Newbridge House is purpose built with dementia clients at the heart of the design. With large
Long and short respite care or emergency placements available.
Advertising enquiries
Lisa Cuthbert - Sales Manager
Tel: 01785 318619
Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk
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Editorial enquiries
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The December 2025 edition of The Codsall Directory will be distributed during December 2025 to 5,000 homes and businesses in selected areas of Codsall, Bilbrook and Coven. If you wish to place an advert or editorial feature, please ensure copy is submitted to us no later than 05/11/2025.
Please note: All information was correct at time of printing but may be subject to changes.
A Gruesome Glimpse into Staffordshire’s Past Codsall & Bilbrook History Society
Crossword puzzle
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Sudoku puzzle
Gatehouse panto is the perfect family night out
Property of the month with Dourish and Day
Making connections with our community
Recipe of the month
Newbridge House Residential Care
What’s on in November at your local library
We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in The Codsall Directory magazine, and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibilty for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibilty for views expressed by contributors, or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
A Gruesome Glimpse into Staffordshire’s Past – Sold at Auction
A printed list charting over a century of executions in Stafford provided a chilling highlight at a recent Cuttlestones auction, where it and other execution-related ephemera in the lot sold for £170 to a local bidder from Uttoxeter. Spanning from 1793 through to 1907, the document offered a fascinating – if macabre – insight into the town’s criminal history and changing attitudes to justice.
The first entry dated from 1793, recording the executions of Betley and Ellis of Biddulph for the murder of Mr Ward of Yarlet. At the other end of the spectrum, the list closed in 1907 with two executions – J.A. Shufflebottom and J. Jones – for crimes that were not detailed.
Crimes and punishments
The register served as a stark reminder of how broad the definition of a capital crime once was. Alongside the many murder convictions, it recorded hangings for rape, forgery, highway robbery, house breaking, and even horse and sheep stealing. For modern eyes, the sheer range of offences carrying the ultimate penalty was a sobering thought.
Gruesome tales
The document did more than list names – it also preserved snippets of grim folklore. In 1812 William Booth, convicted of forgery, slipped and fell as he was hung. In 1816, the scaffold itself collapsed during the execution of murderer Ann Statham – one of the few women listed – making hers the last hanging to take place on top of The Lodge. Two years later, burglars Joseph Dace and Samuel Hames sang a hymn on the drop before meeting their fate. And in 1866 the rope slipped during William Collier’s execution for murder, marking the last time a hanging took place outside Stafford Gaol.
The most infamous entry
Perhaps the most notorious figure in the list was Dr William Palmer of Rugeley – better known as “The Prince of Poisoners”. Convicted in 1856 for the strychnine murder of his friend John Cook, Palmer was suspected of having killed several others, including members of his own family, for financial gain. His trial caused a sensation, with Charles Dickens branding him “the greatest villain that ever stood in the Old
Bailey”. Palmer’s execution at Stafford was one of the most infamous of the Victorian age.
A macabre look back
Believed to be a tourism piece dating back to the mid-20th century, the list was part of a lot that included other ephemera related to executions; providing an interesting glimpse into our judicial past. It unsurprisingly created quite a storm on local social media groups ahead of the auction; ultimately being secured by a bidder from Uttoxeter for £170, ensuring that this interesting piece of Staffordshire history has remained close to home.
Cuttlestones is now inviting consignments for future specialist sales. To find out what your antiques or collectables could be worth, send images via WhatsApp to 07949 603872, email valuations@cuttlestones.co.uk, or call 01785 714905 to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation.
Members of Codsall & Bilbrook History Society come from all walks of life but have one thing in common - a passion for local history and a desire to ensure that the past is not forgotten. Each year from September through to May, we run a programme of talks in Codsall Village Hall on the third Tuesday evening of each month.
We invite guest speakers to discuss a wide range of topics - some but not all, with a local theme. Past subjects include the history of pub signs; RAF Cosford; how Almshouses helped the poor, and an appraisal of Admiral Lord Nelson. The talks are free to members and £4 on the night for nonmembers.
