Telford Lifestyle
NEW COVER ISSUE 55 Telford 1_Full Page Bleed New 15/03/2022 15:17 Page 1
Recipes
Issue 55 MAY/JUNE 2022
Pric
YOU R
eles
FRE
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OPY
Local News
What’s On...
House & Home
“Live Local. Shop Local. Love Local.”
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk
Penninsula Telford_Full Page Bleed New 25/05/2021 14:12 Page 1
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Page 04 - Telford Contents Issue 55 NEW (1)_Full Page Bleed New 14/03/2022 18:07 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition
CONTENTS...
What’s Inside...
28
08 WHAT’S ON The latest news from Telford & Wrekin on what’s going on across the area over the coming months....
28 RECIPES
36 Like & Follow - Social Media... INSTAGRAM: DEPublications12345 FACEBOOK: DEPublicationsLimited Twitter: @DEPublications
62
The Classic Roast Dinner was recently crowned Brit’s favourite celebratory meal, with 32% of people saying they will be tucking into a roast for the jubilee, in a survey conducted by Foodhub. So our recipes this edition are classic roast beef and for dessert, Eton Mess.
36 FASHION TRENDS
Summer time, and the living is easy... and so is being fabulous and stylish. It’s the season for bright colours, floaty dresses and floral patterns galore. Go bold. Go bright. Go out!
38 HOMESTYLE
Window shutters are one of this years top window dressing trends. Discover your favourite shutters with the help of Shuttercraft...
62 MOTORING Motoring reviewer Syd Taylor test drives the Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate hybrid.
DE Publications Limited are proud to support local businesses. We do not accept responsibility for loss, damage or ommision by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork and editorial is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Any reproduction of any material contained within is forbidden without prior consent in writing from the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk 4 Telford Lifestyle Magazine
To Find Out About Advertising YOUR Business In e Next Edition Just Email: jasmine@deltaecho.co.uk Or Call:
01952 787786 RECYCLE ME PLEASE
Frith Rugs Advert_Full Page Bleed New 12/10/2021 09:24 Page 1
Page 06 - Editors Letter Telford Issue 55_Full Page Bleed New 14/03/2022 18:12 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition
“
Summer is on the way, and for the first time, in what seems like forever, we have something to look forward to. I love the longer days, the warming rays of the sun, and the gentle summer breeze. The trees and flowers in full swing, brimming with bright new leaves and flowers, filling the air with their glorious scent. It feels wonderful, to sit outside on the evening, relaxing with family and friends. It always makes me happier and more relaxed. It is a combination of all of the best life has to offer. Get together, enjoy spending time with the people you love, and make the most of every single moment”
Sunshoninemy Mind...
“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly...” Van Morrison
T
he summer is just around the corner, and I for one am ready for it. I’m not ready to don a swimsuit just yet - although if we get to the seaside, it won’t stop me putting one on and making the most of it. Those days are gone. This summer will hopefully be a time for us to look forward to things. Things we have been missing out on for too long now. Garden parties have been off the cards, well at least for those of us that don’t work in 10 Downing Street that is. So, it will be nice to get together with family and friends in the garden for a barbeque - or some cheese and wine! This edition we will have all of our usual features, like our regular motoring review from Syd Taylor, summer recipe ideas to tempt your tastebuds, summer fashion, home and garden and much more. But as well as this we will have features on the huge celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It will be the first time a monarch has celebrated 70 years on the throne. It is a massive achievement,
6 Telford Lifestyle Magazine
never seen before, and unlikely to be seen again for some time. Best of all it brings with it a bumper four-day bank holiday weekend, full of events. There is also Father’s day, the World Cup, loads of events across the borough and much more. We have of course brought you some of the best local businesses and services from across the area too, covering everything from gardening to theatre shows - and everything in between. Check out our what’s on page for a selection of events which will be running over May & June. Have the best time, and let us know on our social media which you are planning on going to, or about any other events - we will be happy to spread the word.
Kind regards,
Eileen Callear Editor
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk
RECYCLE ME PLEASE
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Page 08 - Telford Whats On Issue 55_Full Page Bleed New 07/03/2022 14:16 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition
WHAT’S ON...
May & June...
6-8 th MAY
14th MAY
6 – 8 MAY 2022 Wellington Festival Various locations across Wellington 13 MAY 2022 Let’s Dance Music Night – 40s swing to 60s soul The Anstice, Madeley 14 & 21 MAY High Street Celebration Dawley, Ironbridge, Madeley, Newport, Oakengates, Wellington
28 – 29 MAY 2022 WW2 Weekend 2022 Ironbridge 28 MAY 2022 Water’s Edge Fest Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport 28 MAY 2022 Madeley Celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Madeley High Street
MAY 4 MAY 2022 40’s classic FREE midweek Movie – The Way to the Stars The Anstice, Madeley
20 MAY 2022 Create an organza butterfly Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, Ironbridge
2-5 th JUN
JUNE
2-5 JUNE 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Telford Town Park 3 JUNE 2022 Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch Dawley High Street
25 th JUN
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk 8 Telford Lifestyle Magazine
4 JUNE 2022 Wellington Midsummer Fayre / Queens Jubilee Various venues in Wellington 18 JUNE 2022 Dawley Day Dawley High Street 25 JUNE 2022 Armed Forces Family Day Donnington Broadoaks Park
RECYCLE ME PLEASE
The Mill at Leighton_Full Page Bleed New 21/04/2022 16:39 Page 1
Wholesome Food | Real Ales | Tanners Wines | Monthly Pub Quiz | Live Music
Celebrating our 1st Anniversary! On 24th May we will be celebrating the 1st anniversary since we opened our doors!
A firm favourite amongst the local villages and regulars, serving real ales, fine wines and great food, this community owned pub has a long history that dates back to The Domesday. Formerly known as The Kynnersley Arms, The Mill at Leighton is ideally situated between Ironbridge and Shrewsbury on the B4380. Serving delicious food that is freshly prepared and cooked on site, using locally sourced Shropshire produce where possible. Manager Garth Penny has previously worked at Buckingham Palace.
Find us on Facebook
Sunday 19th June
The Mill at Leighton, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY5 6RN Call: 01952 443 559 or or email: bookings@themillatleighton.com
www.themillatleighton.com
The Cock Hotel_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 14:04 Page 1
The Cock Hotel
Wellington
Local wellington residents queued outside Joule's Brewery's latest project awaiting the opening of its flagship pub for Telford. The Cock Hotel Wellington, following a refurbishment that took over two years, investing over £1m in the project is the largest pub refurbishment that the Shropshire brewery has undertaken. The Cock Hotel has been substantially extended with a new state of the art kitchen facility, the new room which features a six-meter bi-fold door crafted by local oak specialist Venables opens the whole area onto the courtyard, a bespoke steel ceiling was made by Minshall's of Market Drayton along with steel windows hand made by Ferro of Market Drayton. The original bars have all been restored by master craftsman Eddie Chapman Smith. Forman Chris Blase ‘It has been a huge overall team effort, along with all the Joules projects, we work as a team, the trades all input into the design, so we deliver the detail that characterises Joule's pubs, we are all really chuffed with this one. We can’t wait to let locals see our work and for us to be a part of Wellington, to have the Cock back in Joule’s livery is a landmark for us and despite the difficulties of the last couple of years, we could not be happier with the overall result.
The Cock Hotel_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 14:04 Page 2
Pub - Restaurant - Events
The Cock Hotel - The latest addition to the Joule's Brewery Taphouse Estate. A pub steeped in history over 250 years old. A true favourite for real ale drinkers!
This well-known pub has been lovingly revived, but don’t worry - we’ve managed to keep the character of this fantastic building, and added a modern twist. The welcome is warm, the ale is cold and the food is delicious. We are child friendly, and also dog friendly, with lots of dining space both indoors and outside too.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12 Noon - 11pm Find Us On Facebook
www.joulesbrewery.co.uk
01952 454391 The Cock Hotel, 148 Holyhead Road, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2DL
Page 12 & 13 - Wellington Town Council issue 55_Double Page Editorial 13/04/2022 11:37 Page 1
Festival Returns to
Wellington! The latest news and events for Spring/Summer...
Wellington celebrates Jubilee in style
Festival Returns...
Wellington Festival, in its 26th year where 26 events will take place, returns from 6-8 May. The free festival kicks off with a community Art Exhibition at Creative Training Spaces on Duke Street and will include events such as a Human Library, a Festival Fancy Dress Walk up The Wrekin, An Evening with The Wrekin Rowers, An Afternoon at The Belfrey, Calligraphy workshops, Meet the Authors, free entry to Sunnycroft, a community production of Godspell, A Night at The Opera and much more. Please visit the Festival Page on the Wellington Town Council website for a full schedule wellingtonshropshire.gov.uk/wellington-festival-2022/
This year’s Midsummer Fayre on Saturday 4 June will have a special royal flavour as Wellington marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Visitors can expect to see food and craft stalls, fire-eating jesters, choirs, bands, dancers and more as Wellington fills with music and colour. Children will be invited to make their own colourful crowns and join the costumed procession at 1pm, there will be face painting and Loco Leo’s street entertainment. Visitors will also be able to hear singer Kerry Young, as well as Rick Cosco and The Telford Steel Band perform in the Market Square. Also joining in the fun will be visitors from our twin town of Châtenay-Malabry, France, who are joining the celebrations. Please visit wellingtonsoup.org for details of timings of this free event which runs from 10am-3pm.
Wellington Open Gardens Weekend Over the weekend of 2 and 3 July, residents of Wellington will open their beautiful private gardens in aid of local Shropshire charity, Community Resource. With more than 14 gardens across Wellington and Little Wenlock to explore, plus access to the stunning grounds of Sunnycroft included in the ticket price, it should be a fantastic weekend. Please visit wellingtonopengardens.eventbrite.co.uk for more details of this event which is proudly sponsored by Greenthumb, Gymophobics and Love Wellington.
Get the latest updates
* Follow Wellington Town Council and Love Wellington on social media for all the latest news and events.
12 Telford Lifestyle Magazine
Page 12 & 13 - Wellington Town Council issue 55_Double Page Editorial 13/04/2022 11:37 Page 2
Wellington Station works PRESS AHEAD
Work has begun at Wellington Station as part of the ‘Wellington Ways’ project with the Friends of Wellington Station. The group received a £42,000 grant from West Midlands Trains’ Community Fund to develop a secret garden at the station, improve access between the bus and train station, install enhanced signage and display boards signposting visitors to the many walking routes, as well as getting water onto the platforms to help volunteers water plants. The project has been supported by Telford & Wrekin Council and Wellington Town Council. Sally Themans of Love Wellington and chair of the Friends of Wellington Station said, “We very much hope that the people of Wellington, and all train users, enjoy the new developments at this important gateway to the town.” Volunteer Jon Aston will be running the T50 route around Telford – raising funds to help buy flowers and plants for the new garden and planters due to be installed. Anyone interested in sponsoring Jon on his epic 50km run and helping enhance Wellington station can do so at gofundme.com and search for Jon Aston plants for Wellington Station.
