Freedom Cycles, the Cycling store where customer service still comes first!
We are an independent Cycle dealer in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Situated in the bus station in this historic cathedral city, we opened our shop in April 2009. As cyclists ourselves, we believe we have the passion and desire to make sure everyone is happy on two wheels!
We started our store journey as part of the Raleigh Cyclelife network, and as such we are able to offer the full range of Raleigh bikes and accessories. As we have grown as a business, and our customer base has expanded, we have developed our range of bikes and accessories to satisfy all – bike brands stocked now include Diamondback, Focus, Haibike, Tifosi and more manufacturers are being added all the time.
We pride ourselves on our personal service, and attention to detail when finding the right bike for you. Whether you are young or old, expert or novice, adventurous or sedate, we will help you to choose the right bike for your needs, and ensure that it is the right size too. Our aim is to show everyone how much pleasure it is to ‘get on your bike!’
We have over 80 bikes on display, with more in stock and readily available, ranging from toddlers trikes to tandems, full range of children’s bikes, bmx, town and country, all terrain and mountain bikes, and a full range of road bikes for all riders – right through from beginner to serious competitor.
Parts and accessories are readily available throughout the store, brands such as Altura, Polaris, Lusso and Moa for clothing, Campagnola, Shimano, Sram, Cycleops, Stans, Camelback, Motorex, Muc Off, Moon and many many more. If we don’t have an item in stock when you call in, we can normally get a very prompt delivery from our suppliers.
We have been heavily involved with Lichfield District Council in supporting and helping to run the ‘Cycle Rides for All’, a community ride which takes place once a month from March to September, on the last Sunday of the month, and has grown in numbers over the last four year’s. Further details of this year’s program of rides will be available shortly – see our website for updates.
Also, we have our very own FREEDOM RIDERS – a group of like minded cycling friends, and we ride from the shop every Tuesday evening at 6pm – this is a road bike ride, normally between 20-30 miles at a steady (ish) pace. We organise a number rides throughout the year, culminating in the Freedom 69er – a 69 mile ride, normally in September which we raise funds for Charity, last year raising over £400 for SSAFA the forces charity.
This years planned rides so far are the March Den Engel run, a steady ride up to Leek on Saturday 22nd, stay over for a meal and drink, followed by a longer ride back on Sunday 23rd. On August bank holiday, we will be leaving the shop in Lichfield at Midnight for a ride through to Barmouth – arriving on the sea-front in the morning – once you’ve done this one, you’ll want to do it again! And of course the Freedom 69er in September.
Our servicing is carried out by Cytech qualified technicians, and we repair all makes and models of bike. We are happy to quote on any service or repair job that you are contemplating. Complete rebuilds, refurbishments, wheel builds, standard and special services, even replacing inner tubes!
As we are celebrating our 5th birthday in April, we will offer a 10% discount off parts and accessories to any customer bringing this copy of Recommended magazine with them when visiting the store.
The Bus Station, Birmingham Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6HU 01543 411633
This article appears in Lichfield Recommended Magazine, a free publication delivered to homes and businesses in Lichfiled and surrounding areas.
What’s on in Lichfield this Spring?
Spring fever in Lichfield
Spring is upon us and Lichfield is reawakening. The great outdoors beckons, Easter is around the corner and even the Lichfield Bower is in sight. Here’s a taster of Lichfield events and activities to catch that spring fever.
Step Outside
Blessed as we are with countryside all around, now is the time to explore. Head up to Cannock Chase for acres of woodland walks; step among the bluebells at Yoxall Woods (open from 19th April), or take a canal-side saunter at Fradley Junction with a cheeky pint at the Swan.
Closer to home, there is always something happening in Beacon Park and this spring is no exception. Would you believe the golf course is 40 years old? Join in the birthday celebrations on Sunday 23rd March. On the way to Burntwood, have you tried the Woodland Trust’s Pipe Hill Farm yet? It has over 100 acres of woodland and meadow with views back across Lichfield. Even more central, Leomansley Woods are carpeted in bluebells in the spring and offer a lovely, if somewhat soggy walk, with, at one elevated point, possibly the best view of Lichfield Cathedral to be found.
Easter Fun
Take the kids down to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum for Sam’s Easter Adventure, Easter holiday fun with trails, activities and competitions every day. Erasmus Darwin House will also have Easter activities for children along with a series of special events to celebrate its 15th birthday in April.