Join us for our next event:
Quintin Watt: The Rise and Demise of the Bromsgrove Guild
18th November 2025
19:45 -21:15 at Codsall Village Hall, WV8 1PL
Quintin Watt offers an overview of the famous Worcestershire firm that created the gates at Buckingham Palace, the Liver Birds and many other well-known artistic monuments both in the UK and around the world. Working in wrought iron, bronze, wood plaster and stained glass, their work can be seen in many places.
Codsall & Bilbrook History Society is a registered charity with a current membership of over 140. We hold regular meetings and events and sell numerous publications chronicling the history of the area, written by our own members.
To find out more about the society, visit www.codsallhistory.org
Photo shows: Liver Bird on a tower of the Liver Building in 2005. Credit: Chris Howells.
We install A Rated windows as standard with A+/A++ options. Available for maximum energy saving.
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Fully trained installers with vast experience in the industry and long term employed by us. Quality products installed by professionals.
With our fully comprehensive 10 year insurance backed guarantee and back up service you can be confident you have spent your money wiseley. EXCELLENT SERVICE
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Celebrated as an Outstanding Workplace for Third Time
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is proud to announce that it has once again been recognised with the Outstanding Workplace Award by leading management consultancy People Insight, following an exceptional 93% employee engagement score in its latest annual Staff Survey.
Lifesaving Lottery & Save
This marks the third time the charity has received this prestigious accolade, having previously won in 2022 and 2024. The result places Midlands Air Ambulance Charity firmly in the top quartile for employee engagement, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture where people feel empowered, supported, and proud to contribute.
The Outstanding Workplace Award celebrates organisations that excel in motivating and engaging their teams, creating environments where individuals feel valued, connected, and aligned with a shared mission.
Hanna Sebright, Chief Executive Officer at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, commented: “We are thrilled to be recognised once again as an Outstanding Workplace. This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team, and to the culture we’ve built together - one that puts people and purpose at the heart of everything we do.”
When asked “What is the best thing about working for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity?”, staff shared heartfelt reflections:
• “Working for an organisation which cares about patients and employees alike.”
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• “The positive shared culture of the organisation where everyone is aiming to achieve the best for patients.”
• “Being surrounded by a positive workforce, all driven to do what is best for the organisation.”
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• “Being one big happy family - teamwork every time. You see our helicopter or critical care car and think I made that mission possible and helped save a life today. So rewarding.”
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity continues to lead by example in the third sector, demonstrating that a strong internal culture is key to delivering life-saving services across the region.
For more information about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the organisation on social media.
Sudoku PUZZLE
Gatehouse panto is the perfect family night out
It’s THAT time again – oh yes it is! The fantastic family pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY opens at the Gatehouse Theatre on Friday, December 5. BBC Radio WM presenter and CBBC legend Mark Rhodes returns as Hilarious Harry, while award-winning Dame David Phipps Davis is back by popular demand as Nurse Nora Knickerbocker.
Super Samantha Spragg is also returning as wicked Carabosse in the age-old story of a princess cursed by an evil fairy to fall into a deep sleep after pricking her finger on a spindle on her 16th birthday.
More than 9,000 tickets have already been sold in advance and the show is on course to break last year’s record of 18,800 people coming along.
‘It’s been incredibly busy,’ says Marketing Manager Keith Harrison, ‘We started planning for SLEEPING BEAUTY almost as soon as Jack and the Beanstalk ended in January and we knew we’d have to extend the run to accommodate the number of people coming to see this year’s production.’
Written by TV stalwart Eric Potts, who scripted dozens of award-winning patomimes, the story is a laugh-aminute romp with something for everyone, young and old.
‘We keep things simple in Stafford,’ Keith added, ‘It’s a brilliant traditional family pantomime with jokes galore for young and old. In the past few years, we’ve seen audiences increase by around 25 per cent and we’ve also been lucky to secure a great leading man in Mark and also David, who is probably the best Dame in the business.’