Jubilee Film Festival at Orbit
Wellington Orbit Community Cinema is delighted to have been successful with an application to Telford & Wrekin Council's Platinum Jubilee Celebration Grant Fund, and will stage a number of films over the Jubilee weekend to celebrate 'the best of British' with film classics such as Chariots of Fire, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, The Entertainer, Bend it Like Beckham, the King's Speech, Kes and Elizabeth. Trustee of the Orbit Ray Hughes said, "We are really looking forward to welcoming local residents and visitors to Wellington for our film festival to help make this special weekend truly memorable."
New businesses opened their doors...
We welcome even more new businesses to Wellington… and wish them luck! Zoe Trends
Pure Hands on Therapies
Annette’s Home Fragrances
Chatka
Rosie in the Garden
The Boardroom Gaming Café Rachel Wyn
Garden Room Bistro The Cock Hotel
Save it Discount Store Workplace Telford Casper Stores
The Manga Crate Landau
13
Photos: Top Right: T50 FOWS Left: Florist Rosie in the Garden opened on the Brooklands (photo credit: Paul Davis) Centre Left: Leo Loco at the Midsummer Jubilee Fayre Top Left: Lesley Smith at the Wellington Festival
Page - #2 for a night out!_Full Page Bleed New 13/04/2022 15:44 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition
Love Telford!
Telford is voted UK’s #2 destination for night out!
renowned for their nightlife, in this study which shows that Telford really is a top place to let your hair down and enjoy a night out.”
The Liquor Lab
Telford has been ranked the second-best place in the UK for a night out in a new study undertaken by Get Licensed. Telford has topped large city destinations such as Leeds, London, and Bristol in the polls, with an overall score of 7.56/10. While Telford has fewer pubs and bars than York, which achieved first place, it makes up for it with an incredibly low pint price average of £2.60. Telford's safety score was also ranked second highest in the report, achieving a 9.33/10, indicating that it performed well across all safety metrics. According to the report, Telford performs particularly well when it comes to issues around hate crime, the survey suggested that this was not a concern to visitors when on a night out in the town.
The survey results also identified Telford as a great night out where you can have a good time without feeling endangered or threatened. Scores are based on the number of drinking venues per head, the average cost of a pint and a range of different safety concerns.
The Get Licensed survey used information from Tripadvisor, whatpub.com for pub counts in each location, and Numbeo for pint costs. These factors were then added together to get an overall score, with each aspect being given an equal weighting, in order to determine the best night out in the UK. The survey results can found at getlicensed.co.uk
Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills, said: “Telford has a wonderful nightlife with a diverse offer that has something for everyone. “There’s a wide range of pubs and bars across the town which cater for different age groups and drinks are certainly good value for money compared with other places in the UK. “We’re proud to be placed above some of the largest cities in the UK,
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Cllr Eileen Callear
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk
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BMMA Elijah_Full Page Bleed New 19/04/2022 15:41 Page 1
Elijah Everill
BMMA World Champion Academy in Wellington After opening the doors at the new full time martial arts centre, post lockdown, the BMMA World Champion Academy already have over 150 members. Head instructor Elijah Everill, 14 times WAKO World Champion has a goal to pass on the knowledge that he has had the privilege of obtaining from some of the best fighters in the world, and has hopes to build and develop future champions within the sport. Elijah was one of the original students of Lee Matthews, from his first centre in Tweedale, Telford, 18 years ago. Since then, the organisation has re-branded as British Military Martial Arts and is now one of the biggest martial arts brands in the world with over 100 locations and 15 full time centres with a reputation of excellence continued by Elijah and the legacy he is building. The classes are fantastic for building confidence and improving fitness levels for all ages. The centre offers classes for younger and older children, adults and women only classes too - and with a two-week free training offer available, there has never been a better time to get started. The students there are going from strength to strength, already competing and securing four gold medals in the
BMMA_worldchampionacademy @bmmaworldchampionacademy first tournament entered - and at this stage he has capacity for up to 200 students at his centre. Elijah has managed to become as successful as he is today not only through his own hard work, but from the constant support he has had over the last 18 years from his loving family. To assist with the opening of the centre, a grant was received from Telford & Wrekin Council for £10,000 as part of the revive and thrive program for Wellington High Street. Call 07864 679 368 and mention this advert to claim your FREE 2-week trial and a FREE suit too! Spaces are limited so don’t delay - call today!
Noble Living FP_Full Page Bleed New 11/04/2022 12:59 Page 1
Church Farm_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 15:52 Page 1
The Review
Church Farm
Country House, Wrockwardine www.churchfarm-guesthouse.co.uk
Tucked away in the historic village of Wrockwardine, beside St. Peters Church you will find Church Farm Country House. This splendid 17th Century Farmhouse offers 5 relaxing bedrooms, spacious gardens - which includes a marquee and comforting food made with only locally sourced ingredients - including eggs from the resident hens. Privately owned and passionately run, Church Farm Country House offers an ideal base for a long weekend away, stopping off at local attractions or a home-fromhome style retreat for business visitors. From the moment you arrive you are made to feel at home. The approach is friendly and relaxed, and the welcome is warm. My Recent visit was to sample the much talked afternoon tea that I had heard so much about and I was really looking forward to it. The grounds are absolutely stunning and the interior of the building offers a homely feeling, making you very comfortable from the off.
The Review
Sandie welcomed us with open arms and settled us down in the lounge area near to the grand fire place, which brings plenty of character in the room. We chatted a little and then decided to take a look around the country house, before Afternoon Tea. There are 5 bedrooms, 4 double rooms and 1 family room which sleep up to 4. The bedrooms are furnished to a high standard and offer a comfortable base to explore the local area. Then it was time for tea, so we made our way into the dining room which also has a lovely cosy fire place, adding character to the room. First of all was a cup of traditional tea with other teas and coffee also available. Next arrived a lovely 3 tier cake stand, stacked with glorious treats which looked fantastic! With a selection of tasty sandwiches, a couple of freshly made scones and an assortment of cakes, I was in my element. We
Church Farm_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 15:52 Page 2
right amount of zingy filling and crusty pastry; a real treat. The selection of sandwiches and cakes varies from day to day. Overall it’s a great Afternoon tea, offering lots of variation; it is available every day from 2pm to 4pm (Sundays available for large bookings only) at a very reasonable price of just £14 per person. Church Farm Country House has loads to offer, from hotel stays and afternoon teas to micro weddings, social events and wakes. It is also available for business meetings too. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and are very much looking forward to returning again soon. Visit: www.churchfarm-guesthouse.co.uk decided to start with the sandwiches; egg and mayonnaise, cheese and tomato and tuna and sweetcorn – absolute classics. Good fresh ingredients and a nice start to the afternoon. Next up was the homemade scones served with jam and cream, they were still warm and melted in my mouth with every bite – with just the perfect texture; light and crumbly. Finally we moved on to the selection of cakes which included an indulgent chocolate éclair with gooey topping and fresh cream oozing out from the light pastry, and a zesty lemon tart with just the
Church Farm Country House, Wrockwardine Village, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 5DG. Telephone: 01952 251927
Email: sandie@churchfarmcountryhouse.com
a quintessentially English afternoon tea...
Church Farm Country House
Our 17th Century Farmhouse offers relaxing bedrooms, splendid gardens with outdoor marquee and wonderful home‑cooked food , using locally sourced ingredients...
Join us...
For Afternoon Tea
Taken between 2 and 4pm in the garden or by the (ire. A classic selection of open sandwiches, crisps and coleslaw, savoury pastry, scone with homemade jam and cream, selection of teas or coffee and water and lemon.
Afternoon Tea ‑ £14.00pp Pre‑booking required
Nestled in the historic village of Wrockwardine, beside St. Peters Church you will -ind...
Church Farm Guest House
Telephone: 01952 251927
Wrockwardine Village, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 5DG Email: sandie@churchfarmcountryhouse.com
Cleos HP Review_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 12:57 Page 1
The Review
There’s more to Cleo’s Than Cocktails... Cleo’s of Ironbridge
www.facebook.com/Cleos-of-Ironbridge
“So, what to do and where to eat” was the question we asked ourselves on a rather lovely, Good Friday evening? With a world heritage site right on our doorstep we decided to take a stroll by the picturesque and worldfamous Ironbridge then finish the evening off with a bite to eat and maybe some entertainment.
Evening Menu options offer light bites such as Omelettes, Salads, Wraps, Sandwiches, Toasties and house specialities Tapas and homemade pizzas. All can be accompanied by Skin on fires, Cheese fries, sweet potato fries or Cajun chicken with jalapenos.
Cleo’s of Ironbridge was our chosen destination, a wellestablished Cocktail Bar and Eatery providing an extensive drinks menu and a select choice of homemade food and light snacks. When we entered Cleo’s, we were struck by the modish vibe provided by the various wall art features and stylish lighting.
Whilst trying to decide we were introduced to Mike and Gail the current owners, they took over Cleo’s 3 years ago, so are very pleased to be getting back to normality and greeting customers again. Taking their advice, we opted for a pizza as the dough is a traditional Italian family recipe and drawing on their time running a restaurant in Greece, we opted for a Caesar salad.
Greeted by warm and friendly staff, Debbie and I were shown to our table where the menu was explained, and the cocktail specials were highlighted. With a 2 for £12 offer on cocktails we opted for an old favourite, Pina Coladas. The familiar trio of flavours Rum, Coconut and pineapple were professionally mixed to deliver quite possibly the best pina colada we had tasted.
Service was brisk and we were soon eying a table of freshly made food – we couldn’t wait to get stuck in; it all looked delicious. The pizza did not disappoint the thin and crispy base easily supported and complemented the topping of buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomato. The Caesar salad was crisp and fresh with the grilled chicken cooked to perfection; the tangy
The Review
Cleos HP Review_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 12:57 Page 2
and with the option of adding an alcohol shot who could possibly say no? Served in a cocktail mason jar this thick and creamy shake was bursting with fruit flavours making every sip wishing you had ordered one much earlier. Cleo’s is not just a great place to eat and experience real cocktails but also offers regular live music events and even have their own exclusive upper VIP area that can be hired for that extra special evening. An outside seating area that is dog friendly makes Cleo’s a real gem in the gorge for family dining. But don’t take our word for it, pop along and see Mike and Gail’s Cleo’s for yourself!
Cleo’s of Ironbridge, High Street, Ironbridge,Telford, TF8 7AD.
Telephone: 01952 433377 dressing really enhanced the simplicity of this dish and in conjunction with the homemade crispy croutons every forkful was a taste of spring. As filling as these two dishes were we still managed to sample the sweet potato fries that really melt in the mouth with the perfect amount of seasoning.
or email gail.bayton@btinternet.com to book
How do we end a meal of such delights? With a Cleo’s speciality milkshake, available in a variety of flavours
tasty cocktails and much, much more...
Welcome to. . Cleo’s of Ironbridge Private Room Hire Available for Parties and Functions Thinking of having a private get-together? We have just the place! Perfect for Birthdays, Hen Nights, Baby Shower and Small Corporate events.
