Lichfield News – Half-Term Oct 2014

Holiday fun offered this autumn half term

From roller skating discos and pool fun sessions to a holiday club and a Halloween trail, Lichfield District Council’s Holiday Fun programme is packed with plenty of energetic activities to keep young people entertained this autumn half term.
Keep children active at Burntwood Leisure Centre’s Fit and Fun Club, which is jam packed with arts and crafts, games, sports and swimming. For budding sport stars and athletes there’s also Sports Camp at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, which is the perfect opportunity to develop new skills and techniques.

Trainee instructors, who are on the ASA Level 2 certificate in teaching aquatics course, will be leading a week of cut price swimming lessons at Friary Grange, whilst being supervised by a tutor. These budget classes are the perfect way for children of all levels to gain confidence in the water and improve.

Don’t miss the Aquascramble Pool Inflatable sessions at Burntwood and Friary Grange leisure centres, or a Family Fun pool session on Sunday 2 November at Friary Grange, great fun for the family.

For any aspiring actors there is Friary Grange’s Drama Workshop, running on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 October. Crammed with games and activities, the group will learn acting skills that will boost their confidence, and discover Shakespeare in an easy and approachable way.

Beacon Park also has lots going on every day of the half term holiday, starting with the Halloween Puzzle Trail available from the Ranger Station. For only £1, families can follow the colourful trail around the historic park to solve clues and claim a small prize.

The fun continues with a Feed the Birds drop-in workshop in the Discovery Hub on Saturday 25 October, to create a bird feeder out of pine cones and seeds to help the birds survive the winter.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the special Rapid Round Golf offer available Monday to Friday in the park. Ideal for beginners and young players, the nine-hole round of golf at a reduced price is a great introduction to the game.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “With swimming, sports sessions, creative workshops, park activities and more, there’s plenty for children and young people to do this half term.

“To avoid disappointment, we’re encouraging families to look at the full programme and book as soon as possible. Plus, on certain activities at the Friary Grange Leisure Centre we have an early bird offer, so it really does pay to book early.”

To see the full programme of half term activities, please visit http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/holidayfun

To find out more, or to book any of the courses or activities that are running at the leisure centres, please call Burntwood Leisure Centre on 01543 308810, Friary Grange Leisure Centre on 01543 308842, or Beacon Park on 01543 308867.

Make the most of half term at Beacon Park

Published on Thursday, 9th October 2014
With lots of activities, including spooky fun, families are being encouraged to head to Beacon Park in Lichfield this autumn half term.
The fun begins with a spooky Halloween Puzzle Trail, which will lead families around a section of the beautiful park, seeking clues and solving puzzles on the way. Once the trail is complete, there is a small prize at the end.
The Halloween Puzzle Trail will be available from Beacon Park’s Ranger Station (the kiosk next to the crazy golf course) from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November, between 10am and 3pm, and costs £1 for each trail.
Another enjoyable half term activity is a Feed the Birds drop-in workshop on Saturday 25 October. For only £1 a feeder, participants will make a feeder from pine cones and seeds and learn how to help the birds survive the cold winter.
A representative from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will also be on hand to answer questions about wildlife and the work of the trust. The workshop will take place in Beacon Park’s Discovery Hub (behind the bowling greens), between 11am and 3pm.
Everyone is being encouraged to take advantage of a special offer and enjoy a Rapid Round of golf in Beacon Park this half term.
From Monday 27 to Friday 31 October, between 10am and 2pm, everyone can get involved and enjoy a 9-hole round of golf. Ideal for beginners and young people, a Rapid Round costs from £2.60, with equipment available for hire. There is no need to book, simply make your way to the Ranger Station to pay and then tee-off for your ‘Rapid Round’ of fun.
Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “We have a good range of activities at Beacon Park to keep the family busy this half term. From the wonderful play area and Halloween Puzzle trail, to making a bird feeder and having a discounted round of golf, the programme of activities is guaranteed fun for all.”
To see Lichfield District Council’s full half term Holiday Fun programme, which includes activities at Beacon Park, Burntwood Leisure Centre and Friary Grange Leisure Centre, visit http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/holidayfun.

