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magazine WWW.INANDAROUNDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
ISSUE 157 - FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
8 Local Veteran Launches Military Themed Coffee Co. 10 Recipe: Banana & Walnut Loaf 12 What to Feed a New Puppy
CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
20 Pantomania - Easter Pantomime for all the family
PROPERTY
22 Do Your Homework Before Selling 24 New Legislation Has Major Impact on Landlords! 26 Alternative Ways to Invest In Property 28 Moving House with Children
HOME INTERIORS
34 Light Up Your Winter
BEAUTY & FASHION
36 38 39
Baby It's Cold Outside You Can Erase Years From Your Face Beauty: Winter S.O.S
HEALTH & FITNESS
42 44 46 48
Vital for Good Mental and Physical Health World Bipolar Day Men Over 50 …Don’t Get Wrecked, Get Checked! Mad March Hair
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the latest edition of ‘In and Around’. Your LOCAL magazine, helping you to find businesses and services in and around your area.
Enjoy your read...
66 Fabulous Fireplaces 70 Gadgets Your Beloved Will Love 74 Growing Up In A Digital World 78 Don't Leave Your Clutter To The Kids! 80 New Year, New Name! 82 Madagascar 84 How to get a Good Night's Sleep
COMMUNITY & WHAT’S ON
Amanda Weston M: 07807 648 689
E: amanda@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kate Dalgliesh
M: 0785 44 70 343 E: kate@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
AREA A Edgmond
Tibberton
Newport Church Aston
ine’ und Magaz ‘In and Aro reas
A41
nA
Distributio
Lilleshall
The Humbers A442
Bratton
A5223 M54
Oakengates
St Georges
Red Lake
J6
Lawley & Overdale
The Rock
Lawley Village
Booking/Copy deadline for the MARCH 2018 issue is Tuesday 20th February 2018
homes
Hadley A442 Ketley
J7
30,000
Trench
Leegomery
Wellington A5
Muxton Donnington Wood
Apley
Admaston
Total distribution
A518
Donnington
Shawbirch
A5223
Lightmoor Village
J5
Old Park Lawley Bank
A41
Dawley
J4
A464
Dawley Bank
A464
Shifnal
A442
Stirchley Aqueduct
Madeley
Total distribution to 30,000 homes across 2 months. 15,000 copies are delivered to Area A one month and then the next month to another 15,000 homes in Area B, so each area receives the magazine once every other month.
www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
M54
A4169
Ironbridge
A5
Priorslee
Horsehay
92 Movies - Coming Soon
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ADVERTISING SALES
Fleur
60 Gardener's Resolve 64 Time to Get Pruning
HOME IMPROVEMENTS & SERVICES
T: 01952 603457 E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
Please continue to support our LOCAL businesses by using their services where possible.
MOTORS & LEISURE
GARDENS & OUTDOORS
Fleur Abel
This month we are celebrating our 13th Year in business as the very first In and Around Magazine was produced back in February 2005. The magazine has grown and changed a lot since that very first issue. Although the magazine has changed, the ethos behind it hasn't - the magazine was started to help local residents find local businesses in this area and over the years it has helped many businesses to grow with the responses they have had from their advertising and the support from local residents has been amazing; thank you!!!
50 Choosing the Best Mobile Phone Plans in 2018 54 New Year Revolutions
56 McLaren 720S 58 Honda Civic Type R 59 Im Not Sure I DId the RIght Thing
DIRECTOR
A442
Great Hay
Delivered Door to Door
AREA B PRINTED BY:
Precision Colour Printing Ltd, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in In and Around Magazine, and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
OPENING... 1st February 2018
Serving
• Cream Teas • Light Lunches • Home-Made Cakes, Patisseries & Preserves
Book Early for Mother’s Day (11th March) Or Treat Her To a Gift Voucher
Afternoon Tea From £15.95pp Add Some Fizz... Prosecco or Champagne Norwood House
OPEN 10am - 4pm TUESDAY - SUNDAY
20% OFF Any Pre-Booked Afternoon Tea's & All Gift Vouchers
Please mention this offer when booking or purchasing your voucher. Valid until 31-3-2018
01952 825 896
Norwood House, Pave Lane, Newport TF10 9LQ
For more information visit: www.norwoodhousehotel.co.uk
THE
WHITE HOUSE HOTEL MUXTON
Wellington Road, Muxton, Telford TF2 8NG Food Served: 12pm - 9:30pm 7 days a week
T: 01952 603603 Lunchtime SAVER
15% off
Main Courses in the Bar or Restaurant (12-4pm Mon-Sat)
Visit our website to view our latest menu
www.whhotel.co.uk
2 Steaks & Wine for ONLY £27.50 (available everyday) 2 Succulent Prime Rump Steaks with a Bottle of House Wine
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Restaurant Review
FINDING THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AND AROUND SHROPSHIRE No.12 12 Church Street Shifnal TF11 9AA
T: 01952 271790
Number 12 is conveniently located in the heart of the bustling market town of Shifnal, just 3 miles east of Telford. The crisp whitewashed building fronts onto Church Street, behind there is a small car park and a pretty Mediterranean style patio area, no doubt providing a popular spot to enjoy a cocktail during the warmer months. Speaking of cocktails, at the rear of the venue is where you’ll find the trendy Number 12 cocktail lounge and bar, towards the front of the building is the restaurant. Inside the restaurant the décor is rustic and cosy, with chandeliers, antique paintings and books creating a classy feel. There is a mixture of table sizes and dining areas making this the perfect venue for either a romantic meal for two or a larger gathering with friends or family. We were welcomed on arrival by our waitress and offered the option of having a pre dinner drink at the bar or going directly to the table, we decided to go straight to the table with our drinks and took a look at the a la carte menu, which boasts a range of tempting courses including several meat, fish and vegetarian options. For starter I opted for the Baked Camembert (£8.50) and my husband Aaron went for the soup of the day, which was Winter Vegetable Soup (£5.95). The camembert came artistically presented on a long rustic wooden platter, it was served with warm rosemary focaccia bread and red onion jam. The warm and gooey baked camembert was meltingly good, the rich, soft cheese was spiked with rosemary and garlic, which really added extra depth to the flavour of the cheese and complemented the rosemary focaccia perfectly. The red onion jam added a pleasant texture and sweetness, which worked very well in combination with the melted cheese and bread.
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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Aaron’s soup was smooth, thick and creamy. Served with fresh warm bread, this winter vegetable soup was warming and satisfying, just perfect for this cold weather. For main course Aaron selected the pan-fried Salmon (£14.50) and I went for the Trio of Pork (£15.50). Again both dishes arrived beautifully presented and the portion sizes were perfect. Aaron commented that his salmon was cooked to perfection, with crispy pan fried skin and succulent flaky fish. The fondant potatoes were also delicious, the cylinders of potato were rich and creamy on the inside with a crispy outer shell. The attractive Romanesco broccoli and smooth butternut squash puree adding the fishing touch to this satisfying dish. My trio of pork was utterly incredible, definitely one of the best pork dishes I have ever eaten. The meal comprised a mouthwatering trio of pork tenderloin, braised pork cheek bon bon and crispy pork belly, served with potato fondant, baby vegetables and a red wine jus. The tenderloin was moist and full of flavour, the bon bon had a crisp and crunchy coating while inside was the most incredibly soft and tasty braised meat. The pork belly was out of this world; the meat was fall apart tender while the skin was crisp and crunchy. The apple caramel puree was the ideal accompaniment to the pork along with the creamy fondant potatoes and sweet baby parsnips.
eventually decided on the Raspberry Panna Cotta (£6.25) and Aaron had the Chocolate, Fudge and Sea Salt Brownie (£6.25). The panna cotta was presented sprinkled with crumbled pistachios and a slice of pistachio shortbread. The panna cotta was rich and smooth, with the pistachios adding a lovely crunchy, nutty texture, the shortbread was delightfully short and not overly sweet which worked well with the raspberry flavour of the panna cotta. Aaron’s brownie consisted of a generous slice of rich fudgy brownie, with a warm and gooey centre, it was served with a scoop ginger and caramel ice cream, which he said was fresh and cooling and worked very well with the richness of the brownie. Having glimpsed Number 12’s fabulous cocktail menu earlier in the evening, I really couldn’t leave without trying at least one, so instead of concluding my meal with a coffee I ordered the espresso martini instead, well I certainly wasn’t disappointed as it looked amazing, it came served in an elegant long stemmed glass, garnished with whole coffee beans and it tasted every bit as good as it looked… rich and smooth with a lightly frothy texture. I thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Number 12, the food was impeccable and cocktails were fabulous, so if you are looking somewhere to go for a top quality meal along with a cheeky cocktail or two, I highly recommend that you pay Number 12 a visit, we will definitely be going back very soon!
There were several enticing choices on the dessert menu, but I
Reviewed by Charlie & Aaron Scott
A la carte Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge Valentines Night 3 course meal with a bottle of Prosecco £69.95 per couple.
Cocktail Happy Hour Tuesday to Sunday 6pm - 7pm £5 on selected Cocktails. Extensive cocktail menu available.
Come and stay with us in one of our 5 luxury
en-suite rooms, decorated with comfort in mind. All our rooms have satellite TV, Nespresso coffee facilities and luxurious bathrooms.
Opening Times
Food Times
Tues - Thurs 12 noon until 10pm Friday and Saturday 12 noon - 12 midnight Sunday 12 noon - 9pm
Tues - Sat : 12pm - 2:30pm then 5:30pm- 8:30pm
Monday closed
Sunday 12:00am -7:00pm
A la carte and bar menu served daily
10% discount off your final bill when dining, with this voucher or mention the magazine when booking your table. Valid till 31st March
(excludes Valentines and Mothers Day)
Phone: 01952 271790 Email: enquiries@no12shifnal.com 12 Church Street, Shifnal TF11 9AA 7
Local Veteran
LAUNCHES MILITARY THEMED COFFEE COMPANY
A former Royal Marines Commando has combined his love of caffeine and the British Forces, to create a gourmet coffee business.
Green Beret Coffee Co. offers both blends and single origin coffees, in a variety of grinds. The first four coffees to be released are called Commando, Sniper, Veteran and Mercenary, and have been dubbed ‘The Hero Collection’ by the founder.
The start-up company, which takes inspiration from the founder’s military background, is called Green Beret Coffee Company and launched at the beginning of December, 2017. The former small boat Coxswain has created a distinctive new brand, which is a roast-toorder small batch coffee company, based in the UK.
“We worked very closely with a speciality coffee roaster to select the best beans and blends for our first coffees,” says Rus McDonagh, Founder of Green Beret Coffee Co. “When we were creating our business, great tasting coffee was definitely the goal but we also wanted to celebrate our armed forces and unite like-minded coffeeguzzling veterans and serving soldiers, to boot.” McDonagh has received encouragement and support from fellow veterans, former colleagues and active serving personnel, and is excited to start growing the Green Beret Coffee Co. community further. “It can be tough to find your place in the world once you leave the military, so the support for my new venture means a great deal to me. The military is a family, and luckily, one that loves drinking coffee!” Green Beret Coffee Co. is available to both retail and wholesale customers. To find out more go to greenberetcoffee.co.uk.
FOLLIES FEST FRIDAY 29 JUNE 2018
TH
Tickets:
THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE Advance Purchase for 4: £83.00* Adult: £25.00 per person Child: £20.00 per person
MASALA
INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY
FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
15% OFF Collection Orders *
On the gate admission prices: £30.00 per adult & £25.00 per child
FOLLIES FEST FAMILY DAY Tickets:
SATURDAY 30TH JUNE 2018 Advance Purchase for 4: £99.00* Adult: £29.00 per person Child: £24.00 per person
On the gate admission prices: £35.00 per adult & £30.00 per child
JOLAN GIDNEY-CRAIGEN • PAUL AKISTER TRIBUTES:
ED SHEERAN • ADELE • TAKE THAT • LITTLE MIX
ALEX OHM • AIMEE JAY SAX • JACK IN A BOX • PHOEBE D’ABO
Tickets:
A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS
SUNDAY 1ST JULY 2018
Advance Purchase for 4: £83.00* Adult: £25.00 per person Child: £20.00 per person On the gate admission prices: £30.00 per adult & £25.00 per child
For more information or to purchase tickets please visit: www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/tickets *Advance Purchase for 4 tickets can be for any 4 people, only available to purchase until 31-5-18
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20% OFF
*
*Dining in - off main course. Only for bookings. Please present advert. Not to be used with any other offers. Maximum 6 people. Valid until 31-03-18 (excludes Valentines Day)
T: 01952 820085 Adams House, 7 High Street, Newport TF10 7AR
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
TAke THAT vs JeRSey BoyS - Saturday 3rd March - £30.00 per person BACk By PoPULAR DeMAND! ‘Take This’ group will be performing songs from Take That and Jersey Boys, join us to sing and dance along to all the classics. The night includes a three course meal with coffee and a disco until 1:00am.
MoTHeR’S DAy LUNCH - Sunday 11th March - £28.00 per adult, £14.00 per child (under 14) INTeRGALACTIC PARTy - Tuesday 10th April - £15 per adult, £10 per child (under 1’s free) Bring your robe and lightsaber for an Intergalactic party adventure 12.00pm - 2.00pm where children will be able to meet Star Wars characters and their favourite super hero’s.
PRINCeSS PARTy - Wednesday 11th April - £15.00 per adult, £10.00 per child (under 1 ‘s free) Join us 12.00pm - 2.00pm for a magical afternoon of singing and dancing with five fairytale Princesses.
Call our Sales team on 01902 700100 to make your booking Great location, convenient to J3 M54 and only 20 minutes from the centre of Wolverhampton and Telford.
Look us up on Trip Advisor
Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR
01902 700100
sales@patshull-park.co.uk
www.patshull-park.co.uk
The Bridge Inn Lower Bar, Newport TF10 7BJ
T: 01952 324481 www.thebridgenewport.co.uk
Always a Warm Welcome
New ownership, refurbished inside and out
Bar Opening Times:
Wednesday to Sunday 12-3pm & 4.30pm-Midnight
Good Quality Local Food Served:
Wednesday to Saturday 12-2.30pm & 5-9.30pm • Sunday 12-6pm 9
Recipe
BANANA AND WALNUT LOAF If you have overripe bananas in the fruit bowl then don’t bin them – just whizz up this delicious moist loaf cake instead. It will keep for up to 5 days wrapped in greaseproof paper or foil and stored in an airtight tin. Makes 10 Slices Ready in 1 hour 45 minutes, plus cooling time
INGREDIENTS: • 175g unsalted butter, softened • 175g light soft brown sugar
1.
• 225g self-raising flour • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • ½ tsp baking powder • 3 medium eggs • 75g walnut halves, roughly chopped • 2 large ripe bananas, peeled and mashed with 2 tsp lemon juice • Icing sugar, to dust
Preheat the oven to 170C, Fan 150C, Gas 3. Grease and line the base and the two long sides of a 900g loaf tin with baking paper.
2. Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk until thoroughly combined - this will take about 4-5 minutes. Fold in the walnuts and mashed bananas. 3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hour - 1 hour 15 minutes until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. 4. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a cooling rack and cool completely. Dust thickly with icing sugar.
TIP Add a creamy soft frosting instead of the dusting of icing sugar, if liked. Simply beat 100g full-fat soft cheese with 100g very soft unsalted butter until smooth, then beat in 100g sifted icing sugar. 10
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT The Tayleur Arms Longdon Upon Tern, Telford TF6 6LJ T: 01952 770335 E: info@tayleurarms.co.uk
Mon to Fri 12-2:30pm & 5:30-9:30pm Sat 12-9:30pm Sun 12-5:30pm
www.tayleurarms.co.uk
TheTayleurArms
SPECIAL OFFER 10% OFF YOUR BILL
Food serving times:
VALENTINES AFTERNOON TEA
Treat someone special to our Valentines afternoon tea, served from the 12th to the 16th February
Includes food and drink when ordering of the main menu, excludes Carvery and other special offers) Valid until 31-03-18 (Please present this advert)
£18.95PP
Please book to avoid disappointment
TRADITIONAL
AFTERNOON TEAS Traditional afternoon teas being served Monday - Saturday at
£14.95PP or £17.95PP
to include a glass of Prosecco Please book to avoid disappointment
NEW MENU NOW BEING SERVED
EVENTS Friday 16th February: A Night at the Movies with Dirty Dancing & Grease 3 Course Meal with entertainment - £34.95 per person Sunday 11th March: Mother’s Day Lunch 3 Course Meal - £19.00 per person Friday 30th March - Friday 13th April: Easter Egg Hunt at Follies Park Friday 27th April: Wham Tribute 3 Course Meal with entertainment - £34.95 per person Saturday 16th June: Alice in Wonderland Theatre Production at Follies Park Friday 29th June - Sunday 1st July: Follies Fest
WEDDING FAYRE FREE ENTRY
SUNDAY 18TH FEBRUARY
11AM - 4PM
Come Along to See Some of Shropshire’s Most Sought After Wedding Suppliers, All Under One Roof
Saturday 2nd September: Colour Run In Partnership with Hope House Friday 19th - Wednesday 31st October: Follies Fright Nights Friday 26th October: West End Horror Show 3 Course Meal with entertainment - £34.95 per person
Weston-Under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, SY4 5UY Tel: 01948 841700 | enquiries@hawkstone.co.uk
The Park House | Park Street | Shifnal | TF11 9BA T: 01952 460128 | E: weddings@parkhousehotel.net W: www.parkhousehotelshifnal.co.uk 11
PETS:
WHAT SHOULD YOU FEED YOUR NEW PUPPY?
Puppies require a special diet with extra calories and nutrients to help them develop strong muscles and bones. It’s easy to overfeed them when they’re young, as their stomachs are very small, so regular feeding throughout the day is better than giving them one or two larger meals. But what types of food should you offer your puppy, and how do you know how much to feed them?
Complete dry foods Dry food can provide complete nourishment for your puppy, but you should buy the best you can afford. Although ‘premium’ brands are more expensive, you don’t need to use as much per meal as with the cheaper brands, due to their enhanced nutritional content. If your puppy doesn’t like dry food because it’s too hard, you can soak the biscuits in warm water for a few minutes to make them easier to chew.
Quality Balti Restaurant & Take Away
TUESDAYS • 4 COURSE MEAL • £8.95pp *Not to be used with any other offer.
Valentines Special
5 Course Meal £14.95pp Includes a Gift Box & Rose for the Ladies
ONLINE ORDERS NOW AVAILABLE AT:
www.thetasteofparadise.co.uk
TAKEAWAY - FREE Home Delivery within a 6 mile radius (minimum order of £10)
15% Discount on Collections or 10% Discount on Delivery Open: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 11.30pm Fri & Sat: 5pm - Midnight
rear of 2-4 High Street, Newport TF10 7A
01952 825505
We are not licensed bring your own alcohol
£5 OFF Meal for Two
(2 main meals must be purchased, not valid with any other offers) Valid until 31-03-18 Excludes Valentines Day
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£10 OFF £15 OFF Meal for Four
(4 main meals must be purchased, not valid with any other offers) Valid until 31-03-18 Excludes Valentines Day
Meal for Six
(6 main meals must be purchased, not valid with any other offers) Valid until 31-03-18 Excludes Valentines Day
Wet foods Tinned or pouched puppy foods are available in a wide range of flavours, but it’s advisable to choose one that your pet can easily digest, such as chicken and rice. As with the dry food, you can also buy ‘complete’ wet foods for your puppy, which are nutritionally balanced and highly beneficial for their development. Whether you feed your puppy wet food, dry biscuits, or a combination of the two, portion size is extremely important whilst they’re developing. Always check the instructions on the packet or tin, or ask your vet for guidance – they’ll also be able to keep a regular check on your puppy’s growth. www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/generaladvice-about-caring-for-your-new-puppy-or-dog/feedingyour-puppy-or-dog/
By Ann Haldon
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
ort Supp
Start the New Year with a healthy “veggie box” delivered to your door
duce l Pro Loca
FREE
Fruit & Veg Boxes delivered to your door (Weekly or Fortnightly)
FIRST BOX 1 /2 PRICE
Pop-in and see us at: Donnington
Station Road, Donnington, Telford TF2 8JY • T: 01952 677345
Priorslee
Woodhouse Lane, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9UR • T: 01952 200696 @shopgreenfields
Green Fields Farm Shop
Buffets with free delivery within 3 mile radius including Hortonwood and Stafford Park 3 Menus to choose from starting at £4 per head (minimum order 4 persons)
• Fresh Bread • Milk, Tea & Coffee • Wenlock Edge, Fordhall Farm, Malcolm Wickstead’s • Huge Range of Cheese and Deli Products & Buttercross Meats • Beers, Wines & Ciders • Vegetables, Herbs, Salads, Fruits & Nuts • Rice, Pasta and Sauces • Home Made Cakes & • Special Dietary Products Goodies & much more...
Tuesday & Thursday Treat yourself Tuesday for the over 60’s,
62 High Street Newport TF10 7AQ
Food served 10-3pm
50%from OFF FOOD the Main menu.
Friday
Fish Supper, Fish, chips and mushy peas with a soft or hot drink for
Only £6.99
Booking recommended.
T: 01952 820 810 DJ on Friday & Saturday nights
Look out for live music! Ideal venue for Birthdays parties, Christenings, etc..
Friday & Saturday Late Night Music Drink offers 2 Cocktails for £8 | Double up for a £1 Select Doubles £2.50
www.thebarleynewport.co.uk 13
Best Wedding Venue
IN TOWN!
Whether you’re planning a Civil Ceremony, same-sex marriage or renewal of vows, it’s the most important day of your life so far, so your choice of venue needs to provide the perfect backdrop. Hadley Park House Hotel is an elegant Grade II listed wedding venue in Telford set within its own 2 acres of landscaped grounds. As you turn into the driveway of our romantic wedding venue in Shropshire you can’t fail to be impressed with our Georgian Manor House set within secluded grounds. Mature trees, manicured grass and a sunken pond make it an ideal wedding venue to capture photographs and video to treasure.
Once you step inside, the wood-panelled lounge, high ceilings and sash windows lend a sense of occasion to your very special day and confirms why, for three consecutive years, we’ve been awarded Best Town Wedding Venue in the West Midlands at the Wedding Industry Awards. Our colonial-style conservatory offers an atmospheric venue for ceremonies and receptions for up to 80 people whilst the Mulliner Suite is perfect for larger weddings seating up to 140 guests. Food is an essential part of the day and our Chefs have put together an extensive mouth-watering selection of menus to choose from. To ensure you make the right choice for you and your guests, you can try a selection of dishes before you make your final decision. With a choice of Honeymoon Suites, including feature rooms, some guests love a four-poster beds whilst others prefer a classic sleigh bed with double Jacuzzi bath. Both are
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exceptionally popular rooms and Hadley Park House Hotel is the perfect place to start married life and with 22 bedrooms, there is plenty of space for your wedding guests too. Hadley Park House Hotel will only hold one wedding per day. If you are looking for a wedding venue with exclusive use in Shropshire then this option is also available for a truly intimate occasion. Our dedicated wedding team is highly-experienced in ensuring your day will run as smoothly and enjoyably as possible, for you and your guests. We would be delighted to meet with you to talk through your ideas and share some new ones – we want to turn a great day into an unforgettable one. Please call us on 01952 677269 to make an appointment with one of our experienced wedding planners. For ideas and inspiration, come along to our Wedding Showcase on Sunday February 18th 2018 and meet with a host of professional wedding suppliers. 12 noon – 3pm. Free admission.
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Valentine Wedding Showcase Sunday 18th February 2018 12 noon – 3pm A wide selection of around 30 wedding professionals to provide inspiration for the big day including cars, cakes, photographers and favours.
Free admission • Free car parking
Events Valentine Dinner 14th February 2018 £39.95 pp
includes arrival glass of fizz, gourmet 3 course dinner and coffee (12-3pm)
Mothering Sunday 11th March 2018 Lunch £26 pp
includes 3 course lunch, coffee and a gift for mum
Afternoon Tea £15.95 pp
Enjoy with a glass of fizz for an extra £5 (4–6pm)
Easter Sunday 1st April 2018
Lunch £22.95 pp (under 12's half price) includes 3 course lunch with Easter Egg treat
Afternoon Tea £15.95 pp
Enjoy with a glass of fizz for an extra £5 (3–6pm)
Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ
01952 677269
info@hadleypark.co.uk
www.hadleypark.co.uk 15
Tettenhall College
NEW EXPRESS BUS ROUTES FROM SHROPSHIRE!
Tettenhall College is a non-selective independent, day and boarding school for 2-18 year olds situated in the picturesque village of Tettenhall on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. It provides an exceptional pupil centred learning environment for boys and girls with both day pupils and boarders mixing in an inclusive, vibrant community. The emphasis is on an education that develops the whole person both in and beyond the classroom with exceptional extra-curricular opportunities that complement a rigorous academic environment. From September 2018 the School is launching a new bus service from Telford and surrounding areas offering an express route from key pick up points making the School much more accessible to pupils in the County. Life skills and preparation for life beyond school are important elements of the educational offering here and this permeates from Nursery through to Sixth Form. Academically, results are consistently high, especially for a non-selective school where there are children of all abilities. In 2017, over two thirds of sixth form pupils achieved top grades of A*, A or B while 50 per cent of the Year 11 pupils achieved 9 or more GCSE A* to C grades; 27% per cent of all grades were at the top level of A*or A. Pupils achieve beyond expectations both in the Preparatory School and the Senior School, and they leave as well-rounded, confident young adults ready to face the challenges ahead. Many continue their education at top universities including Oxbridge, Bath and Warwick as well as gaining places at specialised institutions such as RADA or prestigious industrial placements with successful businesses.
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The School runs an extensive extended day programme which challenges and stretches pupils in a wide range of opportunities thus giving them as broad and varied an education as possible. The wide variety of options and sports – from rock climbing to engineering, business enterprise to dance – ensures that everyone will find their niche and grow in confidence. You can’t help but feel the buzz around the College when you visit as development plans come to fruition. New multi-purpose sports pitches, squash courts and study facilities as well as refurbished boarding houses; there’s a great deal going on here and the children are clearly genuinely very happy and enjoy being part of this growing community. The School has come a long way since its foundation over 150 years ago by local industrialists originally with 15 boys and a cow (to supply the boys with milk). Yet the traditional values and the wonderful historic setting remain the same. This is a secure and happy environment and pupils and staff are clearly proud of their School, there is a warm welcome for visitors and their confidence not only in themselves but in what they offer is infectious. The School is welcoming prospective parents and pupils to its open morning for all year groups on 7th March 2018. For further information please contact Emma Ray-Davies on 01902 751119 or email admissions@tettcoll.co.uk
CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
WE SEE
POTENTIAL OPEN MORNING
7th March 2018, 9.00am-11.30am www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk
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CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
Discover Wrekin College OPEN DAY Saturday 24th March 2018 10.30am - 1pm
admissions@wrekincollege.com 01952 265603
Register online at www.wrekincollege.com
Wrekin College (day and boarding school 11-18), Wellington, Shropshire TF1 3BH
Registered Charity No. 528417
Z
MONDAY & FRIDAY 2-4-1 OFFER
FAMILY PASS, FOR UP TO 5 PEOPLE
ONE HOUR SUNDAY AT 4PM
T: 01952 947220 A: Unit C Stafford Park, Telford TF3 3BJ E: enquiries@airea51.co.uk Please visit our website for further details!
W: airea51.co.uk
Please book in advance to ensure entrance!
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Pantomania
AN EASTER PANTOMIME FOR ALL THE FAMILY!
This year brings a double 50th birthday for Telford as both the town and Oakengates Theatre @ The Place will celebrate five decades!
