Tag: Community

Christmas Starts Early For Voluntary Groups After We Love Lichfield Awards

Christmas has started earlier for local voluntary groups thanks to We Love Lichfield. At its annual Christmas giveaway, We Love Lichfield, part of the Community Foundation, awarded funding to local good causes taking its 2025 total to £40,000 across 40 voluntary groups. We Love Lichfield also reached its own milestone during the event when it gave its 500th award since it started a decade ago.

Our chair Simon and CEO James are advisors to We Love Lichfield and at The George Hotel last Friday, community groups from across the district gathered to receive their awards. Children from Lichfield Cathedral School’s Junior choir sang Christmas carols to get everyone in the festive mood before multiple businesses donated to We Love Lichfield including Arthur Price and Richard Winterton. The children from Lichfield Cathedral School also made a donation of £445 raised during the term by organising raffles and other fund-raisers. And Lichfield Live/The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent received the We Love Lichfield 2025 Community Champion Award for their work throughout the community during the last year. Finally, Sebbie Hall also spoke with his mum Ashleigh about the importance of kindness especially at this time of year.

(PIC) Simon presenting the awards

Since it started over a decade ago, We Love Lichfield has given away £462,000 in 500 awards to 237 recipients.

We Love Lichfield is one of the Community Foundation’s place based funds. It awards funding to a wide range of projects operating across the district of Lichfield. The fund considers applications from local groups in need twice a year. It raises money and then the returns are given away. Companies and individuals make up the bulk of the donors to the fund, either through direct donations, or by fundraising.

All the money raised is invested through an endowment fund in line with charity commission guidelines. The financial return from the fund is then distributed as small grants across the area. The beauty of this model is that it will provide a source of sustainable funding that can be used for grants long in to the future. It’s almost like a pension scheme set up to support community and voluntary groups across Lichfield. Individuals and businesses can raise money for We Love Lichfield. They can fund raise or they can donate via Enthuse here: https://cfss.enthuse.com/welovelichfield

Reporting on 2025 We Love Lichfield patron Simon Price said, “It’s been a tough year for many so we are delighted to continue to make a difference across the district. We’d also like to thank the businesses and organisations who support us. This includes Richard Winterton Auctioneers, David Lloyd Lichfield, Michael’s Menswear, Hutchings Civil Engineering, Lichfield District Council, Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services, Robert Yardley Photography Straightforward Agency, Townhouse Communications, Shire House and Access Bookings, and Katie Clayton Marketing. Simon also spoke about those businesses who have really embraced fund-raising including Laura and Rich Evans from Cathedral Hearing this year climbed Snowdon to raise funds for We Love Lichfield.”

The We Love Lichfield Community Champion 2025 was awarded to Lichfield Live and The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent for their tireless hours communicating news and events across the District, all on a voluntary basis.

Joanne Grange from Lichfield Community Media, publishers of Lichfield Live and The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent received the award and said “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the team. We are a group of volunteers who believe it’s important to keep people across the district informed. Started 20 years ago by Ross Hawkes, the Lichfield Blog as it was called back then, is now the amazing Lichfield Live site. And our newspaper, The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent, is going from strength to strength with plans to increase circulation next year. We are passionate about news – good and bad – and about supporting local organisations and we regularly showcase the amazing work We Love Lichfield does. It’s heart warming to be recognised by them and it gives us a boost to continue with the work we do.”

(PIC) Simon with Community Champion 2025 Jo Grange from Lichfield Community Media

Simon Price said, “We Love Lichfield wouldn’t exist if it didn’t have some amazing supporters. I’d like to thank my fellow panel advisors who work in their own time throughout the year. To the amazing businesses who support including The George Hotel for allowing us to use their hotel twice a year for our grant giveaways. Finally thanks to Lichfield District Council for their support and for entrusting We Love Lichfield in assisting them in their grant and Community Lottery funds. To have the council as a partner gives us a boost to strive even harder to make a difference across our district.”

Fifth Generation of Family-Owned Cutlery Firm Takes The Helm

We are delighted to announce that during our 123rd year, we start a new chapter. James Price, the fifth generation of the Price family, steps into the role of CEO. This leadership transition marks another milestone in the company’s long history, with James succeeding his father, Simon, who will take on the position of Chairman.

James joined Arthur Price in 2012 after completing his university studies and gaining invaluable experience at a direct marketing agency. Beginning his Arthur Price apprenticeship aged 23, James worked across all departments, and more recently managed the Sheffield factory and led the hotel, catering, and hospitality sales division.