Lichfield News – May’s cycle ride for all – Whitsun half term holiday fun

Lichfield News

May’s cycle ride for all

Published on Monday, 12th May 2014
Everyone’s invited to get on their bike and join a cycle ride to Packington Moor Farm near Weeford on Sunday 25 May 2014.
Following April’s Cycle Rides for All, which saw 27 people of all ages joining a 15-mile ride to the National Memorial Arboretum, the partnership behind the series of monthly rides is once again inviting keen cyclists to get on their bike for May’s ride.
The third group cycle ride in the series is to Packington Moor Farm, near Weeford, on Sunday 25 May. It is 23 miles there and back and has been awarded a level four for difficulty, which means beginner riders may find it quite challenging.
Neil Turner, Director of Leisure & Parks for Lichfield District Council, said: “We’re always keen to encourage more people to get on their bikes and take part in this healthy and fun activity, and so are pleased to be working in partnership to support these monthly cycle rides. They are a great way for people to discover good cycle routes, meet new people, and have an enjoyable day out.”
To join in this free cycle ride, simply bring your bike to Freedom Cycles at 10am on Sunday 25 May, where it will be given a safety check before the group sets off. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
To find out more, or to check whether a ride is taking place if the weather is uncertain, please call Freedom Cycles on 01543 411633 or Karl Sproston at Lichfield District Council on 01543 308846.
The Cycle Ride for All 2014 programme is available from Freedom Cycles, Beacon Park’s Ranger Station and Lichfield District Council’s Frog Lane offices. Details of upcoming rides can also be found online at http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cyclerides.
Cycle Rides for All is run in partnership by Lichfield District Council, Freedom Cycles, Bromford Living, North Lichfield Initiative and Lichfield City Council.

Whitsun half term holiday fun

Lichfield District Council is inviting children and young people to have a half term of fun from 27to 30 May 2014.
There is plenty to do to keep young people busy and active across Lichfield District this summer half term.
From a Rapid Round of golf at Beacon Park and a Holiday Club at Burntwood Leisure Centre, through to swimming lessons and roller skating at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, families will be spoilt for choice.
New for this half term, Friary Grange Leisure Centre is running an ASA Level 1 Award in Teaching Aquatics. It is aimed at over 16s who are interested in becoming a support swimming teacher.
The five-day course costs £395 and the qualification will allow participants to work as a support swimming teacher anywhere in the UK. And, so the trainee instructors can gain valuable teaching experience, Friary Grange is offering four swimming lessons over half term for just £8. These will be led by the course participants who will be supervised.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “Taking part on a sports course or one of the many other activities is a great way to keep busy over the half term holiday. We have a wide range of activities on offer to children and young people, such as trampolining, swimming, football, golf and much more.”
To see the full Holiday Fun programme of half term activities, please visit http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/holidayfun.
To find out more, or to book any of the courses or activities that are running at the leisure centres, please call Burntwood Leisure Centre on 01543 308810 or Friary Grange Leisure Centre on 01543 308842.

 

Lichfield News – Local News Including Easter Holiday Fun

Lichfield News

Chase Terrace Park’s new swing

Published on Friday, 21st March 2014

A swing set has been installed at Chase Terrace Park this month.

Children were let loose on a new swing set in Chase Terrace Park in Burntwood on 19 March 2014, when Lichfield District Council unveiled the new piece of equipment.

The swing set was installed thanks to a donation of £1,000 from Councillor Sue Woodward’s Staffordshire Local Community Fund. Burntwood Town Council also contributed £1,000, and Lichfield District Council put in £700.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said:  “We’re ever so grateful to Councillor Woodward and Burntwood Town Council for investing in this park. Swings are always really popular with children of all ages, and we know it is sure to become a firm favourite with families visiting the park.”

In the coming weeks, the council will extend the play area’s fencing so it includes the new addition of the swing within the fenced area.