With SLEEPING BEAUTY Family Ticket discounts, VIP packages and food and drink offers galore, the Gatehouse is enjoying a bumper year with audiences flocking to the Eastgate Street venue.
‘It’s been a great 12 months and panto season is the busiest time of the year, so we’re getting ready to see 2025 out with a right laugh – it’s the only way to do it!’
The fun starts on December 5 and runs to January 4. Book now for a family festive treat on 01785 619080 or gatehousetheatre.co.uk
We are giving this home our Royal seal of approval, so head down to Calf Heath if you’re looking for a large detached family home in a popular semi-rural village. Ideally located for commuters, the property offers convenient access to the motorway network, with both the M6 and M6 Toll close by, providing swift connections to Birmingham and beyond. Beautifully presented throughout, this spacious home features an inviting entrance hallway with a guest WC, a comfortable lounge, dining room, and a modern kitchen diner complete with a utility room. Upstairs, there are four generously sized bedrooms, a contemporary family bathroom, and a stylish en-suite to the main bedroom. The property also benefits from a detached double garage, ample off-road parking, and a private rear garden – ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this stunning property your next family home!
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Making connections with our community
The arrival of a new building society in Codsall will mean more choice and additional support for how local people manage their money.
The Tipton & Coseley Building Society is coming soon to refurbished premises on The Square.
Codsall will become our fifth branch in the West Midlands, bringing a wide selection of savings and mortgage products to the community, alongside friendly, personalised service.
We may be new to the area, but as an established, trusted financial services provider, we’re very much here to stay, as chief customer officer Richard Groom explains.
“The Tipton helps people make the most of their money so they can achieve their most important financial goals,” he said.
“Our way of doing business is different to the banks because we’re owned by our customers. We don’t have external shareholders to satisfy and operate purely in our customers’ interests.
“This is reflected in our rates, products and quality of service, plus the fact that we regularly reinvest money back into the communities we serve.”
Codsall branch is nearing completion, with external signage now in place and the interior fitted out and decorated.
The style is warm and relaxed and in addition to traditional counter service, we also have two private consultation rooms where people can discuss their needs in comfort.
We’re eager to welcome new customers and have already started making connections with residents by hosting two drop-in sessions during October at the Codsall Community Hub.
Visitors were able to meet the team, access information about our products and services, and ask any questions ahead of our big opening.
Richard added: “Being a building society means we’re part of a movement that started 250 years ago, while the Tipton has been supporting customers in the region since 1901.
“We’re proud of our heritage, but excited for the future too, especially the prospect of creating a successful and thriving high street branch right here in Codsall.”
James Martin’s Ultimate Jacket Potato
Introduction
Baked potatoes are having a bit of a moment, and James Martin’s take on the classic winter warmer is probably the only spud recipe you’ll ever need.
Method
1. Preheat your oven to a hot 200°C/180°C Fan/gas mark 6 to ensure your jacket potatoes get that essential crispy skin. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then pierce them with a fork before placing them on a baking tray sprinkled with sea salt.
Cook the potatoes on the top shelf of the oven until they’re tender and the skin is crisp, which should take about an hour. Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool enough to handle.
2. While waiting, heat a frying pan to medium-hot, add butter, shallot, and garlic, and cook for two to three minutes. Then, toss in the leeks and cook for another couple of minutes before pouring in the white wine and reducing the liquid by half.
3. Pour in the cream and let it simmer for three to four minutes or until it thickens. Season it with salt and black pepper to your preference. Then, quarter the potatoes and arrange them in an ovenproof dish. Drizzle the leek sauce over the potatoes and scatter the taleggio pieces on top.
4. Heat a frying pan until it’s hot, then add the bacon and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy. Roughly chop the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese. Finally, put the dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until it’s golden brown and bubbling.