So what’s it all about? All will be revealed this Easter... as Dick Doddington leaves Telford in his search for fame and fortune. Will Dick defeat the evil Rat and save the day? Will he win the love of Alice? Will Ian Billings sing the famous Telford Song? Find out in this re-imagining of the well-known giggle-filled, chuckle-stuffed, joyous fairytale.
And the good news is that for the first time, residents do not have to wait until next Christmas for another pantomime as Telford is hosting its first ever Easter pantomime adventure.
A Telford Pantomime, about Telford, made in Telford by Telford people. Local performers will also get the opportunity to perform in this celebration production.
‘Pantomania’ will feature all the traditional pantomime ingredients that families love including lots of audience participation, stunning costumes and sets and a script packed with comedy Telford references and unique comedy routines.
Shows take place between Thursday 29 March and Thursday 5 April. A relaxed performance takes place on Wednesday 4 April. Tickets start from £11 with a Telford Loyalty Card.
Stars of the show are leading children’s author Ian Billing – who many will remember for the Telford Telford song - along with panto legends Phil Butler and Philip Meeks.
Book online at www.theplacetelford. com by calling the box office on 01952 382382, or in person at the theatre or Southwater One in Telford Town Centre.
MR MILLERMAN PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH TELFORD & WREKIN COUNCIL
TELFORD
1968
2018
th
A TELFORD PANTOMIME, ABOUT TELFORD, MADE IN TELFORD. DIRECTED BY CHRIS CUMING MUSCICAL DIRECTOR WILL HENSHALL
all of the best loved traditional pantomime ingredients THIS EASTER... 29 MARCH - 5 APRIL 2018
Book today! www.theplacetelford.com 01952 382382
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WRITEN BY IAN BILLINGS
CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
Song Title Translations Can you come up with the titles of 15 hit singles from the English translations of their foreign language titles and the years in which they were released?
CROETAHTERE AN WORLD
AT ENGINUITY
Mon 19 - Fri 23 Feb See yourself on the giant screen surrounded by dinosaurs. 1 The beautiful island (1987) 2 Long live the life (2008) 3 To fly (1958) 4 That's life (1998) 5 I don't know why (1988) 6 Let victory prevail (2009) 7 Pious Jesus (1985) 8 I love you… me neither (1969) 9 Do you want (1979) 10 None shall sleep (1990)
Sat 17 - Sun 25 FEB MAKE A DINO FLYER & ‘DIG UP A DINOSAUR’
IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK 21
Alternative Ways Although property remains a popular long-term investment, lending restrictions make it difficult for first-time buyers to secure a foothold on the property ladder. Furthermore, the introduction of a buy-tolet stamp duty surcharge, and reduction of mortgage interest tax relief, have made buy-to-let less lucrative. So are there any other options that could be suitable if you’re interested in property investing? Here are a few alternatives that might appeal, but as with any other form of investment, it’s crucial to carry out plenty of research. Property crowdfunding involves investing in property itself, as opposed to peer-to-peer lending where you invest in the mortgages provided to buy-to-let landlords and property developers. So how do these systems work?
Property equity crowdfunding
Each property is held within its own limited company, known as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). You purchase a share of the company and own a small part of the property along with fellow investors. After registering on a property crowdfunding website, you can search for properties of interest and then make the investment online. • You receive a return on your investment via rental payments and also, potentially, capital gains. • You can spread your investment across a number of different properties. • Fees include a fundraising/finder’s fee, along with property management fees. • A share of the profits is also deducted by the crowdfunding platform at the end of each investment term.
TO INVEST IN PROPERTY
Your money is combined with that of other investors and fund managers decide on the best investments. These could be solely in the UK or internationally, depending on the property fund you’ve chosen, and may be in retail, office or industrial property. • You’ll pay a fee for the fund to be managed. • Capital gains tax and tax on dividends received will need to be taken into account. • You may be able to hold a property fund within a stocks and shares ISA. • You can either pay a monthly amount or a one-off investment sum. Is it right for you? You may receive an income from rental payments, as well as a return from the capital growth. Leases on commercial premises in the UK are generally much longer than on residential properties, potentially offering a more secure investment over the long-term. You won’t be able to access your money quickly, however, should you need it. The concept of small investments spread over a diverse property or loan portfolio runs through these options, but what if you do want to purchase an entire property rather than use these ‘hands-off’ alternatives?
Is it right for you? If you want a ‘hands-off’ property investment, equity crowdfunding could be a good choice - it’s a quick and easy way to invest, but you must do your research beforehand. There’s no need for a large deposit, no landlord responsibilities, and no exposure to the risk of interest rate changes. Drawbacks include a lack of control over practical aspects such as setting the rent, choosing tenants and property maintenance.
Peer-to-peer lending
Rather than investing in the property itself, you and other investors provide the money for loans and mortgages that buy-to-let landlords and property developers use. • Return on investment comes from interest paid on the loan. • Platforms provide details of any payment default by borrowers, so you can make a more informed decision on where to invest. • Investments may be made over a shorter term than property crowdfunding, which is important if you don’t want to tie up your money for too long. Is it right for you? You don’t have to consider capital gains tax liabilities with this option, and although the risks can be increased if you’re lending to developers rather than buy-to-let landlords, the rewards are also potentially higher.
Direct commercial property funds
You can invest in commercial property via unit trusts or openended investment companies (OEICs), but you should seek professional advice on the best investments for your particular circumstances.
22
Furnished holiday lets
Buying a property as a furnished holiday let avoids some of the drawbacks of buy-to-let investment. It offers specific tax advantages and can bring a higher overall return than buyto-let. Holiday let mortgage providers generally require a deposit of 25%-40%. The amount they’ll lend depends on the existing rental income, or the income as estimated by an experienced local holiday letting agent. To be classed as a furnished holiday let, you need to: • Make the property available for a minimum of 210 days a year. • Let it out for at least 105 days annually, for periods of less than 31 days. Is it right for you? Furnished holiday lets haven’t been affected by the clampdown on tax relief faced by buy-to-let investors. Although they require more work in terms of regular marketing, they’ve become a popular way to earn money from property. You can use the services of a holiday lettings agency to market and manage your property if necessary - they’re likely to charge a percentage of each booking, plus fixed costs for other services such as cleaning and laundry at changeover times.
by Ann Haldon
PROPERTY
Matching the right people with the right homes. We keep it simple & cost effective, but it’s our relentless ideology for quality service that sets us apart: - Family run, family owned. - Award-winning estate agents. - Advertising on the UK’s most popular property sites. - All inclusive sales package (incl. solicitors fees). - Professional photography, EPC & Floorplan. - Your own dedicated property expert.
E: sales@colemanestates.com T: 01952 244 990 colemanestates.com
23
Do Your Homework Before Selling!
Brought to you by James Carlon James Carlon Co Author of ‘THE TELFORD PROPERTY BLOG’
Selling your house is really exciting but it can be rather daunting too - so it’s important to do your homework before putting your house on the market. By doing a bit of background research you can give yourself the best chance of achieving the maximum price - and ensure you have a reasonable expectation of what that price is.
The first thing you need to know is the average price of similar homes in the area. In Telford for instance, the current average value of a semi-detached house is just under £150,000. Although there are of course lots of different factors which affect a property’s value, it’s a good starting point to have a careful look at what is already on the market to see how they compare to yours. 24
The second thing you need to do is be prepared for some home truths about your property. Ask your family and friends to look around your house with a critical eye - find the weaknesses so you can improve them before you go on the market. Finally, think carefully about your next move and be prepared to act quickly if you get an offer. Do you have a property already in mind or will you move into rental accommodation while you look for your next home? There are plenty of things to consider too! Give me a call on 01952 292 300 for more advice.
James Carlon Residential Sales Manager Nock Deighton t. 01952 292300 m. 07974 154950 e. j.carlon@nockdeighton.co.uk
PROPERTY
15 Pembroke Drive, Wellington 3 bedroom detached house A well maintained detached family home, pleasantly situated within a sought after development. 9 viewings, 2 offers, sale agreed in 13 days
SOLD We have buyers waiting - more properties are urgently required!
Telford 01952 292 300
Newport 01952 570 222
www.nockdeighton.co.uk
Ironbridge 01952 432 533 PROPERTY AGENTS | VALUERS | SURVEYORS | AUCTIONEERS
TELFORD | IRONBRIDGE | NEWPORT | BRIDGNORTH | SHREWSBURY | LUDLOW | CLEOBURY MORTIMER | KIDDERMINSTER
25
New Legislation Has Major Impact on Landlords! Brought to you by Dawn Clarke Dawn Clarke Co Author of ‘THE TELFORD PROPERTY BLOG’
New legislation is on the way which will have a major impact on landlords, tenants and letting agents. The biggest element of this legislation is the proposed ban on tenant fees, which will prevent letting agents and landlords from charging any fees when agreeing a new tenancy. At the moment, tenant fees (typically between £200 and £300) are charged to cover the costs of reference checks, credit checks, contract negotiation and so on. The Government wants to stop agents or landlords charging those fees to the tenant - on the face of it, saving the tenant a few hundred pounds. It’s an interesting conundrum. On the one hand, it seems like great news for tenants and bad news for landlords and agents, but it’s not as simple as that. Those checks at the start of a tenancy will still need to be done, and someone will still need to pay for them. There are two basic options: 1. The landlord pays for the checks and rights them off as an extra cost. 2. The lettings agent pays for the checks and takes the cost from their profits. But the issue is that any extra costs in a business will need to be offset by raising income. It’s basic economics. So if a landlord has to meet the cost of the tenancy checks, they will boost their income by increasing rent. 26
And if an agent meets the costs, they will increase their income by raising their fees. And how will the landlord offset the rise in agency fees? By increasing rent.
“So the cost is always going to eventually land on the tenant.” For proof of that theory, you just need to look at Scotland, where the tenant fees ban was introduced in 2012. New research has found that rents have risen by an average of £26pcm - so a tenant is now paying £312 more a year on rent since the ban on fees. As one of the largest lettings agencies in Shropshire, we are currently planning how to deal with the new legislation if and when it is introduced, and we are of course going to have our say by responding to the Government’s consultation document. If you are a landlord, we would be happy to have a chat with you about the best way forward - there are a number of different options to consider. Please give our lettings and property management team a call on 01952 290 163. Dawn Clarke Director Nock Deighton t. 01952 290163 m. 07976 209011 e. d.clarke@nockdeighton.co.uk
PROPERTY
44 Essex Chase, Priorslee 4 bedroom detached house A superbly presented 4 bedroom detached family home. 13 viewings, 3 offers, sale agreed in 22 days
SOLD We have buyers waiting - more properties are urgently required!
Telford 01952 292 300
Newport 01952 570 222
www.nockdeighton.co.uk
Ironbridge 01952 432 533 PROPERTY AGENTS | VALUERS | SURVEYORS | AUCTIONEERS
TELFORD | IRONBRIDGE | NEWPORT | BRIDGNORTH | SHREWSBURY | LUDLOW | CLEOBURY MORTIMER | KIDDERMINSTER
27
Moving House
The thought of leaving friends and going to a new school, coupled with the anxiety of the unknown, can make moving house very unsettling for children. Kate Duggan recently moved house with ten days’ notice. (She wouldn’t recommend it.) Here are some of her top tips for helping children to cope with a big move. Involving your child If possible, take your child to see the new house before the move, and explore the area together. Involve them in small decisions: “Where do you think this should go?” “What colour shall we paint your room?” You could also let your child choose some wall decals for their bedroom and a new duvet cover or rug. That being said, they will want familiar items around them. The day before you move, help them to pack a suitcase with everything they’ll need for the next couple of days, including a favourite teddy, a book, a game and so on.
Don’t stress about decluttering While you may be desperate to declutter ahead of the move, your child may not cope with the extra pressure of giving up toys and clothes, even those that have been languishing in a cupboard for months. Don’t force them into getting rid of things if they don’t want to. You could suggest packing items that they’re not sure about into a box for the loft, with the agreement that you’ll both open it and sort through everything a few months after the move.
28
WITH CHILDREN
Making family time When your to-do list is three feet long, it’s really difficult to carve out any quality time to spend with your family, but do try. Leaving the boxes for 20 minutes so you can play a board game can help to avoid a potential meltdown later on. All of you will benefit from getting away from the house for a couple of hours now and then, ideally for some fresh air and time to focus on each other.
Talk to your child Explain why you’re moving house, whether it’s due to needing to pay less rent or because you’ve found a better area to live in. Talk about how your child is feeling about the move. What are they worried about, and what can you do to alleviate those worries? So, for example, if they’re worried about a new school, could you ask their teacher to help you arrange a playdate before your child starts at the school? If they’re upset about leaving friends, can you arrange meet-ups or Skype calls?
Make time for yourself Moving is stressful. And when you’re stressed, it’s very easy to lose your temper with the kids when they’re being particularly whingy or difficult. So try to take some time out to recharge your own batteries. You might find relaxation techniques useful, or just kicking back with a glass of wine and a film now and then may help.
by Kate Duggan • kateduggan.co.uk
PROPERTY
DON’T MISS OUT LAST FEW HOMES AVAILABLE
This is your last chance to buy an award winning new home at Heritage View. Be one of the lucky few and reserve your’s now.
4 bedroom detached “Chestnut” £250,000 4 bedroom detached “Cedar” £255,000 Help to Buy Available - Pay just 5% deposit! House to sell? Ask about Assisted Move or Part Exchange* In a survey of customer satisfaction by the House Builder’s Federation, 98.5% of our customers said they would recommend Lioncourt Homes!
Heritage View, Sommerfeld Road, Hadley, Telford, Help to Buy TF1 5RY
Showhome & Marketing Suite open 10am to 5.30pm daily Telephone: 0845 873 2893†
www.lioncourthomes.com All offers are subject to terms and conditions, please ask our Sales Executive for full details. Photographs show indicative images of Lioncourt homes. Help to Buy is a government-led scheme and availability is subject to qualification. For full terms and conditions visit www.helptobuy.org.uk. Prices and offers correct at time of print. †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details.
29
Local Charity Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is inviting older people to visit their day centres in Hadley and Bridgnorth. The local charity runs 39 OPEL centres (Older People Enjoying Life) across Shropshire and Telford. Each of the day centres take place in community premises and give older people something to look forward to each week, having fun and socialising is the main attraction for many of its members. The Age UK STW volunteers running the day centres put on a variety of activities, arrange transport to and from the venue and provide a hot meal for everyone, all for just a small charge under £10. Hadley day centre takes place at Hadley Rest Rooms on Hadley Park Road and meets every Thursday 10am – 2pm. Bridgnorth day centre meets at The Bungalow, Innage Grange by the fire station, every Monday 10am – 2pm. There is also a bathing project at Innage
OFFERS SUPPORT FOR OLDER PEOPLE AT DAY CENTRES
Grange where members can have an assisted bath with qualified staff. Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “The day centres are a great way of encouraging loved ones to get out and about and meet people. There are over 650 older people attending our day centres every week taking part in informative and stimulating activities. We have a dedicated team of volunteers running the centres with support from our Service Development Officer so family and friends can be reassured their loved ones are being looked after in a safe environment.” There are 39 day centres operating in Shropshire, if you have someone in mind who may benefit from visiting a day centre then call Lois Clifford from Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01952 201803.
JAYS REMOVALS & STORAGE LTD We are a family run business and deliver a professsional removal to the highest standard. We ensure our customers are 100% happy with the work we do and offer excellent value for money.
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PROPERTY
Moooooving...?
Choose Barker Healey Property to sell your home and make sure your property stands out from the crowd!
WA N T E D PROPERTIES TO SELL
10 High Street, Newport TF10 7AN
1% ISSION
01952 813625
COMM
www.barkerhealey.co.uk Set in a private cul-de-sac, this 3 bedroom detached property is close to Newport town, ideal for schools and all the town has to offer. A much loved home that has belonged to the same family for some years, it offers a spacious footprint with potential to extend and improve, benefiting from immaculate gardens, a large driveway with detached Double Garage, and a greenhouse with electrical power. Briefly comprising Entrance Hall with Downstairs WC off, Lounge leading into separate Dining room, Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms and Bathroom. Useful storage cupboards to both ground and first floor. Externally there is a driveway allowing plenty of parking, a Double Garage, and gardens to both front and rear of the property. UPVC D.G and Gas C.H. No upward chain!!!
51 Norbroom Drive, Newport
ÂŁ209,995
Guide Price ÂŁ209,995
31
GREAT SAVINGS IN-STORE TODAY
LOOKING FOR A NEW APPLIANCE
THIS WINTER YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICAL EXPERT IS HERE TO HELP
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE ● SUPER SERVICE ● COMPETITIVE PRICES ● PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
FREE
LOCAL DELIVERY*
TYLERS GAS & ELECTRICAL
40-42 St. Mary's Street, Newport TF10 7AB
T: 01952 825111
Also at: Bilston WV14 0EH - 01902 353200 & Wolverhampton WV1 3HG - 01902 422545
www.tylersonline.co.uk
*T&C’s apply. Sold as an agent for Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply Exclusions and Radius Apply. Prices correct at time of print but can be subject to change. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2017. E&OE August 2017. Saving compared to a higher price charged for 28 days in the last six months unless otherwise stated.
Mathematics Add Algebra Area Arithmetic Binary Circle Count Cubic Decimals Diameter Divide Formula Geometry Median Minus Numbers Plus Radius Statistics
Subtract Sums Tables Tangent Total Triangle
=
ra Algeb Geo met ry
Find the words associated with mathematics in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase
32
+
HOME INTERIORS
FLOOR COVERINGS ACROSS THE NATION OPEN: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm / Sat: 9am - 4pm (UK) LIMITED
T: 01952 60 60 80
Quality Carpets at Affordable Prices Guaranteed Laminate Flooring Supplied and Fitted FREE Measure and Estimate Service ••Cushion Floor from £7.99 Sq Mtr
••Bedroom Carpet from £4.99 Sq Mtr
••Excellent Selection of Carpets
••Discounts for Landlords
••Bleach Cleanable Carpets Available
••We move furniture, removal of old carpets and top quality fitting as standard
••Cord Carpet from £2.75 Sq Mtr
••Can’t come out to us?
••End of Rolls Always in Stock
NO PROBLEM
We will bring thousands of samples to your door
NEW BIGGER SHOWROOM IN HALESFIELD
NOW AT: Unit 2, Kemberton Road, Halesfield 16, Telford TF7 4QS All carpets supplied & fitted • The only way to buy your flooring
CARPET & FLOORING (UK) Ltd Email: info@carpetandflooringuk.com • www.carpetandflooringuk.com 33
Light Up Your Winter
by Katherine Sorrell
In the darkness of deepest winter, pay attention to your lighting. Could a quick update make it bright where necessary, cosy where wanted and as fashion-forward as anyone could desire? Smart lighting systems are easy to use and surprisingly affordable. Tradfri dimming kit, from £15, PS 2017 Table Lamp, £25; both Ikea.
This smoky glass and brass table lamp would make a great update for a modern or retro-style living room. Boho smoke grey and brass table lamp, £180, Alexander & Pearl.
Changing a pendant light can create a fabulous focal point in a room. The eight baubles on this contemporary chandelier cascade pretty, ambient light. Bubble chandelier, £79.99, Dowsing and Reynolds.
When Søren Rose Studio travelled to the USA searching for beautiful old lamps, they rearranged the parts into mix-and-match new pieces with a bold modern aesthetic, inspired by New York City glamour in the late 1930s. Reade table lamp in solid brass, £189.95, Black By Design.
This wonderfully sleek pendant light features a built-in, dimmable LED panel so you can adjust the light level to suit your mood. Shown here in Petrol, it is also available in Pearl, Forest, Anthracite, Ruby and Saffron. Asteria pendant, £179, Black By Design.
Great for a party – or even every day – plug in a colourful, neon lamp and illuminate your space with style. Lumosnap neon lights, £22-£50, Gingersnap.
Adding wall lights is not something that can be done every day, but as part of a renovation it is really worth the effort, spreading light around the room and providing options for different levels of light in different areas. This eye-catching brass wall lamp has a fashionable industrial vibe. Industrial Wall Lamp Socket in Brass, £120, Out There Interiors.
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIGHTING
• Using just one central pendant to illuminate a room creates a flat light with dark corners, making the space seem dull and small. If you are renovating, now’s the time to add wall lights, install some additional ceiling lights, or include some track lighting in cornices or bookcases. • To improve a boring lighting scheme quickly and easily, add extra lights at different heights – a table lamp in the corner, a floor lamp in other, maybe a clip light attached to a shelf. The aim is to create layers of light that come from different directions, and that you can adjust to suit your mood or the way you’re using the room.
A new paper shade will freshen up your scheme no end, and this one is screen-printed on vintage presses and handmade using the ancient art of paper crafting, each pleat hand-folded to create a bold sculptural design. Wild Wood paper lampshade, £35, Wild & Wolf.
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Illuminate a corner of your living room – and provide a snugly spot for curling up with a good book – by swapping a tired old floor lamp for a good-looking, on-trend new one. Slam Dunk floor lamp in antique brass, £175, Loaf.
• Think about bulbs – save money by changing to LEDs, which last for years and are very cheap to run. How ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ they are is marked in kelvins look for around 2,700K for a pleasant indoor light. Dimmer switches give flexibility to your lighting, but they’re not always compatible with LEDs, so check with your electrician. • ‘Smart’ lighting is the way to go – use a remote control or an app on your phone to dim your lights, switch them on and off or even change their colours.
HOME INTERIORS
Fitted Wardrobes
Lots of storage space at a fantastic price! Lots of designs for beautiful floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes to fit any size and shape of room.
For brochure & price list ring
01952 457980
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Baby It's Cold Outside Our pick of nourishing beauty goodies to see you through the winter months. Central heating, cold weather and seasonal celebrations can
Murad’s Hydra-Glow Aqua Peel can help to put some life back into it. First off – the leave your skin looking a bit ‘meh’.
Retexturizing Swab (basically a large cotton bud infused with
lactic and glycolic acids) to exfoliate your skin. Follow with the
Moisture Infusion Mask, which contains Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture and plump skin. Don’t let the words ‘peel’
and acid’ put you off, this is a gentle, pain-free solution to softer, healthier looking skin. I was really impressed with the results. The only downside is the sachets aren’t available individually – they come in a box of four at £40 from www.murad.co.uk. Battling with frizzy hair and split ends? Deep-conditioning treatments are ideal if you have the time. If you’re more of
RPR’s Smooth My Ends Treatment. It’s a leave-in conditioner and works to smooth a grab and go kind of girl, try
hair, add shine and repair split ends. The treatment is also ideal
for detangling if you have really curly hair (or a child who hates having their hair brushed). It’s £13.95 from www.lookfantastic. com. It’s not always easy to find a cleanser that can tackle mascara and other makeup, without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Cleansers that are too harsh can leave your skin feeling tight, uncomfortable and unbalanced.
Cleansers
PHB Ethical Beauty’s
are gentle, effective and packed with extra
The Hydrating Cleanser, £14.95, is particularly helpful if you suffer from dry ingredients to really nourish your skin.
patches. Ingredients include coconut oil, shea butter, apricot extract and both rosehip and rose petal oil. Numerous clinical
tests have shown these oils to make a significant difference to skin texture, scarring and wrinkles. As an added bonus, they make the cleanser smell really luxurious. See www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk.
Neal’s Yard are moving away from the anti-ageing approach
taken by most beauty companies, and instead focusing on
Frankincense Intense Lift Serum Frankincense Intense Lift Cream (£65)
‘ageing well’. Their (£75) and new
are full of natural, skin-loving ingredients to help you to ‘look and
feel the best version of you, no matter your age.’ I’ve been using them for a month now and my skin feels much softer, smoother and altogether more loved. Admittedly the serum and cream are not cheap, but they are very rich, so a little goes a long way. I expect them to last for a good six months. Available from www. nealsyardremedies.com. If you’re looking for a new foundation that gives you great
Nude By Nature’s Flawless Liquid Foundation. It’s available in coverage, without making you look too ‘made-up’, try
20 different shades, is easy to apply and you’ll barely know you’re
wearing it. It’s also packed with antioxidants and other skinloving ingredients. I’m a sucker for pretty packaging, and this foundation is hard to beat in that respect. You’ll want to display it rather than hide it away in a makeup bag. It costs £25 from www. debenhams.com or buy direct from www.nudebynature.com.
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by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
BEAUTY & FASHION
Beauty by Jude
ALL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME CND Shellac goes on like a polish but wears like a gel. A 14 day glorious high gloss shine with zero dry time, no nail damage and can be removed in around 10 minutes.
WAXING TREATMENTS
MASSAGE TREATMENTS
• Half Leg £12 • Full Leg £20 • Bikini £10 • Underarm £8 • Lip or Chin £6 • Lip & Chin £10 • Half Arm £10 • Full Arm £15
Swedish Massage £38 Head to toe sheer indulgence. As well as leaving you feeling extremely relaxed, massage can improve lymphatic drainage, helps to break down cellulite, loosen arthritic joints, soothe tired & aching muscles and generally improve sense of wellbeing.
EYE TREATMENTS
SHELLAC TREATMENTS Hands or Feet ........................... £18
• Eyebrow Wax £7 • Eye Lash Tint £10 • Eye Brow Tint £8 • Lash & Brow Tint £16
Inclusive of Polish Removal
Lash Lift & Tint £25
Shellac including Manicure ..... £23 Shellac including Pedicure ...... £25 Removal of Polish ...................... £5
Accentuate your natural lashes by giving them a tint and a lift. This 60 minute treatment will enhance your lashes, making them look longer & voluminous. A patch test will be required 48 hrs prior to treatment.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE call for details
NAIL TREATMENTS Luxury Manicure £15 Including Nail Shape, Cuticles Treated, Hand Massage & Moisturising Mask
Luxury Pedicure £20 Including Foot scrub, Exfoliation, Nail Shape, Cuticles Treated, Foot & Leg Massage & Moisturising Mask
Ladies Pamper Evenings Available from £10 Per Person Call for details
Back, Shoulder & Neck Massage £20 A relaxing massage releasing muscle tension and fatigue on the back, shoulders and neck - the main areas of stress & knots.
Indian Head Massage £18 A non intrusive treatment based around the head, neck & shoulders. It can give relief from headaches, eye strain, tension and improve hair & scalp condition.
BODY TREATMENTS Exfoliating Body Polish £35 A full body cleanse using peppermint exfoliating body polish after an invigorating skin brush.
Purifying Back Treatment £30 The back is deep cleansed, body brushed and exfoliated to help stimulate circulation and cell renewal, then calmed and relaxed with a luxurious massage. A final application of a light moisturiser will ensure the skin is left smooth and revitalised.
CALL JUDE INGRAM ON 07814 671 848
See Facebook for the latest offers: beautybyjudeathome
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You Can Erase Years
FROM YOUR FACE
Safely, painlessly and without surgery with facial rejuvenation acupuncture at SB Sports Injury & Physiotherapy Clinic. Erase years from your face safely, painlessly and without Botox and surgery with facial rejuvenation acupuncture at SB Sports Injury & Physiotherapy Clinic. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is often referred to as an acupuncture ‘facelift’. However, it is more than a cosmetic procedure, it is in fact a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help the whole body look and feel younger. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture involves the insertion of hair thin needles into specific areas of the face & body along meridians of energy called Qi (pronounced chee). This manipulation of the movement of energy in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
What are the effects?
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture has been reported to potentially erase as many as 5-15 years from the face. Fine lines may be eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, lifting of droopy eyelids or double chins minimised. Other results include moisturizing of the skin with increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face, increased collagen production, muscle tone, tightening of pores, brightening of the eyes, improving hormonal balance to help
acne & menopausal symptoms. All in all bringing out the innate beauty and radiance of the individual. A 1996 report in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported that among 300 cases treated with facial acupuncture 90% had marked effects with one course of treatment. These effects included improvement of the elasticity of facial muscles, levelling of wrinkles, a ruddier complexion and overall rejuvenation, not confined to the face.
