Welcome Back to The Knot Lichfield Edition
For another packed month in Lichfield, sign up for a collage workshop, book up for Pilates classes, look forward to some Italian food and go on a bell tower tour!
Good News 🎉
🔔 St Mary’s Church Bells Restored. The bells of St Mary’s Church have been restored by Britain’s remaining bellfoundry, John Taylor & Co after being out of action since 2017. The bells were last rehung in 1875 by Mears & Stainbank with new fittings in 1908 by James Barwell of Birmingham. Tours of the bell tower will commence later this month, showcasing views of Lichfield and history of St Mary’s.
🎭 THE KNOT’S LICHFIELD PERSON OF THE WEEK – DAVID BAILEY 🎭
David studied a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Three-Dimensional Theatre Design at the University of Central England (now Birmingham City University). His speciality began with maquettes and evolved into scale models. He’s worked at South Staffordshire College for 22 years, currently working as the curriculum technician, in addition to designing and building the sets for the Performing Arts Department. Performances take place annually at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield. The days leading up to the performance, David works around the clock to install and perfect the set.
David’s career began when he freelanced for West Midlands Youth Theatre to produce their set for a show called ‘Reclaim the Future’. He then trained as a secondary school teacher but ultimately realised that he wanted a career with more artistic involvement and less teaching. He began his role at South Staffordshire College and as the departments grew and new disciplines such as the Performing Arts Department, were introduced, David’s role evolved, and he became an integral part in the success of the department and college.
📌 Collage Workshop with Hazel Pitt. Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is hosting collage workshop on the 17/07 with Hazel Pitt, an analogue collage artist based in Staffordshire. Hazel studied a Masters Degree in Art & Psychology and has since dedicated her career to producing work to communicate scientific findings. If you’ve never tried collage before or looking to get back into it, this is the class for you.
🪴 Fullbrook Nursery Public Open Weekend. Fullbrook Nursery are opening their doors to the public on the 21/06 & 22/06. Come along and browse their vast array of perennials and shrubs, talk to an expert for planting advice or enquire about their landscaping consultancy firm, G-Scapes, for garden design and construction.
📌 Pilates Classes. Lichfield Pilates with Emma Sanders runs throughout the week in various locations in Lichfield and Whittington. Emma is a qualified Pilates instructor, having studied with JPilates in London. Her classes are for all ages and abilities, from beginners the experienced. People attend her classes for exercise and others for gentle movement after injuries or surgeries.
🥨 A word from Sophia, writer at The Knot 🥨
Welcome back for another episode of what’s happening in Lichfield. Let’s get started! The past week has brought ‘Shoe Baby’ to town. The sweetest puppet show you’ll ever see, created by Long Nose Puppets, adapted from the book written by Joyce Dunbar, who is best known for her book, Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep. The next show is down in Kent, so check it out if you’re travelling that way.
In other news, it’s been a hectic week of working as per usual, broken up by wet weather and slithers of sunshine. Lichfield’s very own historian, Jono Oates, gave a speech at the most recent AGM of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal’s Restoration Trust. Held at Park View Centre in Brownhills, it covered the latest updates on the restoration project and the goals going forward. They are always looking for volunteers, so if you have an interest in restoration or gardening, I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear from as many of you as possible.
Another exciting piece of news is that Mangia Mangia is opening the first Italian Deli & Spritz Bar in Lichfield! Renowned in Lichfield for serving up best lasagne in town, owner Alison moved here after spending 20 years in Italy, eager to introduce the locals to her mother-in-law's cuisine. Sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with events and the opening of Mangia Mangia later this summer. Until then, you can find Alison at Lichfield Producer’s Market, held in Market Square in the centre of town, on the first Sunday of every month. I can’t wait!
Weekly Weather (Lichfield):
Mon ⛅ 24° (11°) Tues ☀️ 24° (11°) Wed ⛅ 22° (10°) Thurs ☀️ 23° (11°) Fri ☀️ 25° (11°) Sat ⛅ 25°(12°) Sun 🌧️ 22° (10°)
Sunrise 16/06 ☀️ 04.44 Sunset 16/06 🌅 21.30
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