Ingredients
Serves 4
• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 25g butter
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely sliced
• 2 leeks, sliced lengthways, then across into slices
• 75ml white wine
• 300ml double cream
• 150g taleggio cheese, roughly chopped
• Eight slices of streaky bacon
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Credit: BBC
NEWBRIDGE HOUSE RESIDENTIAL CARE
For individuals with Dementia, Alzheimers or Mental Health Issues
Welcome to Newbridge House, a specialised dementia residential facility set back from Tettenhall Road in Wolverhampton. We offer respite, emergency, and step-down care. Our environment promotes independence and involvement, enhancing life experiences for all residents. With large bright corridors, bespoke signage and handrails across the home.
Our Facilities:
31 Luxury Single Bedrooms
Designed for dementia and mental health. Every bedroom has an en-suite, some boasting wet room en-suite. We also have a number of assisted bathrooms and shower rooms along with disabled friendly WC’s, all conveinently placed near communal areas. Room option prices vary based on location, facilities, and size.
Engaging Weekly Activities for Residents
Fall prevention, chair-based exercise, singing sessions, and special seasonal events such as pantomime performances. We have a jam packed activities schedule throughout the week and additional activities at weekend’s for special events. Its fair to say always something in the diary!
Sensory Courtyard Garden
We have a sensory garden complete with pond and outside gazebo seating area. Suitable for all mobility levels, with focal points for those who wander. Our large mature gardens and garden room were designed especially to facilitate meaningful visits.
Health Services
Our residents have weekly GP visits and have access to a hairdresser, chiropodist, dentistry, optician, and hearing services.
Inside the Home
We have a beach style diner, a small 1960’s themed kitchen/seating area, a quiet lounge, conservatory, and a large lounge. Corridors are themed with focal points of interests for the residents that may wander.
All signage across the suite has been designed with supporting individuals with dementia in mind - assisting a greater understanding of the environment.
We are taking enquires for both long and short term stays, we are also able to take placements in an emergency if we have vacancies. We have a long established relationship with local social services and CCG. Our CQC rating is Good.
Our fees range depending upon the room choice, starting from £846.00 per week.
For more information please visit our website at www.newbridgecarehome.co.uk
WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Regular Events and Activities at your local Library this month
FIGURE ON THE PIER
Thursday 6th November at Perton Library 7-9pm
An unsettling story from the shelves of Weeping Bank Library – read by The Librarian. Staffordshire Libraries is delighted to welcome back The Librarian of Weeping Bank to Perton this November... In Weeping Bank, they say The Librarian writes by moonlight and locks away his stories at dawn. But every now and then, by candlelight and under the watchful glow of a single brass lamp, he reads one or two of his chilling tales to rapt audiences across the country. This is storytelling as it once was—eerie, immersive and dangerously close. “A masterclass in the art of the modern ghost story” Bronte Schiltz, writer/journalist.
Secure your place at his reading at www.ticketsource.co.uk/weeping-bank | £6 per ticket
A WORD OF CAUTION: The Librarian’s readings contain moments of considerable unease and are deemed unsuitable for the faint of heart or those under 15 years of age. Contact Perton Library for more details at perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk or call 01902 506050.
HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY CANCER OR ARE SIMPLY WANTING TO IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING?
Codsall Library - Tues 9th Dec 1pm-4pm Perton Library - Tues 18th November 10am-12pm
A friendly and free Wellbeing Drop-In service, with Seisdon Primary Care Network, is here for you.
Come along for a relaxed chat If you would like to understand the early signs and symptoms of cancer or are simply looking for ways to feel better, cope more easily, or would like to take charge of your health.
We’re here to support you.
Please contact Perton Library 01902 506050 or email perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk or Codsall Library on 01902 506060 or e-mail codsall. library@staffordshire.gov.uk for more information.
FREE COMPUTER COURSES FOR STA FFORDSHIRE RESIDENTS IN SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE
Staffordshire Community Learning are looking to branch out into South Staffordshire and would like to offer FREE courses to begin at Codsall and/or Perton Library in the Autumn.
