The response came from the Leader of Lichfield District Council Councillor David Smith after a study by Travelodge had placed the city tenth on the list of places British travellers didn’t want to visit.

But while the area’s MP Michael Fabricant admitted he could understand the results, his Conservative colleague has criticised the results of the survey.

Councillor David Smith

Cllr Smith said:

“This survey is totally misleading and I believe the findings are not a true reflection of visitors’ feelings once they have been to Lichfield. We welcome millions of visitors every year who enjoy our compact city which is crammed with history and attractions.

“And it is not just the city which pulls in visitors. Lichfield District attracts a diverse range of visitors – from thrill seekers to Drayton Manor Theme Park, to people who have come for some quiet reflection at the National Memorial Arboretum.

“We have a committed award-winning tourism team who work in partnership with our visitor attractions to promote the city and district. Tourism now represents 10 per cent of the district’s economy, and visitor numbers are continuing to rise. This is borne out by our research, last year alone we attracted more than 3.5 million visitors to Lichfield and the district. We hear from countless people who tell us they have been charmed and delighted by their stay, and often come back for more.”

But despite hitting out at the results of the survey – which saw Lichfield join the likes of Dundee and Bradford on the list of shame – Cllr Smith admits the city is always looking for new ways to promote itself.

He explained:

“We are always keen to do more, and send out thousands of visitor guides to tourist information centres and tourist destinations all over the country and further afield. We also invite tourism providers to have taster tours of the city to see how wonderful Lichfield is, so they can promote it to their customers.

“We also work closely with coach operators, and have recently received a Coach Friendly City award from the Confederation of Passenger Transport. As one of only two cities to receive such an award, this shows just how hard we work to make the visitor experience as good as it can be.

“I would challenge these findings, as I strongly believe that visitors leave with a fantastic impression of our beautiful heritage city, and often lament that their stay has not been longer to fit in all the wonderful activities and attractions Lichfield District has to offer.”

The Galacticos

The Galacticos stated their intentions to go one step further in next seasons Lichfield Sunday six-a-side Premier Division, as they sealed runners up spot by inflicting a 3-2 defeat on champions Norfolk, who had wrapped up the title last week.

Ram Sitchards battled to a 2-1 victory over Bassetts Allsorts, whilst Barmy Army Tage were condemned to relegation, as a goalless draw against Ice Pack wasn’t enough to keep them afloat.

Rugeley Hexis already confirmed the First Division title last week, and perhaps let their foot of the gas in a 1-1 draw with Hexis FC Legends. Boley Explosion will be joining them in the top flight, but were also held to a 1-1 stalemate by Real Sosobad.

Boley Park Academy clamed the Monday league title with a game to go after winning the top-of-the-table battle with Monkeys 1-0.

It was a bad day at the bottom of the table as two sides saw their relegation’s confirmed, Colin Lee’s Adopted Sons lost 4-0 to Plough & Harrow, while TTB will also be playing in division one next term after Old Heads beat them 4-0.

Street Strikers will replace them in division one as they drew 1-1 with Barmy Army Tage to seal promotion, while England Youth look favourites to join them after seeing off Six On Legs 4-0.

Things are looking bleak for Norfolk, though, after they suffered a 1-0 setback to Dads Army.

Sporting Lisbon are piling on the pressure at the top of the Tuesday league as they eased through to a 4-0 success over Bayern Neverlosin, who are still to get off the mark.

Lichfield Crown are the only side to have won all three of their games so far as Adam Hill led them to a 2-0 victory over FC No Chance.

Anyone who wants to join the six-a-side football leagues in Lichfield can ring 0845 230 2340 or visit www.leisureleagues.net.

Bev Bevan

Legendary rock drummer Bev Bevan is putting his name behind a West Midlands charity golf extravaganza to raise cash for the Help For Heroes Appeal.

Bev, who gained worldwide fame with The Move and ELO is to hold The Bev Bevan Help 4 Heroes Charity Golf Day at Aston Wood Golf Club on Thursday July 8.

And he promises a night to remember when the golfing is over and guests gather in the marquee at Aston Wood Golf Club for the gala evening of food, drink and entertainment.

The day begins with a Trick Shot Show from Aston Wood golf manager Simon Smith, followed by “shotgun start” golf tournament with 112 players, including various celebrities taking part in the event – with Bev making the opening drive.

Both individuals and companies from around the region will be sponsoring each of the 18 holes as well as paying to enter teams of four players.

In the evening Bev and his band will appear on stage with a number of his friends from the entertainment industry.

Aston Wood Manager, Simon Smith, is helping to organise the charity extravaganza along with board member Roger Partridge. He says he is confident that the event will be “a complete and utter success.”

For more information contact Simon Smith on 0121 580 7801 or visit www.astonwoodgolfclub.co.uk.

Cllr David Smith shows tourism representatives around Lichfield

Tour operators have been exploring Lichfield to see what the city offers for visitors.