Cleo’s of Ironbridge, High Street, Ironbridge,Telford, TF8 7AD. Telephone: 01952 433377| www.facebook.com/Cleos-of-Ironbridge
Page - Telford Second Cleanest Town_Full Page Bleed New 13/04/2022 14:52 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition
Love Telford!
Telford named ‘second cleanest city’ in the UK...
Data also showed that the council’s household recycling rate for 20/21 was 4.4% above the official recycling rate for England. Building on this success, the council launched a campaign to drive recycling rates in other areas of daily life, focusing on its parks to support recycling ‘on-the-go’.
Telford and Wrekin has been named as the second cleanest city in the UK in a recent survey by ‘GetAgent’ which explores homeowner buying preferences. A clean city score of 8.26 (compared with winners Newcastle upon Tyne at 8.39) was generated by scoring a host of different factors from waste expenditure, air quality, recycling rates and overall cleanliness and tidiness. Telford also topped the tables for resident ratings with the second highest score and came fourth overall, for household waste sent for recycling (per 10,000 people). These scores support findings earlier in the year that showed Telford & Wrekin Council’s household recycling rate increased by 1.2% from 2019/20 to 2020/21, successfully bucking the national trend which saw the country’s average reduce by 1.7%.
In October 2021, the council installed 25 recycling on-the-go bins in Telford Town Park and immediately saw an uplift in the volume of waste being diverted to recycling, with early figures showing the amount of target materials collected increased by 123 per cent. Along with efficient waste disposal, pollution levels also fall under recommended exposure thresholds set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), meaning that the air in Telford and Wrekin is ideal for people who enjoy being outdoors. Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Regeneration and the High Street, Councillor Lee Carter (Lab) said: “This is fantastic news and shows how much effort goes into keeping Telford and Wrekin a clean, green and safe place to live. My congratulations go to everyone who plays a part, from residents and street
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champions to all the crews who clean the street signs, collect litter and clear away fly tips. “We are continually pushing to raise standards and I’m particularly pleased about the resident rating score and coming second against big cities like York or beautiful historic places like Oxford and Cambridge. Telford also has 17 Local Nature Reserves and one of the country’s top ten Green Flag parks, all owned and managed by the council, who have recently committed £3m to further protecting and enhancing Telford and Wrekin’s green and open spaces. The final score was assigned out of 10 for various factors, before taking an average to give a final score out of 10. GetAgent began by looking at the 100 most populated cities and towns across England, and removed any, where data was not available leaving 40 cities in total.
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk
Boulton's Butcher_Full Page Bleed New 30/03/2022 11:55 Page 1
Boulton’s Master Butcher at work...
Artisan Butchery...
Master butcher Martin Boulton and his wife Nikola run Boulton’s Butchers in Little Dawley, and have now opened a new shop in the heart of Madeley’s Anstice Square - the first butchers shop in the town for over a decade.
Bringing this proper butchers shop back to Madeley is very special to Martin, as it was in the towns old Banks Butchers that he completed his apprenticeship over 30 years ago. So he and his wife are really excited to be back in Madeley, where it all began. Plus they have taken on two new apprentice butchers, which is really important, as it will help keep these traditional skills going for the future. Butcher’s shops have a charm all of their own, that old style shop where people pop in for a chat and a bit of
banter with friends, and to buy some great quality fresh meat - and Boulton’s meats and pies are very good indeed. The shop has an upmarket ‘Farm Shop’ style feel to it, selling the finest quality meats, steaks, burgers, bacon, joints, chops, BBQ packs and everything else you would expect from a traditional butcher. There is a deli counter for cheese, pork pies, quiches and pasties, and there is also vegetarian and vegan food available, and fish too - something for everyone!. From Sunday roasting joints, to a special treat for your dad this Father’s day, or quality sausages and burgers for a family barbeque - they have something for everyone at Boulton’s. You are guaranteed a warm welcome, quality products, all at affordable prices.
Page 26 - Fathers Day_Full Page Bleed New 14/03/2022 10:47 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition Dates for your diary...
Father’s Day
on Sunday 19th June 2022...
. . . d a D 1 . o N
Finding the perfect gift for Father’s Day can be a daunting task. As well as finding the perfect Father’s Day card, you also have to decide on a gift to show how much you appreciate him. Make your Dad’s day extra special with these gift ideas that will appeal to those that love unusual presents, have a sense of humour or like practicality and style.
Football Doorstop (RRP £15.99) We have the best present idea if you are having trouble finding the perfect present for the soccer mad football fan. This Football Doorstop has an aged leather look and authentic stitch detailing and has been designed to prop your door open, whilst looking stylish in any sporty household.
Glass Terrarium Kit with Cork Lid (RRP £24.99) Looking for a gift set that your Dad will love and last beyond the celebration weekend? This Glass Terrarium Kit is the ideal Father’s Day present for him and will create more nature in his space. Plus he will be able to purchase plants for our terrarium kit, which not only makes it a unique gift but will help remove indoor pollutants and decrease stress too.
www.gard
engifts.com
make a cheeky Father’s Day gift. This gorgeous wooden plaque makes an amazing Birthday or Christmas gift and would look fabulous on a shed, fence or on an allotment to make passers by smile. Eley’s Father’s Day Pork Pies (Prices Vary)
For the perfect local personalised gift for any pork pie loving dad, you can’t beat Eley’s famous pork pies. You can personalise your pie, or even treat dad to the Ultimate Selection; a selection of products including Traditional Pork Pies, Sausage Rolls, Ironbridge Pasties, Pork Scratchings and even a Chilli Pork Pie - visit www.eleysporkpies. co.uk for more information.
Hanging Acorn Seed Feeder (RRP £22.99) This Hanging Acorn Bird Feeder is the perfect gift idea for a wildlife lover, will decorate the trees around your home and the hungry feathered friends will thank you for the delicious treats. Wooden Garden Sign Gardening Cheaper Than Therapy (RRP £11.99) For the man who likes both gardening and humour, then you can’t go wrong with this funny sign that would go perfectly in his garden and
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk
Telford & Shrewsbury Lifestyle Magazine
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Eleys Fathers Day Advert_Full Page Bleed New 16/04/2021 10:01 Page 1
Page 28 - Issue 55_Full Page Bleed New 01/03/2022 13:46 Page 1
Issue 55 -May & June 2022 Editions
Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations
Recipe Ideas...
. .. s ic s s a l C h is it r Great B Eton Mess
INGREDIENTS
2 large egg whites 120g caster sugar
500g strawberries, chopped in to chunks - keep a few back to decorate the top 450ml double cream 1 tbsp icing sugar METHOD
1. Heat the oven to 120C/100C fan/gas 1. Then line a large baking tray with some parchment paper. Whisk the egg whites in a very clean bowl using an electric whisk or mixer until they form stiff peaks. Then add the sugar in three lots, whisking in between into stiff peaks each time. Spoon out some dollops of the mixture onto the baking parchment, and cook on the bottom shelf of the oven for 1 hour 15 mins until the meringues are completely hard and come off the paper easily. Set aside and allow them to cool completely. 2. Take 1/3 of the strawberries to make a strawberry sauce. Cut the top of the strawberries and place them in a kitchen bowl. Mash them up along with some sugar. Save some to pop on top of the dessert at the end. You could even add some liqueur (like cointreau) or other kind of alcohol like gin to the strawberries if you want, or just keep them alcohol free so everyone can enjoy them. 3. Whip the cream. It's important your bowl and whisk are clean, otherwise your cream will not thicken. In a large bowl whisk the cream with the icing sugar until it just holds soft peaks.
Serves: 6 For best results serve al fresco... Interesting fact: The reason it’s called Eton Mess, is because it is traditionally served at the annual cricket game between the pupils of Eton College and Harrow School.
28 Telford/Shrewsbury Lifestyle Magazines
4. Grab some glasses or small bowls, or you could make one big mess and let everyone help themselves. Start by breaking up some meringue on the bottom. Then add a dollop or two of the cream, and then some chopped strawberries. Repeat in layers and then top with some fresh strawberries and serve straight away - so the meringue doesn’t get to soggy. Simple. Summer in a dish. Like & Follow - Social Media... INSTAGRAM: DEPublications12345 FACEBOOK: DEPublicationsLimited Twitter: @DEPublications
Page 29 - Issue 55_Full Page Bleed New 01/03/2022 15:34 Page 1
Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Recipe Ideas...
Roast Beef
with Yorkshire Pudding INGREDIENTS
• 4lb Beef Topside Roast • 2 bay leaves • 4 clove garlic • 2 sprig fresh thyme • 1 medium brown onion • 2 medium carrots • 2 sticks celery • 2 tbsp. olive oil METHOD
1. Let the beef sit at room temperaturefor 30 minutes before cooking it, don’t put it straight in the oven from the fridge. 2. Preheat the oven to 240°C/Gas mark 9. 3. Wash the vegetables thoroughly and chop into chunks – there’s no need to peel them. Peel the garlic cloves. Then place the vegetables, garlic and herbs into the centre of a roasting pan and drizzle with the olive oil. 4. Drizzle the beef with oil and season well with sea salt and black pepper, and then pop the beef on top of the vegetables. 5. Place in the oven, immediately reducing the temp to 200°C/Gas mark 6, and cook for 1 hour for a medium roast. 6. Give the beef a bit of a basting halfway through cooking. 7. When the time is up, remove from the oven and transfer to a board to rest for 15-20 minutes. Cover with tin foil and a tea towel while you make your gravy, horseradish sauce and Yorkshire puddings.
Serves: 4-6 Cooking time: 1hrs 20mins
The Classic Roast Dinn e recently cro r was wned Brit’s favourite c elebratory meal, with 32% o f people sa yin they will b e tucking in g to a roast for th e jubilee, in a survey con ducted by Foodhub.
Queen's Jubilee_Double Page Editorial 04/03/2022 15:48 Page 1
latinum Jub I-P ile I h e t e
tions a r leb Ce
Queen E liz ab
(Image credit: Keystone-France)
Queen's Jubilee_Double Page Editorial 04/03/2022 15:48 Page 2
The Queen’s Platinum
Jubilee
This June, the nation will come together over an extended four-day long Bank Holiday weekend, to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign. With an extensive programme of public events, both large and small, this blockbuster weekend of celebrations will be a combination of nostalgic pageantry and cutting-edge technological displays. May Bank Holiday Weekend has been moved to Thursday 2nd June, and an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3rd June will make for a fabulous four-day long weekend to allow everyone to take part in the celebrations.
ns
This is the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone - 70 years on the throne, and the events planned will reflect on her impact on not only the UK, but the world since 1952. The events, and activities will build all across the UK in the run up to this spectacular four-day weekend, when the eyes of the world will turn to the UK. London and other major cities will be complemented by events in communities across the nation, and indeed the Commonwealth, allowing people to join together in celebration and thanks. In keeping with tradition, a Platinum Jubilee medal will be awarded to people who work in public service including representatives of the Armed Forces, the emergency services and the prison services. This tradition stretches back to the reign of Queen Victoria when an official medal was designed to mark her 50th anniversary on the throne. 2022 will be a significant year for Britain as we also host The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Festival UK 2022, each of which will
bring a worldwide focus to the UK and will showcase the best of 21st Century Britain.
