Your Village News – And What’s on! Parish Magazine

August - September 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 Proposed Usual Service Rota from September 2021: Patronal Festivals will be United Benefice services. 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 9.00 10.30am 10.30am in Month Said Holy Holy Communion Communion Communion 2nd Sunday 9.00am tbc 10.30am 10.30 in Month Said Holy Morning Prayer/ Communion Communion H. Communion 3rd Sunday 10.30pm 10.30am 9.00am in Month Holy Holy Said Communion Communion Communion 4th Sunday 9.00am 10.30am 10.30am in Month Said Holy Holy Communion Communion Communion 5th Sunday Benefice service – in Month to be arranged

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Hamstall Ridware Parish Magazine: August - September 2021 Inside: 3 Editorial 9 Fete 4 Sept; 16 HRPC Minutes 4 United Benefice Services 10 Scarecrow Trail; Ride & Stride 17 HRPC Members; Parish Council 5 Hamstall Church duty rota 11 Covid update; Concert and Talk Notes; Flood resilience grant 6 Letter from our Rector 12 County Show; Lottery; Funding; HS2 18 Magistrates 7 Dates; Library; Surgery ½ 13 History Society; Mothers Union 19 Regular meetings days; Welcome 14 Ridware Arts; Shoulder of Mutton 20 Contacts and information 8 Bottle Race, Tug o War; BBQ 15 Henry Chadwick; 100 years ago 25 Advertisements From the Editor It’s our fête at last on 4 September. Please see page 9 for more details and on how you can get involved. In the meantime, we have a bottle race, tug-of-war and barbecue on Sunday, 15 August (see flier and page 8) and we have notice of our harvest festival, and a concert in church and talk on the background of St Michael’s and all Angels on 26 September (Page 11). Our Rector Jeremy is still fine tuning the service Rota and has now managed to arrange 3 services a month for each of the 4 churches starting in September. 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. Concerns remain about the current Covid situation and both in the church (page 11) and (page 14) Covid precautions will continue whilst using the new freedoms to enable as much of a return to normality as possible. The mobile library is back to a normal schedule too (p7). There are reminders on page 10 of the Scarecrow trail and Ride and Stride, which you can do by car or on foot, on bike, on horseback, or however! Entries to Jean Mead. The show is on 25 and 26 August, page 12 where there is also a reminder you can support local heritage projects by joining the lottery, and Cllr Shirley Barnett offers small grants to people wishing to launch local projects. Yoxall mothers Union is up and running again, starting 4 August, p13. Finally Staffordshire magistracy are looking for new magistrates, see article on p18. My thanks again to all our contributors, and as always, please do not forget the food bank, page 20. Churchyard working parties continue on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month – the next ones will be on 27 July and 10 August. We meet at 6 pm and carry on for a couple of hours – weather permitting! All welcome. From now on, a copy of this magazine will be available on our “A church near you” website at https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4451/ where it will be from a few days before delivery of the printed copies. Copy for the October-November magazine will be September 18. For adverts please contact Lucy Leigh on 01889 504352 or [email protected]. 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]

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UNITED BENEFICE OF KINGS BROMLEY, THE RIDWARES and YOXALL Planned Services: August - September 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 1st August 10.30am 10.00am Trinity IX Holy Communion Morning Prayer

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

15th August 10.30am 10.00am Trinity XI Holy Communion Morning Prayer

22nd August 10.00am 10.00am Trinity XII Holy Communion Holy Communion

29th August United Benefice Holy at St Nicholas, Mavesyn Trinity XIII Communion 10.00am

5th September 9.00am 10.30am 10.30am Trinity XIV Said Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion

12th September 9.00am 10.30am 10.30am Trinity XV Said Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer

10.30am 19th September 10.30am 9.00am Holy Communion Trinity XVI Holy Communion Said Communion and Baptism

26th September Patronal Festival at St Michael and All Angels, Hamstall Ridware Trinity XVII Harvest Festival with Holy Communion 10.30am

3rd October 9.00am 10.30am 10.30am Trinity XVIII Said Communion Harvest Festival Harvest Festival

10th October 9.00am 10.30am 10.30 12.00 Trinity XIX Said Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Dementia event tbc

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ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS – HAMSTALL RIDWARE Rota for August - September 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 preceding Wednesday; Coffee outside till risk assessment changes.