Reflecting on his new role, James Price said, “For as long as I can remember Arthur Price has been my passion. I remember as a small child going into work with my dad, also seeing my grandfather in his office.  Working in a family business isn’t a job, it’s a way of life and I look forward to stepping into these special shoes.

“My father has transformed the business from being mostly known for luxury cutlery to a tableware brand with growing sales both in the UK and abroad.

“His ability to navigate challenges like recessions and a pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. As I step into this role, I will always welcome his wisdom and guidance.

“We also have an  incredible team and together, I aim to uphold our legacy and contribute to the continued success of this iconic British brand.”

 

 

Simon and James Price with the original company minute book from 1902

 

 

Simon Price, who started his Arthur Price journey in 1982 said, “My father instilled in me the importance of experiencing every facet of the company, from working in the warehouse to selling on the road. James has undertaken the same journey and has excelled, demonstrating now he is more than ready to take the baton.

“As Chairman, I will gradually step back from daily operations and focus on planning, ensuring Arthur Price remains at the forefront of British cutlery across the globe. I also wish to do more voluntary work. I’ve been fortunate to be able to support the charitable sector and look forward to contributing even more.

“The role is called CEO but I think a more appropriate title is Guardian, someone entrusted with safeguarding the Arthur Price name and brand for future generations.  I know the future of the company couldn’t be in safer hands.”

Arthur Price started in Aston, Birmingham in 1902 using a small gas engine to cast nickel silver ingots because the site had no electricity. After ten years the company had prospered and one of its first big contracts was supplying the Titanic. Innovation was key to business development – Arthur Price was the first to use chromium plate, the forerunner to stainless steel. British quality was a key selling point and after the second world war the company grew into a world-wide exporter.

After opening a factory in Sheffield in the 1950s, it repositioned itself as the maker of the finest cutlery supplying top hotels, cruise ships and airlines. Over the years the company has received two Royal Warrants and continued to adorn the top tables. More recently it has expanded its range to include everyday items which has led to significant expansion across the globe.

The Birmingham and Sheffield factories still produce the finest cutlery and holloware while the Lichfield headquarters is the centre for sales, distribution and administration. The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield is the location of the UK’s biggest cutlery shop.

Our CEO Wins Community Award

Simon Price, our CEO has been named the Lichfield St Chad Rotary Community Champion 2025. He was awarded the honour for his patronage of the We Love Lichfield fund and helping to organise the Arthur Price of England Speaking Competition, in association with Lichfield St Chad Rotary, for 30 years..

Elaine Hutchings, the new President of Lichfield St Chad Rotary said, “Simon Price is a true community champion. He started We Love Lichfield from virtually nothing and now it plays a vital role in the area’s voluntary sector. And his long-standing support for the speaking competition is cherished by many including teachers, pupils and parents.

“His enthusiasm for all things Lichfield and the district is boundless. I wish we could bottle it.”

Simon Price said, “I am honoured to be recognised and like to thank everyone involved. I can’t tell you how much I love living and working in this wonderful place. I am lucky to call it home.”

 

Simon is pictured receiving his award from Past President Andrew Sims and Current Present Elaine Hutchings at The George Hotel, Lichfield

Arthur Price welcomes new We Love Lichfield supporter

Arthur Price are huge supporters of We Love Lichfield and we are delighted that another local independent business is helping spread the word of the fund.

 

Cathedral Hearing, has named We Love Lichfield as its charity of choice. Recently opened on Sandford Street, the clinic offers hearing tests, ear wax removal and hearing aid packages and hopes a special open day in September will raise awareness of the fund.

 

Principal Audiologist Laura Evans said, “Supporting the community is important to me. I am from the area and now as a local business owner, I want to give something back. I’ve seen the amazing work of We Love Lichfield, supporting hundreds of small voluntary groups across the District, and wanted to help. I will be making a donation to We Love Lichfield for every ear wax removal during our first year.”

 

Laura hopes that a special open day at her clinic will attract potential customers to help raise more money for We Love Lichfield.  She is encouraging people who feel they may need a hearing examination to visit on Saturday 21 September. Staff at the clinic, based in a grade II listed building on Sandford Street, will demonstrate the sound booth and show the video otoscope in action, which allows patients to view the inside of their ears on the big screen. Also hearing aid manufacturer Phonak will be demonstrating their latest products driven by AI technology.

