Cornfield Magazine August 2019 Central Birmingham, Solihull & Warwickshire Edition

August 2019 Complimentary

Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire Edition

Former WBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion

David Haye GOES ALL IN

n o t g n i Leam

FOOD FEST

Albie & Lonnie’s

Fabulous Free Event

Looking good on the outside

Feeling good on the inside The HEALTH

& BEAUTY

Issue

Welcome

16

9

When we talk about health, you probably instantly think about your body.

What exercise are you doing? What products are you using to keep you healthy? What food are you eating, but what about your mind?

There is no denying Molly Mae has caused serious hair envy across the nation this year on Love Island.

30

We showcase the best properties from around the local areas, such as this one in Tanworth-in-Arden.

The Health & Beauty Issue Hello and welcome to your August edition of Cornfield Magazine.

August is here and we are excited to bring to you some excellent new reads.

Everyone is heading off on their summer holidays in August, but that doesn’t stop us from bringing you some fantastic reads including our cover story article from Albie & Lonnie’s, where it’s about feeling good as well as looking good.

We have some top tips for keeping your skin looking healthy, glowing and hydrated from our professional makeup artist, Naomi Halliday. We discuss Eco-friendly products and why sustainability and zero waste are the words on everyone’s lips for 2019 - and for good reason. We dined at Maribel Restaurant. Located in Birmingham’s prestigious Brindley Place, Maribel offers fine dining without the pretence, delivering a gastronomic experience in which the food speaks for itself.

All of the above plus more can be found in this month’s issue.

Happy reading,

From The Cornfield Team x www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk

facebook.com/CornfieldMagazine

Contact Us Tel: 0121 796 6800 Email: info@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk Web: www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk

twitter.com/CornfieldMag

instagram.com/cornfieldmagazine

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the Cornfield Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. The Cornfield Magazine cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from any material supplied.

Published monthly by Cornfield Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission from the publisher.

Cornfield Magazine | 7

|

6 Steps BEAUTY

to Healthy Looking

Summer Skin

Professional Makeup Artist, Naomi Halliday, shares her favourite products to leave you looking (and feeling) scrumptious this summer.

The sun, UV rays and air conditioning can wreak havoc with our skin during the Summer months, often leaving it look parched, dull and in need of some serious moisture. Here I give you my top tips for keeping your skin looking healthy, glowing and hydrated!

1. Cleanse Not only does cleansing remove makeup, excess oil and impurities from your skin, it also helps improve its health and radiance. Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser, £25.00 (beautybay.com) is a deeply nourishing and creamy cleanser, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

2. Exfoliate Exfoliating rids your complexion of any dryness and dullness by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis. By removing these dead cells, exfoliation can help keep pores from becoming clogged, leaving skin with a refreshed and clean feeling. Antipodes Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator, £21.00 (beautybay.com) is enriched with avocado oil for an extra shot of hydration.

3. Tone A good toner will remove any remaining oil, dirt and makeup after cleansing. More importantly, toner will help soothe, nourish and soften the skin while restoring its delicate pH balance. Clarins Toning Lotion for Normal/Dry Skin, £21.00 (johnlewis. com) is a refreshing alcohol-free floral distillation with a refreshing fluid gel texture.

4. Moisturise Not only does a good moisturiser help prevent and treat dry skin, it can also improve the skin’s texture whilst protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun, wind and pollution. Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, £25.00 (johnlewis.com) works by binding water to the skin, providing both immediate and long-term hydration whilst leaving it endlessly plump and dewy.

6. Apply Liquid highlighter Bring on the glow by applying a sheer layer of liquid highlighter to the skin, making sure to hit the high points of the face including the bridge and tip of the nose, the tops of the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter, £30.00 (spacenk.com/ uk) gives the skin an enviable, lit-from-within glow, subtly illuminating and perfecting without a trace of tell-tale litter.

Available in 7 shades, there is one to suit every skin tone!

8 | Cornfield Magazine

5. Apply a Makeup Base For this step, I recommend using a tinted moisturiser in place of a foundation for a lighter, more natural effect. If you prefer to use foundation, opt for one with a minimal and sheer coverage with a dewy finish. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Illuminating Formula, £35.00 (cultbeauty. co.uk) is packed with micro-pearl pigments, giving your complexion a healthy hint of colour, whilst brightening dull and tired looking skin. It also comes in a wide range of shades, making it one of the most inclusive tinted moisturizers out there.

Words by Naomi Halliday For makeup booking enquiries info@naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk / 07912 646363 www.naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk @naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk

BEAUTY

|

Monthly Hair Care Column

With Celebrity Hair Stylist

Jay Birmingham Health & Beauty There is no denying Molly Mae has caused serious hair envy across the nation this year, as Love Island has dominated our screens all summer. Molly Mae’s hair extensions still look incredible after weeks in the villa and this is due to working with a great hairdresser before going in but also by having a great haircare regime that is protecting her hair against the sun and chlorine.

Molly Mae is wearing Beauty Works 20” Nano Bonds which are one of my favourites to achieve that super full, long look that is really glam and perfect for creating her signature ballerina style bun. If you want long, thick hair like Molly Mae I recommend this method of extensions as they are long lasting and barely noticeable when worn tied up.

If you are lucky enough to have naturally long hair that is healthy, it is super important to take proper care of it in the sunshine and aftercare is absolutely crucial for making sure both natural and hair extensions are kept fresh from summer into autumn. Invest in a high-quality shampoo and conditioner. Your hair is an investment and you don’t keep it looking as good as Molly Mae without investing in good products too. In addition to this, a heat protection product that also protects against UVA and UVB rays is a must. On holiday especially, your hair is exposed to lots of sun as well as chlorine and salt water, not to mention styling at night before you head out, so each time your hair is washed you should apply a heat protectant. Those that want hair like the gorgeous Molly Mae will have to be prepared to invest in this hair care regime and maintain it regularly.

Molly Mae uses a wand to create her signature style and I like the Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron to recreate her look. Style your hair away from your face to create that voluminous blow out shape and leave an inch or so straight at the ends for a contemporary finish. Add some texturising spray to give your hair grip and ensure the waves stay in place all night just like Molly Mae’s.

Taking care of your hair correctly throughout summer will ensure that as autumn approaches your hair will be well conditioned and not as prone to breakage and damage through the colder months.

Jay Birmingham Hair Highfield Wellness & Beauty, 23A Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DP @JayBirminghamHair www.jaybirmingham.co.uk

Jay Birmingham has just been announced as European Celebrity Hair Ambassador for Hot Tools Professional and will be helping the brand on campaign shoots and social media. Stay tuned for more information!

Cornfield Magazine | 9

10 | Cornfield Magazine

HEALTH

|

07815 460786 01827 892952

Time for a Hand

Health Check

Put your hands in our hands

Our hands are so important to us, yet like many other areas of health and wellbeing we take them for granted and probably don’t look after them as much as we could.

There are many things we can do to ensure we keep our hands in the best of health.

Avoid Static or Repetitive Activities When you stay in one position for a long time some muscles overwork pulling the joint out of alignment. This leads to more pain and damage to the joint. Take regular rests when performing repetitive activities.

Avoid Prolonged Periods of Activity Try to begin to become aware of the warning signs you feel that your joints are becoming fatigued or strained and stop before you reach this point in the future.

Avoid Activities that Require Prolonged Gripping Tight small grips place increased strain through the joints which will increase your pain and can further damage your joints. It is better to avoid it. There are

many ways to reduce small or prolonged gripping. E.g. use thick or padded pens for writing, rest books on a table or book rest and use easy grip cutlery and utensils.

Balance of Rest and Activity It is important to balance your rest and activity to allow your joints time to rest and repair.

Try to stop before you feel tired or are in pain and avoid activities that you can’t stop when you need to. Try to plan ahead and keep a diary allowing rest and activity periods.

At The Midland Hand Clinic, lead

by Mr G Shyamalan, Consultant Hand Surgeon, we work closely with all our patients before, during and after treatment to provide expert advice on protecting and caring for our hands and joints.

Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon.

All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying.

Ask us about our self funding prices for minor hand surgery.

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952 www.midlandhandclinic.com

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

We are running a free meet the expert evening on Wed 18th Sept 7-9pm in association with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society at the Silhillians Sports Club, Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LW. Come along to join us for a talk from Mr Shyamalan and let us help answer any questions you may have on management and treatment options for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the hand, wrist or elbow. Places are limited so please call 01827 892 952 to reserve your place.

Join us for our Aesthetic open day Saturday 31st August 12pm - 5pm with Dr Kalpesh Prajapat

Information about Facial Aesthetics

by Dr Kalpesh Prajapat Cosmetic Dentist and Aesthetics Practitioner

at Paul Lowe Dentistry ®

What is BOTOX ?

What is Facial Aesthetics?

Facial Aesthetics is a predictable, safe and cost-effective alternative to surgical facial cosmetic treatment. These injectable treatments help to reverse the signs of ageing and restore a natural-looking appearance safely. By using wrinkle-relaxing therapy or dermal fillers, harsh facial expression lines can be softened or even removed, whilst facial contour and volume can be restored.

Why have I got wrinkles?

Wrinkles are caused due to many factors working together including loss of the skin’s elasticity, sun exposure, smoking and frequent facial expressions. Repetitive muscle movements from smiling and frowning can cause these wrinkles to develop.

How soon can I see the results?

Botox® is, in fact, a trade name for a type of wrinkle relaxation injection.

The main active agent is called botulinum toxin A. There are many anti-wrinkle injectables containing this agent, including Allazure, Dysport and Botox.

How soon can I see the results?

Typically, it takes 7-10 days for the full effects to be seen and these can last 3 -4 months.

With time and regular maintenance the amount of product required reduces.

Is this right for me?

This popular procedure has short treatment times, minimal discomfort and you can continue with daily activity afterward. Botulinum toxin treatments are not advised for patients who are: 1. Pregnant or nursing mothers or those under 21 years 2. D iagnosed with myasthenia gravis or neuromuscular disorder 3. O n aminogylcosides antibiotics or anticoagulant blood thinner

Typically, it takes 7-10 days for the full effects to be seen and these can last 3 -4 months. With time and regular maintenance the amount of product required reduces.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Why see an experienced Aesthetic Dentist for treatment?

These non-surgical cosmetic injectables are used to restore volume loss due to the process of ageing, helping to provide a youthful and natural looking appearance without the drawbacks of surgery.

Although unregulated, Facial Aesthetic treatments are safest carried out with trained medical professionals.

Dentists are perfectly placed due to their experience of head and neck anatomy, expertise with facial balance and harmony and manual dexterity with daily injection administration.

At Paul Lowe Dentistry, we provide safe, effective and affordable aesthetic solutions to your cosmetic needs.

How do they work?

Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid that is carefully injected beneath the skin’s surface. This gellike substance adds natural looking definition and restores volume loss due to the process of ageing.

What areas can be treated with dermal fillers?

With age and other factors such as sun exposure, smoking and poor diet the skin’s natural elasticity is lost. Due to this, folds, wrinkles and lines develop. Typical treatment areas include deep lines on the forehead and glabella, nasio-labial folds and marionette lines. Fillers can reduce and eliminate these lines, wrinkles and folds with the effects being seen immediately following treatment.

Fillers can also add definition, volume and contour to areas such as the lips, cheeks, jaw line, nose, chin and under eye region.

Is it right for me?

Dermal fillers are a suitable treatment for patients wanting subtle, age-appropriate, improvement in facial contour and volume restoration.

