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Citylife in Lichfield December 2021

'Tis the Season To Be... reading our jolly, Christmassy, December magazine! It's full of festive cheer all ready for Christmas 2021! We also have our usual wonderful mix of competitions, recipes, history features, gift guides, local news stories and What's On events from across Lichfield District. Our magazine is the perfect read this winter, so pour yourself a mulled wine, help yourself to a fruit-filled mince pie and settle down in front of the fire to enjoy a read of our lovely, community, family-friendly magazine!

'Tis the Season To Be... reading our jolly, Christmassy, December magazine! It's full of festive cheer all ready for Christmas 2021! We also have our usual wonderful mix of competitions, recipes, history features, gift guides, local news stories and What's On events from across Lichfield District. Our magazine is the perfect read this winter, so pour yourself a mulled wine, help yourself to a fruit-filled mince pie and settle down in front of the fire to enjoy a read of our lovely, community, family-friendly magazine!

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3


Welcome to<br />

CITYLIFE<br />

Welcome to CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, a monthly magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories.<br />

Each month CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> is delivered to<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses and homes <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, K<strong>in</strong>gs Bromley, Fradley,<br />

Alrewas, Hill Ridware, Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton, Stonnall, Shenstone,<br />

Hammerwich, Burntwood and Longdon, completely free<br />

of charge; br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you the best that the city has to offer.<br />

Each issue features heritage stories explor<strong>in</strong>g the rich<br />

history of our area, plus competitions, <strong>in</strong>terviews and the<br />

latest <strong>in</strong> fashion and style.<br />

Got a story or charity event you want to share with our<br />

readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k you’ve snapped an image that captures<br />

the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you!<br />

Our bus<strong>in</strong>ess is br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s city life.<br />

CITYLIFE Contacts<br />

Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com<br />

Advertis<strong>in</strong>g -<br />

Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com<br />

Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

Michele Phillips 07919 896575 michelecitylife@gmail.com<br />

Production -<br />

Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> In <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd<br />

PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS<br />

CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> and CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> Rugeley and Cannock<br />

Chase magaz<strong>in</strong>es are not connected to any other publication or<br />

publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd.<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> In <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

@citylifelichfield<br />

@lichfieldcity<br />

www.citylife<strong>in</strong>lichfieldltd.co.uk<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd does not endorse any bus<strong>in</strong>ess or organisation<br />

appear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> these pages, and the publication of any advertisement,<br />

editorial, event list<strong>in</strong>g or advertis<strong>in</strong>g editorial does not constitute an<br />

endorsement by <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd.<br />

Your Local Magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Inside...<br />

6 Local News<br />

News from <strong>in</strong> and around the area<br />

.............................<br />

20 A Colliery Church<br />

Jono Oates takes a look at St Anne's of<br />

Chasetown<br />

.............................<br />

30 The Only Way is Up!<br />

The story of how a new f<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g restaurant<br />

came to fruition<br />

.............................<br />

38 Christmas Gift Guide<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d the perfect pressie for your loved ones<br />

.............................<br />

46 The Dolph<strong>in</strong> & The Duke<br />

The next <strong>in</strong> the series of Lost Pubs of <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

.............................<br />

54 Light<strong>in</strong>g Up the City<br />

An <strong>in</strong>terview with Cathedral Artist <strong>in</strong><br />

Residence, Peter Walker<br />

From the Editor…<br />

As <strong>2021</strong> comes to a close it’s time to reflect on what a bizarre year it has been!<br />

We started the year <strong>in</strong> lockdown as Covid cases soared and new variants<br />

became apparent, and it seems that we will close the year <strong>in</strong> a similar situation.<br />

Despite the doom and gloom, it’s been a positive year for many! Lots of<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses re-opened and saw a fruitful and profitable period, and there’s been<br />

an <strong>in</strong>flux of brand-new companies com<strong>in</strong>g on the scene as lots of entrepreneurs<br />

officially launched what were once hobbies, <strong>in</strong>to money-mak<strong>in</strong>g operations.<br />

Here at <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, we are ever grateful to the support and loyalty<br />

amongst both our readers and our advertisers, who have ensured that we too,<br />

have had a good, strong year.<br />

This issue is packed with fabulous festive cheer! Includ<strong>in</strong>g news stories, events,<br />

and, of course, Jono’s history features! There’s also an <strong>in</strong>terview with sculptor<br />

and renowned Lichfeldian, Peter Walker.<br />

So, for the last time this year, pop your feet up, grab your copy of <strong>Citylife</strong> and<br />

enjoy!<br />

We wish a peaceful Christmas to all and a hopeful new year!<br />

Krissy<br />

Cover image courtesy of The Cathedral Illum<strong>in</strong>ated, by Peter<br />

Walker and Luxmuralis.


5


LOCAL NEWS<br />

6<br />

Council’s Free<br />

Tree Scheme<br />

Cllr Ia<strong>in</strong> Eadie (left) with Jenny Cartwright<br />

of Lynn Nurseries<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council is offer<strong>in</strong>g local<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses the opportunity to take away a free<br />

Christmas tree to help br<strong>in</strong>g some festive cheer<br />

to the district and to say thank you to<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses for their efforts over a difficult past<br />

12 months.<br />

The council has bought 200 potted Christmas<br />

trees to give away and is be<strong>in</strong>g helped by Lynn<br />

Nurseries of <strong>Lichfield</strong> to distribute the three<br />

foot tall trees. Bus<strong>in</strong>esses can claim their free<br />

tree on a first-come-first-served basis by<br />

email<strong>in</strong>g<br />

economic.development@lich¬fielddc.gov.uk.<br />

Trees are available for collection from Lynn<br />

Nurseries now.<br />

This project is supported by the European<br />

Structural and Investment Fund’s Growth<br />

Programme, which is funded by the European<br />

Regional Development Fund. <strong>Lichfield</strong> District<br />

Council has also used this fund to support the<br />

recruitment of a full-time <strong>in</strong>formation officer to<br />

offer one-to-one bus<strong>in</strong>ess support, <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

packs for bus<strong>in</strong>esses when high streets reopened<br />

after lockdown and the Love Local<br />

campaign to promote safe shopp<strong>in</strong>g around<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> District.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Photographer Presents<br />

Local Awards<br />

Robert Yardley presents the award to Joe Anderson<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Camera Club welcomed its President,<br />

the Mayor of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Robert Yardley, to its<br />

annual awards ceremony this year. After<br />

present<strong>in</strong>g the prizes Robert, a professional<br />

photographer himself, gave members a<br />

fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g and enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g talk on his career.<br />

Members heard about the challenges and ups<br />

and downs <strong>in</strong> the life of a professional<br />

photographer and Robert emphasised the<br />

strong camaraderie that exists between<br />

photographers <strong>in</strong> the region.<br />

The number of award categories was reduced<br />

this year with all competitions be<strong>in</strong>g run onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g Projected Digital Images. The w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded Debra D<strong>in</strong>gley (first place <strong>in</strong><br />

Beg<strong>in</strong>ners/Intermediate) and Darron Matthews<br />

(first place <strong>in</strong> Advanced). The w<strong>in</strong>ner of Three of<br />

A K<strong>in</strong>d Competition was Richard Moore, whilst<br />

the award for the most creative image went to<br />

Anne Anderson. F<strong>in</strong>ally, the Chairman’s Award<br />

went to Joe Anderson for Consistently<br />

Outstand<strong>in</strong>g Work (pictured receiv<strong>in</strong>g his award<br />

from Robert).<br />

The even<strong>in</strong>g concluded with a slideshow of the<br />

images submitted by award w<strong>in</strong>ners dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

last year that was drew praise Robert for the<br />

exceptionally high standard of photography <strong>in</strong><br />

the club.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Fund<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Garrick<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick Theatre is to receive £135,024<br />

from the third round of the Government’s<br />

Culture Recovery Fund.<br />

More than £100 million has been awarded to<br />

some 925 cultural organisations across the<br />

country <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick Theatre <strong>in</strong><br />

the latest round of support from the Culture<br />

Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary<br />

announced today.<br />

The third round of fund<strong>in</strong>g will support<br />

organisations from all corners of the sector as<br />

they deal with ongo<strong>in</strong>g reopen<strong>in</strong>g challenges,<br />

ensur<strong>in</strong>g they can thrive <strong>in</strong> better times ahead.<br />

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded<br />

from the unprecedented Culture Recovery<br />

Fund, support<strong>in</strong>g around 5000 <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />

organisations and sites across the country<br />

rang<strong>in</strong>g from local museums to West End<br />

theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals,<br />

and organisations <strong>in</strong> the cultural and heritage<br />

supply-cha<strong>in</strong>s.<br />

This latest round of fund<strong>in</strong>g will help <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Garrick manage the repercussions of the<br />

restrictions and temporary closure caused by<br />

the pandemic, as well as to cont<strong>in</strong>ue its<br />

community activities and make its work<br />

accessible.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

St Giles’ Rudolph Run<br />

Fundraisers are be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vited to spread a little<br />

Christmas cheer and kick off their festive fun as<br />

the St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run makes a<br />

welcome return to Tamworth Castle this<br />

month.<br />

Runners, walkers, teams of friends and families<br />

– and their four-legged friends – will be able to<br />

take part <strong>in</strong> the popular festive fundrais<strong>in</strong>g<br />

event either <strong>in</strong> Tamworth Castle Grounds on<br />

Sunday 5th <strong>December</strong> or <strong>in</strong> their own local<br />

area.<br />

The annual Rudolph Run was cancelled last year<br />

because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with<br />

supporters tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> their local area<br />

<strong>in</strong>stead. Rudolph Run Your Way proved so<br />

popular that it is be<strong>in</strong>g offered as an option this<br />

year as well.<br />

St Giles Hospice Events Manager Zoe Wright<br />

said the Rudolph Run is a fun-packed event<br />

suitable for all the family, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g pet dogs, and<br />

with either a 3km or 6km route to run or walk,<br />

there is someth<strong>in</strong>g for people of all abilities.<br />

For more <strong>in</strong>formation visit<br />

www.stgileshospice.com/rudolphrun.<br />

Snapped a picture at a local<br />

event that you'd like to see <strong>in</strong><br />

Month <strong>in</strong> Pics?<br />

Send your photos to<br />

jonocitylife@gmail.com<br />

for consideration.


Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Feature<br />

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Certified Professional <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancial Advice<br />

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know and there is still some uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty. You may have old pensions, Bank deposits, cash ISA’s or similar that re not work<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

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If you th<strong>in</strong>k you may benefit from<br />

talk<strong>in</strong>g to me please get <strong>in</strong> touch and I<br />

would be happy to see what I can do for<br />

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As an experienced local F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

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7


LOCAL NEWS<br />

8<br />

LHCRT’s Christmas<br />

Challenge<br />

Volunteers plant<strong>in</strong>g hedges<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> and Hatherton Canals Restoration<br />

Trust (LHCRT) is tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> Christmas<br />

Challenge <strong>2021</strong> to raise £7,000 <strong>in</strong> just one<br />

week!<br />

These funds will be used to provide trees,<br />

hedg<strong>in</strong>g and wildflowers along the canal, as well<br />

as bird houses, bat boxes, and <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

boards.<br />

Donations to the project will be generously<br />

matched by the trust’s supporters dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

campaign, mean<strong>in</strong>g your money will be doubled.<br />

One donation, twice the impact!<br />

Anyone wish<strong>in</strong>g to support the scheme can get<br />

<strong>in</strong>volved by visit<strong>in</strong>g https://bit.ly/biggivelhcrt and<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g a donation up until 12pm on Tuesday<br />

7th <strong>December</strong>.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Mov<strong>in</strong>g Armistice<br />

Day Service<br />

Local people gathered <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s Garden of<br />

Remembrance for 11am on 11th November<br />

<strong>2021</strong> for an Armistice Day service, organised by<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> St Chad Rotary and led by M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />

Trevor James, to remember those who gave<br />

their today for our tomorrow. The gather<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded members of <strong>Lichfield</strong> St Chad Rotary,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Memory Café and the <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

community.<br />

Trevor James gave several read<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

mov<strong>in</strong>g poem written by Rob Aitchison and led<br />

prayers. Harry Brown from the <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Memory Café, who served with the Auxiliary<br />

and was on Christmas Island at the time of the<br />

British nuclear test<strong>in</strong>g programme <strong>in</strong> the late<br />

1950s, laid a wreath and read the Kohima<br />

Epitaph. Richard Holland, President of <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

St Chad Rotary laid a wreath and read the<br />

Exhortation.<br />

Home Instead, which runs <strong>Lichfield</strong> Memory<br />

Café, was delighted that members had been<br />

asked to attend the service and thanks go to<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> St Chad Rotary for the <strong>in</strong>vite and<br />

Kendall & Wall for provid<strong>in</strong>g the transport free<br />

of charge.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Rotary Club of<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

The Rotary Club of<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> is pleased to be<br />

return<strong>in</strong>g to normality<br />

after the Covid<br />

problems and is now<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g for lunch each<br />

Thursday at Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton<br />

Heath Golf Club, with a<br />

guest speaker featur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

most weeks.<br />

Hav<strong>in</strong>g recently<br />

celebrated its 70 Year Charter, the Club is also<br />

gett<strong>in</strong>g started on its fundrais<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> order to<br />

give money to worthy causes at home and<br />

abroad and none of the money raised goes on<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration fees.<br />

The Club would be delighted to welcome new<br />

members and if anyone wishes to try a lunch<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g, please r<strong>in</strong>g Membership Officer, David<br />

Smedley, on 07580 271295 to f<strong>in</strong>d out more.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Partnership to Tackle<br />

Knife Crime<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> District Community Safety<br />

Partnership is work<strong>in</strong>g to highlight and reduce<br />

knife crime as part of Operation Sceptre, a<br />

national campaign that started <strong>in</strong> November.<br />

Staffordshire Police will be search<strong>in</strong>g a number<br />

of locations across the district for discarded<br />

knives us<strong>in</strong>g a metal detector bought by the<br />

Community Safety Partnership to help support<br />

the operation.<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council’s community safety<br />

and park teams along with staff from hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />

provider Bromford will jo<strong>in</strong> the police <strong>in</strong><br />

search<strong>in</strong>g hedgerows, shrubberies and other<br />

locations where knives may have been left.<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Litter Legends and Burntwood Litter<br />

Heroes will also be on hand to help remove any<br />

litter found along the way.<br />

The knife and weapon sweeps will take place at<br />

a number of <strong>Lichfield</strong> and Burntwood parks as<br />

well as some residential areas across the<br />

district.<br />

Staffordshire Police, along with partners, will<br />

also be promot<strong>in</strong>g the #DitchTheBlade<br />

campaign, which sets out the importance of<br />

everyone work<strong>in</strong>g together to tackle knife<br />

crime.<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d out more at<br />

www.staffordshire.police.uk/ditchtheblade.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Shop<br />

Supports LHCRT<br />

Seasalt's Donna Walker <strong>in</strong>terviews L<strong>in</strong>da Wright, a<br />

regular visitor to the canal towpaths<br />

A <strong>Lichfield</strong> shop's staff have been help<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

shape the future of the city's canal restoration<br />

project.<br />

Workers at the Three Spires Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Centre<br />

branch of Seasalt Cornwall, the national<br />

women's cloth<strong>in</strong>g and accessories retailer, along<br />

with its outlet shop at the Heart of the<br />

Country, took on the task of <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g<br />

visitors to <strong>Lichfield</strong> and Hatherton Canals<br />

Restoration Trust (LHCRT) sites to discover<br />

users' motives and views. This <strong>in</strong>formation is<br />

important <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g LHCRT to understand<br />

what visitors are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>, to <strong>in</strong>form the<br />

Trust's future plans, and is vital to its fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />

applications.<br />

Part of Seasalt's Susta<strong>in</strong>ability mission is to<br />

provide all its employees with one day extra<br />

paid leave to undertake volunteer<strong>in</strong>g hours <strong>in</strong> a<br />

way of giv<strong>in</strong>g back to the communities where<br />

they live.<br />

Members of staff from both shops chose to<br />

survey people us<strong>in</strong>g the Fosseway, Borrowcop<br />

Locks and Gallows Reach sites.<br />

Please mention<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> when<br />

respond<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

advertisers


9


LOCAL NEWS<br />

Street Trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Boost for City<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council will waive street<br />

trad<strong>in</strong>g consent fees from now until the end of<br />

March 2022 to support events and festivals <strong>in</strong><br />

the run up to and beyond Christmas. The fee<br />

removal will apply to general street traders as<br />

well as traders tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> festivals and<br />

special events.<br />

Street trad<strong>in</strong>g licences will still be required by<br />

traders but no licence fees will be charged.<br />

More <strong>in</strong>formation is available at<br />

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/street-trad<strong>in</strong>g-licences.<br />

Details of other bus<strong>in</strong>ess advice and support<br />

available through <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council is<br />

available at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Golf Day Raises Funds<br />

for Hospice<br />

A <strong>Lichfield</strong> company’s charity golf day has raised<br />

a tee-rific £4,774 <strong>in</strong> aid of St Giles Hospice.<br />

The event, hosted by Logan Khan, Practice<br />

Director at The Boss Partnership based <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield and<br />