A fresh start for the arts
Lichfield Arts has an eclectic spring programme of music including, among many others, blues, folk, swing, jazz and heavy rock. Over at the Garrick the choice explodes with opera, drama, dance, Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll; the last three – with the added qualifier (I wish) – being the title of a show on 4th April by Mike McGear McCartney, Paul McCartney’s younger brother, famous for the old Lily the Pink song.
Whatever your springtime plans, stay local and have fun!
This article appears in Lichfield Recommended, a magazine delivered free to residents in Lichfield and surrounding area’s.
Lichfield – the city of the summer
Lichfield, it seems, is on the map and we’re attracting famous people. Maybe Princess Anne started it with her visit to Beacon Park back in the spring. Or perhaps Bob Geldof, sighted wondering around the city last year, or our very own Tony Christie.
The truth is that Lichfield has a vibrant arts and social scene, and this summer we’re set to play host to many more famous and talented people. People like comedians Alan Davies and Chris Addison, Tracey Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson and celebrated singers Elkie Brooks and Laura Mvula. There’s even an audience with Sir David Frost at the Garrick on 13th June.
Festival fever
The line-up of events is just as impressive. The Lichfield Festival bursts into life on 4th July for 10 days of music, dance, comedy and more, at venues all around the city. This jewel in the crown of our city’s cultural life draws performers and visitors from around the world, such is its reputation as one of the premier festivals of the summer season. Grab a programme from the Festival Office in Cathedral Close and pray that there are still some tickets left.
The other big summer event in Lichfield is Fuse – the free music and arts “event in a tent” at Beacon Park from 12th to 14th July. This year’s theme is “Keep it Local”, so pack your picnic bag, slap on the sunscreen (nothing wrong with a little optimism), and wander down to your local festival, which just happens to be one of the biggest free community events in the Midlands.
Activity overdrive
The summer holidays brings a host of activities and events which could keep you and the kids going every day for 6 weeks. Three of the best are Beacon Park fun days, the Staffordshire Regiment Museum Discovery Days and Erasmus Darwin House Wacky Wednesdays.
So there you have it; Lichfield, our lovely, lively, little city of the summer. Famous faces, world-renowned events, and a summer calendar packed with exciting activities. Enjoy!
This article appears in Recommended Lichfield Magazine, delivered free
to homes and businesses in Lichfield and surrounding area’s.
A Gem of a Jewellers
Tucked away in Blewitt Court on Bore Street there’s a rare gem of a jewellers that’s worth discovering. esjewellery came to Lichfield almost 10 years ago and have established a firm following with their friendly and unpretentious style.
Jewellery Repairs
In the shop you will be dazzled by Pandora, Thomas Sabo and other contemporary designer names. But there’s more to this story than the glitter of famous brands. The ES stands for Emma and Steve, the husband and wife team who cut their teeth in Birmingham’s famous jewellery quarter and who are both accomplished designers in their own right. Both went to the School of Jewellery in Birmingham and Steve has been repairing and making jewellery for almost 30 years.
“We sometimes worry that people don’t realise we repair jewellery, and also that we design and remodel jewellery. Almost everything is done by us here on the premises in Lichfield so there is no risk or delay.”
Renew your Jewellery
esjewellery specialise in bringing old jewellery to life with new designs. Perhaps you’ve inherited a bracelet or a ring with precious stones but time has taken its toll and it is either damaged or dated. “We can reset the stones into something more contemporary, giving it a new lease of life but honouring its past and the special place it has in your heart,” says Steve.
Fit for a Princess
Emma’s talent lies in the rare art of designing and making wedding rings that fit exactly with your engagement ring. The process involves making a wax model of your wedding ring. This allows you to see how it looks and to make design adjustments before the actual ring is cast in gold or platinum. Emma says, “A wedding ring is so personal and you can be part of the design process to get it absolutely right. We can also do ring sizing and polishing while you wait.”
Pandora Summer Event!
On Saturday 15th June esjewellery are showcasing the new Pandora collection for summer 2013. A free Pandora spacer is yours when you spend over £50, and there are goodies and a glass of Pimms for everyone. It’s the ideal time to discover this gem of a jewellers.
This article appears in Lichfield Recommended Magazine, delivered free to homes and business in
Lichfield and surrounding area’s.
