View across Minster Pool

Lichfield District Council will be bringing some of Lichfield’s most colourful history to life on Wednesday 15 May on a History Walk round Minster Pool and Beacon Park.
 
As part of Local History and Community Month, Lichfield District Council’s Implementation Projects Coordinator, Alison Richards, will be leading a guided walk around Minster Pool and Beacon Park and giving an insight into the fascinating history of the area. 
 
The walk will take in the beautiful views of Minster Pool, the Garden of Remembrance and Beacon Park, and will include a short history about the development of these areas over the past 1,000 years.
 
Suitable for all ages and abilities, the History Walk starts at the Dam Street end of Minster Pool at 10am and will finish at about 11.30am.
 
Alison Richards, Implementation Projects Coordinator for Lichfield District Council, said: “As we developed the grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund for the restoration of Lichfield’s historic parks, we did lots of research into how these parks became part of Lichfield’s landscape. We know that local people are really interested in the history of their home town, and I hope this walk will provide snapshots of the parks’ growth over the centuries.”
 
The History Walk costs £2.50 and booking is essential. Please call Lichfield District Council’s parks team on 01543 308869 to book a place. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park

Lichfield District Council is calling on local businesses to make this summer’s concert in the park the best yet.

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park is a free event for the whole family, and Lichfield District Council is hoping plenty of sponsors will come forward to help raise the money needed to help stage its fifteenth outdoor concert extravaganza.

2013’s Lichfield Proms is taking place on Saturday 7 September, when thousands of local people will gather in Beacon Park for a spectacular evening of entertainment. Set to feature The British Police Symphony Orchestra, the City of Lichfield Concert Band, children’s entertainment, and a fireworks finale, it is the event to end the summer in style.

Richard Lewis, President of Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, said: “We supported Lichfield Proms in 2012 for the first time and were really proud to be involved. Being a part of the fabulous evening, and having experienced the benefit to the district, we have decided to increase our support this year.”

Sponsoring proms offers businesses a great way to reach thousands of local people and visitors. Sponsors can benefit from their logos appearing on posters, leaflets, the glossy programme, and on the Lichfield Proms website. Sponsors also feature in news stories and have VIP parking and prime seats at the event – right in front of the stage.

Sponsorship packages start from as little as £50 and companies can also take advantage of a special corporate entertainment package.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “It’s a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by thousands of community members and friends and to be a part of this magnificent event. The music, fireworks and chance to enjoy a picnic in such a beautiful park makes for a very enjoyable evening. So that we continue to keep the event free for everyone, we need the support of our fantastic sponsors and hope local businesses will join us in making Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park 2013 a huge success.”

To find out more about the sponsorship packages on offer, please email proms@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call 01543 308866.

For the latest Lichfield Proms news, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lichfieldproms

The day will include cutting back overgrown willow and dog wood that has encroached into the stream, and removing debris that has built up over the winter months.

Ruth Witczak, Lichfield District Council’s Education Officer, said: “We’re looking for volunteers to join the group and help us improve the habitat along Leomansley Brook to boost wildlife and improve the flow of the stream. Our conservation events are a great way to learn new skills and meet new friends.”

No skills are needed and the volunteers will be given full training, but must be over 18 years of age.

Chris Walsh, Lichfield District Council’s Countryside Manager, said: “Getting involved in voluntary work is a great way to give something back to your local community. Wellies are a must for this outdoor work, and wearing waterproofs and gardening clothes is recommended.”

The group will meet by the Swinfen Broun Pavilion in the middle of the park. The closest car parks are Bunkers Hill (WS13 6RB), Greenhough Road (WS13 7AU) and Shaw Lane (WS13 8HN).

To book your free place on this event or to find out more about joining the Countryside and Parks Conservation Group, please call the countryside team on 01543 308183 or email denice.deverall@lichfielddc.gov.uk

HRH The Princess Royal visits Beacon Park

As part of an official one-day tour of Staffordshire, HRH The Princess Royal visited Lichfield’s award-winning Beacon Park on Wednesday 24 April 2013.

The visit, to celebrate the city park’s recent transformation as part of Lichfield Historic Parks Project, started at Museum Gardens.  

The Vice Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire welcomed The Princess Royal to Beacon Park and introduced her to the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, the Chairman of Lichfield District Council, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member of Leisure, the Chief Executive of Lichfield District Council, the Deputy Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, and Lichfield District Council’s Director of Leisure Parks and Play. 

This led on to the rededication of a newly conserved statue of The Princess Royal’s great great grandfather, King Edward VII. Princess Anne unveiled a new engraving on the statue’s plinth to mark the occasion. The engraving reads: ‘This statue was rededicated by HRH The Princess Royal on a visit to Beacon Park, 24 April 2013’.

The tour, led by Lichfield District Council, passed by the park’s historic monuments, including Chancellor Law’s Fountain, the statue of Commander Edward Smith – Captain of RMS Titanic, and the Swinfen Broun memorial. The Princess Royal also saw the recently unveiled statue of Erasmus Darwin and met the sculptor, Peter Walker. 