What is the course of treatment?
Generally it consists of 12 treatment sessions. Each person responds differently depending on their condition and lifestyle prior to treatment. The effects become more noticeable and lasting on or about the seventh session. Following the initial course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results of 5 -10 years. Facial acupuncture is an excellent alternative to Botox and Cosmetic surgery. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a subtle rejuvenation that can take years off one’s face safely and naturally whilst improving overall health. For more information email admin@shropshirephysio.co.uk or speak to Steve Briggs on 01952 462330
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture C
L
I
N
I
C
The treatment offers: • Rejuvenation and revitalisation designed to help the whole body • Involves the insertion of fine needles into the face hands ears and legs • Stimulates the production of collagen • Erase as many as 5-15 years off your face • Fine lines eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished • Bags under the eyes reduced Jowls firmed • Lifting of droopy eye lids or double chins minimised • Acne and hormonal balance
ERASE YEARS OFF YOUR FACE WITHOUT SURGERY
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For more information please go to www.shropshirephysio.co.uk and click on the Facial rejuvenation acupuncture or email enquiries@shropshirephysio.co.uk You can speak with Steve Briggs on 01952 462330
BEAUTY & FASHION
Winter S.O.S. If your skin is feeling dry and tight at the moment, a sheet mask could be just the ticket. Look for one with hyaluronic acid, which helps skin to hold on to moisture and fight the signs of ageing. The skin689 BioCellulose Hyaluron Face Mask contains hyaluronic acid, along with coconut extract and an amino acid complex to nourish skin. As with all sheet masks, it’s a little fiddly to use, but feels lovely and refreshing when it’s on and the end results are definitely worth it. Softer, more hydrated skin, in just 20 minutes. And at £5.90, it’s an affordable weekend treat. See www.skin689.com.
An American skincare brand has released the world’s first vegan, plant-based topical collagen formula. Algenist’s serum is designed to replace lost collagen and contains Omega-rich microalgae oil. As with many things, there’s no long-term gain without short-term pain. In my case this meant that I had to contend with several large pimples breaking out in the first few days of using the serum. However, my skin soon got used to it, and did look plumper, smoother and much more refreshed after just a couple of weeks. All in all, I’m impressed. Genius Liquid Collagen is available from www.SpaceNK.com for £90.
BEAUTY GOODIES TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE COLD SPELL
such as wild harvested seaweed to ‘feed’ your hair with minerals and antioxidants. As with all Faith in Nature products, they’re free from parabens and harsh ingredients, so very gentle. Suitable for all hair types, they leave your locks feeling healthier, smoother and shinier. £5.35 each from www.faithinnature.co.uk. Sore, cracked hands can be a real pain over the colder months. Unfortunately, some hand creams can actually make the situation worse, particularly if they contain artificial perfumes. Dermalex is a specialist skincare range aimed at sufferers of conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. The Hand Irritation Cream can help with dry, cracked skin, itching and other signs of irritation. You’ll also want to look for a gentler hand wash or soap that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which can dry your skin and aggravate skin conditions. From £12.99, www.dermalex.co.uk.
Central heating and icy winds don’t just wreak havoc on your skin - they can also leave your hair feeling dry and lacklustre. Faith in Nature’s Seaweed & Citrus Shampoo and Conditioner include natural extracts,
It may be cold outside, but it won’t be long before it’s time to pack the winter woollies away for a few months. If you’ve been neglecting your nails under warm gloves, now’s the time to treat them to some TLC.
Nails Inc Superfood NailKale Base Coat is enriched with kale, aloe vera, lemon, ginseng, pomegranate and grape extracts to nourish and strengthen your nails. Use it on its own for a glossy nude finish, or as a base coat for your favourite coloured polish. £15, www.nailsinc.com.
by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
Your best kept secret Every face tells a story
Looking worried, tired, wrinkles appearing on your face?
STOP
Before
Do something about it Edit your face at Cedar House Clinic 3 Smartxide treatments £1000
(Normally £550 each to be paid in Jan and taken within 8 months.)
Liposuction using Bodyjet for those impossible to shift Mommy Tummys, lumps and bumps from £3000
Get ready for summer
Please call for more information or to make an appointment.
Real Life results from Cedar House Clinic. Pictured: 44 year old. Pictures taken 6 months post op
After
Cedar House Clinic, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shropshire SY2 6LG 01743 271404 www.cedarhouseclinic.co.uk
39
Active Top £16. Tu
Get Fit, Look Fab
at Sainsburys
Leggings £16. Tu at Sainsburys
Sports Bra £28. Sports Leggings £35. Biba at House of Fraser
Top £12. Tu at Sainsb
urys
Sportsbag £10. Pineapple at Miss Selfridge
Active Leggings £6. Primark
Active T op Downshifter 7 Trainers £42.99. Nike at Deichmann
Court Royale Trainers £44.99. Nike at Deichmann
12 40
£9. Prim
ark
'Park House' Gym Bag £40. Laura Ashley
If you’re finding that your motivation to get fit is fast disappearing this New Year, then why not treat yourself to a whole new gym-wear wardrobe?
With so many gorgeous active-wear looks on the high street right now, you’ll be able to try out a different look every time you work out. And, if you’re still strapped for cash after all that Christmas over-spending you’ll be pleased to find that there are plenty of great budget styles on offer too.
It’s never been easier to get fit and look fab this February. Model wears New Look
Model we
ars New Lo
ok
Model wears New Look
13 41
Sleep
VITAL FOR GOOD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
We’ve known, vaguely, for a long time that losing sleep can make us struggle to concentrate and keep smiling. Even Shakespeare knew the value of sleep, describing it as the ‘balm of hurt minds’ and the ‘chief nourisher in life’s feast’. But research is increasingly proving that a lack of good quality sleep can seriously damage our physical and mental health. More than 20 large-scale studies have proved conclusively that the shorter your sleep, the shorter your life - and it’s not hard to see why…
How a lack of sleep affects physical health Weight gain and obesity Research shows that insufficient sleep is a factor in weight gain and obesity. This is probably because sleep deprivation reduces levels of leptin (the hunger-inhibiting ‘you’re full’ hormone) and increases levels of ghrelin (the hunger-stimulating hormone). It’s a vicious circle, too, as you’re more prone to sleep problems if you’re overweight.
sex. This may partly be linked to sleep apnoea, which disturbs sleep, as men who suffer from sleep apnoea also tend to have lower testosterone levels, which can lower libido. Regular sleep disruption can also reduce the secretion of reproductive hormones.
Increased diabetes risk People who usually sleep less than five hours a night, particularly those lacking deep or ‘slow-wave’ sleep, are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Their body processes glucose differently, reacting as though suffering from insulin resistance (a condition in which your body doesn’t react properly to insulin). Tiredness causes you to secrete more stress hormones (e.g. cortisol), making it harder for insulin to function correctly and leaving excess glucose in your bloodstream.
Increased risk of depression and anxiety Many studies have linked anxiety and depression to poor quality and insufficient sleep. Daniel Freeman, co-author of major research on the link between mental health and sleep published in Lancet Psychiatry, says that having insomnia doubles your chances of developing depression and that treating insomnia is shown to reduce depression.
Increased cancer risk Professor Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, says that after just one night of only four or five hours’ sleep, your natural cancer-attacking cells drop by 70%. US researchers have discovered that when people work nights, they produce 80% less of a chemical which is a by-product of DNA tissue repair, indicating that their bodies aren’t carrying out the crucial cell restoration which should happen naturally overnight.
How a lack of sleep affects mental health
Increased risk of paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic episodes The same study also showed that when people sleep better, they’re far less likely to suffer from paranoia, hallucinations or psychotic episodes. General mental health is much improved in people given therapy to improve their sleep. Reduced memory, concentration and reaction times While we can usually cope with the odd late or broken night, the effect on our mental health and abilities becomes far more pronounced after several nights or frequent occurrences of poor sleep.
Increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease Long-term insufficient sleep significantly raises your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. During deep sleep, amyloid deposits (a toxin that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers and kills surrounding cells) are ‘cleaned’ from the brain. Without sufficient sleep, these plaques build up, especially in deep-sleep-generating regions – meaning you sleep even less and are even less able to destroy the plaques. It’s a vicious circle.
Your ability to concentrate and make decisions will decline and your reaction times will slow significantly. This can be dangerous, affecting not only your health and safety, but that of others you work with, care for – or drive past.
Increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke Persistent sleep deprivation is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure and higher levels of inflammation, which can all put extra strain on your heart. Over-45s who sleep less than six hours a night are 200% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
A Change of Attitude
Weakened immunity Sleep deprivation damages production and distribution of immune factors. Reduced fertility and libido Research has revealed that men and women who don’t get enough quality sleep have lower libido and less of an interest in
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Studies show that sleep deficiency harms your driving ability as much as, or more than, being drunk. Less than five hours’ sleep? You’re 4.3 times more likely to be involved in a crash. Four hours’ sleep? 11.5 times more likely. It’s estimated that driver fatigue is responsible for around 100,000 car accidents and 1,500 deaths each year.
“No aspect of our biology is left unscathed by sleep deprivation,” says Professor Walker, who fears sleep loss is costing the NHS and our economy dearly. “Things have to change: in the workplace and our communities, our homes and families.” He believes that sleep “needs to be prioritised, even incentivised” and that we have “stigmatised sleep with the label of laziness” because we want to seem busy; “It’s a badge of honour.” That’s an attitude we need to change.
by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
HEALTH & FITNESS
NEW YEAR,
NEW YOU! Join Telford Hotel & Golf Resort Health Club & receive £300 worth of vouchers. We know when life gets busy, your health and fitness can sometimes take a back seat. However it’s a New Year and it’s the perfect time to start focusing on YOU. Enjoy full access to: • • • • • •
Swimming pool Spa 24 hour gym Group exercise classes Sauna Steam room
• • • •
Spinning Free Wi-Fi Free parking Discounts throughout the resort • Free induction and fitness programme
Enquire today and also receive a FREE one day pass for two people!
Call 01952 422 977 or email telfordleisure@QHotels.co.uk Terms and conditions apply and offer subject to availability. Vouchers are available when you join for 12 months and pay an admin fee upon joining. Vouchers to use within the health club and are subject to availability. Offer ends 28th February 2018. For full terms and conditions speak to our health club team.
Therapy for you...
HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.
Have you experienced a traumatic event that is still affecting the way you live your life? If the answer is yes, I can help you:
SPECIAL OFFER First session HALF PRICE
• Reduce stress and anxiety • Overcome fears and phobias • Manage unhelpful thoughts • Become calmer and sleep better • Develop confidence • Feel positive about your life lorraine@affinity-and-beyond.co.uk
T: 07898 823 339 Affinity And Beyond
Lorraine Romney MNCH (Reg.),CNHC Clinical Hypnotherapist
Therapies To Improve Your Emotional Well-Being
www.affinity-and-beyond.co.uk
Affinity
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
Beyond
43
World Bipolar Day
30TH MARCH 2018
The goal of World Bipolar Day is to educate the world about bipolar disorder and improve sensitivity towards the illness. It’s marked each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent van Gogh, who is believed to have suffered from bipolar disorder.
• not feeling like sleeping or eating • doing things that often have disastrous consequences (e.g. excessive spending sprees) • making uncharacteristic decisions or statements that cause concern in others
What is Bipolar Disorder?
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression, is a condition that causes your mood and behaviour to go from one extreme to the other – low and lethargic to euphoric and overly-energetic (‘manic’). Depending on the type of bipolar, these swings can be frequent or may only occur every few weeks or months. Some people only have a few episodes in their lifetime. Depressive episodes are more frequent in some sufferers, while for others manic phases predominate. There may or may not be periods of mood stability in between. ‘Mixed state’ bipolar refers to a type where symptoms of depression and mania are experienced together; for example, overactivity with a depressed mood. ‘Rapid cycling’ involves repeated, rapid swings from a high to low phase without any stable period in between. It is estimated that bipolar disorder affects between 1 and 2% of the world’s population and the World Health Organization ranks it as the 6th leading case of disability in the world.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Experts don’t believe there is a single cause. Chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic factors, extreme stress and trauma can all play a part. Long-term cannabis use also seems to trigger bipolar in genetically vulnerable individuals, but the link is not fully understood. Bipolar disorder affects people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. However, it more commonly develops between the ages of 15 and 19, and rarely develops after 40.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Unfortunately, the very nature of bipolar means sufferers can find their symptoms hard to recognise and acknowledge, and make it hard for them to accept the concerns or help of others. In the depressive phase, symptoms include: • irritability • lacking energy • memory and concentration difficulties • lethargy and a loss of interest in everyday activities • feelings of worthlessness, self-doubt, guilt or despair • pervasive pessimism • hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren’t there) and illogical or delusional thinking • lack of appetite • difficulty sleeping • suicidal thoughts In the manic phase, symptoms may include: • feeling very happy, elated and energetic • talking very quickly • feeling full of self-importance • having impulsive, important new plans and ideas • being easily distracted, irritated or agitated • hallucinations, delusions and illogical thinking
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Bipolar symptoms may affect your driving and you must inform the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) once you are diagnosed.
If you or those around you are worried about your symptoms, your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist. It’s not uncommon for sufferers to be initially diagnosed with clinical depression, and only diagnosed with bipolar later when a manic episode occurs. Your GP or psychiatrist may also send you for some tests to rule out physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems.
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Treatments for bipolar disorder aim to lessen its effects and help with symptoms. • Lifestyle changes. As with most conditions, getting the right nutrients, exercise and sleep can help, as well as planning to avoid stress and focus on activities that provide comfort, calm or a sense of achievement. • Medication. Depending on your symptoms, you may be given mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics (to treat anxiety) and sleeping tablets. • Self-awareness and self-help. With the help of a medical professional, you can be given guidance on how to recognise the signs and triggers of your depressive or manic episodes, helping you prepare for and prevent them. • Talking therapies/counselling. This can help you manage your depression and get perspective on troubling thoughts and relationships. If you have severe bipolar/severe episodes: Sometimes, bipolar can be severe and hard to treat. In this case, ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) is used. The modern ECT performed in today’s hospitals is tightly regulated and can be a highly effective treatment. If your symptoms are severe, you may not be in the best position to make judgements about your treatment or to look after yourself safely. In this case, you may need a stay in hospital. It’s also worth considering an ‘advanced directive/ decision’ – a set of written instructions about what treatments you want (or don’t want), in case you can’t communicate this later. Your GP or psychiatrist can help you with this.
Useful Information
The Samaritans www.samaritans.org; email jo@samaritans. org; Tel: 116 123 from any phone. You can talk confidentially to the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge. Bipolar UK A national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with bipolar, and their families and carers. www. bipolaruk.org; Tel: 0333 323 3880 (local rate). Mind A national charity giving advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. www.mind.org.uk; email: info@mind.org.uk; Tel: 0300 123 3393.
by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
HEALTH & FITNESS
Pa rt of the R other wo o d Gr o up
a new standard in healthcare
If you’d like to arrange a viewing or just need some advice - we’re here to help:
01952 619 850 Individual rooms all with en-suite | 24-hour care and nursing support VISIT
St George's Park, School Street, St Georges, Telford, TF2 9LL EMAIL
admin.stgeorges @rotherwood-group.co.uk
Anna Simons MCSP PHYSIOTHERAPY Friendly Professional Advice with Time to Listen Purpose Built Clinic Room Hands on Treatments
Reminiscence & sensory relaxation rooms | A Person Centred Approach to care Beauty, treatment & hair salon | Dedicated dementia unit | In-house cinema
St George’s Park is proud to be recommended by
• Back Pain • Neck Pain • Whiplash • Arthritis • Sports Injuries • Tennis/Golfer Elbow
• Shoulder Pain • Foot/Ankle Problems • Plantar Fasciitis • Achilles Tendonopothy • Sciatica
NEW
Shock Wave Therapy Available
Treatments Offered: • Manual Therapy • Massage • Accupuncture • Electro-therapy • Pain Relief including Shock Wave • Kinesio Taping
Anna Simons MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist T: 01952 811 525 M:07887 930 642 Deer Park, Newport, Shropshire • E: info@annasimonsphysio.com • W: www.annasimonsphysio.com 45
Men Over 50
DON’T GET WRECKED, GET CHECKED!
Men in the Telford area are being invited to attend a second special event on Monday 26th March 2018 from 6pm to 8.30pm at The Anstice Memorial Hall, Park Street Madeley, TF7 5BB Where they will get checked for prostate cancer FREE of charge.
local men in categories “at risk” from the disease to attend the event and get checked by having a simple blood test.
After discovering the heart-stopping facts about prostate cancer, Ironbridge Lions approached retired Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr David Baxter-Smith, an authority on prostate cancer who has worked closely with Lions and Rotary across the country to make screening more widely available, and professional Phlebotomisits will be on hand to take the blood samples.
• All men over 50
Mr. Baxter-Smith urges all those who had a test last year to return to check that their PSA level has not risen. Prostate cancer affects around 45,000 men in the UK every year. Of those, almost one third will die from the disease. In Shropshire alone, around 250 men are diagnosed annually with prostate cancer. Despite these frightening statistics surprisingly there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, which is why Ironbridge Lions, together with Ironbridge Rotary, are urging all
“It has been proven that early diagnosis of prostate cancer results in better outcomes,” says Lion President Charlie Miller, “and that is why every man in an ‘at risk’ category should come along and get checked. The ‘at risk’ categories for prostate cancer are:-
• All men over 40 with a history of the disease in their family • Any man over 45 from an African/West Indian ethnic group At our last event some 15% of those checked were advised to seek further medical advice. “Having talked to others about similar events staged around the country in recent years,” says Mr. Miller, "it is a fact that many men who had no prior symptoms were tested and found to have prostate cancer and as a result were able to receive treatment before it was too late”. Remember the event is free and no appointment is necessary. For further information visit www.facebook.com/ ironlions or call 0845 833 9516.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across
Down
1. Ruffian, yob (8)
1. Let droop (4)
5. Young, unmarried woman (4)
2. Killer whale (4)
9. Covered with lather (5)
3. Picture placed within the bounds of a larger one (5)
10. Frame of iron bars to hold a fire (5)
4. Slowly, in musical tempo (6)
12. Downy juicy fruit (5)
6. Rough (8)
13. Material effigy worshipped as a god (4)
7. Bag containing a small amount of ointment or shampoo, etc (6)
15. Art of growing miniature trees (6) 18. Flatfish with distinctive orange spots (6) 20. Organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in plants (4)
8. Ring road (6) 11. Primary colour (3) 14. Adversary (8) 16. Most secure (6) 17. Fin on the back of a fish (6)
23. Kitchen appliance used for cooking food (5)
19. Separate or cut with a sharp instrument (6)
24. Bottomless gulf or pit (5)
21. Hardy and sure-footed animal (3)
27. Cloak, often knitted (5)
22. Bundles, of straw or hay, for example (5)
28. Musical instrument (4) 29. Concerning someone’s private life (8)
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25. Be wide open (4) 26. Marine mammal (4)
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
HEALTH & FITNESS
Experts in Treating Foot and Heel Pain!
You have most likely sought assistance for your condition, but have struggled to find an enthusiastic expert to help! Passionate and eager to reduce and cure your lower limb, foot and ankle pain. I have the latest equipment to assist your problem, what is more, I specialize in all Foot, Ankle, Leg and Achilles problems.
The latest Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for non surgical treatment of Heel pain, Achilles Tendons and many other soft tissue injuries- 5 years experience!
achilles pain Policemans Heel
01952 677 063
Plantar faciiis
Unit 8 Horton Court, Hortonwood 50 TF1 7GY
www.TheFootDoctor.co.uk FASCIITIS
HEEL PAIN
Evenett and Bishop Opticians
Arch Pain Bunion/Arthriis
ORTHOTICS
PODIATRY
Telford Foot Care Celia Crow BSc Hons DipCFHP Mobile Foot Health Practitioner
Large range of Frames including Childrens
3D Eye Scans NOW Available Our new OCT scanner captures both a photograph and a cross-sectional scan of the eye at the same time. Registered with the General Optical Council.
All types of Contact Lenses fitted including: Ortho-K = Lenses By Night - Clear Sight By Day, a Non-Surgical Alternative
Foot Health Assessment Corn & Callus Removal Verruca Treatments Ingrowing Nails
Nail Trimming Athletes Foot Treatment Cracked Heals Summer Feet Preperation
Tel: 01952 606 229 Mobile: 07977 548 957
Saturday Appointments NOW Available
Low Vision Aids and Sports Eyewear Prescription and NonPrescription Sunglasses NHS and Private Eye Examinations
35 High Street, Newport TF10 7AT • T: 01952 810 808
www.evenettandbishopopticians.co.uk
47
Don't Have 'Mad March Hair'
THE GADGETS FOR TRIMMING, TAMING, STYLING AND In the old days, we had combs, brushes and STRAIGHTENING curling tongs – and that was about it. Now there’s more tech than you can shake a GHD straightener at, all of it promising to deliver luscious locks or silky-smooth skin. So which technology is actually worth having for your hair?
There are two kinds of gadgets: gadgets for getting rid of hair you don’t want, and gadgets for mak-ing the hair you do want look better. In the first camp we’ve long had electric razors, epilators and little personal trimmers, but lately they’ve been joined by lasers — well, light treatment anyway. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of the gentlest hair removal methods around, but you can’t do it if you’re about to go somewhere sunny, and it doesn’t work on lighter hair or very dark skin. Beware of any firm claiming to offer laser treatment from home devices: laser is a more powerful IPL and it’s the preserve of salon machines costing five figures. The best known IPL system is probably Philips’ Lumea, whose products are around the £250 - £350 mark. That’s a lot of money for a gadget, but if you have the right skin tone and hair colour it means no ingrowing hairs, waxing or other unpleasantness. It’s safe everywhere, too.
1
2
What about the hair you do want? The same pseudo-science that infests beauty products is in hair care too, with lots of big and clever-sounding nonsense trying to convince us that a hairdryer is more than just a hairdryer. Sometimes a hairdryer is all you need. The biggest name in high-tech hairdryer technology is Dyson, whose unlovely (is it just us? It looks like, well, a Dyson) but very effective Supersonic costs £299. It’s very powerful, very quiet and stays cool to the touch, although we can’t help thinking we’re basically holding a hand dryer next to our heads. More modest technologies can make a big difference too. Straighteners with adjustable tempera-tures can help prevent too much frizz, especially with hair you’ve coloured, and straightening brushes such as BaByliss’s £50 2440BDU put the heat inside the hairbrush to great effect. The same firm has embraced the other big trend in haircare: straighteners that also style. The Smooth & Wave Secret isn’t cheap – at £129.99 it’s up there with the luxury brands such as GHD – and it looks like a weapon, but it’s enormously clever: hair is drawn into its ceramic chamber, held and preheated, and then it either uses Smooth Mode to straighten or Wave Mode for waves and curls. It goes up to 230 degrees for even the most untamed hair and takes just 15 seconds to warm up. That’s important: some rivals don’t like to point out that by the time their straighteners reach peak temperature, you could probably have grown a beard. It’s very important to shop around for products like the ones we’ve mentioned, as — with the exception of Dyson, which keeps a firm hold on its prices — they’re subject to constant aggressive discounting by supermarkets, beauty shops and online sellers. And it pays to be flexible when it comes to specific brands: the difference in price between Brand A with nice packaging and the slightly less cute Brand B can be staggering.
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3
4
1. Philips Lumea IPL System 2. Dyson Supersonic 3. BaByliss Diamond Heated Brush 4. BaByliss Smooth & Wave
HEALTH & FITNESS
One of our many exclusive ranges that are not available on the High Street
Putting Care into Practice
Tern Vets
We offer a FREE health check for your new pet!
Pet Care • Farm Care • Equine Care
NEWPORT BRANCH
Audley Avenue Industrial Estate, Newport, Shropshire TF10 7BX
01952 820222
newport@ternvets.co.uk OPEN: Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm / Sat: 8:30am-12pm
www.ternvets.co.uk
DD Neutering DD Dentistry DD X-rays
DD Laparoscopic Tern Vets understand that Surgery your pet is not just a pet, they DD Hospitalisation are a member DD Nurse Clinics of your family.
DD Pet Passports DD Microchipping DD Ultrasound DD Out of Hours with
Our Own Vets DD Home Visits DD Blood Tests DD Free Puppy Parties
WE PROVIDE 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CARE 7 DAYS A WEEK 49
Choosing the Best Mobile Phone Plans Choosing the right mobile phone plan can be quite daunting, especially if you don’t understand how they work. Perhaps you’ve always bought a contract with a phone included, but you might find that choosing a SIM-only contract is better thanks to its flexibility.
With so many different plans available these days, here’s an idea of what to look out for.
Mobile phone plans explained
There are essentially three types of mobile phone deal:
Pay monthly contract
IN 2018
accessed, and Sky let you roll back data in 1GB volumes. Additionally, if you have more than one member on a Sky Mobile account, the unused data from all account members can be rolled over into the piggybank, and used as needed by each individual.
Flexible SIM-only deals Giffgaff
Giffgaff’s ‘goodybags’ offer flexibility and choice if you’re looking for a SIM-only deal. A goodybag is basically your allowance of minutes, texts and data, and it lasts for one month. This means you can change your goodybag if it doesn’t offer quite enough minutes, for example, or you need more data that month.
Pay monthly contracts are the most cost-effective if your phone bills are high or you want a top-of-the-range handset. Contracts generally last for 12 or 24 months and you pay a fixed minimum monthly amount by direct debit. This is for your inclusive calls, texts and data allowance. Pay monthly contracts incorporate a free or subsidised handset.
Current SIM-only deals (October 2017) at Giffgaff include: • £5 per month: 100MB data; 150 minutes; 500 texts • £12 per month: 4GB data; 750 minutes; unlimited texts • £18 per month: 9GB data; 2,000 minutes; unlimited texts
SIM-only deal
The Three network offers a useful ‘Go Binge’ facility with some of their mobile phone deals. This allows you to stream music and films from Netflix, Deezer, SoundCloud and TVPlayer without using up your monthly allowance, as long as you have some of your data allowance left. (If adverts are shown on these apps, they may use up your allowance.)
When you already own a phone and don’t want to change it, or are happy to buy your own new handset, a SIM-only deal can offer flexibility and cost-savings if you make a significant number of calls. You can choose between a rolling one-month deal and a fixed 12-month contract. Opting for a fixed-term contract will be cheaper than renewing each month, however, because you’re tied in to a specific timescale, but it doesn’t offer as much flexibility.
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) If you don’t use your mobile phone very much, pay-as-you-go helps to avoid spending money when you don’t really need to. You simply top up your phone using a credit card or top-up card when you run out of minutes, texts or data, and you don’t need to be credit-checked as you do when you take out a contract. When you’re considering these deals, you’ll also need to think about your phone usage – do you use it mainly for calls and texts, do you browse the internet, and how often do you want to change your handset?
Data rollover
If you don’t use your full data allowance each month, you can buy a plan that lets you rollover what is left and use it the following month. You obtain better value for money from your monthly payments and can plan ahead if you think you’ll need to use more data in a particular month.
Three’s ‘Go Binge’
Current SIM-only 12-month contracts with ‘Go Binge’ include the following (prices mentioned include a monthly discount of £5 for paying by direct debit): • £14 per month: 12GB data; unlimited minutes and texts • £18 per month: 30GB data; unlimited minutes and texts • £26 per month: 100GB data; unlimited minutes and texts
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) If you’re not a heavy mobile phone user, or are worried about being credit-checked, a pay-as-you-go deal may be the best choice. You can opt for ‘traditional’ PAYG or a bundle of data, minutes and texts. As an example, PAYG deals from Asda Mobile currently include: • 8p per minute for calls to any UK mobile or UK landline • 4p per text • 5p per MB of data • Pay-as-you-go bundles from Tesco Mobile include: • £5 for 150 minutes • £5 for 5,000 texts • £10 for 2 GB data
So which networks offer this facility? At the time of writing, iD Mobile, O2, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Freedompop and Sky Mobile all offer plans with data rollover. It isn’t a new concept, but until recently providers have only allowed you to rollover your data from the previous month.
