Your Village News Parish Magazine And further History of Hamstall

Team Teddy competing in the Easter Egg hunt. Photo, with permissison, Wendy Mepsted

June - July 2021 http://www2.lichfielddc.gov.uk/hamstallridware/ www.hrpc.btck.co.uk https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4451/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamstallridware Contact Information Rector Revd Jeremy Brading 01543 472565 The Rectory, Savey Lane, Yoxall, DE13 8PD. [email protected]

Reader Mrs Kate Beechey 01543 493556 Churchwardens Mr John Ferguson 01889 504430

Mr Michael Elsom 07949 126640

PCC Secretary Mrs Jean Mead 01889 504332

Parish Magazine Editor Dr Paul Carter 01889 504347 [email protected]

Other PCC members Liz Carter Chris Smart Doug Cook David Rudge Sarah Elsom Jude Preston Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. If you have any concerns please speak in complete confidence to the Parish Safeguarding Officer Dr Paul Carter (01889 504 347) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Mr Neil Spiring 01543 306030

UNITED BENEFICE OF , THE RIDWARES and YOXALL Usual Services Rota: Everyone welcome at any of our services All as permitted by current Covid regulations

Hamstall Kings Bromley Mavesyn Yoxall Ridware All Saints Ridware St Peter St Michael and St Nicholas All Angels 1st Sunday 10.30am 10.00 in Month Holy Holy Communion Communion 2nd Sunday 10.00am 10.00am in Month Holy Holy Communion Communion 3rd Sunday 10.30pm 10.00am in Month Holy Morning Service Communion 4th Sunday 10.00am 10.00am in Month Holy Holy Communion Communion 5th Sunday Benefice service – in Month to be arranged

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Hamstall Ridware Parish Magazine: June - July 2021 Inside: 3 Editorial 10 Thanks, Welcome and Message 17 HRPC Members; Notes from 4 United Benefice Services from Deborah Parish Council 5 Hamstall Church duty rota 11 Iron Man; Plant sale; Cooling 18 Henry Chadwick; 100 years ago 6 Letter from our Rector Towers 19 HRPC Plantars; Scams and Security 7 Dates; Library; Surgery ½ 12 Church Wardens; Lottery 20 100 object Shoppe Cottage days; Message in a bottle race 13 Mothers Union; Ride & Stride; 21 Hamstall Funersl Bier; WI trip 8 Hallo from Jeremy Brading; Egg Hunt; Show 22 The Organ Prayer 14 Ridware Arts; Shoulder of Mutton 23 Contacts and information 9 Floral cross and Easter flowers 15 Lichfield DC; Cathedral 24 Regular meetings and service; 16 HRPC Minutes 25 Advertisements From the Editor This is our first issue where we welcome Jeremy Brading, our new Rector, in post. He has written the usual Rector’s letter, p6, but also an introduction of himself and his family. On page 8. The good news is however tinged with great sadness as we have learned that Revd. Mike Binsley died on 23 May. He was based in Yoxall and was a Lay Reader for some time before he was ordained. He had conducted many services for us here in Hamstall, including our last Remembrance Day and Carol services. His health had sadly deteriorated quite rapidly over the last weeks. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz and her family. As we pass into the last phase of return to “normal, The Shoulder is again welcoming guests for indoor table service, p14, and the Ridware History society continues to watch whether indoor meetings will be able to resume. They are tentatively planning a winter programme of lectures: more information next magazine For now at least, with much decreased clergy numbers in the benefice, the rota will normally be two services per month in each church, but we are all very welcome in all four churches. The Service at Home sheet will also continue to be available for anyone who prefers not to venture out – contact Michael Elsom if you wish to be added to the circulation list. Next, As most will already know, the cooling towers, so long a prominent part of the landscape, are to be blown up on June 6th (P11). The recent Plant Sale was a great success financially and socially. Our next planned event is a message in a bottle race on 3 July, see page 7. We say a big “Thank You” to Deborah Sheridan for all her input to our parish over the last 15 years and are pleased we will not be losing her all together, page 10. A Thank You too to David Rudge as we welcome John Ferguson as Church Warden (p12). We have more Iron Man road closures on 18 July, p11 and there are several other notices on pages 12 to 14 and elsewhere, information from Lichfield DC and the Cathedral on p15, alerts about some of the growing number of Scams etc on pages 19 and 20 and four more local history items pp20-22. Finally, do continue to remember the food bank: financial gifts welcome as well as food (page 24). Copy for the August-September magazine (local history objects or photos still very welcome) will be July 18. For adverts please contact Lucy Leigh on 01889 504352 or [email protected]. We are always the lookout for new advertisers. If you know of anyone who would like to advertise with us, especially a taxi company or a carpenter or electrician, do ask them to contact myself or Lucy. Paul Carter 07710 293 230 [email protected]

UNITED BENEFICE OF KINGS BROMLEY, THE RIDWARES and YOXALL Planned Services: June – July 2021. Everyone welcome at any of our services All as permitted by current Covid regulations

Hamstall Kings Bromley Mavesyn Yoxall Ridware All Saints Ridware St Peter St Michael and St Nicholas All Angels 30th May 11.15 10.00 Trinity Sunday Holy Communion Holy Communion

