Friday 1 March. Spring has sprung, the lighter nights are within touching distance and we have a new offer.
The first 100 people to visit the Factory Shop from today will receive a 10×8 frame worth £19.95 if they spend £20 or more. All you have to do is mention the offer when purchasing. Simple.
Hurry while stocks last.
PS. Don’t forget there’s free parking right outside
Two family-owned Lichfield businesses have appeared on the same episode of one of Britain’s most-watched television programmes. The 19th series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is currently being broadcast on ITV1.
The episode which aired on Friday, January 19, featured auction scenes with Richard Winterton at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley, and celebrity antiques expert David ‘The Duke’ Dickinson talking to Simon Price, CEO of cutlery manufacturer Arthur Price.
Simon visited the Fradley Park saleroom because of a personal connection with one of the lots featured on the programme – a Titanic souvenir signed by Millvena Dean, the last living survivor of the sinking and, at two months old, the youngest passenger onboard.
Founded in 1902, Arthur Price supplied cutlery for the White Line, Titanic’s owner. Arthur Price cutlery has been found in the wreck and been verified by deep-sea explorers.
Arthur Price produced a limited edition silver-plated spoons modelled from the original die on the pattern used on the Captain’s table.
Number 1 of 89, bearing Millvena Dean’s signature on the bowl of the spoon, and commemorating her 89th birthday in 2001, was brought to a Dealer Day at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in May last year by Tom Reeves.
Tom’s framed spoon included a certificate with a personalised inscription – “To Tom and Gail, with every good wish from Millvena Dean, youngest survivor of the Titanic” – dated September 19, 2001.
Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”
By a quirk of fate, Tom worked for Simon’s grandfather Frederick Price at Parkfield Rolling Mills in Saltley, Birmingham, a manufacturing firm used to produce Arthur Price cutlery. When Richard Winterton found out about the connection, he invited Simon to meet Tom and watch the auction together.
Tom said on TV to David Dickinson, “I used to work for the company that supplied all the cutlery for the Titanic. The spoon is made from the genuine dies that made the cutlery originally in 1912.
He added: “I acquired replica newspaper articles over a period of time to put with it along with a copy of the posters that they had at the shipyard in Belfast before Titanic came to Southampton.”
Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”
Fast forward to the auction day in June 2023 and Simon was interviewed onscreen by ‘The Duke’ discussing the Titanic cutlery and a letter from an explorer who in a submersible visited the wreck at the bottom of Atlantic Ocean, and recognised the Arthur Price cutlery in the ship’s copper dishwasher tanks.
Going under the hammer with Richard Winterton, Tom’s lot sold well at auction and he took home £82 to put towards a holiday – definitely the Real Deal.
Simon said: “It was tremendous fun going along to the auction and meeting David, and it was a fantastic surprise to meet Tom, who worked for my grandfather.
“It was also a special moment being able to share the story of Arthur Price’s involvement with the Titanic on TV.”
David Dickinson also signed the We Love Lichfield celebrity shirt of which Simon is the patron. The Community Fund which raising and distributes grants across Lichfield District hopes to auction the t-shirt, which has over 40 signatures, to raise further funds in the future.
Simon said, “My thanks to David for taking the time to sign our We Love Lichfield charity shirt. He wanted to know more about the work the fund does and the people it helps. By signing the t-shirt, he adds to the amazing list of celebrities who have put their name to the fund, and in doing so helping others.”
Richard Winterton added: “I have known Simon for many years and when Tom came to the Dealer Day with his history linked to Arthur Price, it was a perfect connection and so I had to invite Simon along to meet him.
“Not only are our firms Lichfield companies each more than 100 years old, we are both committed supporters of We Love Lichfield and I also wish to say a big thank you to David Dickinson for his kind support.”
For more information on We Love Lichfield, visit www.welovelichfield.com.
For further information on Arthur Price Titanic replica cutlery visit: www.arthurprice.com/collections/titanic-luxury-cutlery
Series 19 episode six of Dickinson’s Real Deal, ‘Solihull 2’, can be viewed on demand at www.itv.com/watch/dickinsons-real-deal/33248/1a8665a1082.
It’s July and that can only mean one thing…it’s the Arthur Price Factory Shop Summer Sale.
Starting 10am this Saturday 8th July until 4pm Saturday 22nd July you will find some amazing bargains of up to 75% off including
44 piece Mirage cutlery set RRP £259.00 offer Price £79.00
32 piece Mirage cutlery set RRP £199 offer Price £49.00
16 piece Champagne Mirage cutlery set RRP £140.00 offer Price £35.00
42 piece Highgrove cutlery set RRP £278.00 offer Price £75.00
Black and White Knife Block RRP £99.00 offer Price £29.00
Woodland and Jungle child cutlery set RRP £22.50 offer Price £5.95
4 Mirage Serving Spoons RRP £39.00 offer Price £9.75
6 Champagne sundae Spoons RRP £59.00 offer Price £14.75
There’s free parking right outside so please put a date in your diary and pop in during July.