As you can see, there’s a wealth of choice when looking for mobile phone deals – it just takes a little time to compare them and decide on the best option.
Now, however, Sky Mobile has come up with a very useful online ‘piggybank’ facility that lets you store your unused data at no additional cost for up to three years. You’ll need to have a minimum of 1GB saved in the piggybank before it can be
www.sky.com/shop/mobile/features#feature-roll
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www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/what-is-data-rollover-and-whichnetworks-offer-it/ www.sky.com/help/articles/your-sky-piggybank www.three.co.uk/go-binge/details
by Ann Haldon
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
Free Will Writing Service Parry Carver Solicitors are supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Free Will Writing Service, which is available for those aged 55 and over. Whether you are looking to make your first Will or update an existing one, it’s important that you properly plan your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are looked after. Talk to us at Parry Carver today about having your Will written for free, for that extra peace of mind.
7 Church Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BX
The Forum, Victoria Road, Shifnal TF11 8FE
Tel: 01952 641 291
Tel: 01952 460 777
Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm Sat 9am - 12pm
Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm Sat by appointment
Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Parry Carver SRA 71413
Get your finances into shape in 2018 Mortgages?
Investments?
financial ltd
Pensions Planning? Retirement Options? Estate Planning?
Book your free initial financial review, call us on 01952 455 775 Or visit our office at: 4 Church Street, Shifnal TF11 9AA For Professional, Friendly Face to Face Advice you can trust
CD Financial Limited is an appointed representative of Openwork. Limited which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Our fee for arranging a mortgage is £195.
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Wills • Lasting Power of Attorney • Funeral Plans
Make the most of the start of this New Year! Resolve family issues before they happen... 1. Write Your Will 2. Complete Lasting Powers of Attorney 3. Consider a Pre-paid Funeral Plan We will offer you friendly guidance and advice in plain English. Here to help you and your family.
Compliant with the IPW Code of Practice
Contact Alistair at ACW Wills and Estates Limited on
07768 643225 or 01952 670534
E: alistair@acwwillsandestates.co.uk • www.acwwillsandestates.co.uk 52
CODEWORD
Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the grid to the right.
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BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
Kalidescope Ltd THE EASY WAY TO GET YOUR COMPANY ONLINE We design and host tailor made websites at affordable prices for the small to medium sized business. Training, follow up and support is always available to complete the package.
WEBSITE DESIGN
Multiple platforms available to suit your needs
All websites are built to be cross device friendly, so if you are looking at them on your PC, tablet or phone the text and images will automatically resize so the viewer can see the site as intended.
Tel: 01952 608760 • Email: enquiries@kalidescope.co.uk • www.kalidescope.co.uk
2 Hour Dry Cleaning Available on most main line items
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; Curtain Cleaning
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Enquire about our Loyalty Bonus Scheme
SPECIAL OFFERS 5 Shirts Cleaned & Pressed for only £8 (same day service available)
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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am till 6pm Saturday: 9am till 4:30pm
22-24 Haygate Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1QA
E: info@chelseasofshropshire.co.uk www.chelseasofshropshire.co.uk
ALSO drop off and collection available at Green Fields in Donnington & Priorslee 53
Technology
NEW YEAR REVOLUTIONS
The gadgets that’ll help you keep your promises in 2018 It’s that time of year again. The gyms will soon be full of New Year’s resolutions, running like mad on treadmills. People will be signing up for all kinds of self-improvement, but within a few months many of them will have changed their minds. So how can you make sure you stick to the promises you made yourself about 2018? Technology is here to help. There’s been an explosion in fitness technology over the last few years. The most attractive fitness gadget is Apple’s Watch Series 3 (£329), which you can keep on while you swim as well as when you run, and thanks to apps it can help motivate you in all kinds of ways: it can deliver workouts or track your everyday fitness, and it can even turn ordinary activity into a game with its steps, distance and calorie tracking. Third party apps can deliver punishing 7, 4 or even 1-minute workouts if you’re short of time, and there’s a whole host of apps for tracking your food intake and other health factors too.
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Some of the best fitness gadgets are designed for specific activities, such as TomTom’s Runner 3 (£220). As you’ve probably guessed from the name it’s for runners, with built-in GPS, heart rate tracking and music playback to make your efforts more bearable. It’s suitable for weight training and swimming too, and the battery lasts for about 3 weeks between charges. If your resolutions were more about mental wellbeing, there are plenty of phone apps to help you. The free Mindfulness App (available for Apple and Android) can help you meditate to escape everyday stress, while Headspace (iPhone and Android, free with in-app subscriptions) has attracted millions of users with its newcomer-focused approach, rewards system and a clever buddy feature that enables you to share progress and motivation with your friends.
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Apps can be great for fitness and healthy eating too. One of the world’s favourite such apps is MyFitnessPal’s Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker. Available for Apple and Google devices, it’s free, with a £7.99 prosubscription offer. The big plus here is its database of more than 6 million foods and a barcode scanner: scan your ingredients or the menu and it’ll automatically calculate and record the calories. If you promised to eat more healthily and/or to waste less food in 2018, we’d love to introduce you to our very favourite gadget: the Instant Pot. There’s a whole community of Instant Pot fans online including popular food blogs such as The Kitchn, and that’s because it’s brilliant: it’s an electric pres-sure cooker that sautes, boils, steams, slow cooks, pressure cooks…if the idea of cooking a whole chicken or pulled pork in half an hour appeals you’ll love it, and it’s great for minimising waste: chuck the leftovers in with some vegetables and water and you’ve got effortless stock or soup. It’s a fantastic time saver too: again and again we’ve gone from can’t-be-bothered-to-cook to eating a healthy and nutritious meal in less time than it takes to order a takeaway. It pays to shop around, though: Amazon in particular frequently offers huge discounts on the Instant Pot, as you can see from sites such as uk.camelcamelcamel.com: you don’t want to be the person who buys it for £155 when it’s usually on sale for less than £95.
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3 1. TomTom Runner 3 GPS smartwatch 2. Apple Watch Series 3 3. Instant Pot cooker.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
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HE SHROPSHIRE FUNERAL PLAN is provided by experienced, local and
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www.theshropshirefuneralplan.com
Support for People IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS For many years mental health was a subject that went undiscussed and undiagnosed. Thankfully that is changing massively and more people than ever are receiving support – from counselling through to medication and treatment. Recent figures suggest 1/3 of all ‘sick notes’ provided by doctors are for mental health related issues while similar reports suggest individual coping mechanisms can lead people towards alcohol and drug misuse. Occasionally this can lead to police involvement and not just for adults – young people are being recognised as suffering too. With the term ‘mental health’ covering such a huge scope so many people can be suffering without realising. Working closely with one of the only Law Society accredited mental health departments in the area the Terry Jones crime department protects the most vulnerable when they need it most. If you have a police interview or court proceedings and you need understanding legal advice contact Terry Jones Solicitors on 01952 297979, email on olivern@terry-jones.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Twitter and above all, be supported. Oliver Nicholas
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McLaren 720S
I’ve just exited a roundabout – one I’ve left many times before in a variety of cars – and I’m heading down a familiar straight; I know it leads to a 90 degree right and yet more well-sighted, beautifullysurfaced road, but this time it’s different.
Unfortunately it’s not all good news. The electronics, while much better and easier to use than the cars they have featured in before, are still buggy. Our test car warned us of impending suspension failure, when it was fine, and of power steering catastrophe, again when there was nothing wrong. You wouldn’t forgive that on a car costing a tenth of a price, let alone one knocking on a quarter of a million pounds.
I’m sat behind an exquisitely-crafted steering wheel, in a plum pudding purple leather cabin, and things are happening faster than they’ve ever happened before. Behind me, a 4.0-litre twinturbo V8 is converting 710bhp into forward thrust that has to be experienced to be believed.
The second disappointment is the noise. It’s all sucking, blowing and wind roar - there’s no start up, high speed thrum, or deep bellowing exhaust note. Just a rush of air intake and utterly ballistic forward motion. OK, it’s no Tesla, all silent propulsion, but then at the same time it’s no rival for Ferrari’s now equallymuted, but still much better, 488 soundtrack.
Just a look at the numbers gives an indication of what the new darling of Woking has in its arsenal: 60mph in 2.8 seconds, 124mph in 7.8 seconds and 186mph in 21.4 seconds. That’s a lot of numbers that need perspective. Take the 124mph time as just one example: that’s just a few tenths slower than a Volkswagen Golf GTD manages to hit 60mph. In the same time, the 720S is doing double that speed. Double. While those figures give you some reference, what they can’t explain is the feeling that translates to when you’re sat behind the wheel. The g-force such explosive acceleration exerts on your body under foot-to-the-floor power is like a roller coaster, like free falling from a plane as the world becomes a blur in your peripheral vision. Braking is sharp, shockingly sudden and painfully precise.
Thankfully, the out-of-this-world looks make up for some of those foibles. The dramatic doors stop petrol station punters in their tracks as you arch them skyward. It can feel like you’ve livepaused passers-by in a TV show, their mouths slowly drifting towards the floor as they wake back up. Rarely does a car send pedestrians into a dreamlike state quite like this McLaren. Huge air scoops, slits and slants in the bodywork add to the visual drama, while also playing an important part in directing the huge gulps of air the revised power plant needs to keep it cool. Sadly McLaren still has a lot of work to do in wiggling its way into the public consciousness - as much as those we encountered fell instantly in love with it, few knew what brand it belonged to, let alone which model it was.
The McLaren takes countryside sweepers, motorway miles and But back to what the McLaren does best. I’ve got dials turned to quick changes in direction and road surface in its stride. It’s slippery sport mode, and Wales to cross. The rain is just starting incredibly capable and a huge step on from the 650S it replaces. to cover the road with a glistening dew-like Steering is pinpoint direct, well weighted and coating and the 720S is twitching in the trembling with pins and needle-like feedback. THE KNOWLEDGE bends, squirming as it hunts for traction. It’s Model: McLaren 720S The seven-speed automatic gearbox rifles palm-dampening, but exciting, and about to Price: £218,020 through gears like a sharp shooter - OK, maybe create a journey that’ll be indelibly marked on at load speeds it can be a bit grabby as shunt Engine: 4.0-litre, twin turbo V8 my memory. This McLaren may not be quite through the transmission is felt in the cabin, but Power: 710bhp, 770Nm perfect, but my word is it getting incredibly at speed, in maximum attack, it’s rapid, slick 0-60mph: 2.8 seconds close. and enjoyable. The rocker mechanism to the Top speed: 212mph paddles is a joy too. Pull one and you can feel Economy: 26.4mpg the other move away from you, and vice versa. Emissions: 249g/km by James Baggot It’s a classy touch.
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MOTORS & LEISURE
Effortless handling through every turn in town.
Representative Finance Example - Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement GLA 200 Sport Manual 48 Monthly Payments of*
£289.00
Optional Purchase Payment
£11,850.00
Customer Deposit
£3,999.00
Total Amount Payable††
£30,928.31
On The Road Price
£27,515.00
Purchase Activation Fee†
£10.00
Retailer Deposit Contribution
£1,197.31
Representative APR
5.0%
Acceptance Fee
£0.00
Fixed Interest Rate
4.90%
Amount Of Credit
£22,318.69
Excess Mileage Charge
12p
Duration Of agreement
48 Months
Annual Mileage
10,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury Vanguard Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 3TG 0330 017 3714 Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg for the GLA 200 Manual: urban 36.7 extra urban 60.1, combined 48.7 CO2 emissions 134-138 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. The above information has been supplied by Mercedes-Benz. *Offer available of selected GLA 200 on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement. Order by 31st March 2018 and delivered by 30 June 2018. Subject to availability. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ††Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and Retailer deposit contribution. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Image shown for illustration purposes only. Terms and conditions apply. Drayton Group limited is an Appointed Representative of Lookers Motor Group Limited. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made.
MERC0104 GLA In and Around Mag.indd 1
23/01/2018 15:19
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Motoring
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R
THE KNOWLEDGE
Model: Honda Civic Type R Model as tested: Honda Civic Type R GT Base price: £32,995 Price as tested: £33,520 Engine tested: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol Power (bhp): 316bhp Torque (Nm): 400 Max speed (mph): 169 0-60mph: 5.5 MPG: 36.7 Emissions (g/km): 176
In the look-at-me stakes, Honda’s new Civic Type R screams attention-seeker louder than an Instagram influencer. With trying-too-hard fins, wings and ice-white paintwork, it’s the sort of car you need to be sure you don’t mind people pointing out, and sometimes laughing at, when you’re driving it down the street. You see, when it comes to looks, Honda appears to have added needless frippery to its new Type R. The manufacturer will tell you it’s about aerodynamics and downforce, but does that really matter on the A34? No, what matters is the fact people will think you’ve added the adornments yourself after a binge credit card spending spree in Halfords. Inside, it’s far less shouty and much more traditional Honda formula. It’s a combination of harder plastics, an infotainment system that isn’t up to the standards of rivals and a seating position you’ll either love or hate. All that is soon forgotten on the road. Honda has sprinkled magic dust on this Type R and generated a machine that’s utterly fabulous to drive. Fast, grippy and with a gearbox that delights, it’s a hot hatch to take the fight to the very best in its class. The large, winged bucket seats are immediately comfortable, and the driving position suits us. Thumb the large starter button and there’s a real cackle from the exhaust – it’s exactly how every hot hatch should sound when they fire into life. Moving off, on to the surprisingly smooth asphalt that only occasionally crops up in the area of south Wales we’re testing in, and the Type R feels well set up. The ride is firm, that’s for sure, but then you almost expect that with a car like this. A small amount of jostling is part and parcel of a hot hatch – particularly a fast Honda. Though the Civic Type R feels quick, the real surprise is just how much speed you can carry through corners. The body is 38 per cent stiffer than the car it replaces, and this added rigidity makes itself known almost everywhere.
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The turn-in is quick, but the limited-slip differential means that you can fire the R into bends and it’ll just grip and grip. The whole experience is helped no end by the car’s seating position, which is now 50mm lower than the older Civic Type R. This gives you the ability to get low in the car, and completely transforms the entire drive. When the non-R Civic was launched sometime last year, most people knew that it featured a chassis which could benefit from an awful lot more power. The R saw to that – and then some. There’s next to no body roll, and the front two wheels cope admirably with the 316bhp being sent through them. You won’t torque steer either – the steering stays unaffected even when accelerating hard, and this gives you a huge amount of confidence. You could argue the location played into the hands of the Type R – green, rolling hills (or mountains, this is Wales after all) coupled with tight, technical roads contributed heavily to the hot hatch experience. It’s a match made in driving heaven. However, the Type R has always been slightly tarred by that ‘boy racer’ brush. But despite that needlessly big wing, this car has got a real character to it, something lacking in quite a few others on sale today. Even the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has its own personality, popping and growling as you push it harder through the bends. When the rain came, boy did the R get better. Yes, there’s a good degree of scrabble from the front tyres once the tarmac gets a soaking as the rubber struggles for traction, but after that the Civic continues to impress. Everything about it feels alive, particularly along the wide open sections of the A4059 north of Penderyn. The short, notchy six-speed manual is a joy to use, while the characterful engine provides more than enough shove to keep things interesting. Put simply, it’s a far more involving car to drive than you’d expect. On these roads, the Type R seems perfect. Yes, the interior foibles could make it a difficult one to live with day-to-day and you’ll have to get used to the strange looks from passers-by, but on Welsh A-roads when the sun is (occasionally) shining, there are few cars quite like it.
by James Baggott
MOTORS & LEISURE
I’m Not Sure
I DID THE RIGHT THING
As I drove through town, it was sitting three cars behind me: an ANPR-equipped police car. I knew had nothing to worry about as I had stuck to the speed limits, and my car and I were both road-legal. So I just clocked it in my rear view mirror as another road user. Approaching the red lights I pulled up next to a driver who was chatting away on their phone. Even though the car was stationary, this is an offence that now carries 6 penalty points, a £200 fine and, if incurred in the first two years of gaining your licence, a disqualification too. (I assume this caveat was added as the statistics show that those aged 18-24 are three times more likely to commit this offence.) Yet, a survey by Kwik-Fit revealed that an astonishing 43% of those questioned still fail to realise this. More worryingly 17% of those surveyed admitted to texting and 34% to taking calls when driving! It seems the message is slow to get through.
dropping of the phone said it all. Whether the police saw them on the phone I don’t know as, at that point, the traffic moved off.
When the driver next to me glanced across, I motioned behind me. Their startled look and
You decide.
On reflection I’m not sure I did the right thing - was I a Good Samaritan? Or perhaps I shouldn’t have intervened, let the law take its course and a driver learn a hard lesson that using a mobile phone behind the wheel is illegal.
By Iain Betson
CLASSIC CAR
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Gardener's Resolve Happy New Year! Now that 2018 is here, what are you going to resolve to do (or not do!) in the year ahead? I could write a book about what I need to do in the garden, but like those non-garden resolutions, I’ve long since realised that it is best to stick to things you’ve got at least some chance of achieving! So I’ll probably not say I’ll re-turf the lawn or create the much wished for wildlife-friendly pond…I’ve been planning both of these for years with no sign of progress!
Re-cycle pots
I’m sure that there is virtually no need to buy another plastic plant pot...and I’m sure that landfill sites would breathe a sigh of relief if we could all stick to this resolution: save all the pots you get when you buy new plants, and any plug-style trays that house bedding plants. Rinse them out and let them dry off, and next time you need a pot there will already be one there, free of charge as well as saving you a trip to the local garden centre. Pots stored away from sunlight will last much longer as they will be protected from the harmful rays of the sun which make many types of plastic disintegrate.
Cover it up!
Mulch more
Make use of any organic matter that is bulky – mulch with it. Whether it is well-rotted manure, garden compost, leaf mould, or the used compost from a seasonal bedding display or growing bag, make it into mulch! Applied a couple of inches or more deep over the soil surface, a mulch like this will improve the soil’s ability to conserve moisture (saving you both watering time and water) and may also help to keep weeds at bay. A win-win situation.
Make a resolution to dry off and cover up garden furniture once the summer is over. Left out there throughout the worst of the weather, pretty well all furniture will take a serious battering – from rain, cold, ice and, in some cases, even fungi! Shop around for furniture covers that won’t break the bank or, better still, store the furniture in a shed or garage if you have one. Stored properly, it will last much longer and you’ll save yourself a fortune.
Pause before you buy
Grow your own
Seasonal saver
This needn’t mean total self-sufficiency for twelve months of the year, but aim to grow more of your own fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. It might mean buying yourself a couple of tomato plants for the first time, or creating a small herb planter, or it could be larger scale and more complex plans if you’re already big on grow-your-own...but increase what you do! Don’t forget that if you’d like UK-grown vegetable plants accompanied by my weekly advice and tips emails, you will find a great choice of some of my favourite varieties at www. pippagreenwood.com/grow-your-own.
Compost more
It is easy to put things that should be composted in the waste bin, but once you get in the swing of it composting will soon become second nature. Make it easier to compost kitchen waste by putting a container in the kitchen for vegetable peelings, apple cores and so forth. Empty it regularly and there won’t be problems with smells. The amount of extra compost you’ll generate will be well worthwhile. Many local councils offer a really good deal on basic plastic composters.
Use that space!
If you have a cold frame, porch, conservatory or greenhouse, put it to use! Far too many of these potentially great gardening structures are left abandoned for much of the year, perhaps just being graced with a handful of tomatoes for the summer months. Any sort of protected growing area has the ability to increase what you can grow and when you can grow it. So raise your own summer flowers in it, force some bulbs in it in the winter or make off-season sowings of salad crops…make it work, but whatever you do, don’t use it as the family rubbish dump!
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When you’re looking through the seed, plant and bulb catalogues, browsing online or wandering around a garden centre, pause before you buy. I know I’m not alone in having eyes that are much bigger than my plot! It is very easy to order more seeds than you’ll ever be able to sow and plants that you’ll never be able to squeeze into your garden.
Make sure you recycle your Christmas tree. Real trees can be recycled at locations up and down the country – many garden centres and councils offer the service. The trees will be shredded and added to other green materials to make a great soil conditioner and planting mix. I asked some of my well-known gardening friends on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time for their New Years’ Resolutions: Eric Robson, our Chairman on the show: ‘I’ve joked about it lots in the past but I’m definitely – and I mean definitely – going to found the Ground Elder Appreciation Society. Great ground cover plant, wonderful as an alternative to spinach and the variegated version should have an Award of Garden Merit. ’ Bunny Guinness, garden designer and Chelsea gold medallist: ‘To reap all I sow. My pigs have had rather too good a diet this year - copious quince, grapes, apples and even peaches! It is quite difficult to find time to eat or store it all, but at least they were extremely appreciative reciprocates!’ Anne Swithinbank, panellist: ‘My resolution is to tackle some serious decluttering. In the gardening department, this means sorting a horrid muddle of fleece, netting, twine, hand tools, gloves, propagator lids and flower pots filling my sheds. I’m sure I can throw half of it away, then give everything its special place. It’s silly to waste precious time looking for these things, when it would be better spent sowing, weeding and planting.’ Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!
by Pippa Greenwood
GARDENS & OUTDOORS
Plugs available in March Wide variety of Primroses
Why pay Garden Centre prices? Buy direct from the Grower!
IF YOU LOVE PLANTS - YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE Large Selection of Nursery Grown Perennials Shrubs & Conifers Seasonal Bedding Plants, Fruit Trees, Herbs etc... Ornamental Trees Hanging Baskets & Filled Planters
OPEN Tue to Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4 Open All Bank Holidays (10-4)
Stoneware Ornaments Range of Composts
BLOOMSBURY GIFT VOUCHERS MAKE A GREAT GIFT!
We are CLOSED on Tue 20th Feb & Wed 21st Feb
Potted Spring Bulbs Available
WE GROW QUALITY PLANTS FOR YOU!
Come and view our quality products and be amazed at our fantastic prices... Bloomsbury Nursery Ltd, Weston Heath, Bloomsbury TF11 8RT
01952 691203 • www.bloomsburynursery.co.uk
• Massive range of bricks, blocks and specials in stock • Reclaim bricks stocked
Over one million bricks & pavers in stock
Specialists in and stockists of: TOBERMORE & MARSHALLS PRODUCTS LANDSCAPING ROOFING (FIRESTONE RUBBER COVER) TIMBER & SHEET MATERIALS DECORATING CENTRE Dulux Paint Mixer Available
TOOL HIRE & SMALL PLANT HIRE Call for availability and prices
Access Equipment • Power Tools Earth Moving • Floor Preparation Site Equipment • Landscaping Watling Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 2NJ find us opposite Telford United Football Club
Tel: 01952 641199
Opening Hours Mon - Fri 7.30am-5pm Sat - 8am - 12pm 61
Is Your Friend
A SHORT TRIP SHOW-OFF? Tackle short technology.
break
envy
with
Over the past few years, interest in short breaks has grown, particularly for trips that offer the chance to try a new activity, such as learning to paint, llama trekking, bread-making with a celebrity chef or mindfulness in a monastery. If you’re comfortably off, these short trips are a great way to enjoy your leisure time, but if you’re on a limited budget it may feel as though the only choice is to sit at home, staring at your screen in envy. So what’s the answer, if you’re longing for a short break experience but simply can’t afford an expensive trip abroad?
“Keeping up with the Joneses” used to mean upgrading your car to the same expensive model as your neighbour’s, or installing a fancy garden water feature to match their solar-powered crystal rock cascade with LED lights. Have you noticed the change? In these days of social media sharing the focus is less on what you have, and more about what you do. So instead of trying to compete with each other by buying bigger and better things, our friends and neighbours are now booking exclusive holidays and short breaks abroad so they can boast about them on Facebook. The short break has become the latest way to demonstrate to your social media connections that you have a richer, more varied and exciting lifestyle than they do. “Off to Rome for the weekend!” chirped one Facebook friend of mine recently, seemingly oblivious to the fact that some of the others in our circle would be hard pushed to afford a weekend in Bridlington. You can boast about your annual holiday, but once you’ve shared your experience on social media, you’ll have to wait another twelve months before you can do it again. My friend has discovered that by taking frequent short breaks she can command her friends’ attention all year round. I had to mentally prepare myself for the stream of photos that inevitably appeared as she hit the Eternal City, posing by the Trevi Fountain and sipping a macchiato in an elegant pavement café a stone’s throw from the Coliseum. Naturally, during her five-night stay in Rome, she went on a trufflehunting expedition to Umbria and tasted wines in an exclusive countryside vineyard, providing us with a running commentary along the way. Returning to Britain, she posted a photo of herself sitting on her suitcase outside Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci airport, apparently “exhausted”. But the plane engine had barely cooled after her flight back to Gatwick when she posted a link to a Scandinavian mini-cruise that she and her husband had just booked.
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There are plenty of short break options available in the UK that won’t break the bank, and the internet-savvy can reap rewards by visiting price comparison sites and installing some useful apps. The hotel price comparison site Trivago (trivago.co.uk) lists excellent deals on hotels, with some rooms offered at less than £30 per person per night. Look for out-of-season offers or opt for a bed-only option (without breakfast) that leaves you free to start your day with a less costly coffee and snack somewhere in town. Before you start out on your trip, create a list of things to see and do while you’re away: entering an online search for “free things to do in…” will give you an idea of what’s available in your chosen location at no cost. Thrifty travellers can avoid paying out for expensive guided walks and tours by downloading Trip Advisor’s city apps (tripadvisor.co.uk). Each free app contains self-guided city tours together with masses of information about restaurants and tourist attractions, plus a function that lets you search for places and activities within a particular budget range. Vouchercloud (vouchercloud.com) is another handy app which helps you save money in restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as offering discounts on cinema visits, days out and activities in leisure and entertainment venues across the UK. Finally, you can save even more money by booking your rail tickets in advance (and don’t forget that if you are 60 or over, a Senior Railcard costing just £30 will allow you to claim 1/3 off rail fares for a whole year). As a Senior Railcard holder you’ll also be eligible for discounts on days out, theatre trips and holiday cottages. So if you’re tired of the kind of short-break one-upmanship described above, try some of the pennywise tips here and you’ll soon be out enjoying your own unique short break experiences. As for my globe-trotting acquaintance, I haven’t heard from her lately, but I suspect she’s out there somewhere right now, painting landscapes in Provence or jumping on a reindeer sleigh in Finland. I don’t know exactly where she is because – sick of her constant boasting – I finally decided to unfriend her on Facebook.
by Kate McLelland
GARDENS & OUTDOORS
Holt’s Tree Care www.holtstreecare.com
LONG FOX LANDSCAPES
Fully Qualified £10m Insured
A Complete Garden Solution
• Felling • Crown Reduction
“Creating beautiful spaces, we turn your dreams into reality and bring your garden to life.”
• Dead Wood Removal • Dismantling • Hedge Trimming • Stump Grinding
§§Garden Design §§Driveways §§Block Paving §§Patios & Paving §§Walls
• Site Clearance Hard wood LOGS supplied 3 Woolpack Close, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8HP
Nets, half or full loads FREE DELIVERY
§§Brickwork §§Stonework §§Decking §§Sleeper Work
§§Fencing & Trellis §§Hedge Cutting §§Turfing §§plus more...