They are offering
• Beginner Digital Skills (for those with little or no experience)
• Digital Internet Skills
• Digital Office Skills
Please register your interest either by letting us know at your local library or by contacting Community Learning directly at 01543 334537 or by e-mail at communitylearning@staffordshire.gov.uk You can also visit their website at www.staffordshirecommunitylearning.org.uk
Please state the Library you would like to attend a course at and your preference. (Courses can only run if 5 people or more sign up.) Please state the Library you would like to attend a course at and your preference. (Courses can only run if 5 people or more sign up.)
PERTON MUMS
Mondays 9am – 11am
The first day of starting school is a milestone that can fill both parent and child with a mix of excitement and anxiety. For the parent, there is now time to meet new friends and discover ‘my time’. That’s why I have started Perton Mums which meets in the Wrottesley Room at Perton Library on Monday mornings in term time from 9 until 11. Come along for a cuppa and chat, biscuits included of course. Enjoy a couple of hours without the children, relax, chat, and discover new opportunities. Ann Everitt, Coordinator, Perton Mums
Contact us for more information on 01902 506050 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
For more information and regular events, see www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries
Thursday 6th November, 7pm
Perton Library
'A masterclass in the art of the modern ghost story '
' ... well written and flawlessly delivered with thespian-level gravitas'
An unsettling story from the shelves of Weeping Bank Library
- read by The Librarian
Weeping Bank readings contain moments of heightened tension & are unsuitable for many under 15 & those of a nervous disposition
A Red, White & Cream Christmas Wedding Dream Winter Wedding Magic at Pendrell Hall for Symone & David
There’s something truly magical about a winter wedding - the crisp air, twinkling lights, and a festive warmth that only the season can bring. And for Symone and David’s December wedding at the breathtaking Pendrell Hall, magic was exactly what was delivered. With a stunning palette of classic Christmas red, crisp winter white, and soft creamy touches, this wedding was the epitome of festive elegance.
We had the absolute pleasure of bringing their floral vision to life - and as a handpicked supplier for Ensarb (the wonderful team behind Pendrell Hall and its sister venues.....
The Mill Barns, Foxtail Barns, The Ashes Barns, Hanbury Barns and Whistle Barn), we always feel so at home styling such a beautiful space, working alongside their fabulous event staff.
Symone’s bridal bouquet was a true winter showstopper - a hand-tied posy that perfectly balanced traditional romance with seasonal charm. We combined velvety red and pure white roses in equal measure, interspersed with gold hypericum berries, white skimmia, and nestled amongst soft layers of eucalyptus, parvi, ruscus, and wintery spruce to form a lush “underskirt” of foliage. Finishing touches included delicate gold accents for that festive sparkle, and the bouquet was elegantly bound in ivory satin ribbon for a polished, timeless look.
The bridesmaids carried smaller versions of Symone’s bouquet — equally enchanting and full of that Christmassy charm. The groom’s buttonhole featured a single white rose with a dainty mini-cluster of florals and foliage to echo the bridal bouquet, carefully crafted to be light and refined. Groomsmen wore simplified versions, and for younger members of the party, we always offer a magnetic option - no pins needed, making things easier for little suits and small hands!
One of the standout floral installations was the civil ceremony arrangement, a 3ft-wide front-facing display that felt loose, natural, and grown-in, like a secret winter garden blooming just for the occasion.
Designed in keeping with the bridal bouquet, it was later moved to the top table — giving it a second life during the wedding breakfast and framing the couple beautifully as they dined and toasted their new life together.
The drinks reception was also given the floral treatment with a large, festive hand-tie presented in one of our elegant glass vases (available to hire), complete with seasonal stems and a flourish of red panicum grass for a touch of texture and height. This arrangement mirrored the entrance flowers, offering guests a cohesive floral experience from the moment they stepped into the venue.
Everything about Symone and David’s wedding was full of heart, joy, and the kind of magic only a Christmas wedding can bring. From the scent of fresh spruce to the glow of golden accents, it was a celebration that felt like a warm embrace on a frosty day.
