christmas week. If you haven’t had a new bin calendar yet, please download one at www.recycleforlichfielddistrict.co.uk or call us on 0845 002 0022.
Park and dash
Travelodge heads to Lichfield www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/friaryouter
Pictured: An artist’s impression of the view from Sandford Street
Our development partner, S Harrison, has signed a deal which is set to bring a new Travelodge hotel to the city centre. The 65 bed hotel will form part of the Friary Outer development, which will also include a restaurant or shops, affordable housing and a new car park. Work to redevelop Friary Outer site is expected to get underway early in 2012. The car park will be closed throughout the works. If you have a parking permit for Friary Outer, please call us on 01543 687550.
“The new hotel will boost local shops, restaurants and tourist attractions, as it will encourage visitors to stay in the city for longer.” Councillor Mike Wilcox Leader of Lichfield District Council
To see a map of all our city centre car parks, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmap
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/dashpark There is no need to hunt for loose change when you park in any of our short-stay car parks in Lichfield City centre any more. This is because we've introduced a new system called Dash Park across all our short-stay car parks, which allows you to pay for your parking by credit or debit card. If you sign up online at www.dashpark.co.uk or call 08456 800 104, when you park in one of Lichfield’s short-stay car parks, you’ll be able to pay for your parking with a quick telephone call or text message. All you need to do is follow the instructions on the signs next to the pay and display machines. There is also a Dash Park iPhone application www.dashpar k.co.uk search for ‘dash park’ in the App Store or follow the link a t www.dashpark.co.uk It costs an extra 08456 20p each time you 800 104 use Dash Park to pay for your parking.
Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
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www.warmandgreen.co.uk Access grants to help you insulate your home against draughts
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Plug goes in at Chasewater
Park life www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/historicparks
We’re putting the finishing touches to Lichfield’s historic parks, as part of the project to transform the Garden of Remembrance, Minster Pool and Walk, and Beacon Park. In July we opened Museum Gardens and Minster Pool Walk. We also launched a new play ship and fort in Beacon Park’s junior play area in the autumn. We are now working on finishing touches, which include landscaping across all three historic sites, creating a horticultural training area in Beacon Park, and finalising the lease for the park’s refreshment kiosk and poolside café. The works are part of Lichfield District and Lichfield City councils’ project, made possible thanks to £3.9 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. e-newsletter To get our parks e-newsletter, ParkLife, direct to your inbox, email ruth.witczak@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Cinema plans for Lichfield In the new year, our development partners, S Harrison and Development Securities,
After two years, Chasewater is starting to refill, following the completion of a major milestone in the project. The 200-year-old reservoir was drained of water in early 2010, so improvements could be made to the dam. We kicked off the complex £5.5 million project in 2009, and then in May 2011 Staffordshire County Council took over responsibility for completing the works to this vital regional asset. Now the ‘plug’ has gone back in, the streams that feed the reservoir will start to refill it. •
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The improvement works are expected to be completed in spring 2012. It is hoped the reservoir will be refilled by summer 2013 but it depends on rainfall. If the reservoir were to be refilled artificially, it would take around 1.5 million road tankers full of water to get the job done.
Touring hoard
will be asking local people what they think about changes to the Friarsgate scheme. David Clancy, Director of S Harrison Developments Ltd, explains: “With two hotels now planned for the city centre – one as part of our Friary Outer development and another with planning permission on the old Regal Cinema building on Tamworth Street - we’ve taken the hotel out of the Friarsgate scheme. This has allowed us to move the cinema into the hotel’s spot and improve its layout and design. We’ve had lots of interest in the new design from major operators, and the new venue is set to
be one of the region’s first fully digital cinemas. We've also updated the layout of some of the shops and of the car park, to make it easier for drivers.” To find out how to give your views in the new year, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/friarsgate
“We think these changes will improve Friarsgate, but we need to know if local people agree.” David Clancy Director of S Harrison Developments Ltd
www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk
50,000 people came to see the Staffordshire Hoard when 40 star pieces toured Stafford, Lichfield and Tamworth over the summer. Plans are being worked on to develop a Mercian Trail across the region. This may include a permanent display of the hoard at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Lichfield Cathedral and Tamworth Castle, as well as a community touring exhibition.
