Town & Village Life Magazine - May/June 2014

TOWn & VILLAGE LIFE Magazine

May/June 2014

Win a Superb Sparkling High Tea at Halfpenny Green Vineyards Win Tickets for Happy Days at The Grand Theatre

TOWN & VILLAG E LIFE MA GA Z INE

May/June 2014

Delivered to areas of: Hagley, West Hagley, Stourbridge, Pedmore, Oldswinford, Norton, Wollaston, Amblecote, Wordsley, Kingswinford, Lawnswood, Wall Heath, Kinver, Bobbington, Heathton, Stourton, Enville, Swindon, Himley and Sedgley

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Hello Readers, Here comes the sun. At least in theory. Cursed as we are with a temperate climate, us Brits can never be sure of anything longer than a couple of weeks of lukewarm summer sunshine. Every year barbecues are dashed by rain, weddings are washed-out and homeland holiday-makers’ dreams are shattered.

But don’t despair, we have the answers.

Contents stranded near stourport

4

interior design

6

win a sparkling high tea at halfpenny Green vineyards

8

In the home - and still near enough to see England at the World Cup on TV - are our choice picks on home improvement: everything from kitchens, bathrooms and conservatories right through to home extensions, as well as curtains, blinds, plantation shutters and furnishings. Feeling hungry? We have an eating-out guide too.

louise Presley turner – life Coach

10

in season: interview with Greg wallace

12

Crosswords & Puzzles

14

spear travels aphrodite hills Cyprus

18

Our advertisers will help you find all you need to keep your garden from going to seed: landscaping, tips on when and what to plant, fencing, slabbing and even the latest Hydromassage hot tubs. If you think that sounds indulgent, wait til you read about cutting-edge artificial lawns from NeverMo.

rotary Club of kinver

28

stourbridge rugby Club

32

Grand theatre Competition

34

stourbridge Galleries: the art of inspiration

35

wild thing: the appeal of the wildflower Garden

36

the Garden in may

38

Gardening with ann winwood

42

kinver Country fayre

48

recipe of the month

50

Don’t let the grass grow under your feet or on Sunday 15th June you’ll miss Kinver Country Fayre.

Why not arrive there in style in a new Mercedes? The Drayton Group - to which Stourbridge MercedesBenz belong – has scooped the prestigious 2013 UK Retailer of the Year award. Or at the very least, do take a peek at our motoring section.

Or why not skip straight to all things to make the body beautiful with our special feature on beauty clinics - the stuff on having perfect teeth will make you smile if the weather won’t. And with so many social functions on the way, there’s no excuse to not look at our fashion pages.

As you can see there’s much to do come rain or shine, so without further ado I bid you adieu.

Enjoy your read...

Geoff

TOWN & VILLAGE

LIFE M AGA Z I N E

Town & Village Life Magazine Ltd Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY Tel: 01902 744217 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Advertising enquiries

Email: sales@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Gisella Wiley - Sales Director

Editorial/What’s On information

Email: info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Geoff Hall - Editor Magazine design: Studio 28 (www.s28.co.uk) We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Town & Village Life 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 or editorial. 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. Town & Village Life magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior consent of Town & Village Life magazine Ltd.

food review at the french Connection

56/57

turn Back the Clock for younger looking hair

64

stay looking younger for longer

70

women’s fashion – in full Bloom

76/77

social scene

79-81

Golf: Get into the swing of things

88

Golf tip

89

taking Comfort from driving

92

the new Bmw m3 saloon and m4 Coupe

94/95

answers to Crossword & Puzzles

96

the new C Class saloon at mercedes-Benz stourbridge

98

Congratulations to: Winners of the Brassed Off competition at The Grand Theatre Miss Helen Owens, Amblecote Mrs Josephine Price, Stourbridge Mrs P Heathcock, Wall Heath Winners of the Pamper Package competition at Wollaston Beauty Clinic Mrs Vandana More, Pedmore Mrs Kath Jones, Wollaston Winner of the Fabulous meal for 2 at The French Connection Restaurant Mrs Christine Nash, Kingswinford

*Total distribution 15,500 copies bi-monthly

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

03

Stranded Near Stourport By Rob Taylor goods, literally helping to drive forward the Industrial Revolution.

The canal linked the River Severn with the Mersey and Trent making the town one of the busiest inland ports in the Midlands. So, very quickly five canal basins were built and the town expanded at a fantastic rate, with iron foundries, tan mills, carpet mills, barge and boat building yards all springing up.

But then just like global economies, after the boom came the bust.

First came the Worcester and Birmingham Canal in 1815. Bad news. Then came the railway.

Worse news. So very quickly the town, which had emerged from virtually nothing like a volcano creating new land and life, was in decline. The canals were seldom used and left to rot.

I’m bathed in the glow of car tail-lights. The road is jammed-up as far as the eye can see. Nothing is moving faster than a snail on Valium. Who’s to blame, I wonder?

The local council for allowing the commencement of yet more interminable road works? In which case, that’d be Worcestershire County Council, since I’m on the A449 in their neck of the woods.

Or should it be the lacklustre labourers, who are cack-handedly vomiting Tarmacadam into holes at a speed more consistent with the pace of life in the Cotswolds?

while I write and that’s always hard because; firstly, I’m a man and cannot multi-task in the least bit and, secondly, because I’m teasing out a solution to this country’s transportation woes.

And here it is: canals. Why not float all freight down the canal network, thus taking it off the roads, freeing them up immediately for people like me who have places to visit, like, Stourport-on-Severn. Or Stourport, for the lazier among you.

Way back when, in days of sepia and before Black and White TV even, Stourport was - following the completion of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in 1772 - integral in the transportation of

Recently however the canal basins have been restored to their former Georgian glory, creating a top attraction for some of the many tourists who today see the town as a quaint oasis of picturesque tranquility, far from the grime of the grubby Black Country. There are now many pubs, cafes and restaurants to enjoy while observing the hundreds of narrow boats plodding aimlessly up and down the locks.

Leisure time is always best served slow, and I’m sure my plan to return trade to the canals and keep Britain on the go wouldn’t sit too well with recreational boaters on the barges, but, hey, that’s progress for you. It is always scary at the time; much better in retrospect.

Maybe it’s the fault of the Bank Holiday trekker, who has decided now is a good time to collect all his earthly possessions into an ageing, decrepit fibreglass hulk, before cheerily pottering off into the countryside for a week of walking, sitting, staring and using chemical toilets?

