Chase Gazette September 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE 11

CANNOCK • HEDNESFORD • RUGELEY

A SELECT MAGAZINE FOR THE CANNOCK CHASE AREA

Mythical monster funat Cannock Library

Page 12

Page 3

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Page 4 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Contact the Gazette see page 37

CONTENTS

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33

Front cover for more details see page 12

Freedom BreweryCompetition

Congratulations to John Bennett ofPeakes Road, Rugeley winner of aFreedom Ales Taster Pack.

24

26

Carry on the conversation onfacebook at Chase Gazette

14

06 Win Lunch for TwoWin Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience.

14 Age UK South StaffordshireDo you know an older person who might besuffering from loneliness?22 National Pet ShowWin tickets to the National Pet Show

24 Mens FashionAutumn and Winter 2014

26 The Lost Pubs of RugeleyImages from the Landor Society

30 HRH The Princess Royal VisitsSouth Staffordshire Sailing ClubRoyal visit marks 60th anniversary

33 Gazette WeddingsTop wedding trends

Page 5

LetterAfrom the

CONTRIBUTORS• Caz Jones

• Joss Musgrove Knibb

• Michael Hewitt

• The Landor Society

• Robert Yardley

Editor

September 2014Issue 11

ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE

Chase Gazette is your local monthlymagazine distributed to more than 15,000homes and businesses in and aroundCannock Chase. Distribution area coversCannock, Hednesford and Rugeley.We do not seek to sensationalise but toinform and entertain our readers. The viewsexpressed in this magazine are those of thecontributors and not necessarily those of thepublishers. Chase Gazette magazine is not afranchise or connected with any other groupof publications.A limited number of the ChaseGazette are available and can bepurchased at 90p from our office.

More maddened than‘modded’

I think I’m pretty cool and ‘down-with-the-kids’ when it comes to modern parlance, but….(breaks off from ironing), in a conversation quite recently I described a couple I hadobserved in Cannock wearing, what I would describe as Goth outfits. Nothing wrong in thatI hear you cry.In conversation a few days later I described this to a lady business colleague (you knowwho you are Lucy), who is a regular artisan herself, and I referred to them as “Goths”. Goth

being those dressed in black clothing, ashen white of face and sportingblack lipstick (and the women in similar). Lucy gave me one of thosewithering looks, usually only reserved for knowing teenagers, “Der! NotGoths, they are Steampunks!” With tears in my eyes I went away, ashamed of my ignorance. Sobbinginto my keyboard I searched the internet and found the definition formyself. No more will I be ridiculed and be forced to hop from foot to footfoolishly because I am not in full receipt of the fundamental facts,including not knowing a Goth from a Punk. Here we go with the definition, a la Wikipedia: “Steampunk refers to anyof the artistic styles, clothing fashions, or subcultures, that havedeveloped from the aesthetics of steampunk fiction, Victorian-era fiction,art nouveau design, and films from the mid-20th century. Variousmodern utilitarian objects have been modded [Modified –Ed] byindividual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical ‘steampunk’ style,and a number of visual and musical artists have been described assteampunk.”Let me put this more simply: A cream puff is nearer in composition to acheese cracker than a rich tea biscuit is to a Jaffa cake. I hope thisclears it up for all you uninitiated out there. Otherwise, if you haveunderstood any of the above, I haven’t explained it right.

Now, let me get on with my ironing. Steampunk indeed!

Yours truly Paul Oakley (Editor)


Chasethe Dog Win a Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) and enjoy theNetherstowe Houseexperience. As the venue ofchoice for many milestonecelebrations, such asanniversaries, birthdays andweddings, Netherstowe HouseHotel and Restaurant resonatesto the sound of laughterthroughout the year from guestsindulging in a seasonal soiree.Past well known patrons whohave enjoyed doing just thatinclude Sir Roger Moore, HelenBaxindale, Barry Norman CBE,Claire Sweeny and Idris Elba toname but a few. NetherstoweHouse are incredibly proud tohave been voted 'Restaurant ofthe Year' at the Taste ofStaffordshire Good Foodawards, to have received an AARosette award for CulinaryExcellence and to berecommended by the MichelinGuide. These coveted awardsand accolades are testament tothe dedication of their teamwho are incredibly passionateabout delighting guests. Express Lunch Menu: 2 Courses~ £14.95; 3 Courses ~ £19.9512 midday to 2:30pm (Mon -Fri), 1:00pm to 2:30pm (Sat)Chase is a naughty little puppy!True to form he has

scampered off and got lostagain in this issue and we needyour help to find him. Hemight be in an advertisementor a story, can you find him?When you have found him (helooks like the image at the topof this page) simply tell uswhich page he is on for achance to win lunch for twopeople at Netherstowe Housein Lichfield.

Write the page number on apostcard or the back of asealed envelope along withyour name and address andsend it to us no later than 15September to:

Chase the Dog CompetitionGazette MagazineP O Box 5414Lichfield WS14 4EZOne entry per household onlyplease (or disqualified).

The Editor will draw thewinning entry and announce itin the next issue of the ChaseGazette. Good luck!!

Congratulations to Mr S DGoodwin, Stafford BrookRoad, Rugeley.

FOR TWO PEOPLE ATNETHERSTOWE HOUSE

LUNCHWINCannock Chase Council has signed a Section 106 agreement with St Modwen

and JS Holford & Son, allowing plans for a housing scheme to commence.Located on land to the west of Pye Green Road, the 142-acre development will

include up to 700 homes, including affordable housing, and 75 acres of public openspace. At the heart of the development will be a local centre that will incorporateshops and local facilities.

St. Modwen was given a resolution to grant planning permission for thedevelopment in 2012 and has since been working with Cannock Chase Councilto agree the Section 106 Agreement - a package of financial contributions andinfrastructure improvements to help enhance the local area.

The Agreement includes provision for an on-site primary school and £2.6million education contributions, plus provision for dedication of over half the siteto open space, and major contributions to off-site recreation enabling CannockChase Council to bring forward the proposed Sports Hub at the former CannockStadium in Pye Green Road and highway works costing over £2 million to providea roundabout on the A34. This also includes new and improved junctions on PyeGreen Road and Limepit Lane and a network of pedestrian crossing facilities andcycle paths, to help minimise residents' car use

Mike Timmins, senior planning surveyor at St. Modwen, said: "We are verypleased to reach this major milestone in our plans for the Pye Green site. It means wecan now start building the development and create an exciting, sustainableneighbourhood that will breathe new life into Hednesford. More than 1,000 jobs are alsoset to be generated by the construction of the houses and the local centre."

Cllr Gordon Allcott, Cannock Chase Council Economic Development andPlanning Cabinet Portfolio Leader, added: "This housing scheme will bring significantlevels of inward investment to Cannock Chase District as well as social andenvironmental benefits. Up to 14 per cent of the first phase of 219 homes will beaffordable, helping local people."

The Pye Green scheme’s design will encourage walking, cycling and use ofpublic transport, and over half of the site will be devoted to open space whichaims to give the scheme a very natural feel, taking advantage of its location andsurrounding landscape setting.

The traditional-style houses will range from one to five bedrooms, with ageneral emphasis on three and four-bed family homes. There will also beaffordable housing and large detached executive homes included in thedevelopment.

St. Modwen has also undertaken a £50 million transformation of Hednesfordtown centre. The 10-acre regeneration project has involved the creation of twoshopping and leisure areas called Chase Gateway and Victoria Shopping Parkboasting high street names including Tesco, Costa Coffee and Pets Corner.

Pye Green housingscheme to commence

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Mill Green DesignerVillage gets Positive

ResponsePlans for a major new designer outlet village in Cannock

have received an overwhelmingly positive responsefollowing a public exhibition.The initial Mill Green proposals,which were unveiled in mid July, have so far been met with72% support from consultation feedback, with a further 16%of respondents backing some of the plans.

A public consultation on the proposals, held at SouthStaffordshire College’s Cannock Campus, was attended by316 people. Overall feedback has so far been positive;highlighting that people believe the development will be verygood for Cannock. Supportive comments cited the economicboost to Cannock as the primary benefit, in particular thecreation of up to 800 new jobs, raising the profile of the areaand attracting people from across the West Midlands.

Rioja Developments and Development Securities, thedevelopers behind the project, will continue to consult in thecoming weeks. They are very keen for as many people aspossible to provide feedback, either online atwww.millgreenoutletvillage.co.uk/ or via the freepostfeedback forms. Site plans are on display at Cannock Libraryand Cannock Council, where members of the public can alsopick up leaflets with feedback forms and take everyopportunity to help shape the proposals.

Mill Green designer outlet village, a multi-million pounddevelopment, would boast up to 130 designer outlet stores,new restaurants and a cinema, together with approximately2,000 car parking spaces within a beautifully landscapeddevelopment next to the Mill Green Nature Reserve. Itwould include a mix of designer brands that are not found inlocal town centres, offering a retail destination that couldattract customers from all over the West Midlands. Ifapproved, the 28,500 sq m (307,000 sq ft) retail and leisuredestination will be the biggest development of its kind in theregion.