Birm<strong>in</strong>gham, took place at the JCB Golf &<br />

Country Club, near Uttoxeter, on 20th<br />

September.<br />

Logan’s friend and golf club member Steve<br />

Withers, Chief Executive of Burton on Trentbased<br />

Herongrange Group Ltd, donated tickets<br />

for the event. Steve also provided tickets for<br />

another golf day <strong>in</strong> aid of St Giles hosted by his<br />

brother Paul, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director of Tamworth<br />

car dealer AW Carhouse, on 6th September.<br />

Logan’s mother Vivian spent her f<strong>in</strong>al days at St<br />

Giles Hospice <strong>in</strong> 2019 after she was diagnosed<br />

with stomach cancer. Logan commented that<br />

10<br />

she had received ‘world-class care’ at St Giles.<br />

Bus<strong>in</strong>esses can contact the St Giles Hospice<br />

fundrais<strong>in</strong>g team on 01543 432538 or contact<br />

fundrais<strong>in</strong>g@stgileshospice.com to f<strong>in</strong>d out<br />

more.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Big W<strong>in</strong>ter Food Event<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Foodbank<br />

asked shoppers to<br />

spread some festive<br />

k<strong>in</strong>dness and<br />

support local people<br />

<strong>in</strong> crisis by donat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to Tesco’s annual<br />

w<strong>in</strong>ter food<br />

collection this year.<br />

From Thursday 18th<br />

to Saturday 20th<br />

November,<br />

customers at Tesco Extra <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> were<br />

greeted by foodbank volunteers and<br />

encouraged to pick up food items as they<br />

shopped, which were then dropped <strong>in</strong> donation<br />

trollies on the way out of the store.<br />

The food donations will be used to support<br />

people across the local area who are struggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to put food on the table this Christmas.<br />

Customers were asked to donate long-life<br />

items such as t<strong>in</strong>ned potatoes and vegetables,<br />

t<strong>in</strong>ned ham, m<strong>in</strong>ce pies and treats, to contribute<br />

to the 600 Christmas food bags which the food<br />

bank anticipates will be needed this year.<br />

The collection was organised by Tesco which is<br />

generously topp<strong>in</strong>g up customers’ food<br />

donations with a f<strong>in</strong>ancial donation of 20% of<br />

the value of the items donated, which will<br />

support <strong>Lichfield</strong> foodbank <strong>in</strong> the provision of<br />

emergency food parcels and support <strong>in</strong> the<br />

New Year.<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d out more at<br />

www.lichfield.foodbank.org.uk, or follow on<br />

Facebook.<br />

Donate at<br />

www.justgiv<strong>in</strong>g.com/lichfieldfoodbank.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Keep<strong>in</strong>g it Clean!<br />

Congratulations to<br />

Wendy M of<br />

Burntwood who<br />

recently won a<br />

household clean<strong>in</strong>g<br />

kit, worth £57.39 <strong>in</strong><br />

total, from the<br />

Knight & Doyle<br />

range.<br />

Wendy entered the<br />

competition, which<br />

ran <strong>in</strong> our October Wendy with Rich Doyle<br />

issue of the<br />

magaz<strong>in</strong>e, and was randomly selected from<br />

hundreds of entries to receive the prize bundle.<br />

Her w<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>cluded:<br />

Virus & Bacteria Killer 300ml Atomiser Bottle<br />

Virus & Bacteria Killer 1Lt Refill<br />

Professional Spot & Sta<strong>in</strong> Remover<br />

Neutraliser<br />

Professional Cooker Cleaner<br />

Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner<br />

Sta<strong>in</strong>less Steel Cleaner<br />

To f<strong>in</strong>d out more about <strong>Lichfield</strong>-based Knight<br />

& Doyle Carpet & Upholstery Clean<strong>in</strong>g, visit<br />

www.kdclean.co.uk.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

LHCRT Boosts<br />

Fundrais<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

Lottery<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> and Hatherton Canals Restoration<br />

Trust (LHCRT) was one of the first good causes<br />

to sign up to be a part of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Community<br />

Lottery, which was launched by <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

District Council <strong>in</strong> April <strong>2021</strong> and sees 60p<br />

from every £1 lottery ticket go to good causes<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> District.<br />

Players simply go onl<strong>in</strong>e to and choose which<br />

local cause they want to support.<br />

So far the Canals Trust has raised more than<br />

£4,000 with <strong>Lichfield</strong> Community Lottery<br />

thanks to its supporters. This money will be<br />

spent on re<strong>in</strong>stat<strong>in</strong>g the historic <strong>Lichfield</strong> Canal<br />

for the benefit of the community.<br />

To buy your lottery tickets, or to sign up as a<br />

Good Cause for the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Community<br />

Lottery, visit<br />

www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Litter Legends' Tribute<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Litter Legends<br />

created a display like no<br />

other<br />

for<br />

Remembrance Day <strong>in</strong><br />

November. The group<br />

used wheel hub caps<br />

that have been<br />

collected on their litter<br />

pick<strong>in</strong>g endeavours this<br />

year to create fitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

artwork. The hub caps<br />

were on display at the<br />

Memorial Gardens, Wall, Curborough<br />

Community Centre and Sw<strong>in</strong>fen.


11


LOCAL NEWS<br />

A Nation’s Tribute<br />

Chase Arts for Public Spaces<br />

(CHAPS) is delighted with the<br />

<strong>in</strong>itial success of the book it<br />

produced to co<strong>in</strong>cide with the<br />

dedication of the National<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ers’ Memorial, sited at the<br />

National Memorial Arboretum,<br />

Alrewas, Staffordshire.<br />

Entitled ‘A Nation’s Tribute,’ the book conta<strong>in</strong>s<br />

a wonderful <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to the personal stories of<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ers’ experience underground and costs just<br />

£10 plus postage. To purchase, contact<br />

<strong>in</strong>fo@chaseartsforpublicspaces.co.uk or call<br />

07583 655199. Also available from the Museum<br />

of Cannock Chase, Valley Road, Hednesford or<br />

the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Local Firm’s Pie Award<br />

Credit: Chappers Photography<br />

(Tel: 07875973781)<br />

Local <strong>in</strong>dependent bus<strong>in</strong>ess, The Pie Shak, <strong>in</strong><br />

Abbots Bromley has recently been ‘highly<br />

commended’ at the British Pie Awards for its<br />

special pork pies.<br />

Simon Wilson was delighted when his pies were<br />

picked out from some 800 entries at the<br />

prestigious Melton Mowbray event.<br />

The Pie Shak not only sells award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g pies,<br />

but also a range of sausages, pastries, eggs,<br />

bacon, burgers, fresh meat and poultry.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Christmas Tree<br />

Festival Returns!<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Smiles is<br />

among the local<br />

companies, charities<br />

and schools which<br />

have been decorat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their trees for the<br />

annual Christmas Tree<br />

Festival, which makes<br />

a welcome return to<br />

the Cathedral this<br />

year.<br />

More than 45<br />

Christmas trees<br />

adorn the Cathedral<br />

this year, all of which<br />

12<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Smiles' Christmas<br />

Tree at the Cathedral<br />

are decorated and sponsored by local<br />

organisations. As well as <strong>Lichfield</strong> Smiles, other<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> this year's festival <strong>in</strong>clude<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Litter Legends, the National Memorial<br />

Arboretum, and Pool House Veter<strong>in</strong>ary Cl<strong>in</strong>ic,<br />

to name but a few.<br />

Visitors are able to vote for their favourite tree<br />

and all proceeds raised will go to the Friends of<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral who work tirelessly to raise<br />

money to support the Cathedral and preserve<br />

it for future generations.<br />

The Christmas Tree Festival is open every day<br />

until 2nd January and visitors are asked to<br />

check the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral website for<br />

open<strong>in</strong>g times at www.lichfield-cathedral.org.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

New Local Charity<br />

Launches<br />

Better Way<br />

Recovery (BWR)<br />

is led by people<br />

with lived<br />

experience of<br />

addiction and<br />

now recovery<br />

and have come<br />

together to help and support those who are<br />

struggl<strong>in</strong>g with drug and alcohol problems,<br />

anywhere <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Lichfield</strong> District.<br />

The centre, which officially opened on Friday<br />

26th November, is based at 71 Upper St John<br />

Street <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> and will be a hub for recovery<br />

<strong>in</strong> the district.<br />

A drop-<strong>in</strong> service is available six days a week for<br />

anyone want<strong>in</strong>g a safe place to go with an<br />

atmosphere of recovery. A team of volunteers<br />

will facilitate solution focused groups, offer oneto-one<br />

peer support and make <strong>in</strong>troductions to<br />

local mutual aid groups. Other services BWR<br />

offers <strong>in</strong>clude family support, multi-agency<br />

support, phone support and preventative and<br />

awareness talks <strong>in</strong> local schools.<br />

BWR’s vision is to create a recovery<br />

community, change the negative stigma of<br />

addiction and help people get the quality of life<br />

they deserve.<br />

To f<strong>in</strong>d out more visit<br />

www.betterwayrecovery.org.uk.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Free Festive Park<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Christmas shoppers and visitors to <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

will be able to park for free <strong>in</strong> over 650 district<br />

council car park spaces over the festive period.<br />

To support local retailers and bus<strong>in</strong>esses,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council is runn<strong>in</strong>g a festive car<br />

park<strong>in</strong>g offer and won’t be charg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> two of its<br />

car parks dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>December</strong>.<br />

The free all-day park<strong>in</strong>g offer runs between 1st<br />

<strong>December</strong> <strong>2021</strong> and 2nd January 2022 and<br />

applies to over 650 park<strong>in</strong>g space available<br />

between the Lombard Street car park and<br />

Friary multi-storey car park <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> city<br />

centre.<br />

Anyone with a car park<strong>in</strong>g season ticket who<br />

wants to cancel it, should email<br />

park<strong>in</strong>g@lichfielddc.gov.uk to request a refund<br />

for the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g time left on it.<br />

For a map of <strong>Lichfield</strong> city centre car parks, go<br />

to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/carparkmap.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Chair’s Civic Service<br />

An annual civic service, for district councillors<br />

to pledge their commitment to <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

District residents, took place at <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Cathedral on Sunday 7th November.<br />

As part of <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council’s civic<br />

service, the Chair of <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council,<br />

Councillor Barry Gwilt, led the Act of<br />

Commitment at <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral.<br />

He <strong>in</strong>vited district councillors to acknowledge<br />

their responsibility to the community and<br />

pledge their commitment to the service of the<br />

people of <strong>Lichfield</strong> District.<br />

*Photography by Fraser H<strong>in</strong>ch<br />

Got a story or charity event you<br />

want to share with our<br />

readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k you’ve snapped<br />

an image that captures the spirit<br />

of the region? We want to hear<br />

from you!<br />

Contact <strong>Citylife</strong> at<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

November W<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

Congratulations to D Weller who is the<br />

lucky w<strong>in</strong>ner of Festive Afternoon Tea for<br />

Two at The Bureau <strong>Lichfield</strong>. The follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

w<strong>in</strong>ners each received a pair of tickets to<br />

the Christmas Fair at the NEC: D<br />

Townsend; T Coll<strong>in</strong>s; C Mitchell; A Wall; A<br />

Anderson; J Allan; P Clee; R Slater; S<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>ce; and P Hosier.<br />

Well done everyone!


13


14<br />

Tastes of the Season<br />

By Simon Smith<br />

Christmas Tips<br />

............................<br />

At the time of writ<strong>in</strong>g it’s very hard to know what is go<strong>in</strong>g to happen<br />

this year. I suspect the normal larger gather<strong>in</strong>g will not be as it was<br />

before and we will not be hav<strong>in</strong>g so many large whole turkeys. The<br />

shops are already fill<strong>in</strong>g up with Christmas food and I notice there are<br />

so many variations on smaller turkey jo<strong>in</strong>ts, which are a great alternative<br />

if th<strong>in</strong>gs are not as before.<br />

Whether or not restaurants will be open is still under review and even<br />

if they are I would not imag<strong>in</strong>e it will be to full capacity, so there will be<br />

more people cook<strong>in</strong>g at home, some of whom have not attempted the<br />

seasonal feast before and get stressed at the thought. Don’t panic and<br />

just th<strong>in</strong>k of it as cook<strong>in</strong>g a Sunday roast with a large chicken! Any work<br />

done before the big day will take the stress off and allow you more time<br />

to open presents.<br />

Now is the time to start plann<strong>in</strong>g the Christmas meal so you don’t have<br />

to spend the whole day <strong>in</strong> the kitchen. The best way to avoid this is to<br />

prepare early. More often than not the ‘chef of the day’ is short on space<br />

<strong>in</strong> the kitchen and stressed about cook<strong>in</strong>g for large numbers of people.<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ter Workshops<br />

for Families<br />

By Kathryn Kavanagh<br />

............................<br />

This <strong>December</strong>, Transform<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

Trent Valley is offer<strong>in</strong>g W<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

Workshops for families as part of<br />

our Wildchild programme. These new<br />

workshops are a great way to learn<br />

skills, be creative and celebrate this<br />

festive time of year.<br />

We welcome families to jo<strong>in</strong> us on our<br />

wreath mak<strong>in</strong>g workshops 10am -11:30am,<br />

With a little bit of advance plann<strong>in</strong>g this<br />

can be avoided so here are my top tips<br />

for gett<strong>in</strong>g through the Christmas meal<br />

without a hitch!<br />

• Cook your sprouts a day or two<br />

before and put them straight <strong>in</strong>to cold<br />

water to stop them cook<strong>in</strong>g and keep a<br />

nice green colour. Dra<strong>in</strong> them off and<br />

keep them <strong>in</strong> the fridge. You can do this<br />

with any green veg. When you want to<br />

serve them tip them <strong>in</strong>to a pan of<br />

boil<strong>in</strong>g water for a m<strong>in</strong>ute, dra<strong>in</strong> them<br />

off a put on a knob of butter and a little<br />

salt and pepper.<br />

• You can also cook your carrots a day or two before. I would<br />

recommend just cover<strong>in</strong>g them with water, a knob of butter, fresh bay<br />

leaf, a tablespoon of honey and some salt. Simmer them gently until just<br />

cooked. Turn them off and let them cool. Leave <strong>in</strong> the pan and put <strong>in</strong>to<br />

the fridge ready to reheat <strong>in</strong> the same beautiful scented liquid.<br />

• Your roast potatoes can be blanched the day before, cover with cold<br />

water and br<strong>in</strong>g to the boil. Dra<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a colander and shake to rough up<br />

the outside. On Christmas day dust with a little pla<strong>in</strong> flour and some<br />

chopped fresh rosemary and spr<strong>in</strong>kle with some sea salt flakes. Cook <strong>in</strong><br />

hot oil. I always use Maris Piper for this as you get a lovely crisp and<br />

fluffy potato.<br />

• The biggest issue of the day is always the turkey. “Will it fit <strong>in</strong> my oven?’<br />

is the most common question. If you th<strong>in</strong>k it may not you can always ask<br />

your butcher to take the legs off and bone them. This will give you a<br />

great cavity to put your stuff<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>. It also gives you some bones to make<br />

turkey gravy with.<br />

Citrus Butter<br />

If you want to add a bit of extra flavour to your bird you can make a<br />

beautiful citrus butter to put between the breast sk<strong>in</strong> and the meat,<br />

this will stop it dry<strong>in</strong>g out.<br />

Ingredients<br />

8oz salted butter<br />

1 orange, zested<br />

1 lemon, zested<br />

Simon Smith runs a cater<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess from his production kitchen <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />

bespoke private d<strong>in</strong>ners plus wedd<strong>in</strong>g, corporate and event cater<strong>in</strong>g. Simon also<br />

undertakes cookery demonstrations around the country and with local bus<strong>in</strong>esses such<br />

as Arthur Price and Tippers. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the summer months Simon works for private clients<br />

both on superyachts and <strong>in</strong> villas <strong>in</strong> St Tropez and Europe. If you are look<strong>in</strong>g for cater<strong>in</strong>g<br />

or a day of cookery skills go to www.simonsmith-chef.com<br />

*Please take extra care when prepar<strong>in</strong>g and handl<strong>in</strong>g hot foodstuffs. Go to<br />

www.food.gov.uk for further details.<br />

where you will create a naturally festive wreath together to display at<br />

home. Dur<strong>in</strong>g our re<strong>in</strong>deer workshops, between 1pm - 2pm, we will be<br />

assembl<strong>in</strong>g unique and charismatic re<strong>in</strong>deers to take home.<br />

Our staff will be on hand to help and are look<strong>in</strong>g forward to see<strong>in</strong>g<br />

your festive creations. This is a great festive fun day for all the family.<br />

Suitable for ages 6 upwards and children must be accompanied by an<br />

adult.<br />

We provide all the natural materials so you can get creative! Our<br />

natural materials are locally and susta<strong>in</strong>ably sourced to create joyful<br />

mementoes and memories.<br />

Book<strong>in</strong>g is essential and the prices are £15 per wreath and £10 per<br />

re<strong>in</strong>deer. These prices are subsidised thanks to support from The<br />

National Lottery Heritage Fund.<br />

Our workshops will take place dur<strong>in</strong>g the first couple of Saturdays <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>December</strong>:<br />

• Saturday 4th <strong>December</strong> <strong>in</strong> W<strong>in</strong>shill at 181 Hawfield Lane, DE15 0BY<br />

• Saturday 11th <strong>December</strong> <strong>in</strong> Shobnall at S<strong>in</strong>ai Park House, DE13 0QJ<br />

To choose your nearest location and to book your place visit our<br />

website at www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/events.php.