Well it turns out, after eventually - by some miraculous hand of divine providence - the culprit crawls into a lay-by to allow traffic to flow once more, it’s the fault of a HGV. A lorry carrying heavy steel cargo.

You may at this point be wondering why I am lumbering along at a speed comparable to said lorry, well, it’s because I’m thinking 04

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Great Theatre at the Grand!

SUN 18 MAY

TUE 13 - SAT 17 MAY

MUSIC BY

LYRICS BY

ALAN MENKEN

GLEN SLATER

MON 19 - SAT 24 MAY

BOOK BY

CHERI STEINKELLNER & BILL STEINKELLNER ADDITIONAL BOOK MATERIAL

DOUGLAS CARTER BEANE AN AMATEUR PRODUCTION BASED IN TOUCHSTONE MOTION PICTURE ‘SISTER ACT’ WRITTEN BY JOSEPH HOWARD

SAT 31 MAY - SUN 1 JUNE

WED 28 MAY

MON 9 - SAT 14 JUNE

Brand new live show!

TUES 24 - SAT 28 JUNE

MON 30 JUN - SAT 5 JULY

TUES 3 JUNE - SAT 12 JULY

THE SMASH HIT MARC BOLAN MUSICAL!

THE MIKADO ( S a t u r d a y ) I O LA N T H E ( t h u - F r i )

The Pirates of Penzance

SUMMER ON S PLAY SEA

(tu eS-W e d)

★★★★

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Daily Mail

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3 JUNE -

12 JULY

BOOK YOUR SEASON TICKET AND SAVE £££s!

JUNE 3-7 LADIES IN RETIREMENT JUNE 17-21 DESIGN FOR MURDER JULY 8-12 THE PICKWICK PAPERS THREE PLAYS, ONE GREAT PRICE

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Box Office 01902

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BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk

05

Interior Design a small to average size room, can actually have a detrimental effect.

Colours, fabrics, lighting and co-ordination are the basics for any interior design. The most important room for any design must surely be the living room, which is the first one guests will be shown into, followed by the dining room.

scheme will have to be built up so as not to clash. If however the carpet is to be changed, a co-ordinated colour scheme of curtains, upholstery, cushions, and throws can be chosen. Exposed wood flooring, appropriately stained and covered with rugs, can actually make the planning of the rest of the decor a lot easier, and in certain circumstances can actually add light to the overall aspect.

When choosing fabrics, firstly consider to what use they will be put. Colours and patterns are very important because you will build up the rest of the decor based on these. With patterned fabrics it is important to consider the size of the pattern. A large pattern in a small room can be over-powering, but if it is used on an item of furniture as a main feature, then it could enhance the whole room. The shapes of patterns on curtains should never be such that they make any room look small, which can happen if say, there are horizontal shapes in a low-ceilinged room. What is needed in that room is vertical pattern to give it extra height.

But what about the walls?

Whatever is on the wall plays an important part of the whole visual effect of any room. Digital technology has created a revolution in the style of wall coverings in just the first few years of this century. Walls can be covered with traditional wallpaper or fabric but this new technology can offer patterns and prints to include 3D imagery, photographs and geometric designs.

Before considering any decor plan, it is important firstly to look at the carpeting. Is that floor covering going to remain? If so any colour 06

There is a trend not to cover all the walls in a room with the same pattern. Different styles, patterns and coloured papers on separate walls can enhance particular features adding interest to the overall look of the room. However, there is a trend to wallpaper door and cupboard panels. Be careful though, in some circles it is considered a ‘bit cheap’ and in

Whatever you have done with fabrics, flooring, and wall coverings, they can be totally wasted if the room is dingily lit.

Light probably plays the most important part in the whole internal decor plan. If the room is being taken back to basics before decorating, consider having electrical wiring installed into the wall and decide the outlets for wiring before the plastering of the room is complete. Wall lighting is now an important part of home decor and need not be the ‘old hat’, 2-pronged fitting with shades balanced on the bulbs that was once common in pubs trying to create an intimate atmosphere, and failing miserably!

There is now a complete new range of wall light fittings, and these can include spot lights to highlight a particular aspect of furniture, painting or a plant.

Lighting should be a combination of wall and ceiling fittings, enhanced by a selection of table lamps. Energy saving light bulbs now enables a room to be lit at a fraction of the cost we faced previously. They are made into standard shapes and candle bulbs. They are still sold by the wattage but because they use a lot less energy, a lower wattage bulb will be needed to give out the same light. For instance, a new 11W bulb will give out the same light as an ordinary 60W bulb.

New materials and new ways of using traditional materials have made a chandelier far more affordable than ever before.

Once the preserve of the wealthy, chandeliers can now be installed into an average living room and together with the newly developed, concealed small light sources, will be a very practical proposition.

Internal decor is always a matter of personal taste.

Manufacturers and retailers today realise this and can provide an enormous selection of home style products, enough to cater for everyone.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Blyth House Hordern Road Wolverhampton WV6 0HS

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07

Perfect as a special treat to do with friends or family, or perhaps just to indulge in on your own, what better way to relax in style than to enjoy one of Halfpenny Green Vineyards’ new, delicious, homemade high teas?

Win A Superb, Sparkling, High Tea at Halfpenny Green Vineyards!

Served on traditional, tiered cake stands, and with your tea enjoyed from vintage china cups and saucers, indulge in a delightful selection of homemade cream cakes, scones with jam and cream, meringues, and sandwich fingers, all made freshly to order in our kitchen and served with unlimited tea or coffee.

Visitors can make their high teas even more of a treat by enjoying them with a glass (or bottle) of Halfpenny Green Vineyards’ own award-winning English sparkling wine. Produced on site in the winery just metres from the tearoom, and using grapes grown in the surrounding fields, the sparkling wine is a delicious, refreshing addition to an afternoon tea and makes for a luxurious addition to share with friends and family.

Guests can enjoy Halfpenny Green Vineyards’ High Teas from within the attractive restaurant and tea rooms which are set within the vineyards, planted over 30 years ago by the Vickers family.

Halfpenny Green Vineyards are offering a special prize of High Tea for Two with a bottle of award-winning sparkling wine.

For a chance to win this unique prize, simply answer the following question correctly:

How long have the vines been planted at Halfpenny Green?

Email your answers to:

info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

08 8

or on a postcard to: Town & Village Life magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY.

All entries to be received by Friday 30th May 2014.