BEFORE

AFTER

Treatment is not suited for: 1. Pregnant or nursing mothers 2. Skin with active disease or inflammation 3. Those with allergies to hyaluronic acid

For a private clinic tour, free consultation and tailor-made plan please contact us on 0121 711 2424 12 | Cornfield Magazine

Cornfield Magazine | 13

|

BEAUTY

Female Barber

Proves Women Can Make the Cut

With the push to make workplaces more diverse and inclusive, there’s pressure on employers to look beyond the norm for their next hires. However, one industry that isn’t currently making the cut is the barbering industry, but The Barber House in Birmingham wants to fix this and hopes its very own Ellie Sampey will spearhead the way for change.

With only 10% of the workforce made up of women, female barbers are still widely seen as a phenomenon rather than the norm. What’s more, the idea that barber-houses aren’t just places for haircuts and beard trims, but sacred all-male zones, has cemented the idea that barbering is not ‘women’s work’.

However, having worked as a fully-qualified barber for almost two years, Ellie is proof that working as a barber is all about skill, not gender. She has achieved her Level 2 Apprenticeship, and specialises in gentlemen’s shaving and beard sculpting, in both modern and traditional styles.

Ellie’s journey into the industry hasn’t always been straight-cut; when she first took on her apprenticeship as a barber a lot of people asked why she wasn’t training to be a hairdresser instead. But as the daughter of Dale Sampey, the owner of The Barber House, the tricks of the trade were already in her blood. When she found her receptionist position in the barbershop not ‘handson’ enough, she traded the phone for clippers, and the rest was history.

That being said, Ellie knows that without the exposure to the sector early on, it wouldn’t have been the career path she would have thought of or been encouraged to pursue; it’s this ideology that leads to the skills gap and the waste of so much potential.

Speaking about her ambitions, Ellie said: “We need to support our fellow female barbers and build each other’s profiles so more people can see it as a viable career for women. Social media has been an incredible platform to showcase our skills, but it’s important to show regular women working as barbers day-to-day, so we can make it part of the norm. Being a barber is about skill, precision, creativity, and passion: not gender.”

Dale Sampey, the owner of The Barber House as well as Ellie’s boss and father, is keen for more women to follow Ellie’s lead. He commented: “Ellie is one of our most skilled barbers, delivering high quality results for our customers time after time. Her rapport with her clients, her commitment to her skill, and her eagerness to continue learning the trade make her a natural barber. For me, what sets Ellie apart is her expertise, not the fact that she is a woman.

With this in mind, she is keen to show other women that they can – and should – enjoy the world of barbering. She wants to help them break the mould, dissolving the divide between hairdressers and barbers by exposing opportunities in barbering to women everywhere.

“At The Barber House, we’re so proud to have the a team of the best barbers working for us and we hope we can continue to train, hire, and retain talents like Ellie. She is an asset to the team, a testament to the trade, and we’re lucky to have her continue to push the industry to be better. There’s a lot to be learnt from the lessons of engineering and nursing, which have made positive strides to level the playing field for both genders. We’re completely committed to barbering making the same changes and the entire team at The Barber House is striving to achieve this.”

The Barber House is no stranger to forging the way for the male grooming scene in Birmingham; it was one of the first traditional barbershops to arrive in the city and its commitment to a detailed approach is what has kept high-profile visitors – from Cillian Murphy to Lenny Henry – in its chairs.

The Barber House is located at Neville House, 14 Waterloo Street, Birmingham and offers both a traditional walk-in and all-new pre-booked appointment service. To find out more and meet the expert team of barbers, visit www. thebarberhousebirmingham.co.uk.

14 | Cornfield Magazine

Hampton Clinic A doctor led medi-spa, in the luxurious setting of Hampton Manor, offering advanced aesthetics and beauty treatments Hampton Clinic is a hidden gem of aesthetics, nestled in the 45 acre woodland estate of Hampton Manor, a boutique hotel which boasts its own Michelin starred restaurant.

The Clinic was awarded “Commended” at December’s Aesthetics Awards in the category of Best Clinic in The Midlands and Wales.

beauty treatments and holistic care. In support of healthy lifestyles, the team are proud to stock the high quality ZENii supplements.

The team comprises of Dr Lorraine Hill, Aesthetic Doctor and Medical Director, Dr Sally Bell a GP and lifestyle medicine specialist, Sarah Smith a functional medicine therapist. Melpo Economou offers counselling and life coaching, and Matt Chinn is our new podiatrist. There is a clinic manager, CoolSculpting nurse, one aesthetician and two Beauty therapists.

With such a comprehensive team we are able to not only offer rejuvenation with injectables and fat freezing but also relaxing

Hampton Manor in partnership with Hampton Clinic make for an alluring destination for clients wanting pampering, rejuvenation and a luxurious stay. Clients relax during their treatments and can expect to see thriving wildlife in the woods.

Clients comment on the tranquil setting and how they look forward to returning. We are proud of our high standards of safety and hygiene whilst delivering a cosy, rustic, home from home appeal.

Cornfield Magazine | 15

|

COVER STORY

Albie & Lonnie’s

Where it’s about feeling good

as well as looking good

When we talk about health, you probably instantly think about your body.

What exercise are you doing? What products are you using to keep you healthy? What food are you eating?

But what about your mind? Mental health is an issue we’re increasingly aware of as a nation. The figures are staggering - especially when it comes to men’s mental health.

According to the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) men are three times more likely than women to end their own lives. In 2015, 75% of all UK suicides were male and according to CALM, it’s the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK. It’s an issue close to the heart of Midlands gentlemen’s outfitters Albie & Lonnie’s, which has plans to focus on men’s mental health as part of its work to help men across the region feel good as well as look good.

The award-winning outfitter, based in the heart of Rugby, Warwickshire, has revealed plans for expansion to a new, larger premises in the town where it will offer both formalwear and menswear to people from across the UK. Established in 2016, Albie & Lonnie’s provides formalwear for grooms from across the region and beyond, as well as prom suits, dinner suits and menswear for all occasions.

The business, which won Best Menswear Store in Warwickshire in the 2017 Muddy Stilettos Award, is also the official formalwear partner for Coventry Rugby and Coventry City Football Clubs, kitting out players and match officials in their pre and postmatch outfits.

As part of its drive to ensure every single man who walks through the doors feels good as well as looks good, Albie & Lonnie’s has also announced it will be championing work tackling men’s mental health issues.

It’s a cause close to founder Dave Hall’s heart, who has experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide firsthand.

16 | Cornfield Magazine

COVER STORY

“We still don’t talk about mental health enough,” says Dave, “especially when it comes to men. Figures show that men with mental illnesses are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. Yet they are more likely to die by suicide than women. There’s something very wrong with those statistics and we need to do something about it.

“When I first opened Albie & Lonnie’s I noticed that it wasn’t just a place people came to buy a suit. Customers would pop in for a coffee and a chat. It became a place they could come to that is comfortable, safe and relaxing. I want that to continue. What we’re doing isn’t just about looking good - it’s about feeling good. If someone walks out of our shop and doesn’t feel great then we haven’t done our job.

“We’ve got so many ideas of how we’re going to champion men’s mental health, from creating that kind of environment and experience, to holding events, backing charities, and running campaigns. It’s something we feel really strongly about and will be at the heart of what we do.”

Set to open in September, the new Rugby flagship store will showcase the unique experience that has made Albie & Lonnie’s the men’s outfitters of choice for people from across the country. Stocking formalwear and menswear in a range of designers and sizes, it will provide an unrivalled experience when it comes to finding the perfect outfit for any occasion, whether that be wedding, dinner, prom and everything in between.

“

|

The new shop will be unlike anything most people have seen before. We can’t wait to show everyone.

”

|

COVER STORY

The store will also stock a range of menswear hand-picked by the experienced buying team who will make sure whatever you buy in Albie & Lonnie’s helps you stand out from the crowd.

Dave said: “We’ve come so far in such a short space of time and we’re over the moon to be taking this next step. Albie & Lonnie’s is all about experience. We firmly believe that coming to us is about more than trying on suits and is about feeling good as well as looking good.

“When you visit Albie & Lonnie’s we take time to get to know you so we can work out what you want but also help you step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

That experience combined with the top quality designers we stock ensures we can make sure people look, and feel, the best they possibly can. We also carefully select our ranges and only keep one in each size, so our customers can be sure that the look they choose is pretty much unique.

“We all know that mental health is something that affects everyone and we really want to actively do as much as we can to help people, even if it’s just about helping them feel good about themselves. We’ve got lots of ideas of things we can do and will be focusing on this issue on an ongoing basis.

“

We all know that mental health is something that affects everyone and we really want to actively do as much as we can to help people, even if it’s just about helping them feel good about themselves.

”

“This, along with plenty of other exciting plans, will make Albie & Lonnie’s unlike any other men’s outfitters anybody has experienced. We want to be so much more than a clothing shop, but a place focused on experience, making people feel good and creating a real community. We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve created.”

Albie & Lonnie’s Formalwear is one of the largest independent stockists of Marc Darcy and also holds stock of other brands including Gibson London and Fratelli Uniti. Working with trusted suppliers, the buying department at Albie & Lonnie’s ensures that every item of clothing is top quality, on trend, and perfect for the person wearing them.

“The new shop will be unlike anything most people have seen before. We can’t wait to show everyone.”

All photogrpary and cover images: Ani Evans Photography

Looking good on the outside

Feeling good on the inside 18 | Cornfield Magazine

Rheumatoid Arthritis

in the Hand

Free awareness evening - 18th September

If you say ‘arthritis’ most people assume you’re talking about wear and tear on the joints, which many older people have. This is known osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is different and is caused when your immune system attacks the lining of your joints. This can lead to inflammation, which often causes symptoms such as pain and stiffness.

In association with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) we will be running a free awareness evening on Wednesday 18th September. Come along to join us for a talk from Mr Shyamalan and let us help answer any questions you may have on surgical management and treatment options for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the hand, wrist or elbow.

www.nras.org.uk

Wednesday 18th September 7pm – 9pm Silhillians Sports Club, Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LW Places are limited so please call 01827 892952 to reserve your place.

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is the only patient-led organisation in the UK specialising in Rheumatoid Arthritis. They provide expert and wide-ranging services to support, educate and campaign for people living with these complex autoimmune conditions. www.nras.org.uk Mr G Shyamalan is a Consultant Hand Surgeon at Heartlands, Solihull & Good Hope Hospitals part of the United Hospitals Birmingham. He works closely with local Rheumatologists and manages all conditions relating to hand wrist and elbow problems.

Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon.

All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying.

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952 www.midlandhandclinic.com

Hear Anything Anywhere With State-of-the-Art Hearing Aids

Wearing a hearing aid may delay the onset of dementia by slowing brain ageing by eight years, scientists believe.

A study of thousands of over 50’s has found that wearing a hearing aid appears to protect against the long term brain decline, suggesting that becoming deaf can actually bring on, or speed up dementia.

Scientists now think that hearing loss may trigger brain damage elsewhere, and also stop people from socially interacting, which is known to protect the brain from cognitive decline.

Professor Clive Ballard, from the University of Exeter Medical School carried out the research with researchers at King,s College of London.

Commenting on the research, Dr Jana Volgt, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research Uk, added: “ This is an exciting result that will need to

be further tested in clinical trials, and if shown to work, encouraging people to wear quality hearing aids could be an effective way of reducing dementia risk.”

HCPC Registered local hearing aid audiologist Charles Syner commented: “I enjoy demonstrating the best hearing aid technology available in 2019 and I am so confident we can help you with your hearing difficulties - we are very happy for you to try it before you buy it.”

HOME VISITS

Solihull Hearing Centre can bring the clinic to the comfort of your home.

INDEPENDENT

The independent status of Solihull Hearing Centre guarantees clients have more choice when finding perfect hearing aids.

WAX REMOVAL

Fast, easy and safe treatments are available at Solihull Hearing Centre with an advanced micro-suction system.

