Citylife in Lichfield July 2016 by Citylife In Lichfield

Welcome to CITYLIFE

Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories. Each month CITYLIFE in Lichfield is delivered to 18,000 businesses and homes in Lichfield, Kings Bromley, Fradley, Alrewas, Whittington, Stonnall, Shenstone, Little Aston, Hammerwich, Burntwood and Longdon, completely free of charge; bringing you the best that the city has to offer. Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the latest in fashion and style. Got a story or charity event you want to share with our readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you! Our business is bringing you Lichfield’s city life.

JULY 2016

In This Issue

6 Win Afternoon Tea for Two At Netherstowe House Hotel.

20 Looking for Lichfield’s Cutest Pet Congratulations to Our Cutie of the Month! 24 A Legend Comes to Town Sir Tom Jones OBE wows Lichfield.

30 A Window on the Past A stroll down old Bird Street. 32 Light and Colour BeautifuI Interiors in 2016. 30

Issue 5 July 2016 Cover by Joss Musgrove Knibb

CITYLIFE CONTACTS Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com

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Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 pebblesdesignagency@hotmail.co.uk Citylife In Lichfield Ltd PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS CITYLIFE in Lichfield magazine is not connected to any other publication or publisher, and is wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd. Citylife In Lichfield

32 24

Win Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House Hotel

e are delighted to be able to offer our readers the chance to win a Traditional Afternoon Tea at the exquisite Netherstowe House Hotel. This award winning, Grade II listed venue offers everything from fine dining to bistro gastronomy, and their scrumptious Afternoon Teas are just the right combination of elegance and laidback informality. The Hotel has welcomed many VIPs through their doors, including Hollywood stars Idris Elba, Sir Roger Moore and Helen Baxindale and much loved celebrities Barry Norman CBE and Claire Sweeney. Netherstowe House Hotel has twice been voted ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in the Taste of Staffordshire Awards, and holds a coveted AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence and Michelin Guide recommendation. Netherstowe House

Hotel is a wonderful venue for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and events, but also offers intimate and relaxed dining in a truly beautiful setting. With attentive and friendly staff, and a boutique ‘Country House’ feel, Netherstowe House is the perfect mix of contemporary luxury and old world ‘Downton Abbey’ elegance.

Afternoon Tea

Traditional Afternoon Tea - £19.95 per person. Traditional Afternoon Tea with a flute of Champagne - £30.45 per person. Afternoon Tea is available every day from 1pm until 5pm (last serving at 3pm). Fancy an extra special get-together with the girls? Ladies Day is every Wednesday when Afternoon Tea served with a Bucks Fizz aperitif is just £19.95.

To win Traditional Afternoon Tea for two, just unscramble the anagram below, and rearrange the letters to find a sweet treat with a connection to our Queen's great-great-grandmother.

oceanrigspivot

________ ______

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to ‘Netherstowe House Hotel Competition’* at josscitylife@gmail.com or by post to Citylife In Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Monday 25th July 2016. One entry per household, multiple entries will be excluded. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. *Netherstowe House Hotel will contact the winner to arrange their prize, and may contact entrants with information, offers and news. Congratulations to Sara Allen of Tudor Close, Lichfield, who gave the correct answer of 'Earl Grey Tea' and solved the anagram in the June issue.

Second Time Around Recent statistics show that 34% of marriages involve at least one person who has been married before. Of those, around one in three will end in divorce. Couples marrying for the second time Lee Trubshaw, Partner Bradin Trubshaw & are likely to have more complex personal Kirwan LLP based on Beacon Street, Lichfield and financial circumstances than first time brides and grooms. Here Lee Trubshaw, Partner at solicitors Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP highlights points to consider when tying the knot for a second time: A second marriage is often more complicated than the first – one or both parties may have suffered financially from a first divorce and consequently wish to protect acquired assets or business interests in the event of subsequent divorce. Often too there are children from previous relationships so spouses may feel torn between dividing their estate between their new partner and children from a first marriage. Second marriages create tough choices, which is why careful thought and planning is essential.

Pre-nuptial Agreements Legally, once married, a couple’s assets become matrimonial assets and, unless protected, form a single financial pot. A pre-nuptial agreement (pre-nup) is an arrangement entered into before a couple gets married and is designed to determine what should happen if the marriage breaks down. It helps identify what each person brings to the relationship – assets, inheritance, property, debts, income, settlement from a first marriage – and how they should be split in the event of divorce. It can assist in protecting money or property for children from a previous relationship. Although not legally binding, properly drafted by a family solicitor a pre-nup can provide evidence to a court that a couple agreed before they married how to divide their property and assets. It is crucial however that both parties take independent advice and that a full exchange of financial disclosure takes place. It is also unwise to rush into any agreement as it may be deemed by the courts that one party was under pressure, which may mean the agreement will not be enforced by the court.

Update Your Will By remarrying any existing Will is automatically revoked or invalidated. Which means that until a new one is made, the rules of intestacy come into force and the deceased person’s estate is treated as if they had no Will at all. Under the Inheritance and Trustees Powers Act 2014 (ITPA 2014) if a person without any children dies, then the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate outright. But if the deceased leaves children the estate has to be shared between the surviving spouse and the children. Since October 2014 the surviving spouse takes the first £250,000 but the abolition of ‘life interest’ means they now inherit one half of the residue as capital, with any children sharing the remaining half once they reach the age of 18. In addition, the half of the residual estate that passes to the remaining partner does not automatically pass to the other’s children on their death as it is considered their property. So what this signifies is that all assets passing outright to a spouse could ultimately pass to other beneficiaries such as their children from a previous relationship, effectively disinheriting the deceased person’s children. Many people who marry for a second time find that a good solution is to create a ‘life interest trust’ in their Will which allows the second spouse the use of the deceased’s spouse’s assets during their lifetime but with the assurance that upon the second death the deceased spouse’s children will receive their parents’ assets. If the marital home is jointly owned, it is worth considering becoming ‘tenants in common’ which means that each person can deal with their respective share in their Will.

Pensions Older couples who remarry are likely to be concerned about the distribution of pension benefits on a second divorce. This is a very complex area so it is wise to seek legal advice from a specialist family solicitor.

For advice on family and other legal matters contact Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP on 01543 421840 for a consultation or email ljt@btksolicitors.com

Picture shows Poppy Mae Ingleby (6) with Tim Ford - Artistic Director of the Lichfield Garrick plus Brian Carruthers - MD of Tempest Ford alongside members of the Tempest Ford and Lichfield Garrick team.

Tempest Ford sponsors Sleeping Beauty

or the 3rd consecutive year Tempest Ford are sponsoring the Christmas Pantomime at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. This year the Garrick presents - Sleeping Beauty, their most spectacular pantomime ever! Starring Rebecca Keatley and Sam Rabone, tickets are on sale now from the Lichfield Garrick Box Office on 01543 412121 or via www.lichfieldgarrick.com. It is also the 3rd year of Tempest Ford’s famous pantomime themed cars! Brian Carruthers, Managing Director of Tempest Ford commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the pantomime for the third year running and are looking forward to the wonderful programme put together by Tim Ford, Artistic Director at the Garrick Theatre.”

Michael’s Menswear Prize Draw!

Image By Rob Ings

ecently Mr Michael of Michael’s Menswear was joined by the Mayor of Lichfield Cllr Mrs Sheelagh James and Neil Simpson, Area Manager of Viyella to draw the names of the 30 lucky winners in the Viyella sock competition. Each winner won a pair of Viyella Softouch No-Elastic Cotton Rich Seam Free Socks, and the first name drawn (Neil Martin of Burntwood) also won a bottle of Graham Beck Brut.

Competition Winners in June Arthur Price Father's Day Competition

Congratulations to Christine Mitchell of Lichfield, Diana Riley of Coleshill, John Allen of Lichfield, Burness Lovegrove and Lesley Burton of Little Aston - all winners of a 6 piece Acrylic Knife Block Set plus Cheese Board and 3 Cheese Knives.

BBC Good Food Show Competition

Congratulations to Emma Paxton of Four Oaks who won 2 tickets to the BBC Good Food Show.