Competition Terms and Conditions: Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received. Winner to be aged 18 years or older. Prize valid until Monday 23rd June 2014.

No cash or alternative prize will be given and booking date will be subject to availability.

All entry details will be forwarded to Halfpenny Green Vineyards unless requested otherwise.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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10/9/12

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09

Feeling a little

b e lo w pa r t o day ? all negative thoughts, I am a capable person and I can handle anything that comes my way.”

Down some green stuff…

Why not try the ultimate feel-good drink - a yummy green smoothie.

This is the best treat you can give yourself when you’re feeling low in energy, unmotivated or a little stressed out. Plus, you get your five-a-day in one go and feed your cells with all the nutrients they need to keep you mentally and physically strong. Try this. A handful of baby leaf spinach, an apple or a pear, half a banana, a cup of water and a squeeze of lemon. Whizz it all up together in a blender and drink up. I promise you’ll feel amazing!

Buy yourself blooms…

It’s very easy to get bogged down by daily life.

Very often our days can feel like ground hog day and before we know it another week has passed us by. The commute to work, taking care of the kids, the endless emails, the housework, the bills, needy friends and family, the list goes on.

Stress, worry and anxiety come at us from all different directions; it’s how we deal with them that’s the key. When we can learn to take control of our stress levels we’ll feel stronger, happier, more confident and calmer.

So here are 6 simple and easy instant pick-me-ups to reduce stress and put a smile on your face.

The ultimate ‘bad day’ mantra…

Affirmations and mantras are a fabulous way to change your thoughts and rewire your brain to feel better. Try this mantra the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Repeat as many times as you can during the day. If needs be, set a reminder on your phone or put some sticky notes around your home. “I let go of and release 10

Simple but effective. Buy yourself flowers or a houseplant. Nature is a fabulous healer, allow a little serenity into your life and let nature lift your mood. Or how about putting your wellies on and getting yourself out in the great outdoors! Nature has a magic way of absorbing the stresses and strains from our bodies; we always come back from a long walk feeling so much calmer and more inspired.

Go Gangnam Style…

from athletes, entrepreneurs, pop stars and yes, even every day folk like you and me! Before you leave the house take a couple of seconds to close your eyes, visualise how you’d like to see your day pan out. A perfect day free of any tension or stress. Notice how effortlessly your day flows, notice how you look and feel and how you act with those around you. Just spend a minute or so visualising your ideal day. Then open your eyes and enjoy a wonderful day.

Eat cake!

We all have days when we want to just hide under the duvet; it’s called being human. If none of the above tips do the trick (but they will!) and you’re still feeling like you don’t want to face the world, why not just ride the feeling whilst it lasts. Everything in life passes, so don’t try and resist it!

Put your joggers on, watch an old classic movie and treat yourself to a piece of lemon cake and a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Tomorrow is a brand new day! Don’t feel bad, but don’t make it everyday!

Often when we’re having a bad day we feel really sluggish, we move slower and our body language changes. Music is the best mood enhancer there is, as it gets the feel-good hormones flowing and gives us that instant ‘pick-me-up’ we need. Dig out your old CD’s or select an uplifting track on your iPod and move your body. Just ten minutes of serious moves is guaranteed to make you feel happier in no time and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Visualise your day in advance…

Visualisation is a powerful tool you can use to change your negative thoughts and beliefs and is practiced by some of the world’s most successful people,

Louise Presley-Turner is a coach, motivational speaker and author of Finding a Future That Fits (Hay House £10.99) Visit www.thegameoflife. co.uk to get your FREE life evaluator and planner.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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11

In Season…

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Ideal Home Show, Gregg Wallace is making sure he’s keeping the punters entertained in his ‘Gregg Wallace Restaurant’.

We quizzed the MasterChef host about his love of food, and what he gets up to when he’s not facing a dinner plate.

Gregg Wallace is best known for co-hosting MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef series on the BBC, alongside fellow foodie John Torode. The pair have worked up an appetite for pushing chefs to their absolute extremes over the years, and their high-pressure challenges have produced equally spectacular and disastrous results.

Of course, Wallace’s no-nonsense, gregarious approach to judging in the kitchen has made him a bit of a fans’ favourite. There must have been plenty of great moments from the series. What have been the best memories?

“I think aside from some fantastic dishes, what really stands out with MasterChef is the travelling we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. We’ve been to some amazing places.

Amongst my favourites I think are Thailand and India, where there is such a strong food culture and yet so different to our own.”

chips have gone and the noodles have taken over. I reckon that will continue and I think we will take on more and more influences, especially I think the healthier cuisines.”

Starting his life as a greengrocer, Wallace knows the ins and outs of healthy, fresh and seasonal produce.

As we enter spring, what are his tips for finding the best vegetables?

“We are now at one of the most exciting times of the year for fresh produce, which you can pick up at the old-fashioned greengrocers. The first of the broad beans, the start of the runner beans and spring peas are all coming through. There’s the first of the Cornish new potatoes too, and the Jersey new potatoes are just around the corner. And, of course, the ultimate in luxury vegetables: asparagus!”

Aside from his love of vegetables, Wallace has another very well known food romance, perhaps even more deeply rooted.

“I do love puddings. Not desserts… desserts is a French word. In this country we have puddings, Sir.” With a huge grin across his face, he tells us, “I love them because they’re so unnecessary; they are purely an indulgence.

They’re a present to ourselves and that why I love them. And when Britain was in the culinary wilderness of cuisine with the rest of Europe laughing at us, we were still world leaders in the big, thick, sticky sweet puddings. We do it very well.”

Outside of talking about, and sampling, plenty of amazing food, how does he escape the culinary world?

“MasterChef takes up a lot of my life, but when I’m not doing that my favourite pastime, funnily enough, is fitness and gym work. I’m in the gym six days a week, sometimes twice a day. People don’t realise that I’m also a qualified rugby coach and I absolutely love my rugby. Another thing people don’t realise about me is I’m a very keen amateur historian, so my house is stacked full of reference books. All those things, and I love my children – I’m a single parent and I love spending time with them.

It keeps me busy, and busy is good!”

That said, the emergence of an incredibly rich, vibrant and varied culinary offering in Britain is something, undoubtedly, to be proud of. Does Gregg feel the diversity of food will continue to expand or have we reached a peak?

“We are very fortunate in this country to have such a broad range of food available to us.