On Thursday 2nd June we will see the ‘Trooping of the colour’ - The Queen’s Birthday Parade and also the Platinum Jubilee Beacons. Then on Friday 3rd June a Service of Thanksgiving will be held for The Queen’s reign at St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by The Derby at Epsom Downs on Saturday 4th June, where Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend. Also on 4th June will be the Platinum Party at the Palace: The BBC will stage and broadcast a special live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven-decade reign. And on Sunday 5th June The Big Jubilee Lunch; which encourages communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better, coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship. In 2022 The Big Lunch will bring the Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community. A Big Jubilee Lunch can be big or small - street party or picnic, tea and cake or a garden barbeque. There will be a host of events held across Telford & Wrekin, and Shropshire to celebrate this momentous occasion. From smaller ‘Street Party’ style events, to community events which are being organised by Town & Parish Councils. Keep an eye out on their websites for details of local events for you to enjoy.
Qu
Page 32 & 33 - Jubliee Garden Edit_Double Page Editorial 28/02/2022 16:46 Page 1
JUBILEE GARDEN... How to plan a Jubilee Garden party fit for a Queen...
y t r a P n e d r a Royal G
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is coming up fast, and what better way to celebrate this historic and quintessentially British moment with your friends and family than in the beautiful outdoor space of your garden? The extended fourday bank holiday will celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, the only British monarch to achieve such a feat. To help you get ready for the most anticipated garden party of the year we have put together some ideas - with everything you need to create the perfect royal tea party, fit for a queen.
1. Are you sitting comfortably?...
Come June, the sun should be shining and the weather will hopefully be ideal for a garden party. When hosting a Jubilee soiree, it’s really important to make sure you have inviting, and comfortable seating areas where your guests can chill out and relax. Why not go with traditional deck chairs for your guests, like this Cream Fringed Wooden Deck Chair from Gardenesque, which evokes British sensibility and offers comfort too - the perfect perch for raising a glass to the Queen. With the temperatures set to soar, a sun shade will be the perfect addition to your Jubilee Garden party to provide shelter and ambience. This colourful fringed garden parasol, and with its different shades and stylish design will brighten up any garden party. Why not try wrapping the canopy with our Solar Edison String Lights for a cosy evening vibe. For a real picnic feel, spread blankets and cushions around the lawn for people to sit on, which will add a sociable touch to your lawn.
Gardenesque - Colourful fringed garden parasol with metal parasol base - £249. Cream fringed deck chair - £119.99 www.gardenesque.com
32 Garden Edit
Annabel James- Union Jack Luxury Merino Jubilee Throw £149.95- www.annabeljames.co.uk
Page 32 & 33 - Jubliee Garden Edit_Double Page Editorial 28/02/2022 16:46 Page 2
2. BBQ or Tea Party? No Jubilee party is complete without some kind of spread. So, will it be a Great British BBQ or a Royal Tea Party? Create a royal banquet but skip the washing up with these Union Jack paper plates, with foiled lattice edge. Match with other patriotic tableware. No Queen's Jubilee street party is complete without some British themed balloons, garlands and tableware.
Ginger Ray (Above) - Ginger Ray Union Jack Jubilee Party Paper Plates £4.99 - www.gingerray.co.uk
Firepit Glow - Warm Evening Outdoor Summer Seating Area with a Firepit. Description: Metal Garden Fire Pit, £149.99 - www.lights4fun.co.uk
Union Jack Bunting - £18.99 - wayfair.co.uk
Jubilee Cake Toppers - £5 - www.talkingtables.co.uk
3. Finishing Touches...
The run up to the Jubilee weekend is the perfect time to review your garden design and outdoor décor to see whether there's anything you want to improve to ensure your guests have the best time and make lasting memories. The UK weather can't always be relied on - so once it gets dark, a Fire Pit will help to keep things cosy and provide the perfect place to gather and socialise. Add some festoon lights (like the ones below - 20 Colour Changing Plug In Outdoor Festoon Lights, £27.99 from www.lights4fun.co.uk) and outdoor lanterns to create a relaxing evening vibe. Stringing up some Union Jack bunting can liven up your outdoor space, or decorating the tables with centrepieces of red, white and blue cut flowers can help to bring some colour to your guests’ experience.
Garden Edit
33
The Hundred House DPS TALL IMAGE_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 12:08 Page 1
Your Wedding at The Hundred House
With family-run flexibility, our packages are designed to be everything you need and more, taking the stress of planning to a minimum. Get in touch for a tour and see for yourself why we were Winner of Best Wedding Venue West Midlands - 3 years in a row. The Hundred House, Norton, Near Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire, T
The Hundred House DPS TALL IMAGE_Double Page Editorial 22/04/2022 12:08 Page 2
Get in touch for our amazing Late Availability packages...
• • • • • • •
17th Century Oak Beamed Barn in the Shropshire Countryside Licensed for Civil Ceremonies, also 10+ Churches within 5 miles Award-winning food, all dietary requirements catered for, set Menus or go bespoke 10 individually styled ensuite bedrooms, 7 with swings hanging from the oak beams! Use of our plush all-weather Marquee & Bar Mesmerising gardens, creating stunning settings for your photos! Super cute Bridal Prep Carriage to make getting ready so much fun.
The Hundred House Hotel
thehundredhouse
re, TF11 9EE l 01952 580240 l www.hundredhouseweddings.co.uk
Page 36 & 37 - Fashion Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 01/03/2022 11:30 Page 1
THE
style guide
Summer time, and the living is easy... and so is being fabulous and stylish. It’s the season for bright colours, floaty dresses and floral patterns galore. Go bold. Go bright. Go out! To me, Summer means exploring, bohemian adventures celebrating colours, patterns, and the artisanal craftsmanship from our travels. All of these things are at the heart of Monsoon’s collections. This season, Monsoon are going back to their roots. Back to their origin.
MONSOON
The new collection is filled with mood-lifting prints inspired by artisan designs from Monsoon’s heritage, made to brighten up your days and see you into Summer. The Elle dress for example - from India, made from 100% sustainable viscose, Elle was crafted in Sanjaner, Jaipur using heritage prints and layered woodblocks. Here are some of our favourites from the collection...
Pictured Right: Florella floral midi dress in sustainable viscose blue £99
Bright florals for a summer special: this piece is sure to brighten up a dull day. With a flattering sweetheart neckline and cut-out detail on the back, this midi-length dress is the perfect companion for summer outings. Just one of Monsoons steps towards a future for sustainable fashion, introducing S.E.W: the commitment to using more eco-conscious materials in the ranges. This capsule collection is created using fabrics that are both kinder to the planet and have a reduced environmental impact. You’ll see blends of organic and better-sourced cotton, viscose from more responsibly grown forests and recycled polyesters made from postconsumer waste. Pictured Right: Floral embroidered frill neck jumper green £55 - An array of summertime florals and frilly trims adorn this jumper, making it a sweet addition to your wardrobe. Its light knit fabrication and and sea green hue helps it transition through spring to winter, just chuck on your coat for those chillier days.
The Style Guide
36
Page 36 & 37 - Fashion Edit new layout_Double Page Editorial 01/03/2022 11:30 Page 2
FREYA
Picture Left:: Freya tiered shirt dress red £110
Bursting berry hues spill throughout the maxi length of our Freya dress, perfect for summer days in the office. Her mixed print can be seen through her tiered skirt, long sleeves and collared neckline. Finished with buttons and a tie belt, why not try cinching in the waist to create a more flattering fit...
All Photos: Monsoon
Picture Right: Maxine shirt dress green £140 Keep it bohemian with Maxine, with flower embroidery on a forest green backdrop. She features a pretty frill detail that cascades down the button fastening, perfect for the office and dinner dates. Pictured Left: Emmy scarf print midi dress green £75
Suitable for garden parties and dinner reservations, Emmy is a versatile piece to say the least - where will you style her? She combines an array of colourful blooms throughout the true green backdrop with a contrast trim. Let the wrap silhouette cinch in your waist whilst the bishop sleeves and flowy midi skirt keeps you cool.
The Style Guide
37
FLORAL
Page 38 & 39 - Home Edit Issue 55_Double Page Editorial 02/03/2022 09:53 Page 1
STAY HOME...
This years top window dressing trends revealed with the helpof Shuttercraft...
. .. s r e tt u h S w o d Win
1. Sustainability
We are all looking for ways to make more conscious and environmentally considered life choices, and that includes how we design our homes. We’ve seen a shift in consumer behaviour, whether it’s opting for more sustainable materials, or investing in quality products with a longer lifespan, like installing quality shutters,
custom built for every home. All shutters by Shuttercraft are put through an 18-point quality control checking system, and are also covered by a 10-year warranty. With energy efficiency an increasingly important consideration for many homeowners, shutters can ensure less heat is lost through windows. At Shuttercraft, we tend to see a spike in sales of shutters towards the end of summer, in preparation for the colder months.
2. Dramatic colours combinations
The past couple of years have made us all bolder and braver and consumers are using their homes as a blank canvas. Rich hues like dark blues and greens, chocolate browns and blacks and rich reds and peach tones are seen in homes a lot more, as we spend more time at home and want to make our spaces unique reflections to our lives and personalities. For an impactful look, go for dark shade shutters or pair rich coloured curtains alongside your neutral shutters - framing the window in the daytime and creating a cosy feel as you shut the night out. Having shutters and curtains is also a great way to achieve a decorative look without compromising on privacy.
Shutters Transform Your Home... Photo Above: Shuttercraft (Bedford)
38
Stay Home
Shutters are an incredible way of making the light work in your home without compromising on privacy.
Page 38 & 39 - Home Edit Issue 55_Double Page Editorial 02/03/2022 09:53 Page 2
Photo: Shuttercraft (Bedford)
Photo Below: Shuttercraft (Hero)
3. Earthy tones and natural materials
Bringing nature into the walls of our homes has been a driving force through interior design trends in the last few years and it’s not going anywhere. Paired with wood finishes, blues and greens help us create a peaceful feel which is vital to have in the home, now more than ever. Creating a sense of calm and balance, Earthy colours pair nicely with natural materials - such as textured rugs on the floor and wooden shutters on the windows ultimately warming up the room. All our local Shuttercraft branches offer a range of hardwood shutters - every shutter is crafted to the highest possible standards in state-of-the-art production facilities, and the hardwoods come from sustainable sources. There is a wide choice of colours and stains, even bespoke, making them ideal for almost every type of décor.
4. Smart home
With near constant technological development we need and expect more from our homes - from smart fridges and voice activated audio systems, we are increasingly looking for the next automation or integration. Remote or app-controlled Shutters are now a reality and can be activated at will or scheduled to maximise the light in your home. Remote-control shutters are ideal for those who want a stylish home built using quality materials - without compromising on smart functionality. There are also added security and comfort benefits of this tech, maintaining the illusion of life at an empty home and regulating temperature for your return. For those lucky enough to have a holiday home, they certainly come in handy if you want to let some light in on a sunny day, or prepare the space for a weekend visit.
Photo Above: Shuttercraft (Bristol)
Comments by Clarissa Hearn, Marketing Manager at Shuttercraft UK.