6th June 10.30am 10.00 Trinity I Holy Communion Holy Communion

13th June 10.00am 10.00am Trinity II Holy Communion Holy Communion

20th June 10.30am 10.00am Trinity III Holy Communion Morning Service

27th June 10.00am Trinity IV Benefice Service patronal Festival at St Peters Yoxall Holy Communion 4th July 10.30am 10.00 Trinity V Holy Communion Holy Communion

11th July 10.00am 10.00am Trinity VI Holy Communion Holy Communion

18th July 10.30pm 10.00am Trinity VII Holy Communion Morning Service

25th July 10.00am 10.00am Trinity VIII Holy Communion Holy Communion

1st August 10.30am 10.00 Trinity IX Holy Communion Holy Communion

8th August 10.00am 10.00am Trinity X Holy Communion Holy Communion

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ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS – HAMSTALL RIDWARE Rota for June and July 2021 Thank you to everyone for helping with church services. If you are unable to fulfil a particular duty, please arrange to ‘swap’ with someone else on the rota. Cleaning ideally on Friday; Sidesman/unlocking: Sunday and now preceding Wednesday; Coffee outside till restrictions change.

DATE BELLS & SIDESMAN C0FFEE READERS (week before) GREETING (& unlock Wed CLEANERS FLOWERS pm before) 30th May P Carter S Elsom R Adkins Trinity Sunday C Smart L Carter S Bostock S Elsom 11.15 am 6th June C Smart P Carter D Cook S Elsom Trinity I J Ferguson A Ball L Carter L Carter P Carter S Bostock 10.30 am D Leigh 13th June (opening church 2.00 – 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) 20th June S Elsom J Mead R Adkins C Smart Trinity III D Rudge M Meddings J Ferguson D Cook S Bostock P Carter 10.30 am C Smart (opening church 2.00 – 27th June 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) 4th July J Preston J Preston D Rudge V Richards Trinity V P Carter L Carter D Cook G Burgess J Ferguson + 1 10.30 am D Rudge (opening church 2.00 – 11th July 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) 18th July L Carter L Carter L Leigh P Carter Trinity VII D Leigh L Leigh L Leigh P Carter D Leigh C Smart 10.30 am J Ferguson (opening church 2.00 – 25th July 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) 1st August J Ferguson A Ball P Ball A Ball Trinity IX C Smart P Barlow S Elsom J Preston A Ball J Preston 10.30 am P Carter 8th August (opening church 2.00 – 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday)

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From our Rector, Revd Jeremy Brading June 2021 Well, I am finally here -and I do say that with a huge dose of personal joy. Since I moved in on the 15th April, it has been a very busy time to say the least. Happily though I exchanged decorator’s garb for my clerical collar, and on May 15th was licensed to serve as your parish priest by the Bishop of Lichfield at All Saints Church, Kings Bromley. I am sorry that reduced capacity on account of COVID, meant there were not more places available for as big a congregation as possible. Never the less, I hope that you have had excellent reports of the service, from the 8 people from each of the four church families who were in attendance. I consider myself very fortunate to have arrived in this benefice at this time of the year. I have very much enjoyed watching the shimmer of green, slowly gaining dominance on the trees and hedgerows. Chiming with the mood of our country as lockdown subsides, it has underlined that the darkness of winter is gradually being overrun by the optimism associated with spring Pope John XXIII (pope 1958-1963) referred to the Taize community as ‘that little springtime’ (www.taize.fr). Taize is located about 40 miles north of Lyon, in France. Especially during the summer months, every week over the last 50 years, thousands upon thousands of younger pilgrims have pitched their tents in the community grounds. An earlier expression of ‘diversity’, they have spent time with folks drawn from across the world; talking, praying and exchanging stories with one another. Inspired by the direction of its Swiss founder Brother Roger Schutz, the Taize community has always prioritised a concern for younger generations. My first visit to Taize was in 1993. As I contemplated the death of my father earlier that year, my visit gradually became ‘a little springtime’. Consequently I have since revisited the community and inevitably bought some Taize CDs over the years. I continue to value Taize prayer, because it provides a helpful balance to more traditional ‘book forms’ of worship. I found that the characteristic style of singing, quiet, silence and simplicity - all very beneficial and it helps me to maintain a healthy well-being. Taize offers itself as resource; something to be taken away and valued locally. Taize prayer facilitates personal space for quiet prayer and contemplation -whether you have faith or very little faith. Consequently and as soon as the conditions re COVID are easier, I hope there will be opportunities across the churches here to benefit from this form of prayer.

Jeremy Brading Rector of Kings Bromley, the the Ridwares & Yoxall Jeremy

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Dates for your diary Mothers Union service in St Peter’s Yoxall 1.45 for 2pm Wednesday 2 June Cooling towers to be blown up at power station Sunday 6 June Message in a bottle, ,2pm Saturday 3 July Parish Council meeting 7.30pm Monday 12 July Iron Man road closures Sunday 18 July Copy date for Aug – September magazine Sunday 18 July Staffordshire County Show Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August Proposed date for Hamstall fête Saturday 4 September Ride and Stride for Churches – Saturday 11 September Patronal Festival, St Michael and all Angels Sunday 26 September History Talk by Dr Trevor James Sunday 26 September

Mobile Library Service From Monday 17 May the mobile library service will be operating both restricted browsing and order and collect. The visits will continue on a fortnightly basis to a limited number of communities until further notice. Overdue fines are currently suspended and there is a longer borrowing period. The service for our area is alternate Fridays. • 1pm – 3pm: (Tuppenhurst Lane) The visits will continue fortnightly (i.e. 4th 18th June; 2nd 16th 30th July etc.) For Yoxall the Library visits alternate Thursdays • 10.00 am – 12.30. (dates tbc) For further information or to order books, telephone 0300 111 8000. Books can also be ordered by using an on line form by going to www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries/Order-and-collect-library-service.aspx This information is correct at time of writing.