Saxon Hill

Sleepover Club

Saxon Hill Academy is a special school in Lichfield for children and young people aged between 2 and 19 who have physical disabilities and complex medical needs. Some pupils access the school’s residential, short break provision known as ‘Sleepover Club’ and currently each week 30 young people have an overnight stay, and a further 12 access an extended day. he staff team is experienced and extremely dedicated to enabling each child to realise their full potential within a homely setting, and work with the young people to develop independence, daily living skills and confidence through activities which are delivered in a way that is sensitive to each individual. Sleepover Club is very popular with families as it provides an opportunity for their children to have social time with their peers and to ‘sleep over’ with friends as their siblings may do. This is not always possible out of school due to the complexity of their needs. Sleepover Club’s work with the family is equally as important, as the one night that young people stay over, enables parents to ‘recharge their batteries’ or to spend quality time together or with their other children. Knowing that their child will be safely looked after for one night a week gives the family something to

look forward to. Due to the high dependency of the young people, most of the school budget goes on staffing and they have to source other funds and raise money for any other essentials or extras. Saxon Hill are very proud of Sleepover Club but the environment is becoming ‘tired’ and shabby in places and in need of some T.L.C. They would like to redecorate, to provide a new lounge carpet and to decorate the children’s bedrooms and bathroom area, and if they can raise enough money, to decorate the lounge. Kim Tomas, Head of Care at Saxon Hill Sleepover Club commented: “We are indebted to Paul and Jeannette Vickers who have chosen us to be the recipients of funds raised through their Charity Golf Day this year; to be held on Sunday 3rd July 2016. As part of those fund raising efforts; we recently hosted a coffee morning at Sleepover Club and were amazed to

raise in excess of £800. We are very grateful to Gloria Day and her friends who supported us during the event serving the drinks and cakes and also selling some wonderful cakes that had been made for us. We held a raffle and our visitors were entertained by some of the pupils who performed signed singing; doing sign language to popular songs. Their audience was very moved by the performance and a good time was had by all. It was lovely for the children to be involved in the wider community and they are now looking forward to another performance at the Golf Day presentation. “The children are proud of their environment and treat it with respect. We hope that we can raise enough money to fulfil our wishes and provide for the children what they deserve. If anyone feels able to support our cause, they may do so via Paul Vickers’ Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Charit y-Golf-Day-2016 “

Weber Experts Show Tippers Customers How to BBQ Like A Pro

hat’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever cooked on a barbecue? I think most of us will admit that our barbecue repertoire is limited to a few burgers and sausages! But on Saturday 11th June the experts from Weber treated customers at Tippers in Lichfield to deliciously roasted beer can chicken, stout chilli con carne and even chocolate brownies! The sky was full of grey clouds, but customers turned out in full force to enjoy the demonstration and sample the delicious food! Hot dogs lightly smoked in the Weber Smokey Mountain were passed around while Paul and Chris from Weber demonstrated the sheer versatility of these barbecues. The biggest hit of the day had to be the sweet pizzas topped with maple syrup, banana and Curly Wurlys! Tippers invited Weber to demonstrate at the store because they really believe that they are not only some of the best barbecues on the market right now, but also the best value for money. Weber barbecues can be left outside in all weathers for 10 years without the faintest hint of rust. Plus, it is only Weber that offers the unique Gourmet Barbecue System. This is a special grate which allows you to lift out the middle section and place a wide range of accessories into the space, including sear grates, griddles, woks, pizza stones, Dutch ovens, poultry roasters and even a waffle iron! Tippers also ran a competition for one customer to win a brand new Weber Master-Touch charcoal barbecue. The lucky winner was Mrs E Hopkins from Lichfield. To view the full range of Weber barbecues available from Tippers, pop in to their Lichfield branch or buy online at PavingPlace.co.uk, where you can currently get 20% off all Weber accessories when you buy any Weber barbecue. Recipes from the day can be found on Weber’s website weberbbq.co.uk.

The history behind Lichfield and Hatherton Canal

The spirit of the 18th Century was recreated at Speakers Corner in Lichfield on Saturday June 4 in a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Brindley. taffordshire-born Brindley, one of the most prestigious engineers of his day, had a vision of a Lichfield canal from Minster Pool into the River Trent which would have made the city the hub of a national transport network. His project got as far as surveying the route, estimating the costs and issuing a notice in December 1759 proposing to apply for an Act of Parliament to give assent for the canal, but lack of backing led to the abandonment of the section of the canal into Minster Pool. Volunteers of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, dressed in period costume, accompanied an oration at Minster Pool’s Speakers Corner, by Peter Buck, the Trust’s Engineering Director. Peter gave a flavour of the times, including the inaugural meeting of Erasmus Darwin and the Lunar Society, the first ‘scientists’ of the modern era, in 1766, and explained how Brindley developed his vision for an extensive canal network across the nation, and how others took up the baton in building and improving canals; in 1797 the Wyrley & Essington Canal extension from Brownhills to Huddlesford opened, allowing the transport of coal, grain for brewing, manure for fertiliser

and lime for mortar. Peter related how in 1803 Lichfield Cathedral’s famous Herkenrode glass windows, sourced from Herkenrode Abbey in Flanders, were shipped up the new canal to be offloaded at Gallows Wharf and loaded on to carts for the final leg to the Cathedral. Gallows Wharf was also the site of the execution by hanging of three men accused of forging bank notes in 1810. The W&E Canal continued to serve Lichfield well up to the Second World War when pressures from rail and road transport resulted in a decline in the commercial use of canals. 1954 saw the abandonment of the W&E but 30 years later, as canals were being increasingly used for pleasure, thoughts turned to restoring the Lichfield and Hatherton canals and the LHCRT was formed in 1986. The Trust has overcome many obstacles since then, including the building of the M6 Toll Road which required the construction of an aqueduct over the motorway, but the dogged work of the volunteers is bringing closer the day when narrowboats will again travel from Ogley Junction to Huddlesford.

Sky Dive for Charity

n the 16th July, local businessman Craig Webb is making a Sky Dive from 14,000 ft to raise money for charity. His good friend Colin Seeley lost his wife Joan to cancer over 30 years ago, and since then every year Colin has supported a different cause to help those with cancer. This year it's for the Rainbows Hospice that cares for children with cancer. Craig, of Lichfield Windows, is raising money for the Joan Seeley Pain Relief Memorial Trust, and would be grateful for sponsorship/donations. You can ring him on 07834 542761, or e-mail enquiries@lichfieldwindows.com. All proceeds go to charity.

Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Winner of The Lichfield Prize announced

he Lichfield Prize annual visual arts competition, organised by Emporium in association with Lichfield Festival is now in its third successful year. Artists were invited to creatively interpret the theme of Shadow and the quality and diversity of the work submitted from artists

Vapour countrywide was truly outstanding. The overall winner Anthony Birchwood was awarded his prize at the launch of the Lichfield Festival at the Cathedral. He received a cash prize of ÂŁ500 generously sponsored by TinyCOW plus a solo gallery exhibition at Emporium. The Winning Entry and Finalists headline the Shadow Exhibition in the Cathedral and the exhibition continues at Emporium with Selected works. Anthony Birchwood

Heart of England in Bloom

ichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce are again entering the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

City centre businesses have been encouraged to brighten up their premises for the Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visit on 20th July by sprucing up their frontages, making sure they are clean and tidy and adding hanging baskets. So far more than 150 baskets have been supplied by the Chamber and by The Plant Plot garden centre.

Chamber President, Richard Lewis said, "This is the 5th year we have entered and we are hopeful that the judges will be impressed with the hard work put in by businesses and the District and City Council parks teams and award us a Gold award to go with the four Silver/Gilt awards previously achieved"

There are a number of Community projects included in the judges route too, taking in visits to two schools, the Beacon Park Retirement Village and the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Trust. Two residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gardens will also be viewed and allotments are included too.

The Judges will tour the city on the morning of the 20th July.

Top tips for separating couples A separation or breakdown of a marriage can be extremely upsetting and stressful, and is a difficult process for anyone to have to go through. There are many factors that must be considered and negotiated, such as child arrangements and financial agreements. Cheryl Haywood, family law solicitor at Ansons Solicitors gives her top tips to help make your separation as painless as possible.

Communication is key Try and speak to you partner, face-to-face if possible. Keeping lines of communication open may help to keep the costs down in the long term. However we strongly advise you to take legal advice before agreeing to any financial settlement. Keep the children out of it If you have children then it is important that you do not get them involved in adult issues. Try not to make any derogatory comments about your partner in front of the children and definitely do not ask them to pick sides.

Think before you act When emotions are running high, it can be easy for arguments to get out of hand. It is important to think before doing or saying anything drastic. We suggest that you always obtain legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that what you are about to do is legally sound. Draw a line in the sand This may be difficult to do at first, but it is important to try and forget whatever has been said or done previously if you are going to move forward with your separate lives. Rather than blaming each other for their part in the separation, you need to focus on resolving matters as quickly and amicably as possible.

Consider a collaborative approach If you want to resolve child arrangements or financial matters amicably, without the need for long and expensive court proceedings, then consider using a collaborative approach to your separation. Under this process, each person appoints their own collaboratively trained lawyer. You and your respective lawyers meet together to work things out face-to-face. All Ansons family solicitors are members of Resolution and trained collaborative lawyers. We are committed to achieving constructive solutions to family problems. If you are going through a separation, contact Cheryl Haywood on 01543 466 660 or email chaywood@ansonssolicitors.com.