Stay Home
39
Page 40 - Book Page - Roy Bradshaw_Double Page Editorial 06/04/2022 11:58 Page 1
Barley’s Biscuit: Pipit’s Perilous Plight
Shropshire Author Releases Third Book! by Roy Bradshaw Released: May 2022 | £5.99
A Shropshire author has released his third book for children – continuing the exciting adventures of Barley the dog and his nephew Basil in the beautiful county countryside.
Barley’s Biscuit: Pipit’s Perilous Plight is the latest in what author Roy Bradshaw hopes will be a series of 12 books and follows the first release, Barley’s Biscuit: Broseley, Benthall Edge, Pattern’s Rock Quarry and Barley’s Biscuit: Ironbridge Gorge, A Paddle and the Golden Glow. Roy, from Telford, is a primary school supply teacher and took the inspiration for his Barley’s Biscuit series from his good friend Mick, his two Border-Collies and their long walks around Shropshire.
Shropshire. I then got the idea of putting them together as children's stories.
All books, illustrated by Toni Siân Williams, have been uploaded to Amazon, are available through the Nielsen Book database and most book stores. Roy wants to follow up the release of his new book with book-signing dates and school readings and is keen to hear from anyone wishing to host an event.
“I set out with the aim of writing two Barley’s Biscuit books and in the hope of completing a series of twelve. I’ve enough material to write the other ten all different stories set in Shropshire beauty spots. I also have material for three different stories of a series called Mr. B’s Bea - (a magic bee toy who’s name is Bea).
Local Author
Roy has worked as an engineer and as a teacher in primary, secondary and special educational needs schools.
Roy Bradshaw
“Barley is back and he’s still absolutely crazy about biscuits,” said Roy. “The third book is set on the The Wrekin and features some more wonderful adventures for Barley, Basil and a few friends they make along the way. “People have been asking when the next book was coming out for a while now and it’s great to say that it’s now available – I hope people will take as much pleasure from reading it as I did from writing it. “I’ve lived in Shropshire for about 30 years, it’s a beautiful county and I always thought it would provide a wonderful backdrop for a book or series of books. “My friend Mick has had many Border-Collies. One of his favourites was called Barley, (now sadly passed) - who was mad about biscuits, and Basil who is a bit more reserved. I used to listen to the stories he would tell about taking them on long walks around various outstanding beauty spots of
40 Local Author Book Page
“Being a teacher has helped me broaden my experience and build on the joys that a good adventure story brings to the young… and not so young,” he added. “I want to make my Barley’s Biscuit books easily available for children to enjoy. They are published through YouCaxton Publications, uploaded on Amazon, available through the Nielsen Book database and I will also be putting them out locally to pubs, shops and museums. I am also keen to take part in school readings, booksignings and other artisan events” Barley’s Biscuit: Broseley, Benthall Edge, Pattern’s Rock Quarry, Ironbridge Gorge, A Paddle and the Golden Glow and Pipit’s Perilous Plight are all available from Amazon via the website below:
www.roybradshaw.co.uk
Page 41 - Puzzle Page new layout_Full Page Bleed New 07/03/2022 17:08 Page 1
Puzzle TIME Quick Crossword & Easy Sudoku Perfect for Coffee Breaks!
Clues Across
Answers & Solutions are available on our websites:
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk www.shrewsburylifestyle.co.uk
easy
or Just f fun...
SUDOKU
There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
1. Biblical traitor (5) 4. Gently (6) 7. Movie (4) 10. Markedly different (7,5) 11. Musical work (4) 13. Autocratic (8) 14. New Zealander (5) 17. Relating to sound (5) 19. Swinging, vibrating (11) 22. Grill on open fire (8) 23. Cause pain (8) 25. Need (11) 26. Took risks (5) 27. Subdue (5) 28. Belonging to the earliest ages (8) 32. Jot (4) 33. Unsurpassed (6-2-4) 34. Vein of ore (4) 35. Mint (6) 36. Wither (3,2)
Clues Down
1. True (4) 2. Mend socks (4) 3. Blockade (5) 4. Manufacture on a large scale (4-7) 5. Make-up (8) 6. Intended to be sung (5) 8. Lack of foresight (8) 9. Kenyan language (5) 12. Damaged (8) 15. Line on a weather map (6) 16. Little visited (12) 18. Believable (8) 20. Giddy (5-6) 21. Dangle (anag.) (6) 24. Fraught with danger (8) 27. Large feather (5) 28. Song of joy (5) 29. Audibly (5) 30. Skeletal (4) 31. Seaweed (4)
CROSSWORD & SUDOKU
41
Digital Skills Gap_Full Page Bleed New 28/02/2022 10:42 Page 1
The Nations
Digital
Skills
Drought.
ONE IN THREE parents believe current school curriculum does not support children for their future careers...
While the integration of technology into contemporary society is widely recognised as the norm and deemed a necessary skill in the world of work, there appears to be a significant drought of technology skills in our current education system. With research from the Learning and Work Institute at WorldSkills UK showing that 92% of businesses agree that having basic digital knowhow is essential for employees, and a further 76% concurring that digital skills shortage would impact the effectiveness of their business, there needs to be a call-to-action. In a recent survey of parents across the country, the nation's most trusted online tutoring platform, MyTutor, highlighted the shared concerns over how schools teach digital skills to support pupils’ future careers. 32% agreed that the private sector’s increasing focus on digital and technological skills meant that the current school curriculum did not serve their child’s career progression, and was not fit for purpose in supporting their child’s career aspirations. One in four parents agreed that their child was inspired to learn about STEM field subjects in order to pursue their future career. However, as the current curriculum stands, there are significant obstacles to achieving their goals. Despite their best efforts, schools also struggle to find enough teachers with the appropriate skill set to teach these lessons. This means that too many children are not learning the most up-to-date technical skills that employers are crying out for. Key stats:
• 32% of parents (3.9 million) agree that the current curriculum is not fit for purpose in supporting my child's career aspirations
• 32% of parents (3.9 million) agree that because the private sector is increasingly becoming digitally and tech enabled, the current curriculum does not serve my child's career progression • 26% of parents (3.1 million) agree that their child has become more inspired to learn about STEM field
Education & Skills
subjects, in order to pursue a career that aids greater sustainability • 16% of parents (1.9 million) agree that inspired by the pandemic, their child now has aspirations to work within the mental health sector and medical arena
• 13% of parents agree that their child now wants to pursue a STEM career as a result of the pandemic
Offering a beacon of hope, MyTutor is delighted to have recently acquired FireTech – a coding and technical training platform for children which helps them to develop their digital skills. FireTech supports young people to learn the digital skills which will be essential for their future careers as requested by employers across the country. This means that the platform can offer coding and digital classes alongside their tutoring support, with extra-curricular classes covering programming with Python, creating games with Roblox, and coding with Minecraft. The practical classes will ensure students are able to come away from their digital lessons with clear evidence of what they have learned and can easily build on their existing skills over time. Bertie Hubbard, CEO and Co-Founder of MyTutor, said:
“The pandemic has had a huge effect on teens, and in response many budding scientists have become inspired to make it the last one in their lifetime. When we surveyed a group of UK parents recently, 13% told us that their child has decided to pursue a career in a STEM subject so they can make this one the last pandemic. And with so much disruption to their education this year, it’s more important than ever that kids get the academic support and mentoring they need to achieve their ambitions. "With MyTutor, kids can get support in STEM subjects, mentoring for particular courses and expert UCAS guidance. So if a teen wants to become a doctor they can get science lessons from a tutor who’s also a medical student. They’ll use their recent exam experience to help them get the grades they need, and also mentor them with advice on which universities to apply for and how to nail the admissions process. With the dedicated support of a tutor and their passion to see the back of pandemics, we can inspire the scientists of tomorrow.”
Wrekin College FP_Full Page Bleed New 20/04/2022 10:00 Page 1
WGS FP Edit 1_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 09:24 Page 1
Wolverhampton Grammar School...
Award winning
education
is closer than you think...
Wolverhampton Grammar School is an extraordinary school. Founded in 1512, it's one of the oldest schools in the country, within easy access of the wider West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire thanks to flexible school bus links. The independent day school has expanded its provision to incorporate Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Wolverhampton Grammar School is a fully all-through school, providing the opportunity for children of all school ages (4-18) to join a truly unique community and experience its award-winning approach to education. Meanstested bursaries and scholarships are available for exceptional and deserving applicants to the Senior and Sixth Form. If you’ve never visited the stunning 25 acre campus, you can register at any time for an open event or personal tour. Simply visit www.wgs.org.uk/openday to register for events that are taking place across the coming months. First priority is the happiness of your child
Children at Wolverhampton Grammar School receive pastoral care like nowhere else – that’s because happy children do well, thrive, and leave the school with excellent exam results and the confidence to embrace whatever opportunities come their way in their young adult lives. Your child will never feel alone at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Assistant Head in charge of Pastoral Care, Claudine Jones, leads a team of staff to support and work with families. Support includes a dedicated, expert pastoral team, school counsellor and annual adolescent mental health tracking using the latest digital tools. Academic excellence
The staff are totally committed to providing the best teaching and learning experience for your child – something that continued in lockdown, thanks to high expertise in online delivery. Wolverhampton Grammar School offers a very wide range of subjects, from sciences to humanities, creative arts to languages. The timetable is built around the academic choices that the students make. They grow up to be confident, curious and independent-minded, and their academic achievements speak for themselves. Despite the pressures of the pandemic, students were awarded stellar results at GCSE and A Level. Sixth Form students are also able to study towards Cambridge Technical and BTEC awards in a range of subjects. Sixth Form students achieved the highest number of A*- A grades for over 10 years, with 66% of entries receiving nothing but the top two grades. Alongside, 165 A* – B grades awarded (85% of all students).
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk/www.shrewsburylifestyle.co.uk
At GCSE, 641 Grade 9, 8 or 7 awards (equivalent to A* and A) – 79% of all grades were awarded. Students in Years 11 and 13 enjoyed another exceptional year with 100% pass rate. The School offers a tailored and individual approach to UCAS and Careers support and students can expect the very best preparation possible when it comes to life after school. Interested to learn more?
Simply visit the website to register for an open event or to book an individual school tour, www.wgs.org.uk/openday, alternatively please contact the Admissions team at Wolverhampton Grammar School telephone 01902 422939 email admissions@wgs-sch.net.
WGS FP Ad_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 09:20 Page 1
Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 4-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18
Places still available for September
TORIArts FP_Full Page Bleed New 22/03/2022 17:02 Page 1
Hello...
Because of my passion for performing arts, I decided to open a studio in Wellington offering classes from infant ballet to aerial hoop. I also offer musical theatre, contemporary, commercial, adult heels, flexibility, acrobatics, playgroup, over 60’s dance and lots more. The team is forever growing and all our staff are as passionate and excited as I am. They are also fully qualified to teach our classes, including the new aerial silks and pole sport. At ToriArts Studios we pride ourselves in educating students in a hardworking, vibrant and fun environment. We cater for all ages in various classes, teaching pupils to sing, act, dance and perform. We take a professional approach towards practice, confidence building and teaching of new skills and knowledge, but most of all, we dedicate ourselves to do all of the above with a positive and professional attitude, in a fun environment.