15


A Year of<br />

Wonder<br />

By Alex Keller<br />

...............................<br />

As we say ‘go<strong>in</strong>g, go<strong>in</strong>g, gone!’ and prepare to throw the gavel down<br />

on another year, it’s certa<strong>in</strong>ly been a memorable 12 months.<br />

On top of a busy schedule of regular general sales and valuations at<br />

our Fradley Park HQ and at our new Tamworth auction house, we’ve<br />

been delighted to f<strong>in</strong>ish the year on a high with a wonderful W<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

F<strong>in</strong>e Arts sale packed with luxury items.<br />

From antique oil pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs and modern works of art to f<strong>in</strong>e ceramics<br />

and a cellarful of w<strong>in</strong>e and whisky, bidders from all over the world<br />

jo<strong>in</strong>ed Richard W<strong>in</strong>terton Auctioneers onl<strong>in</strong>e and over the telephone<br />

for the sale live from The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Auction Centre.<br />

Appropriately enough for such a high calibre spectacle, one of the<br />

highlights was a handsome antique Tranter revolver.<br />

The 54 bore percussion pistol, a rare third model from around 1860,<br />

was <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>e condition reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g virtually all its orig<strong>in</strong>al f<strong>in</strong>ish and came<br />

<strong>in</strong> its orig<strong>in</strong>al mahogany case with a full set of accessories.<br />

After an <strong>in</strong>tense bidd<strong>in</strong>g battle, the revolver f<strong>in</strong>ally sold to a bidder<br />

on the <strong>in</strong>ternet for £4,000.<br />

Also <strong>in</strong> the antique guns section, Colt and Rem<strong>in</strong>gton models from<br />

the 1850s each sold for £1,100 and a Harvey's patent 1st model<br />

revolver – very few of which are known to exist – made £950.<br />

Lots of energy conveyed <strong>in</strong> the Royal Doulton prototype by Stanley<br />

Thorogood of Joan Of Arc on horseback, signed and dated 1919, was<br />

marvellously mirrored as bids flew <strong>in</strong> onl<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>in</strong> the room and on the<br />

phone, charg<strong>in</strong>g to a f<strong>in</strong>al hammer price of £3,200.<br />

A Della Robbia Pottery slender bottle vase made £1,400, two<br />

handbuilt live steam models totalled £2,700 and a 1950s Heuer<br />

chronograph sold at £1,200.<br />

It was a great day for pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs too, with 'Native Air', a 91cm-square<br />

colourful abstract landscape by David Prentice sell<strong>in</strong>g for £2,000 to a<br />

telephone bidder and 'The Gateway, Tunis' by Sir Hubert von<br />

Herkomer tak<strong>in</strong>g £2,300.<br />

There was also a flurry of bids for an early Victorian pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g by<br />

George Jackson, f<strong>in</strong>ally knocked down for £1,350.<br />

Furnish<strong>in</strong>gs under the hammer on the day <strong>in</strong>cluded a pair of Regency<br />

w<strong>in</strong>dow seats, sell<strong>in</strong>g at £1,500, a tree of life silk rug, sold for £1,300,<br />

and a Victorian breakfront credenza, which made £1,000.<br />

With <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>terest from America and Ireland, an eclectic<br />

archive of Dubl<strong>in</strong>'s Abbey Theatre achieved a total hammer price of<br />

£1,080 and everyone said a special ‘cheers’ to the w<strong>in</strong>es and whisky<br />

section, which served up a record 100 per cent sell<strong>in</strong>g rate!<br />

Now, as the year comes to close, we are delighted to be <strong>in</strong>volved<br />

with two of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s biggest Christmas events – the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick<br />

pantomime and <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral’s festive illum<strong>in</strong>ations.<br />

The Garrick’s panto is a wonderful way for all the family to celebrate<br />

the magic of Christmas. We’re happy to help spread that magic by<br />

sponsor<strong>in</strong>g three family tickets for the All New Adventures of Peter<br />

Pan, through the Garrick’s Family Ticket sponsorship scheme.<br />

The Cathedral Illum<strong>in</strong>ated has grown <strong>in</strong>to one of the city’s biggest –<br />

and literally brightest – Christmas occasions, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g joy to<br />

thousands.<br />

We’re excited and delighted to sponsor the <strong>in</strong>credible spectacle of<br />

the collaboration between artist Peter Walker and Luxmuralis, which<br />

this year is The Manger, a stunn<strong>in</strong>g retell<strong>in</strong>g of the Christmas story.<br />

16<br />

This 1950s Heuer<br />

chronograph sold at<br />

£1,200.<br />

‘Native Air' by David Prentice went<br />

under the hammer for £2,000.<br />

A Royal Doulton prototype<br />

by Stanley Thorogood of Joan<br />

Of Arc on horseback, signed<br />

and dated 1919, charged to a<br />

f<strong>in</strong>al hammer price of £3,200.<br />

Another festive tradition we are look<strong>in</strong>g forward to is the Christmas<br />

Giveaway of We Love <strong>Lichfield</strong>, which will see dozens of small local<br />

charities receive an important boost.<br />

We break up for Christmas at 5pm on Tuesday, <strong>December</strong> 21,<br />

return<strong>in</strong>g at 9am on Tuesday, January 4 2022.<br />

Either side of then, free quotations for house clearances, probate<br />

services and <strong>in</strong>-person valuations of any item at The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Auction<br />

Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, can be booked on 01543<br />

251081 or by email to office@richardw<strong>in</strong>terton.co.uk.<br />

Home visits for bulky items or large collections and appo<strong>in</strong>tments<br />

to view pre-sale are available to arrange too and onl<strong>in</strong>e catalogues for<br />

upcom<strong>in</strong>g sales can be browsed via<br />

www.richardw<strong>in</strong>terton.co.uk/auction-dates.<br />

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />

'The Gateway, Tunis' by Sir<br />

Hubert von Herkomer sold at<br />

£2,300.<br />

The third model Tranter revolver circa 1860<br />

which sold for £4,000.<br />

A handbuilt live steam fire eng<strong>in</strong>e made £1,500.


17


Your Garden <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>December</strong><br />

By Byron Lewis<br />

‘Tis the Season…<br />

<strong>December</strong> is here already (where did the year go?) and thoughts turn<br />

to Christmas and Christmas trees <strong>in</strong> particular. These form the focal<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t of most liv<strong>in</strong>g rooms dur<strong>in</strong>g the festive period, so here are a few<br />

tips if you are th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g of hav<strong>in</strong>g a real tree this year.<br />

Choose your variety carefully. Traditional Norway Spruce have a good<br />

shape and smell great but they are really best suited to unheated rooms<br />

or outside porches as central heat<strong>in</strong>g and warmth will cause their<br />

needles to drop. Nordman Firs are by far the most popular tree today.<br />

These are soft to touch, easy to decorate (not too sharp!), and best of<br />

all have superb needle retention. They will still look good <strong>in</strong>to the new<br />

year if looked after correctly. You may also see Frazer Firs offered at the<br />

garden centre. These also have good needle retention but are generally<br />

more compact – great for smaller rooms.<br />

Your tree will need a stand of some description – attractive coloured<br />

metal stands with a reservoir are popular – the trunk of your tree will<br />

drop <strong>in</strong>to the stand and can be bolted <strong>in</strong> position. Plastic buckets will do<br />

the same job, but you’ll need to add some weight either with stones or<br />

gravel/sand.<br />

If you buy a potted or pot-grown tree, these can be used year after year.<br />

Just remember if they are taken <strong>in</strong>to a warm room for Christmas, they<br />

will need to get used to the outside temperatures aga<strong>in</strong> after Christmas.<br />

Put them <strong>in</strong> a garage/cold greenhouse for a few weeks<br />

Other key po<strong>in</strong>ts:<br />

• Your tree will need water – larger trees can take up to three p<strong>in</strong>ts a<br />

day, so remember to check your stand regularly.<br />

• Keep trees away from heat as best you can – avoid putt<strong>in</strong>g them right<br />

next to radiators or fires.<br />

• After Christmas, th<strong>in</strong>k of the environment and recycle your Christmas<br />

tree. St Giles Hospice is runn<strong>in</strong>g its popular ‘Treecycle’ campaign for<br />

<strong>2021</strong> – <strong>in</strong> return for a donation to the Hospice, your tree will be<br />

collected and shredded for use as garden mulch. Last year the operation<br />

raised a record break<strong>in</strong>g £60,000! Visit the St Giles Hospice website for<br />

more details.<br />

• Houseplants are always popular at Christmas, either as a treat for<br />

yourself or as gifts for friends and family. Favourites <strong>in</strong>clude Cyclamen,<br />

Azaleas, Christmas Cactus and of course Po<strong>in</strong>settia.<br />

• If you buy or receive a Po<strong>in</strong>settia, remember to always remove any<br />

wrapp<strong>in</strong>g as soon as possible. Poor air flow causes the lovely red bracts<br />

to fall. Po<strong>in</strong>settia also like warm rooms, away from any cold draughts. A<br />

liv<strong>in</strong>g room table is a good spot. Water every few days, and they should<br />

look good well <strong>in</strong>to the New Year.<br />

Enjoy yourselves this Christmas!<br />

Byron Lewis runs <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garden Centre, at<br />

Curborough Countryside Centre <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Tel: 01543 254306, visit the website at<br />

www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

on Facebook and Twitter.<br />

18


Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Feature<br />

.........................<br />

FM&J Wait Funeral Directors<br />

FM&J Wait<br />

Funeral Director<br />

began life as a<br />

company more<br />

than 200 years<br />

ago and was<br />

established by<br />

Mr Frank Mart<strong>in</strong><br />

and Mr John<br />

Wait (fourth generation) who at the time were timber<br />

merchants <strong>in</strong> Stowe Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>. The property <strong>in</strong> Bird<br />

Street (from which the company still operates today) was<br />

purchased and the horses and carriages used at the time<br />

were stabled <strong>in</strong> Lombard Street.<br />

Over the years, many <strong>in</strong>terior alterations have been<br />

made to the Bird Street property and, although a listed<br />

build<strong>in</strong>g, all necessary facilities such as chapel of rest and<br />

offices, were made available.<br />

In June 2015, FM&J Wait was bought by Dignity Funerals<br />

Ltd from Johnathan Wait (fifth generation). S<strong>in</strong>ce then. The<br />

company has cont<strong>in</strong>ued to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> the premises, <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g<br />

modern facilities to care for the deceased and to enable<br />

the staff to offer the greatest care to bereaved families.<br />

FM&J Wait is one of the most well-known and<br />

respected funeral directors <strong>in</strong> the community and the<br />

team is always on hand to help members of the public to<br />

arrange the perfect farewell for their loved ones.<br />

19


St Anne's Church St Anne's Church Choir 1947-48<br />

A Colliery Church<br />

By Jono Oates<br />

............................<br />

The lovely church of St Anne’s <strong>in</strong> Chasetown was a church built<br />

to provide the m<strong>in</strong>ers from nearby collieries with a place<br />

where they could worship and was endowed to the people of<br />

Chasetown by a lead<strong>in</strong>g Victorian civil eng<strong>in</strong>eer, John Rob<strong>in</strong>son<br />

McLean.<br />

Chasetown is a ‘new town’ <strong>in</strong> historical terms, and it only developed<br />

after the Cannock Chase Colliery Company started to open up new pits<br />

<strong>in</strong> the early 1850s. As the m<strong>in</strong>es started to prosper workers moved <strong>in</strong>to<br />

the area and more hous<strong>in</strong>g was built locally to accommodate them.<br />

In 1865 McLean, a director of the Cannock Chase Colliery Company,<br />

provided the funds to help build the church, so that the local m<strong>in</strong>ers<br />

could worship on a Sunday after a hard week’s work <strong>in</strong> the pits. The<br />

church was named <strong>in</strong> honour of his wife, Anna, and was built at a cost of<br />

£3,000, a significant amount at that time. As well as be<strong>in</strong>g a director of<br />

the colliery McLean had also been heavily <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the South<br />

Staffordshire Railway where he was the Chief Eng<strong>in</strong>eer and he also<br />

founded the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company.<br />

The church was established by McLean as a Free Church, mean<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

there were no reserved pews for the members of wealthy families, which<br />

restricted the number of free pews for the poor. By 1867 the parish of<br />

Chasetown, compris<strong>in</strong>g parts of Burntwood, Hammerwich, and Ogley<br />

Hay, had become established and the church became a focal po<strong>in</strong>t for the<br />

local m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g community.<br />

The first vicar of St Anne’s <strong>in</strong> 1867 was the Reverend Donald Stuart<br />

McLean, the nephew of founder John McLean, and he was followed by<br />

the Reverend Donald Montague Seaton. He and his wife were much<br />

respected by the parishioners and it became a custom that they would<br />

curtesy to Mrs Seaton as she took her place alongside her husband <strong>in</strong><br />

church.<br />

St Anne’s made history <strong>in</strong> 1883 when it became the first church <strong>in</strong> the<br />

country to be lit by electricity which was powered, albeit flitt<strong>in</strong>gly, from<br />

one of the local collieries. The electricity supply was very unreliable and<br />

the light generated <strong>in</strong> the church was said to be a dull red glow rather<br />

than a bright light. Explosions, sparks and complete power failure were<br />

fairly commonplace and after the services the vicar would take a longhandled<br />

key and switch off the electric supply via an underground<br />

switch! A small section of the orig<strong>in</strong>al cable rema<strong>in</strong>s on display <strong>in</strong> the<br />

church.<br />

Another first for the church occurred <strong>in</strong> September 1949 when Miss<br />

Gillian Myr<strong>in</strong>g, of ‘Egremont’, High Street Chasetown, married Mr<br />

Raymond Pettman of Margate. Gillian was the first female clerk to be<br />

employed at the Number 3 Pit<br />

Cannock Colliery, where she was<br />

the typist to the colliery’s Agent, Mr<br />

JE Eltr<strong>in</strong>gham.<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g year, <strong>in</strong> February<br />

1950, the church almost suffered a<br />

disaster when a fire broke out just<br />

before the even<strong>in</strong>g service.<br />

Parishioners helped firemen from<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> and Brownhills fire stations<br />

and members of the clergy <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the vicar, Reverend Brynmoor Rees,<br />

to tackle the fire and br<strong>in</strong>g it under<br />

control. Members of the choir<br />

rescued surplices and cassocks from<br />

the fire which was believed to have<br />

been started by a fault <strong>in</strong> the<br />

chimney next to the vestry, and a<br />

section of the church roof was<br />

considerably damaged.<br />

Bust of John Rob<strong>in</strong>son McLean,<br />

church founder<br />

The season of goodwill was clearly <strong>in</strong> evidence <strong>in</strong> <strong>December</strong> 1974<br />

when ‘record cash’ of £349 was generated through several fundrais<strong>in</strong>g<br />

events <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g two jumble sales, a coffee even<strong>in</strong>g, a Christmas Market<br />

and donations from parishioners. K<strong>in</strong>d hearted parishioners also<br />

gathered at a Festival of Christmas Music on <strong>December</strong> 19th that year,<br />

where a capacity congregation of 600 was expected, to raise funds for<br />

the victims of the Birm<strong>in</strong>gham Bomb<strong>in</strong>gs, which had taken place <strong>in</strong><br />

November.<br />

Two lifelong residents of Chase Terrace celebrated their Diamond<br />

Wedd<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> April 1975, Nellie and Arthur P<strong>in</strong>nock, who said they had<br />

never travelled abroad and ‘have never wanted to’. They were married at<br />

St Anne’s on Easter Monday April 5th 1915 when Nellie said ‘the sun was<br />

sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and we rode <strong>in</strong> a carriage drawn by two grey horses’. They lived<br />

on Ironstone Road and Arthur, who had been a m<strong>in</strong>er at Cannock Wood<br />

for 53 years, said they ‘had never been separated <strong>in</strong> 60 years.’<br />

Just <strong>in</strong>side the church stands a bust to the church’s benefactor, James<br />

Rob<strong>in</strong>son McLean, without whom the church would not have been<br />

founded. Although a wealthy man he was undoubtedly a ‘man of the<br />

people’, and he provided a meet<strong>in</strong>g place and place of worship for the<br />

local m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g community and which still serves the community of<br />

Chasetown today some 160 years later.<br />

*My thanks to the Reverend Richard Westwood and to Anita Brookes<br />

at St Anne’s for their help with this feature.<br />

Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; www.historicengland.org.uk;<br />

Burntwood Family History Group website; www.stanneschasetown.com St<br />

Anne’s, A Short History of the Parish Church, Chasetown by PW Shelley<br />

V<strong>in</strong>tage photograph courtesy of St Anne’s Chasetown<br />

20


21


W<strong>in</strong>ter Wonderland!<br />

.........................<br />

Just a handful of some of the snowy photographs taken<br />

by <strong>Lichfield</strong> locals show<strong>in</strong>g the breath-tak<strong>in</strong>g beauty of<br />

the City covered <strong>in</strong> the white stuff!<br />

(Thanks to Facebook group: You’re Probably from <strong>Lichfield</strong> if…)<br />

A beautiful picture of Stowe Pool <strong>in</strong> the snow, taken by Adam Phillips<br />

A snowstorm flurry with <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral <strong>in</strong> the background, by<br />

Annabelle Plaster<br />

A frozen wonderland, by Rob Hartley<br />

Festival Gardens <strong>in</strong> the snow, by Cheryl Patey-Round<br />

The Cathedral at night, by<br />

Lisa Johnson<br />

Got a story or<br />

charity event you<br />

want to share with<br />

our readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k<br />

you’ve snapped an<br />

image that captures<br />

the spirit of the<br />

region? We want to<br />

hear from you!<br />

Contact <strong>Citylife</strong> at<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