In London, especially, it’s an incredible offering. I can only think of one comparable city, really, and that’s New York. We have such cultural diversity and that is expressed brilliantly in a huge number of eateries. What does surprise me, and it’s happened in the past five years or so, is that Asian food has become our takeaway or cheap lunch of choice. I think that fish and

Gregg Wallace is one of the celebrity ambassadors for the Ideal Home Show Manchester, 6-8 November at EventCity, Manchester. Tickets available from www.idealhomeshow-manchester.com 12

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Kitchens with style – modern – contemporary – traditional Our Extensive range of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms will enable us to create the room of your dreams.

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Our Computer Aided Designs will give you the opportunity to experience your new room prior to installation. www.eatonkitchendesigns.co.uk

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13

Quick Crossword Across 1 Stove (4) 3 Confessed (8) 9 Remove (7) 10 Tall structure (5) 11 Current (12) 14 Married woman (3) 16 Smooth surface (5) 17 Perceive (3) 18 Clarifications (12) 21 Fine porcelain (5) 22 Passion (7) 23 Calamity (8) 24 Small room (4)

Sudoku

Down 1 Conquer (8) 2 Devoured (5) 4 Small spot (3) 5 Road junction (12) 6 Defeats (7) 7 Terrible (4) 8 Butterfly larva (12) 12 Simple (5) 13 Private (8) 15 A swinging time? (7) 19 Small fruit (5) 20 Not alkali (4) 22 Female sheep (3)

Easy

Hard

Puzzle answers on page 96

Word Search Find the words associated with photography in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase.

Blender

Heater

Brush

Iron

Can opener

Lamp

CD player Coffee maker Dishwasher Doorbell Fan

14

Mop Oven Radio Refrigerator Scales Stove

Freezer

Telephone

Grill

Timer

Hair dryer

Torch town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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15

Sandra Walters, Simon Wood, Nick Walters & Julian Flavell

Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Every Customer N.D. Walters has long been regarded as the premier choice for homeowners who are looking for quality floorings, superior service and a complete commitment to customer care that outshines the competition.

Established since 1976, the family-run carpet and flooring business offers clients the best selection of carpets, laminates, vinyls and rugs from an impressive showroom that’s based on the Dudley Road in Sedgley.

Behind a modest shop front lies a 6,000 square foot warehouse, that’s jam-packed with hundreds of rolls of flooring from all of the leading brands, including Ulster, Axminster, Brinton and Karndean.

And that’s not all, because wood flooring, vinyl tiles, rugs and laminates are also on offer, and every item comes with an outstanding valuefor-money price tag.

Following in the footsteps of his successful father - who sadly died in 2011 - owner Nick Walters explains the benefits this alliance offers customers.

“At N D Walters you are treated like a member of the family.”

“Being a member of Greendale means that we can offer a huge range of exclusive products at very competitive prices.”

“We have a lot of end-of-roll stock available all the time, so there are plenty of exciting prices to be found in store.”

But it’s not only in terms of price that customers can profit, because Nick - along with mom Sandra - is determined to keep the customer experience as good as ever.

They also offer free home consultations and come highly recommended by the Carpet Foundation - an independent organisation who monitor and check on carpet retailers to ensure standards of quality and service.

“When helping and advising customers it’s important that we treat people in the way we would like to be treated ourselves.”

“We have an experienced team of staff, who are not sales people, they are there to advise and assist customers. Each member of our team has a great deal of knowledge in the field.”

“It’s very important that we preserve the old-school values begun by my father, and we’re all committed to doing so.”

And there are bargains to be had too, as Nick explains:

And what’s more, N D Walters have even been featured on two of TV’s top DIY shows - DIY SOS and Cowboy Builders - where they helped out two families by supplying the flooring that made their home transformation complete.

So, if you haven’t visited before, be sure to make a trip to N D Walters before you begin any home improvements this spring - it’ll be well worth your while.

There’s everything for traditionalists as well as those seeking cuttingedge fashions, thanks to the team’s commitment to offering something to suit every homeowner’s individual style and taste.

The company has a close working relationship with the Greendale Group, which is the largest carpet and flooring buying company in the UK. 16

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Luxury

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We design and install inspirational bathrooms and kitchens that are totally unique to your lifestyle.

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17

Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel

The wildflower island of Cyprus is a dreamy escape of natural beauty, contemporary boltholes and the perfect smattering of Byzantine architecture.

The Five Star Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel combines the elegance and luxury with an almost limitless array of leisure facilities within Aphrodite Hills on the south western coast of Cyprus at Kouklia. A deluxe fun filled holiday utopia for the whole family.

Only 15 minutes away from the airport this hotel has an array of superb restaurants. Make use of the expansive, inviting lagoon pool plus an indoor pool. There is an attractive Village Square that is host to an array of shops, restaurants and bars. There is a sublime Kids and Teens clubs, live entertainment, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, a complimentary shuttle to two nearby beaches and a championship 18 hole golf academy.

The Cove Beach Club offers the opportunity to enjoy light

18

refreshments in the lounge area, as well as a sandy children’s play area with a selection of equipment to enjoy during the summer months.

The Intercontinental Hotel is the perfect location for your luxury holiday in Cyprus. Our welcoming and friendly team are on hand from the moment you check in to ensure that your holiday in Cyprus will live long in the memory. Enjoy extralarge guest bedrooms and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea or our Championship Golf Course.

Offering 290 luxurious and spacious guest rooms and suites, all interiors are a subtle fusion of contemporary designs and traditional Cypriot décor. Deep orange, red and gold fabrics symbolising the yearround Cyprus sun, are combined with Lefkaritika linen and lace bedspreads. Hand-carved solid wood cabinets and traditional Cypriot ceramics crafted by local artisans, introduce a natural warmth and elegance to each hotel room.

All rooms in the hotel feature private terraces with a pool or garden view and golf course or sea view.

Suites also have the option of

For further details please contact Spear Travels on 01902 752424 or 01902 750361

additional interconnecting rooms, perfect for young families, as well as the choice of an outdoor Jacuzzi or a private plunge pool overlooking the beautiful golf fairways and the stunning Mediterranean Sea beyond.

Our Deluxe Bedrooms are some of the largest of any luxury hotel in Cyprus. Available in twin or double and some with interconnecting doors that are ideal for larger family groups. If you choose to upgrade to one of our Club Rooms or Club Suites then you can also enjoy the privileges of our Club Lounge.

For the ultimate in luxury why not consider our Presidential Suite, without doubt one of the best suites of any luxury hotel in Cyprus.