Go local. Go Independent. Be happy.

29 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SJ (2 doors down from Greggs the Bakers)

0121 705 7177 www.suttonhearingcentre.co.uk

Our Top Picks:

Eco-friendly Products

Sustainability and zero waste are the words on everyone’s lips for 2019 – and for good reason. Finding ways to reduce waste, recycle, and cut out our carbon footprints is high on the social agenda as a collective consciousness about how we affect our planet is becoming clearer.

Whilst reusing plastic bags and avoiding plastic straws is great, it still doesn’t combat the problematic consumption of single-use plastic products that so many of us use absent-mindedly on a daily basis - products that are clogging up our oceans and littering our ecosystems.

Here are a few ways we can all live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and help to protect our planet for future generations.

Reusable Cups Just stop buying plastic bottles of water! Seriously. These reusable cups and travel mugs are perfect for refilling throughout the day with tea, coffee, water, juice, basically whatever you want.

An eco-friendly and cost-effective solution!

We love…

1. Gold Curved Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Wearth London, £12 2. Reusable Stainless Steel Children’s Thermal Flask, Yours Sustainably, £16

Tote Bags Instead of investing in the 9p plastic bags and keeping all of those bags in one big bag under your sink (yes, we all do it), cut out the plastic all together and invest in a tote bag. Funky patterns make shopping look more fashionable, anyway.

We love…

3. Ferm LIVING Tote Bag Mirage Black Blue, Cloudberry Living, £2 4. African Print Tote – Magic Beans, Lola & Mawu, £30

20 | Cornfield Magazine

HEALTH

Plastic Alternative Straws I’m not sure what it is, but drinking a G&T with a straw just tastes so much better than without one. Although paper straws are being used throughout the country to replace plastic ones, we are all aware of the dreaded soggy pulp we are left with after using a paper straw for over five minutes.

We love…

5. Stainless Steel Straws Set, Wearth London, £8 6. Bamboo Drinks Straws, Wearth London, £7.15

Zero Waste Toothbrushes How many toothbrushes do you get through in a whole year? Each one you throw away that can’t be recycled is more than likely to end up in our oceans or landfills. 99% of the world’s toothbrushes end up with the same fate – that’s a lot of discarded plastic!

We love…

7. Life Bamboo Toothbrush, Wearth London, £2.95 8. Preserve Toothbrush, preserve.eco, £3.45

Eco-friendly Utensils For those that love camping, festivals, or family picnics, disposable cutlery is often a must-have product. Reusable cutlery and utensils will not only save you money in the long run, but will also help to save the environment. Plus, the eye-catching design is much more fun than plain plastic.

We love…

9. Zero Waste Cutlery Set, Wearth London, £9 10. Bamboo & Cornstarch Bowl, Plate & Cup Set – Flamingo, Yours Sustainably, £17.75

Have you visited The Clean Kilo yet?

The UK’s largest zero waste supermarket is located in none other than Digbeth!

The concept is simple: bring in any container you like and weigh it, then fill it full of any products, liquids or solids. Scan and reweigh your container, and then pay at the counter! The Clean Kilo’s scales are completely user-friendly, and make the process of buying unpackaged goods as simple as possible.

Pop in today – 1 Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4BF

|

|

HEALTH

Special 5 day event starting Monday 12th August - Saturday 17th August , 9.30am-4.30pm.

All the latest Hearing Instruments will be available to try.

Free Hearing tests and demonstrations

22 | Cornfield Magazine

6.

Funky Lunch Boxes

5.

Put a smile on your little ones’ faces with these funky, fun designs. These quirky creations are sure to pack a punch with children’s packed lunches!

2.

4.

3.

1. On The Go Nested Containers Safari 2. On The Go Lunch Bag Crabby 3. Lunch Box Rainbow 4. On The Go Lunch Tote Under The Sea 5. On The Go Nested Containers Wonderland 6. Lunch Food Box Flamingo 7. Lunch Box Lemon Available online from www.uk.sunnylife.com

7.

1.

Cornfield Magazine | 23

|

HEALTH

Healthy

Packed Lunch Ideas

For the little ones

Packed lunches should provide little ones with enough energy for the rest of their day at school or nursery, and help them to keep their concentration and energy levels high throughout the day.

These quick and easy ideas for healthy packed lunches aim to minimise preparation time and maximise nutrition to keep your kids happy at lunchtime.

Balanced lunchboxes should include several protein and starchy foods, at least one dairy product and a few pieces of fruit and vegetables.

Top tip: remember to pack a few sheets of kitchen roll so kids can wipe their hands once they’ve eaten or clean up any spills.

Starchy Foods For sandwiches, wraps, croissants, pitta breads and bagels, try to use wholemeal, granary or multi-grain options when possible. If you opt for sandwiches, why not cut bread into fun shapes (such as stars or rockets)? Biscuit cutters are an easy and cheap way to do this!

Introduce children to new flavours and try quiche, frittatas, pizza slices, mini pasties, samosas, pasta salad, rice, cous cous or potato salads.

Fillings Aim to change the filling of sandwiches and wraps throughout the week. Alternating fillings will keep your kids interested at lunchtime and make their diet diverse and varied.

Ham, chicken or turkey slices are an easy (and tasty!) way to introduce protein into children’s packed lunches, as well as fish options such as tuna and sweet corn or cucumber. For vegetarian children, cheese and salad, or falafel and hummus are great fillings.

Jam, marmalade, lemon curd fillings or nut-free chocolate spread are sweet alternatives to use a couple of times a week for a treat.

Tasty Snacks By replacing chocolate with healthier alternatives, your children can enjoy a sweet treat or snack for their dessert and avoid food with high salt and sugar contents.

Yoghurts, cubes of cheese and crackers are great snack foods to add to packed lunches.

Cold rice pudding or custard, fromage frais (frozen overnight to keep cold) make great dessert pots too. Fruit and natural yoghurt or a box of raisins will give your kids one of their five a day.

Remember that children of a young age are prone to developing nut allergies or intolerance.

24 | Cornfield Magazine

HEALTH

|

Sweet potato crisps are a great alternative to salty crisps, and other snack foods such as savoury muffins, cheesy biscuits, bread sticks with dips, scotch eggs and mini sausages will definitely help to fill your kid’s stomach.

Always pack at least one piece of fruit or a pot of vegetables as part of your child’s packed lunch.

Giving them an apple one day, followed the next by a banana, kiwi or orange will keep them interested. Berry pots are popular amongst children and sweet fruits such as strawberries work a treat. Carrot or celery sticks are great vegetables to pack for a light snack.

Top tip: Buy sturdy tupperware boxes and place food in separate compartments to keep food fresher for longer.

Refreshing Drinks Pack a bottle of water or fruit juice for your child to enjoy at lunchtime.

Fizzy drinks with very high sugar contents are banned in lots of schools – so instead send your child to school with a healthy, refreshing alternative.

Pure fruit juice, water or semi-skimmed milk cartons are all great drink options to include as part of healthy packed lunches.

Cornfield Magazine | 25

26 | Cornfield Magazine

Cornfield Magazine | 27

28 | Cornfield Magazine

In Review

FOOD & DRINK

|

Maribel Restaurant Dining in a sophisticated way without pretence sounds a lot like a paradox. Yet, that’s exactly what we did when we sat down at Maribel Restaurant. Tucked away in Brindley Place in Birmingham, this was a modern and clean establishment which offered beauty and grace throughout. Reaching the building was simple there was a multi-storey car park 2 minutes walk away.

When we arrived, we were the only people there. Clearly, this was a stroke of good fortune, as the service was excellent and attentive all night. The staff welcomed myself and my wife at the door, which was a nice touch - all too often you’re just left to fend for yourself and find a table, but this was not the case. Of course, the staff were amiable too - most of them seemed local, which ties in well with the belief of the restaurant that using local ingredients is the best way to enjoy success.

So, let’s talk about food. After looking through the menu, which did have a lot of choices, the wife and I went for the ‘3 Courses for £39’ option. We hoped to be able to get a sample of as much of the menu as we could, and this was an excellent way to do it.

There were snacks that turned up quickly and was comprised of handmade crisps with homemade toppings. I couldn’t figure out what these were, but they were delicious nonetheless.

There was also a gorgeous malt loaf and butter. The bread was just warm enough to allow the butter to melt, and speaking of, that had a very light, almost whipped texture. It was lovely. These snacks were followed swiftly by the first course. My wife had a salmon teriyaki, and I had a duck liver with raspberry and brioche. Both were delicious and arranged in such a way that really spoke of dedication to the presentation.

The main course arrived in a stunning fashion. The chef, who we got to speak to a little later, was someone who clearly valued the way things look on a plate and so everything looked like it belonged in a luxury dining establishment. I had lamb, with peas, sheep’s curd, and baby gem salad. My wife had mushrooms, ricotta gnocchi and alliums. Both meals were delicious as we were expecting - the lamb, in particular, was so tender I would have quite happily had it again.

Well, we know that no meal is complete without a tasty dessert and drinks. So to polish off the night, we had tiramisu and a Manjari chocolate and mint, which was the wife’s and mine accordingly. As a nice touch, there was dry ice on top of my dessert, so it came out to us smoking away. There was also prosecco to drink, whereas I went for still water, being the driver of the night. As a final, personal touch, the chef came out to see us and ask us how the food was, which just made the whole evening that bit more special.

0121 633 4944 www.maribelrestaurant.co.uk 6 Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2JB

Cornfield Magazine | 29

|

FOOD & DRINK

Malmaison’s New Bar Manager

Shakes Up Cocktail Menu

Alex McNamee has been creating a stir as Malmaison’s new Bar Manager, crafting its new drinks menu into a piece of storytelling. Adding a bit of fairytale to the world of cocktails, Chez Mal’s signature serves will fall into four chapters – love, infidelity, forgiveness, and power – giving guests a taste of drama with each sip.

Each section features four fresh cocktail creations to fulfil everyone’s fancy. While love features elegant tipples, such as ‘Battles & Hearts’, a prosecco-based fusion, infidelity offers something more unusual in ‘The Veil is Torn’. Those in favour of long drinks will be fans of the ‘Rhubarb Triangle’ from forgiveness, whilst power’s ‘Napoleon’s Code’ packs a punch for those searching for something stronger.

Alex is looking forward to bringing this innovative style to Malmaison Birmingham.

Speaking of the new menu, he said: “Chateau de Malmaison is a love story of a man who comes home from war knowing that his wife has been to bed with another man. Like the cocktails show, the result is a tumultuous mixture of sweetness, passion, sourness, and strength: it is the story of love, infidelity, forgiveness, and power. We can’t wait to introduce the city to Napoleon and Josephine, and bring their thirteen years of marriage and their time together to life at Malmaison.”

Alex is no stranger to the Birmingham bar scene and has been known to mix things up for bars such as The Alchemist in previous roles. Bringing his six years of hospitality experience to the table, Alex’s flair for flagrance will be a noticeable shake-up for the Mal Bar. Speaking about Alex’s appointment, Senior General Manager for Malmaison, Damian Goom, commented: “Since starting, Alex has already proven to be an asset to our Malmaison Birmingham F&B team: his drive to create exciting and unique menus, as well as his passion to empower the bar team to go above and beyond for our guests, has been fantastic to see. We look forward to watching Alex continue to progress here with us. ” “It’s such an exciting time to join Malmaison. The staff, space, and location are the perfect place to engage with those who dare to be different and drink in a hotel bar like no other. It’s an excellent opportunity to give Birmingham something special and set apart from the usual hotel bar experience, and I’m excited to lead the way in this new phase of development,” concluded Alex.