The whistle-stop tour for the groups from the Wirral, Oxford and Essex, took in Lichfield Cathedral, Erasmus Darwin House, The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and Lichfield Garrick. The busy day was then rounded off with a trip to Lichfield Heritage Centre.

Councillor David Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:

“It’s really important that we attract more visitors to the district as it is such an important part of our local economy. Giving coach and group operators a tour of the city is a good way to sell Lichfield as a tourism hot spot as it gives tourism providers a first hand experience of some of the many attractions we have to offer their customers. Feedback from the day was extremely positive, and we look forward to boosting our visitor numbers still further.”

John Ackroyd, from Frodsham District National Trust Members’ Association, added:

“Lichfield is crowded with history and places you can go to find out about its fascinating past and vibrant future. I was charmed by the care and attention everyone is taking to tell their part of the ‘Lichfield story’, and I am looking forward to recommending it to my group, who look for an interesting and varied trip when planning where next to go.”

Some of the items which make up The Staffordshire Hoard. Pic: Portable Antiquities Scheme

A field Lichfield where a unique collection of Anglo Saxon gold was discovered are to be searched once more.

It has been confirmed that a team of archaeologists is to return to the site where the Staffordshire Hoard was found to try to discover why the 1,500 artefacts were left there.

Staffordshire County Archaeologist Steve Dean will be working with Birmingham Archaeology to try and solve the mystery.

Steve said:

“We know there is no more gold on the site. What we want to find is the context of why it was left. This includes what the landscape was like at the time and what other natural or man made features there are in this area.”

Staffordshire County Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet member for Communities and Culture, added:

“This amazing treasure has astounded archaeological experts not only in this country but internationally and we want to piece together its past as accurately as possible.

“The very last thing anyone expects to find, however, is any more gold. This is the least likely field in Staffordshire to contain gold – it has been searched so thoroughly.”

Attack Of The Clowns are still hot on their heels as they saw off the challenge of FC Firm 3-1, which was the same score-line that Trotters Return Again overcame Wolfsburg Dubs.

White Horse are very much still in the running as they edged past Fortress 2-1.

Pelsall Predators still lead the way in the First Division after narrowly overcoming One Hit Wanderers 2-1. However, LGCC FC are hot on the table toppers heels, and stated their intentions with an 6-0 mauling Locomotiv Braves.

Elsewhere, The Big Devils came out on top by the odd goal in a five goal thriller against Burntwood 6.

The top two in the Burntwood Monday league both won 2-0 and Definatelymaybeprobablynot need just a point to take the title after beating Manaconk.

Athletico Chasetown

Athletico Chasetown kept their feint hopes alive with the same score against The Barns, while Beercelona can force second if they keep up the sort of form they showed in a 3-0 success over Bottom FC.

The Bronx Reserves still fancy their chances of taking the Division one title after beating leaders AFC Clayhanger by the game’s only goal, but there is no doubt at all about the real headline makers and it was strugglers WP’s who thumped Big Macs 9-2.

FC Catalonia dropped out of the promotion places after a 1-0 reverse to ABCDEFC.

Struggling Colonel Getafe thumped Linford Athletic FC 4-0 in division two, while The Drop outs consolidated their position at the top with a 2-1 victory over Team Tek. The pick of the games elsewhere saw a pair of 1-1 draws as the clash between Europa FC and Burntwood Villa and the Day Release versus Mean Machine game ended all-square.

Division three leaders Yew Tree and Deportivo La Catalent both won 2-0, against Senseless and The Green respectively.

Shire Oak Villa can still finish in the top two and saw off Team Salad 3-0 and Inter continue to struggle after losing to Paradise City.

Anyone interested in joining the Burntwood six-a-side leagues can call 0845 230 2340 or visit www.leisureleagues.net.

Cllr Matthew Ellis with representatives from the organisations receiving funding

Cllr Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, met with the organisations to congratulate and present them with their cheques which will be used to help boost services in the area.

Recipients in the Lichfield area are the Lichfield & District and Burntwood Live at Home Schemes, who are utilising the grants they’ve received to develop preventative health and wellbeing support locally.

Mr Ellis said:

“Congratulations to all the organisations who have been successful in receiving funding to support them with their valuable work.”

During the event, the new funding scheme for 2010 was launched.

The Staffordshire Cares Community Wellbeing Fund will see £1million allocated to local groups and organisations throughout the county during the next four years.

The first £250,000 is available from April 1 and groups will be able to apply for small grants of up to £1,000 or larger grants up to £10,000 to support existing initiatives and services or develop new ones.

Cllr Ellis added:

“I’m delighted to be in a position to launch the Staffordshire Cares Community Wellbeing Fund which will enable even more groups and organisations to continue with their fantastic work in Staffordshire.

“This scheme recognises the tremendous opportunities for local community and volunteer groups, clubs, parish councils and faith groups to deliver some services at the most local level.  It is these organisations that know their areas best and the services and support that local people need. The million pounds we are making available will help local groups to establish new services and expand existing ones which will help older and vulnerable people live independently and as part of their community for longer.