A planning application will be submitted to Cannock ChaseDistrict Council towards the end of the year. Anyone wishingto discuss the plans can also call a member of theCommunity Affairs team on Freephone 08000 355 872.

The Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust was founded in 1953with the aim of helping churches with the cost of repairs. Ride

and Stride is the annual sponsored cycling/walking event in aid ofcounty Historic Churches Trusts all over England. It takes place thisyear on Saturday September 13.

Participants are sponsored by family and friends to visit as manychurches as they can between 10am and 6pm. In 2013, 157 churchestook part in Staffordshire and 110 cyclists and walkers weresponsored. A total of £14,000 was raised. The money is used tomake grants to churches for repairs and essential maintenance. Halfthe money raised by each cyclist/walker is returned to their homechurch.

As well as having the aim of raising funds for churches in need ofhelp, Ride and Stride day gives the opportunity to get out and aboutand admire our wonderful heritage of churches, many of which arenormally closed (apart from times of worship, of course). Ahandsome trophy is awarded to the cyclist or walker who visitsmost participating churches.

For more information contact [email protected] orgo to www.staffordshirehistoricchurchestrust.org Reproduced bykind permission from the Rugeley and Brereton Links Newsletter.

Musical programme announcedfor Lichfield Proms

Star Wars, Nimrod andMars from The Planets

will be just some of themusical treats in store foraudiences at thisSeptember’s Lichfield Promsin Beacon Park.

Lichfield Proms is only afew weeks away and TheBritish Police Symphony Orchestra (BPSO) is busy practising inreadiness for their big performance in Beacon Park on Sunday 6September 2014. For more than a quarter of a century, the BPSO hasthrilled audiences up and down the country. Conducted by newmusical director, Richard Jenkinson, the 65-piece orchestra will leadthe main concert at 7.30pm.

Richard Jenkinson, Musical Director of The British Police SymphonyOrchestra, said: “Lichfield Proms is one of the highlights of theregional calendar, and we’re delighted to be invited back to lead themain concert.”

The free family event will also feature music from the City ofLichfield Concert Band that will be warming up the Lichfield Promsaudience from 6pm. The concert band has promised a range ofmusic, including pop favourites by ABBA, Adele and The Beatles, aswell as music from hit shows such as Hair Spray, West Side Story andThe Sound of Music. Their repertoire is also set to include film scoresfrom Brave, Jurassic Park, James Bond and 633 Squadron, as well asrousing classical music such as Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance, and more. Tofind out more about Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park, please visitwww.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lichfieldproms.

Ride and Stride

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The 2014 Green Flags are flying high at fourof the District’s green spaces after they all

retained the prestigious awards.Flag-raising ceremonies were held at

Cannock Park, Elmore Park in Rugeley, RavenhillPark in Brereton and Castle Ring in Cannock

Wood on Monday 4th August, when theCouncil’s Culture and Sport portfolioleader, ward and parish councilors,community groups and charitiescelebrated the latest Green Flag success.

Cannock Park has now held a GreenFlag since 2008, and Castle Ring, ElmorePark and Ravenhill Park have all heldGreen Flags since 2009.

Additionally, Castle Ring – the site of an IronAge hill fort in Cannock Wood – has beenawarded ‘Green Heritage Status’ this year, oneof only 59 such awards given in the 2014 judginground. The Green Heritage Award is given inrecognition of achieving the required standard

in the management and interpretationof a site with local or nationalimportance. A plaque will be installedon the site as well as the new GreenFlag.

The Green Flag award has to beapplied for annually and each site isjudged by two Green Flag judges. Aspart of the judging exercise the judgesprovide feedback on the sites to theCouncil. The Council is then expectedto act on the main recommendationsof the feedback as a way ofcontinuously improving the site for thebenefit of all users.

Councillor Christine Mitchell,Cannock Chase Council’s Culture andSport Leader, said: "The Green Flagaward recognises and rewards thebest parks and green spaces across thecountry. A Green Flag flying overheadis a sign to the public that the spaceboasts the highest possible standards,is beautifully maintained and hasexcellent facilities.

“I'd like to say a big thank you to the

Council’s employees and all the otherpassionate individuals and voluntary groupswho have worked hard to provide and maintainthese vital green spaces which help to improvethe quality of life for everyone.”

Cannock Chase Council manages more than1,000 hectares of parks and green spaces acrossthe District – the size of about 1,600 footballpitches.


Green Flags raisedat District Green

Spaces

Cllr Christine Mitchell with Christine Salmonfrom the Friends of Cannock Park

Colin Archer, park keeper at Elmore Park

Cllr Christine Mitchell with ward and parishcouncillors at Ravenhill Park

Cllr Christine Mitchell


Year 5 pupils from Chase ViewPrimary got an insight to the

operations of a pizza restaurant andbegan a school business partnershipbetween themselves and their Domino'soutlet at the invitation of franchiseholder Ben Sandy.

To begin with the children were invitedto design their own pizzas in class using arange of ingredients and also taking intoaccount nutritional benefits, cost andappearance, all factors that werediscussed and explained, with thepromise that the one that was judged thebest would be turned into a real pizza.With these duly complete the class thenheaded to their nearest restaurant atPear Tree in Rugeley.

During the visit the children workedwith area manager Emma Kate Kennedyand store manager Gavin Wilcox to learnabout all aspects of how the businessoperates from seeing the orders comein, experiencing the cold store, takingpart in a pizza box assembling challenge,learning about hygiene, ingredients andthe way the delivery side of the businessoperates.

The highlight of thevisit however was theopportunity for eachmember of the classto fully prepare andbake their own pizzabeing responsible forevery aspect of theprocess frombeginning to end. Eachmember of the class kneaded, rolled andshaped their dough, added the sauce,cheese and topping, used Domino'sspecial ovens to bake the pizza, removedit and sliced and boxed it before themost important part, the taste test andthe verdict? Delicious.

During the visit the competitionentries were also judged and all deemedexcellent but after long deliberation byEmma and Gavin the prize was awardedto Chantelle Wainwright who will visitthe store again with her family to bakeher special pizza. Dominoes have alsoagreed to sponsor a new football kit forChase View School, further developingthe links.

Chase View pupilsvisit Domino’s

Sixteen local youngsters had a ‘roaring’good time at Cannock Library in July at a

special dragon craft event. To celebrate‘Mythical Maze’, this year’s libraries’ SummerReading Challenge, a local artist encouragedthe children to let loose their imaginationsand create a fantastic menagerie of dragons,wizards and enchanted creatures.

Now in its fifteenth year, the nationalchallenge is designed as a fun way toencourage youngsters to keep up theirreading levels during the long summerholiday, and is supported by lots of libraryactivities, a dedicated website, and new for2014, a Mythical Maze app which enablesyour digital device to access video, animatedmessages, and games.

Staffordshire‘s Library Leader, CountyCouncillor Mike Lawrence said the SummerReading Challenge has proved to be

incredibly popular with the county’s youngpeople over the years:

“We had a record-breaking year in 2013and I love the youngsters’ enthusiasm as theyget stuck in to their reading and the variousactivities. The children at Cannock Libraryclearly had a great time at the dragon craftevent and produced some amazing models.I’m sure this year’s myths and fantasy themedreading challenge, with all the fun and gamesplanned in local libraries across Staffordshireand available online, will help our children goback to school feeling really positive aboutlearning.”

The Summer Reading Challenge, deliveredby Staffordshire Libraries, is produced by TheReading Agency, the independent charityworking to inspire people to read more,supported by children’s publishers.

Mythical monster fun atCannock Library

Ryley Archer with store manager Gavin wilcox

The whole group outside the store

Cannock youngsters Luke Histon (aged10) and his brother Sean (8) proudly

displaying their creations.

Leah Chambers (10) and OwenThomas (7) show off their creative skills.

Page 13

Afantastic day was had byall on Friday 4 July, when

Ansons Solicitors held asponsored walk for five-year-old Amber Porterfield fromPelsall, who has spasticdiplegia cerebal palsy.

The Ansons team endured the Great British weather,walking over 11 miles to get from the Ansons Cannockoffice to their Lichfield office. It was all worth it, as£2,500 was raised by the event, which will go towards the£60,000 needed to take Amber to the USA for a life-changing operation.

Every penny donated goes towards making Amber’sdream come true: to walk unaided without the need fora wheelchair.

Jen Farley, Amber’s aunt and member of the Ansonsdispute resolution team, said: “We are so grateful to

everyone who came along tosupport us and donate towards thisvery worthwhile cause. Now Amberis one step closer to achieving herdream thanks to the incrediblesupport and generosity of everyonewho took part.”

