Remembrance.

RMS Titanic is in the news as it's just a hundred years ago that she was launched.  In a quiet little park in Lichfield you will find a statue of her captain, Captain Smith, but not many people know the story of why it is there.  Captain Smith had no known connection with Lichfield - he was born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, and the statue was originally intended to have a place of honour there, but in the immediate aftermath of the sinking, Captain Smith was generally perceived to be in disgrace, and Hanley refused to accept it.  Lichfield stepped in and provided it with a home.  Some eighty-odd years later, following the intense public interest generated by the blockbuster film "Titanic" Stoke approached Lichfield and said they would be glad to have it back.  I am proud to say that Lichfield told them where to stick their request.  So if you visit Lichfield, take a moment to go to Beacon Park there and pay your respects.