To find out more about Malmaison and to see the new menu, visit the Malmaison Birmingham website: www.malmaison.com/birmingham

30 | Cornfield Magazine

Nadiya Hussain’s Spinach and Paneer Kati Rolls SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS COOK 20 MINS “Kati rolls are a common street food back in my parents’ homeland, where they are often filled with grilled meats and piquant salads. Keen to make a vegetarian version of the delicious kati roll at home, here I’ve filled a crisp egg-fried tortilla with creamy spinach and paneer. It makes a great snack or something to eat on the side.

INGREDIENTS

For the spinach and paneer: 3 tbsp olive oil 226g block of paneer cheese, cut into 1cm cubes 150g spinach leaves 150ml water 4 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp chilli flakes ½ tsp salt For the kati rolls: Olive oil, for frying 2 eggs A pinch of salt 4 small tortilla wraps

METHOD

Put a non-stick saucepan on a medium heat with 2 tablespoons of the oil. As soon as the oil is hot, add the paneer and fry for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to colour the paneer as much as possible.

Put the spinach leaves and water into a blender and whiz to a smooth paste. Add a splash more water if needed, to blend smoothly.

Take the paneer out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the garlic to the pan and cook for a minute, until the garlic is light brown.

Add the green mixture, along with the cumin seeds, chilli flakes and salt, and cook on a medium heat for 5 minutes, until some of the water from around the edge has reduced and the mixture has thickened.

Add the paneer to the pan and mix well, making sure all the cheese is covered in green. Pop a lid on the pan and leave on a low heat while you make the rolls.

Put a small frying pan on a high heat and add a good glug of oil, enough to cover the base.

Break the eggs into a very shallow bowl with the salt and lightly whisk – the bowl needs to be flat enough to be able to dunk the tortillas. Dip a tortilla into the egg mixture, making sure to cover it all over. Get it straight into the frying pan. The oil should be hot enough to really create a sizzle. Cook for just 30 seconds, then turn it over and cook on the other side. Now cook the other 3 tortillas the same way.

To serve, add the paneer mixture to the centre of a hot crispy tortilla, and roll up. Not like a burrito, but the way a kid would make a roll for the first time. If you don’t have cheese falling out one end, you’re doing it wrong!

Cornfield Magazine | 31

Home and Garden section, Sponsored by

M & J Mahoney + Sons Ltd Builders Merchants and DIY Centre M & J Mahoney + Sons Ltd is an independent family run business, established in 1975. Mahoney’s have a network of branches in Solihull, Birmingham & surrounding areas.

Serving the Trade and Public with quality products for over 40 years!

We have a wide range of goods to enable you to be able to complete any project from building a house, or tackling those odd jobs around the home or garden.

Our experienced and friendly staff are always on hand to help and have the necessary knowledge to assist you with any DIY task, advise on materials, quantities and costs.

We also offer a free cutting service on all timber and sheet metal, with a speedy delivery service available 6 days a week.

We are committed ensuring our cutovers get great value for money and a second to none service.

Joinery Shop - Free Timber cutting Service at our Solihull Branch Delivery Service - 6 days Everything you need under one roof - A one stop shop!

Follow us on twitter@mahoneysdiy all the latest news and offers!

32 | Cornfield Magazine

Hoods Flooring

HOME

|

A trusted name in carpet fitting services and supplies As a long-established, family-run business, Hoods Flooring can offer you an exceptional wealth of experience and high-quality service.

Breathe life into your home this summer with a professional floor renovation Creating a fresh new look for your home is the perfect way to start summer. Why settle for out-dated carpets and worn down floorboards, when you can have more?

Together with Hoods Flooring, you can create a bespoke, practical living space by installing high quality flooring to suit your personal style, budget and taste.

Founded in 1939 by Hilda Hood, Hoods Flooring was established with the aim to provide a first class flooring supply and fitting service to customers throughout Birmingham and Solihull. Now in its third generation, Hoods Flooring continues to fulfil this ambition.

Over the years, we have established long and happy relationships with hundreds of valued customers, both

commercial and private. Our large two-storey showroom stocks a huge range of flooring product options, allowing customers to select the perfect floor covering to suit their needs. We supply a wide range of carpets and hard flooring, including Karndean designer flooring, Marmoleum tiles and rubber flooring.

Transform your interiors – trust in Hoods Flooring Award-winning and certified team members Hoods Flooring’s award-winning team are all NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers) certified. We receive on going, inhouse training and attend regular manufacturer training courses to ensure we stay up-to-date with industry standards and maintain our high standards of service.

Our team are fully trained and qualified to handle flooring projects, specialising in providing excellent carpet fitting services and expert advice for our clients.

Cornfield Magazine | 33

|

INTERIOR DESIGN

Celebrating

Art Deco Glamour

Bring stylish Art Deco glamour into your home with Cult Furniture.

Art Deco: the art movement that shaped the modern world.

Ushering in the jazz age as it rose to prominence in the 1930s, this bold, forward-thinking style is once again taking the design world by storm.

First showcased at the 1925 Paris Exhibition, “Art Deco” was formed with the idea that an interior and its furnishings should form a complete design. It then inspired designs from the Empire State Building down to the humble desk lamp.

It celebrated faith in progress and a joyful future. It celebrated this faith through bold expression, clean lines, and exuberant glamour.

Modern designers, in need of this faith, are now turning their eyes back to this decadent style. It’s a dramatic change to the dominant minimalist, Scandinavian, and mid-century modern trends of recent times.

This style is all about making a statement. Distinguished by clean shapes, repeating geometric forms, solid colours, and often, expensive materials. Or at least, materials that look expensive.

In summary, the key to this style is to be bold.

The striking look can be brought into the home with art deco style furniture, design principles, and other elements. No matter how it’s used in the home, it will make an immediate impact.

4.

5.

1. Cult Living Zora Round Metal Low Stool, Black and Brass 45cm £89 2. Cult Living Bordeaux Geometric Small Sideboard, Natural Wood and Brass £459 3. Cult Living Beatrix Dining Chair, Velvet Upholstered, Dark Pink £119 4. Cult Living Hawke Geometric Glass Side Table, Brass £99 5. Cult Living Corella Daybed Sofa, Velvet Upholstered, Dusky Pink £799 6. Cult Living Margot Table Lamp, Gold £39

34 | Cornfield Magazine

2.

3.

1.

6.

Moorcroft Pottery A Collector’s Guide The name Moorcroft is internationally synonymous with quality in both production and design and spans over 120 years of continuous innovation. From William’s early days at James MacIntyre and Co., to his son Walter’s designs through the third quarter of the 20th century, to the work of Sally Tuffin and Emma Bossons, Moorcroft has remained uniquely characteristic yet contemporary and relevant at every stage.

Although the market day might not be as strong as 20 years ago, as with many antiques, collectors will still pay some astonishing amounts for prized and rare pieces. One of the highest recent auction results was for an exceptionally well made and early Pomegranate twin handled vase.

Reputedly the finest piece of Moorcroft ever to come from the factory (according to Walter Moorcroft), it sold at Kingham and Orme in June for just under £20,000, still one of the highest prices for a piece of Moorcroft pottery.

Pieces made by James MacIntyre, before 1913 when the factory moved to Burslem, tend to carry a premium for collectors. So a Pansy on White vase made in 1911 will make more money than the same vase produced a the Burslem factory in 1915. Of William Moorcroft’s later designs, perhaps the rarest and most sought after pattern is the Waratah range, produced almost exclusively for retail in Australia in the 1930s. They rarely appear on the market today, but when they do collectors scramble to buy them.

An example of a Flambe (high fired) Waratah vase, sold at Kingham and Orme in May 2019 for £10,000, while other pieces in June at the same auction house made £7,100 and £6,200.

ROOFING SERVICES MIDLANDS LTD

Kingham & Orme, Davies House, Davies Road, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 1YZ

Trust in our expertise and reputable services Our Philosophy We believe that our customers should only have to do their flat roofs once in a lifetime. Following this belief, we will only allow fully trained tradesmen with vast experience and knowledge in their fields of expertise onto your property. We only use the best possible materials that we have researched, tested and used many times, to ensure strength, durability and a quality finish that will stand the test of time.

Tel: 01386 244224 www.kinghamandorme.com

Your Protection We are proud to announce we are members of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors. This accreditation enables us to supply every customer with an automatic 10-year insurance back guarantee on all of our work carried out by our highly trained staff. We also have full public and employment insurances, exceeding 20 million pounds, including all fire risks, so you will always feel protected.

The pomegranate vase is shown in the main group shot at the back, twin handled and large! The Waratah vase mentioned is the red trumpet shaped vase and the three vases shown with flowers on white collectively made over £14,000 pounds.

“

The best thing I ever did was to contact Mark to build my studio - what an amazing job, with no time wasted what so ever! To say I was chuffed to bits would be an understatement. I highly recommend him for all builder work.

”

Cornfield Magazine | 35

|

HOME

Kavanagh’s Kitchens and Bathrooms is an established supplier of leading manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen products, providing a full design and installation service.

The family-run business has been delivering exceptional workmanship to clients for over 28 years. Specialising in complete bathroom and kitchen refurbishments, Kavanagh’s will create bespoke expert designs to bring clients’ dreams to life, managing the whole project from start to finish.

With excellent workmanship, Kavanagh’s are able to mange the entire installation of a project including plastering, electrics, worktops, doors, wet rooms, shower panelling, tiling, and under floor heating. The company’s up-front quotations mean there are no hidden costs, and customers can rest assured their homes or businesses are in safe, expert hands.

For enquiries, please call 0121 604 6464 or email mark@kavsbathrooms.co.uk or beckykavanaghs@gmail.com www.kavsbathrooms.co.uk 32 East Meadway, Tile Cross, Birmingham, B33 0AP

36 | Cornfield Magazine

Cornfield Magazine | 37

|

PROPERTY

Cornfield

PROPERTY Portfolio

Wood End House Tanworth-in-Arden Guide price: Price on application Agent: DM & Co. Premium Tel: 01564 777 314 Wood End House is a stunning period family home accompanied with magnificent, sheltered grounds. Built in 1903 and developed with some contemporary touches, this traditional home is nothing short of breathtaking. Located in the desirable village of Tanworth-in-Arden and backing onto Ladbrook Park Golf Club, this property is surrounded by beautiful greenery both in the grounds and further afield.

Upon entering you are greeted with a huge leadedbay window, oak flooring and an impressive stone Chesney fireplace. The entrance to this property creates a great first impression and gives the

38 | Cornfield Magazine

feeling of space and elegance throughout. The exceptionally high standard to which the interior has been built and maintained by the owners really stands out and is in a league of its own.

Tanworth-in-Arden is a delightful, popular village with an active community. The village has a good range of amenities including a reputable Junior and Infant school, a doctors’ surgery and good public houses including The Bell Inn, which overlooks the village green.

Call DM & Co on 01564 777 314 to arrange a viewing.

PROPERTY

|

Vogel Veide Guide price: Price on application Agent: DM & Co. Premium Tel: 01564 777 314 Vogel Veide is an impressive six-bedroom family home situated on the outskirts of Ladbrook Park Golf Club. A very private property with some fantastic features; natural shelter from beautiful surrounding greenery, a party/games log cabin with built in speakers, a master bedroom balcony overlooking the grounds and built in CCTV to name but a few.