Depending on your choice of room or suite, each type is located in discreet blocks that radiate out along tree lined paths from the central hotel reception. Choose from rooms or suites that are closer to the pools and restaurants or those that are a little further away with views across the golf course or the gardens.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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19

MP Visit Marks Vineyard’s Growing Success MP for South Staffordshire Gavin Williamson toured the newly expanded winery and wine tasting centre at Halfpenny Green Vineyards near Bobbington.

On his visit to Halfpenny Green Vineyards in March, he met owners Clive and Lisa Vickers, Martin Vickers and his wife Tina Abbiss as they spent time in the new winery, which has expanded to double in size this year to help meet the demand for wine making.

Mr Williamson met the winery staff and learnt about the bottling process which was underway.

The MP then went on to tour the Wine House, the new wine tasting and events venue which was completed at the start of the year.

and see the new areas of the business, of which we are very proud. Last year saw a bumper crop and so the newly expanded winery - which has doubled it in size to 10,000 square feet - couldn’t have come at a better time. Our new Wine House, adjacent to the winery, has all the facilities required for private and corporate hire as well as vineyard tour groups and wine tastings, and offers people a chance to see the work which goes on in the busy winery via a superb

viewing area. I hope Gavin enjoyed seeing all we have to offer here at Halfpenny Green Vineyards.”

MP Gavin Williamson said: “It was a great experience to tour the new ventures at Halfpenny Green Vineyards and, of course, tasting its award winning wine.

It is always wonderful to see local businesses expand and I am sure both the larger winery and new wine tasting centre will prove a tremendous success.”

Clive and Lisa Vickers showed the region’s MP the major developments to the business over the past year to increase recognition of Halfpenny Green Vineyards as a leading tourist destination for the region. He then tried some of the award-winning wine produced on site by the team at the winery.

Clive, whose family has owned and managed the vineyard since it was planted 30 years ago by Clive’s father, Martin, said: “We were really pleased to welcome Gavin to come and visit the vineyards

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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23

loveyourblinds Comes to Kinver

L/R: Simon Doble, Pene Winwood & Paul Morris

Love Your Blinds and Love Your Shutters are located side-byside at 83 High Street, Kinver.

Paul and Simon, who have been in the industry all their working lives, took the decision to expand after seeing business boom, particularly in shutters. The new showroom will give them more room for shutter displays, as well as being convenient for customers in the Claverley, Pedmore, Wombourne, Hagley and Swindon areas.

“Shutters are what everybody wants right now,” Paul says. “You see them on TV all the time, for instance in the backdrops for adverts and home shows. They are extremely effective and people just love the look of them.”

It’s easy to see why. ‘Plantation’ or ‘colonial’ shutters offer a stylish and elegant solution for either contemporary or traditional interiors. Made to measure, they will fit any shape or size of window, including sash, casement, arched topped and patio doors. There’s a wide choice of colours and they are made in sustainable woods or upvc.

Pene, who has worked in the blind manufacturing and retailing industry for over 20 years, divides her time between the Kinver and Bridgnorth showrooms.

She says by adding an additional layer to your glazing, shutters not only control light but can help reduce noise levels too. They provide privacy 24

while allowing in natural light, keep homes cool in summer yet warm in winter, and are long lasting.

It’s not just shutters that have been grabbing people’s attention lately. Paul says he is also seeing growing demand for shade sails for conservatories as an alternative to blinds.

“They look absolutely fantastic,” he says. “They’re attractive, stylish, and washable – ideal for a room where you may find flies a bit of a problem.”

The advanced stretch fabric creates a sail that is easy to install or remove. The unique selftensioning edge allows each sail to adapt to fit, creating a taut, smooth surface every time.

Sails can be used to great effect when providing only partial coverage, for example shading just a south facing aspect. The solar efficient fabric reflects 72% of solar energy, keeping your conservatory cooler, and diffuses 100% of visible light; on a sunny day, the wonderful pools of light and shadow that move with the sun create a very natural, outdoor feel.

Whether its blinds, shutters, sails or even patio awnings you are looking for, Love Your Blinds and Love Your Shutters has the solution, with free, no obligation quotations.

Visit the showrooms at 10 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, or 83 High Street, Kinver alternately, telephone the Bridgnorth showroom on 01746 768138 or the Kinver showroom on 01384 877518. town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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25

Charmingly british Jewellery Launched in April, at its home in the Staffordshire countryside, Charmingly British is set to become a desirable, luxury brand that reflects its designer, Sue Wilkinson’s, strong connection with all that is British.

“My father was in the jewellery business, and it is his passion for providing the best of British, that has driven me to design and produce this new brand of jewellery. When I tried to find something a bit different from the high street brands, I struggled to find jewellery that wasn’t imported from the Far East; even the well-known brands are mainly manufactured abroad. I put my design skills to work and produced my first collections, which we trialled last year at some of the big country events” said Sue, who has taken inspiration from her background as a riding instructor, to design her delightful bracelets.

Charmingly British works with as many local companies as possible,

Sue Wilkinson with John Henn from T.A.Henn

keen to support other British businesses. It also keeps their carbon footprint low. The packaging is made locally by a company with a Royal Warrant; making the gift boxes for Prince Charles’s Highgrove Estate. Sue has sourced from other local businesses with equally impressive credentials; one of her jewellers makes designs for Faberge and Mappin and Webb.

bracelet, incorporating natural crystals and a changeable leather strap.

With two very different collections, Charmingly British has managed to offer something for everyone. The leather bracelets of the ‘Classic’ collection are designed to be sturdy enough to wear whilst working or competing, and the very individual ‘Spirit’ collection is a more delicate

Sue is hoping to work with some iconic British retail outlets, offering them bespoke collections designed especially for them.

Charmingly British has also come to the notice of gold medal winner Carl Hester MBE, who won the dressage with his team at the London Olympics. “I couldn’t be more delighted and proud to have Carl’s backing for my jewellery, when we did the photo shoot with him, he said he loves them!”

“One day I would love to see Charmingly British sitting alongside some of our best loved British brands” said Sue.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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The Rotary Club of Kinver Kinver Rotary Club Commissions Top U.K. Stonemasons For Toposcope Refurb The Rotary Club of Kinver has commissioned one of the country’s leading stone masons to carry out the refurbishment of the Toposcope on the top of Kinver Edge.

The 4ft diameter piece of slate that displays the information has been attacked by the weather and is to be replaced with a piece of black granite.