To any brides dreaming of a cosy, romantic winter wedding, let this be your inspiration. Whether you’re envisioning classic reds and whites, shimmering golds, or rustic seasonal touches, we’d love to help bring your dream day to life. With the Ensarb venues providing the most beautiful backdrops and our passion for floral storytelling, your winter wedding could be just as magical.
The professionals involved with this wedding: Flowers & Styling
We cover West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Warwickshire. Follow us on social media for the latest trends and offers!
We can’t wait to be a part of your special day!
Fed up of your lantern turning your kitchen into a greenhouse? Let’s fix that - without the faff of cords and cables!
CORDLESS LANTERN BLINDS
From just £399 fully fitted
Keep your room cool, comfortable and stylish - even on the hottest days. No cords. No clutter. Just sleek, smart shading that works like a dream.
• Custom-made to fit your lantern
• Neat and cordless – no visual mess
• Reflective backing to reduce glare and heat gain
• Can be fully motorised
• Installed by experts
Visit our showroom in Penkridge (by appointment only) or call for a free home consultation.
7. CRETECON REMIX
8. DARH ATH ........................ Construction Crossword
FILMS INSIDE
A Season of Books and Plays on Screen at Perton Library this Autumn/Winter
Films Inside film club launches a monthly film night on 28 October, exploring cinema from laugh out loud comedy and Gothic horror to taut psychological dramas
Tues 28 Oct 2025 Frankenstein (PG)
Tues 25 Nov 2025 Jaws (12A)
Tues 9 Dec 2025 The Princess Bride (PG)
Tues 20 Jan 2026 Nuts in May (PG)
Tues 10 Feb 2026 Ghost Stories (15)
All showings will begin at 7pm £2 per person (booking essential)
Please contact Perton Library on 01902 506050 or perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk for more details or to book your place
For more information https://filmhubmidlands.org/
A Novel November
A natty November selection as the buildup to Christmas begins.
The Look by Michelle Obama
Beautifully illustrated with more than 200 photographs, including never-before-seen images, The Look is a stunning journey through Michelle Obama’s style evolution, in her own words for the first time.
In this celebration of style, from the moment she entered the public eye during her husband’s US Senate campaign through her time as the first Black First Lady of the United States and today as one of the country’s most influential figures, Obama shares how she uses the beauty and intrigue of fashion to draw attention to her message.
Published November 4th by Mitchell Beazley
Exit Strategy by Lee Child and Andrew Child
store to buy a coat; and third, wherever this bend in the road takes him.
As ever, Reacher is prepared to take the law into his own hands for justice. He is a man who says he doesn’t want to put the world to rights - he just doesn’t like people who put it to wrongs.
Published November 4th by Penguin Books
Live Aid – The Definitive Inside Story by Paul Vallely
The authoritative, official inside story of 40 years of Live Aid, from Band Aid to today.
book – which has a foreword by Geldof – crammed with stories of how pop, poverty, politics and power are interwoven in the Live Aid story.
Published November 6th by Putman Publishing
Bread of Angels: A Memoir by Patti
Smith
Patti Smith has written a memoir that her publishers are describing as her “most intimate and visionary work” yet.
Portrayed in film by Tom Cruise, the Jack Reacher series now reaches 30 books. In this, the latest, our righteous adventurer for troubled times will make three stops in one day. First, a Baltimore coffee shop; second, a
In 1985, with over £100million in his back pocket from Live Aid – the greatest rock concert the world had ever seen – Bob Geldof took a trip across Africa to decide how to spend the money he had raised for the Ethiopian famine. He asked Paul Vallely to go with him.
Over the next four decades Vallely became one of Geldof’s closest advisers – travelling with him to meet the world’s top rock stars and politicians.
Here, for the first time, Vallely gives his full eye-witness account of those 40 years in a
Bread of Angels covers everything from the icon’s childhood in working-class Philadelphia and South Jersey to her rise as a punk rock star and her subsequent retreat from public life.
“It took a decade to write this book, grappling with the beauty and sorrow of a lifetime. I’m hoping that people will find something they need.”