Ready for a Lichfield Christmas?
Lichfield is alight with Christmas cheer right now, so make the most of all that is happening; enjoy the festivities throughout December, until you finally put your feet up on Christmas afternoon with a glass of something sparkling!
Some Lichfield Christmas highlights
The Christmas Farmers’ markets are on the first Thursday in December and back again for a twinkly encore on 20th December, just in time to get some last minute goodies. Don’t miss the Lichfield Christmas Festival, on 16th -17th December, a weekend bursting with activities, music, storytelling, eating and drinking. For something a little different, how about a nostalgic afternoon, with 1940s entertainment and festive food, at the National Arboretum on the 6th December?
It’s all about the children
Keep the excitement levels at fever pitch over the next few weeks with a whole host of local Christmas activities. Kick off with Christmas crafts in Beacon Park on the 1st and 2nd December, and then go up a gear with a visit to the Garrick for this year’s Christmas panto, Alice in Wonderland. Santa will be getting about; visit him nearby at Shugborough, Conkers, or the Chasewater Railway, and don’t forget he’ll be touring the streets with the Round Table too. Yes, he’s very much in evidence in the area, so best behaviour all round!
The real spirit of Christmas
We are blessed with a beautiful cathedral and many active churches in Lichfield so there’s no excuse for missing the true spirit of Christmas this year. The Cathedral in particular has a packed agenda starting with the atmospheric, candlelit Advent Carol Services on 1st and 2nd December at 6pm
Christmas music features heavily of course. You can enjoy carols in the park, carols in the town square, carols in the Cathedral (and the many Lichfield churches), and even carols in the trenches at Whittington Barracks. If you are not singing, then stop and listen and, wherever you are in Lichfield, you will hear the strains of Once in Royal David’s City carrying on the winds….
To all our readers and advertisers, Merry Christmas and Have Fun!
This article appears in Recommended Lichfield, a local magazine and business directory delivered
to 19,000 homes and businesses in Lichfield and the surrounding areas.
Printer Inks – How much??
Ever run out of ink halfway through printing an urgent document, or an essay that’s due in yesterday, or photos you want quickly? No time to shop around on the internet and wait two days for delivery, so you nip to the stationers or supermarket and……how much?? You’ve got to be joking!
Cartridge World to the rescue!
Thankfully, there is a solution that is cheap, convenient and also environmentally friendly: Cartridge World in Lichfield city centre. Cartridge World refill your empty cartridges with inks that are carefully formulated to match the colours and the quality of branded inks –at a saving of up to 40%. Cartridge World also stock a range of branded inks, printers and computer accessories such as keyboards, mice and leads, all of which are competitively priced.
Inking in the details
Cartridge World came to Lichfield 4 years ago thanks to local lad Michael Rees. After successfully completing a design degree, Michael quickly realised that design jobs were a lot thinner on the ground than design graduates; that’s when he decided to become the master of his own destiny. He took on the local Cartridge World franchise while still in his early twenties and has built his business throughout the worst recession in living memory. What’s the key to his success? “Along with most people, I didn’t see the recession coming, but I did see a business model that made sense whatever the economic weather. People will always want convenience and value, and the need to protect the environment is only going to increase. In some ways the recession has helped, because of the savings we offer in these cash-strapped times”.
An extra 20% off for Recommended Readers!
To get you started at Cartridge World, you can enjoy an extra 20% off your refills on your first visit when you bring in a copy of Recommended Lichfield. What have you got to lose? High quality inks, fantastic savings, a genuinely local, friendly service and a 100% no-quibble money back guarantee if, for whatever reason, you are not happy with your inks.
This article appeared in Recommended Lichfield, a local magazine and business directory delived to 19,000 in
Lichfield and the surrounding area’s.
Now let’s finish that printing….
Social Media Good or Evil?
It’s hard to turn on the TV nowadays without hearing about social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. All large internet based public publishing services
allowing open communication between people, companies, celebrities and more. Although still in its infancy it is the fastest growing phenomenon of the modern age. From inspiring revolutions and reuniting long lost lovers to breaking up marriages and fueling riots. With the time old balance of good and evil it stands to reason there is always going to be an argument for and against social networking, so why are some people still so fearful of it? and does the good outweigh the bad?