Councillor Sue Woodward, Staffordshire County Councillor for Burntwood North, said: “Through speaking to residents, I knew that a swing set was a very popular choice to boost Chase Terrace Park’s playground. I am thrilled it is in place and that it is being enjoyed by many children already.”

 Easter holiday fun

Published on Friday, 21st March 2014

Lichfield District Council is inviting children, young people and families to take a look at its cracking programme of activities on offer this Easter.

From holiday clubs and special offers on football, to an Easter trail and swimming lessons, Lichfield District Council is making sure children have an egg-citing Easter break.

The programme is now live on an online calendar at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/holidayfun. This lists the activities in date order and gives information, such as the times, what the activity involves, and how to book.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “Taking part on a coaching course or holiday club is a great way for children to improve in a sport, meet new friends and keep busy. And, with activities ranging from pool fun sessions and trampolining, through to triathlon coaching and gym workouts, there is plenty to choose from.”

The council’s holiday programme is running at Burntwood Leisure Centre, Friary Grange Leisure Centre and Beacon Park.

To see all the activities on offer, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/holidayfun

 

Woodland countryside conservation events

Published on Thursday, 20th March 2014

Lichfield District Council’s Countryside & Parks Conservation Group (CPCG) is seeking more volunteers to help two woodlands in the Burntwood area to thrive.

This April, the council is inviting everyone to muck in at two CPCG conservation days in two new locations.

The first event is on Wednesday 2 April 2014 at Coulter Lane woodland in Burntwood.

Councillor Andrew Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “Coulter Lane woodland was planted about seven years ago, and since then no management has taken place on the site. Our volunteers will spend the day learning forestry techniques, such as crown lifting, selective thinning and bashing ground vegetation.”

The second CPCG day of the month is on Wednesday 16 April at Larks Rise woodland in Burntwood.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Development, said: “Larks Rise woodland was created 15 years ago as part of a housing development in Chase Terrace. Six years ago, a project that saw new footpaths, information boards and planting took place, with help from the Forest of Mercia, the Forestry Commission and we contributed section 106 funding. Our conservation group will be carrying on with the management of the mature and new planting areas, including selective thinning, removing brash, repairing footpaths and doing a deep litter pick.”

Both days will run from 10.30am to 3pm and are for over 18s. All tools will be provided as well as light snacks. Wearing outdoor waterproof clothes and sturdy footwear is recommended.

To find out more please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cpcg

To book your free place, please call Denice Deverall at Lichfield District Council on 01543 308183 or email countryside@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Lichfield and the Museum of Cannock Chase News

Love your pool with 2 for 1 offer this Valentine’s weekend!

Friary Grange Leisure Centre is encouraging everyone to fall back in love with their local swimming pool this February.

Following the £500,000 makeover of its changing rooms and front entrance, Friary Grange Leisure Centre is launching a ‘Love Your Pool’ campaign to highlight how much its 25-metre swimming pool has to offer.

To start the ball rolling, the Lichfield leisure centre is offering a discount on swimming. It will run from Friday 14 February to Sunday 16 February, and will allow two people into the pool for the price of one at public swimming sessions.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Parks, said: “We’re keen to showcase the recent improvements to Friary Grange Leisure Centre and to get even more people swimming. This is why we’re launching the ‘Love Your Pool’ campaign, which encourages people to rediscover what the swimming pool timetable has to offer. So, whether you’re coming to the pool to have fun with friends, are learning to swim, or want to keep fit, we have a session for you.”

For the swimming pool timetable, to find out about signing up for swimming lessons, or how to book a pool party, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/loveyourpool.

The 2 for 1 on public swims is available at the below times:

• Friday 14 February 2014: 6pm to 9pm
• Saturday 15 February 2014: 11am to 1.30pm
• Sunday 16 February 2014: 8am to 1.30pm

About the makeover project

The Friary Grange Leisure Centre makeover included a new front entrance and reception, refurbished swimming pool changing rooms, and improvements to the layout to make the pool and centre more accessible to people with disabilities.

The project was funded by Sport England, Aiming High, Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and section 106 contributions.