Fully Insured • Established 2002
Call Ed on 07967 399 319 or Call free on 0800 246 1171
Design | Construct | Maintain LONG FOX LANDSCAPES www.longfoxlandscapes.co.uk
T: 01952 463419 or M: 07800 986690
A Complete Garden Solution
Newport & District Male Voice Choir It’s that time of year when we reflect on the efforts we should be making in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and perhaps resolve to do better in future. However, the mere thought of flogging round the roads in the rain, pumping iron in some sweaty gym or knocking seven bells out of a punch bag seems so awful that we reach for the remote and settle for an evening in front of the TV. "Here’s a better idea... Singing is good for your health!"
INVITES YOU TO SING!
Here’s the thing: on Saturday 24th February, Newport Male Voice Choir offers you and your friends the opportunity to come along to Trinity Church in Newport for a free workout! Starting at 10.30, all of us, including present choir members, will endeavour to learn three new songs from scratch, specially chosen for accessibility and tunefulness. You will be greeted and welcomed by an exceptionally friendly group of people who will do their utmost to make you feel comfortable. You need no previous experience of singing, just enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Fear not! If you can find the courage to give it a try, you will be amply rewarded. It’s really a no-brainer….
It doesn’t involve feeling you’re about to gasp your last. It doesn’t involve working up a sweat. It doesn’t involve paying a fortune for sports equipment. It doesn’t involve competition of any sort. The health benefits of simply singing for pleasure are widely accepted and well researched. It counts as an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream. It exercises lungs and heart, muscles in the upper body, and that’s even when you’re sitting down! It reduces stress levels, produces ‘feel good’ hormones and helps promote a sense of community and psychological well-being. What’s not to like? Newport Male Voice Choir invites you to sing!
63 It’s that time of year when we reflect on the efforts we should be making in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and perhaps resolve to do better in future. However, the mere thought of flogging
Time to Get Pruning At this time of year the weather is often perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants, and there’s a good chance that there are many pruning jobs that have built up over the last year and could benefit from your attention now - so take advantage of the fact that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are now devoid of leaves and get stuck in. Here’s how to make sure your pruning will really benefit your plants: • If you have a relatively small expanse of hedge or are looking to roughly reshape a shrub, a good, sharp pair of shears should do the job. Make sure they are well-oiled so that the blades move smoothly and then angle the blades to make a level trimmed surface. When you are cutting along the top of a hedge you may want to use a guide line so that you make a neat and level surface - a taut string will do. For large hedges consider using a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer, but make sure you are happy with the weight of the machine and can use it safely! • When the pruning of shrubs and trees includes the removal of stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses, it is worth using some ‘loppers’. These are available in various handle lengths, while some even have telescopic handles so that you can reach up higher without having to use a ladder or platform. They are much better at cutting through relatively thick stems than shears or secateurs and yet also allow for accurate positioning of the cut. If you are having to cut back branches above your head it is worth wearing some protective headgear, as well as goggles to protect your eyes from falling debris. • Everybody with even just a single shrub in their garden needs a pair of secateurs and the better the quality, the better the job you can do. Secateurs can be used for the most precise pruning of smaller woody stems. Provided they are good and sharp, you can make a perfectly clean and accurate cut. Always cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems as well as for formative pruning (where you are helping to ensure the plant grows in the direction you want it to), and for pruning to encourage flowering. If you are pruning out dead and dying material, bin it or burn it in case it carries infection. • When it comes to pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs then a proper pruning saw is what you need. If you choose one with one or (better still) two lines of teeth you can produce a very accurate and clean cut with relatively little effort. If you have fruit trees to prune then this is the perfect tool for the job. Use a sawing action for best results and again, if cutting above your head, wear protective headgear and goggles to protect your eyes. Make the pruning cut a few millimetres from the main stem to which the branch
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you are removing is joined. A cut like this will heal over much more quickly and the wound will be smaller and less prone to fungal rotting. • Before you get carried away, check the best pruning time for the plants you have in mind. Most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, but if you are after a good display of flowers make sure that you prune at the correct time or else you may end up pruning out the plant’s potential. • Some trees - mainly those in the Prunus family such as cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines - are very prone to a potentially fatal fungal infection known as ‘silver leaf’. This is less likely to cause problems if these trees are pruned in the summer months, so don’t prune them now unless there is no alternative and you are sure you are prepared to take the risk. • Always make sure that pruning tools are really sharp. If they are in the slightest bit blunt then the job will not only take a lot more effort from you, but may also end up with the plant being damaged, as the cut made will be jagged or stems may be crushed. • Create sloping cuts whenever you can so that rain and moisture runs off and does not accumulate (wetness encourages wood rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud as this will allow new growth without dieback. When you are using shears or large-scale trimmers you cannot do this, so always use secateurs, loppers or a saw. • Stand back from time to time when you are pruning and see what the overall appearance of the plant is like, and just where you are best off removing the next bit - if you are close up it is harder to see how your pruning is affecting the overall shape of the plant. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, biocontrols, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!
by Pippa Greenwood
GARDENS & OUTDOORS
Is your garden in need of a serious makeover? Bright ideas for your home and garden
Timber Decking Pergolas & Gazebos Water Features Lighting Garden Landscaping Bespoke Design & Build Service Repairs & Maintenance Fully Insured
BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT As I do get booked up in advance
Don’t delay call Chris Nichols for a FREE quotation on 07739 546167 www.deckingandpergolasltd.com | chris.nichols@btconnect.com
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET Excellent: 56 or more words Good: 43 words Fair: 37 words
E
O N
A
G S
R I 65
Fabulous Fireplaces
by Katherine Sorrell
It’s time to put another log on the fire, get cosy and snuggle up until winter is over. Our ideas will help ensure your fireplace looks as good as it makes you feel. Refresh your fireplace, and the wall around it, with carefully chosen wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint. Walls: Dimpse No.277 Estate Emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5l; woodwork: Wevet No.273 Estate Eggshell, £24 for 750ml; fireplace: Mole’s Breath No.276 Estate Eggshell, £24 for 750ml; all Farrow & Ball.
Perfect for kindling or newspapers, this hand-made leather bucket is made in a family co-operative in Rajasthan using natural dyes. It costs £89.95 from Decorator’s Notebook. Sturdy yet easily portable, this Scandinaviandesigned fire screen is both smart and practical. Garden Trading Jutland fire screen in steel, £75, Black By Design.
In a country cottage or a traditional townhouse, an oldfashioned basket is just the thing for storing logs beside the fire. Rustic log basket, £55, The Farthing.
Every open fire deserves a chestnut roaster, and this one has been hand forged from mild steel with a traditional rat’s tail, £44, Moore Designs.
Every ‘real’ fire needs a tool set. In wrought iron with an antiqued finish, this trio of poker, fork and grabbers will help you get the flames going on a chilly evening. Fireside tool set, £44.50, Garden Trading.
A reindeer hide is just the thing for throwing down in front of the fire. This extra-large one is a natural by-product of the meat industries in Finland and Norway, and costs £170 from The French Bedroom Company.
IMPROVE YOUR FIRESIDE DÉCOR
• The fireplace wall is often the focal point of the room, and can look amazing when treated as a feature wall, using either striking wallpaper or a paint colour that contrasts with, yet also complements, the colours used in the rest of the room. • Fireplace accessories can be quite distinctive and are usually on display, so choose pieces, whether contemporary or traditional, that co-ordinate both with your room as a whole and with each other.
The right mirror – whatever style you like, from glamorous to minimal, elegant to industrial – can turn an average fireplace into a stunning one. Solis spiked sunburst mirror, £62, Audenza.
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If a rustic log basket isn’t your look, consider a minimal metal holder instead. Lodge round log carrier in steel, £57, Garden Trading.
• Above the fireplace, add either a work of art or a mirror that is proportionate to the space. A mirror is very useful for reflecting light around the room, but don’t feel it has to be a traditional overmantel – something more contemporary may fit better with your style. • Think about what is displayed on your mantelpiece. Photographs, candles, small ornaments and vases of flowers, collections…anything goes provided it fits. A formal, symmetrical arrangement is easy to achieve and suits a traditional room, or else something more freeform can be eye-catching and intriguing. • Not using your fireplace? It can still be a great feature. Stack logs within it, prop up a framed picture, display a large ornament such as a shell, a piece of coral or antlers, set up a group of candles, or simply use the space for a display of flowers in a simple vase.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Admaston Firecraft Centre NEW EVONIC
Inset Fires Now on Display
Beat the Cold - Stay Warm this
Winter!
Visit our NEW showroom: Unit 49, Atcham Business Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury SY4 4UG FREE PARKING
Stoves, Fires, Surrounds & Accessories Full fitting service for wood burners and gas/electric fires Est: 23 Years
T: 01743 761161
Safely Access Your Loft! for only
£399
Authorised dealers for: Stovax, Woodwarm, Evonic, Dean Forge, Hunter, Dimplex, Legend & Gazco
Email: admastonfirecraft@mail.com
www.admastonfirecraftcentre.co.uk
Installation of Fires & Stoves W CALL NO UR YO TO GET NER R LOG BU ! FITTED
Fully Fitted
This price is for a standard height ceiling with an 8ft drop, width 22-30” Manufactured to ISO 9002 Standard
♦♦We provide a
convenient and safe way to access your loft.
♦♦Each ladder has a 10
year parts guarantee and can be installed in approx. 2-3 hours.
ALPINE
DDFlue Linings DDLog Burners DDStoves DDChimney Work DDRoof Work
♦♦We offer a loft boarding
service if required at an additional cost.
The Local Distributor & Installer for For more information visit: www.stira.co.uk CALL TO ARRANGE A FREE QUOTE
T: 01952 282152 or 07817 431505
Facebook: jakesnladders
As seen on C4’s tion Restora Man
Hetas approved installer of Solid Fuel Chimney Systems
Call Lee on 01952 276417 or 07813 921907 E: lee.alpine@yahoo.co.uk The installation of all Wood Burning Stoves or other Solid Fuel Burning Appliances MUST comply with building regulations, HETAS installers are qualified fitters who can self-certify their own work, ensuring the installation is safe and legal.
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Don't move... improve!
Create that extra living space that you and your family deserve with one of our fabulous orangeries designed to suit you and your growing family's needs
THE COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY At R&R Services we specialise in creating that perfect living space within your existing home. Your garage could be converted in as little as 2 weeks into that extra room that you have always promised yourself.
• Orangeries • Garage Conversions
Maybe an office, playroom or even a man cave for your biggest child!
• High Quality Secure Windows • Beautiful Composite Doors
Its only a phone call away!
Call Rob T: 01952 610999 M: 07703 270177
www.randrserv.co.uk
• Bring the Outdoors Inside with our Gorgeous Bi-fold Doors
Quality Bespoke Joinery, Wood Machining and Specialist Moulding Service
• Conservatories • Entrance Porches • Patio Doors • Internal & External Doors & Frames • Sash & Traditional Windows • Staircases and much more...
All Traditionally Handcrafted in our Workshop
Before
After
After
We Specialise in Bespoke New Solid Oak Staircases with Spindles or Glass Balustrading. Or revive your existing Staircase with a makeover in Solid Oak Cladding at a fraction of the cost.
For a FREE Quotation call: 01952 249773 www.selectjoinery.co.uk • Email: sales@selectjoinery.com 68
Before
Unit 23, Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5JD
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Dream Kitchens
British & German Kitchens
and bedrooms
Established 25 Years
• FREE Home Plan & Design Service • Complete project installation
Building works, tiling, plastering, electrics, gas, plumbing, flooring (certified to regulation requirements)
• Kitchen ranges from affordably nice to Classic and Lustrous Contemporary • Luxury Kitchen Reface / Makeover also available (Simply replace your old doors & worktops)
'Uniquely Designed Kitchens' Design Showroom: 33 Market Street, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6EL OPEN: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 5pm
Appointments after 5pm or Sundays by arrangement
Tel: 01952 616166
www.dreamkitchens-bedrooms.co.uk
A.P.H Windows
Family Run Business Est 1981
01952 680441 • www.aphwindows.co.uk Manufacturers & Installers of High Quality: • Fully Welded uPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories • Internally Glazed with high Security Locks • Composite Doors • Garage Doors • Fascias, Soffits & Guttering • Building Extensions
ROOM NEW SHOW Orangery,
upstairs with Conservatory with solid tiled effect roof & Composite doors display
Why Choose A.P.H Windows? All uPVC products are made in our own factory Deal direct with the owner • No pressure Salesmen Directly employed craftsmen • Full after sales service No deposit required Our showroom is full of ideas to help you decide on the style & design of your windows, doors and dream conservatory Registered Company 16299
Open 9-5.30pm Mon-Fri & 10-3pm Sat Unit H1, Halesfield 19, Telford TF7 4QT
aphwindowsltd
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Gadgets Your Beloved Will Love It’s that time of year again: mountains of chocolate and teddy bears in every shop, too-busy restaurants churning out tenuously-themed Valentines meals, awful romantic comedies at the cinema, supermarkets full of really horrible cards and garages licking their lips in anticipation of panicking guys who forgot to place an Interflora order. Why not show your love for your partner by giving them the gift of gadgets instead?
HOW TO CHOOSE GIFTS THAT’LL LAST MUCH LONGER THAN FLOWERS 1
Let’s start with the basics: pinkified, prettified versions of ordinary things such as MP3 players or power tools are a no-no unless your partner genuinely loves pink products, and you should steer well clear of anything that could be misinterpreted no matter how clever it may be. Leave the fitness watch (subtext: you’re fat!), the Wi-Fi scales (you’re fat!) and the cordless vacuum cleaner (I don’t think of you in a sexy way any more!) for another day. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get something practical. Quite the opposite: a thoughtful, well chosen present is much better than something useless with a love heart and a teddy bear on it. Think noise cancelling headphones for their travels (£159 for a set of BOSE QuietComfort 2, or £59.95 for in-ear ones that won’t give them headphone hair; other manufacturers such as Sony can be even cheaper) or a nicer case for their laptop. Barbour does a particularly luxurious leather one for £249, but there are plenty of options in all kinds of fabrics ranging from the fashionable to the fully functional. Watch out for fake leather, though: “bonded leather” is synthetic leather, aka pleather. If you’re struggling for ideas it’s always worth looking at their existing gadgets to see if they’re worth upgrading or replacing. An old Kindle is a great device, but the newest versions have much sharper screens and much better backlighting. The mid-range Paperwhite is currently £109.99, rising to £229 for the top-end Oasis, but Amazon discounts Kindles regularly so it pays to plan ahead and try to nab an early bargain. Just be careful if you’re browsing eBay or other sites for used devices: older Paperwhite models don’t have the same hi-res screen as the 2017 model, so read the specifications carefully. If the gadget itself is still current then accessories can be worth considering: for example NotOnTheHighStreet does some lovely leather Kindle cases for around £23, and iPad cases from as little as £13 to £360 for a personalised leather case that comes with power bank, travel adaptor and a Moleskin notebook. If you think that’s expensive, the RRP is even higher: £450. Once again there’s a huge range of products from various manufacturers at all kinds of prices. Of course, there’s another kind of gadget for the one you love: what used to be described euphemistically as “marital aids”. The Amazon of that market is Britain’s LoveHoney.co.uk, which takes a cheerful and down-to-earth approach to a potentially embarrassing subject and provides straightforward advice and reviews from real people. We’re no prudes but we’d offer some well-intentioned advice: don’t order anything if you’re not sure your partner would appreciate the sentiment let alone the product, and maybe leave the most expensive and faintly frightening products for when you’re window shopping together.
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2
3
4
1. BOSE QuietComfort headphones 2. Barbour leather laptop bag 3. Amazon kindle oasis 4. Stow Personalised Luxury Leather Travel Tech And Tablet Case
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
A LUXURY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM
KNOCK TWO ROOMS INTO ONE - NO PROBLEM!!
View our testimonials page on our website and see what our customers say about us!! We have the skills and expertise to be able to project manage your entire installation from start to finish
Whether its a new kitchen or bathroom you are looking for we offer a complete package for our customers including any building work, plasterers, tilers, electricians and plumbers Call Sal T: 01952 610999 M: 07976 467 830 www.kitchensbyrandr.co.uk
Local Company with Over 21 Years Experience
R&R Services Ltd, Unit B4, Stafford Park 15, Telford TF3 3BB
And Make It Work For You
FREE
PACKAGES
£299
FROM
SPACE CREATION TIPS
R&R Kitchens & Bathrooms
Local Family Run Business based in Telford
Up & Over Garage Doors Roller Garage Doors Side Hinged Garage Doors Sectional Garage Doors
BEFORE
You already have the space we make it usable!
We will fit you a loft ladder and hatch, flooring and lighting in less than a day
Repairs and Servicing No call out charge (within 15 miles radius of TF4) All work guaranteed Free no obligation quotation and survey
Quick, clean efficient, Fully insured and guaranteed AFTER
Call for a free quote 01952 426099
www.revealaspace.co.uk
Showroom: Unit 42, Heath Hill Ind. Estate, Heath Hill, Dawley, Telford TF4 2RH
T: 01952 872552 • M: 07519 923335 E: info@barrettgaragedoors.co.uk • www.barrettgaragedoors.co.uk
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Celebrating 35 Years in Business
Est 1982
Shropshire’s first choice for ‘A’ Rated Replacement Windows, Conservatories and Doors Approved Profiles
Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 4:30pm
01952 301062 Sunday & Evenings 01952 510595
E: sales@trotfieldwindows.co.uk www.trotfieldwindows.co.uk
PVCu Brilliant White, Woodgrain Replacement Windows • Doors • Conservatories Leaded, Stained or Georgian Glass Night Ventilation • Internally Glazed for Security 15 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9002
(Certificate No FM 30164 - Quality Assurance Scheme, severe Weather Rated to British Standards)
Impressive Showroom at: 1 Madeley Road, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7PP
Quality Internal & External Timber Doors
SPECIAL OFFER
6 x Quality Oak Engineered Doors (Standard Imperial Sizes Only)
Supplied and Professionally Fitted Including a Choice of Selected Handles & Hinges
ALL FOR ONLY £1099 (inc. of VAT)
Glazed versions available at extra cost Written Quotations available on request
T: 01952 610795 or 01952 620003 E: thedoor.store@hotmail.co.uk
OPEN:
A CHOICE OF 12 DIFFERENT DESIGNS AVAILABLE
Mon to Fri: 8am - 5pm & Sat: 10am – 3pm
The Door Store @ Classic Fasteners (Est. 1991) Units 6&7, Redland Industrial Estate, Off Station Hill, Oakengates, Telford TF2 9JX 72
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
SUMMER HOUSE BATHROOMS & KITCHENS
Bathrooms from £2,499
DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION SERVICE
Kitchens from £4,500
LET OUR OWN INSTALLATION TEAM PROJECT MANAGE YOUR NEW KITCHEN OR BATHROOM FROM START TO FINISH!
CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION www.summerhousebathrooms.co.uk Summerhousebathroomsandkitchens
VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS OPEN: MON-FRI 9-5 SAT 9-5.30
Haybridge Road Telford TF1 6JE
01952 261 317
Charlies Retail Park Shewsbury SYI 3GB
01743 461 816
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Growing Up
IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Like it or loathe it, we’re leaving in a digital age, and many children have learnt to swipe, scroll and select long before they’ve mastered riding a bike. Screen time If you’re worried that your child is spending too much time staring at a tablet or smartphone, you might need to agree a daily time allowance. Most devices come with parental controls that you can activate. Alternatively, you can download software such as Qustodio (www.qustodio. com) to restrict usage and block inappropriate content. Some flexibility on time limits might be needed, when your child has homework for instance, or you’re desperate for a lie-in. Apps such as Habyts (www.habyts.com) allow you to offer extra screen time as a reward for chores and good behaviour. Teenagers need to learn how to manage their own time, and how to protect themselves online. So you may want to loosen the reins as your child gets older, and discuss what they should do if they stumble across anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Social media and instant messaging One in five 13-18 year olds say they’ve been the victim of cyber bullying. However, social media can also be a way for your child to connect with their peers, and they may feel ostracised if they end up missing out on conversations. If you do decide to let your teen have their own social media account, set some boundaries. For example, you may decide that they can only have an account if you’re their ‘friend’, with the understanding that you won’t post photos of them or publicly embarrass them online. You’ll also need to talk to your child about why they should never share their address or personal details on social media, and what to do if they’re being bullied or harassed. Be aware that teens often set up separate social media accounts to chat to their friends, and will block you from finding them. And instant messaging apps are even harder to monitor. No safeguards you put in place will bypass the need to talk to your child about online safety.
Online learning There are some really fun, educational sites and apps that might help to tear your child away from YouTube, including: Scratch (www.scratch.mit.edu) helps you child learn basic coding. Users can create simple games, animations and stories.
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Cbeebies (www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies) has a huge number of online games, puzzles and other activities. The Alphablocks School Words Quiz, for example, helps pre-schoolers and reception-aged children learn to recognise simple words. You can organise games by their educational focus, such as maths, communicating and emotions. Comics in the Classroom (www.comicsintheclassroom. co.uk) are a range of digital comics that teach children about history. They support the Key Stage 3 and GCSE syllabus and are interactive – children have to identify correct answers to unlock more pages. Sand:box by SmellyMoo (search the Google Play store) is an android phone app that teaches older children about physics and chemistry. The user can ‘play’ with different materials and see how they react with each other. If you do let your child download any apps, check that they can’t make in app purchases without your approval, or you could be in for a nasty surprise. For more advice about keeping children safe online, visit internetmatters.org. It offers a wealth of free guides and advice on everything from mental health issues to protecting children from adult content. www.internetmatters.org/issues/cyberbullying/learn-aboutit/
by Kate Duggan - kateduggan.co.uk
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Books
HIDDEN GEMS We usually focus on new releases for our book reviews, but this time we’ve scoured the back catalogues for a few gems you might have missed.
Station Eleven – Emily St. John Mandel
From Kirsten – child actor turned travelling thespian – to aspiring doctor Jeevan, the novel tells the individual stories of several people before, during and after a pandemic that wipes out most of the population. Gripping, beautiful and all too plausible, Station Eleven is a must for fans of Margaret Atwood, Erin Morgenstern and Suzanne Collins.
Harry Potter series – JK Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay
There can’t be many people who haven’t heard of the boy wizard by now. If you’re a fan, you might want to consider upgrading your paperbacks for the hardbacks illustrated by Jim Kay. One is being released each year, starting with The Philosopher’s Stone in 2015, so the first three are currently available to buy. Kay’s illustrations are superb and incredibly detailed. Prefer e-readers? Check out the Kindle in Motion editions, which animate parts of the illustrations, so you can watch Harry fly through the air in hot pursuit of the golden snitch while you’re reading.
The Mysterious Affair at Cuckoo Song – Frances Hardinge
Cuckoo Song was first published in 2014, the year before Frances Hardinge’s Costa Award-winning novel The Lie Tree. Eleven year old Triss wakes up from an accident to find things aren’t as they were. She can’t satisfy her immense hunger for a start; her sister is terrified of her; and even her dolls have turned against her. Is she going mad, or is the truth even more terrifying? A thoroughly enjoyable, fantastical read, Cuckoo Song is sure to prove a hit with fans of Neil Gaiman and Angela Carter.
The Crow Road – Iain Banks
The Crow Road covers some pretty big themes – love, death, religion, drugs and fractured families being just a few of them. Prentice McHoan returns home for his grandmother’s funeral and soon gets drawn into trying to solve the mystery of his Uncle Rory’s disappearance. It’s a dark, intense novel and far from an easy read, but the wit and sheer beauty of the writing could well make it one of your all-time favourites.
Why Mummy Drinks – Gill Sims
Gill Sims is the author of a hugely successful Facebook blog – Peter and Jane’s Mummy. Why Mummy Drinks was released last autumn and quickly became a bestseller. Written in diary format, it tells the story of Ellen, a 39 year old mum of two, who’s trying to balance work and children, while navigating playground politics, irritating in-laws and an ex-boyfriend. The ensuing drama is extremely funny and very relatable if you’re a parent who isn’t quite ready to hang up her dancing shoes.
Styles – Agatha Christie
If last year’s hit film Murder on the Orient Express has tempted you to dip into the works of Agatha Christie, why not start with her very first novel? Published in 1920 and set during World War I, it introduces readers to the brilliant mind of Belgian refugee Hercule Poirot. The murder of a woman has everyone pointing the finger at one man. It’s down to Poirot to find out the real culprit before it’s too late. While The Mysterious Affair at Styles is not considered Christie’s finest work, there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
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Don't Leave Your Clutter
TO THE KIDS!
If you have children, you’ve probably thought about what you might leave them when you die. Maybe your home, if you are lucky enough to own a property? Some money? Or perhaps there are precious family heirlooms that you’ve planned to share out between them? Most of us are happy to make a will, setting out how we will dispose of these assets, but not enough of us stop to consider what will happen to the rest of our possessions: the bits and pieces we accumulate throughout our lives. Every item, including furniture, ornaments, clothes, framed pictures, souvenirs, books and papers – not to mention boxes of stuff that you’ve been meaning to sort out for years – will need to be picked over and subsequently sold, given away or discarded. Almost inevitably it will be your children who are left to scale this mountain of possessions. Most people who have had the job of clearing a parent’s home will tell you that having to sort through the myriad objects that represented a person’s life is not an easy task, particularly when you are still grieving. As well as organising your funeral and dealing with all the legal and administrative tasks that accompany a death, your children will have to spend hours at your property, emptying the contents of cupboards and drawers into black plastic sacks.
Whose responsibility is it anyway? When a person dies, a grant of probate is needed for the executor of the will to act on important financial matters, but there is no official framework in place to handle the disposal of household items and possessions – legally known as ‘chattels’ or ‘fittings’. While chattels may have little monetary value, they can nevertheless hold great significance for family members on an emotional level. If two or more family members can’t agree what to do with mum or dad’s possessions, it may lead to arguments and even to the break up of relationships. If there is a difficult family dynamic to begin with, the effort of clearing out a parent’s home may make things even worse, particularly if there is pressure to act quickly because the property is being sold. When Joyce Petersen died, her two sons Peter and Daniel – who had previously fallen out and no longer spoke to one another – needed to clear out her two-bedroom house in Broadstairs, Kent. Unfortunately there was a stand-off over the house clearance as her sons couldn’t agree who should be responsible for undertaking the work. The house had still not been cleared by the completion date for the property sale, so the new owner was forced to take on Joyce’s possessions – including a set of family photographs – when she became the legal owner of the house. Some days after the sale had gone through, Joyce’s younger son Daniel sent an emotional message to the owner via his
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solicitor, asking her to save the photographs, but there was no happy ending to the story. The owner told him that the album had been dumped at the local waste and recycling centre, along with many other deeply personal possessions that belonged to his mother.
How can I cut my clutter? While it’s unreasonable to expect older people to clear out possessions that they still need and value, over time we all accumulate items that we seldom use, or even look at. If that applies to you, start by working systematically through cupboards and drawers, making three piles – things you want to keep, things you can recycle or give to a charity shop, and items you can throw away. Check through your clothes, eliminating anything that hasn’t been worn in the past two years: if you haven’t put it on within that period of time, it’s unlikely you’ll ever wear it again. Do an audit of your furniture. Once you’ve managed to sort through your possessions, you may find that some cupboards and drawers are now half empty. If so, think about combining your remaining possessions in one place so you can eliminate at least one piece of furniture. One way to avoid arguments after your death is to call the family together to discuss how they would like you to divide up the pieces that they value. You don’t have to give those things away now – just agree who will receive each item, encouraging family members to take a photo of the pieces they will take when the time comes. As you grow older you may need mobility aids to get around, so you’ll be glad of the extra space you have created through your de-cluttering efforts. You can also be reassured that by taking time to sort through your possessions now, you’ll be saving your family a lot of time, effort and heartache in future.
by Kate McLelland
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New Year January 1st 2018 brings us a new year and a new name for the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register.