 

Laura said, “We are on a mission to break down the barriers to having your hearing tested and encourage everyone to take good care of their hearing health. Our September open day is an opportunity to see the latest discreet technology in action and ask questions about their hearing in a friendly environment while at the same time helping a great local cause.”

 

The open day is 10am-4pm on Saturday 21st September. For more information visit cathedralhearing.co.uk or call 01543 319641

 

James Price, an advisor to We Love Lichfield said, “Thank you Laura for supporting We Love Lichfield. I am delighted that she has chosen us to be their charity of choice.

 

“I was lucky to have a  tour of the clinic – the investment in equipment is substantial, all in a beautiful grade II listed building. Laura’s vision for Cathedral Hearing is amazing and from one independent, family-owned Lichfield business to another, I wish her all the very best.”

We Love Lichfield is one of the Staffordshire and Shropshire Community Foundation’s place based funds.  It provides grants to a wide range of projects operating across the district of Lichfield. The fund considers applications from local groups in need twice a year. It raises money and then the returns are given away. Companies and individuals make up the bulk of the donors to the fund, either through direct donations, or by fundraising.

 

All the money raised is invested through an endowment fund in line with charity commission guidelines. The financial return from the fund is then distributed as small grants across the area. The beauty of this model is that it will provide a source of sustainable funding that can be used for grants long in to the future.  It’s almost like a pension scheme set up to support community and voluntary groups across Lichfield. Individuals and businesses can raise money for We Love Lichfield. They can fund raise or they can donate via Enthuse here: https://cfss.enthuse.com/welovelichfield

 

We Love Lichfield has just announced it has so far given away over £400,000 in 406 grants to 222 organisations.

 

For more information, visit www.welovelichfield.co.uk

Raffle To Raise Funds For We Love Lichfield

We are proud supporters of We Love Lichfield, a local community fund that raises money throughout the year and then gives away grants twice a year to good causes across Lichfield District.

Our CEO Simon Price is patron of We Love Lichfield and he is passionate about the organisation.

Until the end of March we are raising funds via a raffle. One lucky person is going to win £750 worth of goodies. We want as many people to buy a ticket, only a £1! Please share to as many people as you can and pop in to buy a ticket.

For more information visit www.welovelichfield.com

Arthur Price On The TV With David Dickinson Talking Titanic

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.

A-Plan Supports We Love Lichfield

A-Plan Insurance is celebrating a new partnership with ‘We Love Lichfield’, a local community fund that provides small grants to a wide range of voluntary projects based in Lichfield District. A-Plan’s Lichfield branch in Bore Street have agreed to donate £25 every time someone takes out a car, van or home policy and mentions ‘We Love Lichfield’.

 

Laura Maritza (Branch Manager) said: “We are really proud to be supporting We Love Lichfield and the excellent work they do locally. The team and I are looking forward to getting involved with activities throughout 2020 and beyond.”

 

Laura continued: “We like to be where people can access us easily and where we have an opportunity to engage with local people, businesses and charities. This allows us to really become part of the community. Lichfield is a great location for A-Plan and on a personal level I feel proud to play a part in the area’s vibrant economy.  We are here to provide a personalised service, designed to help our clients find the protection they need.”

 

Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price and Patron of We Love Lichfield, said: “Thank you A-Plan twice.  Firstly, for agreeing to donate £25 for each car, van or home policy bought.  Secondly, to have a national company supporting a small but growing fund like ours, shows that our work is recognised as making a real difference.  It gives us all a boost to raise even more money to help the local community.”

 

We Love Lichfield provides small grants twice a year to a wide range of projects based in Lichfield District. Companies and individuals can donate, or fund raise and all money is invested through a permanent endowment fund by registered charity The Community Foundation For Staffordshire in line with charity commission guidelines. The interest and dividends earned is then distributed by the Fund as small grants across the district twice a year. The beauty of this model is that it will provide a source of on-going funding for many years to come. The aim is by 2023 to have created enough capital to give away £50K every year for ever. More information: www.welovelichfield.com

A-Plan has over 90 branches nationwide and it’s Bore Street Lichfield branch offers local residents, and businesses a more personalised way of arranging home, motor, travel or business insurance as an alternative to online insurance sites. A-Plan does all the hard work to find the right cover to suit clients’ individual circumstances.  Insurance cover can be arranged by phone, or by popping into the branch. Refreshingly, A-Plan does not have call centres or call queuing systems.

 

Pictured: The team from A-Plan Lichfield with Simon Price (far left) and Julian Fisher (far right) of We Love Lichfield

Feeling The Love In Lichfield At Christmas

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