Next week at the Museum of Cannock Chase, Hednesford:

Lichfield & Cannock Chase News

Lichfield News

CPCG Beacon Park stream improvements

Published on Monday, 27th January 2014

A group of volunteers is set to kick off 2014 with two days of conservation work at Beacon Park this February.

Lichfield District Council’s Countryside & Parks Conservation Group (or CPCG for short) volunteer to help maintain local parks and green spaces across the district.

This year, an extra day of conservation work has been added to the monthly programme, so the volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves twice a month to help cut back scrub, build insect hotels, create paths and more.

The first two events of 2014 are on Wednesday 5 and Wednesday 19 February from 10.30am to 3pm.

Both events will take place at Beacon Park, where volunteers will don their wellies to make improvements to the stream.

Councillor Andrew Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “The Countryside & Parks Conservation Group does a fantastic job in helping us to look after and improve the district’s parks and green spaces. These two events will help to maintain Leomansley Brook, which runs through Beacon Park. It will involve clearing back scrub and vegetation and digging silt out to make the stream flow better.”

Anyone over 18 years of age can volunteer. All tools are provided as well as light snacks. Wearing outdoor waterproof clothes and sturdy footwear or wellies is recommended.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Development, added: “The extra day a month will mean that even more conservation work can be tackled and I hope plenty of people volunteer to get involved in this important work. I know the group is always keen to welcome new members, so do come along if you are interested in taking part.”

To book your free place, please call Denice Deverall at Lichfield District Council on 01543 308183 or emaildenice.deverall@lichfielddc.gov.uk

 

Cannock Chase News

Volunteering Day – Holly Clearing

Shoal Hill Common

Nature reserve in the corner of Shoal Hill. Shoal Hill is an isolated fragment of Cannock Chase separated from the main body by the old Littleton Colliery site. It is nonetheless heavily used by walkers and horse riders and offers a taste of the open areas of the Chase, typically heather and silver birch woodland.  © Copyright John M and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

 Date: 7th Feb 2014

Location: Shoal Hill Common

Time: 10:00 – 15:30

Cost: Free of Charge

Volunteering day – Holly clearing on Shoal Hill Common

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) holly clearing volunteering day on Shoal Hill Common

Voluteer leader is Bob Collett

Most leaders will be on site until 3:30pm or until the task is complete. Volunteers are welcome to stay until the end but any time you provide is gratefully appreciated. Please ensure that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a packed lunch if you intend to stay after lunch.

For more information contact Emma Beaman, Assistant AONB Officer on 01785 619186 or email emma.beaman@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

 Lichfield News

Olympic torchbearer cuts ribbon on improvements

Published on Tuesday, 28th January 2014

A day of celebration took place at Friary Grange Leisure Centre on Sunday 26 ,

January 2014 to officially launch the £500,000 makeover.

Former Friary School pupil and Olympic Relay torchbearer, Tom Bolton, cut the ribbon to formally open Friary Grange Leisure Centre’s improvements.

Tom was joined by project partner representatives, including Lichfield District Council, The Friary School, Staffordshire County Council, Sport England and Aiming High.

To celebrate the improvements, Lichfield District Council invited everyone to a day of celebrations, offering an extended free swimming session, fun swimming activities, and Evolve Fitness membership deals.

The day was a chance to showcase the completed makeover that includes the new frontage and reception, refurbished swimming pool changing rooms, improved access to the leisure centre and pool, and a viewing gallery to the pool from an extended refreshment area.

Councillor David Leytham, Chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: “The day was a great success with more than 400 people coming to see the improvements and to enjoy all the activities on offer. The works have made such a difference to Friary Grange Leisure Centre, from the new entrance to the changing rooms. I am also really pleased the project has made it easier for people with disabilities to access the pool and the rest of the building.”

Tom Bolton said: “It’s a fantastic makeover, and I hope it encourages more people to swim, especially people with disabilities. It was great to be asked to cut the ribbon and to be back at my old school.”

The Friary Grange Leisure Centre Makeover Project was funded by Sport England, Aiming High, Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and section 106 contributions.

For more information about the project, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/friarymakover