22


WW2 Fly<strong>in</strong>g Log Book<br />

Signed by Legendary Pilot<br />

Sells for Thousands<br />

By Charles Hanson<br />

............................<br />

Arare Second World War<br />

Air Gunner’s Fly<strong>in</strong>g Log<br />

Book - signed by a legendary<br />

RAF bomber pilot - has sold for<br />

thousands of pounds at auction<br />

<strong>in</strong> Staffordshire.<br />

Air Gunner Sgt Douglas Pate’s<br />

log book <strong>in</strong>cluded a fly<strong>in</strong>g times<br />

page signed off by W<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Commander Guy Gibson <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>December</strong> 1942. It also <strong>in</strong>cluded<br />

reference to Pate’s <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong><br />

an ‘Operations Berl<strong>in</strong>’ raid on the German city.<br />

Guy Gibson signature <strong>in</strong> fly<strong>in</strong>g record -<br />

Image Hansons<br />

The item, discovered at a free valuation event by Hansons<br />

Auctioneers, was contested to £2,950 <strong>in</strong> a Militaria and Country<br />

Pursuits Auction held at the firm’s Staffordshire saleroom, Bishton<br />

Hall.<br />

The result delighted Oli Thomas, Hansons’ militaria valuer at<br />

Bishton. He said: “This rich<br />

militaria f<strong>in</strong>d was brought along<br />

to a free valuation event, much<br />

to our delight. It was a privilege<br />

to handle this item, and<br />

wonderful to see it do well at<br />

auction. It’s fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g historical<br />

context and connection to<br />

Gibson attracted strong<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest.”<br />

Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC<br />

& Bar was a dist<strong>in</strong>guished WW2<br />

RAF bomber pilot. He was the<br />

first Command<strong>in</strong>g Officer of No.<br />

617 Squadron, which he led <strong>in</strong> the Dam Busters<br />

raid <strong>in</strong> 1943. He was awarded the Victoria Cross,<br />

the highest award for gallantry, for his efforts and<br />

became the most highly decorated British<br />

serviceman at that time. He completed more than<br />

170 war operations before dy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> action at the<br />

age of 26. Pate, whose fly<strong>in</strong>g log book ran from<br />

June 1942 to May 16, 1946, survived the war.<br />

The log book was sold by Hansons on<br />

November 23, <strong>2021</strong>. Entries for forthcom<strong>in</strong>g sales<br />

are <strong>in</strong>vited. Free valuation of all types of antiques<br />

and collectables are available at Bishton Hall,<br />

Wolseley Bridge, Staffs, by appo<strong>in</strong>tment. To book,<br />

email mholder@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk. To<br />

Hansons valuer Oliver Thomas with WW2<br />

Air Gunner's fly<strong>in</strong>g log book - Image Hansons<br />

WW2 Air Gunner's<br />

fly<strong>in</strong>g log book - Image<br />

Hansons<br />

arrange a free house visit, email area manager Carol Jones:<br />

cjones@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk<br />

23


Festive Expectations<br />

By Jo Howell<br />

.........................<br />

At the time of writ<strong>in</strong>g this it’s the end<br />

of November, we have a heavy<br />

cover<strong>in</strong>g of snow and there is a<br />

def<strong>in</strong>ite festive feel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the air. Whilst it’s<br />

still a week or two until I put my tree up,<br />

Michael Bublé is primed and ready (not<br />

literally, unfortunately!) to s<strong>in</strong>g is way <strong>in</strong>to<br />

my home as the season of goodwill edges<br />

closer and closer.<br />

And all of a sudden, my ‘to do’ list gets longer, shopp<strong>in</strong>g trips get more<br />

frequent, and my bank account gets a lot lighter.<br />

Now whilst I do love the build up to Christmas and the excited, wild<br />

eyed and slightly frantic feel to <strong>December</strong>, it’s also a time to stop<br />

occasionally.<br />

Take a breath. Sit down. Close your eyes. Exhale.<br />

Because amongst the festive fun, we mustn’t lose sight of our own<br />

expectations for the most wonderful time of the year.<br />

Too often, and thanks to those very clever advertis<strong>in</strong>g types, the media<br />

will pa<strong>in</strong>t a picture of Christmas that for many is very unrealistic. Which<br />

is why sett<strong>in</strong>g out your expectations now, will make the big day a lot<br />

more enjoyable, manageable, and memorable for all the family.<br />

Spend what you can afford<br />

Whilst stick<strong>in</strong>g to a pre-determ<strong>in</strong>ed budget sounds common sense, it’s<br />

also very easy to get carried away by the lure of fancy packag<strong>in</strong>g, a<br />

fabulous smell, or a real ‘barga<strong>in</strong>’. Before you hand over your credit card,<br />

stop and ask yourself – do I/we/they really need this? Remember, and<br />

def<strong>in</strong>itely if its food related, your d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g table does not need to look like<br />

you’re feed<strong>in</strong>g the entire UK!<br />

Create your own memories<br />

Social media is fabulous <strong>in</strong> so many ways and I for one, am a fan of all<br />

the usual platforms. However, it can also make you feel like you need to<br />

do more, be more, spend more and post every detail of it for the world<br />

to see. Guess what? You don’t. It’s more than acceptable to take a social<br />

media break for a few days and spend time with your loved ones do<strong>in</strong>g<br />

what you want to do. And for once, it’s ok not to share.<br />

Christmas on your terms<br />

First and foremost, this is YOUR Christmas, and it must be spent how<br />

you want to and with who you want to. Don’t want to spend all day <strong>in</strong><br />

match<strong>in</strong>g family PJ’s? It’s perfectly ok not to. Haven’t got a multi coloured,<br />

flash<strong>in</strong>g lighted nativity scene outside the house? That’s also ok. You may<br />

have a big, noisy family where it’s nonstop squeal<strong>in</strong>g from 6am onwards<br />

or you may be an adult only household where you have later start to the<br />

day, a leisurely breakfast, and the joy of an afternoon snooze. Whatever<br />

your Christmas looks like, make sure it’s right for you. Every time.<br />

And remember… “Whatever is beautiful. Whatever is mean<strong>in</strong>gful.<br />

Whatever br<strong>in</strong>gs you happ<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />

May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the com<strong>in</strong>g year.”<br />

(Author unknown)<br />

Read more of Jo’s work at<br />

www.justanaveragejo.blog.<br />

24


25


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such as our own competitively priced quartz, granite, marble and porcela<strong>in</strong>, as well as all the top brands<br />

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There really is no reason to go anywhere else!<br />

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We’ve got a bespoke Chopp<strong>in</strong>g Board (<strong>in</strong> the<br />

colour of your choice) to give away! To be <strong>in</strong><br />

with a chance of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g this magnificent prize,<br />

simply answer the follow<strong>in</strong>g question correctly:<br />

Where does the supply<br />

of granite come from?<br />

a) Spa<strong>in</strong><br />

b) Italy<br />

c) Germany<br />

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Just<br />

Granite Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your<br />

entry to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box 7126, <strong>Lichfield</strong> WS14 4JS by<br />

the clos<strong>in</strong>g date of 16th <strong>December</strong> <strong>2021</strong>. One entry per household.<br />

Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note<br />

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processed <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our<br />

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Full t&cs on page 58.<br />

26


Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Feature<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Writer br<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

new Creative Writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Group to the Garrick<br />

...........................<br />

Joss Musgrove Knibb has<br />

spent most of her<br />

work<strong>in</strong>g life <strong>in</strong> the world<br />

of words. She moved to<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2009, after a<br />

two decade career <strong>in</strong><br />

public relations, and later<br />

jo<strong>in</strong>ed the <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Gazette and Chase<br />

Gazette as Deputy Editor.<br />

In 2016 she became the<br />

Editor of <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, and <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

Rugeley magaz<strong>in</strong>es. She<br />

now works from her<br />

writ<strong>in</strong>g studio on<br />

Quonians Lane, creat<strong>in</strong>g novels that rout<strong>in</strong>ely hit the<br />

Amazon best seller lists for their genre.<br />

Joss’s features and articles have appeared <strong>in</strong> many local and<br />

national publications, and she is also the author of two nonfiction<br />

books. Her first book – First L<strong>in</strong>es – became a WH Smith<br />

Recommended Read, and led to her be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vited to speak at<br />

the Stoke Literary Festival alongside Michael Pal<strong>in</strong> and Alastair<br />

Campbell. She has appeared on ITV, Sky TV, Forces TV, and BBC<br />

Radio Stoke, where her broadcast was serialised over a week.<br />

Her second non-fiction book – <strong>Lichfield</strong> <strong>in</strong> 50 Build<strong>in</strong>gs – was<br />

published <strong>in</strong> 2016 and is regularly repr<strong>in</strong>ted by her publisher to<br />

meet cont<strong>in</strong>ued demand.<br />

From Friday, 25th February, 2022, Joss will be runn<strong>in</strong>g a new<br />

creative writ<strong>in</strong>g session – The Word Perfect Creative Writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Group – from the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick Theatre. Joss commented:<br />

‘Play<strong>in</strong>g with words is a joyous experience, and hon<strong>in</strong>g your<br />

ability to express your thoughts and feel<strong>in</strong>gs through prose and<br />

poetry can be truly life-affirm<strong>in</strong>g. The Word Perfect Creative<br />

Writ<strong>in</strong>g Group is dedicated to both br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g out the talent of<br />

new writers, and polish<strong>in</strong>g the accomplishments of more<br />

experienced writers. Us<strong>in</strong>g the established method of writ<strong>in</strong>g<br />

together dur<strong>in</strong>g the session, and mix<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs up with games<br />

and fun exercises, the group's aim is to help everyone reach<br />

their own goals, at their own pace, and without pressure.<br />

Wherever you want to go, we’ll get there together.’<br />

Sessions take place weekly from 11am to 1pm on the<br />

Garrick’s Community Stage, ensur<strong>in</strong>g the privacy and space<br />

necessary for a truly enjoyable experience. Sessions cost £10<br />

for two hours, and are pay as you go, so there’s no need to<br />

block book. The first session takes place on 25th February, and<br />

classes will take place every Friday after that date. All materials<br />

are provided. For more <strong>in</strong>formation, to reserve your space, or<br />

for an <strong>in</strong>formal chat about what the sessions will cover and<br />

how they might <strong>in</strong>spire your writ<strong>in</strong>g, contact Joss<br />

on 07833 735048, or email her at<br />

wordperfectcreativewrit<strong>in</strong>g@gmail.com<br />

27


A City of<br />

Flavours<br />

With one of the most eclectic mixtures of<br />

restaurants and eateries <strong>in</strong> the area, <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

never fails to amaze and delight d<strong>in</strong>ers with the<br />

wares on offer.<br />

There’s a huge range of different cuis<strong>in</strong>es to choose from,<br />

such as Thai, Mexican, Italian, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, World Food,<br />

Mediterranean, French, Asian, English… and everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

between that you could possibly want.<br />

There’s also a varied range of atmospheric vibes <strong>in</strong> the city,<br />

rang<strong>in</strong>g from chilled out and laid-back; to quirky and funfilled;<br />

exotic; quick and easy fast food; and even f<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

experiences – whichever you prefer, you’re still spoilt for<br />

choice!<br />

There have been several new additions to the local d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

scene recently mean<strong>in</strong>g that now more than ever, <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

really is A City of Flavours!<br />

We’ve compiled a delicious selection of d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g reviews from<br />

just a few of our favourites over the next few pages to really<br />

tantalise your tastebuds and whet your appetite!<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Inn-Keep<strong>in</strong>g with Tradition<br />

........................................<br />

you’re look<strong>in</strong>g for a qu<strong>in</strong>tessentially British country pub (th<strong>in</strong>k log burn<strong>in</strong>g stoves, cosy snugs, hearty food and real ales) then The Cock<br />

If Inn at Hanbury is one for you!<br />

Situated <strong>in</strong> the qua<strong>in</strong>t village of Hanbury and occupy<strong>in</strong>g an elevated position, the pub overlooks the Dove Valley and the roll<strong>in</strong>g hills of the nearby<br />

Derbyshire Dales – perfect for those who love a good view to accompany their meal, or for walkers who wish to try one of the many rambl<strong>in</strong>g routes<br />

that are on offer.<br />

On entrance to the ma<strong>in</strong> restaurant the atmosphere is warm, relaxed and welcom<strong>in</strong>g. After be<strong>in</strong>g shown to our table, we were handed the extensive<br />

menu, which had more than just a few surprises on it!<br />

As well as the classic pub fayre that one would expect from a country <strong>in</strong>n, there’s also several dishes that are more ak<strong>in</strong> to ‘world cuis<strong>in</strong>e.’ For<br />

example, be<strong>in</strong>g a lover of Asian-style food, I opted for someth<strong>in</strong>g off the ‘specials’ boards - the Honey and Soy Beef Noodle Salad - as my starter. What<br />

a treat! Tender beef was cooked to perfection and seasoned well with the salty soy and a touch of sweetness from the honey, all comb<strong>in</strong>ed with the<br />

crunch of peppers and onions, a little heat from the chilli, and comb<strong>in</strong>ed with noodles for a truly delicious first course.<br />

My friend chose someth<strong>in</strong>g from the ma<strong>in</strong> menu to beg<strong>in</strong> with – the more earthy, home-grown sound<strong>in</strong>g Salt Baked Beetroot, which came with<br />

freshly pickled onions, feta, and vegetable crisps. The sweet beetroot comb<strong>in</strong>ed wonderfully with the ceamy feta cheese, and she declared this a very<br />

tasty, light starter, perfect for vegetarians.<br />

Next were our ma<strong>in</strong> courses and I had, once aga<strong>in</strong>, broken with tradition and gone for someth<strong>in</strong>g slightly different, this be<strong>in</strong>g the Pan-Fried Seabass.<br />

Lightly seasoned, the fish was wonderful and meaty and served with buttered new potatoes, green beans and tomatoes, all enveloped <strong>in</strong> a deliciously<br />

deep kale broth. A well-executed, and <strong>in</strong>credibly presented,<br />

dish.<br />

My friend went for someth<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />

hearty pub style, and chose a ‘pie of the day’ which<br />

happened to be Lamb and M<strong>in</strong>t, served with mash, garden<br />

peas and gravy. The lamb was tender and the pie was<br />

encased <strong>in</strong> a pastry case, not just a lid on the top –<br />

fantastic! The whole dish was particularly tasty and<br />

wholesome – a great way to f<strong>in</strong>ish off a day’s hard w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

walk<strong>in</strong>g, if you’re so <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed!<br />

The Restaurant Manager, Patsy Dicker, along with pub<br />

landlords Tom Smith and Andy Harrison, plus Head Chef<br />

Andy Murk<strong>in</strong>, are all huge advocates of locally sourced,<br />

fresh produce and of support<strong>in</strong>g the community.<br />

Therefore, all the meat on the menu comes directly from<br />

Paul Shum <strong>in</strong> nearby Yoxall, the freshly baked bread is off<br />

Greendoor Bakery, fish comes from M&J and the fruit and<br />

vegetables are all from <strong>Lichfield</strong> – you literally could not<br />

wish for a more locally sourced menu!<br />

As well as an <strong>in</strong>timate, romantic meal, The Cock Inn also<br />

caters for parties, larger groups for wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, christen<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

funerals, and birthdays and other special occasions, with<br />

hire of either the ma<strong>in</strong> restaurant or marquee available.<br />

Open Seven days a week, serv<strong>in</strong>g food from midday until<br />

8.30pm Monday to Thursday, until 9.30pm on Friday and<br />

Saturday, and 6pm on a Sunday, The Cock Inn at Hanbury<br />

is one of Staffordshire’s hidden gems just wait<strong>in</strong>g to be<br />

discovered!<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d out more by visit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

www.thecock<strong>in</strong>nhanbury.com or by search<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for The Cock Inn Hanbury on<br />

Facebook or Instagram.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


The Only Way is Up!<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g a fourth-generation family-run firm, it seemed only natural that Tom Shepherd would eventually step-up<br />

to work alongside his father, Paul Shepherd, to run long-stand<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess, City Jewellers. Tom however had a<br />

different career path <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d and is now work<strong>in</strong>g more above than alongside his Dad… quite literally!<br />