Yoxall GP surgery training closures The next Surgery closures for staff training are from 2.00 pm on Tuesday 8th June and Wednesday 28 July

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Hallo from our new Minister, Revd. Jeremy Brading

Who am I ?

Throughout 2021, my wife Angharad and I have been very much looking forward to joining you, living in . We are bringing with us our two boys Ryan and Patrick, who will attend local primary and secondary schools. As a family were are owned by our two cats Max and Lucy.

For the last 9 years we have lived on the Dorset Jurassic coastline, and we have enjoyed our time there. However Angharad and I have both got strong connections to the and the surrounding area, and we both felt very drawn to return to the area.

I was a student during the 1990s at the University of Birmingham, but I never got out much beyond the city limits. When Angharad and I came up to look around the area we loved Lichfield very much. We also felt a strong sense of community in each of the four villages. This was a great draw for us and we are both looking forward to getting involved in all sorts of ways.

Angharad and I met when I was living in Manchester. I loved my time up in the north west where I made many friends and learnt the framework for parish ministry. It also helped me route myself in the genes of the one football team in the world that truly matters (at least to me). Glory, glory Man Un….. During these difficult post-Ferguson years, I have consoled myself by gardening, going for a walk and listening to music.

If you are still with me after that confession, I do believe very firmly that God is very much alive and can if listened to, be a powerful influence upon all aspects of the world and in the hearts and the minds of the people that he is continually calling to accompany Him.

Prayer for this Pentecost Let us pray this Pentecost that we will all experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirt as we commence this new ministry together. Heavenly Father help us to work with all the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. May God lead and guide us, give us wisdom and courage and so pour out His Spirit into our heart that we will overflow with the love and Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

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Easter It was lovely to see our Easter Cross decorated by members of the village as a welcome back to Church. There were some 100 flower vials and all were filled. Thank you everyone.

We were then able to celebrate Easter and even sung the final hymn together outside in the sun. There may have been less social interaction than usual but it was a welcome return to worship in lovely weather.

Inside, the church was filled with flowers - here are a few – including often simple but effective jam jar displays.

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THANKS – and WELCOME! After nearly three years of leading and guiding us after the Rev’d Ty Leyland’s retirement, Deborah has stepped down as part of the Ministry leadership team since the installation of the Rev’d Jeremy Brading as Rector. Deborah will not be abandoning us altogether but she will be reducing the number of services she takes not just at Hamstall but throughout the United Benefice. Few are probably aware of the extent of Deborah’s ministry both in this parish and elsewhere – quite apart from a period when she was chaplain at St Giles Hospice, she has had considerable responsibilities both in the Diocese of Lichfield and further afield, particularly in the spiritual nurturing of the clergy both before and after ordination, a role in which she will continue. Her service in all these areas was marked by her elevation to the office of Prebendary a few years ago. It is not a case of saying good-bye at this stage, but rather one to mark the milestone and say thank-you. Whilst we cannot hold a proper party in the current state of lockdown, the congregation did present Deborah with a large bunch of flowers on Sunday May 16th. Thank you is far too ordinary expression to use at this time, because quite frankly, this parish in particular could not have managed without her. No one can be in any doubt that the spiritual good health of this parish is the result of careful nurturing by Deborah. We are all enormously grateful and we look forward to seeing her in the future, leading us on occasion in worship as she has done in over 15 years as Associate Minister. St Michael’s has been very, very fortunate in having the services of Deborah – along with Marilyn, Mike and Frank to lead us through the nearly three years of what is now called a ‘vacancy’ to the point where the Rev’d Jeremy Brading can take up the reins of being the Rector of all four parishes in the United Benefice of King’s Bromley, the Ridwares and Yoxall. Everyone is looking forward to the new chapter in our lives and extend the heartiest of welcomes to the Reverend Jeremy Brading, his wife Angharad, and their sons Ryan and Patrick. They have been settling into their new home at the Rectory in Yoxall over the last couple of weeks leading up to Jeremy’s installation on Saturday May 15th at King’s Bromley. The service was a really lovely occasion – the only drawback being that numbers were limited by current COVID regulations. Jeremy will be taking his first service at St Michael’s at 11.15 on Sunday May 30th when we would love to see the church filled to welcome him here properly. Michael Elsom A message from Rev’d Deborah I would just like to say a personal 'Thank You' to everyone at Hamstall for the stunningly beautiful flowers which I was given on Sunday. This marks the end of many years of association with Hamstall and of our nearly three year of vacancy, during which it has been my privilege to look after the three churches. Jeremy has now taken up his post as Rector and so it is time for me to step right away from leadership in the parishes but I will just come back to take a few services occasionally. This will enable me to focus on my role within the Diocesan Spirituality Team of Spiritual Companions Co-ordinator. Thank you everyone. You will always be in my heart. Deborah 10

A huge thank you to all the growers, buyers and sellers who contributed to the Plant Sale. We raised a massive £629 for church funds from sales of plants, cake, jams etc. and coffee donations. Thank you to everyone who helped once again. Sarah Elsom