This article is for general information purposes only. Readers should take legal advice on their own particular circumstances.

inshill Water Tower in Burton (also known as Waterloo Tower as it stands in front of woodland planted in 1815 to commemorate the battle), was built by the South Staffordshire Water Company in 1907 to improve water pressure in the area. Since the 1990s the 50,000 gallon capacity tank has been empty and the tower’s only practical purpose has been to host communications aerials and masts on its summit. It’s a much loved Burton landmark though, supposedly visible from wherever you are in the town.

Not All About that Bass By Kate Gomez

One day last August I had an appointment in Burton upon Trent, and as we were in the area, decided to make an afternoon of it and explore some of the town’s famous brewing history. However, it seemed unfair on my ‘designated driver’ to make him explore the brewing industry without him being able to sample a drop of ale, so instead we based our trip around the history of Burton’s drinking water. Whilst doing a bit of research for this, I found a great Lichfield story. 16

Over a century ago during Burton Helene Dutrieu, pioneering Aviation Week (held from 26th aviator and much, much more. September to 1st October 1910) flags were flown from Winshill Water Tower (left) to signal to the crowds gathered on Bass Meadows whether flights had been suspended due to wind or whether another flight was imminent. One of the seven pilots taking part in this event was Helene Dutrieu. Helene was a racing and stunt cyclist, a racing car driver and a pioneering aviator. During the First World War she became an ambulance driver and the director of a military hospital and later become a journalist. Due to high winds, nothing much happened on the first day of the show. On day two however, things got very exciting, and not just for people gathered on Bass Meadows. News had reached Lichfield that some of the pilots would be flying around the Cathedral in an attempt to win a cup offered by the Marquis of Anglesey to the pilot who completed the fastest Burton to Lichfield round trip. Large crowds assembled around Minster and Stowe Pools; in the Cathedral Close (it was even reported that there were people up the central spire) and on the Burton Road. At quarter past five in the afternoon, Julien Mamet whirred into sight on his Bleuriot plane, swept around the north side of the Cathedral, flew south over Christ Church and the Bowling Green and headed back for Burton where he arrived fourteen minutes later. There was a lot of cheering and waving of hats and hankies (what would we wave nowadays? Nothing probably, we’d be too busy trying to record it on our phones). An hour later, a shout went up as another Bleuriot, this time piloted by Paul de Lesseps, was spotted. The Lichfield Mercury reported that although De Lesseps lost his bearings by following the wrong train line somewhere around Wychnor Junction, he managed to find them again, approaching the city from the South and flying parallel to Bird Street above the heads of the crowd. By this time it was dusk and De Lesseps, deciding he would be unable to reach Burton before dark, landed his aircraft in a field belonging to Grange Farm on Wheel Lane (Lichfield), clipping the tail on a fence (it was later reported that De Lesseps had only narrowly missed the roof of the farmhouse). As darkness fell back at Bass Meadow, the mood changed from excitement to concern. Mamet had flown up to meet his rival, but saw no sign of him. As spectators lit bonfires, flares and lamps in the hope they would guide De Lesseps safely back to Burton, a search party set off in the direction of Lichfield. Eventually, they found De Lesseps in the field, signing scraps of paper for a crowd of autograph hunters by match-light. The damaged plane was taken charge of by the police, and De Lesseps was taken to the George Hotel (Bird Street, Lichfield), where he informed a crowd gathered at the steps that he hoped to fly back to Burton at four the following afternoon, once he had made the necessary repairs - that was the plan anyway. Flying back to Burton, however, in an attempt to break the record for flying at high altitude, De Lesseps missed the town altogether. There was another anxious wait for the crowd who had seen De Lesseps flying over at a great height before disappearing in the direction of Derby. Eventually, a message was received that he had landed safely at Colwick Hall near Nottingham. De Lesseps’ return journey to Burton was also not without drama. As he flew over Meadow Lane, where Notts County were playing Bristol City, he caused such a sensation that the match had to be stopped for a few minutes as the crowd, players and officials gazed upwards. Unfortunately, the referee, a Reverend Marsh, forgot to adjust his watch, blew his whistle four minutes too early and had to call the players, some of whom had already started to get changed, back out of the dressing rooms to finish the match. As if this wasn’t a memorable enough occasion already, it was apparently also The Magpies’ first victory at their new ground. Mamet may have taken the prize for the out and home Burton to Lichfield flight, but De Lesseps definitely stole the show. Kate Gomez is the author of history blog Lichfield Lore, and one of the founding members of local history group Lichfield Discovered. Kate is currently working on her first book on the history of Staffordshire. Sources and acknowledgements: Lichfield Mercury Archives www.burton-on-trent.org.uk http://www.encyclopedie-bourges.com/ Images by Kate Gomez and Wikipedia.

Much-loved ‘Poirot’ actor comes to Lichfield

Local business-people attending June’s Lichfield Business Connect meeting were surprised and delighted to be joined by actor David Suchet CBE and his wife Sheila. David (who played Poirot in the ITV show of the same name for 24 years) was introduced to the group by Brian Carruthers, MD of Tempest Ford, Lichfield, and by Bob Williams, of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust. David is the Vice-President of the LHCRT and has spearheaded many fundraising campaigns to ensure the survival of our important waterway.

avid explained how his love of canals started when he and his wife first married in the early 1970s. Money was extremely tight, and so the couple lived on a narrowboat for 7 years, using it not only as a home but as a means to travel to the cities where David and Sheila appeared in Rep. People were so kind and supportive of them in these early years that David and Sheila have been committed to working towards the improvement and restoration of the canal network ever since. David also talked about a his early career, when whilst working as a salesman at Moss

Bros, and just on the cusp of accepting a management role there, he got a timely call from his agent informing him that he landed one of his very first TV roles playing a ‘gunman’ in The Professionals – and the rest is history. For more information on David Suchet’s visit to Lichfield and LHCRT see story on page 41. For more information the business networking group of Lichfield Business Connect visit their Facebook page. For more information on LHCRT go to www.lhcrt.org.uk.

Cutest Pet Competition Citylife in Lichfield’s

Cutie of the Month!

Well done to Noodles, winner of July’s Cutie of the Month! Noodles is owned by Nigel, Mary and Pippa and is: “our rescue Jackawawa. We've had her for about three years and we believe her to be about seven years old. We think she's gorgeous.”

ver the next few months we’ll be bringing you a selection of the cutest and most characterful pet pics, as sent in by you, our readers. Each issue, we pick our Cutie of the Month, and the winner for July is Noodles the Jackawawa! The final winner of Citylife in Lichfield’s Cutest Pet will win a Trophy and £200 Cash Prize. The winner will be chosen from all of the pictures sent in, and will be announced in the December issue. Thank you to everyone who sent in pictures of their furry friends, we’ve been truly spoilt for choice! Remember, this competition is open to all pets, great and small. To enter the Citylife in Lichfield’s Cutest Pet Competition, send your pics to the editor at josscitylife@gmail.com or send them to Citylife in Lichfield’s Cutest Pet Competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. Remember to let us know your pet’s name. Apologies but we can’t return pictures posted to us.

We’ve had such a great response that we aren’t able to print all of the pictures here. If you don’t see your pet in this issue, we’ll do our best to feature them in the coming months.

Henry - Henry is owned by Gemma, who told us: “This is Henry, my five year old 53KG Bernese Mountain Dog enjoying a walk and a sit down at one of his favourite places.”

Ziggy - Ziggy is a four month old football-mad Whippet puppy who lives with his owners Jane and Michael in Lichfield.

Ronnie - Ronnie the Rottweiler lives with his owners Tom and Liz in Lichfield. They told us that: “He's a real character and just a teddy bear!”

Piper - Thanks to Hannah who told us that: “This is Piper my Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund. She is four and constantly happy and hyper.”

Rigby - “Rigby is an eight months old Shih-Tzu. He is a bit daft and loves lots of love and attention. He is a big part of our lives” said owner Kate.

Percy and Marley - Johnny and Louise are the owners of Percy (3) and Marley (4), both British Shorthairs who love to be fussed!

Cutest Pet Cont... Citylife in Lichfield’s

Bailey - Bailey is a Chihuahua Dachshund cross and is owned by Victoria.

Bud & Trigger - This charming picture was sent in by Lisa, showing Trigger the horse and Bud the dog.

Lichfield Club Serves Up Free Tennis Sessions Theodore - Theodore is a six year old British Blue who is owned by Marie

ichfield Friary Lawn Tennis Club is serving up a day of free tennis on Sunday 17th July as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend. The club is opening its courts for people of all ages to try the game with a variety of activities including cardio tennis and parent-and-toddler mini tennis sessions; and there will be a speed gun to measure how fast everyone can serve with a prize for the winner. Plus, on this special day, all senior and family memberships will have 1/3 off for those signing up. To book a place visit www.lta.org.uk/gbtw, search Lichfield and sign up for a session. Pete Woods, Club Chairmen said: “The Great

Terry - Terry is a ten year old retired greyhound owned by Hannah.