The Register, which has been successfully running for 10 years, is now called 'Trading Standards Accredited' (TSA). The Scheme is operated by Telford & Wrekin Council's Trading Standards department and has a brand new website www. tsaccredited.co.uk. Here, customers can search for a TSA registered business and businesses can apply for membership via a simple on line process. In addition, there is a new TSA logo - look out for it in members shop windows, works vehicles, business websites and adverts. Whereas Trader Register was limited to home improvement traders, Trading Standards Accredited is open to all trade areas which will provide much greater choice for customers when looking for a trader they can trust. All TSA members sign up to a Code of Practice which sets
NEW NAME! out minimum standards for customer care and standards of workmanship. In the unlikely event of a problem, members have agreed to work with Trading Standards in line with a step by step complaint procedure. The TSA website contains all the information you need on the Scheme, just follow the links on screen. It will also include member reviews which is a new feature that will give additional assistance to customers trying to find the right business for them. The website is really easy to use however you can also telephone the Telford & Wrekin contact centre on 01952 381818. A representative will be happy to carry out a search for you and can even email you the results. They can also submit an on line review if you would like to feedback on the service you received from a member. Do you feel your business could meet the requirements of the TSA Code of Practice? Applications will be open to become a member of Trading Standards Accredited from 1st January 2018. Take a look and apply on line at www.tsaccredited.co.uk.
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Madagascar Madagascar is the world’s oldest island: it first split from Africa and then from India around 70 million years ago. In the Indian Ocean, between the Mozambique mainland to the west and Reunion and Mauritius to the east, it is the fourth largest island on earth, almost 1,000 miles long, 360 across, best known for the unique flora and fauna which evolved in isolation for a surprisingly long time. According to experts, the first settlers arrived from Borneo in 500 AD and since then, 90% of the original forest has been lost, and deforestation is still ongoing. Most affected are the more densely populated central highlands, laced with paddies and barren hills, but Madagascar still claims over 40 special reserves and national parks – several of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage – with a rich diversity of habitats. Ecosystems range from dry spiny forest in the south, dotted with baobabs and octopus trees, to mangroves and lakes, deciduous trees
'THE EIGHTH CONTINENT' and dramatic pinnacles in the west and tropical rainforest in the east, where some of the most popular national parks can be accessed from Antananarivo. Ranomafana is a good 10 hour drive south of the capital, the route winding past colourful villages and hills with spectacular views. But one can overnight in Antsirabe, a pretty place bustling with rickshaws and craft shops, then continue the next day. Driving down at dusk in the final stages, it feels almost like the end of the world as the seemingly impenetrable cloud forest rises all around above the Namorona river and waterfall. Morning is the best time to explore the park, when animals are more active. This is where golden bamboo lemurs were first discovered in 1986 and, along the steep trails, nature lovers may be rewarded with wonderful sights as they and other lemurs leap through the trees, playing with their young or swinging from branches. Guides imitate the call to locate them and also point out spiders, frogs, red giraffe-necked beetles and tropical birds such as pastel-hued cuckoo rollers or magpie robins. Mossy memorial stones recall ‘ancient people of the forest’ among tall tree and bird’s nest ferns, traveller’s palms, orchids and lobelia. Chameleons can also be spotted, perfectly camouflaged day or night. East of the capital, the AndasibeMantadia national park is an easier option, just a four hour drive with a choice of walking circuits and gentle paths. Palm and dragon trees mingle with eucalyptus, blue tea plants, bird’s nectar, berries and much more. There are birds and butterflies, reptiles, geckos and several species of lemurs, including indris, the largest of them all, whose melancholy ‘singing’ can be heard at dawn. On the nearby river islands, now a sanctuary for rescued lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs, playful ringtails and lovely diademed sifaka, or ‘dancing lemur’, happily pose for wideeyed visitors paddling in canoes around the reed beds. Fauna or flora, around 90% of species are found nowhere else on earth and one can barely imagine 14,000 species of plants, many with medicinal properties, 170 species of palms, thousands of orchids, hundreds of birds, fish and over 100 species of lemurs, many endangered or rare. It is the world’s top biodiversity hotspot, ‘the eighth continent’, say some ecologists, and in this impoverished but beautiful ‘red island’, one hopes the goverment will bring greater stability and progress to benefit both the people and their incredible natural world.
by Solange Hando
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How to Get a Good Night's Sleep You may view a poor night’s sleep as just an inconvenience. But research has shown that insufficient or poor-quality sleep can contribute to serious health problems, including: • Weight gain and obesity. • Weakened immunity. • Increased risk of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease, heart attack and stroke (over 45s who sleep less than six hours a night are 200% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke). • Reduced fertility and libido. • Reduced memory, concentration and reaction times. • Increased risk of depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic episodes. This means it’s vital that we all get enough good quality sleep, which for most of us means at least seven hours. However, it’s not always that easy. THE ENEMIES OF SLEEP • Burning the candle at both ends, trying to fit in work, domestic or family duties and that TV programme we don’t want to miss. • Sleep disorders: night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, sleep paralysis, teeth grinding, restless limb syndrome and sleep apnoea. • Needing the toilet. • Pain e.g. from arthritis. • An uncomfortable or unsuitable bed, mattress or pillow. • Hormonal changes: temperature control and production of melatonin (a ‘body clock’ hormone) are affected by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, and pain or heavy bleeding can disrupt sleep too. • Stress or depression. • Snoring. • Too much blue light. • Smoking and alcohol. • GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) or LPR (laryngopharyngeal or ‘silent’ reflux, in which stomach acid damages the airways rather than, or as well as, the oesophagus, causing asthma-like symptoms). TEN TIPS TO HELP YOU SLEEP: 1. Stop snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight can help to prevent snoring. You can try sleeping on your side, nasal strips, sprays or mandibular adjustment devices, but if these don’t work, consult your doctor. Not all snoring is harmless; you may be spending part of each night receiving a reduced oxygen supply, which can have serious health consequences. 2. Don’t go to bed hungry - but don’t eat late. Try to leave at least two hours between your last meal or snack and your bedtime. If you feel hungry in the evenings, choose something light and easily digestible. Milk can make you feel full and contains tryptophan, which can help sleep but it’s absorbed poorly (eating a carbohydrate-rich snack at the same time may help).
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3. Stop smoking and eliminate or reduce evening alcohol and caffeine. Both nicotine and alcohol can affect the quality and length of our sleep and caffeine is a stimulant. All three can also contribute to GORD and LPR, two of our ‘sleep enemies’. 4. Look after your body and your body clock. Our bodies are designed for, and need, exercise and daylight during the day and a more relaxed, dim environment in the evening. The hormones that regulate our body clock are responsive to these conditions. Try to make your environment as peaceful as possible during the evening, and… 5. Avoid blue light within two hours of bedtime. Blue light, more than any other type, interferes with production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. That means no TV, no tablets, no computers and no Smartphones. While blue light filters on these devices help, most reduce the blue light rather than eliminate it entirely. 6. Declutter your brain. Try talking your worries through regularly with a sympathetic friend or family member, or write them down before bed - if you can write a possible positive action beside your worries, even better. If your mind is full of to-do lists, write them down too; knowing you don’t have to try to hold those ‘must-dos’ in your head should help you relax. 7. Have a night-time routine. When bed time is just an hour or two away, choose relaxing activities like reading (titles that get your adrenaline pumping are best avoided). Try having a warm (not hot) bath and/or a massage, using relaxing aromatherapy oils. 8. Make your bedroom a haven. Try to avoid using your bedroom as a work space or dumping ground; being surrounded by work to be done or clutter to be cleared isn’t relaxing. Ensure your bedroom is well ventilated and not too hot or cold and keep the lighting low, using lamps and a blackout blind or lined curtains. Earplugs are useful if you have noisy housemates or neighbours.
Try to invest in a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows. Adjustable beds can help if a fully horizontal sleeping position isn’t right for you, and orthopaedic pillows or memory foam pillows will ensure your head and neck are well supported.
9. Try not to worry about it. Lying there worrying about not sleeping isn’t helpful. If it’s just not happening, try to do something relaxing, such as reading a magazine or doing a jigsaw, until you feel sleepy. 10. Finally, see your doctor. If hormonal problems, night time toilet trips, mental health issues, GORD, LPR or pain are the problem, or these tips don’t work, visit your GP. They may be able to find an underlying cause you’re unaware of, and can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to help.
by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
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Hobbies
YOU’RE NEVER ALONE WITH A BOOK CLUB
Who said reading was a solitary occupation? These days, thanks to the popularity of book clubs, you’ll find book lovers throughout the world coming together to socialise and share their views. And avid readers who can’t meet face-to-face will find plenty of online platforms where they can discuss the books they have enjoyed with others. The main objective of a book club is to invite a group of people to read a novel or work of nonfiction in their own time and then come together in a social setting in order to discuss it. Some book clubs meet in group members’ homes where food and drink matching a book’s theme is often served - while others meet in libraries, pubs or community centres. These gatherings are usually informal in nature, with few set rules, although limits may be set on the time allowed for conversations that are not related to books!
A history of book clubs
Although it’s hard to pin down the actual date when book clubs emerged, it has been suggested that the trend really began in the USA in 1996, when TV personality Oprah Winfrey added a book club segment to her hugely popular TV show. Eight years later presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan - the hosts of a similar, magazine-style British TV programme - decided to launch their own book club. It immediately captured the imagination of UK audiences, pushing sales of books reviewed from thousands of copies to millions, virtually overnight. Today it is estimated that there are over 50,000 book clubs in Great Britain.
Joining up
Many clubs are set up by word of mouth, so you could ask friends, family or work colleagues if they know of any groups operating locally. Your local library can also be a good source of information. If your library doesn’t already run its own club, it may provide space for an independent group to meet, or carry a list of book clubs operating in the area. Websites such as readinggroups.org or my-bookclub.com also carry lists of local groups you can join.
Starting your own book club
If you’ve researched your area and found that there are no groups that meet your needs, you could always set up your own club. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Choose what type of book club you’d like to run. Should it be seriously academic, or light and frivolous? The answer may depend on the type of people who will be attracted to join: their ages, gender and areas of interest.
Meeting on a monthly or six-weekly basis works well for most people and gives time for books to be read. It is best if the timing of meetings is agreed through discussions with other members, in order to accommodate their work or childcare commitments. Once you’ve decided on a schedule that works well for the group, try to stick with it. An ideal length for each meeting is two to two and a half hours, allowing plenty of time to discuss the book, but also including time for summing up, setting reading tasks and socialising. There are many different ways to keep in touch with members but the quickest and most efficient way to communicate is via email or social media. Set up a Facebook group for your club or sign up to the website bookmovement.com, which lets you set up a private book club page to keep track of book selections, send out meeting invitations and track acceptances.
Here are some dos and don’ts for holding successful meetings:
DO choose two or three books at a time so members can read at their own pace. Don’t get locked into a 12-month programme of book choices as you’ll miss out on the chance to introduce new and exciting books that you hear about. DON’T keeping reading the same type of book. Variety is key to keeping your group engaged, so try interspersing fiction with non-fiction books, including poetry, history or biography. DO try selecting books by theme: focusing on a specific author or choosing particular genres such as childhood memoirs, detective thrillers or books on food. DON’T give in to someone who begs the group to read their favourite novel. Adverse criticism can lead to hurt feelings, so it’s best to stay on neutral ground. In addition to all the pleasure you’ll get from reading and discussing a wide range of books, by joining or starting up a book club you will also enjoy linked activities such as visits to literary festivals, meeting local authors or trips to the cinema to see the film version of a book you’ve read.
Decide how many people should be invited as members. A group of between 8 and 16 is a comfortable size, allowing you to continue even if several members are absent. If the group is larger than that, conversations can become harder to moderate.
It’s the perfect activity for socially-inclined book lovers. If you ever thought reading was a lonely pastime, there’s no doubt you’ll revise your opinion when you join a book club.
Think about when and how often the club should get together.
by Kate McLelland
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at Donnington Methodist Church: 2nd Sunday of every month - Messy Church (3-4.30pm). Everyone invited. If you are a child you will need to bring an adult with you! An hour of fun, games & craft activities, don’t wear your best clothes. Donations welcomed. We don’t expect you to belong to a church.
Admaston
at Admaston House Comm. Centre: Mon: Yoga; 6.30-8pm Tue: Pushchair people 9.30am-12pm, Guitar lessons 4.30-7pm, Brownies 5.30-6.45pm, Guides 7-8.30pm, Rangers 7-8.30pm Wed: WI 2-4pm (1st Wed of mth), Weight Watchers 5:30&7pm, Bollywood Dancing 6.45-8.30pm Thu: Scouts 7-9pm, Explorers (age14-18) 7.30-9.30pm, Ladies alpha 7.30-9.30pm. Fri: Youth club 7.30-9pm. If you would like further info. on above visit www.admastonhouse.org.uk or contact Moira Hoath on 07722 213264.
Church Aston
Church Aston Gardening Club meets the 3rd Mon monthly 8pm, Church Aston Church Hall. New Members welcome. Sylvia 01952 812092 Crafty Sew and Sews - we meet for sewing, knitting and other crafts at the Church Hall, Church Aston on Tuesdays from 2-4pm. New members welcome. Church Aston Thursday Club meet fortnightly Thu afternoon 2pm till 4pm, speakers, outings. Contact Sylvia 01952 402744 or 812092 at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon: 10-11am Zumba, 11.30-12.30 Beg. Pilates, 2-4pm U3A Sewing/Craft Grp (alt. wks), 7-10pm Whist Tue: 10-12 Tai Chi, 6.30-9.30pm Line Dancing Wed: 9.30-10.25 Easy Tone, 10.30-11.15 Kettle Bell Class, 4.30-4.30 Kids Dance Classes, 7-10pm Whist Thu: 2-4pm Whist, 6-8pm Cubs Fri: 2-4pm Tea dance, 4.15-6 Twinkle toe dance, 6-7 Beavers, 7-8 Scouts Sun: From 7pm Ballroom Dance Lessons
Dawley
Telford Hot Trax Radio Controlled Car Club - Meets every Wednesday at Dawley Social Club, King St, Telford TF4 2AG @ 7.30pm to 10pm. Contact: 07834 808943 Dawley Traditional Market - Every Friday, Meadow Rd car park. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Christian Fellowship, Christian Worship & Prayer for Healing, Sun 10:30am12pm at the Dawley Hse, 2 Burton St, Dawley TF4 2ES. Contact Giles Higgins 01952 272961 www.tcfonline.org.uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon: 5-8pm Brownies & Rainbows, Tue: 9.30-11.30 - Stay & play groups for under 5’s Fri: 2-4pm - Computer Club (3rd Fri each mth) 9-12 Table Top Sale
Donnington
Players wanted - Tickled Pink Ukulele Band Practice nights Wednesdays Asda Donnington. Uke players needed Contact us at: tpinkukes@gmail.com or call 07939 021162 Oakengates Rangers Colts U11’s Football Club - are looking to recruit male and female players for the 2014/2015 season if you are currently aged 10-11 please feel free to come along.Training every Thursday, 6pm to 7:30pm at Donnington football pitches (near Little Theatre). Contact Nik: 07506 722488 or Saul: 07411 467341. Telford Sea Cadets – Tue & Thu nights 6.459pm, Cadets is for ages 12-18, Juniors 1011. See website for details or contact us by email: Telford.seacadets@yahoo.com Thu - The Creation Station ‘Little Explorer’ pre-schooler arts & crafts sessions. Cordingley Hall, Wellington Road. 10.15 to 11.05 (term-time) Call to book your place 0844 854 9128.
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Edgmond
at Edgmond Village Hall: Toddler group 10.30-11.30 (term time only) - Contact Lindsay 07739 161269 Mon (term time only): Painting - drawing classes 1.00-3.30pm. More details Cynthia James 07722 624 210. Every 3rd Wed of Month - Edgmond W.I 7.30-10pm- visitors £3. Contact Diana Wright 01952 811561 or Diane Renshaw 01952 825564 for details. Every 1st Sat of Month - Table Top Sale 9.30am-12.30. Bacon sandwiches, tea/ coffee & cakes. £5 table, free entry contact Janis 07739 634703 Antoaneta's Writers' Edgmond meet on 1st Wed of month at 5.30pm in members own homes. New members are welcomed. We are a small and friendly group keen to advance our writing. Contact Mark Pearce on 01952 550557 or email markpearce17@ hotmail.com for more info.
Hadley
Hadley Five O Club - for over 50s meets most Mondays 9-45am to 12-noon at Hadley United Services clubroom. Talks, entertainers, trips out, refreshments etc Call in, or ring Keith on 01952-244804. Hadley Traditional Market - Wed every week, Hadley Local Centre. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Wine Making & Home Brewing Club - at Hadley Rest Rooms, (by the Sikh Temple) on the 1st Thu of month 7.45 to 8pm. For info contact Chris Hall on 01384 345408 or Annette Jones on annette. jones234@yahoo.com Parkinson’s Telford & Wrekin Support Group - We offer support and friendship to people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Come along to our friendly group, meet other people affected by Parkinson’s and get involved in a range of events and activities. Castle Farm Community Centre in Hadley, 1-3pm on the last Tue of every month. T: 01952 253877
Horsehay
Horsehay and District Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 3rd Mon of each month at Horsehay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Call 01952 503535 for more info. Horsehay Methodist Church - coffee morning on Wed 10.30-noon. Parents & toddlers on Fri mornings 10-11.30am. Youth group Fri 7-8.30pm (10 to 14 yr olds)
Ketley
Telford Stamp and Card Club meets on the second Monday of each month (except July and August) at 7.30pm at Ketley Community Centre, Telford, TF1 5AN. Visitors welcome.
Lawley
Learn to Play Bridge - at Lawley Community Centre. For further information contact Peter Seager on 01952 419999 Lawley WI meet on the 1st Tue of every month at 7.15pm StJohn’s Church Hall at Lawley. For more info. call Jill Gould on 01952 597994.
Lilleshall
Lilleshall Women’s Institute - Open to all age groups - speakers, demonstrations, refreshments and raffle. At Lilleshall Memorial Hall 3rd Tue of month 7.30pm. Guests £2 per session. Contact Francis Taylor 01952 604718
Madeley
Madeley Art Club - meets every Mon (exc. Bank Hols), 9:30am-12 noon @ Jubilee Hall, Madeley - all over 55’s welcome. For more info call Aneita on 01952 590304. Madeley Traditional Market - Tue & Sat –
every week, Russell Square. Contact 01952 380934 Life Drawing - every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm at Jubilee House, Madeley. Excellent tutor. For more info. call the WEA 01952 614451 or email telfordcentre@wea.org.uk. 1st Wed each month - Madeley Townswomen Guild meets 7.30pm at the Common Room, Bridle Court, Bridle Rd. Madeley, TF7 5SG Contact 01952 878069.
Muxton
Muxton Movers walking group - meet on a Tue & Thu evening, 7.15pm at Muxton School for an hour of fairly flat walking. Sundays, at 6.30pm, cover approx. 7 miles, in 1.5hrs. New members are welcome! at St John’s Church Muxton: Mon: 12:30-2:15pm NCT Bumps and Babes group - for parents and carers with children under 2, £1.50 donation Painting Club 2-4pm (term time), 4.15om onwards Blue Branches Drama Academy. Tue: Tiny Tots (10am, 1pm term time), Rainbows - followed by Brownies & Guides Wed: In Stitches 2pm (1st & 3rd Wed) Embroiderers Guild 8pm (every 4th Wed) Muxton Ladies 7.45pm (1st Wed each mth) Thu: Afternoon Fellowship 2.30-4pm monthly & Beacon 7.45pm Fri: Lunch Club Over 50’s (1st Fri of mth) Sub:Zero – Youth Cafe, yrs7+ 4-6pm Sat: Young Embroiderers (Mthly), Prayer Breakfast (bi-monthly) Available for hire for parties etc.. Sun: Church Services 11am Available for hire for parties etc.. If you would like further info. on the above activities - contact the church on 01952 670033
Newport
13th Feb (Tue) - Shropshire WIldlife Trust (Newport) - An exploration through “Ancient Woodlands” with David Niemann. Meet 7.30-9pm on 2nd Tue of month (exc. Dec), Church Aston Church Hall, Newport TF10 9JG. £2 members, £3 non-members, inc. refreshments. 20th Feb (Tue) - Newport Shropshire U3A Kathleen Turner will present "Wonderful Music Boxes, Past and Present". at The Royal British Legion Club, Audley Road, Newport at 2pm. Admission £1. Members and visitors are most welcome to come along. 13th Mar (Tue) - Shropshire WIldlife Trust (Newport) - Short AGM + a ‘Shropshire Pine Martens’ update by SWT’s own Stuart Edmunds. Meet 7.30-9pm on 2nd Tue of month (exc. Dec), Church Aston Church Hall, Newport TF10 9JG. £2 members, £3 non-members, inc. refreshments. Gnosall, Newport & District Lions Club. 1st Mon monthly at 8pm - Community Room, Gnosall Fire Station, Wharf Road ST20 0DB. For people interested in helping in the community. Contacts: Pat 01785 780032 or John 01952 273919. Newport Writers' Circle meet on 2nd Wed of month (except Aug), 10.30am in the library. New members welcomed. A friendly group who share their stories in a warm and welcoming way. Contact Mark Pearce on 01952 550557 or email markpearce17@ hotmail.com for more info. Newport (SALOP) and District Male Voice Choir - seeking new members for well established friendly choir, meet 7.30pm on Mondays at Trinity Church Wellington Rd Newport. Novices are welcome, come along for a taster session. You do not to be a Tom Jones, just someone who can hold a note and fit in to the choir. For more infor visit our website, or call 01952 813267. Newport Afternoon Guild meet on the 1st Wed 2-4pm at the Cosy Hall in Newport. Call 01952 825 287 for further infomation. Newport Bridge Academy - Meet Mondays 7pm at Royal Naval Association, Bellmans Yard, Newport. All standards welcome very friendly club. Expert tuition every week from EBU Grand master & qualified teacher, followed by duplicate bridge. Easy parking and tea/coffee included. Please call Grahame on 07541 048785 or Bob on 07907 887010 or email newport.bridge. academy@outlook.com
Newport Bridge Club meet Tue & Thu 7pm at The Hub St Mary Street Newport. We welcome duplicate bridge players of all standards. Interested? Come and join us. Call 01952 814474 for more details or e-mail info@newport-bridge-club.co.uk The Dalen Singers is a small, friendly, mixed voice choir founded 30 years ago in Newport. Rehearsals on Tue evenings, 7pm at Trinity Church, Wellington Road, Newport. If you would like to meet us just come to rehearsals, you will be very welcome, or ring secretary 01952 811741 for more information. Cygnus Book Club – Come along and join a friendly group as we discuss a spiritual book or theme of the month – all whilst enjoying drinks and cake! Contact Romella 07894 812440 Used Toner Cartridges - Shrewsbury Music Therapy Trust are collecting and recycling used printer ink-jet cartridges in order to raise funds to support children with learning difficulties. Drop off in the pharmacy side of Boots in the High Street, Newport. Dressmaking Classes at Cosy Hall, Newport on Thu’s - 10am-12.30pm and 7.309.30pm ‘Saturday Sewing Bee’ 2-5pm, monthly. Details and booking contact Catherine on 01952 276061. catherine@ lovedressmaking.co.uk www.facebook. com/lovedressmaking Toy Library in Cottage Care Centre, Newport, every Friday 9.45-11.30, preschool age. Contact Steve Ravenscroft 01952 811935 or just call in. Newport RNA Club - Excellent venue with warm friendly atmosphere. Function room for hire. Mon - bridge club, Tue - open mic, Wed - pool, Thu - bingo, Fri - dominoes/ quiz nights/live entertainment, Sat - live entertainment. Pay on door. Non-Members £3. 07772 611540 Newport French Evening Classes For Adults - At Adams` Grammar School - Conversational Classes Thursdays. For further info call Lynn on 01952 812944 or email lynnjones2@freeuk.com Serendipity Singles, 45+, established in Shropshire, now meeting in Newport. Full details from 07704 792610 Newport Scouts, Longford Road HQ. Beavers, Thu’s at 6pm; Cubs, Wed’s at 6pm; Scouts, Wed’s 7.30 pm. Contact: Liz on 07780 611260 Newport Flower Arranging Class - held every Thursday (starting 25th Sep14) 1:303pm at Newport Cricket Club. Qualified teacher, all welcome, inc. beginners. Contact Catherine Bentley on 01952 811989. The Guild of Silk Painters - meetings are held from 7-9.30pm on the third Monday of each month atCosy Hall, Water Lane Newport. Contact - Margaret 01785 254803, Diana 01785 223339 or Anethia 01952 813101. Female 77 - Meetings held every Wednesday during term time at Newport Cottage Hospital 8pm. Speakers,demonstrations and outings. New members welcome. Contact Chris 01952 811533 Newport Wine Appreciation Group meet from 7pm-9pm on Tue’s at Cosy Hall, Newport. Beginners and more experienced enthusiasts welcome. Contact Geoff on 01743 884658 Newport Life Drawing and Figure Sculpting Workshops – Saturday mornings at Adams’ Grammar School. For further information please call Michael on 07528489320 or email michaeljamespotter@hotmail.co.uk Newport Farmers’ Market – 3rd Thu of every month, The Square and The Buttercross, Newport – Contact Tel 01952 380934 Newport Trefoil Guild meets monthly on a Thursday at Cosy Hall, Water Lane. All members/ex members of Girl Guiding welcome. Contact Cris 01952 253960 for further details. Newport Photographic Club - meet 7.45pm on Tues (Sep-Jun) in the Baptist Church Hall in Water Lane, Newport. See www. newportphotoclub.com for details. Pitchcroft & Church Aston WI - Meetings held 3rd Wed of month in Church Hall, Church Aston at 7.30 pm. Variety of speakers & demonstrations. Guests admission is £3.50. Contact Sheila Johnstone 01952 820294 for further details.
COMMUNITY & WHATS ON
Oakengates
1st Feb (Thu) - Oakengates History Group - Meeting at 7pm "show & Tell" and a Membership Drive The Wakes, Theatre Square, Oakengates, further details 01952567500 Table top sale - first Saturday of each month, 10am -12pm at the Holy Trinity Church in Wrockwardine wood and Oakengates. Contact Tanya May 07990 767855 (visit our facebook page for events: Holy Trinity Church Wrockwardine Wood) Oakengates Traditional Market - Saturday – every week, Limes Walk. Contact 01952 380934. The Telford & District branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society hold a Monthly Social on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Oakengates. There is a short chair based exercise session followed by refreshments & a chance to chat - open to anyone affected by MS. Branch Helpline number: 07866 628593. Boys’ Brigade - Tue at Oakengates United Church - 6pm Anchor Boys, 7pm Junior Boys Section. Friday - 7pm Company Section (boys and girls school year 7+). Contact Dave on 07548 574901. Oakengates Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 4th Thu of each month at the United Reform Church at 7pm. Call 01952 261 207 for more info.
Priorslee
Sewing For Pleasure - Sewing Machine Classes every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm, University Campus Telford, Conference Centre, Priorslee. TF2 9NN All abilities welcome. Call Nicky on 01952 201502 for more details or see our Facebook page facebook.com/MaudeandRose. Tea & Natter at St. Peter’s Church, Church Rd, Priorslee, 2pm-3pm, bring & buy with a draw. Every 4th Thu of the month. Come and join us for a chat with drinks & refreshments 50p – all are welcome. AgeUk over 60’s Pub Lunch Club at the The Lion Inn, Priorslee, meet 2nd Monday of each month. Please contact Pauline Comley for further details 01952 200359 Family Praise at St Peters Church, Church Rd, Priorslee: All-Age Worship, 2nd Sunday of each month, 1/2hour service, 10-10:30am, ideal for children! Contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email stpeterspriorslee@ btinternet.com Priorslee Lions Chess Club Monday nights from 7:30pm The Lion, Shifnal Road, Priorslee www.priorsleelionschessclub.co.uk Whist Drive - Every Sat, at Priorslee Scout Hut, 7pm prompt - everyone welcome, Call 01952 242009 for details. Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (day only) for more details.