DATE BELLS & SIDESMAN C0FFEE READERS (week before) GREETING (& unlock Wed CLEANERS FLOWERS pm before) 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) 15th August C Smart P Carter C Smart S Elsom Trinity IX D Rudge S Bostock P Carter L Carter R Adkins S Bostock 10.30 am J Ferguson 22nd August (opening church 2.00 – 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) C Smart C Smart 29th August (opening church 2.00 – 4.30 pm L Carter P Carter Sunday and preceding Wednesday) P Carter 5th September (opening church 2.00 – 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) 12th September S Elsom J Mead D Rudge V Richards Trinity XV D Rudge V Richards D Cook D Cook D Cook J Berriman 9.00 am 19th September Trinity XVI J Preston D Leigh J Preston D Leigh HC & baptism D Rudge L Leigh C Smart 10.30 am 26th September Harvest and P Carter J Preston P Carter L Carter J Ferguson All florists Patronal J Ferguson G Burgess J Ferguson L Leigh 10.30 am C Smart 3rd October (opening church 2.00 – 4.30 pm Sunday and preceding Wednesday) 10th October L Carter S Elsom S Bostock A Ball Trinity XIX P Carter J Hodgskiss C Smart S Bostock S Elsom J Preston 10.30 am

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From our Rector, Revd Jeremy Brading August 2021 According to that well known authority on all things, I am informed by Wikipedia that ‘August’ is derived from the Latin auger, meaning ‘to increase’. In 8 BC, this month (then the 6th of 10 months in the year) was renamed August, in honour of Gaius Octavius. Gaius Octavian Casear Augustus - Caesar Augustus for short - is considered one of the most effective leaders in the world, as he dramatically expanded the Roman empire. In recognition of his achievements, the title ‘Augustus’ was then handed down to all of Gaius’ successors. It is coincidental that the lives of Caesar Augustus and Jesus briefly overlapped, with Jesus being around 16 when the former died. Their positions in the world at once have things in common - as well as very important and well established differences. For starters, both Caesar Augustus and Jesus could lay claim to expansive empires. The Roman Empire expanded very significantly under this Caesar Augustus. Eventually from Hadrian’s Wall in the north, the empire extended southward to the edge of the Saharan north Africa; from the edge of the known world on the Portuguese coast eastward to Babylon. Jesus gives physical expression to God’s Kingdom, which is bigger still. God’s kingdom is made present wherever Jesus is whilst also at the same time, extending beyond the known created world (i.e. the universe). For God is both in the world (i.e. through Jesus) but logically speaking, God’s presence cannot be restricted to the limits of what God himself created. In short, God’s kingdom is bigger and at the same time more personal to us that the Roman (or any other) human empire was/is. Like Jesus, Caesar Augustus’s death was not natural - allegedly being murdered by virtue of a poisonous fig. Yet his reign coincided with an unprecedented period of comparative peace across the empire, referred to as Pax Romana - the peace of Rome. Pax Romana however was enforced through the law and with the cross, as expressions of intimidation and public humiliation. In God’s Kingdom, Pax Christos - the peace of Christ is also maintained by the power of the sword and the cross. Yet in God’s Kingdom, the Sword of the Spirit sets people free, transforms them into the image of Christ and separates truth from error and light from darkness. In His Kingdom, the cross crucifies our flesh, puts to death our sinful desires and unleashes the resurrection power of Christ so we can experience His new life within. Jeremy Brading Rector of Kings Bromley, the Ridwares & Yoxall