..................................................................<br />

It was just over two years ago that one of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s renowned<br />

f<strong>in</strong>e jewellers moved from its bijoux shop on Market Street, to<br />

the larger premises on Bore Street, occupied previously by its<br />

contemporary, Salloways.<br />

“Wish<strong>in</strong>g to retire, Nigel Salloway made me aware of the opportunity<br />

to acquire the property from him,” expla<strong>in</strong>s Paul. “I was not buy<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess from him, as he wanted to step completely away from it, so had<br />

a massive clos<strong>in</strong>g down sale over the Christmas period, and I purchased<br />

the shop and the rooms above it shortly afterwards.”<br />

On acquir<strong>in</strong>g the two-storey build<strong>in</strong>g, Paul and Adam, his long-serv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

right-hand man, set about renovat<strong>in</strong>g the space, do<strong>in</strong>g a complete<br />

refurbish and refit from what existed, to ensure that it fitted <strong>in</strong> with<br />

their own style and identity. With several issues to contend with,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a major leak upstairs, it took around six months for the works<br />

to be complete and the new-look jewellery store saw its grand open<strong>in</strong>g<br />

on 15th October 2019.<br />

“After spend<strong>in</strong>g 25 years <strong>in</strong> Market Street just around the corner <strong>in</strong><br />

what was a Grade II listed build<strong>in</strong>g, it was certa<strong>in</strong>ly a huge opportunity<br />

and a big change mov<strong>in</strong>g from a property on many levels to a s<strong>in</strong>gle,<br />

open plan foor,” laughs Paul. “There’s was excitement, mixed with<br />

trepidation, but we were all there to support each other, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

myself, Adam and the dedicated team who had all moved with us from<br />

the other shop.”<br />

City Jewellers on Bore Street certa<strong>in</strong>ly has the wow factor. The large,<br />

beautifully lit shop front w<strong>in</strong>dows house an array of glitter<strong>in</strong>g jewels and,<br />

on enter<strong>in</strong>g, the space opens up to become a large, open plan area,<br />

separated by different counters serv<strong>in</strong>g the different jewellery and<br />

watch departments. There’s even a bar area, should you wish to sit a<br />

while and reflect on your new potential purchases!<br />

“The idea was to create an atmosphere where people could wander<br />

round and look without feel<strong>in</strong>g under pressure. We also have a superb<br />

team with a great mix of people, and it works really well.”<br />

Now, the bus<strong>in</strong>ess is expand<strong>in</strong>g. Hav<strong>in</strong>g taken on three major new<br />

jewellery and watch brands and City Jeweller’s em<strong>in</strong>ent portfolio is<br />

ever-<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

“Adam, who’s been with me s<strong>in</strong>ce he was at school, was pivotal <strong>in</strong><br />

help<strong>in</strong>g me with the refurbishment and design<strong>in</strong>g the downstairs space,”<br />

says Paul. “However, we weren’t quite sure what to do with the upstairs,<br />

and had been ponder<strong>in</strong>g what we could do with the rooms above the<br />

shop, which were currently be<strong>in</strong>g used as storage.”<br />

And this is where Paul’s son, Tom, enters the narrative. For Tom, you<br />

see, is a tra<strong>in</strong>ed chef.<br />

Start<strong>in</strong>g his career as a bottle washer at The George Hotel when he<br />

was of school age, Tom stood out even as a youngster. His flair and<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ation were evident and it wasn’t long before he was given the<br />

opportunity to move to New Hall <strong>in</strong> Walmley and understand more<br />

about the cater<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> general. Tom was eager to learn the trade<br />

and took a st<strong>in</strong>t at everyth<strong>in</strong>g, from Front of House to bar work, but it<br />

was <strong>in</strong> the kitchen where Tom really blossomed.<br />

His potential was obvious and he took another step up to work at<br />

Sw<strong>in</strong>fen Hall where he cut his teeth as a sous chef, before tak<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

chance to move up to the Lake District and jo<strong>in</strong> the team at prestigious<br />

hotel and restaurant, The Saml<strong>in</strong>g, where he helped the team to w<strong>in</strong><br />

their first Michel<strong>in</strong> Star.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Tom also has had the pleasure of work<strong>in</strong>g as Development Chef at<br />

Restaurant Sat Ba<strong>in</strong>s, as well as for Michael Wignall at The Latymer <strong>in</strong><br />

Surrey, and even ga<strong>in</strong>ed his first Michel<strong>in</strong> Star as Head Chef at Adam’s <strong>in</strong><br />

Birm<strong>in</strong>gham, as well as three AA Rosettes, both of which he held onto<br />

for more than two years. However, thirty-three year old Tom he had<br />

always had a dream of open<strong>in</strong>g his own restaurant and approached his<br />

Dad with a bus<strong>in</strong>ess idea.<br />

“Upstairs was a good-sized space and could have been used as offices<br />

or flats, but when Tom suggested a restaurant I have to admit, I nearly<br />

fell over!” Paul quips.<br />

After some <strong>in</strong>itial research and cost<strong>in</strong>gs, plans were drawn up for an<br />

upstairs f<strong>in</strong>e-d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g eatery and Tom set about employ<strong>in</strong>g a highly<br />

regarded design and construction company with<strong>in</strong> the hospitality<br />

<strong>in</strong>dustry to start br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g his dream to fruition. In the meantime, he duly<br />

handed <strong>in</strong> his notice at Adam’s and began look<strong>in</strong>g forward to the future.<br />

It was at this po<strong>in</strong>t that disaster struck <strong>in</strong> the form of the Covid-19<br />

pandemic and Tom found himself out of work with his restaurant plans<br />

on hold.<br />

“The hospitality <strong>in</strong>dustry was badly affected by the pandemic,” says<br />

Paul. “However hard it was for us on the high street, it was even worse<br />

<strong>in</strong> hospitality.”<br />

As restaurants closed and bus<strong>in</strong>esses started to go under, Tom turned<br />

to freelanc<strong>in</strong>g, contact<strong>in</strong>g friends <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>dustry who could put some<br />

work his way. It was whilst do<strong>in</strong>g this that he got <strong>in</strong>volved with Sauce<br />

Supper Club, which is a cater<strong>in</strong>g company that offers f<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g pop-up<br />

experiences at venues across the country.<br />

Although restaurants were out of the question dur<strong>in</strong>g lockdown, Tom<br />

set about creat<strong>in</strong>g a f<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g box that people could take away and<br />

enjoy <strong>in</strong> their own homes.<br />

“The boxes were so successful,” elaborates Paul. “And it was really<br />

this that helped get Tom through the difficult pandemic period, until the<br />

hospitality sector began to open up aga<strong>in</strong>.”<br />

Now th<strong>in</strong>g s were back on track, Tom started putt<strong>in</strong>g the feelers out<br />

for people to work for him. His sous chef, Mikey Blades, was first to jo<strong>in</strong><br />

the team as sous chef hav<strong>in</strong>g formed a loyal partnership with Tom and<br />

followed him from place to place for several years.<br />

“There was no doubt that Mikey would come on board, who himself<br />

has been crowned Staffordshire Young Chef of the Year. Tom’s been really<br />

lucky with the team he’s got with him and they all seem to have a very<br />

similar work ethic.”<br />

The restaurant, aptly named Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, was one of<br />

the hottest cul<strong>in</strong>ary launches that <strong>Lichfield</strong> has ever seen – with<br />

reservations to taste the f<strong>in</strong>e fare com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> thick and fast and tables<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g booked months <strong>in</strong> advance as locals clamoured to get a coveted<br />

seat.<br />

Officially open<strong>in</strong>g its doors on 8th October <strong>2021</strong>, Upstairs by Tom<br />

Shepherd consists of a beautifully lit space which emanates<br />

contemporary f<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g through and through. Rem<strong>in</strong>iscent of the open<br />

plan design downstairs at City Jewellers, Tom has opened up the<br />

restaurant, removed <strong>in</strong>trusive metal girders and beams, and created a<br />

stunn<strong>in</strong>g high ceil<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Not want<strong>in</strong>g to lose the traditional feel of the build<strong>in</strong>g entirely, Tom<br />

had a company repurpose a large oak bean which ran across the<br />

build<strong>in</strong>g by chopp<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong>to blocks which are now used as quirky bread<br />

boards with<strong>in</strong> the restaurant!<br />

With menus <strong>in</strong>spired by the seasons and his surround<strong>in</strong>gs, Tom<br />

creates British dishes with flair, exuberance and a vibrancy that’s hard to<br />

beat.<br />

The 28-cover d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area serves a five and seven-course tast<strong>in</strong>g menu,<br />

along with a three-course lunch menu and a Sunday lunch option too.<br />

There is even a chef’s table for guests to book where they can watch<br />

the skilful chefs prepare and cook their food.<br />

As f<strong>in</strong>e jewellery and f<strong>in</strong>e d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g come together, comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g both father<br />

and son’s passions, Paul is delighted that the pair f<strong>in</strong>ally get to ‘work<br />

together’ <strong>in</strong> some capacity!<br />

“I still p<strong>in</strong>ch myself,” exclaims Paul. “I go home to my wife and I say ‘I<br />

can’t believe this has happened!’ It’s quite surreal, the whole th<strong>in</strong>g, but<br />

at the same time it’s absolutely brilliant. I’m so proud of Tom and it’s<br />

great to see people enjoy<strong>in</strong>g what he does best!”<br />

Visit Upstairs by Tom Shepherd on Bore Street,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, above City Jewellers. View the menu, or book<br />

your table, at www.upstairs.restaurant.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Grand Open<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of The Inkwell<br />

..........................<br />

The Inkwell at <strong>Lichfield</strong> officially opened its<br />

doors <strong>in</strong> November, unveil<strong>in</strong>g a brand-new look<br />

and feel plus a re<strong>in</strong>vigorated menu.<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> was delighted to be <strong>in</strong>vited along to<br />

the exclusive VIP event on 24th November to sample the<br />

new menu and enjoy an authentic pub experience.<br />

More <strong>in</strong>formation can be found at<br />

www.the<strong>in</strong>kwelllichfield.co.uk.<br />

Book<strong>in</strong>gs be<strong>in</strong>g taken for Christmas and New Year's Eve<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Stollen Chelsea Buns<br />

By Ruth Redgate<br />

.........................<br />

Here’s a great recipe for Christmas with a<br />

festive twist on one of the nation’s favourite<br />

bakes – the Chelsea Bun.<br />

Don’t dismiss the idea if you don’t like<br />

marzipan as this flexible recipe means you<br />

can leave that out. I have also given vegan<br />

options so there’s plenty of choice for<br />

everyone.<br />

As with most recipes you can switch around your fruit and nuts to<br />

suit your preferences and, of course, change or omit the alcohol<br />

content as you see fit.<br />

Ingredients<br />

Juice of ½ orange and zest of a whole orange<br />

4tbsp Co<strong>in</strong>treau<br />

85g dried cranberries<br />

85g mixed dried fruit<br />

550g strong white bread flour<br />

15g easy dried yeast or 30 g of fresh yeast<br />

85g caster sugar<br />

P<strong>in</strong>ch of nutmeg<br />

85g butter (dairy free spread or grated coconut oil)<br />

1 large egg or one flax egg (1tbsp ground flaxseed, 3 tbsp water -<br />

mix together at least 5 m<strong>in</strong>s before us<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

250ml milk (dairy or plant-based)<br />

25g pistachios, chopped<br />

300g marzipan<br />

Ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar, or ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar mixed with a little water, to decorate<br />

Chopped pistachios, to decorate<br />

Method<br />

Stir together the juice, zest, Co<strong>in</strong>treau and dried fruit <strong>in</strong> a bowl and<br />

leave to soak. Meanwhile, mix the flour, dried yeast, caster sugar<br />

and nutmeg <strong>in</strong> a bowl. Add ½ tsp salt and rub <strong>in</strong> the butter. Beat<br />

the egg with the milk, then pour onto the flour mix. Stir with a<br />

round-bladed knife, then use your hands to br<strong>in</strong>g the mixture<br />

together as a soft dough. If us<strong>in</strong>g fresh yeast dissolve this <strong>in</strong> the milk<br />

before add<strong>in</strong>g to the dry <strong>in</strong>gredients. Tip onto a work surface and<br />

knead for a couple of m<strong>in</strong>s, add<strong>in</strong>g a little flour only if you need to<br />

stop it stick<strong>in</strong>g. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with cl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

film. Leave to rise for 45 m<strong>in</strong>s-1 hr <strong>in</strong> a warm place until doubled<br />

<strong>in</strong> size. L<strong>in</strong>e a large t<strong>in</strong> approximately 36 x 26cm (a large roast<strong>in</strong>g<br />

t<strong>in</strong> can be used or you can use two smaller ones) with bak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

parchment. Roll the risen dough out firmly to a long strip about 70<br />

x 18cm. Scatter the soaked fruit along the dough then spr<strong>in</strong>kle on<br />

the pistachios to the soaked fruit. Roll the marzipan <strong>in</strong>to a sausage<br />

the same length as the longest side of the dough (if you struggle to<br />

do this <strong>in</strong> one go you can do it <strong>in</strong> smaller amounts), then place it<br />

down the centre of the dough and roll up together firmly, a bit like<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g a sausage roll, with the marzipan <strong>in</strong> place of the sausage.<br />

Trim the ends, then cut the rest <strong>in</strong>to 12 even lengths and arrange,<br />

cut side up, <strong>in</strong> the t<strong>in</strong>. Cover with cl<strong>in</strong>g film and leave to rise for 45<br />

m<strong>in</strong>utes to1 hour until really well risen. Heat the oven to<br />

190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Bake for 15-20 m<strong>in</strong>utes until golden. Can<br />

be frozen for up to six weeks. When ready to eat, whether freshly<br />

baked or defrosted, brush with melted butter/coconut oil and<br />

dredge with ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar or mix a little water <strong>in</strong>to the ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar,<br />

drizzle over the buns and scatter over the nuts. Eat with<strong>in</strong> two<br />

days.<br />

Watch the Hunnypot Cottage Bakery YouTube<br />

video on how to make this at<br />

https://youtu.be/s2bwy2sk<strong>in</strong>k.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Italian Heaven at<br />

The Bureau<br />

By Jono Oates<br />

............................<br />

Tuesday even<strong>in</strong>gs can be a bit of a ‘what shall we do tonight?’ day of the<br />

week, so when we heard about the regular Pasta Nights on a Tuesday at<br />

the Bureau Bar on Market Street, we couldn’t wait to call <strong>in</strong> and try it<br />

out!<br />

The Bureau Bar is situated on Market Street, right next to the Samuel<br />

Johnson Birthplace Museum, and the wide w<strong>in</strong>dows at the front give you<br />

a panoramic view of the street, one of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s busiest dur<strong>in</strong>g the day,<br />

and even<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The Pasta Night special menu is short, sweet and but very tasty! There<br />

are three ma<strong>in</strong> courses to choose from, each one accompanied by a<br />

bowl of green salad and a platter of warm Italian breads. The special<br />

menu deal also <strong>in</strong>cludes a bottle of house w<strong>in</strong>e to accompany your meal.<br />

I chose the Butternut Squash and Sage with Rigatoni pasta while my<br />

brother opted for the Sh<strong>in</strong> of Beef, also with Rigatoni. The vegetarian<br />

squash and sage dish was delicious, the comb<strong>in</strong>ation of the sweet-tast<strong>in</strong>g<br />

chunks of butternut and the slightly peppery, citrus flavours of the fresh<br />

sage leaves, was perfect and very moreish. My brother was also delighted<br />

with his sh<strong>in</strong> of beef, which he said was moist, rich and full of flavour.<br />

Both dishes were served with rigatoni pasta which is one of my<br />

favourites, the tube shape, wider than penne pasta, makes it the perfect<br />

vessel for its partner, whether vegetables or meat. The salad was crisp<br />

and fresh and the warmed breads were superb for mopp<strong>in</strong>g up the last<br />

delicious morsel of sauce and olive oil. The bottle of house merlot went<br />

down very well with both meals, an ideal choice for any pasta dish.<br />

The Pasta Night menu is available every Tuesday even<strong>in</strong>g and, at just £30<br />

for two pasta dishes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a bottle of house w<strong>in</strong>e, is <strong>in</strong>credible value.<br />

We’ll def<strong>in</strong>itely be back, and Pronto Presto!<br />

Visit The Bureau <strong>Lichfield</strong> at 34-36 Market Street,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, or call 01543 258246 to book.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


WIN a Meal for Two at The Bengal!<br />

............................................................<br />

As the longest-established Indian Restaurant <strong>in</strong> the City, The Bengal,<br />

situated on Bore Street, first opened its doors <strong>in</strong> 1968. Now, under new<br />

management the restaurant is thriv<strong>in</strong>g as it offers a range of authentic<br />

dishes for the discern<strong>in</strong>g d<strong>in</strong>er, along with more modern cuis<strong>in</strong>e to provide<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g for everyone.<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g housed <strong>in</strong> one of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s iconic black and white fronted build<strong>in</strong>gs only adds<br />

to the traditional feel of the restaurant, with the ma<strong>in</strong> d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area be<strong>in</strong>g light and<br />

spacious, whilst the most wonderful aromas of gently cook<strong>in</strong>g herbs and spices fill the<br />

air.<br />

If you read our recent d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g review on The Bengal (<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> November<br />

<strong>2021</strong>) you’ll know that we had a wonderful<br />

visit and enjoyed an <strong>in</strong>credible meal, thanks<br />

to the talented chefs and the friendly,<br />

welcom<strong>in</strong>g staff. And you can too!<br />

We’ve teamed up with The Bengal to offer<br />

a two-course meal for two people. To be <strong>in</strong><br />

with a chance of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g this fabulous prize,<br />

simply correctly answer the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

question and send it to us, along with your<br />

contact details.<br />

In what year did the<br />

orig<strong>in</strong>al restaurant first<br />

open?<br />

a) 1964<br />

b) 1968<br />

c) 1972<br />

To enter, just send your name, contact details<br />

and answer to Bengal Competition at<br />

competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your<br />

entry to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box 7126,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> WS14 4JS by the clos<strong>in</strong>g date of 31st<br />