British Tennis Weekend is a nationwide event and here in Lichfield we want to introduce as many people as possible to this great sport. We have over 350 members but always want more, especially youngsters and their families as they are our future. As it’s a special celebration of tennis the club has an offer only available on Sunday 17th July. There will be 1/3 off senior and family memberships. A senior annual membership until the end of the season will now only cost £130 instead of £197 and a family membership (two adults and two children) will be reduced by £140 to only £280 which per person is only 30p per day.”

We don’t know this lovely little pup’s name, but his pic was sent in by owner Beccy.

Belle - Puss cat in the well owned by Mrs Peers.

Other offers on the day include: weekday daytime membership reduced to £65 and junior membership (u10) will only be £30. For more information, contact Paul Bayliss, Club Director of Tennis on paulbayliss100@hotmail.co.uk or 07769664988. Or register now at www.lta.org.uk/gbtw

A Legend Comes to Town Pictures by Rob Ings.

View from the sound desk

CAST

Matt Bond

Images copyright Citylife in Lichfield.

On Sunday June 12th, at 8pm Sir Tom Jones OBE stepped out on to the Beacon Park stage to be greeted by a huge crowd that roared its approval for a legend and true national treasure.

t 76 years old, Tom’s voice had all of the power, range and emotion that gives him such inter-generational appeal, and the crowd was soon up and dancing as he led them through a catalogue of hits, from ‘Green, Green Grass’ and ‘It’s Not Unusual’ to ‘Delilah’. As the crowd sang along Tom beamed with pleasure and the atmosphere was electric. A great light and video show and an extraordinarily accomplished eight piece band added jazz and blues soul to his soaring vocals, and as the evening came to a close he performed a new ballad, in honour of his late wife Lady Melinda Rose. Speaking directly to the crowd, Tom explained that he loved performing and “had to sing” and that the kind of welcome that he had received from the Lichfield crowd “reminds us all of why we do what we do”. The whole day was filled with musical treats, including a storming set by Lichfield legend Tony Christie, and highly regarded performances from Cast, The Pigeon Detectives, Matt Bond and Jodie Abacus.

Tony Christie

All Photographs by Rob Ings. Images copyright Citylife in Lichfield.

Gemma Holley Millinery A

great hat does remarkable things – it can transform an outfit, flatter your face-shape and make you feel like a million dollars. Choosing a hat however can be tricky as most of us are unsure as to exactly what suits us. Gemma Holley Millinery is based at the Mitchells Centre in Sutton Coldfield. In her pretty atelier shop, Gemma creates beautiful couture hats, headpieces & fascinators. that are not just exquisitely designed, but are supremely wearable. Gemma is an accomplished milliner, having worked for the likes of Philip Treacy & Stephen Jones Millinery and in her oneto-one consultations she designs hats to complement her client’s outfits and also, crucially, flatter the wearer, taking into account colouring and face shape, so that each mini-masterpiece becomes an heirloom. Gemma also offers dyeable shoes, handbags and accessories that are delicately handtinted to the right shade, and can even incorporate details and materials from your chosen outfit into the final hat and accessory design. Choosing a hat can be a complex process, but Gemma not only believes but strives to turn it into a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Consultations are private to allow for Gemma's full and undivided attention giving help and guidance when trying on the many different styles and colours, without any obligation. Whilst customers are welcome to pop into the shop to browse around the pret-a-porter hats available for sale, including casual and men’s hats (and there’s a great range of beautiful hats and headpieces available for hire too) appointments are required, (especially through the height of the wedding and race season) to avoid any dissappointment, as the shop is closed when appointments are in progress. Hat hire prices start at just £50. Gemma specialises in adding a real couture ‘wow’ factor to her hats, creating everything from chic, subtle and elegant headwear to stunning statement pieces, that are, crucially, comfortable to wear. Gemma also designs and creates bridal headpieces that are works of art. Gemma’s online shop ohwhatahat.com offers ready to wear hats, headpieces and fascinators, and from September to March Gemma Holley Millinery also runs popular hat workshops and millinery courses. For more information go to gemmaholleymillinery.com or pop into the shop at No.6 The Mitchell Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 6NA. For appointments telephone 07967 224882 or book online.

Talisa rasies £1,000 for Acorns

ith the help of friends, colleagues and a few slices of cake, Lichfield optometrist, Talisa Patel, has raised more than £1,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Talisa, whose original fundraising goal was £500, has doubled her target via an online Just Giving page and with the help of colleagues from the Lichfield Specsavers store, who hosted a cake sale on Saturday 11 June. The store played host to numerous customers and passers-by, who enjoyed a range of delicious baked goods throughout the day, adding £121 towards the running total. Talisa said: I“m so grateful to everyone who has donated and helped me to reach such an amazing total. Acorns Children’s Hospice is such a fantastic charity and its work really makes a difference in the lives of thousands of families across the country, so this money is going to be put to very good use.” Acorns Children’s Hospice is a UK charity that provides care for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions, and offers support to their families. To find out more about Acorns, please visit www.acorns.org.uk. Store director, Praful Patel, added: “We were delighted to welcome so many people into the store on Saturday. It is great to know that our local community are happy to support us in our charitable challenges.” To add to Talisa’s fundraising total, go to www.justgiving.com/talisa.

A Window on the Past

A Stroll Down Bird Street 1. Barklays furniture store (1964 to 1985). 2. Baxters butchers (1964 to 1972). Pic shows John Mason and Ray George. 3. Bradshaws electrical shop (1948 to 2006). 4. Wayside Cafe (1960 to 1972). 5. Bird Street Shopping Centre. 6. Pearce fishmongers (1962 to 1965). 7. Pearks Stores C1928. 8. The Post Office (1905 to1968). 9. A. Sanders greengrocers (1958 to 2000). 10. Sixteen Birds Treat (1977 to 1983).

Bird Street has always been one of the city’s most vibrant streets.Today it’s home to much loved businesses, pubs, hotels and restaurants, but what was it like in the past? We take you here on a stroll down old Bird Street courtesy of pictures provided by the fantastic local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’

11. W.H. Smith & Son (1906 to 1967). 12. Lichfield welcome's The Queen’s Own Royal Staffordshire Yeomanry C1894.

For more photographs and memories visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ or pop along to their next meeting taking place on Tuesday 5th July at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue, WS13 6TS. For more information call 01543 416393 or 01543 268842.

10 7

Light and Colour Beautiful Interiors in 2016 The sun’s shining and it’s the perfect time to welcome friends and family to parties and BBQs in your beautiful home. Fancy giving your living spaces the wow factor? We’ve got some great ideas to add individuality, comfort and oodles of style to any interior.

Ralph Lauren, Dauphine

Blue and white This colour combination can look fresh and contemporary or classic and chic, and is easily achievable no matter your budget. Add Delft inspired tiles to bathrooms or kitchens, and create the crispest, freshest bedrooms with classic blue and white linens.

Statement mirrors A large, statement mirror does remarkable things to any space. It brings the illusion of space to a compact room, bounces light into darker spaces, adds glamour to bathrooms and even works just as beautifully in gardens and outdoor spaces (just make sure that any heavy mirror is well secured).

Bring back the heart of the home So many of us removed fireplaces from our rooms, but 2016 is seeing a trend to reinstate this focal point. Fireplaces can be filled with flowers in the summer and there’s nothing quite so cosy as a flickering fire in the chillier months.

Ban the tech With the advent of smart phones, many of us end up answering work emails and browsing social media rather than enjoying time with the family. This trend is completely free of charge, and simply involves banning technology from one room of the house. Turn off the smart phones, ban the tablets and leave work on the other side of the door.

Light and Colour - Beautiful Interiors in 2016

Dining in style Traditional dining is back, with dining spaces and dining furniture being reintroduced into many homes. Not only does a dining space add a beautiful area to your home, eating at a dining table does great things for the digestion too! In addition, traditional ceramic dining services make every day a celebration, and you can mix and match them with vintage pieces that may have been languishing in cupboards for years.