We are hiring. We need a Part Time Trainee Sales Administrator
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part-time Trainee Sales Administrator to join our Sales Team at our Lichfield office.
Arthur Price been manufacturing high quality cutlery and tableware since 1902. A family-owned business, Arthur Price has always been at the forefront of innovation and quality, with a sales team who always exceed their customers’ expectations.
The role:
You will join the established Sales Team, where you will provide administration support to the wider Sales and Production teams. Full training on all products and systems will be given. Occasional assistance working in our Factory Shop will also be a requirement.
The role:
• Provide administrative support to the Sales and Production teams.
• Dealing with customer queries via email and telephone.
• Process orders and act as the link between Sales and Production, Distribution and Finance departments
The ideal applicant will:
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be computer literate in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Full training will be provided for Microsoft Nav software.
• Have a willingness to learn and a flexible approach to the role.
• Be forward thinking and willing to progress your career.
The offer:
• Lichfield office based role
• Salary: dependent upon experience
• Monday – Friday (up to 30 hours) per week
• Free onsite parking
• Company pension scheme
• 20 days holiday plus appropriate bank holidays (FTE)
Please apply with CV and covering letter FAO Tony Melia: tony.melia@arthurprice.com
The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield has announced that it is re-opening from Monday 12 April with increased hours and the biggest sale in its history including a £25,000 sterling silver canteen down to £5,000.
The shop on Britannia Way will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (closed Thursday) and Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.
There will be some unbelievable offers, while stocks last, across sterling silver, silver plate and stainless steel canteens of cutlery. Plus, smaller box sets in various patterns from just £39 – perfect for alfresco dining. There is also a range of gifts including Royal Scot Crystal glassware plus bespoke Arthur Price silverware including cake tiers, salvers, candelabras, napkin rings and much more.
Simon Price, CEO said, “This re-opening is a celebration. Pure and simple. After the dark, harsh months of lockdown the team is bursting to see people and what better way to celebrate than to have some super offers.
“It will be so good to be back together again. We are thankful to all the local people who have purchased from us over the last year. Supporting independent shops is important for the local economy but it also shows great community spirit and I ask everyone to keep shopping local for whatever they need, keep our independent shops’ tills ringing.”
James Price, Simon’s eldest son and the fifth generation of the Price family said, “With Arthur Price cutlery online plus a click and collect service sales have buoyant even with the various lockdowns. However, nothing beats seeing people in the shop, it just lifts people’s spirits and we can’t wait to see people.
Safety and welfare guidelines for both staff and customers are in place including a one-way route, social distancer markers throughout, a sanitiser station and a screened till point.
The Arthur Price team invites customers to browse in the shop or they can call or email their orders.
There is lots of free parking immediately outside where all purchases can be placed straight into people’s cars.
Follow the Arthur Price Factory Shop on Facebook to keep up to date with all the special offers during Spring.
The Smiths are members, known as Freemen, of the Worshipful Company of Smiths, Goldsmiths, Cardmakers and Ironmongers, Pewterers and Braziers, Cutlers, Nailors and Spurriers of the City of Lichfield.
The Company was already recognised in 1601 as ‘an antient society’ when its charter was renewed and it is more than possible that its history goes back centuries further.
Guilds, Companies and Mysteries were mainly of medieval origin, coming into being to protect the often precarious livelihoods of craftsmen. Lichfield was too small for each craft to have its own guild which brought about the amalgamation of the trades into a single company, known for short as ‘The Smiths.’
The guilds became powerful and often took on responsibilities later to be performed by municipal councils. Abuses of the power of the guilds led to curbs on their activities and the need for charters to be granted and ratified.
Subsequent legislation gradually whittled away the power of the guilds and many died away. The Lichfield Company is one of a comparatively few to remain, not, now, to protect the livelihoods of its members but to encourage craftsmanship. To this end, men and women skilled in their craft living or working in Lichfield are invited to become Freemen, apprentices are sponsored and people who have been singled out for their services to the City are appointed as Honorary Freemen.
The major events of the Company’s year are the Mayoral Court in February, at which new members are sworn, followed by the Annual Feast chaired by the newly installed Worshipful Master; the Annual General Meeting, still held in the week following St Clement’s Day according to ancient custom; the Garden Party in July and visits throughout the year at the whim of the Master.
Lichfield is set to be bowled over by a charity cricket evening starring Strictly Star Graeme Swann
We Love Lichfield, Lichfield Cricket Club and The Lord Taveners are hosting a charity evening of sporting chat and entertainment with all the money raised going to good causes across the District
Following on from the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Lichfield Cricket Club, in association with We Love Lichfield and The Lords Taverners, are hosting a Gala Dinner on Friday 28th June. Ex-England cricketer, Ashes hero and Strictly Come Dancing star Graeme Swann is the main speaker, with Radio 5 Live presenter Pat Murphy once again MC for the evening.