You can still donate by visitingwww.justgiving.com/clare-pickman.

Ansons raise £2,500to help Amber walk

Aspecial game of golf has raised £200 for CannockDistrict Council’s Chairman’s charities Meningitis

Now and Lichfield and Hatherton Canals RestorationTrust.

Eight teams took part in a Golf Charity Day held atCannock Park Golf Course, which is managed by leisureprovider WLCT on behalf of the council.

Teams played a four ball tournament, with the bestscores from each hole counted and those with the mostpoints declared winners.

In first place were Steve Meacham, Keith Perry, TomYapp and Roger Whitehouse from Cannock Park GolfClub (93 points). In second place were Mike Webb, JonClarke, Rich Woolley and Gaz Podmore (92 points), whilein third place were Dave Hamer, Toby Rexstraw, TonyCryne and Andy King from Bradshaw Gass and Hope LLP(83 points).

Jon Clarke, of WLCT, said: “This was a fantastic eventthat raised money for two important charities. Thanks toeveryone who took part on the day.”

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Culture and SportPortfolio Leader said “Thank you to everyone who tookpart in this event a wonderful way of raising money forour Chairman’s charities.”

Golfers tee off for charity

Believed to be the oldest firm in Cannock,A.J.Sellman Family Funeral Directors has been

providing a special level of care since 1870.Situated in the heart of Cannock at Church Street

and in the middle of Penkridge on Clay Street, thebusiness has seen many changes.

The premises were originally located in PriceStreet adjoining the Black Horse Pub. However, thecompany had to move to its modern day premiseson Church Street due to major road developmentsin 1989.

Set up by Alfred John Sellman when Cannock expanded as a mining town the business hasalways prided itself in being a local family business caring for the local community. It is now asixth generation family business owned and managed by George Poole and his sons; Ralph andEdward.

As a firm of funeral directors A.J. Sellman are long standing members of the NationalAssociation of Funeral Directors NAFD (www.nafd.org.uk) and the Society of Allied andIndependent Funeral Directors (www.saif.org)Easing the cost of paymentAs well as catering for families immediately after they have lost a loved one, A J Sellman offers

Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans. These allow people to pay for their funeral at today’sprices, avoiding rapidly increasing funeral costs. However, a funeral plan also gives people peaceof mind in the knowledge that they have relieved their nearest and dearest of a huge emotionalburden. People are able to discuss their funeral wishes rationally, rather than in a distressed stateof mind.Part of the communityThe company is also involved in fundraising for local hospice St Giles. Last year, in partnership

with Golden Charter, A J Sellman donated a total of £6,375 to the charity. For every funeral plantaken out with A J Sellman, £50 is donated to the at-home St Giles nurses who work within thecommunity. No one can easily offer the breadth of experience A.J Sellman can bring. Very manyfamilies know that in their time of personal crisis they have had the reassurance and professionalservice only the area’s oldest funeral director can provide.

Independent Local FamilyFuneral Directors You Can Trust...


Whiplash, the soft tissue neck and backinjury that is usually caused by the

collision forces in a road traffic accident, isclaimed to have reached epidemic status. Laterthis year, The Ministry of Justice is introducingnew measures in an effort to deter dishonestyin claims for compensation.

Since 2010, several new measures have beenbrought in to address the perceived whiplashepidemic, despite the number of cases fallingover the last decade. From October 2014, awhole new whiplash claims scheme is beingintroduced. The aim of the scheme is to reducethe number of fraudulent personal injury claimsand to limit the cost of obtaining medicalevidence in such claims. This should make theprocess of claiming for compensation forwhiplash injuries more cost-efficient for bothsides involved in the accident.

Under the new scheme, the defendant willhave the opportunity to ask the medical expertquestions before the injured person meets withthe expert. Previously the injured personwould choose a suitable medical expert and themedical report would only contain informationgiven by them or taken from their medicalrecords. The introduction of routinequestioning means that defendants will be in afar better position to defend their positionwhere there is doubt that the injuries are notgenuine. Being subjected to greater levels ofscrutiny is intended to deter people from

making fraudulent claims. In addition, all medical experts wishing to

prepare reports for use in whiplash cases mustnow belong to a fully approved panel. Thisprevents the injured person “shopping” for anexpert who will agree to validate their story. Itis hoped that use of accredited experts willfurther help reduce potential cases of fraud, butthe relatively small fees that experts receiveunder this scheme may mean that suitableexperts decline to join the panel.

If you have been involved in a road trafficaccident and suffered whiplash, taking legaladvice from an experienced personal injurylawyer is more important than ever. Yoursolicitor will advise you on the new claimsprocess, help you find an accredited medicalexpert, and help you get the compensation youdeserve.

AdamPenn is apersonal

injury lawyerwith Ansons

Solicitors,who haveoffices in

Cannock andLichfield,

Staffordshire.

Whiplash cases facegreater scrutiny

Loneliness and Isolation,in Cannock?

Cadets march onto new training

groundCadets in Rugeley have a new place to

practice their exercises and drills afterCannock Chase Council allowed them to usea piece of unused land in the town.

The piece of Council-owned land in BowStreet, Rugeley, has been unused for manyyears, and many local people have called for itto be brought back into use.

The 1871 (Rugeley) Air Training Corps &Rugeley Army Cadet Force Detatchment willnow be using the site for training purposesunder a temporary licence from CannockChase Council.

The Council has already cleared rubbish anddebris from the site, and weeds have beenremoved, meaning it is now in a good state tobe used by the local Cadets.

Flight Liutenant Tom Grocott, CommandingOfficer for 1871 (Rugeley) Squadron AirTraining Corps, said: “Rugeley Air Cadets havebeen looking to use the land on Bow Streetfor a long time for outdoor training and I ampleased that an agreement has been made toenable us to do this. The use of the land will beof real benefit to our cadets. I would also liketo thank Councillor Bennett for his help andsupport.”

There has been a lot in the press recently aboutloneliness. But it’s not an issue in Cannock and

the surrounding area, is it? A new report ‘TheFuture of Loneliness’ from Friends of the Elderlyshows that five million older people in the UK areaffected by loneliness with one in 10 saying theyoften feel lonely. Age UK South Staffordshire andthe Eat Well Project are offering support to makethis autumn and winter a bit easier than usual.

If you feel you would like a visitor, and are over65, you can contact the Eat Well... Live Betterteam at Age UK South Staffordshire, telephone01785 788 496 free of charge. We will come outand see you to see if you can access the Eat WellService and be matched with a regular visitor. Thiswould be free of charge and is subject to demandand a volunteer visitor being available. At thepresent time, frequency of visits will vary, and willdepend on the volunteer’s availability. If youwould like regular companionship on a fixed orregular time (or any other form of regular careand help at home, including a home help service)to suit yourself and your commitments Age UKSouth Staffordshire provide a CompanionshipService and Care and Support at Home.Depending on what you need there are a range ofcharges, tailored to suit your budget. For the EatWell Service, please phone 01785 788 496, or the

Care and Help at Home Service phone 01785 788499.

So there are lonely people in Cannock. Do youknow anyone? Are you lonely yourself? The nightswill start to draw in shortly, and older people tendto feel less inclined to go out. Colder weatherand the dark can have a real impact. Lonelinesscan have a big effect on health. But there are waysto overcome loneliness, even if you live alone andfind it hard to get out.

In England, 51% of all people over 75 live aloneand 5 million older people say the television istheir main form of company. People can becomesocially isolated for a variety of reasons such asgetting older, weaker, no longer being the hub oftheir family, leaving the workplace, disability orillness, and the deaths of spouses and friends. Ifyou feel a bit isolated, there are things you can dothat could well help:

• If you feel like a bit of a walk, there arelots of organised walks in and around Cannockand South Staffordshire where you will get a bit ofexercise and possibly make friends. . Phone theAge UK Falls and Exercise Co-ordinator on 01785788 472. You can also try StaffordshireCares/Purple Pages 0300 111 8010. Localinformation centres in the library or at CannockChase and Chasewater will also have information.

Walking can be very sociable and lift your mood.If you think you would like a bit of gentle

exercise but mobility is more of an issue, there isseated exercise and other exercise classes inCannock and lots more besides. If you would liketo know what Age UK South Staffordshire doesphone 01785 788 472.

• There is usually lots going on at thelocal churches in the area, village or Parish hall, orCommunity Centre. There are groups foreveryone, usually involving a cup of tea! Try PurplePages (as above) Staffordshire Cares, the DistrictCouncil or your library. Our Information andAdvice Service can help 01785 788 499.

You might feel you could tackle your ownsituation, by joining in and helping groups orindividuals on a voluntary basis. There are lots ofopportunities.

• You will find lots of information onlineor via social media – if you can’t use computers oraccess the web, a friend or relative might be ableto help, if you would like to learn these skillscontact your library for information and help. Lotsof colleges run basic courses.