Victoria
- ToriArts Studios
TIMETABLE...
I am Victoria, the owner of ToriArts Studios. I have spent my whole life singing, acting, dancing and performing for countless productions and events. I have performed in musical theatre, showgirl corporate events, Birmingham Royal Ballet, a Michael Jackson tribute act, entertaining at Alton Towers Scarefest, playing various roles and characters at children’s parties and many more. I have a deep passion for performing and being on stage, anything I can sink my theatre loving self into.
Theatre On The Steps Issue 55_Full Page Bleed New 18/03/2022 13:10 Page 1
Whats’s On...
AT THE THEATRE ON THE STEPS!
THE BOOTLEG JAM
CLONEPLAY
SATURDAY 14TH MAY 2022 8:00 PM
SATURDAY 2ND JULY 2022 8:00 PM
SATURDAY 21ST MAY 2022 8:00 PM
FRIDAY 29TH JULY 2022 8:00 PM TO SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2022 8:00 PM
DURAN DURAN EXPERIENCE
KILLER RHAPSODY -A NIGHT OF QUEEN
'SHERLOCK'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE'?
THE RAT PACK IS BACK!
SATURDAY 28TH MAY 2022 7:30 PM
SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2022 3PM, 8PM
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE G-HOUSE
DESPERADO
FRIDAY 17TH JUNE 2022 8:00 PM
FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2022 8:00 PM TO SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022 8:00 PM
ALL OR NOTHING - THE EXPERIENCE
FRIDAY 24TH JUNE 2022 8:00 PM
For more information on the show listings please visit our website:
www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk
Box Office: Town Hall, High Street, Bridgnorth
T: 01746 766477 E: admin@theatreonthesteps.co.uk
www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk
Page 48 - Home_Full Page Bleed New 10/03/2022 13:31 Page 1
~ Home Trends ~
Makeover Your Kitchen On A Budget...
. . . p e t S y b p Ste
Guide
Frenchic have put together a step-by-step guide for anyone wanting to makeover their kitchen cabinets on a budget. Since the 1950s the UK have thoroughly embraced the freedom DIY brings and is the perfect, costeffective way to maintain a personalised, polished personal space. Giving the kitchen a fresh lick of paint is never a bad idea.
the entire surface. The better this is cleaned and later sanded, the better the paint will cling, so keep this in mind throughout.
Frenchic is multi award-winning and the fastest growing paint brand in the UK. Frenchic Paint is uniquely odourless, easy to use, safe for children and animals, and environmentally friendly – their team are passionate about encouraging people to be feel capable and confident when it comes to DIY and make their personal spaces reflect who they are. Frenchic are keen to inspire everyone, whether they be newbies of DIY experts, to get the best out of their products. See below for a step by step guide to give the kitchen a fresh new look!
If satisfied, give the unit a good dry and wait for it to be free of moisture before moving on to the next stage.
Tools needed:
• Frenchic’s Sugar Soap (£3.45) • Sponge
• Sand paper or sanding pad
• Paint of your choice [Al Fresco Wise Old Sage is used in this example] (£19.95 • Small hand-held paint sprayer or a Frenchic paint brush • Frenchic Fensheen in Beautiful Bronze (£9.95)
Step One - PREPARE
Whether you’re painting your base units, wall units, trims, unit doors or side carcasses, preparation will always be key before applying your Frenchic paint. Cleaning before painting is vital, especially in the kitchen where units will be exposed to steam and greases on a daily basis. To do this, dilute your Frenchic Sugar Soap with water and give your units a good scrub across
48 Home Trends
Once you’ve finished, go over with clean water to ensure the sugar soap is rinsed off. Give a final feel with your hands for any remaining grease to ensure all of it is removed. Step Two - SAND
Gently sand, lightly scoring the surface, using your fine sandpaper or sanding pad. Once finished, use a damp cloth to clear any dust away. Ensure your unit is bone dry before moving on to the next stage. Step Three - PAINT
Now is the time to apply the paint! You can use a hand-held paint sprayer or paint brush to do this. In this example, we are using Wise Old Sage from the Al Fresco range which does not require sealing at the end. If you are using products from Frenchic’s original range though, you will need to seal with a finishing coat. If you’re using a paint brush on wooden units, remember to give the grains in the wood a good look over. You will want to paint with the grain using gentle brush strokes. Turn your brush to a 45-degree angle and spread the paint as softly as possible. Once finished with your first coat, leave to dry for two hours or more. When you’re happy, move on to apply your second coat. After the second coat, allow 45 hours for the paint to dry. It will continue to harden over the next three weeks. Step Four – ANYTHING ELSE?
You can paint the door handles as well – whether they be metal, wooden or plastic. We’d recommend the Frenchic Frensheen range in Beautiful Bronze as this compliments Wise Old Sage perfectly. Frenchic paint is available from £6.95 at: www.frenchicpaint.co.uk
AD GRID X 3_- 20/04/2022 10:27 Page 1
• Fridge 375 Litres, Freezer 230 Litres Capacity • Frost Free • Stainless Steel • Dimensiona: H179xW90.5xD68.8cm 5 Year Warranty F Energy Rating
• 279 Litre Fridge, 87 Litre Freezer Capacity • Fridge: 5 Shelves, 3 Salad Bins • Freezer: 3 Transparent Drawers • Dimensions: H203xW60xD66cm 5 Year Warranty E Energy Rating
• Fridge 228 Litres, Freezer 124 Litres Capacity • Non Plumbed Water Dispenser • Black • Dimensions: H185.3xW59.5xD65.8cm 5 Year Warranty* E Energy Rating
• 378 Litre Fridge, 152 Litre Freezer Capacity • Frost Free • Stainless Steel • Dimensions: H182.5xW84xD74.5cm 3 Year Guarantee F Energy Rating
• 171 / 84 Litres Capacity • Fridge: 3 Shelves & 1 Salad Bin • Freezer:4 Transparent Draws -Silver • Dimensions: H182xW55xD55cm 2 Year Warranty F Energy Rating
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SJH GROUP Call: 01743 290388 Email: info@sjhgroup.co.uk www.sjhgroup.co.uk
We also offer: PermaDrive PermaPatio ConservaSmart PermaLawn See website for other services
Easy Bathrooms Edit_Full Page Bleed New 13/04/2022 14:15 Page 1
Telford
Making a splash in the
m o o r h t Ba Market
Easy Bathrooms Telford are celebrating their 1st Birthday this summer. In 2021, they launched their 81st bathroom store and tile showroom in Telford and haven’t looked back, with the business now celebrating 106 stores nationwide. The Telford store located at Stafford Park created 4 full-time jobs, one of which is the showroom manager, Chris Downing. Chris says of the last year: “The past year has been an exciting time for us as we’ve created a showroom which we’re really proud of. Customers can expect products that are bang on trend, in a store that really gives you an idea of how to style the fittings, alongside exceptional advice and customer service.” The Telford team are extremely passionate about the world of bathrooms and are bursting with energy when it comes to helping customers to create the bathroom they’ve always wanted. They are proud to offer a free service to customers where they can design their own bathrooms with the team, using their award-winning ArtiCAD 3D system. One customer, Lucy, was really impressed with her experience and said, “We attended Easy Bathrooms at Stafford park to purchase some bathroom furniture and tiles for our upcoming bathroom
refurb. We were greeted by the whole team on entering and left to peruse the shop floor without being bombarded with sales talk. Once complete, we were approached by Matthew who asked if he could help us in anyway. We discussed what it was we were looking for and Matthew listened to everything we said. Even when we had said we wanted to buy he never assumed and asked if we wanted him to quote first to allow us time. Both Matthew and Chris were lovely, welcoming and did their best to provide us with the best price possible for our purchases - they even gave us coffee and a mince pie!” Craig Waddington, founder of Easy Bathrooms, said: “When I founded Easy Bathrooms nine years ago, the goal was to create a national, recognisable brand, with showrooms throughout the UK, so customers could see and feel the quality of our products, alongside great customer service and attention to detail.” “For the first few years, we grew at a steady pace and the past couple of years has seen us grow at a steep yet consistent rate. At a time when many bathroom brands are struggling, we are growing in an ethical and steadfast way, and we believe it’s because we’re sticking to our principles of quality products at fair, affordable prices.” “We employ over 650 people nationally, whilst supporting hundreds of other businesses within our supply chain.” So, if you’re wanting a whole new bathroom, some stylish new tiles to freshen up your bathroom indoor spaces or even a new patio with their beautiful new ranges of outdoor tiles, then pop by and take a look at their products and the latest trends with one of their bathroom planners.
The Telford showroom is open 7 days a week and welcomes trade buyers, with incentives offered to business account holders.
Easy Bathrooms & Tiles, Unit A6, Stafford Park, Telford TF3 3BA. Phone: 01952 951305
AD GRID X 2_- 20/04/2022 11:11 Page 1
No job too small! Switches, Sockets & Lighting
Replacement Consumer Units Outdoor Lighting
Full and Part House Rewires
Contact: David Copeland
M: 07866 455993 E: copelandelectricals@gmail.com
Emergency Call-Outs
AD GRID X 3_- 22/04/2022 11:53 Page 1
TELFORD SCRAP COLLECTION OF:
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WASHING MACHINES TUMBLE DRYERS DISHWASHERS MICROWAVES SINKS BOILERS RADIATORS
COPPER PIPING WIRE CAR BATTERIES METAL FURNITURE ALL OTHER METALS
Contact Stacey or Steve:
07873 377764 Getting rid of your unwanted bulky metal items ‑ made easy! FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
NEWSLETTER?
We also clean: Roofs Stone Render Drives/Patios See website for other services
DO YOU NEED A
WE CAN HELP...
NEWSLETTERS, ADVERT DESIGN, BROCHURES, POSTERS & FLYERS
We Offer Design Only, Design & Print or Design, Print and Delivery!
Email: eileen@deltaecho.co.uk
Call:
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DE Publications Limited
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ToThis...
From This...
Keep Your Property Exterior Sparkling... We are a Family run business based in Shropshire that are able to offer all external cleaning requirements to your home and commercial premises. WIZARD EXTERIOR CLEANING
Call: 07795 198192 info@wizardexteriorcleaning.co.uk www.wizardexteriorcleaning.co.uk
Dry Steam Demon Conservatories Issue 55_Full Page Bleed New 22/03/2022 14:22 Page 1
e c n e l i S n i r e f f u S t n’ Clean m a e t S r Spring rm You s, o f s n a r T y, Oven s! r o t a v r Conse Carpet d n a y r te Uphols
Do
After
Spring is here! Have you got a conservatory? Has it become a dull, green and grimy eye-sore in your garden? What happened to that bright sparkling investment you made? No need to get depressed. We can turn your conservatory from dull and dingy in to bright and gleaming ready for the spring and summer ahead (see pictures).
Before
Call Lee Today to Book!