Marble and metallic Marble accessories and prints, marble accents in kitchens and bathrooms and even marble statuary in the garden is a hot trend for 2016. Pair marble accessories with metallic textiles for a truly luxe look. Also very on trend this year are black stainless steel kitchen appliances, mixed with different textures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; matte or milk paint, mix it up for a personalised look. Interiorish.com Horchow.com Denmark.dk Freshhome.com

Light and Colour - Beautiful Interiors in 2016 Stag Oak & Pine Formed in 1994, Stag Oak & Pine has developed an enviable reputation for the design and creation of beautiful, custommade furniture – everything from simple shelves to full bedroom suites! Offering a hassle free design service and a no obligation free call out to measure up, deliveries are arranged around customers’ schedules. Stag Oak & Pine specialise in the use of Scandinavian Redwood Pine, American White Oak, Poplar and Radiata Pine, constructing pieces with high quality dovetail, morticed and tenoned joints and in a choice of finishes from waxed, oiled and lacquered to painted. Stag Oak & Pine stock an impressive selection of furniture and also create fully bespoke items. They understand that people want their homes filled with the best, and their bespoke design service creates pieces of furniture that really provide the wow factor. Assisting you every step of the way, during an initial conversation they advise on what would work best, and then follow this up with a home consultation to

measure up and to help you visualise your new furniture in situ. Products are manufactured in their own workshop, so your exact specifications can be met. Contact Stag Oak & Pine at 3 Boston Industrial Estate, Power Station Rd, Rugeley WS15 2HS. Tel: 01889 583583, www.stagpine.co.uk Bennett & Bowman Interiors

Bennett & Bowman Interiors are professional interior designers with a showroom that encompasses all aspects of interior finishes for the complete home. They have a complete collection of wallpaper books to select from covering every design from contemporary Brian Yeats granite mica paper to Coles, Zoffany and Today Interiors ranges. This is backed up with a full design and curtain make and fit service

which with over 30 years of experience is second to none. The fabric collections range from Harlequin, Clark and Clark, Romo and Voyage to the embroidered silks and linens of Colefax and Fowler, Jane Churchill and Osborne and Little’s ranges of exciting designs. Stocking everything from hand-made furniture to mirrors, lighting, fabrics, curtains, carpets, rugs, accessories and wallpaper, it’s a delightful place to browse around with surprising and unique items everywhere you look. The team at Bennett & Bowman are experts in what they do, and are happy to chat about your project, and there’s never any pressure to buy. No matter what your budget, this friendly, beautifully stocked and unpretentious shop is bound to have the answer to what you are looking for. Bennet & Bowman offer exactly what you need and can help you to create your look no matter what your budget. Bennett & Bowman Interiors Ltd, 24, Mitchells Arts & Crafts Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 6NA. Tel: 0121 308 0009 www.bennettbowman.com

Tatlow Carpets & Flooring Tatlow Carpets & Flooring are the first choice for flooring in Lichfield and Staffordshire, and are an established family business that offer great value and personal advice.

Light and Colour - Beautiful Interiors in 2016

Ken Tatlow started working in the flooring industry in 1972 and Jayne, his daughter, now carries on this family tradition. Jayne commented: “We have a wealth of experience in advising clients on just the right flooring. Also, if customers bring in their colour samples, we can help colour coordinate. We can also give you the right advice on what will work best in each room or space when carrying out our free measuring service.” Tatlow Carpets & Flooring’s fitters offer a great service from start to finish, uplifting and disposing of old flooring, moving furniture and preparing surfaces. They also offer a guarantee that stands the test of time. Tatlows can take any carpet surplus, edge it in a colour to suit your colour-scheme and turn it into useful rugs. They also supply accessories like ‘Rug Stop’ (which prevents your rugs from sliding on carpets and smooth floors), plus castercups to stop indentations and other useful products that will enhance and protect your flooring. Tel: 01543 264766 Email: jayne.beard@tatlowcarpets.co.uk. Unit 4, Europa Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield WS14 9TZ. Open to the public Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm All Aspect Art & Print All Aspect Art & Print provide a quality

printing and framing service with a wide choice of frame styles. They cover all aspects of art, framing and high quality image printing. Founded 30 years ago as 'Duncan Mitchell Frames', the company was originally based in Aldridge, and over the last three decades has built up a loyal customer-base of businesses, artists and members of the public, impressed by the quality of their framing work. Further expansion necessitated a relocation to Shenstone, where the business moved into the building of long-term customer 'Gray's of Shenstone'. A new name, 'All Aspect Art & Print' was chosen to incorporate the broad range of services on offer. An expansion into the online market in 2015 allowed customers to browse for information and order online through a their website www.frameyourpicture.co.uk All Aspect Art & Print specialises in high quality photographic printing and image restoration. Customers can also visit the on-site gallery and workshop. www.support@printmypicture.co.uk, Tel: 01543 482878, Grayson House, Lynn Lane, Stenstone WS14 0DU.

Ralvern Upholstery Established in 1946, Ralvern Upholstery are a family firm of traditional bespoke fine furniture makers and reupholsterers that pride themselves

on customer service, high quality materials and attention to detail. They design and manufacturer sofas, chairs and furniture to order and to customers’ specifications. Their handmade furniture is built on the strongest frames and covered in the finest fabrics, creating a sofa, chair or suite that you can be proud of for many years to come. Customers are welcome to visit their Factory Showroom to see the attention to detail that is put into every piece - new or old. Ralvern Upholstery have a background in old-school upholstery methods which gives them the skills to create designs from drawings - either inspired by lifestyle magazines, interior designers, or by a design of your own. Alternatively they can offer an in house design service upon request. Their “Manufacturers Promise” guarantees that they will adhere to the finest build quality. You can be proud to have a Ralvern suite in your home. 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs WS11 7XN. Tel: 01543 505539 email:

Light and Colour - Beautiful Interiors in 2016

sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk, www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk

Lichfield Kitchens & Bedrooms

your Designer is always on hand to ensure the project is running to plan. They also undertake all necessary works required. Lichfield Kitchens & Bedrooms have a large showroom where you will find lots of samples to choose from. They are an accredited five star Master Partner with Neff appliances and have exclusive access to appliances that are not available to other dealers. Their Designers are always available for a chat and their showroom is open Monday to Saturday from 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm. Kitchens & Bedrooms, Britannia Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield WS14 9UY. Tel:01543 263340

unusual - cutting edge products that offer our customers the opportunity to make their purchases personal, individual and frequently bespoke. Come and discover our dynamic range of mirrors, lighting, artwork, clocks, cushions and throws, furniture, interior decor of all kinds, cards and meaningful gifts. Above all we strive to inspire! Charter House, Sandford St, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QA. Phone:01543 264390

Room to Inspire

Lichfield Kitchens & Bedrooms have been in business for over 30 years and have an excellent team to help and advise you all the way, whether you are looking for plain and simple, glossy and glorious or contemporary and chic. Lichfield Kitchens & Bedroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designers will visit your home and listen to your needs to truly understand what it is you are hoping to achieve. They will offer advice and guidance when needed, and reproduce your ideas using the latest computer aided software so that you can view your new kitchen design in 3D. Their highly-skilled craftsmen carry out their work with the utmost respect in your home, and

Serving Lichfield for the last 7 years, Room to Inspire has established its reputation as a destination for dramatic, different and exciting products. While stocking many known brands like Repeat Repeat, Belltrees Forge, Voyage, Authentic Models and Culinary Concepts, we are also on a constant lookout for the unique and

The Fire Place Russell and partner Sue opened The Fire Place in July 2007 and have been growing year on year. The Fire Place offers a complete service, covering all aspects of installation, including free surveying (within 20 miles), fitting, any allied building work and rubbish removal. On arrangement, Russell will come to your home and advise on flue types/ventilation and

fitting fees. He will be able to tell you what you can and cannot have, (but usually if you want something, Russell will be able to provide it!). Once the choice is made and deposit is paid The Fire Place will provide a fitting date. One of their professional teams of fitters will arrive on the fitting day and carry out the necessary work, including any necessary plastering. At the end of the job the team will tidy up and vacuum the area. The Fire Place offers a wide range of gas fires, wood burners and electric fires. They also offer a wide range of fireplaces in natural stone, marble, wood etc. They have around 70 displays of which most are working fires. They offer a range of efficient contemporary flue fires which can be fitted on any external wall or within a standard chimney breast. They offer a wide range of multifunctional stoves, wood burning stoves include Contura, HETA, Purevision-very efficient and controllable stoves.