For general information and advice from AgeUK South Staffordshire phone 01785 788 499between 10-2pm usually Tues, Thursday and Friday.

www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs - 01785 788 496

Page 15


Quality German KitchensInvest two hours and get satisfaction for the next ten years, or more!

Why are people from as farafield as the Scottish Isles

and London choosingKutchenhaus kitchens andvisiting the Sutton Coldfieldshowroom sometimes spendingthe weekend in the area as well?

Around the world, Nobilia is a byword forquality and manufacturingexcellence. Yet despite 60 years ofmanufacturing world-class kitchens, untilvery recently the brand was little known in theUK. Kutchenhaus is proud to be part ofNobilia, so you know that when you’re buyingfrom Kutchenhaus you’re buying direct fromthe world’s largest kitchen manufacturer.

The word ‘quality’ is very much over-playedthese days, but German engineered productsare world renowned for their quality, andKutchenhaus German kitchens are nodifferent. Kutchenhaus fitted kitchens are builtto the highest standards and feature all thelatest technologies you would expect (and youwould demand) from your kitchen – soft closedrawers, clever corner units, progressive doorhinges etc.

The best kitchen designers and thebest product! British designers arerecognised the world over for their ability, andKutchenhaus’s kitchen designers have the

luxury of being able to work with the very bestproduct to assist them in creating the very bestkitchen solutions.

All Kutchenhaus Kitchen Designers aretrained by their German factory to designkitchens in the best, most effective and mosteconomical way – the comprehensivecatalogue of choices demonstrates this andincludes options of Nobilia manufacturedkitchens. Their designers are free to focus onthe needs and desires of their customers,knowing that there is always a solutionavailable.

Is German built quality going to beexpensive? Potential customers sometimesavoid Kutchenhaus believing their price will betoo high, only to be pleasantly surprised thatthis is not the case. There are ten door options,and levels of finish from regular gloss tolacquered. All units are finished to anextremely high standard inside and out.

Kutchenhaus displays a high degree offlexibility and will work within your budget, orindeed in many cases will save you money bycareful analysis and questioning of customerpriorities by the friendly and knowledgeableshowroom advisors. This usually has asurprising effect on what can be afforded.

Total satisfaction all-around Any kitchen fitter that has installed a

Kutchenhaus kitchen willtell you he (or she) likesfitting the product and howthe quality compares withothers in the market. Thecompany suppliesappliances too and manyfridges, freezers,dishwashers, microwavesand washer/dryers areeasily integrated into youroverall scheme.

Kutchenhaus haveinstalled kitchens all overthe UK and theirexperience knows nobounds.

How white is white? Kutchenhaus offer over 120 amazing finishes

and a range of options, all displaying the kind ofattention to the smallest detail that typifiesGerman products in general. Remember youare dealing direct with the manufacturers andgetting truly bespoke furniture - NOT FLATPACK!

Their major production plant in Germanysupplies its own showrooms in SuttonColdfield, Manchester and York, which enablesthe company to maintain the highest qualitystandards and innovation, but at verycompetitive prices. The showroom was veryrecently refitted with 17 new examples ondisplay - allow enough time to consider themultitude of options available.

The highly satisfied customer. "Havebeen delighted with my experience at KutchenhausSutton Coldfield. The kitchen I have ordered is offar superior quality (and so much nicer) than theone I was planning to buy from B & Q andcheaper! The showroom team are veryknowledgeable and friendly and Jay has produceda fantastic plan within my budget. I would adviseanyone planning a new kitchen to go and see howmuch more you can get for your money atKutchenhaus." Toni Pemberton.

The impressive head office and manufacturing centre in Germany

Page 17


South Staffordshire CollegeWelcomes Graduation of

Special StudentsSouth Staffordshire College has hosted graduation ceremonies for 80

students who have learning difficulties and disabilities this July.The ceremonies took place at the College’s recently refurbished

Rodbaston Hall, a unique event and wedding venue at the heart of themagnificent 180-hectare Staffordshire Country Estate. Each student was

welcomed on stage by Chief Executive Principal Graham Morley andDirector of Curriculum & Support Chris Davies to receive theircertificates amidst rapturous applause from family and friends.

South Staffordshire College has a highly skilled dedicated team oftutors who work with the Special Learning Difficulties and Disabilities(SLDD) students to ensure that they receive personalised learning to suittheir individual needs, helping them develop their independence andachieve their goals and aspirations. The programmes, delivered across theRodbaston, Tamworth and Cannock Campuses, cater for learners with avariety of moderate and profound learning difficulties and disabilities andare designed to allow them to progress at their own pace.

Graham Morley commented: “We put students at the heart ofeverything we do and our mission is to provide them with the best routeto academic excellence and career development. South StaffordshireCollege has recently joined with Lincolnshire-based Linkage CommunityTrust to provide the best specialist education, care and employmentsupport services to people with a disability in the area and we lookforward to seeing many more students graduate in the coming years.”

'Three Little Birds' forRugeley Author

Award-winning Rugeley authorCarol E Wyer is going all out for

the launch of her seventh humorousbook, Three Little Birds as sheprepares to undertake four life-affirming challenges.

Carol, 53, whose book came outon the 15th August is currentlykeeping the challenges under wrapsbut has confirmed that they will bethings that the characters in herlatest novel put themselves throughwhen they put together their CarpeDiem lists. There’s also a bonuschallenge for Carol that will test herown mettle to the limit.

The novel focuses on Charlie Blundell who has been in limbo sincethe death of her daughter and subsequent divorce. Charlie spends herdays working at a small café and presenting shows for local hospitalradio. Her best friend, the irrepressible Mercedes Thomson hasproblems of her own having been left paralysed following a horseriding accident. After one too many glasses of wine on New Year’s Evethe friends decide to write a Carpe Diem list. Mercedes, knowing she

won’t be able to complete herchallenges and trusting they willdo Charlie good, swaps the lists,extracting a promise that both willcomplete all the tasks on the list.What follows is a funny butmoving tale of friendship, comingto terms with life’s difficulties andsurprises. There is also romanceand much to laugh at in this book,including the antics of amischievous parrot.

Three Little Birds is publishedby Safkhet Publishing and isavailable in paperback and eBookformat from all good bookshopsand online.

19-year-old Private Horace Hill fromEccleshall in Staffordshire was killed in

action on the frontline at Soissons in France.Unseen letters to his family, written only ninedays before he died document his finalthoughts.

As the lives of millions of ordinary folk wereaffected by the outbreak of war, those living andworking at the ‘Downton Abbey’ styleShugborough Estate were also turned upsidedown. Their story is relived in a uniqueexhibition featuring the latest innovations of thetime, including cookers, and a vacuum cleanerfrom 1910 to help make life on the Estateeasier.

These stories are just one part of anextensive programme of events planned byStaffordshire County Council to commemoratethe centenary of the Great War.

Staffordshire has as good a claim as anywherein Britain to be the national focus for thecentenary commemorations. The NationalMemorial Arboretum in Alrewas is a nationaland international centre for commemoration,while the Cannock War Graves cemeteries, theStaffordshire Regimental Museum and manymemorials all offer poignant reminders of theGreat War. Furthermore, WWI camps at

Brocton, onC a n n o c kChase trainedover half amillion soldiersfor the GreatWar and lastyear a terrainmodel showingthe battle of

Messines, also used to train troops wasunearthed.

Cllr Mike Lawrence, who is leading on theCounty’s commemorations said: “As wecommemorate the centenary of the start of theFirst World War, it is important we never forgetthe sacrifices made by millions of people. Manybrave soldiers from all of our communities losttheir lives in the war and our plans will helppeople reflect and remember those who didnot return home to their families and friends.

“We have many events taking place over thenext four years to remember the county’s rolein the conflict and to help teach futuregenerations about the legacy of the Great War.On our website, people can discover our manyspecial exhibitions, events and activities plannedover the next four years.”

A dedicated Staffordshire Great War websitehas been set up atwww.staffordshiregreatwar.com to help peoplediscover the many events, activities andexhibitions happening across the county.

Staffordshirecommemoratesthe Great War

Page 19

Thousands of extrahours of visible

policing in Staffordshireand Stoke-on-Trent areon the way aftercontracts were signedfor new mobiletechnology by Police and Crime CommissionerMatthew Ellis.The mobile data programme willtransform the way police officers, PCSOs andSpecials do their job by putting everything theyneed on mobile tablets at their finger-tips whileout in communities, rather than sat behind a deskin a police station. Mr Ellis has awarded a softwarecontract which means new devices will be rolledout to all frontline officers, following training, in2015.

The Commissioner said: “This is a game-changer for policing in Staffordshire. Too often thetechnology provided by police both nationally and

locally is out ofdate by the timeit’s delivered butthat’s not going tohappen this time.