After
What better time to turn your attention to the carpets and upholstery (incl leather). We can rejuvenate carpets and upholstery, using steam and no chemicals, saving you money on costly replacements and put a smile on your face. Ovens. Do you quickly close the door? So as not to see the mess inside or stop the smoke coming out. Can you still see through the door? Not a problem, we get ovens looking like new and stop them being a smelly, smoking embarrassment.
Before
Dry Steam Demon At Dry Steam Demon we work on a customer first approach so go on cheer yourself up don’t suffer in silence, call us today 01630 657551 or 07780 610680, e-mail: lee@drysteamdemon.co.uk For more information or visit our website at:
www.drysteamdemon.co.uk Have a look at the gallery pages of before and afters and what our customers say about us on Facebook.
Page 54 & 55 - Demystifying Stress_Double Page Editorial 06/04/2022 17:17 Page 1
Stress...
Demystifying and tackling stress...
Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, Denise Iordache, shares her tips.
As millions of us around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress1 and feel the damaging effect this has on our health overall, stress has become this ‘thing’ everyone’s heard about and accepts as existing, without necessarily understanding it. In this e-news we bust some of the many myths around what stress is, what it means to our bodies and minds to be stressed, and how we can tackle the challenges of stress.
What is stress?
Stress is our body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure2. The threat or pressure normally activates our autonomic nervous system (ANS), one of the major neural pathways in our bodies3, responsible with regulating involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal4. The general response to stress is the activation of our sympathetic nervous system (SNS)3 which forms part of the ANS mentioned above. This is also called the ‘fight or flight’ response you might be more familiar with. As part of this response, we might experience an increase in heart rate, in breathing and overall alertness, whilst other bodily functions are decreased, such as digestion. When it comes to our ‘fight or flight’ response, we need to remind ourselves that this has been part of us humans for millennia. FACT: Our response to stress can be triggered by real or even imaginary stimuli, which in turn can be mental, physical, or emotional. It does not always have to be a reallife-or-death situation which increases our stress levels; however for our nervous system it may well feel like one every time. In short bursts, stress can be beneficial as it helps us avoid danger or meet an important deadline. It is not unusual for people to say that they ‘perform well under stress’, however we should not confuse this with the best way of living our lives. Studies have shown that chronic stress (i.e. being exposed to high levels of stress over a long period of time) actually damages our health and can lead to burnout.
54 Health
Stress – what are the signs?
For those of us experiencing stress, the following list of signs/stress-induced challenges is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, but a mere indication of aspects affected by stress.
• Experiencing insomnia/sleep disorders (i.e. too much or too little) • Experiencing mood swings • Having little / no energy • Eating too much / too little • Pulling away from usual activities • Procrastinating • Experiencing libido changes • Worrying thoughts
What is chronic stress?
Stress that carries on at a high intensity for long periods of time can be classified as chronic. Symptoms can be similar to the ones mentioned above or exacerbated. If any of them raise concern, remember to speak to your GP. These symptoms can be:
• Physical (aches, pains, digestive issues) • Emotional (anxiety, overwhelm, irritability) • Behavioural (eating patterns, alcohol, and drug consumption, sleeping disorders) • Cognitive (memory problems, concentration issues) • Experiencing insomnia/sleep disorders • Experiencing mood swings • Having little / no energy • Eating too much/little • Pulling away from usual activities • Procrastinating • Experiencing libido changes
Page 54 & 55 - Demystifying Stress_Double Page Editorial 06/04/2022 17:17 Page 2
Managing stress the healthy way... Allowing ourselves to care more about our mental and physical (and spiritual) wellbeing, enables us to manage our stress in a healthy way and makes self-care part of our daily routine. Denise Iordache - www.joyspacetherapy.com - top tips she swears by:
1. Work productively by taking regular breaks and planning ahead. Taking regular breaks and stepping away from the desk is essential, even if for a few minutes to make a cup of tea as you will come back with an improved perspective. Planning ahead enables the majority of us to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. After all, planning’s in our nature, as noted by researcher Shevaun Neupert5. Making plans in advance does not have to mean only work-related plans, but social plans too. So why not make plans which bring you joy, such as dinner with friends to a weekend break or enjoying a place of interest you have always wanted to visit.
2. Eat a balanced diet and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Are you eating enough nutrients for your health and wellbeing like meeting all your 5-a-day needs? Are you drinking enough water? These may seem like simple questions; however the answers might reveal a great deal. These days, fast food and prepacked meals tend to sometimes overshadow the fresh fruit and vegetables we should eat for our mental and physical health and wellbeing. Try a back-to-basics approach when it comes to nutrition – understand what your body needs are, link this with your preferred foods (fruits, veggies, legumes, etc.) and ensure moderation. There are many reliable sources of information out there, such as the NHS Eat well. One simple tip, have a rainbow of food colours when you eat as that will help ensure vital vegetable and fruit nutrients.
3. ZEN - tap into your in-built ‘relaxation system’ – the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), i.e. the other part of the autonomic nervous system, is responsible for our ‘rest and digest’ state. The PNS promotes relaxation in several aspects such as it reduces our heart rate, lowers the intensity of our breathing, relaxes our muscles and functions such as digestion, immune system and cell repair are increased. When PNS is dominant we rest and ultimately fall asleep and I like to call the PNS as our in-built ‘relaxation system’ because tapping into it allows us to calm down, release tension and recentre ourselves. An easy way for us to tap into this would be to practice deep breathing. For example taking 3 deep breaths (into the abdomen, so called belly breathing) can help lower our stress levels quite dramatically sometimes. Another well-researched6,7,8 way to do so is Progressive Muscle Relaxation. A technique which involves tensing and relaxing our muscles one by one. This practice is generally safe and can be followed via dedicated apps or hypnotherapy recordings, while sessions normally last about 30 minutes.
4. Good sleep habits. A lack of sleep can lead to increased chances of stress, but stress can also cause a lack of sleep. Have a look at your sleep habits and regimes. Your sleep routine should encompass your preferred way of unwinding at the end of the day, be it a bubble bath or reading a book, as well as your preferred times for going to bed and waking up. Sleep is your way of signalling to your body and mind that it is now time for rest and recovery so make it a great one, personal to you and keep at it.
5. Walk your way to exercise. We can all use some form of exercise to stifle the build-up of stress. Some forms of exercise, such as taking a brisk walk or a HIIT (high intensity interval training) class, not only deepens breathing but also relieve muscle tension. Others, such as yoga, Pilates, or tai chi, tend to combine fluid movements with deep breathing and mental focus which in turn induce calm. No matter which form of exercise suits you best, the most important element is to keep going. This is why it is imperative to choose a form of exercise that brings you joy and not something you dread. There are a multitude of ways to exercise nowadays, however if you are a beginner this can be very overwhelming. So why not start slowly and follow the NHS recommendations on walking.
6. Challenge your thoughts. Challenging our thoughts allows us to reflect and find our own answers to the problems we face. Just as much as we challenge ourselves to present proof to what we think, e.g. ‘What evidence is there for that belief?’. In situations of stress we might become overwhelmed with worry and outcomes. As a result, ask yourself, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ or ‘What would be a more helpful and realistic way of looking at this situation?’ in order to help release tension and bring in a calmer perspective on things. This practice can also help us problem solve our stress inducing issues in a helpful manner.
Last but definitely not least: remember to include joy into each day. It will lighten up an entire day! Health 55
Page - Fly tipping crackdown_Full Page Bleed New 13/04/2022 15:32 Page 1
Issue 55 - May & June 2022 Edition
Telford & Wrekin Council
Explore childcare and early years opportunities at Telford event
updates about latest childcare and early years opportunities. Childcare workers enjoy working with children, they are self-motivated, nurturing, caring and have a genuine interest in each individual child’s wellbeing, development and play. Those working in early years & childcare settings, schools and as childminders are responsible for providing care, learning and development as set out by the Department for Education and will work with children from birth onwards.
People who want to explore a career in childcare can find out more about exciting, local opportunities in the sector next month. Telford & Wrekin Council’s Early Years and Childcare team is hosting the Childcare Careers & Training event at Southwater One, Telford on Saturday 14 May (10.30am-2.30pm). Childcare practitioners and training providers will be highlighting latest vacancies with local nurseries and offering information about recognised training programmes and qualifications which can support this career pathway. The event is an 'open door' event but all those attending are requested to register their interest in advance here Children are also welcome to attend on the day but for those unable to visit they can still register their details and receive
Shirley Reynolds (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Childcare is a very rewarding career, whether that’s working in a nursery environment or as a childminder.
“There are lots of opportunities in the sector locally and this event is an opportunity for people to explore them and find out more about what a career in childcare and working with children involves.
Cllr Shirley Reynolds
looking forward to welcoming childcare employers and training providers to Southwater One for this event. “It will give people the opportunity to find out more about the employment opportunities that exist in childcare across the Telford and Wrekin borough and hopefully help local nurseries to recruit new employees and fill some of the gaps in this service area.” The Childcare Careers & Training event is taking place at Southwater One, Telford, TF3 4JG and you can register online.
“For anyone who is passionate and enthusiastic about enabling children to become happy and confident learners who can reach their full potential then this could be the perfect career.” A series of videos from current childcare professionals will also be screened at the event which show the different routes people have taken into childcare and what they find enjoyable about their roles.
Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills, said: “We’re
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Cllr Eileen Callear
www.telfordlifestyle.co.uk
Mr Wests Caribbean_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 14:18 Page 1
Phobias_Full Page Bleed New 25/03/2022 13:50 Page 1
Trypophobia Revealed
as Brits' Biggest
Phobia... What’s yours?...
Ever wondered if someone else shares your paralysing fear of spiders, heights, or snakes? Intrigued to find out which are the most common phobias throughout Europe and the USA, experts at PsychicWorld.com collated a seed list of the 15 most popular phobias and analysed the monthly average Google search volumes for each one across all countries included in the study. Key Findings
• The most common phobia among people in the UK, with an average monthly search volume of 120,000, is trypophobia, which is a fear of holes. • First place for the most popular phobia across all of Europe and the USA is shared by claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) and trypophobia (fear of holes).
• Hemophobia (fear of blood) is the least common phobia, appearing in the search volumes of only 12 out of the 41 analysed countries in the study. The first place for the most common phobia goes to both claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) and trypophobia (fear of holes), appearing in the average search volumes of all 41 researched countries. However, the latter has the highest overall search volume of all phobias - 812,150. Trypohobia is also the number one phobia, based on search volumes, in 39 of the countries analysed. Second place is also shared by two phobias acrophobia (fear of heights) and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). Both fears were searched for in 40 of the countries. Agoraphobia comes in second place for total number of search volumes (570,400) as well and is the number one fear in three countries (Belarus, Czech Republic and Malta). Being in the average search volumes of 38 countries, arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and thanatophobia (fear of death) share the third place. Fear of spiders also places third when it comes to overall number of search volumes, having 88,480. While fear of death holds a total of 35,180.