<strong>December</strong> <strong>2021</strong>. One entry per household.<br />

Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash<br />

equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over<br />

to enter. All entrants’ <strong>in</strong>formation is processed<br />

<strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with GDPR Data Protection Regulations<br />

and our Privacy Policy (available at<br />

citylife<strong>in</strong>lichfieldltd.co.uk).<br />

Full t&cs on page 58.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


37


Festive Gift<br />

Guide<br />

.....................<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d everyth<strong>in</strong>g to need to surprise<br />

and delight family and friends this<br />

Christmas <strong>in</strong> our festive gift guide,<br />

featur<strong>in</strong>g local retailers, artists and<br />

craftspeople.<br />

Tippers<br />

Explore your cul<strong>in</strong>ary imag<strong>in</strong>ation by enjoy<strong>in</strong>g<br />

authentic wood fired pizzas with the No.16 Pizza<br />

Oven from Char Outdoors. Available <strong>in</strong> store at<br />

Tippers, Europa Way, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

www.tippers.com<br />

Dame Oliver’s<br />

Semi-precious tumblestones from £1 each.<br />

Crystal po<strong>in</strong>ts (assorted selection) from £15.<br />

Available from Dame Oliver's, Dam Street,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>. Tel: 01543 256600.<br />

www.dameolivers.co.uk<br />

Paul Martyn<br />

Oscar the Otter Doorstop, priced at £35.99.<br />

Designer distressed leather wallets with embossed<br />

design (created by Paul Martyn himself!) priced at<br />

£17.99 each. Available from Paul Martyn, Heart of the<br />

Country Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Village, Sw<strong>in</strong>fen.<br />

www.paulmartyn.co.uk<br />

Little Flock<br />

Keep it simple this Christmas! Rare Breed<br />

British Sheepsk<strong>in</strong>s from £50, and Scandi Pure Wool<br />

Throw priced at £70, for a susta<strong>in</strong>able, natural, and<br />

very Merry Christmas! Available from Little Flock<br />

(<strong>in</strong> the grounds of the Plant Plot Garden Centre,<br />

Stafford Road, <strong>Lichfield</strong>).<br />

www.littleflock.co.uk<br />

Jewellery with Life<br />

Emily Jane is passionate about creat<strong>in</strong>g her<br />

pieces as much by hand as possible; mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

each piece truly unique, just like you! This<br />

stunn<strong>in</strong>g silver crescent moon is the perfect gift<br />

to give your loved one this Christmas.<br />

Priced at £23.<br />

Visit www.jewellerywithlife.co.uk or jo<strong>in</strong> the<br />

Instagram community at @emilyjanedesigner<br />

38<br />

ES Jewellery<br />

Endlessly dreamy: This sterl<strong>in</strong>g silver Thomas Sabo<br />

butterfly pendant has a magical effect. Its design is<br />

<strong>in</strong>spired by the nightly firmament and is<br />

elaborately handcrafted with f<strong>in</strong>e cut-out star and<br />

moon motifs and the <strong>in</strong>lay is made of sparkl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

imitation sandstone giv<strong>in</strong>g this pendant a mystical<br />

glow. Priced at £398 and available from ES<br />

Jewellery, Tamworth Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

City Jewellers<br />

This Ladies Diamond Set Ebel Sports<br />

Classic Watch, priced at £3,100, is the perfect<br />

Christmas present to impress the lady <strong>in</strong><br />

your life! Available from City Jewellers, Bore<br />

Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>. www.cityjewellers.co.uk<br />

The Call<strong>in</strong>gwood<br />

Candle Company<br />

This wax melt starter set is a perfect home<br />

fragrance gift. Complete with eight of the bestsell<strong>in</strong>g<br />

melt fragrances, tea lights, a bottle of<br />

black tipped matches, and a heart warmer, all<br />

beautifully presented <strong>in</strong> a signature luxury gift<br />

box. Priced at £25.<br />

www.call<strong>in</strong>gwoodcandles.co.uk


Lum<strong>in</strong>are<br />

Light up Christmas! Lum<strong>in</strong>are has a superb<br />

selection of crystal and glass lamps and fitt<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

which make the ideal gift. With vast experience<br />

<strong>in</strong> all aspects of light<strong>in</strong>g, be<strong>in</strong>g one of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s<br />

longest established shops, Lum<strong>in</strong>are has a<br />

beautiful range on display at the showroom at<br />

29 Tamworth Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Tel: 01543 418254..<br />

Clive’s W<strong>in</strong>es<br />

Try someth<strong>in</strong>g a little different this Christmas<br />

with Rhubl<strong>in</strong>g – a delightfully refresh<strong>in</strong>g<br />

sparkl<strong>in</strong>g rhubarb w<strong>in</strong>e from local w<strong>in</strong>e<br />

merchants, Clive’s W<strong>in</strong>es. Made us<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

traditional method to create bubbles, Rhubl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

is the perfect fizz for your Christmas table!<br />

Available from Clive’s W<strong>in</strong>es of Burntwood.<br />

Tel: 07972 269 620. www.clivesw<strong>in</strong>es.co.uk<br />

Greenark Animal Feeds<br />

Professionally hand-crafted garden or house<br />

ornaments, such as this beautifully carved owl, are all<br />

locally sourced and make a fabulous present.<br />

Available from established family bus<strong>in</strong>ess, Greenark<br />

at 16 Riverside, Power Station Road, Rugeley,<br />

WS15 2YR (100 yards from Tesco).<br />

Tel: 01889 580080.<br />

Allen Brown Jewellery<br />

Silver, gold plated diamond and tourmal<strong>in</strong>e<br />

r<strong>in</strong>g, priced at £246, and available from Allen<br />

Brown Jewellery, located at Heart of the<br />

Country Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Village, Sw<strong>in</strong>fen, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Tel: 01543 481 948.<br />

www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk<br />

Michael’s Menswear<br />

An assortment of seasonal ties, priced<br />

from £19.95, are available from Michael’s<br />

Menswear, Market Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

The Cheese Cavern<br />

Treat your loved one this Christmas to a cheese<br />

hamper from The Cheese Cavern - a family run<br />

artisan cheese mongers set under the arches <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>. Choice of cheeses and flavoured biscuits<br />

presented <strong>in</strong> a festive hamper. Available to order now.<br />

www.thecheesecavern.co.uk.<br />

MB Designs<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> f<strong>in</strong>e bone ch<strong>in</strong>a bauble by artist Mandy<br />

Bill<strong>in</strong>gton <strong>in</strong>corporates the beautiful build<strong>in</strong>gs of the<br />

city, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral, Dr Johnson's<br />

Birthplace and the old clock. Priced at £10.50 each<br />

and available from MB Designs at<br />

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MBDesignsEngland.<br />

Tel: 07841 108207. Email:<br />

m.b.designs@hotmail.com.<br />

Body Beautiful<br />

Treat your loved ones to a pamper at this luxury<br />

beauty retreat <strong>in</strong> the heart of <strong>Lichfield</strong>, overlook<strong>in</strong>g<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ster pool. This beautiful three-storey listed build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

boasts both history and a stylish decor. Provid<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

comfortable, professional atmosphere and us<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

highest quality products <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Elemis and Thalgo,<br />

treatments are delivered by qualified and experienced<br />

therapists. Gift vouchers available. Tel: 01543 897600.<br />

www.bodybeautifuldayspa.co.uk<br />

Little Flock<br />

Natural, susta<strong>in</strong>able, luxurious quality<br />

handpicked pieces make the perfect gifts this<br />

Christmas. Rare breed sheepsk<strong>in</strong>s from £65,<br />

pure wool blankets and throws from £50, and<br />

'Ewemoo' footstool £130. Available from<br />

Little Flock (<strong>in</strong> the grounds of the Plant Plot<br />

Garden Centre, Stafford Rd, <strong>Lichfield</strong>).<br />

www.Littleflock.co.uk<br />

39


Pizza by Goli<br />

Why not give a voucher to d<strong>in</strong>e at one of<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>’s most established and best-loved eateries,<br />

Pizza by Goli Italian Restaurant? The vouchers are<br />

available to buy from the restaurant and make the<br />

ideal gift for food lovers! Pizza by Goli, Tamworth<br />

Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>. Tel: 01543 250916.<br />

www.pizzabygolilichfield.co.uk<br />

Eden Gallery<br />

Bruce the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a cold cast<br />

res<strong>in</strong> sculpture and stands at 11.5cm high, mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

him the perfect coffee table gift for your loved<br />

one this year! Priced at £50 and available from<br />

Eden Gallery at Curborough Countryside Centre,<br />

Watery Lane, <strong>Lichfield</strong>, WS13 8ES. Tel: 01543<br />

268393. www.edenartandfram<strong>in</strong>g.co.uk<br />

Blush L<strong>in</strong>gerie<br />

With a professional fitt<strong>in</strong>g service available,<br />

sizes A-K cup, up to a 46-<strong>in</strong>ch back, and nightwear<br />

up to size 24, Blush L<strong>in</strong>gerie has the perfect gift<br />

for your loved ones. Open Monday-Saturday<br />

9.30am - 3pm. Closed Wednesdays. F<strong>in</strong>d Blush<br />

L<strong>in</strong>gerie on Market Square, Rugeley.<br />

Tel: 01889 582947.<br />

Ladies and gents’<br />

handkerchiefs <strong>in</strong> a choice<br />

of colours and patterns.<br />

Priced from £3.99.<br />

Nib Nabs<br />

Ladies’ Nuzzles foot-warmers. Priced at £5.99.<br />

Available from Nib Nabs, Brewery Street<br />

Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Centre, Rugeley.<br />

Hair by Jemma<br />

A mobile hairdresser based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> and<br />

cover<strong>in</strong>g surround<strong>in</strong>g areas, Jemma has 20<br />

years’ experience <strong>in</strong> all areas of hairdress<strong>in</strong>g<br />

such as cutt<strong>in</strong>g, colour<strong>in</strong>g, perm<strong>in</strong>g, and putt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

hair up.<br />

*Get a free Wellaplex treatment<br />

with any service*<br />

Call Jemma on 07583 559128 or contact onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

at www.lichfieldhairdresser.co.uk.<br />

The Little Make Up Shop<br />

OUTLET PRICES!<br />

Big name brands plus a wide selection of<br />

perfumes and fragrances for men and women.<br />

Tel: 07931 531889<br />

Relocated to:<br />

28 Tamworth Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong> WS13 6JJ.<br />

40<br />

Framework Gallery <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Baby Chimpanzee sculpture by Matt Buckley,<br />

entitled Hear No Evil, is priced at £110 and<br />

available from Framework Gallery, Tamworth<br />

Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Relfexions<br />

Gift vouchers are the perfect wellbe<strong>in</strong>g present<br />

for someone special! Reflexions vouchers are<br />

available from £20 upwards, and a Relaxation<br />

Package of Face Reflexology & Foot Reflexology<br />

is just £35. Available from Reflexions at The Plant<br />

Plot Garden Centre, Stafford Road,<br />

or call 07595 486535.<br />

Keerenz Kardz and Gifts<br />

A selection of ladies’ gloves and<br />

bracelets. Prices vary. Available from<br />

Keerenz Kardz and Gifts, Brewery Street<br />

Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Centre, Rugeley.


41


Greyhound Trust<br />

at Christmas<br />

By Lauren Hirst<br />

.........................<br />

Santa Claus is com<strong>in</strong>g to town, but so is Greyhound Trust Hall<br />

Green and our diaries are pretty packed with out<strong>in</strong>gs!<br />

We’re look<strong>in</strong>g forward to gett<strong>in</strong>g out with our greyhounds this year<br />

after hav<strong>in</strong>g to cancel all events <strong>in</strong> 2020. If you’re also out and about<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the festive season, keep an eye open for our volunteers and<br />

greyhounds who will be out rais<strong>in</strong>g much needed funds to help the 40<br />

dogs <strong>in</strong> our care.<br />

Come and say hello at one of our group walks, held monthly <strong>in</strong> Beacon<br />

Park (by the Lakeside Bistro), on the third Sunday of every month, and<br />

on the first Saturday of every month <strong>in</strong> Tamworth Park (by the Hub).<br />

Both walks start at 11am and you can meet lots of greyhounds, buy a<br />

raffle ticket or doggie merchandise and have a natter about all th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

greyhound.<br />

We’re also at Shenstone Christmas Market on the High Street on<br />

Saturday 4th <strong>December</strong> from 4pm-9pm, and also at the Christmas<br />

Market at Rodbaston Hall <strong>in</strong> Penkridge on Sunday 5th <strong>December</strong> from<br />

10am-4pm. Come and see what items we have on our stall which could<br />

be the perfect Christmas present for that greyhound-lov<strong>in</strong>g person <strong>in</strong><br />

your life!<br />

If you’re travell<strong>in</strong>g from New Street Station on Saturday 4th <strong>December</strong><br />

you can say hello and wish our hounds a Merry Christmas at our Charity<br />

Bucket Collection. Whether you are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> adopt<strong>in</strong>g, volunteer<strong>in</strong>g<br />

or just wish to put a pound or two <strong>in</strong> our buckets, every penny helps.<br />

We’ve also been <strong>in</strong>vited to the Charity Christmas Fayre at Boley Park<br />

Community Centre <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> on Sunday 12th <strong>December</strong> from 1-5pm.<br />

In aid of several animal charities, we’ll be there with our hounds.<br />

Pets at Home <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> has Greyhound Trust Hall Green as their<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ated charity for their Santa Paws Appeal which is now up and<br />

runn<strong>in</strong>g. By donat<strong>in</strong>g £1 at the checkout, you can help our branch.<br />

Although we’re pleased to be able to attend physical events this festive<br />

season and get our hounds out to be seen to f<strong>in</strong>d them forever homes,<br />

we’re still gett<strong>in</strong>g together <strong>in</strong> the virtual world. One of our volunteers is<br />

hold<strong>in</strong>g an Onl<strong>in</strong>e Christmas Dog Show and we all love show<strong>in</strong>g off our<br />

dogs, so send <strong>in</strong> your pictures and raise money for Hall Green -there’s<br />

lots of classes for greyhounds and non-greyhounds too. Details are on<br />

Facebook, just search for Kelly Capers Fun Show Rais<strong>in</strong>g Money for<br />

Charities. Entries accepted from 4th-12th <strong>December</strong>.<br />

If th<strong>in</strong>gs are a little flat after the holidays, jo<strong>in</strong> us <strong>in</strong> our New Year’s Quiz<br />

Night on 11th January at 7pm upstairs <strong>in</strong> the Hazelwell Pub <strong>in</strong> Stirchley,<br />

Birm<strong>in</strong>gham. Dogs are also welcome. It costs just £4 per person and you<br />

can book tickets by visit<strong>in</strong>g www.ticketsource.co.uk/hall-greengreyhound-trust.<br />

As you’re enjoy<strong>in</strong>g all the festivities, spare a thought for the 40<br />

greyhounds <strong>in</strong> our kennels all wish<strong>in</strong>g for the ultimate Christmas<br />

present… to be loved as someone’s pet. A dog like Jet, who has had<br />

several “almosts” but still waits, and waits, and waits. It’s break<strong>in</strong>g our<br />

hearts see<strong>in</strong>g him passed over time and time aga<strong>in</strong>. Jet is a shy dog who<br />

needs a quiet life <strong>in</strong> the company of another dog to flourish and blossom.<br />

If you have the time and patience to help Jet take a look on our website<br />

to f<strong>in</strong>d out more about him.<br />

May all your Christmases be furry and bright - Merry ‘Woofmas’<br />

everyone!<br />

42


All Creatures<br />

Great and Small!<br />

.............................<br />

Greenark Animal Feeds is a well-established Family run bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

based <strong>in</strong> Rugeley which supplies top-quality big-branded<br />

products to meet all your pet and livestock requirements.<br />

From pets such as cats, dogs, small furries, birds, reptiles and fish to<br />

livestock, poultry, equ<strong>in</strong>e and wildlife – there’s a plethora of feed, bedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and accessories for all your animals and pets.<br />

Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Feature<br />

Greenark also offers Loyalty Cards and Breeders Discount Schemes.<br />

Why not pop <strong>in</strong>to the store and see for yourself what’s on offer?<br />

Greenark is situated 100 yards from Tesco <strong>in</strong> Rugeley, or you can visit the<br />

website at www.greenark.co.uk and order onl<strong>in</strong>e as Greenark offer<br />

nationwide delivery on most of its products. Alternatively, orders can be<br />

emailed to shop@greenark.co.uk.<br />

Greenark specialises <strong>in</strong> the BARF diet and also stocks natural treats<br />

and natural wormers.<br />

Not only does Greenark supply animal pet products but it can also<br />

offer dietary advice by a qualified on-site animal nutritionist to ensure<br />

that your pets nutritional needs are be<strong>in</strong>g met. There’s animal first aid on<br />

hand too plus a weigh<strong>in</strong>g service for your pets and free harness fitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

service so your four-legged friend is as comfortable as can be.<br />

It’s not all about food, there’s a whole host of groom<strong>in</strong>g accessories,<br />

kennel clean<strong>in</strong>g products, toys, bedd<strong>in</strong>g, collars and supplements – an<br />

Aladd<strong>in</strong>’s cave for your pets.<br />

5%<br />

Discount with<br />

this Voucher<br />

Ends the end of January 2022<br />

Greenark Animal Feeds 16 Riverside, Power Station Rd,<br />

Rugeley, WS15 2YR<br />

100 yards from Tesco<br />

43


<strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Camera Club<br />

............................<br />

The second pr<strong>in</strong>t competition of the season aga<strong>in</strong> showed<br />

the talent of photographers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Camera Club with<br />

some stunn<strong>in</strong>gly beautiful images.<br />

1. The Advanced Colour Pr<strong>in</strong>t Competition was won by Anne<br />

Anderson, with a dramatic coastal image with wonderful light, entitled<br />

“Approach<strong>in</strong>g storm.”<br />

2. Other images <strong>in</strong> the advanced competition <strong>in</strong>cluded this lovely,<br />

muted still-life image “Lilies” by Rob Ings.<br />

3. Sue Freeman captured the essence of a w<strong>in</strong>ter’s day with “A Walk <strong>in</strong><br />

W<strong>in</strong>ter.”<br />

4. In contrast the sunsh<strong>in</strong>e of Venice was captured by David Keith Jones<br />

<strong>in</strong> “Venetian Lady.”<br />

5. In the Beg<strong>in</strong>ners/Intermediate Colour Pr<strong>in</strong>t Competition, first prize<br />

went to this delicately, understated still life, “Orchids,” by Ivan Shaw.<br />

6. Other images from this section <strong>in</strong>cluded this beautifully lit landscape<br />

“Journey” by Steffan Chave.<br />

7. Sandra Morgan aga<strong>in</strong> showed her mastery of the still-life genre with<br />

this beautifully balanced composition, with lovely warm colours, “Still<br />

life With Gourd.”<br />

8. And Liz Thomas captured the cold of a w<strong>in</strong>ter’s day with her<br />

atmospheric image “Canal Bridge <strong>in</strong> the Snow.”<br />

9. The Advanced Monochrome Pr<strong>in</strong>t Competition was won by Joe<br />

Anderson with his sensitive, nostalgic portrait “Solitary Sadness.”<br />

10. Other images <strong>in</strong> this section <strong>in</strong>cluded the wonderful lead<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>es<br />