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www.ratemyplace.org.uk Check out how clean and hygienic eateries are across Staffordshire
Highlights from Lichfield Garrick’s spring season 2012
4 Poofs and a Piano – Business as Usual
The Impressionists Show – Live
On Golden Pond
Wednesday 22 February Starring Jon Culshaw and Debra Stephenson.
B 7.30pm
A £30
Saturday 31 March The famous foursome takes to the stage!
B 7.30pm A £18.50, £15 (students) Tuesday 10 April – Saturday 14 April A timeless love story starring Stephanie Powers, Richard Johnson and Elizabeth Carling.
B 7.30pm, 2.30pm Thurs & Sat matinees
A £22 - £28.50
Hormonal Housewives Tuesday 17 April and Wednesday 18 April Starring Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard.
B 7.30pm
Chinese State Circus – Yin Yang Friday 9 March and Saturday 10 March A fusion of precision acrobatics, martial arts and circus skills.
B 7.30pm Fri
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A £20
Sir Bob Geldof Tuesday 22 May and Wednesday 23 May
In November, we caught up with actor Graham Cole who is best known for his role as PC Tony Stamp in The Bill. We asked Graham how he is getting into character to play Ebenezer Scrooge in Lichfield Garrick’s musical production of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is a miserly man who has lost his Christmas cheer – do you have any similarities to him? My wife tells me that no research is necessary for the role, but I find this a little harsh! In fact I love Christmas – the tree, lights and carol singing. Scrooge is taken on a journey by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Have you ever seen a ghost? No I haven’t, but I have definitely felt a presence in a room. I love horror films so perhaps it’s just wishful thinking! All the ghosts in our production will be friendly though so the kids will love them.
Performing songs from his new album live with his band.
B 7.30pm
A £30
B 2.30pm & 7.30pm Sat A Evenings £25 £15 children £72 Family ticket Matinees £22.50 £13.50 children £68 family ticket
BOOK NOW! Box office open: 11am to 6pm, Mon to Sat, and until 9.30pm on performance days. Lichfield Garrick, Castle Dyke
01543 412121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Above: The cast of A Christmas Carol
What will make A Christmas Carol at the Lichfield Garrick a festive treat? With spectacular costumes and sets, a fantastic cast and crew, a script that’s true to Dickens’ original, and fabulous music, this production promises traditional family entertainment. And, I can’t wait to see the audiences’ reaction to the ice skating scenes and when snow falls in the auditorium! A Christmas Carol is playing at the Lichfield Garrick from 1 December 2011 to 2 January 2012, with a selection of daytime and evening performances. Tickets cost from £12.50 to £13.50 for children, from £19.50 to £21.50 for adults, and £60 for a family ticket. Book your seats now by calling box office on 01543 412121 or visiting www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Humbug! The humbug is on page:
Find the humbug hiding in this edition of intouch, and you could win a family ticket* to see A Christmas Carol at the Lichfield Garrick on Monday 2 January at 5pm. *Family
ticket is two adults and two children.
Name: Telephone: Send your entry by Thursday 22 December 2011 to: Humbug, Communications, Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6ZB.
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Lichfield District Council’s residents’ magazine
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/changes If you claim housing or council tax benefit, report a change in your circumstances
Partnership boosts groups Local groups and organisations attended a reception in November to celebrate the news they are set to receive a share of £167,000 grant funding.
The funding was awarded by Lichfield District Strategic Partnership, which brings together local agencies and voluntary organisations to help improve the district for everyone. From the Burntwood-based Cherry Orchard Garden Services, that were awarded £20,000 to teach people with learning difficulties to work as gardeners, through to Lichfield District and Burntwood Live At Home schemes, which were awarded £20,000 to help older people live independent and fulfilled lives, in all 11 groups were awarded grants from £2,500 to £20,000.