“The roll-out ofthis state-of-the-

art technology is probably the most radical andpractical change to frontline policing in ageneration. Providing the right tools for the jobthrough the best and latest handheld technologywill free up officers to be more visible for more ofthe time.

“We’ve stopped the planned cuts toneighbourhood policing in Staffordshire but it’snot just about officer numbers. This newtechnology equates to 3,000 extra frontlineofficer hours a week which is equivalent time-wise to 100 extra police officers on duty all thetime.

“Police officers are currently wasting timeentering the same information many times ondifferent computer systems - and we’re going toconsign that approach to history. Entering theinformation once, cutting bureaucracy andcapturing and using digital evidence on the streetsand beyond is where this is heading.

“Technology, which has already transformedother sectors in the last five to ten years, is nowset to revolutionise policing to put Staffordshireahead of any other force in the UK.”


Police visibilitythrough ‘game-

changing’ technology

TheHednesfordRipper

The next in a series of HeritagePresentations with a World War I themebeing sponsored by Hednesford TownCouncil will be based on the infamouslife and times of Henry Gaskin, TheHednesford Ripper. The principal guestspeaker will be Paul Bedford noted forhis book “Gaskin”. The HeritagePresentation takes place at 7pm onFriday 19 September 2014 at Pye GreenCommunity Centre, Bradbury Lane,Hednesford. Admission is by ticket onlyand costs £1.00 per person (must bepurchased in advance and not on thenight). The closing date for applicationsfor tickets is 12 September 2014 andthese are available from HednesfordTown Council, Pye Green CommunityCentre, Bradbury Lane, Hednesford,WS12 4EP & Daisy Chain 90A MarketStreet, Hednesford.

Matthew Ellis - image staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk

Page 21

With the expansion in the mid 1800s of the towns ofCannock, Hednesford and District, combined with plenty

of work all year round in the newly opened coal mines, moreand more of the public of ‘all classes’ were enjoying their leisuretime in such activities as cycling, gymnastics, tennis, football andrail travel.

The ‘upper classes’ still ‘kept their distance’ by participating insome of their favourite sports such as hunting and shooting. Theonly connection between them and the ‘lower classes’ was theservice the ordinary men and women supplied – sometimes formeagre wages.

Fox hunting on Cannock Chase was popular and the imagehere shows a meeting pausing close to The Roundhouse onShoal Hill at the junction of New Penkridge Road andCocksparrow Lane. The pause was not only to rest the horsesbut for the purpose of a comfort break for the ladies.

Though there was an outside latrine, it was not acceptableand other arrangements were made.

Sarah Helen Cook, who was born on 22nd November 1908lived in the Roundhouse in 1915. She often told hergrandchildren: “When the hunt gathered close to 'The RoundHouse', the ladies of the hunt would not use the outside latrineat the rear of the building so it was my job to make an upstairsroom available for the ladies to use a chamber pot. Once thehunt moved on it was my unenviable task to empty the pots!”

Whatever she was paid for carrying out this necessary butmost unpleasant task was not revealed.

These sorts of chores were just a few of the many that werelaid at the door of young girls born into poorer families.

Their futures were always uncertain. Work prospects for menand boys in the area were fairly good with both agriculture andmining at the forefront. However; for girls it was a differentstory, particularly if they were poor girls. There was always afeeling of trepidation for most of them unless they were fromrich families. A letter from a Miss Rye relating to the emigrationof young Cannock girls who were taking up domestic service inCanada was commented on by the Cannock Board of Guardiansin the spring of 1892 and read as follows: “It is well known thatthis lady has taken out many young poor girls, some fromCannock to Canada and they have invariably done well, butthere is another side to the shield. As soon as the girls weresuitable for employment they were sent to Canada, however; asa result of this, many houses in the United Kingdom were shortof domestic servants and therefore it would be moreadvantageous for the girls to stay in Cannock until suitable forwork and keep them within our islands, therefore Miss Rye'sletter would ‘remain on the table’.”

Leisure and Workin Cannock

By Michael Hewitt of the Cannock Conduit Trust

The Hunt takes a break close to The Roundhouse. The gentlemansecond from the left in the flat cap is Lord Hatherton’s

Gamekeeper, Mr Tervey, the grandfather of Local Historian DavidBattersby and his brother Michael.

Animals of all shapes andsizes, from the cute and

cuddly to the weird andwonderful, will be on displayat the National Pet Show,sponsored by MyPetonline.The exciting new pet eventtakes place for the first time atthe NEC, Birmingham on 20and 21 September 2014.

The National Pet Show is agreat day out for animallovers, families and petowners and is the perfectplace to see and meet

hundreds of animals includingdogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits,reptiles, micro pigs, ponies andlots more.

The Show is divided intofive zones including DiscoverDogs sponsored by JamesWellbeloved, Discover Cats,sponsored by Royal Canin,Discover Small Furries,sponsored by Burgess PetCare, Discover Ponies andDiscover Animals. Each zonehas its own feature areas withdemonstrations, talks and

activities, plus advice fromleading animal experts andtop UK animal charities.

SuperDogs Live,sponsored by Direct LinePet Insurance, hosted byTV’s Ben Fogle is set to gettails and tongues wagging asit presents talented,dancing, and heroic dogsfrom around the UK, allcompeting to be crownedwinner.

Don’t miss a chance tomeet Channel 4’s very own

Win tickets to theNational Pet Show

super vet Noel Fitzpatrick at SuperVet Live. Noel will be givingtalks on advances in the veterinary profession as well assignings, photos opportunities and Q&A sessions. Springwatchand Autumnwatch presenter Chris Packham will be givingadvice and sharing tips in the Pet Health Centre withMyPetonline, the home of the Big Flea Guarantee.

WIN, WIN,WIN!

The Chase Gazette is offering four luckyreaders the chance to win either a family ticket(worth £49), or adult ticket (admits two, worth£38) to the UK’s most exciting national petevent.

To enter, just answer the following question.

Q: SuperDogs Live will be hosted by…A. Kate Humble, B. Ben Fogle, C. Bill OdiePlease send you name, answer and contact details to

Gazette National Pet Show Competition, PO Box 5414,Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or [email protected] by the competitionclosing date of Friday 12th September.

For those that do not win this time, tickets areavailable at www.thenationalpetshow.com or call 0844873 7332 and start at £9.

Terms and Conditions.Tickets are valid for the National Pet Show 2014, on

either September 20 or 21 2014 only. Family ticketsadmit two adults and two children aged 15 and under.There is no monetary value for the tickets won in thiscompetition.


Page 23

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One of the lovely things aboutheading into autumn andwinter are all of the events

and parties that many of us willreceive invitations to over the nextfew months. Halloween, BonfireNight, Christmas and New Year’s Eveall often involve office parties andfamily lunches etc that can make thesecond half of the year a lot of fun.However, if you’re embarrassedabout your smile, you might not belooking forward to the social whirlquite as much.It can be very upsetting dealing with

poorly fitting dentures that make eating-out difficult, or trying to hide a missingtooth when chatting to someone new.Sometimes dentures even makelaughing and speaking clearly difficult,putting you off from acceptinginvitations to socialise. I wonder howmany opportunities to make friends,have fun and possibly even meet a newpartner have been missed due to apoorly fitting denture? This year, there’sno need to worry about your dentures ormissing teeth again. Visit The SmileCentre and all you’ll need toconcentrate on is having a good time.Matt Burnell BSc Hons Dip CDT RCS

runs The Smile Centre and is a ClinicalTechnician and expert in his field ofcosmetic dentistry. When clients first visit The Smile

Centre, Matt talks through with themwhat they would like to achieve, andthere’s no rush or hard sales involved.There are many modern dentureoptions, including the metal framework(chrome cobalt) denture, that issecurely and firmly held in place bystrategically positioned clasps andrests, another benefit of this type of

denture is that it conducts temperature,therefore when eating or drinking youfeel the temperature as though thedenture wasn't there, combining thiswith stability and firmness, the result isa denture that functions as closely tonatural teeth as possible with minimal tono loss of sensation and taste, a totallynatural feeling. Old fashioned dentureoptions would not do this, so it wasdifficult to ever forget that you had onein, leading to many removing themwhen they ate (obviously not an optionwhen socialising!). Dentures can alsobe secured by metal clips to thesurrounding teeth for a perfect ‘bite’ orstay in place through an acrylic platethat is perfectly moulded to your paletteand gums for suction without the needof adhesives.One of the things that struck me

about Matt and his team is that theyshow great empathy for those who arestruggling with a lost tooth, or an ill-fitting denture. They understand thatour teeth and our smile are verysensitive subjects, and deal with eachcustomer or enquiry with discretion aswell as professionalism. If you have lostyour teeth, it can be as upsetting andconfidence-shaking as losing any otherbody part. There’s no need to strugglewith the consequences of this anymore.If you have a big event coming up this

year, you will probably be thinking aboutwhat to wear and might buy a newoutfit. Perhaps you might have your hairstyled or invest in new jewellery or anew aftershave or perfume? For thosewith poorly fitting dentures or a missingtooth, the best present you can giveyourself this year is a smile that not onlymakes you look good but feel good too.