Shawbirch
Shawbirch Community Centre: Mon-Fri: Little Chicks Pre-School 9am 3pm Mon: Youth Club 10-15 yrs (6–8pm) Wed: Bridge Club (7pm – 10pm) Fri: Telford Stage School - 5.45pm The community centre is available to hire evenings & weekends. For further info. call 01952 248538.
Sheriffhales
Sheriffhales W.I. - Meet every 4th Thursday, 7.30pm at Sheriffhales village hall. For further info contact Janet 07964 370679.
Shifnal
27th Feb (Tue) – Wrekin U3A. 2pm, Shifnal Village Hall. "The Devil's Darning Needle - Introduction to Dragonflies" by Kevin Reynolds. Visitors welcome £2. Details at: https://.u3asites.org.uk/wrekin 27th Mar (Tue) – Wrekin U3A. 2pm, Shifnal Village Hall. "We Never Forget a Face" - (face recognition software) by David McCaddon. Visitors welcome £2. Details at: https://.u3asites.org.uk/wrekin Shifnal in Stitches - Informal knitting and crochet group meeting at Odfellows every
3rd Tue of the month, 7-9pm. All ages and all skill levels welcome. Find us on facebook.com/shifnalinstitches or email shifnalinstitches@gmail.com Shifnal Senior Citizens meet every Friday afternoon in the Social Club in Curriers Lane, Shifnal at 2-4pm Membership £6 per year. All Senior Citizens are welcome. Shifnal Tots and Toddlers meet every Thursday 9:15am til 11am in term time at the Youth Club, Bridgnorth Road. Children 4 years and under with their carers welcome. Shifnal Tennis Club - Social play every Mon & Wed 6.30 onwards. New members always welcome including beginners or ‘back to tennis’ , junior coaching available throughout the week. Contact Merill Holt 07762 15270 or Head Coach Ian Gillespie 07761 970759 for juniors. LIVE AT HOME - Support for older people offering friendship and company, activities and entertainment, outings and visits, theatre trips and exercise. Contact Rachel on 01952 879873 Shifnal ART Group - Fri’s 10am-12. £5. Senior Citizens Hall, Curriers Ln. T&C. contact Jim 01952 463211. Get Shifnal On Line - Free computer lessons are on offer from local volunteers in Shifnal library. If you have no knowledge of computers, but would like to learn at your own pace, call 07805 632225. Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (daytimes only) for more details. Shifnal Men’s Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Chris Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-mens-link.co.uk Shifnal Ladies Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Sue Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-ladies-link.co.uk Stagekids of Shifnal - for 6–16s meet every Thu during term time at The Youth Club, Bridgnorth Rd, Shifnal, 6–11 yr olds meet at 6.45pm-8pm, 12–16 yr olds meet 8pm9.45pm. Contact Sandra on 01952 462759 Shifnal Millennium Sensory Garden - The working party meets each month from March through to end of Nov on the 1st & 3rd Sat’s 9.30am-noon and the 2nd & 4th Thu’s 9.30am-noon. Enthusiastic helpers welcome as supervision given. Contact Pauline - 01952 460914 or Angela - 01952 462627 for more details or just turn up on the day. Shifnal Flower Club meet 4th Tue of every month at Shifnal Village Hall at 7.30pm. Professional Floral Art Demonstrations, Garden Visits & Outings, if you love flowers, come & join us. Call Sue Munslow on 01952 461076 Shifnal Flower Club Workshop is 3rd Tue of every month at Curriers Lane Room, Shifnal - 7.30pm. Learn how to produce your own floral arrangement. Members £2, non members £4. Call Chris Finlan on 01952 750312. Shifnal & District Male Voice Choir meet on Thu at 7.30pm at Idsall School (6th form common room). New recruits welcome. Contact Ged Heyes on 01952 586968, for further details. St Andrews Church, Shifnal - Every Tue 10am – 12 noon Coffee and a listening ear in the Brooke Room. Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal - Every Wednesday 10am - 12 noon all welcome to drop in for a drink & a chat. Ladybirds tots and toddlers meet every Friday from 10-11.30am at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal. All children under 5 and their carers are welcome. St Mary’s Church Presbytery, Victoria Road, Shifnal - Coffee Morning every Thu. All welcome for a drink and a chat.
St Georges
Telford & Wrekin Arthritis Support Group, meet monthly at St. George’s Sports & Social Club, Church St. 7.30–9.30pm. Also organize trips with side lift coaches and a 5 days holiday once a year with disabled access. Hydrotherapy sessions Thu 5–7pm, by appt only. For further details contact Mrs. Pat Watkins on 01952 618381. at St Georges Methodist Church:
Mon - 4pm Rainbows / 5.45pm Brownies (Contact: 01952 293944) Wed - Snedshill & District Over 60’s Club meet 1pm (T: 618221 - Lois Bull) 1st Wed of every month - St Georges WI meet in the Church Hall at 7pm - contact A. Chetwood 01952 618353 for further details. Thu - 6pm Guides / 7.45pm Morningside Ladies Choir (Contact 01952 619347) Thu - 9:30-11:30am - Little Fishes under 5’s group. For all pre-school children and their carers. Meets in the St Georges Methodist Church Hall. £1.50 per family to include snacks and drinks. Contact Kate on 07976 460777.
Telford - Town Centre
Tuesday Group lively discussions in a good humoured atmosphere. Women meeting 10:30 to 12:30 on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Venue subject to change. Contact Brenda on 01952 610939.
Trench
ATC meet at TA Centre, Territorial House, Trench, Telford between 18.45 - 21.30 every Tue & Thu night. Contact number for Sqn 01952 670720
Wellington
3rd Mar (Sat) – Community History Day. 10.30am-2.30pm, Wellington Library, TF1 1LX. Covering local, community and family history in East Shropshire. Come to this FREE event and talk to friendly experts who can guide you in your interests and research or start you on a new hobby. For more info email info@wlsf.org.uk or marilynhigson@ hotmail.com, visit www.wlsf.org.uk Severn Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus meets every Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at Wellington Methodist Church,New Street,TF1 1LU for singing and fun. For more info. contact Membership Secretary, Carol Shore on 01952 597851 or 07792 862826. Wellington, the home of The Telfordaires Barbershop Harmony Chorus. For the MALE voice. If you can or can’t sing, just like to try, or need some entertainment for an event. Contact us on 0845 463 1618 Art and Craft fun for toddlers - every Friday at 11am at Wellington Methodist Church. Contact Kirsty on 07741 066858 or kirsty@art4tots.com or visit www.Art4Tots. com for further details. Evening Art Classes - at Wellington Methodist Church - Thu mornings 10.30 – 12.30pm. Call Liz Doody, the course tutor for more information or to book your place, on 07970 709116. SUNNYCROFT - 200 Holyhead Road, Wellington. House, gardens and tearoom open Fri-Mon 10.30am-5pm, last admission to house 4pm. Telford Lions Club - Meet on 2nd & 4th Monday each month at 8pm, at the Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington. To find out more about us, our activities and how to join us, t: 0845 833 9585 or email telford.lions@yahoo.com Car boot sale – Every Sunday, Victoria Road and Nailors Row car parks – Contact Tel 01952 380934 U3A Wellington - 2nd Thu of each Month meeting at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington - 2pm. Just come along and see what’s on offer, or visit our website. S.T.A.G.s (Strategic Tactical Adventure Gaming Society) one of the biggest wargaming clubs in the country. Historical as well as Sci/Fanasty wargaming. Open every other Sun from 11am to 15.30pm, first visit is free, we meet at Belmont Hall in Wellington. www.freewebs.com/telford_ stags/ T 01952 417417 Questing Knight Games Wellington Jade Singers ladies choir, meet weekly on Thu evenings 7.30-9.30pm Union Free Church Hall, Constitution Hill, Wellington, TF1 3BA, contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email jadesingers@ btinternet.com Wrekin Arts Photographic Club meets every Friday at 8pm at the Belfrey Arts Centre Wellington (Sep to Jun). Details from Sheila Thomas on 01952 617170 or www.wrekinartspc.com Eyton & Wellington WI meet 2nd Wed of every month, 7.30pm at Belmont Hall.
Belmont Community Hall in Wellington meet every Fri 11.45am-4pm - Over 50’s, tea, raffle, speakers, bingo etc.. £1.50 entry, also lunch available at £3.50 at 12pm cooked on the premises. All welcome. For further details contact Margaret Atkinson on 01952 877409. The Wellington Girls’ Brigade meet every Tue in term time from 6-8pm at Wellington Methodist Church. All girls welcome from 5yrs+. For more info. call Tracey on 01952 405178. Wellington Evening Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 1st Tue of each month at 7.30pm at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington. Visitors welcome. Call 413686 for more info. Wellington Central Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 2nd Tue of each month at 2.15pm at the Carvers Close Community Room, Holyhead Rd, Wellington. For more info call 01952 251 364.
Other Areas
Phoenix Club for the widowed - a club for both men and women who are widowed and are ready to restart their social life in a friendly supportive atmosphere. We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at Codsall Village Hall at 7pm in the summer afternoons and 2.30pm in the winter. We have a varied program of entertainmentand we also organise monthly lunches at local pubs, day trips and holidays. For more information phone Anthea 01952 462905 or Ray 01785 840959. Age UK Lunch Clubs - are held every month at 10 different locations. Ring Age uk Telford (01952 201803) for more details or check out the website: www. ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk IT Class (for older people) run every Wednesday 3-5pm at Brookside Community Centre. Contact Diane Douglas 01952 201803 ext 001 or diane.douglas@ ageukstw.org.uk Whist Drive - Every Fri, at Buildwas Village Hall, 7pm prompt - everyone welcome, Call 01952 242009 for details. Telford Sign Cafe - want to practice your signing or are you a Deaf Sign Language user who would enjoy helping us! Enjoy a coffee and a chat. All abilities welcome. Meet 3rd Fri of month from 7pm, at The Home Organisation Coffee Shop, Lightmoor. Contact Nikki: nikkibackhouse@ googlemail.com, 07791 724827 Wrockwardine and District Garden Club - Meet on 1st Thu of each month at Wrockwardine Village Hall at 7.30pm. Little Wenlock WI - meet 1st Wed of every month - in the Village Hall at 2pm, new members welcome - contact Diana on 01952 244136 for further details. Severn Sisters WI - Meet every 3rd Wednesday, 7pm at Longdon On Tern Village Hall. For further info contact Paula Pierce 07841 528543 Volunteer and Make a Difference - if you could help Guide Dogs locally with fundraising, sighted guiding or other volunteer roles, please contact Valerie Jobes on 01189 838 756 or valerie.jobes@ guidedogs.org.uk. Further info can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk. Temponilla a small S.A.T.B. vocal ensemble meet weekly on Monday evenings 7:309pm at Sutton Hill Church, please see web www.temponilla.co.uk for calender of this years events, and contact details if you are intersted in joining the choir. The Wrekin Decorative and Fine Arts Society meets at the Cold War exhibition hall at RAF Cosford Air Museum on the 3rd Mon of the mth at 2pm. Visitors £5. Contact: Louise Nixon 01746 783517 - www. nadfas-wm.org.uk/wrekin.html Telford and Wrekin Ladies Circle is all about fun and friendship – trying something new, relaxing with friends, fundraising & great days out. If you are between 1845 and want to know more contact us at: tandwladiescircle@hotmail.com - 07961 961475 or find us on Facebook. Wrekin Writers meet 3rd Sat of month 9 Tonoon. submit an entry to this feature till Large friendly group that’llplease help to email your details to: writing. Visit www. motivate you with your wrekinwriters.co.uk or call Darren on fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk - 01952 405178.
please put subject as WHATS ON on the email. (Space is VERY limited, so brief details ONLY)
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Local Health, Sport
Admaston
at Admaston House Community Centre (for further info. contact Moira Hoath on 07722 213264): Mon: Yoga (evenings) Contact Janet Evans on 01952 245983 Wed: Weight Watchers 5.30pm & 7pm Thu: Gentle seated and standing exercises for older people. 10.30-11.30am. Qualified tutor £2.50, call Diane Douglas on 01952 201803 for details. Thu: Slimming World - 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Contact Sharon on 07775 512563
Church Aston
at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon 10-11am Zumba (easy) @ Village Hall with Nikki 07967 343728 Wed 9.30-10.25am Easy tone - over 50s & beginners Wed 10.30am-11.15 - Kettlebells Class - all over body workout using kettle shaped weight. Contact Kim on 07795 225017 Thu 11am Medau Movement & Dance exercise with Rosemary 01785 822442.
Dawley
Clubbercise - Mon 6.45-7.35pm Dawley Social Club Kings Street TF4 2AG. All welcome no need to book. Contact Kim - 07724 087516 Touch Rugby - Telford RFC, Hinkshay Road, Telford TF3 3BZ. Wed 7pm ages 14 to adult Men and Women no previous experience required. £free. Just fun and fitness to be had! Ballroom Social Dance Class - Dawley Town Hall, Sun 7.30-10.30pm. Call Donna on 01952 567920 Dawley Phoenix Badminton Club meets on Tues 7-9pm at the Hadley Learning Community, Crescent Rd, Telford, TF1 5JU. We support a good club standard of play using feather shuttles. New members and visitors are welcome. Please come along on Club Night or contact Clive Roscoe on 07552 761896. Slimming World (Tue 9:15am & 11:15am) at Dawley Bank Call Paula on 07791 743509 Pilates Mon 7-8pm at the Pheonix Sports Centre, Telford Langley School. £33 block of 6 classes or £6.50 pay-asyou-go. Contact Beryl on 01952 462896 or 07971 875372, email: beryl.feely@gmail.com. Mons’ - 8-10pm - The Ironmen & Severn Gilders Morris dance team – great fun, all welcome, men and ladies, at The Telford Langley School, Duce Drive, Dawley, TF4 3JS. Contact us through our website www.imsg.org.uk or e-mail secretary@imsg.org.uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon - GKR Karate 6.30-8pm Tue - Keep Fit 10-11am, Badminton Grp 7-9pm Wed - Zumba 8-9pm Thu 9am-12pm Help 2 Quit Smoking
Donnington
Bums n Tums fitness class - at Silver Threads Hall, Donnington 6.30-7.30pm. It would suit all fitness levels and is great fun! Contact Cheryl on 07714 610591 or cheryljauncey2@gmail.com
Edgmond
Yoga, Pilates & Full Body Workout Classes - in the new Studio at Edgmond Village Hall, Shrewsbury Road, Edgmond, Newport, TF10 8HU. Mondays: Pilates at 6pm; Full Body Workout class at 7.15pm; Wednesdays: Yoga at 6pm. Cost: £6 PAYG or £30 in advance for 6 classes. Call/ text 07875 661045 or email denisepheasant@hotmail. com to book. Circuit Training - every Wed 5.45-6.45pm (Ladies only) £4 a session, contact Chris Bailey on 07866 641227.
Hadley
Slimming World - at HLC, Hadley - 5.30pm & 7.30pm Contact Sharon on 07775 512563 Daisy Birthing classes: Active Antenatal classes on Sat 10-11:30am at HLC. Suitable for all pregnant mums.
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Email: janette-davey@thedaisyfoundation.com or phone 07808 066786. Thu mornings at Telford Thai Boxing, Hadley - 10-11am Yoga and 11:15-12:15pm Pilates. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact - 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com. Indoor Bowls - Mon & Tue 2-4pm, at Hadley Restrooms. New members VERY welcome, free trial available. For more details contact Peter on 01952 242873. Gymnastics Classes - Monday to Saturday, for beginners - advanced gymnasts. Contact: 07905 956644 or email shootingstarsonline07@yahoo. com Piloxing (Boxing, Pilates & Dance) - Mon 6.30-7.30pm. Zumba - Thu 6.30-7.30pm. Hadley Methodist Church, £3.50. All abilities welcome! Debbie 07891 686812
Club - Tue evenings 8.30 - 10.30pm New members welcome. Contact: Amanda Haselock - 01952 677590 Premier Badminton Club are seeking new members. Tue evenings from 7:30pm at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Contact Anthony 01952 526520 or Rob 01952 840453 www.premier badminton.co.uk Lilleshall Hall Table Tennis Club - meets Mon 7.15-10.15pm in the Ford Hall, Lilleshall National Sports Centre, 12 tables - coaches for juniors & beginners. Sessions £5 adults, juniors. Call Vicky 810355 or Don 416048.
Jackfield
Muxton
‘Tap into Health’ - EFT tapping workshops. Relief from stress, pain and more. Wednesdays 10.30 - 11.30 at The Gorge Therapy & Training Centre. £5 or whatever you can manage on the day. Caroline 01952 881151 www. carolinerolling.com Mindful Meditation - Sooth mind, body and spirit. £5. At The GorgeTherapy & Training Centre. For more info contact: Diane 01952 881151 www.you-in-mind.co.uk
Ketley
Yoga - Wednesdays 7-8pm at Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, TF1 5AN. Friendly class, suitable for all abilities and beginners are especially welcome. £5 per class, no need to book. Contact Debbie on 07790 006815, email debbieyogaone@gmail.com or see my website: www.yogaone.co.uk Stretch & Tone Class - Sunday 9-10am at Ketley Community Centre on Holyhead Road. Class is aimed at increasing and maintaining flexibility and can help with joint discomfort too. Classes are £4 and MUST be booked in advance due to demand for spaces. Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982 Over 50’s Class @ Ketley Methodist church, Waterloo Road, Ketley. Thursday 10-11am. Suits all fitness levels and is a great place to meet new people. £3 per session. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 or email cheryljauncey@ yahoo.co.uk Slimming World - Ketley Methodist Church on Tue at 5.30 & 7.30pm.
Lawley
Clubbercise - Tue 6.45-7.35pm Lawley Primary School Arleston Lane TF4 2PR (next to community centre) All welcome no need to book. Contact Kim - 07724 087516 Baby Yoga at St. Johns Church Hall, Lawley – Mon 1-2pm, Adult Yoga Mon 8.15 to 9.15pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www. mitchytitch.co.uk Mummy Movers - St Johns Church Hall, Wed: 7.308.30pm & Thu: 10.15-11.00am. Call: Laura 07929 154 536 / laura@mummymovers.com Website: www. mummymovers.com Stretch & Tone Class - Tue - Lawley Village Primary Academy - 6:30-7:30pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com. Zumba - Mon & Wed - Lawley Community Centre 6pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com.
Leegomery
CJ's Dance Fit - Mon & Wed 6.30pm and Thu 9.45am & 11am at Leegomery Methodist Church, Hadley Park Road, TF1 6QG. Also an Age UK class on Thu at 1:30pm. Call 07793 777659 or email: claire.jervis74@gmail.com for more details.
Lightmoor Village
at Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor Village: Mon: Hatha Yoga 7-8.30pm, drop-in £4 per session. Call/ text Emma on 07590 437712 or emabyoga@yahoo.co.uk Wed: Help to Quit Smoking 5.30-6.30pm - for app’s call Rachel 07979 540496 Sat: Dance Classes 9-10.15am (7yrs+), 10.15-11am (3-6yrs)
Lilleshall
Adult Yoga class, Mon 10-11am at the Memorial Hall in Lilleshall. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Lilleshall Village Tennis Club - Welcomes new members, Tues, Thurs evenings & Sunday mornings. Junior & Adult Coaching – Saturday afternoons. Complete beginners course for Adults - Tues pm. For further details contact Pauline Coffey on 01952 604757 Lilleshall National Sports Centre - Sutherland Badminton
Madeley
Bootcamp/Interval training classes at Bridal Road, Bridal Court, Madeley. Every Tue & Thu 7-8pm. Suits all fitness levels and great fun. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 Slimming World- Jubilee House, Madeley High St, Wed at 3.30,5.30 & 7.30 and Sat 8.30 & 10.30am.
at St John’s Church Muxton: Bumps n Babes (NCT) 1-2:45pm (fortnightly), sessions £1.50 Slimming World - Mon (9.30, 5.30pm & 7.30pm) contact Celia Powell 07575 123666 Wed: Over 50’s Aerobics (10am) Newport Little Dragons Karate 5.30-6.30pm Fri: Sequence Dancing 8pm If you would like further info. on the above activities contact the church on 01952 670033
Newport
Tai Chi - Gentle exercise to improve flexibility and balance, relieve stress and aid relaxation. Suitable for adults of all ages and abilities. Cosy Hall Tuesday am. Contact Dilys 01952 588838 / dilysd407@gmail.com Groupfit, Women Only and Boxfit classes at The Body Barn in Newport - see website for full details at: www. thebodybarn.co.uk or call 01952 455541. Forton Cricket Club - Fancy playing cricket, we have two senior teams, ladies team and junior teams - for more info contact Clive 01952 825447 or cliverjones1958@gmail. com Nova Utd FC based in Newport, looking for new players for 2017/18,Training Saturday mornings 9-10.30 Shuker Fields, Ages 7 to 16yrs, all abilities welcome, for more details visit our website www.novaunitedfc.co.uk Martial Arts Club (Aikido) - Aikido at Burton Borough Sch, Newport. Mondays 7-9pm - Adult classes. Contact sensei@meijyukan.co.uk website www.meijyukan.co.uk T: 0845 678 0091 Yoga - Mon 5.30-6.30pm @ Burton Borough School Hall and Wed 10.30-11.30am @ Cosy Hall - with Nikki 07967 343728 Clubbercise Mon 7-8pm @ Burton Borough School Hall with Nikki 07967 343728 Tone & Sculpt - Wed 9.15-10.15am @ Cosy Hall - with Nikki 07967 343728 Junior Badminton Club - we have places available for U11’s who want to learn how to play badminton. It’s £4 per week and includes coaching by a Badminton England accredited Level 2 coach. Saturday (10-11am under 11’s and 11-12 under 15’s) in term time at Burton Borough School, Newport. Contact Des Machin on 07949 192038, E: desmachin@hotmail.co.uk Zumba Gold (easy) Fri 9.30-10.30am @ Cosy Hall Contact Nikki 07967 343728 Farmhouse Shotokan Karate Club, Moreton Millennium Community Centre and Burton Borough School, Newport - Tues, Fri & Sun. For all ages and abilities. Fully qualified and insured Instructors. First Lesson Free. Contact 07890 349451, email shropshirekarate@gmail.com or visit www. shropshirekarate.com Yoga Classes at Trinity Church, Wellington Rd, Newport: Mummy & Baby Yoga - Thu 1.30 – 2.30pm. Dru Yoga classes - Fridays 7 - 8.30pm. Contact Kate on 07989 514317, yogamebaby@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/ yogame4families Zumba @ Cosy Hall, Newport. Tue 6.30-7.30 Contact Nikki: 07967 343728. Salopian Skimmers Frisbee Club are looking for new Male & Female players of all abilities. Wed night at Adams Grammar Sports Hall. 18.30 to 20.00. First 3 sessions Free. For more info email drew.barlow@live.co.uk or join us on Facebook. A small friendly group of people meet every Friday evening from 6-7pm in Burton Borough School to play social badminton and volleyball. If you're interested please contact Mark Pearce on 01952 550557 or email markpearce17@hotmail.com for more information. Women’s Circle for Spiritual Development – are you looking to connect to like-minded spiritually awake women & deepen your connection - then this group is for you. 1st Fri of month in Newport – Contact Romella 07894 812440
& Fitness Classes Meditation for Calm Classes – held every Tuesday 2-2.50pm @ Tina’s Wellness Studio, New Street, Newport, drop in for £10 or prebook 4 weeks @ £9 a class (£36) - Book Romella 07894 812440 Free essential oil classes – every Mon (& other days) Learn how essential oils can support your wellbeing goals, families health needs, emotions, sleep and even be used for cleaning. Contact Romella 07894 812440 Fit 4 the Future exercise classes (at the studio near Focus). Mon: Jump ‘n Pump 7-8, Tue: Energize 6-7, Bootcamp 7-8, Wed: Box ‘a’ Blast 7-8, Thu: Energize 6-7, Box ‘a’ Blast 7-8. £4.50 per session. Please call Craig for details 07796 426299.
Oakengates
Telford Fight Factory - Muay Thai, Boxing, Strength & Conditioning. At The Ice Lounge, Eden Complex, Cannongate Road, Oakengates. Fun, family friendly class, age 7-70yrs, Mon 6-7, Wed 7-8. Contact Stuart Whiston 07786 115899 or fb Clubbercise - Excercise in disguise. Easy to follow routines to Banging Club tunes from the 90s with L.E.D Glow Sticks. At The Ice Lounge, Eden Complex, Cannongate Road, Oakengates. Tue 7-8, Thu 7-8. Contact Amanda Whiston 07780 515350 or fb Telford & Wrekin Lawn Green Bowling Club - Est 1982 at Hartshill Park - Oakengates. Club nights Thurs - starting 6pm. Competitive and social bowling against other Midlands clubs. New members welcome. Contact Roger Rowley on 01952 612574. Slimming World (Sat - 8am & 10am) at Oakengates Rest Rooms, Charlton Street, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6BD Call Paula on 07791 743509 Martial Arts Club ( Aikido ) at Oakengates Leisure Centre. Mon & Fri 7.45 / 8.45pm Juniors ( 7yrs+ ). Mon & Fri 7.45 / 10.00pm Adults. New members always welcome. First lesson is free. If you would like more info contact us on: 07929761302. Email us on suekeithhayward@sky.com
Shawbirch
Shawbirch Community Centre: Tue - Antenatal Yoga (5:30-6:30pm), Yoga (7-9pm) For further info. contact us on 01952 248538.