Farewell Cooling Towers The remaining cooling towers at Rugeley which date from around 1970 are set to be demolished on Sunday 6 June. Roads nearby will be closed. Exact time, probably 11.00 am

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Church Wardens – Sailing as close to the Coronavirus Regulation’s wind as we could, St Michael’s held its Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday April 25th . The meetings were held in the churchyard, suitably socially distanced and as quickly as normal standards of decency would allow! As most will know, David Rudge has served faithfully as Churchwarden for more years than anyone (he himself almost included) can remember, but probably 30. He has brought to bear on the task not just those many years of experience, but his even longer experience as an architect, particularly with reference to ancient buildings. There has been an upward turn in the demands of his profession as lockdown has begun to ease and he and his wife, Barbara, are hoping that they will soon be permitted to see their children and grandchildren (all of whom live several hours drive from Hamstall) more than they have for the last year or so. Accordingly he felt that this would be an appropriate moment to stand aside and not to seek further election. That decision was no doubt eased by the knowledge that John Ferguson (a retired chartered surveyor) whose father Charles was churchwarden here for many years, was prepared to be nominated. As many will know, John worked tirelessly (aided principally by David) in co-ordinating the replacement of the stolen lead on the aisle roofs and obtaining the grant from Historic which covered the uninsured losses. Accordingly whilst thanking David for all that he has done during extended periods of office, we welcome John into the role of Churchwarden alongside myself. The PCC are also looking forward to calling on David’s encyclopaedic knowledge of practically every stone in the building and how to treat and repair (when necessary) ancient structures such as St Michael’s. Michael Elsom

Reminder! A chance to win a prize of up to £25,000 and help fund- raise for heritage projects in Hamstall  Tickets from only £1 per week  HHG get 50p from every ticket  Cash prizes up to £25,000 every week Hamstall Heritage group are now part of the Lichfield Community Lottery: see web address below to join and for a full explanation. You can enrol any time. Alternatively search for “Lichfield Community Lottery”, Click on “find out more” then click on “play the Lottery” and scroll down about 10 rows until you get to Hamstall Heritage Group and click “support us”. https://www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/the-hamstall-heritage-group For further information email [email protected]

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Yoxall Mothers Union On Wednesday 5th May six members of the Mothers’ Union took their first tentative steps to resume meeting together by attending a short service of prayers, readings and meditation. The service was conducted observing all covid-19 precautions and the church is large enough to take many more people when they feel sufficiently confident to attend and we would be delighted to welcome back members, and anyone interested in joining the group. Those who did feel able to come to the service said it was good to see friends and speak to them face to face for the first time in many months and the experience was uplifting and gave just a little taste of normality. Meetings with speakers and hospitality will not be resuming for a while yet but it is our intention to continuie to meet in church for a service of prayer and readings. The next service will be on Wednesday 2nd June at 1.45 for a 2pm start. If you are interested in attending and to comply with Covid-19 regulations, please inform Liz Binsley on 01543 472761.

Advance Notice - Staffordshire's Churches Open Day - Ride and Stride for Churches – This will be on Saturday 11th September 2021. Further details next issue Jean Mead ** The Great Hamstall Easter Egg Hunt ** The Great Hamstall Easter Egg Hunt 2021 created a lot of fun and in total 16 teams took part. 55 people hunted for eggs and prizes were given out. See picture on front cover! Jude Preston

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the gallery @ Ridware Arts Blythe House Farm, Hamstall Ridware, T: 01889 504102 E: [email protected] www.walker-art.co.uk

For 'Hunter Frames' (all picture framing enquiries), please phone Ian on 01889 504102 to make an appointment. Please leave a message and your number if necessary and Ian will call back as soon as possible. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 2-5pm. If you'd like to make an appointment please contact Deb by email: [email protected] or text: 07876 495890. Deb Walker Light gleams an instant, watercolour 73x79 cm Deborah Walker

Opening Times Mon-Thurs 12-2.30pm 5-11pm, Friday 12-2.30pm 4-11pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-11pm Food available Mon-Sat 12-2pm 5-9pm, Sunday 12-4pm WE'RE OPEN!! It's such a relief to be able to welcome you all back inside the pub for Fabulous Food, Delectable Drinks & Captivating Conversation! Thank you to everyone who has supported us during the lockdown period, ordering takeaways & drinks for collection or delivery, all members of Management, Staff and Family are grateful for the business being able to diversify and still be used by the local and wider community. Looking ahead, we still need to be cautious regarding the deadly Coronvirus! We are doing all we can to keep space between parties, hand sanitiser available throughout, face masks, cleaning, sanitisation of areas after every customer use, NHS Test & trace QR codes, one way system & perspex dividers. We ask that all our patrons ensure they are also doing as much as possible to help in the fight against a third spike. As we move forward to a more normal way of life, we will be open for food bookings at the above times. Please be aware, it is advisable to book a table on wet days (even just for drinks). We won't be organising our usual quiz nights/ fundraising events until Autumn when we can be sure most people will be vaccinated & it is safer to have larger numbers of people in the room. We hope everyone stays happy & healthy!! Nikki & the Mutton Team 14

Notices from Council NEW FUNDING #DoingOurBit New or existing voluntary groups and organisations can now apply to a brand-new fund to help support those who need it most in our communities who are self-isolating. To help we’re offering grants to groups that can support those who have to self-isolate because of COVID 19. The grant can be used to help local people who are self-isolating with: • Accessing food, • Accessing medicines, • Accessing daily essentials • Tackling loneliness / emotional wellbeing support etc Funding is on a first come, first served basis. More info: www.Staffordshire.gov.uk/dobfund

Businesses invited to apply for a Restart Grant Eligible businesses in the non-essential retail sector may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000, and eligible businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000. A business may be eligible if it is: • in the non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care or gym sectors • trading on 1 April 2021 To check eligibility and apply, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/restart by 30 June 2021.

