Mining gallery project takes next step forward
A
n exciting project to bring a new, permanent coal mining gallery to the Museum of Cannock Chase took another step forward in October. The current mining gallery has been closed since early November to prepare the site for refurbishment work, with the new gallery scheduled to open Museum of Cannock Chase around Easter 2014. Lee Bellingham, Museum Services Manager, said: “We really appreciate people’s patience while the work is carried out. Unfortunately the reference library will be unavailable for personal research appointments during this time, but staff will be on hand to assist with any enquiries about coal mining. “We’re looking forward to the opening of the new gallery and are currently looking for items for display. If you have mining items relating to the Cannock Chase coalfield that you are willing to loan to the museum, please get in touch by emailing your contact details to s.reavey@wlct.org.” Leisure and culture provider WLCT secured a £97,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which has enabled the project to go ahead. The new gallery, Mining Memories, will allow visitors to experience a ‘day in the life’ of a miner and explore features of the mines. An education package will also be created to ensure people of all ages get the maximum benefit from their experience at the museum. Culture and Sport Portfolio Leader Cllr Christine Mitchell said: “It is another exciting development at the Museum of Cannock Chase with thanks to the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new gallery will be a great addition and the education package will ensure that people of all ages can learn about mining.”
Fair Oak Academy students become Councillors for the day
C
annock Chase District Council opened its chamber to the debating team from Fair Oak Academy in Rugeley this October.
Students aged between 11 and 16 were welcomed by the Council’s Chairman, Doris Grice and learnt about the work the Council does. They were then given a presentation by Staffordshire County Council’s Civil Engineering Team on the forthcoming Horsefair Scheme in Rugeley, which promoted a debate. Students were given the opportunity to ask Portfolio Leaders for Crime and Partnerships, Health and Wellbeing, Housing, Corporate Improvement, Environment and Town Centre Regeneration some questions after learning what each role entails. Cabinet members were then put through their paces in a lengthy debate about local issues affecting them. Chairman Doris Grice said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils from Fair Oak Academy into our Chamber. The questions they put forward to our Cabinet Members were well thought out and highlighted local issues. Students were asked what they would like to improve in their local area and if they would think about becoming a Councillor. The students were articulate and engaged well in the debate. We look forward to linking with the School Council in the future.” Page 6 www.chasegazette.co.uk
WIN
LUNCH
FOR TWO PEOPLE AT Netherstowe House
Chase the Dog
Win a Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience. A small, family owned and run boutique hotel and restaurant that strives to be the best, with a friendly, personal touch. The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at this years Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards. To celebrate the forthcoming festive season the award winning restaurant has created a unique seasonal menu for guests to enjoy value and excellence at lunch or dinner throughout December. Priced at just £19.95 for two courses and £24.95 for three courses, the emphasis is on affordable luxury by creating flavoursome, classic dishes with a modern twist, freshly produced on site using the finest ingredients.
page he is on for a chance to win lunch for two people at Netherstowe House in Lichfield. Write the page number on a postcard or the back of a sealed envelope along with your name and address and send it to us no later than 30th December to: Chase the Dog Competition Gazette Magazine P O Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ One entry per household only please (or disqualified). The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next issue of the Chase Gazette. Good luck!!
Chase is a naughty little puppy! True to form he has scampered off and got lost again in this issue and we need your help to find him. He might be in an advertisement or a story, can you find him? When you have found him (he looks like the image at the top of this page) simply tell us which
Congratulations to Miss T Hunter of Newbury Road, Norton Canes who spotted Chase the Dog on page 28 of the November issue.
My Word
Call yourself a logophile? Test your vocabulary with our quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority. Q. What is ailurophobia? A. A fear of lillies. B. A fear of cats. C. A fear of illness.
The answer is B. A ailurophobia is a fear of cats.
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