“Examples of initiatives that we are interested in supporting include developing community transport, luncheon clubs, befriending schemes, exercise or dance classes and computer clubs to name but a few.”

More information about the Staffordshire Cares Community Wellbeing Fund Scheme can be found by contacting the Health Development Team at Staffordshire County Council on 01785 278279 or by e-mailing shelley.davis@staffordshire.gov.uk. 
More information can also be found by visiting www.staffordshire.gov.uk/health/healthdevelopment.

Michael Fabricant MP

Lichfield’s MP admits he is not surprised by the fact Lichfield has been named as one of the least visited British cities.

Michael Fabricant’s comments come in the wake of a survey of 5,000 people by Travelodge which saw Lichfield appear in the list of the ten least visited cities in the UK amongst British travellers.

But while other places appeared in the list because they were ugly, boring or dangerous, Mr Fabricant’s constituency appeared due to the fact 59 per cent of those polled didn’t know where it was.

And that’s not a situation which shocks the Lichfield MP. He said:

“Sadly it doesn’t surprise me that Lichfield is one of the least visited cities in the UK alongside such gems as St David’s while London and Stratford are the most visited.  But while St David’s is far off the beaten track, Lichfield has no excuse: it is close to the motorway system and is at the very heart of Britain.

“This is a reflection of the continuing problem with city – our anonymity.  I have lost count of people I meet who know I am the Member of Parliament for Lichfield, but who then ask me ‘Where is Lichfield?’

“It is extraordinary that the perception of us is a quaint Cathedral City with the National Memorial Arboretum nearby which would be worth visiting if only they knew where it is!”

Now the Conservative MP is keen to look at ways the city can better promote itself.

Mr Fabricant added:

“I plan to discuss this with Cllr David Smith, Leader of Lichfield District Council, to explore ways we can promote Lichfield better. Lichfield is known in the region, hence all the youngsters visiting Lich Vegas for the nightlife, but we need to promote the city as a tourist venue to national coach and other tour operators.

“With the pound weak against the Euro making holidays abroad more expensive, now’s the time to be promoting home destinations.  We boast a beautiful cathedral, great pubs and restaurants, great strolls round the city, and the National Memorial Arboretum nearby.

“Lichfield is a great tourist destination. It’s just such a shame that we are the world’s best kept secret.”

The Nelson is hoping to offer an unused field near the pub as part of the Landshare scheme.

In an advert posted on the website of the Channel 4-backed scheme, The Nelson’s owners wrote:

“We have a large field which sits on our land, that is currently not used. We want to put five allotment plots (15m x 15m) on, which will be given away to some green-fingered locals. The site is currently a bit of a mess, which means there is quite a bit of work to be done to turn them into working allotments, so only apply if that’s something your willing to put in.

“All we ask in return is that you tend to our gardens on a weekly basis and sell us any excess produce, which we can then use in our kitchens. The only other restriction is that a muzzle loader gun club use the field on a Sunday morning until 12noon, which means that access would be restricted between the hours of 9am and 12pm every other Sunday.”

The Landshare scheme aims to bring together landowners and gardeners and has grown to a community of more than 45,000 members across the UK.

The owners of The Nelson explained why they are so keen to give up some of their land:

“Fresh local produce is paramount to us – we currently keep 11 ex-battery farm chickens which keep us well stocked with fresh free range eggs. We are hoping that by having five working allotments on our doorstep it will enhance our fresh local menu.”

For more information, visit the Nelson’s listing on the Landshare website.

Leisure Leagues – who run divisions at Burntwood Leisure Centre – are lending their backing to the BBC Radio 5 Live’s Shirt of Hurt scheme.

The charitable initiative, thought up by presenter Danny Baker, aims to raise money for Sport Relief by people accepting pledges to wear the shirts of their team’s biggest rivals.

Adrian Chiles in a Wolves shirt on Match of the Day 2

The campaign has already seen ex-Arsenal stars Lee Dixon and Martin Keown wear Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United shirts, while Match of the Day 2 and The One Show presenter Adrian Chiles has donned the shirt of Wolves – fierce rivals of his beloved West Bromwich Albion.

Andy Thorley, from Leisure Leagues, explained:

“I listen to Danny Baker’s show each weekend and when I heard of the scheme I thought we should promote it to all the teams as we are in a unique position to help.

“Leisure Leagues run leagues in Burntwood and have around 350 players, so if we can get some money raised for this brilliant cause that would be superb.”

Andy, a Stoke City season ticket holder, refused to be drawn as to whether he would wear a Port Vale top for charity.

He joked:

“I might consider beating anyone’s pledge by a pound so I don’t have to do that!”

Leisure Leagues also have a signed Birmingham City football that they are auctioning for Sport Relief and anyone who wants to pledge for Shirt of Hurt, or bid for this special item, can email media@leisureleagues.net.

For more information on the leagues – which take place at Burntwood Leisure Centre on Sundays and Mondays – can ring 0845 230 2340 or visit www.leisureleagues.net.