For more information or an informal,no-obligation chat, pop into

The Smile Centre at 46 Upper St JohnStreet, Lichfield, WS14 9DX

or call 01543 415288.

Quote code:

CGZ

Some recent commentsfrom Smile

Centre clients…“Matt we would like to wish you all the very best for the

future. Keep up the excellent work. In your profession youare the best. Also, thank you to Julie for always making youfeel comfortable and welcome while you are waiting to beseen. Good cup of tea too!” R.B.

“I wish I had found out about you years ago.” J.S.

“Excellent service, I will have no problem withrecommending The Smile Centre to anyone including myfriends.” J.B.

“Matt was kind and considerate and always explainedwhat alterations he was making when solving my fittingproblems.” A.J.

“Matt is a complete professional with a real interest inwhat he does. I would not go anywhere else.” S.H.

The first thing they’ll notice is your great smile


Rugeley has always had its fair share ofpublic houses, inns and hotels,supplemented by temporary ‘bush

houses’ during the annual Horse Fair in June.During busy periods, all over the countryhousewives would take advantage of the passingtrade to brew up a batch of home-made ale to sellto thirsty visitors who would drink it on thepremises. They were named bush houses after thebush or bough of greenery that was cut when theale was ready, and tied over the front door.Traditional ale does not contain hops andtherefore spoils easily. The greener the bush orbough, the fresher and tastier the ale. In1871 witha population of 4,630 Rugeley had 32 public housesplus five more in Brereton and Etching Hill and halfa dozen beer retailers. By 1926 fourteen of thetown centre pubs had closed and the number hassteadily decreased since then despite the growthof the town. The illustrations show seven inns thatare no more.

The Shoulder of Mutton, which stood in MarketSquare near the Clock Tower. It was demolished whenAnson Street was cut and the Town Hall built. Thearea behind it and towards the Police Station was

known as ‘Mutton Green’.

The Landor Society is a focus for those who wish tolearn more about the history of Rugeley and its sur-rounding parishes. It was founded in 1953 and wasnamed in honour of Walter Noble Landor, local andcounty historian, who became the Society’s firstPresident. More information is available at www.lan-dor-localhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk

The old Britannia Inn (on the extreme left of the postcard) in Brereton Road, replaced in the 1930s by the newBritannia Inn at the junction of Armitage Road and Brereton Road. The general store on the corner of Wharf

Road was ‘The Beehive’, in the 1920s run by William Sharratt.

The Malt Shovel in Elmore Lane. ‘Gypsies’ used to overwinter in the Malt Shovel yard and travelling ‘rag andstick’ theatre groups played there. This photo was taken on a Hospital Carnival Day around 1930 and shows

the building decorated as ‘The Carnival Inn’.

The White Lion in Sheep Fair. The half-timbered buildingin this drawing, by Edwina Morgan, is part of the Vine Inn.

The Black Horse Hotel stood in Brook Square. A 1970sbuilding now occupies the site. This close-up taken in1957 shows the elaborate door and window frames.

The Dog and Partridge in Brook Square, with Poll Ryan(in the doorway) and Mr & Mrs McNulty. It later

became the Waverley Temperance Hotel, and then theDistrict Bank. Boots Opticians is now on the site.

The Lost Pubsof Rugeley.

By the Landor Society

The Talbot Inn, in 1856, in Stafford Road. It closed in1872, was used as a military depot during the 1873

manoeuvres and partially demolished when Anson Streetwas cut. The body of Christina Collins, famously murderedon the canal in 1839 was brought here and later the

Coroner’s Inquest was held at the Inn.

Page 27


Page 29

What’s on at Brereton Library Wednesday 20th August 1pm-2:30pmMythical Makes-Mystery crafts for ages 4+.Crafts, puzzlesand add to our Mythical Maze mural. Free, please contactthe Library to book a place. Thursday 21st & 28th August 9am-12noonCoffee Morning. Free event, drop in. What’s on at Cannock Library Tuesday 19th August 2pm-4pmKnit and Natter Free event, drop in, new memberswelcome.Wednesday 20th August 10am-11:30amMagical Makes for Muggles. Make a miniature sorting hat, ababy Norbert the dragon and a magical trunk. Suitable forages 7+What’s on at Heath Hayes Library Wednesday 20th & 27th, August 9am-2pmEagles Club Meeting. Suitable for adults, new memberswelcome. Please contact the Library for more informationabout this group. Thursday 21st & 28th August 10am-1pm Knit and Natter. Free event new members welcome, drop inFriday 22nd & 29th August 9am-2pmEagles Club Meeting.Suitable for adults, new memberswelcome. Please contact the Library for more informationabout this group. Saturday 30th August 10am-11:30am Councillors Surgery. Free, drop in. What’s on at Hednesford Library Thursday 21st August 2pm-2:30pmGolden Oldies Club.Free, drop in group, meeting tosocialise. New members welcome. Wednesday 27th August 9am-1pmStart 2 Appointments made via the Job Centre.Free 1-1 interviews available but must be booked via the JobCentre. Young Archaeologists ClubYoung people are invited to join the Young ArchaeologistsClub (YAC) on its official launch day at the Museum ofCannock Chase on Saturday 30 August. The eventtakes place between 11am-1pm and entrance is free.Visitors can see pewter casting, meet a Viking and MedievalLady and try some weaving. Those joining YAC will get theirfirst four months membership for free. For more details callin to the museum on Valley Road, Hednesford, call 01543877666 or [email protected]

What’s on in August

‘Kash Dash’ proving a hitA new mobile game starring Staffordshire

police dogs which aims to help kids stay safeonline is proving a hit with over 600 downloadsin its first two days and 1,500 referrals toonline safety websites including CEOP’s SafetyCentre and Beat Bullying.

The ‘Kash Dash’ app, which has been designed by theOffice of Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner,features police dogs Emma and Jasper, and former policedog and force mascot Kash.

The game can be downloaded for free on Android andApple via http://bit.ly/kashdash or by searching ‘Kash Dash’on the online stores.

With game-play similar to the popular mobile game‘Flappy Birds’, the aim of ‘Kash Dash’ is to help youngstersstay safe online via onscreen messaging about cyber-bullying, stranger danger and privacy settings.

Useful links also provide information about local policeand an option to sign up to email alerts. At the end of eachround, the player gets a score which might see thempromoted to a higher police rank.

A promotional video for ‘Kash Dash’ can be viewed athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pceXPZmvJGw


HRH The Princess RoyalVisits South Staffordshire

Sailing ClubOn Friday July 11th the South Staffordshire Sailing Club, Gailey Lea

Lane, near Penkridge, was delighted to welcome HRH The PrincessRoyal, Princess Anne, on a visit which marked the 60th anniversary of thepopular sailing club.

On her visit HRH Princess Anne met young people from SherbrookPrimary School in Cannock, Stafford Sea Scouts and Westcroft SpecialistSports College in Wolverhampton and also watched a Juniors sailingdemonstration on the lake.

The Princess Royal also saw a display of the Club’s trophies, housed ina building that was built with an £80,000 lottery grant in 2006. Thisanniversary day ended with a special dinner for 170 people.

The Club has over 400 members and trains both children and adults.For more information go to www.southstaffssailingclub.co.uk

Page 31


Alfie Glanville’s first trip tothe opticians proved to

be a life-changing event. Thesix-year-old John BamfordPrimary School pupil hadalways struggled toconcentrate and foundreading quite difficult, butwith no apparent visionproblems his mum, Rebecca,did not think anything waswrong. After a summerholiday Alfie complained ofheadaches, and so to be onthe safe side, his mum bookedhim in for his first eye examat her local opticians,Specsavers in Rugeley.

Rebecca said: “I thought theheadaches could just be fromthe sun on our holiday, so when the optometrist, Minal Naik, saidshe’d picked up that Alfie had inflammation on the back of his eyes,by using a special digital camera, I was really shocked.”

Minal referred Alfie straight to the Wolverhampton New CrossHospital where the ophthalmologist confirmed the inflammationand arranged for an MRI and CT scan. Alfie was later diagnosedwith benign intracranial hypertension (high pressure inside the skull)and as a result had to undergo a lumba puncture to remove theexcess fluid. Alfie is now on medication and continues to haveregular checkups at the hospital – but the pressure behind his eyeshas returned to normal. He has also now been prescribed with apair of specs.

Rebecca added: “The change in Alfie is quite something. From aboy that used to struggle to sit and read – he’s now become a realbook worm and is coming on leaps and bounds at school. Thepressure in his eyes had probably been causing him headaches forsome time, making it hard to concentrate, but as he knew nodifferent he hadn’t really complained.