The lettering on the new top which will be an exact replica of the original created in 1990 is being carried out by Perfitt of Norfolk whose work is to be seen extensively at the National Memorial Arboretum at Arlewas. The Kinver Edge project is in fact to be executed immediately after the completion of a memorial commemorating the Battle of the River Plate.

An unveiling ceremony of the refurbished Toposcope is planned for Saturday May 17 when Gavin Williamson, Member of Parliament for South Staffordshire will be guest of honour.

The club has completed the distribution of the proceeds of the record-breaking Christmas sleigh collection, with more than £5,000 going to charities in the collection areas: Kinver, Stourton, Enville, Wollaston and Wall Heath.

As usual the beneficiaries cover the entire spectrum of society: schools and pre-schools, the elderly, sporting organisations, the two Kinver village buses, hospices and other medical charities and social and recreational groups.

and mash at a rock bottom price while members paid their usual meal price, with the balance going to Rotary International’s initiative with the World Health Organisation to eliminate polio throughout the world. It is expected that up to £200 will be raised for the charity.

More than £500 profit came from an evening of magic provided by local magician and illusionist John Milner, attended by almost 100 members and guests.

Replenishing the funds in the club’s charity accounts has been possible through a number of events. A “frugal evening” was held when Stef Caron at The Fox at Stourton served up bangers

for charities and good causes, making Kinver a nicer place to live.

“This is all down to a group of just over 40. For 40 people to make such a difference to a community is an amazing achievement.”

He thanked the members for always giving him a kind welcome and involving him in the club activities, and added: “There is nothing more valuable than being part of a community. It is my privilege to be part of this club.”

Fox Inn at Stourton that he felt it a privilege to be invited to be an honorary member of what he described as “an amazing club”.

Carrying out the induction, President Nick Geoghegan thanked Gavin for his continuous support of the club despite his increasing commitments at Westminster since his election to Parliament in 2010 and presented him with an engraved crystal decanter and tumbler (together with his Kinver Rotary Club badge to be worn every time he attends the club).

He said: “Kinver Rotary Club is an amazing club, not just for the little things it does, but the massive things: raising tens of thousands of pounds each year

Gavin’s induction was followed by an address by guest speaker Peter Cooper on behalf of the Barrel of Fun drop in centre at Kidderminster.

Gavin with President Nick Geoghegan, Secretary Clive Roseblade and Treasurer Nigel Williams highlighting their club name badges that have to be worn at every club meeting

Local MP Receives Honorary Membership of Kinver Rotary Club South Staffs MP Gavin Williamson has become only the second honorary member of the Rotary Club of Kinver since its formation in 1985.

He told Rotarians and their wives at an induction ceremony at The 28

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

More Choice at

Creative Interiors wallpaper ranges from William Morris and paint ranges from Little Greene and Sanderson.

Alongside our bespoke curtain and blind making, we offer a full re-upholstery service, as well as made to measure sofas, footstools and headboards - all chosen from our extensive and varied range of upholstery fabrics.

After 15 years of operating in a relatively small space, we have expanded our showroom to include a dedicated area for customers to view fabrics and wallpapers and discuss design ideas.

The extra space will enable us to offer new fabric and

Whatever your requirements we have friendly and experienced staff who are available to help you in store or for more guidance, a consultation service can be arranged by appointment.

Owner Jackie added “Myself and the team were overwhelmed by the support we had from our loyal customers, who joined us to celebrate our opening.

To celebrate our opening we are offering Town & Village Life Magazine readers a

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Our new more spacious showroom will allow us to showcase statement mirrors, large unusual pieces of furniture and a fabulous range of chandeliers, floor and table lamps. With more wall space, a range of larger prints and pictures will now be available too.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Hatfield Interiors at Cutnall Green - A Great Day Out Located in a charming converted barn in the pretty village of Cutnall Green, Hatfield Interiors has got everything you need to make your home look amazing; from fabulous soft furnishings and accessories to a bespoke interior design service that’s available to everyone.

Owner Rachel Barnes worked as a designer for Laura Ashley before starting her own business 14 years ago. Employing her years of experience in the trade, Rachel - and her team - offer clients all the help and advice they need to achieve the look they’ve always wanted for their home - no matter what the size of their project or budget.

You will find a gift shop with an array of gifts at Hatfield Interiors that are wonderful for the home and garden and each is beautifully presented in stylish room sets. You’ll find furniture, lighting, pictures, mirrors, cushions, jewellery, scarves and much more. And there is also a tea room where you can take a break from your shopping and treat yourself to a scrumptious cake, or even a light lunch.

During the spring and summer months, visitors

can take full advantage of the delightful gardens that surround the property. There’s plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy refreshments, and dogs are welcome to come too.

Open Gardens at New House Farm - as featured in the National Garden Scheme’s ‘Yellow Book’ Throughout June and July New House Farm’s gardens are open to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme to raise much-needed funds for charities like, Macmillan, Marie Curie and Help the Hospice.

The dates for your diary this year are; Saturday 19th July - where the gardens are open between 10am and 5pm - and Sunday 20th July, where you can take a look round between 11am and 3pm.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact Rachel or her team.

Bespoke Interior Design Service Contemporary Fabrics and Wallpapers Soft Furnishings Made In-House

We can provide the inspiration to create a beautiful space in your home Gift Shop showcasing stylish home accessories - Tea Room serving scrumptious cakes and light lunches

Hatfield Interiors, New House Farm, Kidderminster Rd, Cutnall Green, Droitwich WR9 0PW Tel: 01299 851013 / 07770 984231 email: barnes.p7@sky.com www.hatfieldInteriors.com Like us on Facebook Directions: From Kidderminster proceed on the A442 and then follow signs for Cutnall Green

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

31

Another Season comes to its end at Stourton park

It has been another very exciting season for Stourbridge RC. The season went down to the wire again and despite winning 27 games, losing 2 and drawing 1, we did not achieve promotion.

That result is a testament to the quality and competitiveness of the League in which we play. We have played lots of entertaining rugby and as a result have enjoyed the best support in the League for the second season running Other sections of the Club continue to develop and grow due to the passion and commitment of dozens of well qualified and highly motivated volunteers. Our Mini and Junior Section is an excellent example of all of those qualities. It is always rewarding to see these young players progress through their age groups and develop a strong skill set and loyalty to this Club and the game of rugby.

Lee Mears: Lee is a Bath rugby propping legend, making over 200 appearances for the club and earning 42 England caps and appearing five times for the British & Irish Lions on their 2009 tour to South Africa.