Light and Colour - Beautiful Interiors in 2016

They offer contemporary electric fires made by Evonic or Flamerite (Flamerite are manufactured in Lichfield). Their opening hours are 9.30am - 5pm Mon to Fri, 10am - 4pm Sat, closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. Feel free to pop in and browse around the showroom. Tel: 01543 263383. Lichfield Windows

an award winning company for their previous work who offer a quality and genuine service with high standards. We only select high quality products so we can be certain your job will be to the highest of standards and exceed your expectations. Lichfield Windows Ltd offers a free no obligation quote. We have no sales gimmicks or pressure tactics as we want our customers to be fully satisfied with our service and recommend us to others. www.lichfieldwindows.com. Tel: 01543 676269. Mobile: 07834 54276. Grosvenor Shutters

Lichfield Windows Ltd is a family run business who offers a trustworthy and professional service. With over 15 years' experience within the construction industry you can be sure of a quality job. We pride ourselves on excellent workmanship and all our fitters are extremely skilled with many years experience fitting windows. Lichfield Windows Ltd work in association with Anthony Webb & Son Ltd. Over the past 30 years they have gained an outstanding reputation within the building industry. They are

Owned and managed by Lichfield born Tony Dee, Grosvenor Shutters specialise in the supply and installation of stylish, elegant and contemporary plantation shutters in Lichfield and throughout Staffordshire. Plantation shutters have seen a dramatic growth in popularity over recent years, transforming windows in modern or period

Light and Colour - Beautiful Interiors in 2016

homes. They offer tremendous flexibility in styling with full height, café, tier-on-tier or solid styles. There are even water-resistant shutters suitable for bathrooms. Grosvenor Shutters offer different material finishes, smooth or textured, together with a large range of colours. From soft shades to dramatic bold statement colours inspired by the renowned interior designed Kelly Hoppen. As well as adding a stylish touch to your windows Plantation shutters are practical and functional, and opening or closing the slats to precisely the position you want allows you to control both light and privacy in your rooms. They also provide a good level of draught and heat insulation to reduce heat loss during the cold months and to prevent unwanted heat gain during the summer. From their base in Lichfield they work locally throughout Staffordshire on all types of houses, and they take care of the supply and installation from initial contact through to completion.

The starting point to getting your beautiful shutters is the free-of-charge and without obligation survey of your home. Contact Grosvenor Shutters at 0800 044 5460 or tony@grosvenorshutters.co.uk Decor Supplies

Decor Supplies is a family-run business and is the largest stockist of paints, wallcoverings and fabrics within the Lichfield area. Established in 1984, they are located on Britannia Enterprise Park on the outskirts of Lichfield near the A38. Their showroom is easy to access with free parking and offers an unrivaled selection of products with a choice of over 1,000 wallcoverings on their shelves. They also have a wide selection of designer pattern books and coordinating fabrics, from suppliers such as Harlequin, Sanderson and Prestigious Textiles. They stock paints from Dulux, Crown and Farrow & Ball, as well as offering colour mixing and decorators' sundries. What's more, they have stunning displays throughout the store, so that you can get lots of inspiration to put your own combinations

together. Their friendly, knowledgeable team are also at hand to offer advice and help with any aspect of decorating, such as choosing colours, product information and decorating advice. You can find Decor Supplies at Unit 23, Britannia Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield, WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 263327 www.decorsupplies.co.uk

Rugeley Fireplaces Here at Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves, we are trained and qualified to advise you from start to finish with any of your purchases. Emma, Kath and Julie:• Combine many years of experience in solid fuel, gas and electric fires, stoves and fireplaces since 1989. • We can help you visualise your new fireplace and can design bespoke pieces at surprisingly good prices. • Our reputation for service and quality is outstanding. • We are able to keep our prices very competitive because we’ve built up relationships with our suppliers over many years. Darren:• Darren is a fully qualified “Gas Safe”, Gas and Fire and Stove installer who was also a fully qualified HETAS solid fuel, fire and stove installer. Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves, 41 Albion Street, (find us at Service Area 10), Rugeley WS15 2BY Tel:01889 574022 www.gratefireplaces.net

Fascinating discovery at Cathedral Library

taff at Lichfield Cathedral have discovered a fascinating inscription in the Cathedral Library. The inscription was found in a book belonging to the Earl of Hertford and dated 1553. It was written in Latin by ‘RA’, believed to be Roger Ascham. The inscription runs to over three pages and is dated 1554. Roger Ascham (c.1515 – 1568) was an English scholar and writer and well-known for his theories on education. He was appointed as Greek and Latin Tutor to Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) between 1540 and 1550, and later Latin secretary to Queen Mary I, a post he held until her death in 1558. Interestingly, the book belonged to William Seymour, whose library collection forms the basis of the Cathedral’s current collection. The Seymour family were related to Jane Seymour, third Queen of Henry VIII and mother of King Edward VI. The Cathedral is now working towards having this inscription translated. The Cathedral Library is closed to the general public, however visitors are invited to explore the hidden library on one of the Cathedral’s Library Tours. For more information about the tours, visit www.lichfieldcathedral.org

TV star visits canal project

oirot star David Suchet, unveiled a newly refurbished Boundary Post alongside the Lichfield Canal on Friday 17th June. David, who is a Vice President of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, unveiled the post during a visit to see the Trust’s progress and the challenges which lie ahead. David and his wife, Sheila, met up with the Trust’s volunteers along with Cllr Robert Yardley, Sheriff of Lichfield; Cllr Sheelagh James, Mayor of Lichfield and Cllr David Salter, chairman of Lichfield District Council. They were shown the great progress since the Suchet’s last visit 10 years ago at Borrowcop Locks Canal Park and Darnford Park in Lichfield, and at Crane Brook near Brownhills, close to the aqueduct which his appeal helped to fund back in 2003. To complete the tour, Suchet unveiled the refurbished Birmingham Canal Navigation (BCN) boundary post beside the Walsall Road at the Boat Inn which had been donated by John Crowe, Chairman of Wall Parish Council.

Meet the Warriors of the Past

at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum Multi-Period Weekend

n Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July the Staffordshire Regiment Museum will be filled with the sights and sounds of 2,000 years of history as Romans, Royalists, 18th century Marlburians, Napoleonic Guardsmen, American Civil War fighters, WW1 Tommies and Germans, WW2 soldiers, the Home Guard and even the French Resistance meet to really bring history to life. These groups will be setting up camp in the grounds of the museum, and demonstrating how war was waged and life was lived during many of the most important periods in history. ‘Time Healers’ will be talking about Roman medicine and fashion and the English Civil War will be represented by Sir George Lisles Regiment of Foote, who have local ties to Staffordshire. The Queen’s Regiment will be showing life for a soldier in the Duke of Marlborough‘s army in the early 1700’s and The Coldstream Guards 1815 will be evoking the bravery of the soldiers who fought in the bloody Napoleonic wars The world renowned Birmingham Pals will be presenting a fascinating glimpse into life for a WW1 Tommy and German soldier in the impressive on-site trench system and C Troop are setting up their extraordinary camp complete with ruined house, re-enacting the valour of the 1st

Airborne Reconnaissance – Staffordshire Regiment, who fought in the ferocious battle of Arnhem. PBI will also be on hand giving an in depth portrayal of life for the fighting men of WW2. To add to this amazing event, The Maquis will be giving a taste of the methods and dangers of the brave men and women of the French Resistance. But what was life like on the home front? Over the weekend, the Home Guard will be demonstrating their important work, standing by to repel any invasion, in the museum’s evocative WW2 ‘Pillbox’. Over the whole weekend, the Staffordshire Regimental Association will be setting up their Rifle Range where potential ‘crack shots’ can try their hand at target shooting. Feeling inspired to trace the history of your ancestors? The Museum’s Research team will be on hand to offer advice on how to look into military service records. With lots of historic military vehicles, firepower demonstrations, children’s ‘drills’, the fabulous on-site café, ice-cream galore and lots of places to picnic, this is a fun and fascinating way to learn about our history that’s ideal for the whole family. Fancy trying your hand at re-enacting? All of

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the groups will be delighted to chat to you about how to get involved in this fascinating pastime. Meet The Warriors Multi Period Weekend is a never-to-be-forgotten, fun-packed event, at an affordable price. Tickets are £7 adults and £4 children over 5 (under 5s go free). Family tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children) are just £20 and all tickets include access to the museum’s full collections. The event starts at 10am and ends at 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. No need to pre-book, tickets can be purchased on the door. For more information call 01543 434394. The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at DMS Whittington, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY.

‘Sonnets in the City’ Saturday July 9th

n Saturday July 9 Intimate Theatre and the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum have joined forces to bring William Shakespeare’s words to the street with sonnets performed in surprising places across the city. A team of fantastic readers will be gracing the streets of Lichfield with poetry. Look out for them across the city between 10.30am and 3.30pm thoughout the day. Venues taking part include Erasmus Darwin House, the George Hotel, the Scales, the Whippet, Lichfield Library, Fuse Festival, Devo-tea, the Lounge, the Little Nook and many more! To find out more or to get your business involved call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or follow the event on the Museums’ Facebook page.