Shifnal
Swimming Lessons - Duck N Dive Limited - Baby, preschool, afterschool & adult swimming lessons across various locations in Telford & Shifnal. T: 01952 301012, Email:info@dndswim.co.uk, Web:www.dndswim.co.uk Line Dancing Classes at Shifnal Memorial Club on Tue at 7.30pm. Slimming World - Shifnal Village Hall - Wed (9.30am) Call Paula on 07791 743509 Meditation followed by group activity every Thu 7.309.30pm at Citizen’s Hall, Curriers Lane, Shifnal. £8pp. Contact Norma on 01952 463876 or email Jehandra@ yahoo.com or Facebook -Jehandra Holistic Healing for more details. Zumba at Shifnal Scout Hut, Thu 6-7pm with Nikki 07967 343728 Clubbercise Thu 7.30-8.30pm @ Shifnal Primary School with Nikki 07967 343728 Tue mornings at St Andrews Youth Club, - Yoga 9:30 - 10:30am and Pilates 10:45 - 11:45am. £5 per class or £8 for both classes. Thu mornings at Shifnal Village Hall - Yoga 10-11am, £5 per class. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact Gill on 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com. YOGA every Thu at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal Adults - 7.10-8.10pm, Pregnancy 6-7pm, Baby Yoga at St. Andrews Church, Shifnal every Wed 1-2pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch. co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Laughter Yoga - The fun way to good health. Mon 7-8 pm. Tues 10.30 - 11.30 at Shifnal Seniors Club, Curriers Lane. All ages, all abilities. All welcome. £6 on the day or £24 for 6 weeks. Contact Caroline: 07868240605 info@ gorgetherapycentre.co.uk Adult Fitness Classes at Idsall Sports Centre – METAFIT - Mon 6:30-7.15pm, YOGA - Tue 5.30-6.30pm, CIRCUITS Wed 7.30-8.15pm, METAFIT - Thu 6.30-7.15pm. Everyone welcome! 1st Class FREE !!! 01952 460499 Shifnal Bowling Club - Social Bowling every Thu morning 10.30am-12.30pm. Junior Coaching Sat morning 11-12. All are welcome to our club young & old. Contact Graham McCarthy 01902 372 955 for details. DANCE class 10.30 Wed at St Andrews Youth Club Hall. Exercises & routines for fitness & fun, over 50s, £5. More info www.shifnaldance.moonfruit.com Spaces limited so please contact Sally 01952 461768. Pilates Mon 10-11am (starting 5th Sep) at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall. Tue 7-8pm at Kemberton Village Hall. £33 block of 6 classes or £6.50 pay-as-you-go. Contact Beryl on 01952 462896 or 07971 875372, email: beryl.feely@gmail.com Shifnal Cricket Club - Junior cricket coaching - Mon 6.30 to 7.30 for boys aged 8-11, 7.30 to 8.30 for boys aged 12
and 13. Girls coaching and boys aged 14 and 15 Fri 6.30 to 7.30. For details please call Kevin Humphreys 07983 120061. Idsall Badminton Club meet at Idsall Sports Centre, Shifnal - Tue 7-9pm. All we ask is that you play to a reasonable standard. Ceroc Modern Jive and Salsa class nights at Shifnal Village Hall. Every Monday (exc Bank Hols) 7.45pm 11pm. New members always welcomed and no need to bring a partner. Contact Mike on 07990 554459, email cerocmidlands@aol.com or visit www.cerocmidlands. co.uk
St Georges
Clubbercise - Wed 6.15-7.05pm St Georges Sports & Social Club TF2 9LU. All welcome no need to book. Contact Kim - 07724 087516 HIITPad Fitness 4 week Intensive Academy. Morning and Evening groups. Held at Bailang, St Gower Street Trading Estate George's, Telford. For more info and next course dates visit www.hiitpad.co.uk Karate and Self-Defence at 1st Priorslee & St. Georges Scout Hall, Snedshill Way, St. Georges on Friday's 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Family-orientated, from beginner to black belt and beyond. Adults £3 Under 16s £2.50. Contact Zanshin-do Karate Chief Instructor Steve Lowe 6th Dan Black Belt for further information by emailing stevelowe59@blueyonder.co.uk "Koshi Wind-Chime Relaxation and Healing" Come for Healing and Relax to beautiful sounds. £5 each. St Georges & Priorslee Parish Centre. London Rd, TF2 9LJ. Every 4 wks Thu 7.30pm. Booking essential 07974 196 421 Nikki Slimming World - St Georges Sports & Social Club. Thu 9.30am, 11.30pm, 5pm and 7pm. Contact Celia Powell on 07575 123666 at St Georges Methodist Church: Tue 5-7pm Synergy Dance Troop (Contact: 01952 612776) Wed - 10.30am Pilates (Tel: 412924) / 1.30pm
Stirchley
Have fun – keep fit. Short Tennis Prime Time Club (over 60’s). Tues 4.45-5.30pm and Sat 2-3pm at Stirchley Recreation Centre. Also Wed 7-8pm at Oakengates Leisure Centre and Fri 5-6pm at Phoenix Academy, Dawley. Novices very welcome. Call Kevin on 01952 825239, Tony on 07837 986059 or Vicki on 01952 618256 for further details.
Telford - Town Centre
AQUABABIES - Swimming lessons for children aged 12 weeks to 3 years. Lessons held at The Park Inn hotel on Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat from 10am. To book your FREE trial lesson contact Lisa on 07598 617442 or Stuart on 01543 572855
Trench
Yoga - Mondays 7-8pm at Our Lady of the Rosary and St Luke Church Hall, Church Road, Trench, TF2 7HG. Friendly class suitable for all abilities and beginners are especially welcome. £5 per class, no need to book. Contact Debbie on 07790 006815, email debbieyogaone@gmail.com or see my website: www. yogaone.co.uk Interval Training class that suits any fitness levels - 6:30 to 7:30pm. At The Labour Club, Gibbons Rd, Trench. Proven to burn more fat than any other form of exercise. Also great fun too! Class costs £3.50. Contact Cheryl 07714 610591.
Wellington
Mindfulness Introduction Course - 4 week block £30 - starts Fri 16th February 5.30–6.30 @ Supple Fitness Studio, Wrekin Professional Centre, Holyhead Road. Booking essential! Contact Lorraine: Lorraine@affinityand-beyond.co.uk or 07898 823339 for more info or to reserve a place. Mindfulness is a wonderful way to learn to relax and it can also help with many physical and emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, pain and stress. Wrekin Shotokan Karate Club, at Wrekin College Sports Hall, Wellington: Wed 6:30pm; Sat 10:30am; and at Sport TCAT Mondays 7:30 pm. Learn authentic Japanese Shotokan karate from team of black belts lead by 6th Dan, Shotokan Karate International Federation, Japan. Contact: Tony on 07841 839372. Severn Spokes Cycling Group - We are a small, friendly and welcoming group of cyclists who run regular, easy paced rides from Wellington through the quiet lanes of Shropshire and beyond. Contact severnspokes@gmail. com or visit www.facebook.com/severnspokes and/or our website www.severnspokes.com Telford STAGS Walking Football - Normal Football rules except NO RUNNING! We play on a Monday morning 9.45 at the 4g pitches to the rear of AFC Telford Utd. All
over 55's welcome. Also summer sessions Thu at 18.45. Contact Roy Vincent 01952 245407 for further details. KAPAP - Martial Arts Club held at TCAT, Haybridge Rd, Telford, TF1 2NP on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. First session free trail. Contact Paul - paul@kapaptelford. co.uk or 07737 825263. Immerse School of Diving - we have a training and club diving session on a Friday evening at 8:30pm at Wrekin College pool. Call 0777 377 1619 or email: info@ immersediving.com; visit www.immersediving.com find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/immersediving. An active and friendly scuba diving club, we cater for beginners through to professional level divers, and charge no membership fees or surcharges on your club diving. Slimming World - Wed & Thu at The Glebe Centre, Glebe St, Wellington, 5.30 & 7.30. Call Heather on 07737 734347 01952 289386 or just pop along! All welcome. Piloxing - techniques of boxing and vertical pilates with some dance moves. Fridays 6-7pm at Charlton School - £4. For more info contact Annette on 07866 021030. Wrekin Tennis Club - Social play every Tuesday & Thursday evening starting at 7-9pm & Sunday 11am1pm. Based at Oakengates Leisure Centre New players welcome, Contact Alan Pritchard at: alanp52@yahoo. co.uk or 07596 984442 or visit our website, www. wrekintennisclub.co.uk Telford Community Tennis Club, Junior tennis coaching lessons at Bowring Park, Wellington on Sun - 10-11am (47yrs), 11-12am (8-10yrs), 12-1pm (11-16yrs). We also have sessions for adult members of all abilities. www.telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk E: bob.kerr@telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk Friendly Badminton group playing 7-9pm every Thu at TCAT Sports Hall are seeking new players to join them. Come along and try a few taster sessions at £5 per night. Contact Jenny Varley (evenings 6-7pm) on 01952 249277. Wellington Badminton Club - Sports Hall at Ercall Wood Academy, Wellington. Club nights - Tuesday 8 - 10pm. All welcome. Contact Jerry Seymour (Chairman) on 01952 261008 or email jeremy.seymour9@gmail.com Website: www.wellingtonbadminton.co.uk
Other Areas
Swimming Lessons - Duck N Dive Limited - Baby, preschool, afterschool & adult swimming lessons across various locations in Telford & Shifnal. T: 01952 301012, Email:info@dndswim.co.uk, Web:www.dndswim.co.uk Dance Fit at Hollinswood every Friday 2.45pm-3.30pm, call Diane Douglas on 01952 201803 for details. Sutton Heights - Music4health singing for all ages and stages every Sat. Fee £10. 11am-12 and sound healing at 2pm-3pm please book before day. Contact Linda 01952 680232 or visit www.lindaangelis.com Telford Green Gym - Want to get and have Fun? Don’t like the Gym try the Green Gym.Improve your fitness and general well being by getting involved in practical conservation.The Telford Green Gym offers activities all over Telford On Tue, Wed and Thu. Contact The healthy Lifestyles Hub 01952 382582 Arriba Wellness Club - Community Weight Loss Challenge at Fitness First, Telford. Call Lisa Harris on 07580 434325. Yoga for Pregnancy in Albrighton - Weekly classes every Mon 8-9.15pm. Gentle exercise from weeks 15-40 of your pregnancy. Methodist Church Hall, High St, Albrighton WV7 3JA. Classes from £7. Call Rebecca Jenks on 07890 543 508.
To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk - please put subject as CLASSES on the email. (Space is limited so brief details please)
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MOVIES
THE SHAPE OF WATER
‘The Shape Of Water’ is a modern-day fairy tale that chronicles the unlikely romance between a mute cleaning lady and the mysterious creature imprisoned at the laboratory where she works. Both Elisa and the amphibian man are terribly lonely, and find happiness in the brief times they’re able to spend together. But the people running the lab see the creature as something sub-human, and Elisa hatches a desperate plan to set him free. . Date: 16th February 2018 Genre: Drama Cast Members: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer
PETER RABBIT
Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warmhearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). Release Date: 16th February 2018 Genre: Animated Cast Members: James Corden, Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne
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COMING SOON... BLACK PANTHER
Welcome to Wakanda, the homeland of the ‘Black Panther’. An isolated, technologically advanced African nation, it’s a modern El Dorado – and now, T’Challa must defend it from an old enemy. After his father’s death, he has become King of Wakanda and the new Black Panther. And his mettle will be tested by the arrival of Erik Killmonger and Ulysses Klaue, who want to overthrow him for their own gain. Release Date: 16th February 2018 Genre: Action, Adventure Cast Members: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong
TOMB RAIDER
Lara Croft is the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen. Now a young woman of 21 without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier, barely making the rent, and takes college courses, rarely making it to class. Determined to forge her own path, she refuses to take the reins of her father’s global empire just as staunchly as she rejects the idea that he’s truly gone. Advised to face the facts and move forward after seven years without him, even Lara can’t understand what drives her to finally solve the puzzle of his mysterious death. Release Date: 16th February 2018 Genre: Action, Adventure Cast Members: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins , Hannah John-Kamen Please note that release dates are subject to change and some previews may be shown earlier.
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LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION
Notes from your local Muxton Councillor The petition asking Telford and Wrekin Council to instigate the process for setting up a Muxton Parish Council is now available. I, my fellow Muxton Parish Councillors and some volunteers will be visiting homes in Muxton and inviting residents that are included on the electoral register to sign.
Do you have leaflets or flyers that you would like delivered with this magazine?
Prices from £40 per 1000 WE CAN ALSO DESIGN AND PRINT THEM FOR YOU TOO!
I hope as many residents as possible will sign the petition and send a strong message to the Borough Council.
For further details please contact
The problem of speeding traffic on Marshbrook Way continues. Traffic calming measures are limited due to the way that the road is not very straight. Additional speed humps, a 20mph speed limit speed indicator signs and specialised road markings are all being considered.
Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
Cllr. Nigel Dugmore (Muxton Ward) T: 01952 380237 M: 07528 979395 E: nigel.dugmore@telford.gov.uk
Cllr Nigel Dugmore
I have had confirmation that the footpath connection to the Muxton Extra after school club gate will be completed soon, hopefully during the half term holiday. This will come as relief to many parents including myself who are tired of having muddy shoes!
PUZZLE - ANSWERS SUDUKO (EASY)
SUDUKO (HARD)
CODEWORD
QUIZ-Song Title Translations
1. La Isla Bonita (Madonna) 2. Viva La Vida (Coldplay) 3. Volare (Dean Martin) 4. C’est La Vie (B*Witched) 5. Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi (Kylie Minogue) 6. Jai Ho (A R Rahman featuring The Pussycat Dolls) 7. Pie Jesu (Sarah Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston) 8. Je T’Aime...Moi Non Plus (Je T’Aime... Moi Non Plus) 9. Voulez-Vous (ABBA) 10. Nessun Dorma (Luciano Pavarotti)
WORDWHEEL ORGANISE
CROSSWORD Across: 1 Hooligan, 5 Lass, 9 Soapy, 10 Grate, 12 Peach, 13 Idol, 15 Bonsai, 18 Plaice, 20 Leaf, 23 Range, 24 Abyss, 27 Shawl, 28 Lute, 29 Personal. Down: 1 Hang, 2 Orca, 3 Inset, 4 Adagio, 6 Abrasive, 7 Sachet, 8 Bypass, 11 Red, 14 Opponent, 16 Safest, 17 Dorsal, 19 Cleave, 21 Ass, 22 Bales, 25 Yawn, 26 Seal.
HIDATO
KIDS PAGE The safe number that needs entering is ‘16’.† Reading down column 1, the numbers increase by 9. Column two they increase by 6 & column three they increase by 3.†
94
WORD LADDER Here is one possible solution (others may exist)
DUCK buck back bark barn darn dawn DOWN
TRIAL
POI PIKE 3 Letters POL PLOT LEI POT POET LET TIE POLE LIE TIP TILE LIP TOE TOIL LIT TOP LOP 5 Letters LOT 4 Letters PILOT OIL LEPT OPT LITE 6 Letters PET POLITE LOPE PIE PELT PIT
Finance An increase in the number of customers using online, telephone, and mobile banking, in conjunction with a drive to reduce costs, led to hundreds of local bank branches closing their doors in 2017.
According to market research company, Statista, “In 2016, 64 percent of all individuals used the internet for online banking ...”So how do you sign up for this if you’re not ‘tech-savvy,’ and are there any alternatives if you live in a remote area, have limited access to the internet, or simply don’t want to use online banking?
Telephone, internet, and mobile banking With so many branch closures taking place in recent years, online, telephone, and mobile banking have become the default methods for account-holders to meet their banking needs. Internet banking allows you the freedom to control your finances without having to queue in-branch, and can be a fast and efficient service. So how do you register for these systems, and access your bank’s online services? Bank systems and requirements vary in terms of registration, but in essence you’ll provide your personal details, decide on a password, and choose some security questions or memorable information that can be used as an added layer of security. When you register online, you’ll also be prompted to download the bank’s mobile app to your smartphone, where you can sign in using the same information as for internet banking. Banks may send part of your login information through the post for security purposes, and in some cases you may have to use a small device to log in or transfer larger sums of money.
Some new banks are expanding their branch network It’s not all bad news with regard to in-person banking, however. A few banks are expanding their networks in the UK, bucking the trend of high street branch closures. Handelsbanken Established Swedish bank Handelsbanken has a network of more than 200 branches in Great Britain, with further expansion plans being reported in the press. Its business model means that branches are located away from the high street, in order to reduce their operational costs. Handelsbanken also follows a ‘traditional’ service model, where customer satisfaction is paramount. Members of staff can take time to get to know their customers and focus on their needs, without having to meet set targets. Metro Bank Metro Bank branches, or ‘stores,’ are open seven days a week, 362 days a year. You can carry out all the usual banking transactions at Metro, and they have your cheque book and bank card printed in the branch on the same day that you open an account.
HAS YOUR LOCAL BANK BRANCH CLOSED DOWN? Some Metro branches have cash machines in their lobby, so you can access cash safely when the branch is closed. Even dogs are welcomed into their branches, with biscuits and bowls of water.
Day-to-day banking at Post Office branches A further development that will help if you’re missing your local bank branch is the new partnership between the banking industry and the Post Office. You can now carry out day-to-day banking transactions at your local Post Office, such as depositing and withdrawing cash, paying in cheques, and checking your balance. Although some of these services were previously available to a limited number of customers, the new arrangement allows 99% of personal high street banking customers, and 95% of small businesses, to use Post Office branches for their day-to-day banking needs. With rural areas being particularly affected by branch closures, this agreement between the Post Office and the banking sector will be of considerable benefit to people living in the countryside, assuming their Post Office branch hasn’t also closed of course.
What if you don’t want to bank online? The uptake of online banking has increased steadily over recent years, but what about customers who have limited internet access, who don’t own a smartphone, or simply have no wish to carry out their banking online? Mobile branch banking One new initiative is helping customers to access vital banking services once or twice every week. Lloyds Banking Group has partnered with security firm G4S to provide ‘banks on wheels. ’ In other words, armoured vans that travel to locations where smaller branches have been closed. The Royal Bank of Scotland also provides a mobile branch banking service to rural communities around the UK. This operates on every weekday throughout the year, apart from Christmas Day and Bank Holidays. To find out whether your bank operates a similar service, you can phone their customer service centre or visit their website. Third party authorisation It’s also possible to authorise a trusted friend or member of your family to carry out certain bank transactions on your behalf. They won’t be able to control your account, but could pay in, withdraw money, and obtain a balance for you if you provide the necessary written authority. Branch closures are a significant issue, particularly for older people living in rural areas of the UK, but with alternative methods such as the mobile branch banking service, access will hopefully be improved for those who need it.
by Ann Haldon
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Quality uPVC IN WHITE/WOODGRAIN/OAK
Full security features on all products
NEW
10 YEAR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE
Service
Glass Processing Service to include:
Unit 35 Hortonwood 33 Telford TF1 7EX
• MIRRORS • TABLE TOPS 01952 677232 • SPLASH BACKS • BALUSTRADING www.windowright.co.uk
Shropshire Oaks Tree Care & Landscaping
Cut & Split Logs Available 01952 897712 / 07760 499 481
joeswift20@yahoo.com www.shropshireoakstreecareandlandscaping.co.uk
Fully fitted windows from
£195
Fully fitted Doors from
£440
Professional, Friendly & Reliable
www.windowright.co.uk Unit 35 • Hortonwood 33 • Telford
Tel: (01952) 677 232
NPB Garden and Ground Maintenance
We do all types of Power Washing, Slabbing, Stump Grinding, Shed Removal & Replacing of New Sheds, Fencing & Gates and all types of Garden Design. • Fully Trained & Equipped • All Waste Shredded and Removed • Fully Insured to £5m • Free Surveys & Quotations • Commerical & Domestic
Optional full installation service Family business with over 75 years experience.
Qualified workforce
Surveying on all types of trees, hedges & shrubs
GARDENHAND
General Garden & Household Maintenance • All Types of Fencing • NPTC Qualified - All Types of Tree Work Undertaken • House Clearances • All Work to a Very High Standard For a Free Quote call Andy on..
01952 606756 or 07929 950091 10% OFF if you mention this Advert
plumbing bathrooms repairs painting / decorating garden work CALL OUTS Lettings approved
If you would like a polite, friendly person to tend to your gardens on a regular basis at an affordable price, do not hesitate to contact Nigel today!
Grass Cutting Hedge Maintenance Garden Borders Turf Laying Fence Painting Paths Cleaned
CALL Nigel: 07753 690 141 E: nickybiddulph791@hotmail.co.uk •• Lawn mowing & care •• Weeding & pruning •• Tree surgery •• Path & driveway clearance •• Hanging baskets •• Soft garden design •• Border development •• Plant selection & Call Jack Wells on placing •• Grass cutting 07792 556479 •• Weeding of flowerbeds 01952 402647 •• Strimming E: enquiries@wellsgardenservices.com •• Garden Clearance www.wellsgardenservices.com •• Garden tidy up •• Ground care
Do You Need Help to GROW Your Business? No job too small
CKN Property Maintenance Call today for your free quote.
call Karl on: 07914 492367 E: cknhomeservices@gmail.com
Advertise in the In and Around Magazine and we can help local residents find YOU!
O I P E L T You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.
3 letters: 19 4 letters: 10 5 letters: 1 6 letters: 1
Prices from just
Call Fleur on 01952 603457
£45
fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk • www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Ladies and Gents hairdressing since 1978
Classes and 1-1 Sessions
Trained in: • Precision Cutting Experienced • Blow Drying / Setting Freelance Hairdresser • Permanent Waving • All Types of Colouring (including Colour Correction)
Class at The Arts Centre Telford Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5AN
on Sundays 10-11am - £5 1-1 Private Lessons at TACT or Home Visits
All services carried out following a comprehnsive consultation
Operating mobile to your home or visit my secret salon
T: 07528 690335 Email: rshyoga@yahoo.com
Call or text KAREN on 07970 901375
PJ's Re-upholstery Services
TEL: 01952 604285
d o o w h c Wy
Grandfather, Father & Son - 3rd Generation Upholsterer
If your spring goes ping give us a ring! Antique or Modern Sofas & Chairs Dining Chairs Springs & Repairs
07802 491651 01952 610828
NO JOB TOO SMALL
www.wychwoodkennels.co.uk
Card payments now accepted
BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY
Est. 1976
www.pjsreupholsteryservices.co.uk
JBO Services
• TV Aerials, Satellite Installations • Plasma LCD TV Installations • Multi-Room Video (HD) Distribution • High Definition FreeView / FreeSat • Surround Sound System Setup • Full Home Cinema Installations
Awesome Hair by Karen
Kynnersley Drive, The Hincks, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HS
Audio Visual Installations Expert Help & Advice FREE Quotations
Call Jeremy on 01952 228936 or 07860 577169 E: jbo.services@yahoo.co.uk
All work carried out is guaranteed for 12 months
For all your domestic cleaning needs
Call Tracey on 07411 610 401 or Samantha on 07812 438 574
Quality Domestic Cleaners Weekly or Fortnightly Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans Very Reliable Fully Insured References can be supplied
ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY
Call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604).
Are you interested in delivering this magazine?
To play an active and fun leading role within a fast paced all girl environment
If interested please visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/get_involved.aspx View our range of products online or look out for us at local events!
Home Inspirations
Contact us to join our waiting list for delivery people? Call Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk
Call Michelle on 01952 670067 or 07961 848467 E: michelle@homeinspirations.biz
www.homeinspirations.biz
Index of Advertisers Audio / Visual Goods & Services JBO Services...................................................97 Bathrooms A. Watson Home Improvements............ 80 Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens....73 Telford Maintenance Ltd..............................81 Beauty Beauty by Jude..............................................37 Cedar House Clinic.......................................39 Bedrooms Dream Kitchens & Bedrooms.................. 69 Easy Living......................................................35 Blinds PJ Blinds...........................................................35 Bricks & Building Materials Huws Gray........................................................75 Jewsons.............................................................61 Builder Louka Home Care.........................................85 CCTV Telford CCTV....................................................81 Car Hire / Executive Travel Image Luxury Car Hire ...............................59 Car Sales (New/Used) Mercedes Benz of Shrewsbury................57 Care Home St Georges Park Nursing Home.............. 45 Carpentry Select Joinery................................................ 68 Carpet, Rugs & Floor Coverings Carpet and Flooring.....................................33 Children’s Parties/Family Activities Airea51 Trampolining Park.........................19 Gaming 2 U.......................................................21 Hawkstone Park...............................................11 Chimneys Alpine................................................................67 Cleaning Active Cleaning..............................................85 Shaw Clean - Tim Shaw............................. 80 Sutherlands Clean Carpets.........................81 Tracey & Samantha Domestic Cleaning.....97 Councillors Local Councillors.......................................... 94 Decorating Neil Rogers......................................................87 Simon’s Décor ...............................................87 WE Dunne........................................................87 Design & Print TEAL Design & Print...................................... 2 Doors The Door Store...............................................72 Education Tettenhall College..........................................17 Wrekin College................................................19
YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE...
Entertainment / Events Hadley Park House........................................15 Hawkstone Park............................................... 8 Estate Agents & Property Barker Healey..................................................31 Coleman Estates............................................23 Lioncourt Homes...........................................29 Nock Deighton........................................ 24-27 Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture SB Sports Clinic.............................................38 Farm Shop/Markets/Food Fayre Green Fields Farm Shop..............................13 Financial Services CD Financial.....................................................51 Fireplaces, Fires & Stoves Admaston Firecraft Centre........................67 Alpine................................................................67 Grate Ideas..................................................... 99 Footcare The Foot Doctor............................................47 Telford Footcare............................................47 Funerals Shropshire Funeral Plans............................55 Garage Doors Barrett Garage Doors...................................71 Garden, Plants & Building Supplies Bloomsbury Nursery.....................................61 Huws Gray........................................................75 Jewsons.............................................................61 Gardening/Landscaping A J Landscapes..............................................65 Gardenhand.................................................... 96 Jack Wells....................................................... 96 Long Fox Landscapes.................................63 NPB Garden & Ground Maintenance.... 96 Glass & Glazing Darwin Glass & Glazing...............................87 Granite Worktops Granite Transformations............................... 3
Physiotherapy Anna Simons Physiotherapy.................... 45 SB Sports Injury & Physio. Clinics...........38 Plumbing & Heating A. Watson Home Improvements............ 80 Printing TEAL Design, & Print..................................... 2 Property Maintenance CKN................................................................... 96 Louka Home Care.........................................85 Telford Maintenance Ltd..............................81 Removals Jays Removals............................................... 30 Restaurants/Pubs/Cafes Hadley Park House........................................15 Hawkstone Park...............................................11 Masala.................................................................. 8 No.12 Shifnal.................................................. 6-7 Patshull Park Hotel......................................... 9 Taste of Paradise............................................12 Tayleur Arms.....................................................11 Tea Rooms @ Norwood House.................. 5 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort...................... 43 The Barley.........................................................13 The Bridge Inn.................................................. 9 White House Hotel......................................... 5 Spa Telford Hotel & Golf Resort...................... 43 Solicitor Parry Carver Solicitors.................................51 Terry Jones Solicitors..................................55 Therapy Affinity & Beyond......................................... 43 Tool Hire Jewsons.............................................................61 Trampolining Airea51 ...............................................................19
Gutter Cleaning Gutter PRO......................................................83
Tree Care Holts Tree Care...............................................63 Shropshire Oaks Tree Care....................... 96
Hairdressing Awesome Hair by Karen.............................97
Upholstery PJ’s Re-Upholstery Services......................97
Health & Fitness Telford Hotel & Golf Resort...................... 43
Vets Tern Vets.......................................................... 49
Kennels & Cattery Wychwood.......................................................97
Websites ETAK Creative................................................52 Kalidescope.....................................................53
Kitchens (Supply & Fit) Dream Kitchens & Bedrooms.................. 69 Kitchen Depot............................................. 100 R & R Kitchens.................................................71 Loft Ladders/Boarding Jakes n Ladders.............................................67 Reveal a Space................................................71 Log Burner Installation Alpine................................................................67 Logs Holts...................................................................63
Electrical Goods Tylers Gas & Electrical.................................32
Oak Structures Select Joinery................................................ 68
Electricians Buzz Electrical................................................79 Del Corley Electrical Services...................79
Optician Evenett & Bishop Opticians......................47 Tim Vanes Opticians................................... 49
98
Oven Cleaning Active Cleaning..............................................85
Weddings Hadley Park House Hotel............................15 Image Wedding Cars...................................59 Patshull Park Hotel......................................... 9 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort...................... 43 Welding/Compressors/Sales & Hire Telford Group..................................................79 Will Writing ACW Wills........................................................52 Parry Carver.....................................................51 Windows/Doors/Conservatories APH Windows............................................... 69 R & R Services............................................... 68 Trotfield Windows.........................................72 Yoga RSH Yoga.........................................................97
A range of Solid Fuel Stoves are NOW available
Choose from a wide range of Fires and Surrounds Authorised Dealer for: • Paragon Fires • Montpellier Marble • Gazco and Stovax • Worcester Marble • Esse and many more... • Wonderfire Premier
www.grateideas.co.uk
One of the finest Showrooms in Shropshire
FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE
Castle Trading Estate, Holyhead Road, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9NP
T: 01952 620189
Email: enquiries@grateideas.co.uk 99
Family owned with family values
A friendly, professional service to offer you a wide range of high quality bespoke kitchens, manufactured locally, at great prices.
Contemporary
Modern Classic
Traditional
Call into your local showroom: Global House, Off Trench Road, Telford TF2 6PD. We also have showrooms in: Hemel Hempstead Shrewsbury Wolverhampton
Visit us online at:
thekitchendepot.co.uk 100