This was followed by a visit to the new community gardening facility, where The Princess met children, teachers and volunteers from Saxon Hill Community School and Changes – two of the groups that use the facility to learn about gardening, self-sufficiency and wildlife.

The party carried on past the children’s play area and Beacon Park’s pool, and then on towards the playing fields where Princess Anne saw young people competing in the Community Games – an event to showcase local school children’s sporting talents.

The Princess Royal then met a selection of specially invited guests who assembled in a marquee, including councillors and officers from Lichfield District and Lichfield City councils, as well as representatives from the skilled team that worked on the restoration of the park’s original features, and the main funders of Lichfield Historic Parks project – the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

On the visit, Princess Anne also had a chance to see 14 Olympic inspired flags displayed by local school pupils. These were created last year by schools across the district, and formed part of a parade through the park on the day the Olympic Torch Relay passed through the city in June 2012.

The tour then continued through the park’s Herbaceous Garden, where The Princess Royal found out more about the origins of Martyrs’ Plaque – a conserved sculpture of the city’s historic common seal. She also had the chance to see bowls being played on Crown Bowling Green.

Princess Anne is presented with flowers

After a quick stop for lunch, provided by Chandlers Lakeside Bistro who catered the event, The Princess Royal was presented with a posy of flowers by local Chadsmead Primary Academy pupils, Sophie Turner (age 10) and Emily Turner (age 8), before the end of her visit.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “We were all so proud to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Beacon Park, and it was a privilege to be a part of the event and to be introduced to her. Princess Anne was interested to hear about the recent conservation and improvement works as part of Lichfield Historic Parks project. She was very complimentary of Beacon Park and I’m delighted that the weather was fine for the visit and that the park looked at its very best on this important day.”

In preparation for the official visit, teams across the council worked hard to make sure Beacon Park was ready to welcome royalty.

This included creating floral displays in the flowerbeds and laying turf to improve the lawns, installing new railings and a yew hedge along the Swan Road side of Museum Gardens, cladding the base of the Erasmus Darwin statue, installing an interpretation board to explain the origins of Martyrs’ Plaque, and launching an accessible roundabout and extra swings in the Junior Play Area. 

Beacon Park remained open to the public throughout the royal visit and hundreds of people came to cheer on HRH The Princess Royal and to wave their Union flags.

The Bird Survey Walk is on Sunday 28 April from 9am to 11am. This free event is a good opportunity to find out more about local birds from an expert in the field.

Birds that have been spotted across the parks recently include the great spotted woodpecker, mistle thrush, siskin, buzzard and pochard.

Bob Russon said: “Spring is a fantastic time to birdwatch and we are hoping to see a good variety of species. We’ll be taking a record of the birds we spot, to help us monitor bird populations in the area. If you have a pair of binoculars, please bring them along to this event.”

The walk will set off from the Swinfen Broun Pavilion, which is in the middle of Beacon Park next to the pool.

HRH The Princess Royal is visiting Lichfield City’s Beacon Park on Wednesday 24 April between 12noon and 2pm, as part of an official one-day tour of Staffordshire.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “We are looking forward to presenting our award-winning Beacon Park to Princess Anne and welcoming many of our partners, who made the restoration work possible, who will be joining us for this important occasion. Teams across the council are busy making sure Beacon Park looks at its very best and we are all looking forward to this prestigious event.”

Following her arrival just after midday, Princess Anne will be led on a tour of Beacon Park, including Museum Gardens, the Recreation Grounds, the newly refurbished play area and the community gardening facility.

The visit is set to include a Community Games to showcase local sporting talent. Lots of local school children are busy in training for the games, which will include running, jumping and throwing events, as well as tag rugby and mini tennis.

The Princess Royal will also be guided round the new community gardening facility, which is used by groups across the district to learn about gardening, self sufficiency and wildlife.

As part of her trip, Princess Anne will be introduced to councillors and officers from Lichfield District and City councils, as well as representatives from the skilled team that worked on restoring the park’s original features, and the main funders of Lichfield Historic Parks project – the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

The tour will finish with a short visit to the park’s Discovery Hub, before HRH The Princess Royal is invited to rededicate a statue of King Edward VII to commemorate the day’s visit.

Beacon Park will remain open to the public throughout the royal visit and the council is hoping lots of people will come to the park to welcome The Princess Royal.

Thanks to a generous donation of £1,500 from Waitrose to spend on trees, Beacon Park is holding a tree planting day this spring.

In all, more than 1,000 native trees, including oak, birch and sweet chestnut, will be planted on the park’s golf course to improve the landscaping.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “Planting hundreds of small trees is a big job and we’re hoping lots of people will join our park rangers on the day. Trees are hugely important to the park as they will make the golf course even more attractive over the years. They will also boost the park’s wildlife and are great for the environment. We are very grateful to Waitrose for this kind gift and look forward to seeing the trees grow and establish themselves in our beautiful Beacon Park.”

Diane Smith from Waitrose, said: “We are delighted to offer Beacon Park a donation of £1,500 to help celebrate Waitrose 75th anniversary with the John Lewis Partnership. Partners in our branches decided the best way to mark the occasion would be to invest money to their local communities by planting trees for everyone to enjoy.”