Men Wanted! Xodos are on a Manhunt! Do you have a hairy back or chest?

any women and men have now found out about the amazing pain free laser hair removal treatment they can get at Xodos Aesthetics. However we feel that more men could benefit, as there are large numbers who shave their chests or wax their backs! Well if that is you, your partner, husband, brother or friend, let us know! We want men to come forward to volunteer for our Manhunt! We are looking for confident men, who have had enough of waxing or shaving their chests and backs, or who just don’t want to be hairy any more. Why do you need to be confident? This is because we will be asking those who come forward to be happy to have some pictures taken, and perhaps a short video of

their treatment. You should also be available to come to the clinic near Lichfield every 6-8 weeks for a minimum of 8 treatments. Soprano Ice laser hair removal works by destroying the hair follicles using a red light laser, gently and comfortably. A cooling tip in the laser ensures a completely comfortable treatment, with virtually no redness or side effects, so you can go straight to the gym without looking bright red! Why not check out our website for more technical details? www.xodosltd.co.uk At the end of July, we will be choosing TWO men from everyone who has applied, to take part in a full case study completely free of charge, and each one (one for chest hair removal, the other for back)

that is chosen will get a full course of laser hair removal treatment worth up to £2000! And that’s not all – all men who volunteer will get one free treatment on the area of their choice (choosing between chest and back) regardless of whether or not they are chosen for the whole case study. Still not convinced? Come along for a free, no obligation patch test to see for yourself before you commit. The Soprano Ice Laser hair removal platform is genuinely pain free, but with better results than any other platform available. But don’t take our word for it – call us now and come along! Oh and one last thing… book your girlfriend, wife or partner to

have a confidential, no obligation patch test (on any area of their choosing) at the same time and take away a nice cold bottle of fizz with you! *(t&cs apply)

Bird Street

~ Bird Street ~

A Great Place to Shop and Relax Ivison Lichfield Florist Ivison the Lichfield Florist is proud to be the longest family-run florist in Lichfield. Established in 1932, Ivison is now run by Hannah, the fourth generation of the family, who started to help her grandparents in the business at the age of fourteen. They cater for all floral requirements, including gift, funeral, wedding or corporate flowers. They only use the highest quality flowers and every design is made to an exceptional standard. Hannah and Naomi are experienced florists, and are qualified to Level 3 standard in floristry. Hannah attended The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers in July 2015 to complete their advanced four day bridal course and also gives flower design demonstrations at local flower clubs and for events. It’s never too early for Gin O’Clock at The George! The George’s Lounge Bar has long been a favourite with Lichfield locals as the place to

drop in to for a drink or bar snack at any time of day, but there is now a new reason to visit. As well as the normal selection of wines, beers and spirits, gin lovers can indulge their passion at this Bird Street hotel’s stylish bar, as the new gin menu features a choice of over 20 premium gins. All gins are served in a large balloon glass filled with ice, topped with the recommended tonic and served with a selected garnish to marry perfectly to make the perfect summer tipple!

F M & J Wait Funeral Directors F M & J Wait is the second oldest company in Lichfield and has been proudly serving the community and surrounding areas for over 200 years. The building itself is grade two listed and is on the Lichfield tourist trail. The sign on the front is a Stoke porcelain grade one listed sign and the original wooden

Bird Street

frontage is made out of ship's timbers. These timbers can still be found throughout the building.The business itself started as a cabinet makers, upholsterers and undertakers but now runs solely as a funeral directors. F M & J Wait is now owned and run by Dignity Caring Funeral Service which is a British owned company, who look forward to serving the local community and surrounding areas for many years to come.

Qmin Qmin, established for 15 years, offer wideranging Indian and fusion cuisine of the highest quality, served in superb surroundings and combined with excellent service. Qmin caters for the most discerning diners and continues to introduce a range of new concepts in its menus. They feature popular and traditional Indian dishes alongside contemporary and creative menu items. Many of their customers (and food critics) view Qmin as "one of the finest Indian restaurants in Lichfield". Qmin invite you to experience their special brand of Indian cuisine, and promise you a feast for your senses. Qmin captures India's diversity, offering more than 120 authentic recipes from across the country. Find them at 30-36, Bird Street, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 255000. www.qmin.co.uk

Bucks Fizz Afternoon Tea Netherstowe House

fternoon Teas continue to blossom at Lichfield's premier dining establishment Netherstowe House. With a reputation for serving the most popular Afternoon Tea in the region for the last seven years, the award-winning hotel and restaurant is giving tea-lovers another reason to pay a visit, with the launch of a new Bucks Fizz Afternoon Tea to celebrate its 7th Year Anniversary this summer. Afternoon Tea is a fabulously British tradition that they have fun taking seriously at Netherstowe House. They have the perfect setting – an enchanting Grade II listed Country House with pretty gardens and brimming with Old English charm, so the magic begins as soon as you travel down their tree-lined driveway, leaving the hubbub of everyday life behind. And now, for added glamour, to celebrate their Seven Year Afternoon Tea Anniversary, you and your friends can enjoy a complimentary Bucks Fizz with your Traditional Afternoon Tea for just £19.95 per person every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout July and August - Sip, Sip Hurray! Step inside, and your table awaits! Bedecked

in crisp white linen with fresh flowers, English vintage china and gleaming silverware; this is where your journey back in time begins. They have a cosy Tea Room serving traditional Afternoon Tea with amazing flowering teas and brilliant cocktails in a relaxed vintage atmosphere. It’s utterly charming, a touch of luxury combined with homely charm. You’ll enjoy five-star hospitality and superb value. Each of their dining rooms is like a hotel-hug: warm and inviting, luxurious but intimate, and elegant without being pretentious. Once you have enjoyed soaking up the surroundings you can choose from Netherstowe House’s exquisite Afternoon Tea Menu and enjoy a selection of speciality looseleaf teas, elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked sweet delicacies and warm scones served with Devonshire Clotted Cream and preserves. We believe Netherstowe House offers the widest range of Afternoon Teas in Staffordshire and have lovingly designed a menu to ensure there’s a tea for every taste! Afternoon Tea Gift Vouchers are also available from Netherstowe House; they make a wonderful gift whatever

the occasion! Originally built in 1180, Netherstowe House is a retreat like no other, offering affordable luxury to Lichfield locals and visitors alike. Just over a mile from Lichfield city centre, it has acquired a reputation for delightful interiors, superb cuisine and memorable guest experiences. Netherstowe House is the only establishment in Staffordshire to be listed by The Good Hotel Guide. It has received awards in both 'Restaurant of the Year' and 'Outstanding Service' categories at Taste of Staffordshire's Good Food Awards. For Afternoon Tea reservations call 01543 254 270 or email tea@netherstowehouse.com . For more information visitwww.netherstowehouse.com

New Seven-Screen Cinema Announced

Following planning approval for the Friarsgate development in May, property regeneration specialist U+I has announced that entertainment company,The Light, will open a seven-screen cinema at Lichfield’s major new mixed-use hub.

Roses 'Rent'

elivering 2D and 3D visuals with state of the art digital picture and sound, as well as a café bar and luxury seating, the cinema will join the scheme alongside a gym, approximately 25 shops, up to 10 restaurants, a new bus station, a 500-space car park, 82 apartments and 11 townhouses.

For more information about Friarsgate please visit www.visitfriarsgate.co.uk. r Milley's Hospital held its annual roses ceremony on June 21st, where a resident of Dr Milley's presented the Bishop's Representative, Revd Canon Patricia Hawkins with ten red roses, in a symbolic ceremony that has its roots back in the 15th century. Guests included trustees and residents, who were delighted by Clarinet music performed by pupils from Lichfield Cathedral School.

Advertise your event in our what’s on guide for only £3 for up to 100 words max, please contact Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 josscitylife@gmail.com. (Local Charities and advertisers may place what’s on listings free-of-charge). Your Citylife What’s On in July

Saturday 2nd July A Right Royal Murder, Murder Mystery Evening. At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Put your investigative skills to the test and enjoy a fun filled evening of murder, mystery and intrigue. £37 per person or from £149 for two with an overnight stay.

Sunday 17th July Wedding Open Day 12 noon – 3pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 Meet our wedding co-ordinators and see just how lovely your wedding day could be at The George. Admission free, by ticket only.

Wednesday 20th July Senior Citizens’ Summer Lunch At The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 Enjoy a glass of Buck’s Fizz or orange

juice and a delicious three course lunch in the Garrick Suite with entertainment from the jazz and blues singer, Holly Hewitt. £18.50 per person. Thursday 21st July

Lichfield Civic Society Talk. Brunel: A Victorian Genius Speaker : Ray Sturdy. The meeting will take place in The Lichfield Room, Wade St Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6HS at 7.45pm. Admission is free to members. Non-members are always welcome - £3 at the door.

Wedding Open Evening 5:30pm – 8pm at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 See the Charter Suite dressed for a wedding, wander the grounds and chat to our wedding co-ordinators. Admission free, by ticket only

Friday 22nd July Taittinger Champagne Dinner At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Enjoy a 6 course gourmet dinner accompanied by champagne and fine wines, introduced by our wine expert.

£75 per person or £209 per couple to include an overnight stay in a superior room.