“It really does show how important it is for you to get yourchildren’s eyes tested and I’m now encouraging all my friends andfamily to make sure they see their optician.”

Minal commented: “Alfie’s case really demonstrates howimportant regular eye examinations are – both in terms of visionbut also general health. We suggest that children first get their eyestested at the age of three, and then every two years after that.

“Undetected vision problems affect a child’s learning and, if it isnot in perfect condition, can often be mistaken for learningdifficulties in young children. Around 80% of everything a childlearns is through their vision, so even a minor problem with a child’ssight can mean they suffer huge setbacks in their development atschool. The earlier many common childhood vision problems arediscovered the better the chance of correcting them. Plus ofcourse, although rare, eye examinations do pick up other healthrelated issues like Alfie’s.”

Specsavers in Rugeley provides the Kids Go Free offer, whichincludes a free eye examination and glasses in either the £64 or £85ranges, when an NHS voucher is presented. An eye examinationtakes just 20 minutes and could make a huge difference to yourchild’s life. For more information, or to book an eye examinationpop into the store at 5 Upper Brook Street, Rugeley, StaffordshireWS15 2DP or call 01889 576 060.

Cannock Chase Council launched the District’s First World Warcentenary commemorations with Great War marches in

Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley town centres on Saturday 2ndAugust.

Local cadets, ex-servicemen and other groups marched throughCannock, Hednesford and Rugeley town centres, led by members ofthe StaffordshireR e g i m e n t a lAssociation. Amemorial servicethen took placein each towncentre toremember ourfallen heroes andcommemoratethe centenary ofthe start of theGreat War.

Alfie’s a new boyafter visiting opticians

Great War marcheslaunch centenarycommemorations

Elderly people were able to take part in the First World Warcentenary service at Brereton war memorial in comfort

earlier this month thanks to a Councillor’s efforts to getbenches installed.

District and County Councilor Alan Dudson worked withStaffordshire County Council to get the two benches installedat the war memorial in Brereton, and they were in place forthe recent First World War centenary service.

Cllr Dudson, who represents the Cannock Chase CouncilBrereton and Ravenhill ward, said: “On Remembrance Sundaylast year I realised there were many elderly people who werestruggling with standing for the duration of the service, whichlasted for about an hour, so I wanted to get benches installedso they would have somewhere to sit and enjoy services incomfort. It was wonderful to see them in use at the recentcentenary service.”

Benches in place atBrereton WarMemorial

Gazette Weddings


The UK’s biggest weddingshow returns to

Birmingham this autumn.With exciting feature areas,a breath-taking CatwalkShow and over 250 expertsspecialising in everythingfrom stunning dresses tosparkling accessories,exquisite flowers to mouth-watering cakes and excitingentertainment to idyllicvenues, The NationalWedding Show is theultimate destination forshopping, inspiration andwedding planning.

Take a seat at thespectacular Catwalk Show,where the latest trends andwedding themes are broughtto life, featuring the latestcollections from the nation’sfinest designers, boutiquesand retailers including JustinAlexander, TimelessCouture, Ivory & Co, QianaBridal, Katya KatyaShehurina, Berketex, ElizaJane Howell and many more.

With suave groomswear

from the likes of Moss Bros,elegant mother of the brideattire from Nigel Rayment,stylish solutions for yourbridesmaids and bridal hairand beauty inspiration, theCatwalk Show is anunmissable experience foryour entire bridal party.

Head to the Bridal,Boutique and DesignerAreas, which together housethe largest number ofdresses under one roof!Browse and try on moredresses than you everimagined, in spaciouschanging rooms with noappointments necessary.With 1000s of styles to suitevery shape, style andbudget, you are sure to findthe dress of your dreams.

Don’t miss the Big DayTop 10 Tips in the WeddingTheatre, where the show’shost of experts will shareinvaluable advice on styling,hair and beauty, planning andmuch more in an excitingcountdown featuringdemonstrations andmakeovers live on stage.

Whether you are lookingfor your perfect bridalbouquet or a strikingcentrepiece, head to theDesigner Flower Market todiscover a spectrum ofcolours and beautifulblooms from the nation’sfinest florists.

Shop ‘til your drop andmeet the experts from yourfavourite high street brands

including Moss Bros, JohnLewis, Sandals, ThomasCook, Debenhams, House ofFraser and Virgin Holidays,who will be on hand to helpyou with everything fromcreating your gift list toplanning your perfecthoneymoon.

Round off an exciting dayin the Vintage Tea Room,where you can relax andunwind with a traditionalcream tea, or head to TheChampagne Bar and toast tofuture happiness with a glassof bubbly.

Enjoy the show in starstyle by bagging yourself VIPtickets. This exclusiveexperience includes fasttrack entrance, reservedseating at the Catwalk Show,unlimited access to thestylish VIP Lounge, acomplimentary glass ofbubbly and a goody bag fullof beauty products topamper yourself in the buildup to your big day.

WIN, WIN, WIN!Chase Gazette has

teamed up with TheNational Wedding Show tooffer 5 lucky readers andtheir ‘plus one’ the chanceto attend the year’s mostprestigious wedding event,absolutely free! To be inwith a chance of winningthese fabulous tickets, [email protected] with your name and

contact details, or send apostcard to GazetteWedding ShowCompetition, PO Box 5414,Lichfield WS14 4EZ and ifyou are picked you willreceive a FREE pair oftickets. Tickets are valid anyday and are limited to onepair per winner. So what areyou waiting for? Send yourentry today!

For more informationvisit The National WeddingShow websitewww.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Don’t worry, if you are

not a lucky winner, you canstill book in advance andsave £3 off the door price*.To book,visitwww.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the tickethotline on 0844 874 0486.Bring a group of four ormore and take advantage onour fantastic group savings.

*Advance ticket pricesrevert to the on the doorprice of £18 at midnight theday before opening

Win Tickets to The NationalWedding Show Autumn 2014 Birmingham NEC 3rd-5th October

Page 35

Charlene Lyon and Richard Tranter were married on 26th Julyat St. John's Church, Heath Hayes. They held their reception atBaron's Court Hotel, Walsall Wood. The couple honeymooned inBarbados. Photography by Robert Yardley

60th AnniversaryDiamond Celebration

A report by Cannock and District Soroptomists International

Abeautiful summer’s day and the gorgeous building and groundsof Ingestre Hall provided the setting for Cannock

Soroptimists’ 60th Anniversary Year Summer Celebration.Members and guests enjoyed Kir Royale while they took in the

gardens. They then went into the Hall which was set for afternoontea to be entertained by Notty Hornblower of the CostumeMuseum in Derby. Five models - four ladies and one man,modelled clothes which would have been worn over the last 60years. Costumes ranged from evening dresses to swimwear, tennisdresses to the mini, and ended with a display of wedding dressesspanning the years. Everyone loved not just seeing the beautifuloriginal clothes but also hearing Notty’s tales of where sheobtained them and sometimes of the original owners.

Soroptimist Jenny Holmes thanked Notty, her models and theirdressers for providing such a lovely afternoon. She presentedNotty with a Friendship Plant to spread the friendship she hasenjoyed as a Soroptimist. A plant was given by Jenny to each ladypresent.

Afternoon Tea of a selection of sandwiches, Bara Brith, VictoriaSponge, Lemon drizzle cake, strawberry tartlets, warm scones withjam and cream and pots of tea was then served and thoroughlyenjoyed. A raffle with prizes of a tea set, selection of teas, selectionof preserves and selection of home made cakes raised £232 forthe Club’s main charities for their Diamond Year: StaffordshireWomen’s Aid and Pathway; both have refuges for women victimsof domestic violence as well as providing many other services forthese women in need.

At the close of the afternoon President Janis Lomas thankedeveryone for being there and all of those Soroptimist memberswho had worked so hard to organise the event and dress the Hallfor the occasion.

More information about all of SI Cannock’s events is availableon their website www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district.

Soroptimist Jenny Holmes with the models in bridal wear

Most brides want their wedding day to be individual and memorable but walking the linebetween fresh and contemporary and so ‘fashionable’ that your wedding will look dated in

a few years can be hard. Celebrity wedding planner and Lichfield resident Jane Dayus-Hinch givesus here a rundown of some of the best wedding trends for 2014 – 2015, each guaranteed to adda little extra sparkle to a magical day.

It was a bit of a novelty a few years ago to see an owl flying down the aisle, delivering thewedding rings to the Best Man, but now this idea has developed into full falconry displays for yourguests to watch, enjoy and even partake in. A display is also a good way to keep guestsentertained while the happy couple disappear to have their special photographs taken. There arenumerous companies that can organise this for you. In this case, the old saying of “never workwith animals and children” doesn’t apply, but you’ll need to be aware that owls do make a hissing,screeching noise!