David Flatman: A prop by trade, ‘Flats’ has been capped eight times for England. He started at Saracens in 1998, playing there until 2003 when he moved to Bath staying until he retired in 2012. He is now Bath’s Head of Communications.

Following the Friday Lunch we had the event to be seen at – the Stourbridge Rugby May Ball which this year was held on Saturday 10th.

John Bentley (Master of Ceremonies): ‘Bentos’ had a very successful career in both Rugby League and Union playing on the wing earning international caps in both codes and also with the Lions. He is acknowledged as one of the game’s true characters!

So whether you’re joining us to cheer on the teams as they play, watching an International game on the big screen, attending a private party or coming to one of our fantastic corporate or black-tie events, we very much look forward to welcoming you to Stourton Park soon!

The Stourbridge Rugby May Lunch returned to Stourton Park and our May Marquee on Friday 9th May this event is the highlight of our corporate calendar.

As ever hundreds of the regions’ business leaders met to enjoy a fantastic four-course lunch and the opportunity to entertain and be entertained!

This year we were thrilled to have Lee Mears and David Flatman as our guest speakers and John Bentley as Master of Ceremonies.

T: 01384 395000 E: rugby@stourbridgerugby.com www.stourbridgerugby.com 32

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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Competition Three lucky winners can each win 2 tickets to see HAPPY DAYS on Tuesday 10th June at 7.30pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

HAPPY DAYS THE MUSICAL – TUE 10 – SAT 14 JUNE 2014 HAPPY DAYS are here again with the premiere of a brand new UK tour based on the hit TV series. Starring Heidi Range as Pinky Tuscadero and Ben Freeman as the unforgettable ‘King of Cool’ Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli!

Join Cheryl Baker as Mrs Cunningham and the rest of the gang – Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi as they battle to save their beloved diner Arnold’s from demolition.

In a race against time, can everyone’s favourite hero ‘The Fonz’ save the day?

HAPPY DAYS ‘A New Musical is a hilarious feel-good musical that is guaranteed to have you rocking’ and rollin’ all week long!

“Happy Days are here again” The Times & Daily Mail.

“The new musical, bursting with colour, song and dance” Southern Daily Echo “Bright, refreshing and fun. Just what the doctor ordered” The Chichester Observer

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 429212 or visit our website at www.grandtheatre.co.uk 34

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send it on a post card with your name, address and telephone number to Town & Village Life Magazine at the address below before Wednesday, 28th May 2013.

Only postal entries can be considered for the competition and winners will be notified by telephone.

The creative consultant for this brand new production of Happy Days – The Musical is the original TV Fonz. What was his name? a) Henry Ford b) Henry Winkler c) Henry Tudor d) Henry Hoover Competition Terms and Conditions Please post all entries to Town & Village Life Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY. To be received by no later than Wednesday 28th May 2014. Winners to collect tickets from the Box Office on the night. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash or alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in publicity.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Stourbridge Galleries: The Art of Inspiration This month the work of artist, James Bartholomew, is being introduced to the galleries. His work which is divided into two themes; the sea and coast and his cow and animal studies, is full of movement and energy and has collected several awards, appearing in private and corporate collections around the world.

As James says “I believe that if you focus on subjects that you have a strong passion for, you’ll produce the most interesting and exciting results.” All his prints are signed and numbered by the artist and are immaculately produced to the highest quality using lightfast inks on heavy weight fine art paper or canvas.

James’s work together with that of artists including Anna Wright, Becky Mair, Alan Reed, Ian Faulkner and many others are framed to a very high standard in Stourbridge Galleries’ own workshops, ensuring that the artwork is perfectly complemented by the framing.

This fine 19th century house is the home of a truly 21st century shopping experience.

Established in Worcester Street for thirty years, Stourbridge Galleries has a fine reputation as a gift shop, gallery and picture framers. Inside you will find an exciting mix of contemporary design-led gifts, jewellery and scarves, greetings cards, artwork and home accessories. Design, quality and value for money are paramount when selecting the stylish and unusual collections for the store, giving a choice of products not readily available on the high street.

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To complete that perfect gift, select from a range of beautifully designed contemporary gift wrap and bags.

Open: 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday

58 Worcester Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AS Tel: 01384 390170 www.stourbridgegalleries.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

35

Wild Thing - The Appeal of The Wildflower Garden

by Andi Way from Boningale Garden Creations flower will also vary from year to year according to temperature, moisture and available nutrients.

This will ensure that no two years are the same to give a constantly changing landscape.

So what is the simplest way of creating a wildflower meadow?

As an accredited partner of Wildflower Turf, who created several bespoke wildflower mixes for the 2012 Olympics, we recommend and install their ‘soil-less’ system. We’ve looked at several products on the market, and this system is by far one of the best because it is weed suppressing, easy to handle and delivers a guaranteed wildflower coverage within just a few weeks.

Garden design isn’t just about hard landscaping, structural planting and water features.

It is also suitable for a range of soil types too, and is shade and drought tolerant. Our customers also like the fact that it is extremely easy to maintain, requiring only one to two cuts per year.

Sometimes naturalistic planting is just what an area needs, and in the past year, sales of UK wildflower seeds have increased by 60%, thanks partly to renewed interest fuelled by the stunning wildflower meadows at the Olympic Park in 2012.

I’ve produced some stunning results simply by planting a wildflower garden. It doesn’t matter if you have a small, domestic garden or a large meadow, there are myriad benefits.

Wildflower gardens are not only good for wildlife – attracting insects and birds – but the riot of colour they produce from spring through until the end of summer is just spectacular.

The emergence of flowers and the type of plants that

For further information or advice on Wildflower Turf, visit: www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk or call Andi direct on 01902 376500 36

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk 37

The Garden In May Things really are beginning to get into full swing in the garden this month.

If you have planned things right you should have a whole host of plants in bloom - stacks of colour, and as for the vegetable garden, well there should be something to add to the table to make all that hard work seem worthwhile. Goodies should include asparagus perhaps, broad beans, spring cabbage of course, spinach, lettuce, salad onions, and rhubarb for pud; though remember, if you cut it green it makes a rather deliciously sharp addition to lamb dishes.

Weather-wise things are still a bit uncertain. There is still a danger at night of frost so keep some protection to hand just in case - horticultural floss is a useful, easy-to-store and easily re-usable material that is well worth investing in. Do remember to close frames and greenhouse vents at night too - just in case.