The tree planting event is running at Beacon Park’s golf course between 10am and 3pm on Thursday 4 April. It is free and open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

“There will be a number of small spades available, but we’re asking everyone to bring along their own spade to make sure they can help plant the small trees, known as whips, on the day,” added Cllr Richards.

To find out more, email robert.taylor@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call Lichfield District Council’s parks team on 01543 308846.

Storytelling and guided walk of art trail

Around 800 people followed a temporary art trail through Lichfield’s Beacon Park on Saturday 16 March.
 
Following the success of the half term art workshops, called Lichfield Shoes: Walk This Way, Lichfield District Council and Untitled Art Collective held a temporary art trail in Beacon Park this March.

The one-day art trail, which included 18 installations, took walking and shoes as its theme. It was a chance to see much of the artwork created by nearly 600 shoppers at two workshops that took place in a shop in Three Spires Shopping Centre in February.

The trail also featured a series of art installations by Untitled Art Collective and other artists, including golden shoes hanging in a tree, a ball of wire and shoes, animation stills of a running man and a walking boot, a viewing chair, shoes made out of bread, and many more.

Despite the rainy start, people of all ages collected a map from Beacon Park’s Discovery Hub and followed the trail. 

Forgotten Soles by Hannah Spencer

More than 50 people, some of whom were joined by their pet dogs, also took the opportunity to go on one of three free guided walks led by local storyteller, Maria Whatton, who told stories inspired by the artwork along the way.

Celia Houghton, Art Development Officer for Lichfield District Council, said: “We’re really pleased that, despite the wet start to the day, around 800 people came to Beacon Park and followed The Lichfield Shoes: Walk This Way Art Trail. We’ve had some great feedback from visitors who went on the trail and told us how much they enjoyed it.”

The Lichfield Shoes – Walk This Way project is funded by Staffordshire County Council, and is supported by Lichfield District Council, Untitled Art Collective, and Three Spires Shopping Centre.

As part of National Science and Engineering Week, children over the age of 7 are invited to come to Beacon Park on Sunday 17 March, between 11am and 3pm, to follow a Titanic related puzzle trail. Children can solve the clues and send secret messages using Morse code.

The Morse Code Challenge trails are available for £1 per child from the Discovery Hub (next to the bowling greens).

Then, from 23 March to 10 April, children of all ages can take part on Beacon Park’s Easter Trail.

Families can follow their trail map around the park, finding and solving the puzzles to try to work out which baby animals are the Easter Bunny’s favourites.

The trails are available for £1 per child from the Ranger Station (next to the crazy golf course), and there is a small treat for each completed trail.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, “Going on a trail is a good excuse to get out and about in the fresh air in the beautiful surroundings of Beacon Park. And, you never know, if you go down to the park’s junior play area on Saturday 23 March, you may well spot the Easter Bunny who will be launching the Easter trail at 11am.”

Wire shoes

Everyone is invited to go on an art trail through Lichfield’s Beacon Park on Saturday 16 March.
 
Following the success of the half term art workshops, called Lichfield Shoes: Walk This Way, Lichfield District Council and Untitled Art Collective are presenting a temporary art trail in Beacon Park on Saturday 16 March between 10am and 4pm.

The art trail, which is taking shoes and journeys as its theme, will be a chance to see much of the artwork created by shoppers at the workshops that took place in a shop in Three Spires Shopping Centre in February.

A selection of pieces created over the two days will be on display, including the many clay shoes and wire shoes that were made by people of all ages, as well as the photo installation of local people’s shoes that were photographed during the workshops.

The trail will also feature a series of art installations by Untitled Art Collective and other artists.

Anyone can follow the free art trail, by collecting a map from the Discovery Hub in Beacon Park, which is next to the bowling greens.

There is also the chance to be guided on a free tour of the trail by storyteller, Maria Whatton, who will be setting off from the Discovery Hub at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Maria Whatton said: “I am looking forward to leading the tours, and will be telling a short story or poem about the pieces of artwork.”

The Lichfield Shoes: Walk This Way art workshops took place on 16 and 19 February in a shop in Three Spires Shopping Centre that at one time was a shoe shop. The art filled days were led by Lichfield District Council’s Arts Development Officer and Untitled Art Collective. 

In all, 585 people of all ages came to make shoes, feet and footprint shapes from clay, create wire shoes, make collages out of tissue and shoe-shaped stencils, do still life drawings and take part in a footprint quiz. All the visitors were also asked to take off their shoes so they could be photographed for the photographic installation.

Celia Houghton, Art Development Officer for Lichfield District Council, said: “It was great to see so many people have a go at our shoe themed art activities. Many people stayed for hours enjoying getting immersed in creating their masterpieces. We hope plenty of people will come along to see the art trail at Beacon Park and join a guided tour by Maria.”

Lichfield Shoes – Walk This Way is funded by Staffordshire County Council, and is supported by Lichfield District Council, Untitled Art Collective, and Three Spires Shopping Centre.