Saturday 23rd July Kings Bromley Show 10am - 5pm. Proudly sponsored by Cameron Homes All day entertainment for all the family, including Funfair, Ring Entertainment, Trade and Craft stands, Horse and Dog shows, Morris dancing, Maypole dancing and Children's Choir, Children's activities and races, Treasured Vehicles parade. Competitive marquee with cookery, arts and crafts etc. Refreshments including hog roast, real ale and Pimm's. The Showfield, Crawley Lane, Kings Bromley, DE13 7JF. Free parking. Adults £6, Seniors £4, under 16s £3, Family (2 adults and 2 under 16s) £15, Under 5s free. See website www.kingsbromley.show.co.uk for further information.

Monday 25th July Thalgo Promotion Day At Moor Hall Hotel’s Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 334 2323. Book a Thalgo Anti-ageing facial for only £35 (normally £43) and buy the

Hyaluronic gift set for only £25 (worth £109).

Saturday 6th August 10am-4.30pm - Plant Hunters’ Fair at the National Memorial Arboretum DE13 7AR FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair and Arboretum (P&D parking) Popular plant fair with a great line-up of 20 specialist nurseries from across the country. It’s just the right time to pick up some late flowering plants to give your garden a boost and the nurseries will have just the right plant for your garden with nurseries specialising in plants of all sizes for a wide range of garden situations from hot sun to cool shade. Details of this and other great plant fairs at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Event Venues The Showfield, Crawley Lane, Kings Bromley, Staffs, DE13 7JF Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 The Lichfield Room, Wade St Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6HS The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822

Rescued Greyhound to star in Community Musical, The Hired Man

A surprising new star of the stage has been discovered at the Lichfield Garrick – a six year old retired racing greyhound, called Teddy.

eddy, whose racing name was Greencroft Bell, is to perform alongside the Garrick’s 50 strong community cast in the theatre’s first community musical, The Hired Man, from 29 July to 6 August. Teddy’s owner, Sharan Elsdon from Lichfield, is a lead volunteer at The Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust, just one of over 70 branches of the national Retired Greyhound Trust, a charity committed to raising awareness and finding forever homes for former racing greyhounds. Teddy – who is actually a she - raced more than half her career in Oxford, before moving to Hall Green Stadium in Birmingham and retiring in 2014. Sharan commented: “Rehearsals are going really well so far. I thought the bright lights and the hustle and bustle of the theatre might unsettle Teddy a little, but she has taken to it like a duck to water. She’s a true thespian and it never ceases to amaze me how adaptable, calm and collected greyhounds are. We are hoping that audiences will be so impressed by Teddy that and they would consider giving one of these wonderful dogs a home.

“There are so many ways people can get involved in the Trust, we’re always looking for volunteers to walk our dogs from kennels in Shenstone Woodend village, and to help out at our awareness road shows and fundraising events – you can spend whatever time you can to help, it is all appreciated.” The Garrick’s Artistic Director, Tim Ford added: “We were thrilled to discover the Hall Green Greyhound Trust and meet Teddy – she is a true star, so calm and collected on stage and she’ll even have her very own dressing room! She’s a brilliant addition to our community cast and we can’t wait for audiences to see her on stage in the musical.” Teddy and Sharan can be regularly seen at the Hall Green Greyhound Trust’s monthly walks in Beacon Park (10.30am on third Sunday of every month) when over 40 local greyhounds plus their owners walk with the kennel dogs to socialise them. Teddy will be in the foyer to meet her new fans after each show and will be helping to promote the Hall Green Greyhound Trust. Set against the backdrop of the Cumbrian Lakes, The Hired Man follows the timeless story of a young

married couple and their struggle to carve a living from the land, just as the traditional rhythms of country life are swept away by the gathering storm of war in Europe. Based on the stirring novel by Melvyn Bragg, The Hired Man is brought to life by the heartbreakingly-beautiful music of Howard Goodall, the EMMY, BRIT and BAFTA award-winning composer of stage musicals including the recent West End hit Bend It Like Beckham and Love Story, and film and TV scores including themes for Blackadder, The Vicar of Dibley, Mr Bean and QI. The Hired Man runs at the Lichfield Garrick from 29 July – 6 August. Tickets start from £10 - £15, Book online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by call the Box Office on 01543 412121. For more information about the Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust visit www.hallgreenrgt.co.uk

Learn to Dance at King Edward VI Leisure Centre

For anyone who loves to dance, Lichfield Dance Academy runs classes in a range of dance styles at King Edward VI Leisure Centre. Led by a qualified dance teacher and IDTA examiner, Lichfield Dance Academy offers children and young people instruction in tap, jazz, modern, ballet and theatrecraft. Pupils work towards IDTA examinations in all subjects, as well as rosettes, medals, trophies and awards. Lichfield Dance Academy pupils often perform in local fetes and shows. Children aiming to compete in competitions, also have the option to attend festival classes. The classes run on Thursdays at King Edward VI Leisure Centre in Lichfield, during school term time. Primary classes, which introduce boys and girls over the age of four to dance, runs from 4pm to 5pm. Junior classes in tap, ballet and freestyle runs between 5pm and 6pm. Finally, Senior classes, where pupils progress further through the grading system with the addition of ballet pointe work, takes place between 6pm and 8.30pm. To find out more, call 01543 308782 or emailkinge@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Arts Funding for Creative Projects Available

A r t i s t residencies in care homes, theatre in rural locations and art café’s and music festivals are just some of the projects now in motion thanks to local funding for the arts. Staffordshire County Council’s Community Arts Fund is offering up to £1000 of

funding to any arts organisation or community group planning an arts project or event in Staffordshire which benefits the community. Groups are now being encouraged to step forward and claim their share of the funding after a streak of successful events across the county. Last year the fund supported 35 projects with over 35,000 people taking part in arts activities, including events to help celebrate the first ever Staffordshire Day on 1 May. To find out more about the Community Arts Fund or to make an application visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/communityartsfund or contact Tracie Meredith, Community Arts Officer on 01785 278571.

£400 Charity Donation to myaware

Matt Hales, Sarah Hindley and Alison Taylor.

Not-for-profit business networking group, Business 1st has recently donated another £400 to a worthy cause. Lichfield ndependent networking group, Business 1st raises money for local charities each year at its annual networking awards evening. So far this year, the group has raised £400 for myaware, which supports people and families suffering with myasthenia. To collect the £400 cheque on behalf of myaware, Regional Organiser for the Midlands, Sarah Hindley attended a recent Business 1st meeting, and took time to brief the group about the vital services offered by the charity which include raising awareness and funding research. Business 1st changes its designated charity every year, with over £500 donated to St Giles Hospice and Guide Dogs for the Blind in 2015, and a donation to the ‘We Love Lichfield’ Fund in 2014. For more information about Business 1st, visit www.business-1st.org For more information about myaware, visit www.myaware.org

Lichfield 10K

2016 marks the 21st anniversary of the Lichfield 10K and Family Fun Run, now one of the biggest sporting events in the area, attracting

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over 1,000 runners each year. Organised by Lichfield Running Club with main sponsor, Ansons Solicitors, it has gained a reputation as one of the premier races in the Midlands, and is also a great opportunity to promote health and fitness in the community and to raise money for many local charities. This year both races will be held on Sunday 11th September 2016 (10:30am start from King Edward VI Leisure Centre). The 10K is open to all abilities from 15 years of age up; the Fun Run is aimed at younger runners and families. All runners will receive a medal and free digital download of their race photos and all 10K finishers will also receive a high quality souvenir T-Shirt. Race Director, Cass Jackson commented: “The Lichfield Running Club is very proud to host this fantastic race in our home town. This year we are also introducing ‘pacers’ to finish at various intervals in order to help runners keep track of their performance if they wish to. Overall however, whether you are running or supporting, we thank you for your support and look forward to you being part of the day.” More information is available at lichfield10k.co.uk

Fundraising Award for Lichfield Ladies Circle

Lichfield Ladies Circle were delighted to be awarded the trophy for ‘the highest amount of money raised by a circle for charity’ at their National Conference in Wales. In total £12,730 was raised through events Clare Ellett and such as a murder Denise Softley mystery evening, making and selling Christmas wreaths, clock bingo night, shopping bag pack and the Community Challenge. The Community Challenge involved Lichfield Ladies Circle partnering up with 12 local businesses to promote special offers throughout 2015 that benefit local good causes. Each offer was available for one calendar month with each business enjoying that time in the limelight. In 2015 the Community Challenge raised £4,323 for good causes. The Community Challenge continues in 2016, so look out for local offers available around Lichfield. If any businesses are interested in being involved in the Community Challenge for a month later in 2016, do get in touch. For more information on Lichfield Ladies Circle email info@lichfieldladiescircle.co.uk call 0800 148 8595 or visit www.lichfieldladiescircle.co.uk

Holiday Cottage To Let Woolacombe North Devon

Details/Pictures:www.leesideholidays.com Email: johns@leeside.myzen.co.uk Tel: 0121 353 6613

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