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Dates for your diary Mothers meeting and service, St Peters Yoxall, 1.45 for 2 Wednesday 4 August Message in a bottle, , 2pm Sunday 15 August Tug o’ War, River Blithe, 2.30 pm Sunday 15 August Barbecue at Shoulder 3.00 pm Sunday 15 August Deadline for applications for Scarecrow competition Sunday 22 August Staffordshire County Show Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August Scarecrow trail forms go on sale Saturday 28 August Shoulder of Mutton Fun day Sunday 29 August Mothers meeting and service, St Peters Yoxall, 1.45 for 2 Wednesday 1 September Hamstall fête 1.30 pm - 4 pm Saturday 4 September Ride and Stride for Churches – Saturday 11 September Closing date for scarecrow trail entries Sunday 12 September Parish Council meeting 7.30pm Monday 13 September Copy date for October - November magazine Saturday 18 September Patronal and Harvest Festival St Michael all Angels, 10.30 Sunday 26 September Beatus Concert in Church and tea 2.30pm Sunday 26 September History Talk by Dr Trevor James in church after concert Sunday 26 September Planned resumption of History Society meetings Monday 4 October

Yoxall GP surgery training closures The next Surgery closures for staff training are from 2.00 pm on Wednesday 28 July; Wednesday, 22 September 2021 and Thursday, 21 October

Mobile Library dates (0300 111 8000 option 2) The mobile libraries are back in more normal service but at slightly revised times. Our nearest are Yoxall where Mobile 2 Route 4 stops at the Golden Cup from 9.30 to 10.30 and at Ferrers Road from 10.35 to 11.05 on alternate Thursdays. The next dates are 5, 17 August; 16, 30 September and 14, 28 October A different mobile library, Mobile 1 Route 10 visits Kings Bromley and where it stops at Richard Crosse from 10.00 to 11.00 and Henry Chadwick from 1.20 to 2.30 alternate Fridays. The next dates are 30 July; 13, 27 August; 10, 24 September; 8, 22 October.

Welcome A very warm welcome to Jayne and Andrew Parker, who have recently moved from into Horseshoe Barn, next door to the Shoulder of Mutton. It’s lovely to see the house occupied at long last and great to have Jayne and Andrew on board – they have already been (willingly) roped into a number of village activities! If you haven’t met them yet, please do introduce yourself the next time you are passing. Lucy Leigh

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Tug o war 2.30 and BBQ from 3.00 pm Tug o war • Teams will be of 5-8 people, balanced teams will be put together on the day (or decide your own in advance and email me at [email protected] to give me the details). • Teams sign on and pay at the desk on the Yoxall side of the river. £1 per person per pull. • Under 16s must have parental permission • Any further instructions / details will be posted on the Hamstall Ridware Community Facebook page – watch out for information! • BE PREPARED TO GET WET!! Jude Preston 8

HAMSTALL VILLAGE FETE IS BACK!! - 4TH SEPTEMBER With the Lea Hall Brass Band Back by popular demand – the LOGO QUIZ AND ... A SCARECROW TRAIL ! ALSO... *Historic vehicles *bouncy castle *penalty shoot out *skittles *tombola *teas and burgers *bar *ice cream *bric-a- brac *plants & produce *cake baking competition *Grand Draw, and much much more.

It’s full steam ahead with arrangements for the Village Fete, on September 4th, postponed from June last year. Start time is 1.30 and there will be something for everyone – and guaranteed fun for all! A huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help so far, running stalls, donating prizes and sponsoring the competitions. The Grand Draw tickets will be available shortly. Please sell or buy as many tickets as you can.