Temporary part closure - Birmingham Road Car Park, Lichfield Work is set to start on a short programme of repairs to the multi-storey car park on Birmingham Road in Lichfield from 1 June. The top three floors will close to make way for the repairs, but the rest of the car park will stay open.

Rediscover Lichfield guided tours Visit Lichfield’s guided tours are starting up again, so small Covid-secure groups can rediscover Lichfield’s fascinating history. The tours can be booked for a time and date that suits the tour-goers. A 90-minute tour for up to five costs £30 and can be booked by calling Visit Lichfield on 01543 308924. Tennis For Free has returned to Beacon Park Tennis For Free is a charity that aims to encourage more participation in the sport. They provide free coach-led group tennis sessions and all the equipment needed. Free coach-led tennis sessions will run every Sunday from 2pm to 3pm at Beacon Park for adults and young people aged 12 and over only. To register go to www.tennisforfree.com.

Lichfield Brochures Visit Lichfield has launched a series of new brochures to help anyone looking for ideas to discover what’s on offer in Lichfield District. See: https://www.visitlichfield.co.uk/download

Lichfield Cathedral reopened to visitors There is no need to book - come on in and re-discover your Cathedral! Visitor opening hours Monday - Wednesday: 13.15-17.30 Sunday: 12.30-17.30 Saturdays and Bank Holidays and School Holidays: 10.00-17.30 As we continue to support the roll-out of covid vaccinations by hosting clinics in the Cathedral, we will be closed on Thursday and Friday each week and we advise checking our website for any closures before travelling.

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From Minutes of HRPC MS Teams meeting Monday 8th March 2021 THOSE PRESENT: Cllr Chris Allen (CA); Cllr Sarah Elsom (SE); Cllr Graham Roobottom (GR); Cllr Michael McNelis (MM); Cllr Neil Roobottom (NR); Cllr Martyn Tittley (MT); Nina South Staffs Water ALSO PRESENT: Becky Mycock Clerk; Cllr Richard Cox, Jamie Cooper (SCC) Members of the public Mr A Scott APOLOGIES: Cllr Shirley Barnett; Matters arising from minutes: Park Bench- deferred until later in the year A short introduction was made by Richard Cox who is standing as candidate for the up coming district elections in May this year, Cllr Cox expressed that if he is successful in the elections he would be looking to support the village regarding flooding issues and carry on the work already supported by Martyn Tittley who is retiring from his council position in May. On line banking: The Clerk expressed that if possible would the council agree to going to on line banking: we would need to have a banking on line policy and would have to add the new councillors and remove the old ones. First stage is mandate changes. HMRC/Payroll: The council needs to register with HMRC as an employer, contract of employment and job description needs up dating. and the clerk need to explore different options for payroll software. Balance at the bank: Balance at the bank according to the last statement • Current Account £9,091.62 @ 30th January 2021 • Reserve account £1,489.20 @ 31st December 2020 • Cheques for: Purchase of Christmas lights/batteries; Election charges £39.81. Staffs Parish Council Association £125.00 At 8.15, joined by Jamie Cooper, Flood Officer for an update A report was given, a CCTV camera was used to establish the state of the pipe and also the size, the existing pipe was located and another pipe which dog legs off at an angle. The pipe is too small and in extremely poor condition and not sufficient for the demand of water passing through. Next step to do a design statement and modelling, possibility of applying for funding through County. Linking in with the EA with requests for some dredging of the river from local residents, They have confirmed that Hamstall is on the list for further investigations with regard to works on the River by the bridge. A letter to our local MP Michael Fabricant asking for support was agreed to be done by Cllr Sindy Bostock. Action: Keep chasing Jamie to see when the modelling has been completed and what will be the next step Jamie left the meeting 9.15pm Hanging Baskets: A list of plants requires to be sent to the clerk to purchase, budget to spend: £100. Footpaths: Some of the local footpath stiles are broken and not safe, the council agreed to look at reporting them to the Rights of way officer and possibility of funding available from the Community Footpath Scheme. We need to identify the footpath numbers and location. 16

Website: The current website which we use and is free. BT is finishing this service and the council need to explore other options and providers. South Staffs Water: Water Quality very good at present. Walk over to monitor the “Slow the Flow” project and consider works that may be undertaken in the coming year. AOB: Potholes- There are a number of very big and deep potholes in the village, please report them via the My Staffs app. NEXT MEETINGS: Monday 17th May AGM 7.15pm followed by general meeting) Monday 12th July 7.20pm tbc. )

PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Chair Mr Simon Mepsted 01889 504077 [email protected] Vice Chair Mrs Sindy Bostock 01889 504462 [email protected] Mr Graham Roobottom 01889 504030 [email protected] Mr Michael McNelis 07887 743953 [email protected] Mr Chris Allen 01889 504481 [email protected] Mrs Sarah Elsom 07973 950476 [email protected] Mr Neil Roobottom 07973 403722 [email protected] Parish Clerk: Becky Mycock 01889 504233 [email protected] Shirley Barnett (Lichfield DC Colton & Ridwares) [email protected] Richard Cox (County Cllr. Lichfield Rural West)

Notes from the Parish Council The HRPC meeting on Monday 17th May was held in the church and consisted of both the AGM and the ordinary general meeting. Social distancing aside it was so good to be meeting each other in person. A step forward indeed! Those present were Councillors Simon Mepsted, Sarah Elsom, Michael McNelis, Graham and Neil Roobottom, Richard Cox, myself and the parish clerk Becky Mycock. Apologies received from Chris Allen. Nina from South Staffs Water was present for the main meeting. The meeting commenced with election of the chair and vice chair. Simon Mepsted was elected chair with myself as vice chair. The clerk then gave her report on the council finances before we moved on to the general meeting. The council spent much of the meeting discussing updating contractual and legislative documents that have yet to be finalised. We then moved onto looking at the updating of our website to become both more informative and easier to access. Cllr Simon Mepsted agreed to get quotations for a new picnic table on the sports field which we feel will well used by residents. It was also decided that a call be put out for anyone interested in working with the council with the local footpaths as we are hoping bid for a community paths initiative grant. Nina gave us feedback on water quality and the “slow the flow” project. She also informed us of the PEBBLES grant that may be applicable for a village biodiversity project. More details to be published on the community website. Date of the next meeting is Monday 12th July. Venue to be confirmed. Sindy Bostock,07870 271625

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Henry Chadwick Community Primary School School Lane Headteacher: Vicki Barnes Tel: 01543 490354 Rugeley Email: [email protected] WS15 3QN http://www.henrychadwick.staffs.sch.uk

We’ve now been back in school, with full classrooms, for a few months now and we are nicely settling down to “new normal”. Like everyone else, we are hopeful that as the national restrictions ease further, life in school will return to how things were pre- covid and life will truly be “normal” again. As always, this time of year is busy with planning transition events for those joining us in September, in both Nursery and Reception, and for those leaving us for high school and pastures new. These events may not be exactly as they used to be but at least we will be able to do more than we could in 2020. Looking ahead, the PFA are hopeful that we will be able to arrange some form of Summer Fayre, perhaps not in the normal format but at least something where the school community can come together again to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate what the children have been doing in school. If arrangements can be made for a PFA fundraiser details will be published on the school’s website and advertised around the villages. Here’s to the future – stay safe. Vicki Barnes Headteacher

100 Years Ago... by Chris Poole June 1921: Prince Philip was born on the island of Corfu...postmen stop collecting & delivering mail on Sundays... the Census was held in Great Britain... Southwark Bridge in London is opened to traffic by King George V and Queen Mary...the largest R38 Class British airship completed its maiden voyage at Cardington, Bedfordshire... The wedding took place at St Michael's Hamstall RIdware of Miss Eileen Coussmaker, elder daughter of the Rector (Rev. J.D.Coussmaker) to Major E Baguley, Managing Director of Baguley Cars Ltd of Burton on Trent, about 100 guests were entertained at the Rectory and in the evening 'the parishioners were admitted to view the 200 presents'

July 1921: Eamon de Valera came to London to discuss the Irish crisis with Lloyd George...the Communist Party of China is founded...world heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey knocked out Frenchman Georges Carpentier in front of 91000 people in New Jersey - the first million dollar gate revenue... Adolph Hitler becomes leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party... The funeral, conducted by the Rev Coussmaker, took place of Mr C.Mclean (1858-1921) of the School House, Hamstall Ridware: he had been organist & choirmaster of the Parish Church for 27 years & schoolmaster at the old school for 17 years, he was also a keen sportsman, his main hobby being shooting.

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Village council green fingers at work Just a few pictures, courtesy of Chris Allen

Scams and Security Alerts and other safety issues

WhatsApp WhatsApp has changed its group settings to include “everyone” by default so people you don’t know can add you to a group without your knowing. These people may include scam messages, loan Sharks, etc. You can change its default settings as follows:

1. Go to WhatsApp: 2. Go into Settings 3. Go to Account 4. Go to Privacy 5. Go to Groups 6. Change from (Everyone) to (My Contacts)

‘FluBot’ This spyware is spreading among Android devices and could steal your passwords. Here’s how it works: An app known as ‘FluBot’ is being sent to mobile devices in a text message fraudulently posing as being from courier DHL – it says you have a parcel out for delivery and includes a link that invites you to track the delivery by downloading a fake tracking app. The app is actually malware/spyware that could steal your passwords. A recent FluBot victim, was expecting a delivery from DHL and decided to download the app to track it as he was worried he might not be at home to receive it. Something about the app he downloaded through the link in the text didn’t look right to him, and it didn’t seem to work. But when he tried to uninstall it he couldn’t. After searching online, he discovered he had unknowingly installed spyware.

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Parcel Fee Scam Be wary of fake emails claiming you need to pay a shipping fee or excess postage to retrieve a parcel. These have become increasingly common, If you’re concerned about an email you’ve received contact the organisation directly using a known email or phone number instead of clicking on links. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one on the back of your bank card. You should also report it to Action Fraud by visiting their website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or calling 0300 123 2040. Global Health Insurance Card Scam The introduction of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), has led to criminals creating fake websites designed to look like that of the NHS. The sites claim to either fast-track or manage your application process before charging you an up-front fee. It’s important to remember that the Global Health Insurance Card is: • Free to use and can only be obtained directly via the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global- health-insurance-card-ghic/ • Not required until your current European Health Insurance Card expires.