Brits’ Biggest Phobias
Ranking in fourth place are trypanophobia (fear of needles) and monophobia (fear of being alone). Both were present in 34 countries. And fifth ranks cynophobia (fear of dogs) - part of the search volumes of 33 countries. And the least common phobia is…
Appearing in the search volumes of only 12 countries in total (29 less than trypophobia in first place), hemophobia (fear of blood) ranks last in the research. Methodology:
1. PsychicWorld.com sought to discover the most common phobias people throughout Europe and the USA have. 2. A comprehensive seed list of popular phobias was compiled utilising multiple websites, including: Verywell Mind, MedicineNet, Money Inc, The International Psychology Clinic and Knowinsiders. Only phobias that appeared more than once across the different articles were taken into consideration. 3. A refined list of 15 phobias was created. 4. Following, a complete list of all 44 countries in Europe was extracted from Worldometer. The following countries were omitted from the research, due to lack of data: Holy See, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino. Out of 44 European countries in total, data was collected and amalgamated for 40. 5. Average monthly search volumes for each phobia across all countries were then gathered utilising the search analytics tool Ahrefs. Search volumes for keyword variations, such as: fear of heights, fear of spiders and fear of flying were also collected in order to obtain accurate results. 6. All phobias were then ranked based on the number of countries they had appeared in, so that the most common phobia could be determined. 7. All data was collected between 23-24 February 2022 and is subject to change. https://www.psychicworld.com
Photo Credit: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock.com
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Save Money on Bills_Full Page Bleed New 30/03/2022 14:48 Page 1
Energy-saving in the home:
Sustainable
Swaps to Save Hundreds
More than ONE MILLION households could miss out on Sunak's £150 energy rebate as they do not pay direct debit to local authorities. Sustainability and money-saving experts, SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) share the easy and cost-effective swaps for homeowners.
The announcement from financial experts that more than one million households are set to miss out on Rishi Sunak’s £150 energy bill rebate has sent waves of uncertainty across the nation. It is brought to light that seven per cent of households are unlikely to claim the repayment because they do not pay the local authority charge by direct debit. Confronting a burgeoning issue which is projected to only get worse, the cost-of-living crisis is severely dominated by the UK's energy consumption habits, something which Mark Sait, CEO and Founder of sustainability and money-saving consultancy - SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) - says is driven by a state of bill shock which Brits are collectively navigating. Sait goes onto advise the simple and habitual swaps which will help us claw back thousands of pounds in energy every year in preparation for the price hike in April. These are clearly outlined on SMCC's e-commerce home shop offering solutions from lighting swaps to changing your shower-head, or can be found on their app by searching ‘SaveMoneyCutCarbon Home’, on both Apple and Android devices.
For example: LED Home Lighting
According to Which, a traditional bulb costs roughly £8.42 a year to run, whereas an LED only costs £1.71 a year and could save homeowners and tenants more than £180 in energy over its lifetime. Overall, switching to LED could save households up to 85% not only on their carbon footprint, but also their bills. SMCC is paving the way for Brits to light their homes utilising easy and costeffective swaps.
Money Saving Sustainable Swaps
The Eco Shower Head
Over 4% of the UK’s energy consumption, and the associated carbon footprint, is a result of the water industry processing and pumping the water we often take for granted when taking our daily showers. And while typically we enjoy taking a hot shower, it has been calculated that there is a tonne of embedded carbon in every cube of water. SMCC has developed a way which permits us to continue to enjoy both but rather uses and heats 60% less water than the standard shower head. Leveraging EcoSmart technology users simply push a button to experience a full flowing shower which in reality combines water and 60% less water to produce the desired effect; in turn reducing water expenses.
Ecoegg Dryer Eggs
It comes as no surprise that running a tumble dryer is one of the most costly appliances in your home, accumulating roughly £40 a year if used just once a week. Dispelling the misconception that drying your clothes on a cooler heat does not get the job done, SMCC recommend selecting a cooler temperature whilst chucking in one of their Ecoegg Dryer Eggs which work to reduce your tumble-drying time up to 28%. They work by gently separating your clothes, allowing more air to circulate so they dry quicker. Plus, it can reduce your plastic usage as it can be used again and again.
About SMCC:
SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) was established in 2012 and is the go-to brand to help homes & businesses be more sustainable by reducing energy, water, and carbon, all while saving money. Homes, trades, and small businesses are serviced via tailored online shopfronts, while larger enterprise customers benefit from an endto-end service from initial audit, generating a decarbonisation roadmap to final fit. Last year alone SaveMoneyCutCarbon’s customers collectively saved 727 million litres of water, 23 million kWh of energy, and thousands of pounds as a result. To download the app – search ‘SaveMoneyCutCarbon Home’, available on both Apple and Android
The Telford Driveway Company Ltd Advert NEW1_Full Page Bleed New 11/12/2019 15:17 Page 1
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Page 62 & 63 - The Motoring Review_Double Page Editorial 01/03/2022 13:01 Page 1
Just
Drive..
The Basics
Model: Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate hybrid 1.6 T-GDi 4WD 6spd auto. Price: £45,830 Engine: 1.6 Petrol Hybrid Pictures: Hyundai
If you're on the trail for SUV serendipity you just might want to say 'Hi' to the bigger and bolder third generation Hyundai Santa Fe which has consistently received accolades as one of the best large SUVs.
It's a sleek and appealing 'whip crack away' seven seater from Korea with an indomitable presence that's practical, classy, top quality and well equipped inside and outside. Therefore, that proper five year, unlimited mileage, warranty comes as no surprise. Do you think the likes of Peugeot, Vauxhall and Renault would chance a warranty like that? I don't. Since its entry into this highly competitive market, competitors have quaked. And with good reason, for you'd be hard-pressed to match its 'bangs for bucks' that Hyundai makes it their business to deliver. At £45,830, the Ultimate spec.7 seat 1.6 petrol hybrid with the new six speed automatic, with 'on demand' four-wheel drive is up there with the best for much less - and it's top quality too. We all know that the appeal of the SUV is dependent on ultra practicality and versatility. You can go anywhere with anyone in any weather and virtually on any highway short of the Rocky Mountains in one of these because it is no 'soft-roader'. It has different drive modes for different challenging conditions. There's acres of room for five and their luggage and if you flip up the other two seats from the boot floor, there's still room for luggage. Put all seats down and you have a veritable pantechnicon.
62 Motoring Review
Page 62 & 63 - The Motoring Review_Double Page Editorial 01/03/2022 13:01 Page 2
Hyundai Santa Fe The name given to this model is redolent of adventurous treks 'Out West' but for the British market Hyundai have made subtle and clever adaptations. UK models are chassis tuned to the unique demands of our great British roads. A cynic might claim, therefore, that this SUV is 'pothole perfect' and capable of undertaking journeys without terminal damage to the chassis. A positive thinking person like your correspondent relishes the good roadholding, the tautness behind the wheel and the effortless 'red-carpeting' of rough highways. In a Santa Fe you might be forgiven for thinking that the Minister of Transport had - in a fit of the vapours - lavished untold fortunes on our roads. Unfortunately this is not so: merely a consequence of the
Ultimate hybrid
Santa Fe's impressive road manners. The chassis certainly betrays no load carrying imperfections. Driving along it feels as smooth as silk with a ride as supple as a Spanish señorita. For a big car it's so easy to drive. It even has Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) so that when you are towing a trailer with your mother-in-law in, she wont get car sick. The torquey 1.6 petrol engine combines with the 44.2 kW electric motor to give lovely smooth and linear performance, taking you to 'certainly fast enough' mph - and yet you don't struggle to get 45 mpg in eco mode on a long run.
whistles to make your life complete. There's every adjunct to sybaritic living and hedonism and you and yours are kept safe by safety systems galore. The flight deck displays an array of instruments and controls that are the ultimate in digital digitalness and you are soothed by a sound system of sonic excellence. To put it in a nutshell (and a very big one at that) it has as much going for it as rivals that are over half as much again.
Inside, comfort is....er...as comfy as comfy can be, on heated and cooled seats that are power operated. There are so many bells and
By Syd Taylor Motoring Reviewer With indomitable presence and sculptural purposefulness the Santa Fe delivers like a galloping Pony Express. If you're in the market for a big-hearted hunk of a car that won't take a massive chunk out of your earnings, here is utility value that's worth flagging up: and never has practicality felt so luxurious. You could carry the Queen of Sheba and guarantee not to spill her sherbet in one of these - and it's also a fairway to carry a gaggle of golfers on their way to the eighteenth.
Motoring Review 63
Shropshire Floats Review_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 08:27 Page 1
Floating Into
We Review... Shropshire Floats
Relaxation
After speaking with the owner, Kevin, on several occasions and hearing how having a ‘Float’ in a salt-water pod has so many amazing reviews, I decided now would be the time to pay a visit and see what it was all about.
After a full safety brief and all of my questions answered, I found myself stepping into a salt-water filled pod, lying back and lowering the lid to enclose myself; I felt myself relaxing as the lights and music starting to dim and after a few minutes, everything was pitch black and silent and I was floating without a care in the world and no idea of the time in a private room. The initial thought of being in an enclosed pod, pitch black and silence was a little daunting and I was a little apprehensive – but no, I didn’t feel any of these. It happens to be an amazing stress reliever, among many other things. Eliminating your senses; touching, hearing, seeing and smelling in a floating tank, your brain switches off which allows you to relax and drift off. You can’t measure time in there: it could have been 5 minutes or 1 hour. Due to 550kgs of salt added to the water, your body will naturally float with no effort on your part. When your 60 minutes are over, the pod lights start to brighten a little and you’re able to get yourself out and shower. I noticed immediately how soft my skin was feeling and how the pain I would usually suffer with from having back and shoulder issues, just weren’t there – it felt instantly amazing.
Myddle, Shrewsbury
To be told by the owner, Kevin, the benefits of floating can: Reduce stress, speeds muscle recovery, reduces depression and anxiety, improves cardiovascular health, enhances creativity and can reduce tension headaches, I was not initially convinced that floating in salt-water could do this. After 60 minutes, I wouldn’t question it: I can’t recommend it enough and I will be going on a regular basis. My visit wasn’t over when I finished floating, I was then shown the ‘Seychelles Sunroom’ - I was in heaven. Their unique Swedish sunlight simulators fully replicate a day at the beach without any UV risks but all the benefits. As I sat on a sun lounger in light summer clothes, listening to the sounds of the beach, I couldn’t help but completely relax and switch off from everything. The room was so tranquil and a beautiful indulgence, I could feel my mood boost, and couldn’t help but sit there smiling. There are so many benefits to the sunroom and again, after experiencing it, I would never question it. It’s known to; Increase energy, boost immune system, soothe aches and pains, reduce stress and anxiety, increases motivation /energy, reduces stress, both mental and physical and more. I can’t recommend a visit to Shropshire Floats enough. Kevin & Suzie will guide you through every step and ensures you’re happy before leaving. A professional service by very professional people. Review by Debbie.
FLOAT INTO WELLNESS Gift Vouchers available!
Corporate packages available!
www.shropshirefloats.me
01939 291 933
Book on-line or call us to discuss
Page 65 - PGS_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 15:27 Page 1
PGS Page 03_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 11:48 Page 1
Trellis Available Sizes - 1ft-6ft Tall
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PGS Advert_Full Page Bleed New 22/04/2022 13:48 Page 1
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Tile Choice Telford_Full Page Bleed New 08/04/2022 15:00 Page 1
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