Poolhead Lane, Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5EH

Glasshouse Lane Guide price: £335,000 (OIRO) Agent: Ginger Estate Agents Tel: 01676 533 585 • Three bedroom home set over three floors • Own private entrance to rear of development • Spacious lounge/diner with dual aspect views • Breakfast kitchen with fitted appliances • Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom • Recently refitted shower room • Ideal for young professionals seeking a semi-rural location • Amazing outdoor facilities inc BBQ area and tennis court • Stunning communal gardens • Single garage and communal parking

Balsall Street Guide price: £550,000 Agent: Ginger Estate Agents Tel: 01676 533 585 • Spacious three bedroom detached bungalow set back from road side • Set on large plot with south facing gardens • Possibility to extend subject to the correct permissions • Large living room with french doors and. garden views • Spacious family sized breakfast / kitchen • Master bedroom with dual aspect views • Large south facing rear garden with brick built store • Opportunity to extend subject to planning permission

Cornfield Magazine | 39

|

PROPERTY

Sunningdale House Guide price: Price on application Agent: DM & Co. Premium Tel: 01564 777 314 Blossom Homes prides itself on its exacting attention to detail and it has delivered this superb development of deluxe three-storey properties with traditional craftsmanship at their heart.

Carefully constructed to the highest standards from handmade bricks and Heather Blend roof tiles by Marley, these are elegant and stylish homes that are built to stand the test of time.

From the Veka double-glazed windows throughout in grey profile, and electric-controlled Velux windows, to the aluminium guttering by Rainguard, Blossom Homes has selected only the highest quality of products.

De Montfort Mews Guide price: £325,000 Agent: Ginger Estate Agents Tel: 01676 533 585 • Three bedroom Grade II listed mews home • Converted school building boasting stunning period features • Stone mullion archway into original school entrance • Large Lounge /Diner with French doors, dual aspect views and feature fireplace • Shaker-style kitchen with integral appliances • Master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and stylish en-suite shower room • Beautifully presented, ultra-stylish family bathroom • Allocated parking, No upward chain

40 | Cornfield Magazine

5

INTERIOR DESIGN

|

Houseplants

with Health Benefits

Scientific studies have shown that certain houseplants can have a positive affect upon mental health. Indoor plants can have psychological benefits such as improving moods and reducing stress, as well as physical health benefits including a reduction of blood pressure, and improving breathing by purifying the air.

Here are 5 common houseplants that can have a positive affect upon your mood and health:

1. Spider Plant Spider plants are excellent, easy-to-care-for houseplants that help to purify the air inside the home by fighting common environmental toxins such as carbon monoxide. Avoid placing spider plants in direct sunlight, and be sure not to overwater them. These plants are very easy to care for and require minimal attention, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

2. English Ivy English ivy is a great plant to keep in your bedroom, as its air purifying qualities help people that suffer with difficulty breathing. English ivy plants are poisonous when consumed, so be sure to keep these houseplants away from any pets and children. Be sure to keep soil moist, but be careful not to over water. English ivy also thrives when not placed in direct sunlight.

3. Boston Fern Boston ferns are well-known for their ability to remove harmful toxins from the air and naturally restore moisture to the air, thus improving humidity levels. For this reason, Boston ferns are highly recommended for people that suffer with skin dryness. Although these plants are fairly easy to care for, they do need to remain moist, so should be watered or misted regularly and kept out of direct sunlight.

4. Peace Lily Peace lilies are a great houseplant for removing mould spores from the air. These plants are beautiful once they have flowered, but need to be kept in a shady spot with moist soil. Peace lilies have also been found to purify the air, so are great plants for bedrooms.

5. Aloe Vera Aloe vera is an air purifying succulent plant that has additional healing properties. The natural liquid found inside aloe vera leaves has been scientifically proven to help to treat certain ailments, for example, the anti-bacterial gel is soothing for minor sunburn.

Cornfield Magazine | 41

|

OUTDOORS

R & A Garden Landscapes At R & A Garden Landscapes, we offer a wide range of design and build landscaping services across The West Midlands including Solihull, Stratford, Bromsgrove, Redditch and many other surroundings areas.

Whether you require a complete garden redesign and build project, or wish to improve an area of your garden, we can come up with a cost-effective solution for making your visions a reality.

Our family-owned business is founded on over 20 years of combined experience in the building and construction trade combined with reputable qualifications in horticulture.

The services we offer include, paving and patios, brickwork, decking, traditional & artificial turf, driveway surfaces, Water features & ponds and design studio.

From an initial onsite visit, to job completion, we work with our customers on a one-to-one basis to ensure complete satisfaction.

R & A Garden Landscaping is proud to deliver: friendly and professional service, award-winning work, highly skilled staff, clear and competitive rates, and free no obligation quotations.

Get in touch with our expert team today! info@ra-gardenlandscapes.co.uk 07411 619 228 - 0121 537 7273 www.ra-gardenlandscapes.co.uk R & A Garden Landscapes Limited, 57 Rednal Mill Drive, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8XZ

42 | Cornfield Magazine

Cornfield Magazine | 43

|

OUTDOORS

Friendly, Reliable

Wasp Removal

We are the local specialist for wasp nest removal and extermination in the Solihull, Knowle and Dorridge, Henley-in-Arden, Barnt Green, Alvechurch Redditch and surrounding regions.

We have become a trusted name in the local area. There is no problem that we cannot help with, please call on 01564 330 994 to speak to one of our helpful team today.

How do I know I have a problem with a nest? • Large number of wasps going in and out of a hole, usually using at least one entry point • High levels of wasps in or around the home The method used in wasp nest removal will either be a direct application using a professional powder or spray.

The results are very quick, often all activity will be gone within 24-48 hours, and if the problem persists beyond 7 days we will come back to re-treat the problem free of charge as part of our guarantee.

44 | Cornfield Magazine

Cornfield Magazine | 45

46 | Cornfield Magazine

In Review:

Will’s Tree House

A Night To Remember

We’d heard nothing but good things about Will’s Tree House.

So when we wanted to go there for a birthday surprise, we were thankfully not disappointed.

One of the most obvious things that you will notice is the way the building is structured. It’s perched on trees, so there’s quite a refreshing vibe that helps to make sure you have a good time. Three of them poke out onto the deck, and the fourth tree comes up through the kitchen, which is unique in itself.

Now, what we loved about it was that it was the perfect romantic setting. The scenery was spectacular; you’ve got to go there to appreciate it properly. It was so sunny and warm too, which was lovely for our meal and just gazing out.

Going inside was nice because it was just as impressive as the outside. Whatever misconceptions you might have about a place like this, you can forget them. It was spacious and modern, which meant that there was room to sit down and drink in a charming atmosphere. We also drank from the complimentary prosecco, which was a lovely touch.

So it’s very much a getaway destination. You hire it out and spend some time there, doing whatever you like. For us, that was sitting in the hot tub, drinking prosecco and spending some quality time together. While it goes without saying that my partner was the most incredible view of the whole place, the scenery was a close second.

If you want a little more to do than just sitting and drinking, there’s a lot to explore inside the tree house. There’s a very luxurious bedroom, a bathroom, the kitchen as mentioned above - just about everything you could need for a good time. However, a quick inspection of the outside also revealed that we had a pair of binoculars for bird-watching, and a telescope for looking up at the stars, which was a beautiful touch.

Despite the abundance of indoor amenities, the focus is on outdoor living. Being set in such a beautiful place, it’s a natural emphasis - you want to enjoy all that’s on offer.

You’ve got things like a barbecue, a pizza oven, hammock, ergonomic wooden recliners on the deck, and all sorts of other things: nearly all of which we sampled and enjoyed.

So what did we think? What’s the final verdict? It was a place that’s definitely recommendable. We loved all the little details that helped to elevate the experience. You can tell that someone came in before us to make sure everything was perfect and to leave complimentary gifts, which just helped with the romantic setting. It wasn’t difficult to imagine that people would come here for little getaways and to enjoy an idyllic setting. We loved it, and it made for a great birthday surprise.

There was something about living in tranquillity in the great outdoors that was just magnificent, and a remarkably modern locale despite the unique design of the building. www.winchcombefarm.co.uk Tel: 01295 680190 Shenington Road, Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire CV35 0TH

New ‘Escape Rooms’ to open at Hatton Country World!

Brand-new Escape Rooms are to open at Hatton Country World near Warwick on 1 August.

The Rooms have been created by Tulleys Entertainment GROUP, the brains behind the award winning and world famous Shocktober Fest. Hatton Escape Rooms will feature two live experiences - Pirate-themed challenge, ‘Mutiny’, and The Outfitters, set in the Great Depression which are both rated number 2 in the world on TripAdvisor. In addition to the Rooms, there is also a licensed Bar and a Lobby with puzzles and board games.

Those visiting the Rooms enter a game scenario with friends, family or work colleagues for an hour and solve a series of puzzles and mysteries. They will have to search high and low for clues and work together if they want to escape. Anyone that gets stuck will be seen by a staff member who will monitor their progress on CCTV and will be ready to provide clues when needed so they can move forward through the game.

Stuart Beare from Tulleys Entertainment Group said, “It’s a pleasure to announce our new Escape Room venture located at the fabulous Hatton Country World which is a great new partnership between both companies”.

48 | Cornfield Magazine

The Rooms are suitable for 2 – 8 people per room.

There are no restrictions on age, but the puzzles may be too demanding for those aged under 12. Children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult. The experience will last up to 90 minutes, which consists of 60 minutes being in the Room plus briefing and de-briefing. Prices start from £16.50 per person if 8 people are playing Monday – Friday.

Hatton Escape Rooms now joins the other 20 independent and unique outlets at Hatton Country World which sell a wide range of products and services including a gin school & distillery, electric bike shop, hairdresser, swim school, children’s nursery, farm shop, ladies clothing, confectionery, plants, jewellery, furnishings, handbags and scarfs.

Hatton Country World has plenty of FREE parking. For more information please visit www.

HattonEscapeRooms.com to book your Hatton Escape experience now.

Mutiny It’s the year of our lord 1672, and you be right in the height o’ the golden age o’ piracy…After years of sailin’ the high seas, you and your crew have succeeded in your fair share of ambushes, and as a result – your ship is teamin’ with bounty. Yet you’re still suffering beneath the cruel wrath o’ Captain Starling - a notoriously bloodthirsty buccaneer, and your shipmates have decided you all shall take

matters into your own hands. After all… you fought for the gold, so the gold is yours for the taking, aye?

Once the old seadog has retreated to his berth for the night, you make your move. Get in, get the treasure and get out. You won’t have long before he starts to stir – and Starling shows no mercy to ANY soul…

The Outfitters

It’s 1926 here in Chicago, and depression is still rife.

Jobs are few and far between and the Prohibition has been in force for six years now. Everyone still drinks, nothin’ has changed. But now the mob control the streets, the supply and the money. The influence of the Outfit is far reaching. Most of the cops are even under their control. Who can put them in the joint? You can, that’s who. The Commissioner has put together a special task force of straight, trusted cops and you’re on the team. You’ve spent the last few months infiltrating their network and now tonight is the night to get the evidence you need to put them away forever. But it won’t be easy, your cover might be blown!

In Review:

Here Come

The Boys

Cornfield Director, Sam, visited Symphony Hall in Birmingham to review Here Come The Boys. Where three of the biggest rock stars of dance combine their incredible talents in the brand-new show.

I’ve got to confess - dancing was never something I had a massive interest in, especially not from the likes of the Strictly Come Dancing lot. However, this changed everything. ‘Here Come the Boys’ was incredibly fun, excellent to watch and transformed my opinion on the subject entirely.

So, let’s talk a little bit about ‘Here Come the Boys’ is. It’s a performance which I had the pleasure of seeing on the 20th of July at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Featuring talents from Strictly like Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice and Gorka Marquez, there was a lot to enjoy and, if you’re a fan of the series, some nice callbacks to their days as dancers.

The event began with a performance by a DJ. In situations like these, the job of the DJ is to get the crowd ready for the night ahead and excite them up. In this situation, the DJ did a fantastic job. He played tracks that got us prepared for the dancing, and by the time he was done, there was a palpable excitement in the audience.