History of Hamstall in 100 objects. Shoppe Cottage An early picture of the old shop, now Shoppe Cottage. Can anyone put a date on this?

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HAMSTALL RIDWARE FUNERAL BIER In times gone by, up to around the middle of the 20th Century, every village would have had its own parish bier. This hand-drawn cart was often kept in the parish church and was used when a person died to stand the coffin on, perhaps in the front room, and then to transport the coffin up to the church for the funeral and afterwards to the graveside. Many of these biers fell out of use in the 1950s and 60s as cremation became more common and undertakers used their own lightweight foldable trolleys for carrying coffins. In the 1980s it was therefore decided to donate our village bier to the Staffordshire County Museum for preservation. This excellent photograph taken by the Museum shows that the Hamstall bier was beautifully made. The oak detachable top has three brass handles on each side for carrying. The undercarriage is also of oak, with timber wheels, metal hubs and axles. The rear wheels have sprung suspension and the front wheels are steered by a wooden cross bar on the end of a curved iron rod connected to the axle. Screwed to the top is a brass plate, engraved: ‘St Michael & All Angels/Parish Church/Hamstall Ridware/Locally Made in Feb/ 1893 By the Myatt Bros/of Nethertown’ Sarah Elsom Hamstall WI at Wedgewood, Barlaston circa 1968 You may be able to spot Brenda Perkin, Dorothy Sherratt and Rachael Brinkler (Roobottom), but if you recognise any one else please let the editor know!

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THE ORGAN Tradition holds that the Hon. Rev. Cecil Brownlow Fiennes, the incumbent from 1862 to 1865, donated the present instrument although there is no formal record to this effect. It was built by George Maydwell Holdich (1816-1896) of London who also built an organ for Lichfield Cathedral in 1861 and received many other commissions in the area. The organ was originally installed in St. Cecilia's Chapel (also known as the Lady Chapel) where the altar is now placed, but in 1867 a faculty was granted for its removal to its present position. It was last restored in 1992 by a local organ builder, Michael Thompson of Stretton. Despite the limitations of being a single manual instrument, the specification and tonal quality of the organ is typical of the larger chamber organs built by Holdich and is classical in conception and tonal entity. It has remained virtually unaltered since it was built and is a remarkable example of its builder's work - capable of producing an unusual variety and beauty of tone. One of the features is a ‘dia-octon’ which was a speciality of Holdich and was exhibited on ‘a small choir-organ’ at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. According to the official catalogue this stop is one ‘which makes every single stop as good as two distinct ones, having therefore, double the power and variety of an ordinary organ.’ It also has the great advantage of economising on the amount of pipework and mechanism required to achieve the same result! It has been suggested that Holdich’s works at 42, Euston Road, London is the premises referred to in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Whilst they may have been there in Dickens’ time they certainly weren’t in the late eighteenth century which is the setting for that book! An interesting footnote to the installation of the present instrument is that its predecessor was purchased for £60 in 1832 having had a somewhat chequered history. It included the remains of an instrument installed in Lichfield Cathedral but desecrated by soldiers of the Parliamentary Army during the civil war, then turned into a clothes press and in 1764 finally restored to working order by Abraham Adcock on behalf of Richard Greene who had a private museum in Lichfield. After a number of changes of fortune it made its way back to Lichfield Cathedral from Hamstall Ridware and it is still in use there as a Chamber Organ. Michael Elsom

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Contacts and Information Hamstall Village Website: www2.lichfielddc.gov.uk/hamstallridware/ www.hrpc.btck.co.uk WI Karen Wakefield 01543 492 136 Shoulder of Mutton 01889 504 488 Ridwares against HS2: [email protected] or 07970 648 374 Hill Ridware Village Hall: Bookings Viv Adams: [email protected] or 01543 324 453 key in keysafe at left of main door to Hall: for code, call 01543 324 453 Yoxall Brownies (7-10 years) Amelia Hill 07950 550 185 or Sue Pryde 07818 040 962 Yoxall Guides (10-15 years) Gill McKiernan 07836 629 904 Yoxall and Kings Bromley Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10 years), Scouts (10-15 years) at St Peter’s School, Yoxall Angela Burns 01543 416 355 Yoxall Health Centre (prescription repeats, [email protected]) 01543 472 202 Yoxall Area Patient Partnership: [email protected] Henry Chadwick Primary School, Headteacher, Mrs Vicki Barnes 01543 490 354 Youth Club for 8-14 yr olds at Henry Chadwick Sharon Lycett 07980 569 735 Ridware Rascals Play group See entry in Regular Meetings and Events Lichfield District Council 01543 308 000 Staffordshire Highways department 01785 277 452 Staffordshire County Council, new number for all services 0300 111 8000 Under 20s bus discount card: www.yourstaffordshirecard.info Staffordshire Social Services: care services 0300 111 8010 South Staffs Water 0800 389 1011 Sewerage – Severn Trent Water 0800 783 4444 Flood line (opt 1 code for Rugeley Trent 208013, Nethertown 308172) 03459 88 1188 https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/station/9081 (Blithe) /2104 (Trent at K B) Environment Agency (Lichfield 24hr) floods, sewerage etc 0800 807 060 Gas escapes 0800 111 999 Electricity faults 0330 123 5008 Scams etc – call Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 Community Police: To report an incident or contact your local officer please ring 101 (ext as collar no) or leave a voice message or 0300 123 44 55 (5377) Alison Lewis [email protected] 07966 883695 (26480) Amy Sketchley [email protected].. .. @StaffsPolice (8973) Tracy Horton [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/staffordshirepolice (6497) Adam McAree [email protected] www.staffordshire.police.uk (16763) Rhys Rockley [email protected] Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Lichfield 03444 111 444 Samaritans 116 123 Staffordshire Safeguarding First Response Team: 0800 1313 126 Emergency Duty Service – Out of Hours: 0345 604 2886 NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 Child line: 0800 1111 Samuel Johnson Community Hospital, Lichfield 01543 412 900 Burton Hospital 01283 566 333 Recycling dump opening times (enquiries: 0300 111 8000) Lichfield BST GMT Wed-Fri 9.00-18.00 9.00-17.00 Sat, Sun, Spring & Summer Bank Hols 9.00-17.00 9.00-17.00 Mon, Tues, Christmas day, Boxing day, New Year day: Closed Rugeley BST GMT Mon, Tues, Fri 9.00-18.00 9.00-17.00 Sat, Sun, Bank Hols 9.00-17.00 9.00-17.00 Wed, Thu, Christmas day, Boxing day, New Year day: Closed 23