If you have an idea for additional stalls or attractions, or would like to sponsor something please get in touch with Sarah Elsom – 504016/07973950476 [email protected] Or Liz & Paul Carter – 504347 [email protected] Help will be needed in advance:  Wed. Sept. 1st from 6 pm - tidy up of the church grounds  Thurs. Sept. 2nd from 6 pm - erection of tents and table collection

Please drop off prizes for the Grand Draw & Tombola well in advance to:- Grand Draw: Sarah & Michael Elsom, Hunger Hill Farm, WS15 3RY - 504016 or Bob & Dee Titley, Rose Cottage, Blithbury Rd - 504056 Tombola: The Mepsteds - Little Steading, Blithbury Rd. - 504077 or The Allens - Olde Shoppe Cottage – 504481

And the week before for: Bric-a-Brac, books & adults’ clothes - QUALITY NOT QUANTITY PLEASE! Alison & Andrew Scott, Barley Fields, Blithbury Rd. - 504392 Linda Windley, 4 Blythe View, Lichfield Rd. – 504343

On the day please Plants & home-grown produce - to Wendy Thomas, the Fergusons or Doug Cook. Cakes and home-made – on the day please to Glenis Turner or Ann Ball – 504272

Get involved! It is a great village occasion and raises much- needed funds for our lovely church. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Scarecrow Trail Reminder To be part of the trail,  Make your own scarecrow, minimum of 3 feet high, based on a trade or profession.  Entry Fee (minimum £2.50) to Becky Mycock on 07817 099480 or Michael McNelis on 07887 743953 describing your character: first come, first served.  Prize for the best scarecrow which must be displayed on your property and be visible from the pavement without the need for anyone entering your property.  Deadline for applications is Sunday 22nd August.  Scarecrow to be displayed from Sunday 29th August.

The Scarecrow Trail – based on the entries, we will create a map giving clues as to the location of the scarecrows.  Maps available for a £2.50 entrance fee from 28th August up until the closing of the Fete on the 4th September.  Instructions how to submit completed entries will be on map, with a prize offered too. Entrants will select their favourite scarecrow during their travels. Closing date to submit your answers 12th September.

Join us to keep Staffordshire’s historic churches, chapels and meeting houses looking beautiful and open for the future. Half of the money you raise for Ride+Stride goes to our church and the other half to the Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust, enabling us to make grants to local churches to help with urgent repair and maintenance costs. Choose your own route and travel at your own pace – enjoy the day. For entry forms etc, contact Jean Mead at 17 Lichfield Road, 504332 or for more information see the Historic Churches Trust website: www.staffordshirehistoricchurchestrust.org

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UPDATE ON COVID 19 MEASURES IN OUR CHURCHES The Rector and Churchwardens of the four churches of the United Benefice met on Tuesday 20th July to discuss the approach we should adopt as we have reached Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap. That effectively removes most of the legal restrictions on gatherings. There was no enthusiasm for relaxing all the COVID measures currently in place – it was felt that the Churches owed a responsibility to all that they should feel safe particularly in view of the currently rising numbers of cases. Guidance had been received from the Church of about this and the need to re-consider Risk Assessments already undertaken. The following decisions were reached: (a) The churches would continue with hand sanitising and track and trace measures (b) Social distancing would be observed particularly as these would facilitate singing during services (c) The continued wearing of face coverings will be encouraged except when singing and at points during a service such as the saying of the Creed and the Gloria (d) The sacrament of Holy Communion would continue to be administered without the sharing of the chalice, (e) For the time being, the communion will be administered by the Priest at the chancel steps rather than the altar rail although an experiment will be tried at King’s Bromley to see if it is feasible and safe for everyone to receive at the altar rail, and (f) Notices will be displayed setting out what is expected of those entering the churches. The situation will be kept under review with the aim of ensuring that everybody is and feels as safe as is possible while COVID 19 remains a real threat to us all.