<strong>in</strong> Graham Slight’s landscape, “Carrot Farm<strong>in</strong>g 21st Century.”<br />

11. And “Chasewater Swan” by Dean Borgazzi.<br />

12. Annette Keatley came first <strong>in</strong> the Beg<strong>in</strong>ners Intermediate<br />

Monochrome Pr<strong>in</strong>t Competition with another nostalgic image,<br />

enhanced by a sepia tone and ragged border, “In Years Gone By.”<br />

Other images <strong>in</strong> this section <strong>in</strong>cluded this nicely framed image of the<br />

13. Second Severn Bridge by Steffan Chave <strong>in</strong> “Cross<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />

And 14. Sandra Morgan produced this <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, geometric image by<br />

the seaside “Signs of Movement, Signs of Mak<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6 7<br />

8 9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

1<br />

2<br />

12<br />

14<br />

13<br />

44<br />

3


J HOWELL &<br />

DAUGHTERS<br />

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD<br />

LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT,<br />

FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS.<br />

SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU<br />

AND YOUR FAMILY.<br />

24 hours a day<br />

We are proud to be <strong>Lichfield</strong>'s longest established family run funeral directors offer<strong>in</strong>g a wide range of<br />

choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and<br />

memorials are but a few of the services we offer.<br />

Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.<br />

For a truly personal service please call<br />

01543 255776<br />

Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, Staffs. WS13 6TS<br />

45


The Lost Pubs of <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

The Dolph<strong>in</strong> & The Duke<br />

By Jono Oates<br />

.................................................<br />

Two more of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s lost pubs are featured this month: The Dolph<strong>in</strong> and<br />

The Duke of Cambridge. One is now a well-known fashion shop and the<br />

other is residential accommodation, with a l<strong>in</strong>k to <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s act<strong>in</strong>g heritage.<br />

The Dolph<strong>in</strong> was <strong>in</strong> the centre of <strong>Lichfield</strong>, opposite the Guildhall, and is now the<br />

White Stuff cloth<strong>in</strong>g shop. The first listed landlord of the pub was Henry Genders <strong>in</strong><br />

1818 and <strong>in</strong> 1865 the Dolph<strong>in</strong> played a part <strong>in</strong> a sensational court case that featured <strong>in</strong><br />

all the national newspapers of the day. William Henry Chetwynd, of Longdon Hall, was<br />

taken to the divorce court by his wife, Blanche Chetwynd-Talbot, on the grounds of<br />

cruelty and adultery. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the case William stated that he was not <strong>in</strong> the habit of<br />

dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> public houses, however he agreed he did dr<strong>in</strong>k at the Dolph<strong>in</strong> at <strong>Lichfield</strong>, but<br />

that he was ‘not used to fight<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the street after dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, that he had only punched a<br />

man who had struck him first’, that he had not ‘removed his coat before strik<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

man’, that his wife was not wait<strong>in</strong>g for him outside the Dolph<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a horse and cart and<br />

that he had not called her a ‘st<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g sow’ after leav<strong>in</strong>g the pub. Blanche’s case was<br />

proved and the couple later divorced.<br />

In 1884 the landlady, Mrs Eliza Cashmore, married Alfred George Hogarth, who<br />

became the new licensee. Alfred had spent 10 years as a member of HM Excise at some<br />

of the most important distilleries <strong>in</strong> Ireland and he hoped that experience would<br />

encourage customers to the ‘Old House’ as the Dolph<strong>in</strong> was known. As well as ales and<br />

spirits he was offer<strong>in</strong>g the ‘best-sell<strong>in</strong>g cigars of the f<strong>in</strong>est brands’ and also a ‘few dozen<br />

bottles of rare quality 15-year-old Indian brown sherry’.<br />

The Dolph<strong>in</strong> was <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> yet another court case <strong>in</strong> 1885 after the licensee, William<br />

Page Wood, was declared a bankrupt <strong>in</strong> <strong>December</strong> 1884. His landlords, WA and AW<br />

Smith, who owned a brewery on Beacon Street, immediately sold all of the contents of<br />

the <strong>in</strong>n by auction to clear their debts from Page, but before the Official Receiver had<br />

resolved the outstand<strong>in</strong>g list of creditors and debt. At court Messrs Smith were ordered<br />

to pay £223 costs to the Official Receiver.<br />

The Dolph<strong>in</strong> was demolished <strong>in</strong> 1912 and the build<strong>in</strong>g was rebuilt as the 13th branch<br />

of the Walsall and District Co-operative Society. It later became Burton’s Menswear and<br />

then the White Stuff store.<br />

The Duke of Cambridge was at number 33 Wade Street, and appeared as a pub under<br />

different names, the Tally-Ho and the Fox and Hounds, before becom<strong>in</strong>g the Duke of<br />

Cambridge <strong>in</strong> 1865, under landlord James Clark.<br />

The fledgl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Lichfield</strong> Fire Brigade held their annual d<strong>in</strong>ner at the Duke of Cambridge<br />

<strong>in</strong> January 1894. The Capta<strong>in</strong> of the Brigade, Mr CJ Corrie, expla<strong>in</strong>ed that they<br />

desperately needed a new, powerful, steam fire eng<strong>in</strong>e, some new hos<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>crease the<br />

current stretch of just 500 yards, and a new fire escape (chute) for the officers’ safety.<br />

Corrie was very worried that the Cathedral, and many other of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s old and<br />

historic build<strong>in</strong>gs, could not be saved from a serious fire as the old fire eng<strong>in</strong>e was too<br />

slow and poorly equipped. He said he was grateful for the new metal helmets that they<br />

had just been provided with but some ‘little badges on the front’ would def<strong>in</strong>itely<br />

improve the look of them.<br />

Drunkenness was always an issue at any public house and Arthur Payne was arrested<br />

for be<strong>in</strong>g drunk and disorderly, and us<strong>in</strong>g offensive language, <strong>in</strong> March 1906 after leav<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the Duke of Cambridge with a friend follow<strong>in</strong>g several hours of dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. At the<br />

Magistrates’ Court his friend said that Payne often started to act ‘very queerly after<br />

smok<strong>in</strong>g a packet of Woodb<strong>in</strong>es’, and was subject to ‘fits’, and Payne himself said he<br />

remembered very little about the <strong>in</strong>cident as he had been <strong>in</strong> a ‘mesmerised’ state. The<br />

magistrates f<strong>in</strong>ed him 2 shill<strong>in</strong>gs and sixpence with costs of £1 and 7 shill<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

The pub was demolished <strong>in</strong> the 1970s and where it stood is now assisted liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Duke of Cambridge at<br />

33 Wade Street<br />

Dolp<strong>in</strong> Hotel 1890s landlord<br />

Thomas Bland<br />

Dolph<strong>in</strong> Hotel 1890s<br />

apartments, Sarah Siddons House, named after the<br />

Welsh actress who visited <strong>Lichfield</strong> <strong>in</strong> the 18th century<br />

and was a friend of the <strong>Lichfield</strong> poet, Anna Seward.<br />

More lost pubs of <strong>Lichfield</strong> will be featured <strong>in</strong> the<br />

January edition.<br />

Sources: The British Newspaper Archive’; <strong>Lichfield</strong> Pubs by<br />

Neil Coley, The Old Pubs of <strong>Lichfield</strong> by John Shaw.<br />

46


47


The Month <strong>in</strong><br />

Pictures<br />

We take a look at the events<br />

and activities over the last<br />

month, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you a roundup<br />

of the city <strong>in</strong> pictures...<br />

And the lights are on! Competition w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

throw the switch with help from <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Mayor Robert Yardley. Photos by David Gough<br />

www.davidgoughphotography.com<br />

Lights Switch On w<strong>in</strong>ners Dylan Stansbie and<br />

Lewis Upton with civic dignitaries.<br />

Photos by David Gough<br />

www.davidgoughphotography.com<br />

The Liberty Sh<strong>in</strong>e and Sign choir with the<br />

Town Crier. Photos by David Gough<br />

www.davidgoughphotography.com<br />

The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Rock Choir. Photos by David<br />

Gough www.davidgoughphotography.com<br />

Knight & Doyle <strong>in</strong> the Guildhall for the<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Chamber of Trade &<br />

Commerce annual Christmas Fayre<br />

Director Helen's Birthday Celebration<br />

at Pom's Kitchen!<br />

Laura Hancox <strong>in</strong>terviewed by BBC<br />

Midlands Today reporter Becky Wood<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Lighthouse Company at the<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Christmas Fayre<br />

48<br />

Burntwood Town Councillors at the<br />

Boney Hay Lights Switch On<br />

NMA volunteer Keith at<br />

Remembrance event, <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Speakers' Corner<br />

Images by Jono Oates<br />

www.jonotourism.co.uk<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Rock Choir at the <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Christmas Fayre


<strong>Lichfield</strong> Remembers<br />

........................<br />

Just a handful of<br />

the photographs<br />

taken <strong>in</strong> and<br />

around the area as<br />

people paid their<br />

respects to the<br />

fallen <strong>in</strong><br />

November.<br />

Alrewas War Memorial<br />

Members of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Memory Cafe attend the Armistice<br />

Day service, organised by Rotary St Chad, <strong>in</strong> the Garden of<br />

Remembrance.<br />

Mayor Robert Yardley jo<strong>in</strong>ed John Hemstock and other<br />

members of the <strong>Lichfield</strong> branch of the Royal British Legion<br />

outside the Guildhall to launch the annual Poppy appeal.<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>ce's Park Burntwood<br />

49


The Cathedral<br />

Illum<strong>in</strong>ated<br />

By Jan McFarlane<br />

.........................<br />

It’s beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to look a lot like Christmas at <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral as<br />

preparations get underway for the award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g ‘The Cathedral<br />

Illum<strong>in</strong>ated’ – the ever popular sound and light exhibition by the<br />

creative artistic team Luxmuralis. This year’s theme is The Manger<br />

and the iconic west front of the Cathedral will be the backdrop for<br />

a son-et-lumiere tell<strong>in</strong>g of the Nativity – the story which lies at the<br />

very heart of Christmas. The <strong>in</strong>side of the 900-year-old build<strong>in</strong>g will<br />

be bathed <strong>in</strong> music and light, with images of angels, stars and<br />

sta<strong>in</strong>ed glass, immers<strong>in</strong>g visitors <strong>in</strong> the Christmas story. In addition,<br />

the old Bishop’s Palace will be covered <strong>in</strong> sound and light<br />

projections represent<strong>in</strong>g the popular Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas<br />

Carol’.<br />

Another popular family event is also underway as the Christmas Tree<br />

Festival makes a welcome return to the Cathedral featur<strong>in</strong>g 45<br />

Christmas Trees, decorated and sponsored by bus<strong>in</strong>ess, charities, local<br />

organisations and schools, rang<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>Lichfield</strong> Litter Legends to the<br />

National Memorial Arboretum, and from Pool House Vets to the Plant<br />

Pot Garden Centre. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree<br />

and all proceeds raised will go to the Friends of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral who<br />

work tirelessly to raise money to support the 900-year-old Cathedral<br />

and to preserve it for future generations. The Christmas Tree Festival is<br />

open every day until 2nd January and visitors are asked to check the<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral website for open<strong>in</strong>g times, which will vary from day<br />

to day dur<strong>in</strong>g the very busy lead up to Christmas.<br />

The Cathedral will be offer<strong>in</strong>g a full schedule of Advent and Christmas<br />

services, rang<strong>in</strong>g from popular carols with the Salvation Army Band, to a<br />

Christ<strong>in</strong>gle service to Midnight Mass. Details of all the services are on the<br />

Cathedral website and everyone is welcome to come to celebrate<br />

Christmas with us <strong>in</strong> the place where the people of <strong>Lichfield</strong> and beyond<br />

have rejoiced <strong>in</strong> good news of the birth of Jesus for more than 900 years.<br />

Peter Walker, Artist <strong>in</strong> Residence at <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral and one of the<br />

Luxmuralis team, said: “This is the biggest ‘The Cathedral Illum<strong>in</strong>ated’ that<br />

we have ever produced at <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral. Follow<strong>in</strong>g a difficult couple<br />

of years as we’ve all coped with the pandemic, this year’s illum<strong>in</strong>ations<br />

are designed to convey great enjoyment and celebration, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g to life<br />

the themes of hope and light and joy associated with the Christmas<br />

story.”<br />

The Cathedral Illum<strong>in</strong>ated runs from runs each even<strong>in</strong>g from Thursday<br />

16th to Wednesday 22nd <strong>December</strong> and tickets, which are sell<strong>in</strong>g out<br />

quickly, are available from the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral website.<br />

50<br />

Photography courtesy of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral Photographers


51


What’s On<br />

<strong>December</strong><br />

Festivities at Dr Johnson’s House<br />

Enjoy Samuel Johnson’s historic house<br />

decorated for Christmas on Sunday 5th<br />

<strong>December</strong>.<br />

The house will come alive with enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />

for visitors of all ages, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g free festive<br />

craft activities, a trail, and a charm<strong>in</strong>g<br />

handmade automata display which will imag<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Johnson’s childhood Christmas dreams.<br />

Other local partners will also be jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

with the festivities. The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Lighthouse<br />

Company will be perform<strong>in</strong>g shanties, local<br />

Storyteller Christ<strong>in</strong>e Genders will be tell<strong>in</strong>g<br />

some festive tales and there will be read<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

from the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Poets.<br />

Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy<br />

w<strong>in</strong>tery treats such as mulled w<strong>in</strong>e, m<strong>in</strong>ce pies<br />

and hot chocolate, all <strong>in</strong> the comfort of one of<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>’s most famous landmarks.<br />

Entry is free and the Museum is open from<br />

11am-3:30pm. Please note that events are<br />

subject to change based on Covid-19<br />

restrictions. For more <strong>in</strong>formation, call 01543<br />

264972 or email at sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk.<br />

Tuesday 7th <strong>December</strong><br />

Dress<strong>in</strong>g a Georgian Lady<br />

In these days of casual dress it might be fun to<br />

look at the elaborate, formal dress<strong>in</strong>g<br />

procedure of the ladies of Dr Darw<strong>in</strong>’s day.<br />

Learn about Georgian ladies’ underp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

and see some replicas created by own sew<strong>in</strong>g<br />

group. Includes a glass of mulled w<strong>in</strong>e and<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ce pie.<br />

Time: 7pm<br />

Venue: Erasmus Darw<strong>in</strong> House, Beacon Street<br />

Weds 8th, 15th & 22nd <strong>December</strong><br />

Late Night Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Event<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d a whole host of local producers and<br />

craftspeople and enjoy f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g bespoke gifts for<br />

your loved ones!<br />

Venue: The Deer Park, Maker Lane, Hoar<br />

Cross, DE13 8QR.<br />

52<br />

Friday 10th <strong>December</strong><br />

Florence Night<strong>in</strong>gale<br />

A Reluctant Life <strong>in</strong> Portraits by Natasha<br />

McEnroe.<br />

Time: 7.30pm<br />

Venue: Via Zoom<br />

Price £6<br />

Friday 10th & 17th <strong>December</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>’s Ghostly Christmas Tour<br />

Hear sp<strong>in</strong>e-t<strong>in</strong>gl<strong>in</strong>g gruesome and ghostly tales<br />

with a festive twist.<br />

Time: 7pm<br />

Price: £6<br />

To book pop <strong>in</strong>to the visitor centre at St<br />

Mary’s, call 01543 308924 or email<br />

<strong>in</strong>fo@visitlichfield.com.<br />

Saturday 11th <strong>December</strong><br />

A-Plan Christmas Fayre<br />

Craft fair featur<strong>in</strong>g local retailers and artisans,<br />

with professional s<strong>in</strong>ger and DJ.<br />

Venue: A-Plan Insurance, Bore Street<br />

Time: 10am-4pm<br />

Saturday 11th <strong>December</strong><br />

Dr Darw<strong>in</strong>’s Birthday Bash<br />

To celebrate Erasmus Darw<strong>in</strong>’s Birthday,<br />

Erasmus Darw<strong>in</strong> House will have free entry to<br />

the museum and children’s activities.<br />

Time: 11am-4pm (last entry 3.15pm)<br />

Venue: Erasmus Darw<strong>in</strong> House, Beacon Street<br />

Tuesday 14th <strong>December</strong><br />

Tuesday Morn<strong>in</strong>g Chorus Choir<br />

The choir will be s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a variety of songs and<br />

festive carols to start the Christmas season,<br />

with feel<strong>in</strong>gs of happ<strong>in</strong>ess and joy.<br />

Time: 10am-11.30am<br />

Venue: <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick Theatre<br />

Thursday 16th <strong>December</strong><br />

Three Spires Community Choir<br />

S<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a variety of songs and much-loved<br />

Christmas classics.<br />

Time: 7pm-7.45pm<br />

Venue: Wade Street Church, Frog Lane<br />

Price: Free<br />

Sunday 19th <strong>December</strong><br />

A Christmas Carol<br />

Festive Afternoon Tea with a read<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

Dickens’ favourite ‘A Christmas Carol’ by<br />

Victorian Jono, with presents and games for<br />

the children.<br />

Time: 12pm & 2.30pm<br />

Venue: The Bureau, Market Street<br />

Price: £25 per adult, £12.50 per child<br />

To book, visit The Bureau or call 01543<br />

258246.<br />

Monday 20th <strong>December</strong> & Saturday<br />

8th January<br />

Christmas Party Nights<br />

Celebrate <strong>in</strong> style at one of The George<br />

Hotel’s popular Christmas Party Nights. After<br />

a delicious three course meal with Christmas<br />

crackers there’s a disco so you can dance the<br />

night away!<br />

Venue: The George Hotel, <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Visit www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk to book<br />

onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

Wednesday 22nd <strong>December</strong><br />

Discover Christmas <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> with<br />

Carols<br />

Wrap up warm and br<strong>in</strong>g a torch to hear fun<br />

festive stories and facts and jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> with some<br />

carol s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Time: 3pm<br />

Price: £6<br />

To book pop <strong>in</strong>to the visitor centre at St<br />

Mary’s, call 01543 308924 or email<br />

<strong>in</strong>fo@visitlichfield.com.<br />

Thursday 23rd <strong>December</strong><br />

Christmas Stock<strong>in</strong>g Filler Tour<br />

It <strong>in</strong>cludes fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g stories about the orig<strong>in</strong>s<br />

of Christmas traditions and wish<strong>in</strong>g city<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses a Merry Christmas while collect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

traditional stock<strong>in</strong>g fillers along the way. For<br />

under 12s and their families.<br />

Time: 3pm<br />

Price: £6 each or £16 for a group ticket<br />

To book pop <strong>in</strong>to the visitor centre at St<br />

Mary’s, call 01543 308924 or email<br />

<strong>in</strong>fo@visitlichfield.com.<br />

Friday 24th <strong>December</strong><br />

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas<br />

Jo<strong>in</strong> The Bureau for an enchant<strong>in</strong>g start to<br />

Christmas with Victorian Jono read<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. Hot<br />

chocolate, sweet treats and presents for the<br />

children <strong>in</strong>cluded!<br />

Time: 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm<br />

Venue: The Bureau, Market Street<br />

Price: £10per adult, children £5pp<br />

To book, visit The Bureau or call 01543<br />

258246.<br />

Friday 31st <strong>December</strong><br />

New Year’s Eve Tour<br />

Discover <strong>Lichfield</strong> on the New Year’s Eve tour<br />

to top off the festive themed series.<br />

Time: 3pm<br />

To book pop <strong>in</strong>to the visitor centre at St<br />

Mary’s, call 01543 308924 or email<br />

<strong>in</strong>fo@visitlichfield.com.