But that was only the beginning. Now, let’s talk about the dancing itself. As I said, I’ve never been a great fan of Strictly until now. But the performances I saw changed my mind quite quickly. There was a mixture of musical styles at work during the show, from Bruno Mars to things like Jackie Wilson. Yet, despite the different musical styles, the dancers never failed to put on a good show. They seemed equally sure of themselves in one genre as the next, and they had some impressive moves that left the crowd suitably impressed.

Overall, there was no doubt that this was an enjoyable piece. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in - there’s never a clear indicator with performances like these as to whether you’ll enjoy it in the way you hope. However, I’m glad I took the time to go and see it. It wasn’t necessarily my thing at the start of the night, but by the end of the night, I could quite happily recommend it.

Cornfield Magazine | 49

|

ENTERTAINMENT

Planet Earth II

Live In Concert 2020

Comes to Resorts World Arena Friday 3 April 2020 Planet Earth II Live in Concert, from BBC Studios and the acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit that created TV sensations, Blue Planet II and Dynasties, has announced a UK & Ireland arena tour for Spring 2020. Experience sensational footage from the BAFTA and EMMY® award winning BBC series at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena on 3rd April 2020, which guarantees to bring audiences closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before.

Following on from the recent success of the 2019 Blue Planet II Live In Concert tour, these not-to-be missed live concerts will feature breathtaking, specially-selected footage shown in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED screen, as the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Matthew Freeman, play the remarkable music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music.

Zimmer is renowned for his work on the likes of Gladiator, Interstellar and Blade Runner 2049, but said that the landmark BBC series stood out amongst his work. “Planet Earth II is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been involved in: some of the greatest action scenes ever put on film, some of the most emotional, epic, fragile scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Filmmaking at its absolute peak.”

In this spectacular, audiences across the UK get to rub shoulders with our acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar, race alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, face stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feel the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes. And they will no doubt tap their toes along with dancing grizzly bears and be swept away by the bravery of a mother snow leopard.

The Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour will be hosted by science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin. With a masters in wild animal biology, Liz has presented over 40 primetime programmes including Blue Planet Live, Super Smart Animals, Galapagos and Horizon.

With her recent landmark BBC One documentary Drowning in Plastic, Liz investigated the ocean plastic crisis, with her hard-hitting environmental reporting raising the level of public debate on this important topic. Liz also regularly speaks at and hosts science and natural history events across the country, including the National Science + Engineering Competition, the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards, New Scientist Live and Blue Dot Festival.

50 | Cornfield Magazine

Looking ahead to the tour, Liz said, “I am so honoured to have the role of host on the Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour.

The TV series included some absolutely breathtaking sequences - who can ever forget the marine iguana fighting for its life as it escaped those racer snakes? I will be just as thrilled as the audience to relive such magnificent scenes on the giant screen, accompanied by a spectacular 80-piece orchestra - it will certainly be an experience to remember!”

Mat Way, Global Director, Live Entertainment, BBC Studios, adds, “After the very successful Blue Planet II tour we are delighted to partner with FKP Scorpio once again and bring Planet Earth II Live In Concert to the UK & Irish arenas, an incredible production bringing the BBC’s ground breaking footage to the stage for fans to enjoy.”

Tickets go on sale 10am on Friday 14th June via www.theticketfactory. com or by calling 0844 33 88 222 *Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

- Hosted by Liz Bonnin - Music by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe - For Bleeding Fingers Music -C ity Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Conducted by Matthew Freeman

In Review

ENTERTAINMENT

Westlife, Keeile Walker and The RUA

at Birmingham Arena 2019 Our Director, Richard Cornfield, headed to one of Birmingham’s most popular venues for a night of unique vocals, dance-pop bangers and classic hits. We take a look back at the incredible evening from earlier this year.

Opening the show, US rising star Keelie Walker started off the event with an infectiously energetic vibe. At only 15-years old, Keelie is an astonishing presence on stage - her combination of upbeat anthems and beautifully written original songs resulted in a captivating opening set.

Having supported none other than Jason Derulo on his UK arena tour, the huge venue was no challenge for the American pop sensation. Keelie took the entirety of the audience with her on a journey of toe-tapping bangers and impassioned softer moments.

It was easy to see the young artist’s natural songwriting ability, her honest lyrics told moving stories, whilst her strong vocals took the gig to surprising heights.

Working with multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated Producer Bryan Todd, Producers Wideboys, and receiving significant support from Kiss, UKRD, BBC Radio an Gaydio, Keelie has established herself as ‘one to watch’.

‘Not You’, the Nashville-based singer’s penned single, is an uplifting tune that spreads the message of positivity, telling listeners to not let pressure bring you down. Speaking to most of the audience, the single’s relatable and meaningful words were a hit. So much so, in fact, Richard downloaded her single within 15 minutes of leaving the venue!

their buoyant sound. Richard described the show as extremely enjoyable, which made it very hard to stay seated.

With two incredible support acts, Westlife were perfectly set up for the mind-blowing show they delivered. Playing unforgettable classics to celebrate their 20th anniversary tour, Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian didn’t disappoint. From the breath-taking production, to the brilliant delivery of wellloved chart toppers, Westlife gave a show to remember. The pop kings had the whole arena eating out of the palm of their hands - with the entire crowd singing their greatest hits back to them, including number ones such as ‘Swear It Again’, ‘Flying Without Wings’, ‘You Raise Me Up’ and more.

It was an emotional concert, bringing many nostalgic super fans to tears. The songs they performed no doubt brought back powerful memories for the soldout crowd - their extensive catalogue allowed many (including Richard) to relive their most famous tracks in a brilliant atmosphere.

Following Keelie, The RUA - a sibling-trio of classically trained musicians - brought astonishing vocals, powerful melodies, and extremely likeable personalities to the stage. The band’s comparison to Fleetwood Mac was understandable from the start. Featuring lead vocals, guitar, piano, BVs, and violin, the set was a roaring success.

Fireworks, striking lights, huge screens, confetti explosions and dazzling choreography lit up the stage for the two-hour epic concert. It’s clear, after the 20 years the band have been performing, songwriting, dancing and belting out melodies, that they aren’t stopping any time soon.

Described as producing a harmony driven sound of cinematic pop, The RUA perfectly continued to warm up the crowd - encouraging people to stand on their feet and enjoy their confident, shining performance.

www.keeliewalker.com. www.therua.com. www.westlife.com.

After a critically respected debut album entitled ‘Essence’ and successful few years of US tours, The RUA have returned home to entertain crowds with

|

‘Beauty’ flies into

Stratford Butterfly Farm

this summer!

Several stunning new butterflies and tropical birds have taken up residence at the Stratford Butterfly Farm in time for the summer holidays. After months of careful sourcing from their tropical butterfly farmers, the Butterfly Farm has introduced several butterfly species that have seldom been on display before.

These include the ‘Dero Clearwing’, also known as Dircena Dero, which comes from the rainforests of Columbia, the ‘Procilla Beauty’, also known as Panacea Procilla, which originates from Costa Rica and the ‘Blue Pansy’, also known as Junonia Orithya which comes from Thailand.

As well as seeing the new arrivals, children and adults can also take part in the popular Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions each day at 11.30am and 2.30pm from 20 July – 1 September. Visitors can hold a giant African Millipede, African land snail, Stick Insects and even a Madagascan hissing cockroach! There will also be Beetle, Tailless Whip Scorpion and Chilean Rose Tarantula demonstrations in the Discovery Zone.

For visitors wanting to enjoy a range of hot drinks, milkshakes and snacks, the Koffee Kart is open for service in the front wildflower garden. The Kart is open at weekends, bank holidays and school holidays from 10am - 4pm (weather dependent).

Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said, “With our beautiful and vibrant new birds and butterflies, handling sessions, and the chance to purchase delicious snacks from the Koffee Kart, we have plenty going on during the summer holidays for our visitors to enjoy!”

To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 6:00pm, last entry 5.30pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including admission prices and group rates, please visit the website at www. butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.

Meet the latest arrivals

at Trentham

Monkey Forest Trentham Monkey Forest is thrilled to announce the first babies since 2017 have been born.

The staff at Monkey Forest spotted females showing signs of pregnancy in recent weeks and have been eagerly awaiting these special arrivals. The park is happy to reveal they have welcomed not 1, not 2, but 3 new additions, 2 baby boys and a little girl.

The Barbary macaques living in Trentham will usually give birth up in the trees at night, just as they would in the wild. When it comes to new arrivals, it isn’t until the following morning that staff spot the tiny bundles clinging to their mothers. The team are bystanders, as they watch the new mums get to grips with their babies. It’s then a waiting game, which includes a lot of observing from the team until they can finally confirm the ‘big gender reveal’.

“It’s such an exciting time in the forest and one all staff and our visitors look forward to. These new arrivals are the forest’s first babies since 2017 so we have been very excited for them to make an appearance” Commented Monkey Forest director Matt Lovatt.

The Barbary macaques are an endangered species with only an estimated 8000 surviving in the wild; therefore, every birth is crucial for the species and a fantastic addition to Monkey Forest.

“Each birth is important to us and the species, considering it’s endangered status. With the challenges that wild Barbary macaques face, through deforestation and the illegal pet trade, we hope that the new babies will help us to tell their story too.”

Staff at the leading Staffordshire attraction are pleased to report all babies and mums are doing well including a first-time mum, who despite being a little shy, is a natural. Being part of a large family has given her the experience of looking after other babies in the past and the new Grandma has stayed close by, grooming and reassuring her daughter.

Make the most of the sunshine and take a trip to Monkey Forest to catch of glimpse of the newest arrivals to join the 140 monkeys already living in freedom in the 60-acre forest. Take your camera and get ready for some baby spotting!

Monkey Forest is open daily from 10 am.

For information and to book your tickets in advance and SAVE visit: www.monkey-forest.com.

52 | Cornfield Magazine

THE SEARCH IS ON

FOR THE STAR OF

THE GREATEST SHOW Got what it takes to sing alongside a stellar show cast in Birmingham’s The Greatest Show? Level25 at The Cube is launching its search for two new talents to take their place in the spotlight, in the city’s first ever immersive dining event.

The lucky winners perform with some of showbiz’s best entertainers: the cast will be led by BBC’s ‘Search For Dorothy’ star, Tasheka Coe, and one of West End’s elite, Owain Williams, who starred in The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

Channel your inner P.T. Barnum and get ready to run away to the circus, as it’s time to ‘Come Alive’ and ‘Rewrite The Stars’ with The Greatest Show’s Got Talent. Level25 is calling for two singers to enter its competition, with a once in a lifetime prize: the winners will sing shoulder-to-shoulder with a star-studded show cast, at The Greatest Show, the three-course immersive dining event.

Bringing the circus to B-Town, the all-singing, all-dancing themed event will see dinner brought to life. While guests enjoy a theatrical, taste-sensation menu, the cast will perform amongst them, singing everyone’s favourite tunes from the multi-million box office hit, The Greatest Showman.

Joining a myriad of wondrous circus acts – from enchanting snake charmers and daring aerial artists to captivating mixologists and magicians – The Greatest Show’s Got Talent is looking for two lucky Brummies to perform with the ten-piece show-cast of vocalists.

Show Director, Matt Elson, is eager to find fresh new faces.

He commented: “The West Midlands is brimming with undiscovered talent and we’re determined to find the next big things and give them the chance to shine.

The cast we’ve got absolutely fantastic and we can’t wait to bring two more stars on board.”

Joining the ten-piece show of singers, you will embrace the magic and take the guests on a musical journey as you take centre stage. Winners will be professionally coached by The Greatest Show team to ensure they are ready for their moment in the spotlight.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity – this could be your greatest moment! To enter, just send a 30 second video of you singing your greatest show-stopping tune to auditions@leveltwentyfive. com. Please note all ages may apply – Level25 is looking for one child aged up to 18 and one adult over 18 to win.