A CELEBRATION OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS In words and music On Sunday 26th September at 2.30 pm At St. Michael & All angels Church, Hamstall Ridware Including... * Talk by Dr. Trevor James on the history of our Church and other early churches dedicated to St. Michael * Concert by the Beatus Choral Group including some old favourites * Afternoon tea Entrance for whole afternoon £10, in aid of Church funds

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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 weekly 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”, For further information email [email protected] https://www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/the-hamstall-heritage-group

Councillor Local Community Fund launches LDC are launching a Councillor Local Community Fund. This is to help local residents to be active in their community. Groups can now apply for a small funding boost from their district councillor. Each councillor has £300 to award to support to local projects and activities which can make a positive impact in their area. Awards can be as little as £50. Please remember that I have three parishes who may be interested in the scheme, so take care as to what you may ask for. For more information see www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/councilllorfund. The website and application form can be found at: https://www.lichfieldcc.gov.uk/community-funding/councillor-local-community-fund Shirley Barnett ([email protected])

Notice from HS2 - information changing This summer HS2 will move its info to the 'In your area' section of the main HS2 website. They have published local community landing pages for each section of the route on https://www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/local-community-webpages/ Their Commonplace information email will cease and if you would like to continue to receive updates from HS2 you can sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list. The HS2 Helpdesk is on 08081 434 434 or [email protected]. 12

Covid Update With the easing/lifting of Covid 19 restrictions, it is hoped that meetings of the history society will be able to resume on Monday 4th October. We already have speakers for the winter 2021/2022 programme ‘pencilled’ in, however, as I wrote this, we were yet to have confirmation of the ‘unlocking’.

When we know more, RHS members will be notified by email or by post during September. For anyone interested, we plan for our new website to ‘be live’ by September, where all information will be posted at www.ridwarehistorysociety.com

For information more information about us, please contact:- Membership Secretary; Betty Hyde 01543 490551 Chair Phil White 01543 491407 Secretary Meryl Mattey; 01543 490650

Yoxall Mothers Union Mothers union will meet in Yoxall Church on Wednesday 4th August and Wednesday 1st of September at 1.45 for a 2pm service. We will not have a speaker at the August meeting but it is hoped that something can be arranged for the September meeting. Mothers' Union is a global, woman-led movement of 4 million members. We work as volunteers in our communities, putting faith into action by supporting individuals and communities to transform their lives. We have been doing so since 1876. In 2018 we collectively supported almost 1 million people in 84 countries, giving them skills and knowledge to transform their lives in a sustainable way. Our members around the world, drive our work and share the same values. We are firmly committed to volunteering, mutual respect, collaboration and inclusively working with venerable and marginalised people of all faiths and none. Archbishop Justin Welby said "Mothers' Union is one of the Anglican Communion's greatest gifts to the Worldwide Church and your members are a powerful force of hope. If any group of individuals is able to transoms lives and bring people closer to God, it is the dedicated members of Mothers' Union." If anyone would like to learn a little more about the work of Mothers' Union and its role within the Church we would be delighted to welcome you. For more information please contact Julia Collinson on 01543 473866 or Liz Binsley on 01543472761

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the gallery @ Ridware Arts Blythe House Farm, Hamstall Ridware, T: 01889 504102 E: deb@walker- art.co.uk 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 “Ebb” now on display at Royal Society of Marine Artists exhibition at the Mall Galleries

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, Sun 12-4pm Once again a big THANK YOU to all who have supported us through the pandemic, it certainly is heart-warming to know what a fantastic community we live in.

In the light of the relaxation of rules, we have elected to allow our customers to choose whether to wear a mask inside the pub, but to keep everyone as safe as possible, we are encouraging everyone to continue with the practice & we are still doing all we can to keep space between parties, hand sanitiser is available throughout, NHS Test & trace QR codes & perspex dividers at the bar. We ask that all our patrons ensure they are also doing as much as possible to help limit the spread and also not to come to the pub if they are at all unwell.

We have a BBQ after the bottle race and Tug o War, and a fun day planned for the 29th August, Bank Holiday Sunday. Other events such as Karaoke Nights & Quizzes will be advertised on our notice boards outside the pub

Nikki & the Mutton Team

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

At the time of writing we have almost reached the end of term – three days to go for us until the Summer holidays, with most of the covid restrictions being lifted we are a little nervous to say the least but life does need to get back to some sort of normal. On a positive note we have taken some of the arrangements which have worked really well and we will be keeping them in place going forward : things we might not have thought of before Covid such as virtual parent/staff meetings (much more convenient for many), staggered start and end times to the day (from a safeguarding point of view much better to make sure who children are being dismissed to) and staggered break times (less chance of accidents and more space for the children to play).