Regular Meetings and Events # currently in abeyance due to Covid Further contributions to this page welcome: please contact the editor

The Flower Club# The flower club meets every three weeks. Meetings are at 8.00 p.m. in the village hall, cost £3.50 per session: bring along your own flowers. Classes currently suspended pending any update in regulations. The Full tuition given - beginners and more advanced flower arrangers welcome. Contact: Karen Wakefield 01543 492136

Ridware Rascals Playgroup for age 0-5 yrs# Every Friday 9.15 a.m. – 11.00 Hill Ridware Village Hall £3.00 per family per session – first week free Drink and snacks for the children; tea and coffee for the adults Everyone welcome - mums/dads/grandparents/carers Just come along and join in! Contacts: Gemma 07434 952290 / 01543 899603 [email protected] and Sharon 07816 394327.

Youth Club for 8-14 yr olds# Meets every Wednesday 6.30pm-8pm at Henry Chadwick for more details contact Rachel Mullett 07857 188579

Mothers’ Union meets 1st Wednesday of month in Yoxall Church for a short service (during Covid precautions). For more details contact: Liz Binsley 01543 472 761 or Julia Collinson 01543 473 866

WI Take a Break Café# 1st Tuesday of month: Hill Ridware Village Hall 10.30 – 12.00 noon - ALL WELCOME!

The Ridwares WI # Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month at 19.45 Hill/ Village Hall. ALL women/girls welcome! For further details contact: 01543 492136

Post Office at Hill Ridware Village Hall – every Thursday 9-11am (face masks required)

Food Bank Please keep the contributions rolling in. Most needed just now are toiletries, loo roll, instant mashed potato, tinned (sandwich) meat, tinned tomatoes, juice (long life) and squash, biscuits, children’s treats, tinned fruit, pasta, rice, rice pudding and UHT milk. Remember some people who need food bank help do not have access to cooking facilities. Please put any offerings in the box in the porch of 17 Lichfield Road

Church flowers: donations or volunteers New flowers are needed in church each 2 weeks except in Lent and Advent. If you would like to help, please contact Liz Carter 0775 106 8181 [email protected] who will be happy to guide you through what is needed, help or even arrange donated flowers for you.

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WOODHEYES DECORATORS ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS

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Warehouse 01889 577277 Unit 10 Canal Vw Business Pk Wheelhouse Rd Rugeley WS15 1UY Open 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri 9am to 12 Sat Showroom 01889 583969 15 Upper Brook Street, Rugeley WS15 2DP Open 9am to 5pm Mon to Sat www.craigscarpets.com

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Advertise here? Please contact Lucy Leigh on 01889 504352 or lucy.leigh@ci- bcp.com

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Ken’s Countryside Landscapes

Block Paving, Tarmacking, Fencing, Landscaping, Tree Pruning,

All jobs quoted for

KEN: 01543 473175 mobile: 07814 137168

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Looking for a discreet professional investigator?

Ridware Investigations are a high performing and professional investigation team, based locally, specialising in:  Private and Commercial Investigations ● Matrimonial & Tracing  Fraud & Legal ● Security Consultancy We have a keen eye for detail and offer a discreet professional service to suit all clients. We thrive on challenges but ‘no job is too small’.

Contact Bob Titley on 07812 443464 or [email protected] for a free, confidential, no obligation quote on how Ridware Investigations can help protect you, your family and your business.

Ridware Arts

T: 01889 504 102 e: [email protected]

the gallery @ Ridware Arts Blythe House Farm, Hamstall Ridware, Staffordshire, WS15 3QQ new studio gallery featuring original artwork Ridware Arts offers art-based Kevin and Alex Dudley classes and workshops

Tel 01889 504461 Deb Walker – Painter [email protected] www.blythebrewery.co.uk Blythe House Farm, Hamstall Ridware, WS15 3QQ

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