The groups were chosen because their activities and services help to strengthen local communities and make them better and safer places to live. Councillor Mike Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council and Chairman of the Lichfield District Board, was on hand to present the cheques. He said: “It was great to meet the many groups that will benefit from the grants and to celebrate their achievements.” To find out more about Lichfield District Strategic Partnership, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ldsp
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We love Lichfield! Registered charity number 1091628
The We Love Lichfield Fund is a new local fund that will provide small grants across Lichfield District over the coming years. From new toys for a children’s playgroup to social groups for the elderly, the We Love Lichfield Fund will help a wide range of causes. Councillor Colin Greatorex, Cabinet Member for Organisational Development and Community, said: “To help set up the We Love Lichfield Fund, we joined forces with Arthur Price, the Lichfield Mercury, Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector Support, as well as the Staffordshire Community Foundation, which administer the fund on behalf of local people. We also donated £25,000 from four dormant trusts, given to the council many years ago for causes that no longer exist.” The money the fund receives is invested on the stock market, under charity commission guidelines, and all the dividends raised will be used to provide small grants to local groups and organisations. If you are interested in contributing to the We Love Lichfield Fund, please call the Staffordshire Community Foundation team on 01782 683000 or visit www.staffsfoundation.org.uk/welovelichfield
“We are delighted to support the We Love Lichfield Fund and hope lots of organisations, businesses and individuals will join us by adding to the kitty. The Best of Lichfield and Tempest Ford have already come on board to help raise more funds.” Councillor Colin Greatorex Cabinet Member for Organisational Development & Community
Housing options We’ve developed a new website for people who need housing help and advice. Whether you are interested in buying or renting an affordable property, or are worried about becoming homeless, the site includes useful information and guidance. It also explains how local organisations
can help you, if you need extra support to live independently in your home. On top of a personalised search function, the site offers advice on issues such as money and debt management, claiming benefits, job searches and more. www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/housingoptions
Paper sourced from sustainable forests
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www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/leisurecentres Find out how to stay fit and have fun at our three leisure centres
Prize quiz To help you and your family to get fit and healthy in time for London 2012, we’re offering two families a free six month membership to either Friary Grange Leisure Centre or Burntwood Leisure Centre.
Give us your views on the things that matter to you. There are lots of ways you can influence decisions and get involved – from citizens’ surveys, to planning strategies, through to local funding and government plans.
Family membership is for two adults and two children. It includes use of the gym, fitness classes and swimming pool. To be in with a chance to win, simply tell us the date of when the Olympic Flame is coming to Lichfield District.
visit Call Inspire at Burntwood Leisure Centre on
01543 308810
to have your say
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/inspire
Call Evolve at Friary Grange Leisure Centre on
Call Inspire at Burntwood Leisure Centre on
01543 308844
01543 308810
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/evolve
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/inspire
Get in touch with Lichfield District Council
Get in touch with your councillor
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ contacts
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ councillors
01543 308000
If you have a local
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issue you need advice on, contact your
monthbe travelling The Olympic Flame will through Lichfield District on:
local district councillor.
I would like to be entered into the prize draw to win a family membership to Friary Grange Leisure Centre ■ Burntwood Leisure Centre ■
Name Address
W
More news
Call Evolve at Friary Grange Leisure Centre on
To follow council news throughout the
01543 308844
year, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk /news
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/evolve
per W Feedback month To give us your feedback about Telephone Send us your entry by 1 January 2012 to: Prize Quiz, Communications, Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6ZB
intouch, please call Esther Epstein on 01543 308778 or email esther.epstein@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Intouch is published by Lichfield District Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6ZB, Winter 2011 © Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this magazine is correct. However, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or disappointment arising from misinterpretation, error, omission or subsequent change to the information.