We held our Award and Leavers’ Assemblies outside on the school field – the sun shone and these were lovely occasions, enjoyed by parents and children alike. Again something we might keep as the “norm” given how relaxed and pleasant the award presentations were. We also invited new nursery and reception children in to school for a couple of hours to help them prepare for September – not the usual full transition events but at least this year they were able to come in to school and meet the staff and spend time in their new classroom.

Plans are being made for the Autumn term with some of the usual events being reintroduced back in to school. As soon as PFA events are back on the calendar these will be advertised on the school’s website and around the local community.

Stay Safe everyone and we hope you all have a peaceful Summer.

Vicki Barnes, Headteacher

100 Years Ago... by Chris Poole August 1921: Alan Whicker, journalist & TV broadcaster of 'Whicker's World' fame, was born in Cairo and US champion swimmer & actress Esther Williams was born in Inglewood California... President Warren Hastings officiated at the tercentenary celebrations in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the landing of the Pilgrims ... William Sale of Hamstall Ridware took second prize in the best cart horse class with 'Hay End Princess Rose' at the Floral Fête.

September 1921: Welsh actor, comedian & goon, Harry Secombe, was born in Swansea & American actress Deborah Kerr (The King and I) was born in Helensbury Scotland...the Cunard Line ship RMS Aquitaine set a new speed record averaging 22.45 knots in making the run from Cherbourg to New York in 5 days-16 hours-57 minutes ... the first White Castle hamburger restaurant opened in Wichita Kansas marking the foundation of the world's first fast food chain of restaurants. 15

From Minutes of HRPC MS Teams meeting Monday 17th May 2021 THOSE PRESENT: Cllr Sarah Elsom (SE); Cllr Graham Roobottom (GR’); Cllr Michael McNelis (MM); Cllr Neil Roobottom (NR); Cllr Simon Mepsted (SM) Cllr Sindy Bostock (SB); Nina South Staffs Water ALSO PRESENT: Becky Mycock Clerk; Cllr Richard Cox, Members of the public None APOLOGIES: Cllr Shirley Barnett; Cllr Chris Allen (CA) On line banking: No forms have been received from the bank, clerk to chase. HMRC/Payroll: The council are now registered with HMRC Contract of employment: The clerks job description and contract of employment has been drawn up by Cllr SM, the job description is adopted but the contact of employment needs more adjustments, clerk to meet with the chairman to cover this. Balance at the bank: Balance at the bank according to the last statement • Current Account £15,077.71 @ 30th April 2021 • Reserve account £1,489.23 @ 31st March 2021 • Cheques for: Clerk Salary £1,325.00, Clerk monthly payment £88.00, Staffs Parish Council Association £50.00, BHIB Insurance £372.22, Xmas lights £59.94. • Payroll service £60.00 per year. Park Bench: A number of options are available and at various prices. It was agreed to look at benches and the possibility of a picnic bench, this may raise more problems regarding grass cutting and sighting of the bench. Further research is needed before purchasing. Letter from Gospel Hall: The council have received a letter from the new owners requesting if possible to re site the dog poo bin which sits straight outside their property along with a litter bin. • New sighting for the two bins • Costs from LDC to remove and re install the bin Footpaths/ Community Path Fund: It was agreed that the council needs to establish a project and a leader to be able to submit a application for a grant to upgrade. South Staffs Water: Water Quality all good at present. “Slow the Flow” project - phase 2 proposed works to be considered for later in the year. Nina informed the council regarding a community lead project with funding under the Pebble Fund (Also SSW) Flooding/water update: There are a number of authorities now joining together to look at flood reducing options in the village. There is no update from Jamie Cooper, but we are aware that the EA has been out to make an assessment of the river, and SCC have been doing CCTV work on the drains in the field and under the road, this report is due in the next few weeks. Drains blocked on the corner, opposite Blythe House farm, Clerk to report NEXT MEETINGS: Monday 12th July ) 7.20 for 7.30 pm

Monday 13th September ) venue tbc.