It must first be noted that social media is only a reflection of individuals freedom of speech. If an individual spray paints his thoughts on a wall, would we blame the individual or the wall? A common perception is that people do not want everyone knowing what they are doing, however this usually stems from a lack of understanding. It is your choice to publish social media, if you don’t want people to know something then simply don’t post it. Problems occur however if a friend uploads a picture telling the world he is at the zoo with you, which is fine unless you are having a ‘sick day’ and your boss then finds a photo of your fun day out at the zoo. Far fetched
as it may sound many people have already lost their jobs due to cases such as this. But is this social media’s fault? Or does it stem from the the individual’s choice to be dishonest?
A recent advancement in social networking is Geo Targeting, this allows a user to tag themselves at a specific location (via gps) and is quickly being adopted by many companies for advertising. Word of mouth has always been the best form of promotion so when a girl tags herself at a hair salon for her 500+ friends to see this is priceless marketing. For this reason many high street companies are now offering discounts and offers for tagging in at their location. Although if the same girl then mentions what a terrible haircut she received at the salon then this could clearly have an adverse effect. So is it worth the risk? Through experience in providing social media solutions to a number of companies the same question is always raised ‘Do we really want users talking about us online? My response is always the same “Those users are talking about you anyway, maybe even geo tagging themselves there as we speak.” A quick search of a company name often proves this. Social media simply provides the means to engage with these people allowing you to reward the good comments and even turn around negative views. Monitoring social media is usually a better option than ignoring it.
Social media is less than a decade old and has not shown us all it has to offer just yet but its effects on companies and individuals cannot go on being ignored. There are many arguments both for and against social media each right in their own way, but whatever the correct answer there is no stopping its growth and no way
of predicting what it will evolve into next.
This article appeared in Recommended Lichfield Magazine
Recommended Lichfield Launch
After three years of publishing Recommended magazine in Sutton Coldfield and following many requests from our loyal advertisers we have just launched Recommended Lichfield.
The first edition has been printed and delivered to over 19,000 homes including Lichfield, . Kings Bromley, Alrewas, Fradley, Armitage, Handsacre, Shenstone and Whittington. Testimonies are already being received from happy advertisers proving that Recommended Magazine is going to be equally as successful in Lichfield as it has been in Sutton Coldfield.
Recommended Lichfield will keep readers up to date with events in Lichfield and surrounding areas and also include articles of general interest.
Only reputable business’s with a proven track record can feature in Recommended Lichfield, of you know of such a business or trades person, please call and let us know.
We are now taking bookings for the September quarterly editions of Recommended Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield magazines please call soon on 0121 351 6513 as spaces going fast
Fun Fitness Found In Lichfield
Hi I’m Kate Shaw and I’ve been working in the fitness industry for over a decade now. I’ve seen it all come and go, Step, Pilates, Aerobics, even Hoola Hoop, I’ve taught them all. I am aware more importantly, what people enjoy doing, and what actually works!
So Zumba, is getting everyone talking, and I can see why. It is actually based on Latin type music and has the ‘fun’ element to it, and of course it’s quite dance orientated. I’m so excited that I’ve got the chance to combine teaching Zumba and Salsa together with my background experience of working in top International Spa resorts. I currently run http://www.SalsaPeople.co.uk dance company.
You will find me wacky, chatty, and very outgoing I love meeting new friends and I’m looking forward to getting you into that swim suit and looking great for those hot days of summer. If some of you have already done Zumba great! However I am offering that little bit extra to my Zumba program, mainly because, if I had a penny for everyone that asks me ‘how do you get your tummy that flat’, so one of the tracks will be doing ‘abs blast’ if you are up for some fun and fitness do join me for Zumba in Lichfield.
Lichfield Football Club, off Eastern Ave, Brownsfield Rd, Lichfield, WS13 SBT (look out for the Zumba/Salsa sign on the side of the road and turn in on the same side as the sign. Classes are:- 7pm Zumba 8pm Salsa Kate www.SalsaPeople.co. 0750 655 7692
This article appeared in Recommended Lichfield Magazine
The National Memorial Arboretum
Situated in Alrewas, just outside Lichfield the National Memorial Arboretum is a charity run by staff and volunteers, it is part of the Royal British Legion. Set in a beautiful location it is not only a place for those connected to the armed forces, but an opportunity for all people to show national pride in those who have served and are still serving.
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