53


Light<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Up the City<br />

............................<br />

Em<strong>in</strong>ent Lichfeldian and renowned artist, Peter Walker, has<br />

been Artistic Director at <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral for the last six<br />

years. As this role draws to a close this month, we speak to<br />

Peter about his career, the <strong>in</strong>spirations beh<strong>in</strong>d his work, and<br />

highlights of his time with the Cathedral.<br />

Peter, before we talk about your art, tell me where it<br />

all began. Are you a local man?<br />

I was born at the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Victoria Hospital and grew up <strong>in</strong> Burntwood, so<br />

yes I’m very much from the local area.<br />

What made you want to become an artist/sculptor?<br />

It was around the age of 14 that I discovered a love of the arts <strong>in</strong> general,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g poetry and literature. At 21 I took a course <strong>in</strong> sculpture and found<br />

a real passion for it as it was a way for me to express myself - I gradually<br />

moved across <strong>in</strong>to other art forms from that. I’ve now spent 27 years as a fulltime<br />

sculptor.<br />

So, you were very much self-taught?<br />

Very much so. I learnt from go<strong>in</strong>g to museums and galleries and see<strong>in</strong>g what<br />

In the Image and Likeness by Peter Walker Sculptor<br />

other artists had produced.<br />

What are your <strong>in</strong>spirations for your work? Are there any artists or sculptors<br />

you base your ideas on?<br />

To be completely honest, I don’t really follow artists as such. Obviously, you’ve<br />

got your modern masters such as Cezanne and Rod<strong>in</strong> which I admire, but I<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d that try<strong>in</strong>g to be <strong>in</strong>spired by other artists can often pollute your own art.<br />

You need to f<strong>in</strong>d your own style and that’s really what I have done and what<br />

I tell young artists who are just start<strong>in</strong>g out.<br />

Tell me more about your collaboration with <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Cathedral.<br />

Obviously grow<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> the area there was th<strong>in</strong>gs happen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the art<br />

scene that I was aware of, but it wasn’t until 2005 that I really started do<strong>in</strong>g<br />

projects <strong>in</strong> the City. I got <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the Samuel Johnson project and 52 Weeks<br />

of Art, then <strong>in</strong> 2014 I got chatt<strong>in</strong>g to Reverend Adrian Dorber who wanted a<br />

statue of St Chad commission<strong>in</strong>g and it started from there really.<br />

And what about Luxmuralis, how did that come about?<br />

Luxmuralis is all about see<strong>in</strong>g light as a sculptural form, <strong>in</strong> fact the name<br />

means ‘light murals.’ It basically consists of 20-30 mov<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs that are<br />

projected onto the façade of the Cathedral, as well as <strong>in</strong>doors too. Set to<br />

music, which is provided by composer David Harper, it’s a great way of tell<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a narrative rather than simply hav<strong>in</strong>g a collection of hang<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

The po<strong>in</strong>t of Luxmuralis was to take art to unusual places and to make it<br />

accessible as possible for everyone, without break<strong>in</strong>g the bank.<br />

And it’s not just <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral that you have<br />

exhibited at, is it? I understand you’ve taken Luxmuralis<br />

to other places too?<br />

54


Yes we’ve toured with it quite a lot. We’re currently <strong>in</strong> Carlisle at the<br />

moment, but we’ve been to Limburg, which was truly beautiful. As well as St<br />

Paul’s Cathedral, Chatsworth House, Westm<strong>in</strong>ster Abbey and Salisbury<br />

Cathedral.<br />

As your role as Artistic Director comes to an end with<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral, do you have any particular highlights<br />

from your time that you could share with us?<br />

There have been so many! The role of Artistic Director was always for a set<br />

period of time and, dur<strong>in</strong>g that time it was always my aim to provide art for<br />

the people <strong>in</strong> the City and I th<strong>in</strong>k I’ve achieved that. The Luxmuralis projects<br />

alone have seen visitors <strong>in</strong> excess of 600,000, which is just fantastic!<br />

Someth<strong>in</strong>g we’re particularly proud of is the work we’ve done with local<br />

schoolchildren. We got more than 150,000 children <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs such as<br />

the Imag<strong>in</strong>e Peace project where they created paper doves and had their<br />

work displayed <strong>in</strong> the Cathedral. It’s so great to get children excited about art.<br />

And, of course, there’s the creation of the statue of St Chad, and the Peace<br />

Woodland project too!<br />

There are some truly great legacies to be leav<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d!<br />

To f<strong>in</strong>d out more about Peter Walker and his art, visit<br />

www.peterwalkersculptor.com or<br />

www.projectionartgallery.com.<br />

Space - <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral Luxmuralis<br />

Peace Doves <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral Peter Walker Sculptor<br />

Peter Walker Sculptor mak<strong>in</strong>g St Chad statue<br />

Peter Walker Sculptor St Chad Unveil<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral<br />

55


Cop<strong>in</strong>g with Grief<br />

at Christmas<br />

By Jo Walker of Cannock Chase Crematorium<br />

...........................................<br />

Whether it's your first Christmas s<strong>in</strong>ce los<strong>in</strong>g a loved<br />

one, or you lost someone many years ago, Christmas<br />

can be a particularly pa<strong>in</strong>ful time.<br />

At Cannock Chase Crematorium, we understand that the thought of<br />

fac<strong>in</strong>g Christmas whilst griev<strong>in</strong>g can be daunt<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

It is important to look after yourself and work out the best ways to<br />

cope throughout the season. Here are some tips to help you.<br />

It is OK if you don’t want to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the run up to Christmas.<br />

If you don’t want to put decorations up, then don’t. Leave the box <strong>in</strong><br />

the loft for next year or whenever you feel more like enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

festivities. Don’t do th<strong>in</strong>gs because you always have, allow this<br />

Christmas to be different.<br />

Start a ‘thankfulness diary’.<br />

Look for small moments to be thankful for every day, try to recall at<br />

least three and write them <strong>in</strong> your diary. It may be receiv<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

Christmas card from an old friend or see<strong>in</strong>g a beautiful sunrise on a<br />

frosty day. These t<strong>in</strong>y ch<strong>in</strong>ks added together will beg<strong>in</strong> to br<strong>in</strong>g light<br />

<strong>in</strong>to your life.<br />

Keep Christmas ‘normal’ for children.<br />

If you have children and want to keep Christmas as ‘normal’ for them<br />

as possible, ask for help. Let other people take them out for Santa visits<br />

and snowy walks. Family and friends will love spend<strong>in</strong>g time with your<br />

children. You don’t have to be the superhero parent.<br />

Try to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a rout<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

The Christmas period may disrupt your normal rout<strong>in</strong>e, and this can<br />

make it harder to look after yourself. Keep<strong>in</strong>g regular patterns of<br />

sleep<strong>in</strong>g and eat<strong>in</strong>g where possible can make a difference. See<strong>in</strong>g<br />

friends and family or volunteer<strong>in</strong>g for the day are all small th<strong>in</strong>gs that<br />

can help.<br />

Take a break from Christmas films, TV and social<br />

media.<br />

It can be tough when you are surrounded by happy images of families<br />

celebrat<strong>in</strong>g. If it is gett<strong>in</strong>g too much, consider tak<strong>in</strong>g a break from TV<br />

and social media and gett<strong>in</strong>g some fresh air <strong>in</strong>stead.<br />

Th<strong>in</strong>k of chang<strong>in</strong>g the way you ‘celebrate’.<br />

You may not feel the need to celebrate Christmas at all, or you might<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d stick<strong>in</strong>g to at least some of your normal Christmas traditions is<br />

the best way to support your family and pay tribute to the person who<br />

died. Plan ahead with those you would usually spend Christmas day<br />

with. Let them know how you want to spend the day. Th<strong>in</strong>k of add<strong>in</strong>g<br />

new traditions, it maybe you want to <strong>in</strong>clude their favourite food <strong>in</strong> the<br />

menu, raise a toast to them or light a candle for them. If you have that<br />

conversation ahead of time it will save any awkwardness on the day.<br />

Don’t feel guilty when you enjoy yourself.<br />

There will be moments <strong>in</strong> the run up to Christmas when you enjoy<br />

yourself for a moment or two. It doesn’t mean you have stopped<br />

remember<strong>in</strong>g or lov<strong>in</strong>g. You can have moments of pleasure, you<br />

deserve them. Don’t allow guilt to spoil them.<br />

Start new traditions that <strong>in</strong>corporate the memory of your loved<br />

one.<br />

Purchase a tree ornament <strong>in</strong> their memory, frame your favourite<br />

photo <strong>in</strong> a beautiful frame, visit a place they loved <strong>in</strong> their honour. Br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the good memories of them <strong>in</strong>to your Christmas.<br />

When people say the wrong th<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Give family and friends some leeway if they say the ‘wrong’ th<strong>in</strong>g. You<br />

may be surrounded by friends and family who don’t know the right<br />

th<strong>in</strong>g to say. Some may say th<strong>in</strong>gs which are <strong>in</strong>advertently hurtful. Try<br />

to avoid be<strong>in</strong>g overly sensitive, they have the best <strong>in</strong>tentions, they love<br />

you. Don’t let anger build up. Help them understand why certa<strong>in</strong><br />

phrases may upset you.<br />

Christmas Day. This is your day.<br />

Even if you don’t feel up to it, get up, get dressed, get some fresh air,<br />

be around people who care about you. Light a Christmas candle and<br />

let the light of your loved one sh<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

Today is only 24 hours, like any other day. You will make it through.<br />

You may even manage to say, ‘that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would<br />

be.’<br />

If you would feel more comfortable to share your grief with<br />

someone outside your family, there are people who will listen.<br />

Talk to someone.<br />

If you’re struggl<strong>in</strong>g to deal with grief over Christmas, you can call the<br />

Cruse Bereavement Support National Helpl<strong>in</strong>e on 0808 808 1677, see<br />

here for open<strong>in</strong>g hours. Or you can message a tra<strong>in</strong>ed grief counsellor<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g our CruseChat service 9am-9pm Monday to Friday.<br />

Seek out others with shared experiences.<br />

St Giles Hospice and Cruse Bereavement Care work together on a<br />

project host<strong>in</strong>g local Bereavement Help Po<strong>in</strong>ts, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g ones <strong>in</strong><br />

Burntwood and Rugeley, offer<strong>in</strong>g a supportive environment where you<br />

will meet other people who have had a significant loss, with tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

support volunteers on hand to listen. Visit<br />

www.stgileshospice.com/bereavement-support.<br />

56


Nurse’s Tenth<br />

Christmas of<br />

Care<br />

........................<br />

Anurse is<br />

prepar<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

spend her<br />

tenth Christmas<br />

period <strong>in</strong> a row<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g after<br />

patients at St Giles<br />

Hospice.<br />

Keeley Sherw<strong>in</strong>,<br />

aged 28, works as a<br />

nurse on the <strong>in</strong>patient<br />

St Giles Hospice nurse<br />

Keeley Sherw<strong>in</strong><br />

unit at St Giles <strong>in</strong> Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton, car<strong>in</strong>g for local people and<br />

their families liv<strong>in</strong>g with a term<strong>in</strong>al illness. This year she has<br />

taken on a starr<strong>in</strong>g role as the face of the hospice’s<br />

Christmas Appeal.<br />

Each Christmas for the last n<strong>in</strong>e years Keeley has looked<br />

after patients on either Christmas Day or Box<strong>in</strong>g Day – as<br />

well as many Christmas Eves – and admits that she<br />

wouldn’t have it any other way.<br />

57


To Advertise call:-<br />

Steve Brown 07740 166497<br />

stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com<br />

Rebecca Hill 07970 513144<br />

rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

Michele Phillips 07919 896575<br />

michelecitylife@gmail.com<br />

Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions<br />

1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which <strong>in</strong> turn adheres to<br />

GDPR Data Protection legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

2.By enter<strong>in</strong>g the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and conditions stated.<br />

3.The clos<strong>in</strong>g date is stated on each <strong>in</strong>dividual prize draw or competition.<br />

4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd <strong>in</strong> accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be<br />

held only until the clos<strong>in</strong>g date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely destroyed/deleted.<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ners’ contact details will be securely stored only until the w<strong>in</strong>ner has been <strong>in</strong>formed of their w<strong>in</strong>/prize. After this details<br />

will be securely deleted/destroyed.<br />

5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception to this is the name (and if the prize is to<br />

be posted) address of Competition/Prize Draw w<strong>in</strong>ners that will be communicated to the competition partner to allow<br />

w<strong>in</strong>ners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will be securely destroyed. The <strong>in</strong>itial and surname of w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

will be pr<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> our magaz<strong>in</strong>es – no other details will be published.<br />

6.By enter<strong>in</strong>g the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd us<strong>in</strong>g or publish<strong>in</strong>g materials provided<br />

by the entrants (but not address or contact details apart from <strong>in</strong>itial and surname) <strong>in</strong> any of their publications and onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

7.<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright or breach of any other legislation entailed<br />

by entrants <strong>in</strong> their creation or submission of materials.<br />

8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader.<br />

9.Except <strong>in</strong> the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the prize is non-transferable.<br />

10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions.<br />

11.No purchase necessary.<br />

12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years or over (unless otherwise stated).<br />

13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of <strong>in</strong>dividual associated with any employee,<br />

agent or third party of <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd.<br />

58<br />

14.W<strong>in</strong>ners will be selected at random <strong>in</strong> the case of applicable prize draws and competitions, or by an <strong>in</strong>dependent<br />

judge <strong>in</strong> the case of photographic/art competitions from all entries received.<br />

15.W<strong>in</strong>ners will be notified by <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> up to 28 days after the clos<strong>in</strong>g date of the competition/prize draw by the<br />

contact details provided by the entrant. W<strong>in</strong>ners have 28 days to respond if contact cannot be made <strong>in</strong>itially. If no<br />

response is forthcom<strong>in</strong>g after 28 days, <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> reserves the right to redraw the competition and select a new<br />

w<strong>in</strong>ner.<br />

16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the w<strong>in</strong>ners will be available by writ<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd no<br />

earlier than six weeks after the competition clos<strong>in</strong>g date.<br />

17.When the prize draw/competition w<strong>in</strong>ner has been selected, this decision is f<strong>in</strong>al and no correspondence will be<br />

entered <strong>in</strong>to.<br />

18.<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize be<strong>in</strong>g lost, damaged or delayed <strong>in</strong> transit. When the prize<br />

is provided by a third party, <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the quality<br />

of the prize provided.<br />

19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time.<br />

20.By enter<strong>in</strong>g the competition or prize draw, you agree to hav<strong>in</strong>g your name, (photograph, where stated) and city or<br />

county of residence published <strong>in</strong> any of <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s publications and onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box 7126, <strong>Lichfield</strong>, WS14 4JS.<br />

22. <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any competition prize, <strong>in</strong>formation, service or<br />

product provided <strong>in</strong> connection with a competition by pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g or otherwise publicis<strong>in</strong>g any competition.<br />

23.To the full extent of the law, <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd shall not be liable for any loss, claim, punitive, <strong>in</strong>direct, <strong>in</strong>cidental or<br />

consequential damages of any k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>curred as a result of enter<strong>in</strong>g this prize draw or competition.<br />

24.By submitt<strong>in</strong>g photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw entries you agree that you own these photos<br />

text or artworks, that it is your orig<strong>in</strong>al work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is accurate, moral<br />

and legal.


59

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