For more information on The Greatest Show and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/ steakhouse-bar-and-grill/birmingham/the-greatest-show.

Cornfield Magazine | 53

54 | Cornfield Magazine

Cornfield Recommends

BUSINESS

|

Chalmers News PR AS a journalist of 30 years, Amanda Chalmers can recognise a story at a million paces – but sometimes we have to work harder to sell an angle.

Composing a press release which packs a punch is all-important when it comes to getting it noticed by journalists. As a former newspaper editor, Amanda knows exactly what it takes to make the story of YOUR business or organisation stand out from the crowd.

Getting your message across to the market has never been tougher. Increased competition, crowded social media channels and busier lifestyles all make connecting with your audience more complicated than ever before.

Chalmers News PR can help create the influence your organisation needs in today’s marketplace by delivering impactful messages to help achieve your business objectives across a wide range of target audiences.

Amanda said: “My extensive knowledge, experience and contacts can benefit clients who want a top quality personal PR service and tangible results, at a fraction of the cost of a big agency.”

If you’ve started a new business, run a small business -or just have an important message to get across on behalf of your group or association, having an effective public relations professional in your corner is one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

Copywriting It’s hard to get the right balance between running your business and finding valuable time to market it. But websites are our shop window and they must be effective at enticing customers in.

Cut through the dross to get the message across – with professional copywriting.

Website and Copywriting Package ChalmersNewsPR and Bubbly Creative Marketing can offer the optimum website package for supporting the growth of your business.

With half a century of combined experience between them, Amanda Chalmers and Laura Morris will help put you on the fast track to success with their professional website design and copywriting services.

They offer the best of both worlds by working collaboratively to deliver the clients’ exact specifications.

And, as small business owners themselves, they appreciate the value of continuity and customer satisfaction so will invest all the time that’s required to achieve the best possible results.

There is no need to shop around with this special promotional package.

For more information or a noobligation enquiry, contact Amanda Chalmers at: www.chalmersnewspr.co.uk or Laura Morris at: www.bubblycreativemarketing.co.uk

Amanda Chalmers

They’re not happy until you are!

Good writing engages with – and influences – your audience. Good writing empowers you.

It stamps an all-important personality onto your product or service and captures the right tone for your brand.

Laura Morris

Cornfield Magazine | 55

EVENTSG uide

If you would like to add your info for FREE on this page, then please email the details to: sam@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk If you would like your event in a black box, it’s a minimal charge of £20 per month. Then please call our sales team on 0121 796 6800 for more info.

WE NEED MORE LOCAL EVENTS. It’s completely FREE to place your event in this section. From classes, groups, shows and bootsales you can place your event here.

Please email sam@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk to place your event.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Centre Stage in Balsall Common’s next production is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C S Lewis.

During the second world war four children are evacuated to a large old house in the country. Whilst exploring they go into a large Wardrobe and find themselves in the magical snow covered land of Narnia where they encounter the White Witch (representing evil) and Aslan the lion and King of the Beasts (representing good). The play follows their adventures and ends with a great battle when good triumphs over evil.

Performances (suitable for all grown up’s and all children over 5) are at the Heart of England School in Balsall Common an the 22nd November at 7.30 and the 23rd November at 2.30 and 7.30. Tickets are priced at £8 adults and £6 children and are available from the box office on 01676 534220 or on line at centrestagebc.com.

3 LIONS BEER FESTIVAL

Organised by Acocks Green, Shirley and Solihull Lions Clubs, this charity event is raising funds for “Wheels 4 All”. Takes place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September at the Royal British Legion, Parkgate, Shirley where doors will be open on both days from 12.00 noon to 10.00 pm. There will be 16 ales and 4 ciders on offer. Entrance £10 to include souvenir glass, programme and £5 worth of beer tokens.

An Evening of Song

The Knowle Village Hall Association presents “An Evening of Song”with the well known Canoldir Male Choir, Musical Director James Llewelyn Jones, and with local guests, the J Sisters. The concert is on Saturday, 7th September at Knowle Village Hall - 7.30p.m. Tickets -£12.00 from the Box Office : 01564 778163 or 01564 779898 or Knowle Village Hall Friday Coffee Morning 10a.m - 12 noon. This is a Knowle Village Hall refurbishment fundraising event.

Personal Training

Personal Training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching in a lovely private gym on the outskirts of Henley in Arden. All ages and abilities catered for including over 50’s and pre and post-natal specialist programmes. Contact jan@ salveocoaching.co.uk for details of our summer special offer.

56 | Cornfield Magazine

Craft in Action

THE TOWN HALL, CHIPPING CAMPDEN, GL55 6HB SAT & SUN 3rd & 4th AUGUST 2019 WARWICK HALL, BURFORD, OX18 4RY SUNDAY 11th AUGUST 2019.

REDESDALE HALL, MORETON IN MARSH, GL56 0LA. FRI, SAT & SUN. 16th, 17th, 18th AUGUST 2019.

MEMORIAL HALL, UPTON UPON SEVERN, WR8 0HA FRI, SAT & SUN 23rd, 24th 25th AUGUST 2019 TEWKESBURY ABBEY, PARISH ROOMS, GL20 5RZ. SAT. 31st AUGUST 2019 Craft in Action is a non profit making organisation. They established in 1973 and their aim is to offer a friendly atmosphere where the exhibitors are happy to talk about and where possible, demonstrate their craft.Entry is free, open from 10am until 4.30pm

Art/Adult day Classes at the Core Courtyard Gallery, The Core Solihull

Thurs 10am-12pm and 12.30-2.30 pm starting in September Fri 10-12.00.

Join a friendly group of artists and watch Artist Vicki Gorman demonstrate drawing and painting techniques then try them out yourself, and develop your own style. Beginners to advanced, all abilities are welcome. To book a place and to get more details you can contact the box office on 0121 704-6962 or contact Vicki on 07940483320 or email vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk. Art classes are also on Tuesdays 1pm-3pm at Central England Arts, Hampton in Arden and Mondays South Yardley Libray call Vicki for more details.

Warwickshire Watercolourists

Annual Art Exhibition, August Bank Holiday Weekend, Saturday 24th Monday 26th August 2019, Open 10am -5pm Berkswell Reading Room, Meriden Road, Berkswell, CV7 7BE [Berkswell is a small village between Solihull and Coventry.] Free entry with disabled access and easy car parking.

Refreshments with home made cakes with proceeds to nominated charities.

We are one of the leading watercolour societies in the MIdlands with more than 200 items of artwork on display, most of which will be for sale together with a wide range of prints and notelets.

WarwickshireWatercolourists@gmail. com

PLAY BOWLS

Come and give Bowls a try - find us

off Eldorado Close in Studley at B80 7HJ from the end of April - you can be sure of a warm welcome at our Club sessions on Tuesdays 2 - 4pm and Thursdays 6 - 8pm or come to our Open Day on Sunday 19 May 2019 from 10 am. For further details visit our website: www. entacobowls.com

Solihull Embroiderers

We meet 1st Tuesday monthly 7.30pm at Solihull Methodist Church Hall for talks on creative textiles and hold Saturday workshops.

Open to everyone interested in stitch regardless of ability.

For info: www.solihullembroiderersguild. blogspot.co.uk or email: solihullsec@ embroiderersguild.co.uk

Archery Music Promotions and Concert Productions

Supporting British composers and the artists who perform them * artistic and programme co-ordination * concert promotion and management * media campaigns * publicity * launches * event support music societies - trusts - festivals - artists. archerypromos@btinternet.com www.archerypromotions.co.uk t: 07973 175 588

Henley Art Group

A mixed group of artisans meeting every Thursday 1.30-4.00. At Henley Baptist Church Hall. Paint/sketch/ whatever takes your fancy, or just sit and have a convivial chat. £3.00 per session paid 4 weeks in advance with coffee/tea/biscuits included. With occasional relaxed mini tutorials and group sketching exercises inc. Still Life, Portraiture, Landscapes and Life Drawing (clothed) adding to the mix.

Contact Colin Fisher 01564 794339.

Or just simply stroll on up and have a chat and a cuppa.

KNOWLE CAMERA CLUB

Interested in Photography?

Want to improve your skills?

We are a friendly club who meet at Dorridge Methodist Church, Mill Lane, Dorridge. Meetings take place fortnightly on Thursday evenings at 7.45 pm. Meetings comprise of visiting speakers, training evenings and member competitions. The first two meetings are free, so why not come along and see for yourself? For more info please contact Tony on 01564-782175 or visit our website www.knowlecamerclub.co.uk

WYTHALL COMMUNITY CHOIR

We are a community choir, with 60 regular attendees. We have a professional musical director and accompanist though the rest of us have varying abilities in singing. We meet Monday nights, during term time, 7.15pm - 9.30pm at the scout hut in Wythall Park. Generally, we are rehearsing for a concert or performance.

Come and join us. No audition necessary. Just turn up from Monday 10 September onwards or contact wythallcommunitychoir@gmail.com

Parlez-vous francais or Hablan espanol?

Small group meet in Henley.

More info about, feel free to contact me at 07891390947

Due to the popularity of this page, we are now having to limit the amount of words for each post. If the post is too long, it may be edited by us or not included at all. We will also only keep a post for a few months to make space for new events etc. So, please keep it short and to the point!

Aspi Specialist Cars Sales and Service | Est. since 1990 Finance Specialists The strong relationships we hold with trusted high street lenders and motoring finance houses ensure our customers secure the best deals possible for their budget.

Worried about your credit rating? Our dedicated team can help to source a finance solution for you.

We do the hard work so you don’t have to.

Sourcing | Buying | Financing With over 25 years of trading experience, Aspi Specialist Cars is an established premier independent dealer of pre-owned vehicles, offering a wide range of vehicle services.

Situated on the A439 Warwick Road, between Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick, our Showroom and Service Centre is run by a team of vehicle and finance experts, delivering the very best in customer care.

We offer a wide range of services, including: Used Vehicle Sales | Batteries | Warranty | Finance | Part Exchange | MOT | Servicing | Diagnostics | Tyres Call the team on 01789 739 950 and secure your low rate finance package today!

Aspi Specialist Cars, Warwick Road, Blackhill, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0PZ

|

MOTORING

Popular Festival

Gearing up for to thrill BMW fans! a celebratory Truck Fest!

BMW fans will be able to see over 1,000 BMWs when the British Motor Museum hosts the BMW Car Club National Festival on Sunday 11 August. Regarded as one of Europe’s largest gathering of BMW’s, the festival is organised by the BMW Car Club GB and promises to be even bigger than last year. New for 2019 is a Show Arena featuring Grandstand seating, new Display Ramp and all major activities! Vehicles on display will include M Power, ALPINA, Z’s and i’s, as well as modern, classic and modified BMW models including MINI’s.

The ‘New Car Village’ will be showcasing the latest models from BMW, ALPINA, AC Schnitzer and MINI. Visitors will be able to see the pre-launch of the new BMW 1 series, the 3 series Touring (1st public viewing) & the fabulous new M8 together with fully accessorised M2 & M4 models. The Car Club displays will include a wide variety of vehicles from various regions and model registers. Visitors can also enjoy the popular Car Club Concours and see some of the cleanest BMW’s trying to outshine their fellow competitors with classes from Pride of Ownership through to Elite and Masterclass.

Entertainment will be provided by Steve Deeks, a professional presenter and raconteur.

There will also be musical entertainment from Fat Cat Brass, a modern, funky brass band who play their own quirky twist on great tunes from the last 5 decades.

The British Motor Museum is gearing up for a celebratory truck fest when it hosts the Retro Truck Show on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September. Truck enthusiasts can see up to 400 modern and classic trucks at the two-day show which celebrates some of the top truck manufacturers including Volvo, Scania, DAF, Foden and ERF trucks.