Venue decoration has taken inspiration from several interior designers who have beenadvertising in popular, trendy wedding magazines. Here, they have been promoting the creation ofthemed rooms within rooms. A very inexpensive ‘room within a room’ can be created withChinese paper lanterns that were used at a recent client’s wedding that took place in the marqueeat Melville Castle Edinburgh. Here, the Bride’s pale green colour scheme was used. It proved veryeffective and transformed the pavilion from bland to fabulous. It works best using lanterns in apaler shade than a dramatic bold colour.

Recently traditional wedding cakes have been replaced by a cheese cake - no, not the biscuit-crumb variety but tiered levels of assorted cheeses. It certainly appeals to some couples, but Ihope that this becomes an addition (another course of the meal perhaps) - rather than areplacement of the traditional cake. A cheese cake can in fact work out more expensive, so if thisidea is for you make sure that the venue wraps all left-over cheeses so that you can take themaway and use them next day. It’s also important that the cheeses are kept in a cool environmentduring a summer wedding.

Wedding cakes have seen a burst of creative flair with cakedecorators ‘splitting’ the cake into two halves that evoke the couple’spersonalities. This might be one side for the Bride that is all in white andtraditional, with swathes of icing, bows and flowers, and another for theBridegroom featuring a football, rugby ball, or (as in the cake shown), acartoon Batman theme. Crowned with ‘Mini Me’ cake toppers it isdefinitely a talking point and a great photo opportunity for the guests.

Candy carts (a trend from the USA and Canada) have gone to a newlevel and include sweeties in the Bride’s wedding colour theme pluspersonalised monogram candies / sweets. They are seen more and moreat evening celebrations - and they’re not just for the children. Adultguests love to fill their sweetie bags and munch their way through jellies,chocolates, mints, ‘love hearts’ and lots of old fashioned favourites. I’mpleased to say that chocolate fountains have now long gone, and a lessmessy candy cart has now taken its place. They’re a lot more practicaland irresistible to those with a sweet tooth.

Guest signing books are being replaced with guest signingphotographs to hang on the wall rather than gathering dust on the bookshelf. A guest signing photograph is created on the wedding day. Thecouple’s engagement photo is placed in a frame, and all the guests signtheir name and add a short message. Then the photo is replaced withthe favourite wedding photo, making a wonderful momento of the day,

Post Boxes. I love how couples are being creative with their postboxes (the place where guests ‘post / mail’ their wedding cards,vouchers, cheques etc). Gone are the days of the used crisp box,covered in wedding wrapping paper, and there are now large wrought-iron bird cages, wicker baskets and even replica metal Royal Mail redpost boxes available. It all adds to the detail of the day.

Creative and magical topwedding trends by Jane Dayus-Hinch

Venue decoration

Wedding cheese cake

Wedding cakes

Candy carts Guest signingphotographs

Post Boxes

Falconry displays

A message from Peter Sidgwick, Chairman,Cannock Chase Arts Council

Are you an actor, dancer, floral artist,musician, painter, photographer, singer, tapestrymaker or any other kind of creative artisteither working alone or in a group in CannockChase district?

Or are you none of these things but wouldstill like to get involved in a large scalecommunity event to commemorate the role ofthe Chase during World War One?

Well now’s your chance!First performed in 2008 by Hednesford

based group Tower Players, Four Winters atWar is a musical play written by Peter Sidgwickwith music by Jon Seymour. The play is a workof fiction but draws on C.J. Whitehouse’s bookA Town for Four Winters (a short history ofthe military camps on Cannock Chase between1915 and 1918) and, to a lesser extent, on PaulBedford’s book Gaskin, an account of the life ofthe notorious Hednesford wife murderer. Theplay centres on the lives and loves of three

soldiers, one British, one from New Zealandand one a German prisoner of war, all of whomfind themselves on the Chase and all of whombecome romantically attached to nursesserving at the nearby military hospital onBrindley Heath.

Thanks to the support and co-operation ofthe Forestry Commission, Cannock ChaseDistrict Council, Cannock Chase Arts Counciland the Birmingham Pals, the show is to beperformed in May 2015 at the Birches Valleyopen air concert venue on the Chase itself andwill be a 360° experience for the audiencecomplete with dramatic battle scenes.

Performers and other contributors will bedrawn from the many arts groups in the districtand it is hoped to involve several hundred ofthem in what should prove to be a remarkablecentennial commemoration of the building ofthe camps and the military hospital. Groups notcurrently affiliated to Cannock Chase ArtsCouncil will be very welcome as will interestedindividuals with or without experience.

All you have to do is come along to ameeting at the Prince of Wales Centre,Cannock at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 7th Octoberto find out more and, if you like what you hearand see, to join us in this exciting andinnovative project.

For more details, contact PeterSidgwick on 01543 422300 or e-mail

him at [email protected] Peter Sidgwick.

Page 37

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Four Winters At War

The cast of the original production in 2008.


Welcome to theNew ChaseGazette

Facebook Page

We'd like to thank our lovelyreaders for all of the

messages, comments and feedbackwe receive. It makes writing the ChaseGazette a pleasure, and we're hoping thatour new facebook page will encourage moreof you to get in touch. On our new ChaseGazette facebook page we'll be posting news,photographs and memories of Cannock,Hednesford and Rugeley, updates to storiesthat we've featured plus competitions,opinions and comments on issues that areimportant to you. See you there!

Cannock Chase Council’scabinet has approved a

proposal to continue with theleisure concessions scheme forserving members of the armedforces for a further 12 months.

The concessions scheme wasintroduced in 2012-13, and has seenover a hundred armed forcesmembers register at Chase Leisureand Rugeley Leisure Centres.

All of Cannock Chase Council’sleisure and culture facilities aremanaged by the charitable trustWLCT, which has agreed to fundthe successful scheme for a further12 months.

Research has shown that physicalactivity contributes to improvinghealth and wellbeing. Concessionsor discounts that encourage accessand use of leisure and culturefacilities will assist in contributing to

increasing participation in physicalactivity.

Free membership to Chase andRugeley Leisure Centres includesuse of the fitness suites, use of theswimming pools and participation invarious group activities and fitnessclasses. Applicants who are residentin the District are required toprovide proof of residency andproof that they are a servingmember of the armed forces.

Concessionsto continuefor ArmedForces

Page 39

On Sunday 21September MidlandKarting are proud to

be hosting a Karting CharityDay in aid of Stephen’s Story,The Teenage Cancer Trust andMidlands Air AmbulanceCharity.

Stephen Sutton is a name thatis familiar to most of us. Thisinspirational Burntwood teenagerbattled cancer with humour, hopeand courage, raising awareness ofthe Teenage Cancer Trust andgenerating donations to thecharity that now total almost £4.5million. If you visit Stephen’s JustGiving page, you will see how thisyoung man, who tragically passedaway in May 2014, is still inspiringpeople to gather together andsupport the Teenage Cancer Trust.Teenage Cancer Trust is the onlyUK charity dedicated toimproving the quality of life andchances of survival for youngpeople with cancer aged between13 and 24. They fund and buildspecialist units in NHS hospitalsand provide dedicated staff,bringing young people together sothey can be treated by teenagecancer experts in the best placefor them. They also educate youngpeople in schools about cancer tohelp improve the speed andquality of diagnosis. They rely ondonations to fund their vital workand help transform the lives ofyoung people with cancer.

Midlands Air AmbulanceCharity does not receive anygovernment or National Lotteryfunding and carries out up to eightlife-saving air ambulance missionsdaily, each costing on average£2,500. Midland Karting havedecided to split the fundsgenerated at the September 21event between these two veryworthwhile charities.

On September 21 from10.00am until 1pm on theInternational Circuit, 10 teams ofup to six people will be competingagainst each other in the

Karting Day to Raise Funds for the Teenage CancerTrust and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Endurance Race. This is arelay-style event where eachteam member races for aslong as they want to beforehanding on to the nextperson. The race lasts 2.5hours (this includes 30minutes practice time) andthe fastest overall teams wina trophy and medals. Thisevent is ideal for bothbeginners and experienced

karters. Entry fees are £150per team and they will bedecorating the circuits withyellow ribbons.

Also on the day, theNational Circuit will be openfrom 10.30am to 1pm for‘Arrive and Drive’ if you justfancy trying your hand atkarting. It’s just £20 for 20minutes, or £25 for 30minutes of karting with all

safety equipment etcincluded. All profitsgenerated by both theEndurance Race and Arriveand Drive will be donated tothe charities. Please note,both Endurance Race andArrive and Drive events areproving very popular so youwill need to book in advanceon 01543 418419 or [email protected]

to reserve your place. Midland Karting can be

found at Wood End Lane,Fradley Park, Lichfield WS138NF. Go towww.midlandkarting.co.ukor call 01543 418419 forfurther details.

Teenage Cancer Trust is aregistered charity: 1062559(England & Wales); SC039757(Scotland)

Documents

Chase Gazette September 2014