The dinner, which includes a four-course meal, will take place in a marquee at Lichfield Cricket Club on Eastern Avenue, Lichfield with Gold Package tables of 10 available for £1,000 and standard tables available for £650. There will also be tables available for individual ticket purchases, with single tickets priced at £65.
In addition to the meal and Q&A with Graeme Swann & Pat Murphy, there will also be an auction and raffle, with other games taking place throughout the evening in what promises to be another memorable night supporting three fantastic causes, with all money raised being reinvested in the District of Lichfield.
Simon Price, CEO of cutlery firm Arthur Price and Patron of We Love Lichfield said: “Last years inaugural event was fantastic, and we are going to push out all the stops to make the 2019 evening even better. But don’t think this event is just about cricket. Graeme will chat about his celebrity life after cricket including his ‘fab-u-lous’ time on Strictly. It’s set to be a great evening for individuals, families and friends and it’s a great corporate opportunity for local businesses.”
For any ticket enquiries or sponsorship opportunities, including further details on our Gold Package, please contact Tom Stone on 07557 962159 or email Lichfieldcc@outlook.com
William Hanson is an internationally famous etiquette consultant…as seen on TV and in the newspapers. William travels all over the world teaching people how to do the right thing. He has created this fun short video on how to use cutlery for us: https://tinyurl.com/yyztfghh
Whether you want to impress your friends, family, look good at a works event or it’s a first date take a look and we challenge you to not think about that scene in Pretty Women when Julia Roberts is taught how to use cutlery before an important meeting. In fact here’s the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbAE8dE_3l4
The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas is magnificent. If you haven’t been please, please visit. Solemn yet joyous, emotional yet inspiring it is a world-class memorial to our brave soldiers and civilians over the years. Arthur Price is delighted to announce that we are supplying the Arboretum’s restaurant with new cutlery and, in recognition of the NMA’s charity status, we have been able to significantly gift many pieces from our cutlery range.
Mark Ellis, NMA Commercial Director said: “We have a policy of using local suppliers where at all possible, so we are delighted to be working with them and our thanks goes to James and the Arthur Price team for supporting us in this way.”
James Price, Sales Director said “As a company close to the Arboretum we are proud to be working with such a wonderful charity and we look forward to a successful partnership”.
Pictured is James Price and Arboretum Head of Commercial, Mark Ellis in The NMA’s restaurant.
Arthur Price CEO and patron of We Love Lichfield hosted a special event donating thousands of pounds in grants at its special Christmas presentation. The charity, which supports voluntary groups making a difference in our communities, invited recipients, civic leaders and guests to the event in Lichfield’s George Hotel on Friday 14 December.
Just over £13,000 was given away to the following groups; Live Music Now, King George V Scouts and Guides Beaudesert, Shenstone Community Library Local History Group, Kendall and Wall Charitable Trust, Youth Sailing at Chasewater, Lichfield Swimming Club, Whittington Wednesday Club, Clifton Campville Village Hall, 1st Burntwood Scouts, Friends2Friends, Cogs Prepares For Life, The Guild of St Mary’s, Lichfield Greenhill Bower, Girlguiding Lichfield Division, Gartmore Riding for the Disabled, Shenstone Cares Elderly Support Group, Erasmus Darwin House and Spark Burntwood.
The donation to Spark, which will be used to fund an after-school club, was extra special as it became the 200th organisation to receive We Love Lichfield funding. To mark the occasion there was a special guest to make the presentation – celebrity Debbie McGee, who is starring in Sleeping Beauty at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
“I am honoured and humbled to be here with you all,” said Debbie. “It is so important that we support people doing special things that we often don’t get to hear about.”
Two groups which have received We Love Lichfield grants explained how the money has helped them. Doug Morrison, of Stonnall Youth and Community Centre Association, said its grant was being used to refurbish the floor of the centre and Anna Dennison and Kevin Pudney, of Friends2Friends, a social group for people with learning difficulties, spoke of how the money was used to take service users on a trip to the seaside.
Patron Simon Price paid tribute to the organisations and individuals that have supported We Love Lichfield this year. He thanked The George Hotel for its generous hospitality and We Love Lichfield patron Julian Fisher for organising the presentation, fellow patron John Heeler for riding from Lichfield London to raise money for the cause and patron Carrie Jahn for jumping out of a plane in aid of the charity.
City travel agent RB Collection gave a £500 donation to We Love Lichfield and a cheque for £4,000 was also received, the proceeds of the Lords Taverners Dinner at Lichfield Cricket Club in the summer.
Pupils from Lichfield Cathedral School became We Love Lichfield’s youngest fund-raisers – they raised more than £1,000 this year with two “big breakfast” fundraisers and a talent show supported by The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
The aim of We Love Lichfield is to establish a permanent fund for the city which supports good causes every year. For more details and to make a donation to the fund please visit welovelichfield.com