In its ninth year, the show is one of the Museum’s most popular shows and features some of the best modern trucks produced between 1970 and 2000.

Many trucks travel from all over the UK as well as from France, Belgium and the Netherlands to take part in this nostalgic and family friendly show.

Trade stands will offer a range of products from brakes, exhausts, tuning packages, detailing products, leather care and restoration plus accessories and goodies. The ‘Car Club Village’ will offer a place to sit, chat and meet fellow enthusiasts. Staff and Directors from the BMW Car Club will be on hand to answer questions and enrol new members. There will also be a traditional tombola with prizes donated from the trade stands and winner’s prize draw.

Trucks that fall into the age category of 1970 to 2000 are welcome to attend. There are no trophies or judging, just the opportunity for truck fans to get together and admire the displays. In addition, there will be an Indoor Model Show as well as indoor and outdoor trade areas. Camping is available on the Friday and Saturday nights with live entertainment, licensed bar and disco on the Saturday evening.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum said “The BMW Festival attracts thousands of visitors and is a brilliant family day out. There are plenty of additional activities for everyone including childrens entertainment and an archive cinema. Anyone with a historic, classic, ALPINA, E-series, F-series, G-series, I series, M series, X-series, Z-series or MINI are encouraged to come along and enjoy the day!”

Visitors can also enjoy exploring the Museum, Collections Centre and the new exhibition “The Car. The Future. Me” as entry is included within the Show ticket. Advance truck entry costs £20 per vehicle and includes entry for the driver and one passenger, with additional passenger passes available to purchase. Show tickets on the day cost £18 for adults, £10 for children and £45 for a family, but discounted tickets can be purchased online in advance. Gift Aid Annual Passes, Tesco Club cards or any other promotional offers are not valid on Sunday 8 September.

Tickets cost £18 for adults, £10 for children (under 5’s are free) and £46 for a family. Entry to the Museum is also included in the ticket price. Also included is entry to the new exhibition entitled “The Car. The Future. Me.” which opened on 13 July and will explore the future of the motor vehicle. Discounted tickets are available in advance from the BMW Car Club website www.bmwcarclubgb.uk or by phone 01970 267989.

To find out more about the British Motor Museum please visit the website at www. britishmotormuseum.co.uk or call 01926 641188.

58 | Cornfield Magazine

To find out more about the British Motor Museum & the Retro Truck Show please visit www. britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events/retro-truckshow or call 01926 649649.

Toyota GT86 2019 UK review By motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay - Twitter @carwriteups Instagram @tbarnesclay

The GT86’s soul harks back to the 2000GT, Toyota’s definitive front-engine, rear-drive sports car – and it’s just as stimulating as that ever was. There’s no turbocharger, but it still kicks like a horse, making the marque with the three-oval emblem more likeable than ever.

From a standing start to 62mph in 7.6 seconds doesn’t sound mindblowing, but I assure you it’s fast enough in this coupé. The maximum speed is just 140mph, but where are you going to do that lawfully in Britain anyway? These numbers aren’t critical – it’s all about the feel of the machine, and the sense you experience behind the GT86’s wheel is one of unadulterated pleasure.

The GT86 puts a grin on your face the moment you sit in the sporty driver’s seat and close your hands around the thickset steering wheel.

The upturned corners of your mouth transform into an out-and-out beam when you slot into first gear using the stumpy gear stick and set off on your trip.

gearbox. It whips up 200ps at 7000rpm which, unified with the GT86’s stability, a nd makes it one of the most absorbing non-turbo sportscar’s to buy.

Be geared up for people to check you and your car out, too; I was asked if I was behind the tiller of the Lexus LC500. Sometimes I wonder if folks can read – the coupé patently has GT86 inscribed all over it. But, hey, at least curiosity is being shown – and that’s got to be a good sign for an automaker in this day and age.

Fast Facts GT86 Blue Edition 2.0 Manual + Performance Pack • Max speed: 140 mph • 0-62 mph: 7.6 secs • Combined mpg: 36.2 • 1998cc 4-cylinder petrol • Max. power (ps): 200 • CO2: 183 g/km • Price: £30,480 on the road

The car has a low centre of gravity, so it’ll take bends as though it’s soldered to the line. The tail will need taming in the wet – so cautiousness is recommended, but that makes it all the more exciting.

After all, this Toyota is about the drive – not the journey’s end.

The GT86 is reasonably priced too.

At £30,000 it’s something you’ll realistically be able to save for. And when you get it on your drive, you won’t stop cleaning it. I even gave my test car a polish. Why? Well, it looked so good it just had to be kept shiny.

When you finish your outing in the Toyota, you feel as though you’ve been at the gym – in a positive sort of way. The GT86 has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and it asks to be worked like a dog. You’ve got to have your eye on the ball, though, as the steering is so responsive that it’s easy to stray over the white line if you’re distracted. There’s no piloting this coupé with one hand on the wheel – it’s a car that needs to be harnessed.

A 2.0-litre flat-four boxer engine is housed under the bonnet, and this is connected to a six-speed manual

Cornfield Magazine | 59

|

SPORT - ENTERTAINMENT

Goliath Awaits

as the Hayemaker Goes All In at the World’s Biggest Poker Tournament Outside of Las Vegas David Haye will compete at Grosvenor Casinos’ Goliath Poker Tournament in Coventry, following 12 months of intense poker training, acting lessons and memory coaching.

The Hayemaker’s former rival turned poker teacher, Audley Harrison, also set to fly in for a shot at a share of the £800,000 prize pot.

On Monday 29 July: Former Unified World Cruiserweight and WBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion, David Haye, was ready to deliver the knock-out blow against thousands of players as he takes on the world’s biggest live poker tournament outside of Las Vegas.

Following 12 months of intense training with some of the world’s best players, The Hayemaker has been transformed from a poker novice to being ready to compete at Grosvenor Casinos’ Goliath Poker Tournament at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry (27 July – 4 August).

Having confessed to not playing a single hand before taking on the challenge, Haye will needed to beat more than 7,000 amateur and professional players, including his former boxing rival, Audley Harrison, who has helped coach The Hayemaker on his poker journey.

Speaking ahead of the first day of qualifying for a shot at the guaranteed £100,000 first prize, David said: “The last twelve months have been extremely challenging. Trying to learn how to play poker from scratch hasn’t been easy but working with some of the best poker players on the world circuit has helped to prepare me for the task ahead.

“I was a complete novice before taking on this challenge and working with Grosvenor Casinos has helped me to gain the skills and strategy needed to be in with a shot of competing against thousands of opponents with lots more experience at Goliath.

“The pressure will be intense but I’m really excited to play and having beaten one goliath already in the boxing ring to be named World Boxing Champion, I’m heading to Coventry to win.”

Haye, who retired from professional boxing in June 2018, won 28 professional fights out of 32, as well as overcoming his own ‘goliath’ when he famously defeated, Nikolai Valuev, to win the WBA title in 2009.

To help him master poker, Haye has travelled the world to take part in poker events and unique training opportunities with actors, memory coaches and psychologists to forge his own style and poker personality.

One of his biggest successes on his poker journey took place in the Philippines, when after a 48-hour bootcamp with Harrison, the

60 | Cornfield Magazine

Hayemaker entered a Manila tournament finishing 28th out of 500 to cash in, which Haye marked as a similar feeling to winning a world title belt.

As part of this challenge, Haye has also been coached by some of the best poker professionals on the circuit, such as Grosvenor Casinos’ sponsored players, Jeff Kimber, Katie Swift and Joe Beevers, who have won more than $4million dollars between them.

Russell Tamplin, Head of Poker for Grosvenor Casinos, said: “Poker is an intense game of skill and strategy, and over the last twelve months David has shown incredible commitment to learn how to play poker to a high standard.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey getting to this point, but David has shown all of his natural fighting spirit to prepare for taking on Goliath. The question is, will The Hayemaker instill fear into his opponents, or will he fold under pressure as many poker players will also be keen to deliver a knockout blow.”

Grosvenor Casinos’ Goliath Poker Tournament 2019 took place from 27 July to 4 August 2019 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. For more information and to follow the David vs Goliath journey visit www. facebook.com/grosvenorcasinos/ Please gamble responsibly: www.begambleaware.org

|

SPORT

Football is Back!

By Alex Dudley

It has been a long summer without any football. Of course, the women’s World Cup and Love Island filled the void, but fans can rejoice at the fact that the football season comes back with a bang in August. Who knows what may lie ahead, but there will inevitably be joy, tears and more ups and downs than you can shake a stick at. But, how are our Midlands club shaping up for the next nine months of action?

Aston Villa

The Villa will start the season as one of the highest spenders in the Premier League over the summer months, but it will count for very little if they can’t retain their top-flight status. The arrivals of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa were much needed, with the latter likely to replace Axel Tuanzebe who last season played a pivotal role in their promotion back to the top flight. Villa fans will likely stay level headed about their aims for the coming season, with safety the main objective. It would be unwise to predict anything else at this point, but a strong start to the season could see these targets revised. The quality that the Villains have in Jack Grealish and John McGinn ensures that they have enough energy in the midfield to trouble the best sides in the division. However, much will depend on how Wesley adjusts to English football following his move from Club Brugge. A 15th-placed finish would be considered an excellent first season back in the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion

It has been a summer of change at the Baggies, with the most notable one being the arrival of Slaven Bilic as the clubs manager. There has been a switch from experienced players to a more youthful setup at the Hawthorns with Gareth Barry, Craig Dawson, Wes Hoolahan, James Morrison and Jay Rodriguez all shipped off and replaced by Semi Ajayi, Darnell Furlong, Romaine Sawyers and Kenneth Zohore. How the club manages to deal with the loss of last season’s on-loan top scorer Dwight Gayle. Quite rightly the Baggies are considered as one of the leading hopes for promotion

62 | Cornfield Magazine

challengers but how the team set up under the stewardship of Bilic, and how quickly the new players bed in could be pivotal to their chances.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

For the first time in two seasons, the Premier League will begin with two teams from the West Midlands in it. Wolves enjoyed an excellent return to the top-flight last season, and fans will also enjoy a campaign competing in the Europa League after their seventhplace finish last season. Wolves have been able to keep hold of Ruben Neves over the summer, while they have added Real Madrid’s Jesus Vallejo and Patrick Cutrone from AC Milan to their squad.

It remains to be seen whether they can push on for a top-six finish against the Premier League’s elite, but should they eradicate the poor results that they got against struggling opposition last season then they could push on to improve on last season’s finish. However, the Europa League could prove a distraction to league form, and for that reason, a repeat of last season’s finish would be a remarkable achievement.

Birmingham City

It has been a difficult summer at St Andrew’s, as the Blues have lost a host of first-team players. Last season’s top scorer Che Adams will be the biggest miss, while the departures of Jota and Michael Morrison to Aston Villa and Reading respectively will also leave holes in the team. Most of the problems that have arisen over the summer have been off the field, with Gary Monk departing the club after clashing with the board. Pep Clotet was brought in as the caretaker manager, but his lack of experience would be a worry to all Blue Noses. Daniel Crowley will be a player that fans will enjoy watching, but it could be a difficult season for Birmingham.

CORNFIELDDirectory

Cornfield Magazine | 63

CORNFIELDDirectory

64 | Cornfield Magazine

CORNFIELDDirectory

Cornfield Magazine | 65

Modern Luxury, Classic Feel

www.buildland.co.uk

•

01527 519 444

Buildland Ltd, Oxleasow Road, Redditch B98 0RE

www.buildland.co.uk

•

01527 519 444

Buildland Ltd, Oxleasow Road, Redditch B98 0RE