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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)

A few notes from the July Parish Council meeting The meeting had three apologies for absences as is often the case in the summer months. Fortunately, Parish Councils only need 1/3 or 3 of the councillors to be present whichever is the greater, this is known as quorum, so as we had 4 councillors present, we were able to hold a full Council Meeting. The clerk reported that the finances are still healthy, which is a good position to be in partly because we are looking to create an HRPC web site, which will require set up funds and ongoing maintenance costs. The council agreed to accept the generous offer to make a picnic bench from the new owners of the old Gospel hall Neil and Rosalyn. The bench will be placed in the park to replace the unstable and rotting log currently used as a bench. The new bench will also incorporate the plaque commemorating Eric Mead’s service to the Parish Council and the community over many years. The council also agreed to investigate replacing the old bench located near the flats with a new recycled plastic version. All councillors agreed in principle to support the Hamstall Heritage Group with their plans to create a wildflower trail. The Hamstall Heritage Group also reported that their inclusion in the Lichfield community Lottery draw as a recipient of funds has been very successful and they would encourage all who are able, to enter the draw and nominate the Hamstall Heritage Group as your chosen charity by visiting: https://www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk The date of the next meeting is 13th September 2021. Simon Mepsted HRPC Chairman

Have you been flooded? Property flood resilience grants Grants of up to £5,000 are available to make adaptations to increase flood resilience for residential and business properties within the . The aim is to reduce the risk of future flooding and make the clean-up easier and cheaper if future flooding does occur. The grant will not be awarded for flood repairs.  Property must have been flooded in February 2020  Property must be within the Lichfield District  Owners of residential and business properties may apply See https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/floodrelief for details of how to apply. 17

STAFFORDSHIRE MAGISTRACY BECOME A MAGISTRATE IN STAFFORDSHIRE

Staffordshire and West Advisory Committee is seeking applications from those interested in becoming a magistrate on the Staffordshire Bench. New magistrates are needed in the adult criminal court to sit in the Cannock Magistrates Court and at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle under Lyme. These are voluntary positions; you do not need legal training or formal qualifications to become a magistrate and we are looking for applications from across the county and from all sections of the community. Magistrates are not paid (although some allowances, including travelling expenses, can be claimed), and those who are successful in being appointed must be able to attend training and sit in court for at least 13 days a year – this is a minimum requirement. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 may apply. Applications are particularly welcome from members of Black and Minority Ethnic communities, people under the age of 50, people in paid employment, and people with a disability who are able, either unassisted or with the benefit of reasonable adjustments, to carry out the full range of a magistrate’s duties. If you are interested in being considered for appointment and want to find out more about the work of a magistrate and how to apply, see: www.gov.uk/become- magistrate. You may also contact the Chairman of the Staffordshire Bench, Adrian Robinson via email at [email protected] Applications for adult criminal magistrates open on 1st August 2021 and closes on 10th September 2021 with interviews being held later in the year. Interviews will be held within Staffordshire or if any COVID restrictions continue to apply, virtually. Prior to submitting an application, at least 2 observation visits must be made to a magistrate’s court where magistrates are sitting; each visit should be for a minimum of half a day. Magistrates will tell you what a worthwhile and rewarding position this is – as well as doing something vital within the community, friendships are formed, and magistrates enjoy each other’s company.

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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 19

Regular Meetings and Events #was 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. 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)

Churchyard working parties 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. We meet at 6 pm and carry on for up to a couple of hours – weather permitting! All welcome.

Food Bank Please keep the contributions rolling in. Most needed remain 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 or cash. 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. 20

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Ken’s Countryside Landscapes

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KEN: 01543 473175 mobile: 07814 137168

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Blythe House Farm Businesses

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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