The list of things that will be in flower at this time of year is too long to include here but many of these early flowering subjects tend to stop blooming before summer is in full blast. So, keep on sowing hardy annuals for colour later on - you can put the seeds in outdoors from now on with every hope of success.

Seedlings you brought on in the greenhouse can go into frames to harden off, those you brought on in frames can go outside but remember that shelter if need be.

Take the trouble to snip off flower heads from late flowering bulbs - unless you want the seeds. It 38

probably isn’t worth the trouble with the narcissus family as plants raised from seed take some years to flower and bulbs are much quicker.

Crocus and snowdrops of course seed very successfully - in the latter case, almost too successfully!

You can help things along, again especially with the narcissi, by giving them all a high nitrogenous liquid feed because it will help build up those bulbs for next year’s efforts. You should transplant all bulbs grown indoors to the outside world now too. Leave them intact so they can finish growing and extract nourishment from their leaves and when those leaves are quite withered you can take them up, sort out the bulbs and either store them away for next year or plant them amongst the rest around your garden.

This is also the time to start lifting and dividing any of the Primula family you have in the garden. They include polyanthus, primroses, cowslips and oxslips.

As soon as they have finished flowering, lift and divide them so each piece has a rosette of leaves and root rhizome with roots attached. Replant, preferably in a humus rich soil than water in with a weak fertilizer solution.

Now is the time to plant out those dahlia tubers you’ve been hoarding all winter. Choose a sheltered, sunny spot on a sunny day and keep protection handy in case of frosts - they really don’t like the cold.

This is the time to prepare window boxes, containers and hanging baskets. The first two will need plastic mesh to cover drain holes,

an inch or so of broken crock or brick, a thin layer of fine gravel, an inch or two of dead leaves or dried moss then a deep top-up with a well-balanced compost.

Your choice of plants is purely personal but most of the shorter annuals, dwarf pelargoniums, geraniums, dahlias, begonias and colourful greenery would do. A box on a kitchen windowsill could be planted up with a selection of herbs quite usefully too.

Hanging baskets will need a bit more work. The old wire ones should be lined with live sphagnum moss over which you lay fine-mesh netting - the plastic sort is best.

You can also use sheet polythene but it must be well perforated first. Fill with compost, planting as you go (if you use modern baskets you will only need to fill with compost and plants).

You can use any of the plants you chose for the window boxes - except perhaps the herbs, but those with a trailing/hanging habit are obviously necessary as well as some upright subjects. Begonia Pendula, Campanula isophylla, Ipomoea, ivy leafed pelargoniums, trailing Lobelia, any of the Tradescantia or Zabrina family, nasturtiums and Chlorophytum are some of the possibilities.

However, they are mostly a touch on the delicate side so keep the basket(s) hanging up indoors till all danger of frost is past.

Bear in mind, while all your precious plants are growing like mad - the weeds will be doing so too, so keep that hoe chopping away every day or they’ll take you over completely.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

39

Never Mow the lawn Again It was not that long ago that if you mentioned you were having an artificial lawn installed to your neighbour a look of disdain would fall over their face as they visualised an 80’s style Astroturf five a side football pitch complete with shiny surface and plenty of skin burns!

of the range of benefits of doing so. So why would you consider pulling up your existing lawn and creating an artificial landscape?

Times have changed as we are now five generations of artificial grass on from that original product first laid in the Houston Astrodome ( hence the name ) and grasses are now plentiful in range of colour, texture, length and softness.

Then take the inclement British weather, wet turf is no fun for children (or their parents when it comes to washing their clothes) but with an artificial lawn play areas are useable 365 days of the year and we can even install special shock proof material beneath the lawns to soften falls from tall play equipment.

For nearly ten years at Nevermo we have been installing the perfect lawn in customers’ homes, schools and nurseries and it is becoming increasingly popular year on year as more and more people become aware 40

Well the reasons our customers provide us are numerous but amongst the most popular are dog owners who want rid of the scarred patches, worn run areas, dug holes and endless muddy paws walked into the house; I am sure every dog owner can sympathise with these reasons and artificial lawns are 100% dog proof!

Then there is the maintenance issues of a natural lawn, as we get older we all want less maintenance in our homes and gardening is

no easy chore, even for people who love it, but it is not always particularly visually appealing to pave over lawned areas just to save on cutting the lawn. Many lawns just fail to grow, due to numerous reasons including the influence of surrounding trees, high water tables etc.

Artificial lawns now look stunning and the reality is a well installed one from a quality supplier is very difficult to tell from the real thing.

A new lawn can be achieved very quickly, often in a day, with the old lawn removed and taken away, a new sub base laid and a ready to use lawn by the end of the day.

One word of caution though, the market is becoming flooded with poor quality imported material, a good quality UK sourced lawn, installed by trained installers will not be the cheapest you can buy but it will be guaranteed and stand the test of time giving years of trouble free use.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

“NEVERMO” ARTIFICIAL LAWNS From August Home Improvements

You wouldn’t believe this is artificial grass!

Artificial Lawns have become one of the MUST have home improvements of recent times.

BEFORE

An affordable solution to problem lawns, you will simply not believe it is not grass.

Never mow again!

100% dog proof  Cannot be stained or dug up No more muddy shoes  No more bald patches Perfect lawn all-year-round  No more weeds Great for children’s play areas

AFTER

Fully guaranteed and installed by our professionally trained installers and with a choice of grass types it is the perfect solution.

Take a look at our website for more information:

www.nevermo.co.uk

Call Free on 0800 988 5938 or you can email us at enquiries@nevermo.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

41

Spring in the Garden After a wet start to the year, March turned out to be fairly mild, but we still need to watch out for the late sharp frosts of April and the first part of May that can spoil the fruit blossoms and kill any tender plants put outside too soon.

There’s plenty to plant out and do in the vegetable plot at the moment. Plant smaller quantities little and often to keep a steady supply of veg for the kitchen. There’s a full range of vegetable and herb plants available now in garden centres.

Remember don’t plant out tomato plants or cucumbers

Tips are provided

by Ann Winwood from Lealans Garden Centre, Wolverhampton

until it’s warmer at night – they soon go blue if they’re cold!

Runner beans shouldn’t be put out till the end of May either.

Watch out for Peach Leaf Curl on peaches and nectarines; remove any damaged leaves and burn. Plants can be sprayed with a fungicide as the buds begin to swell and again 14 days later. Spray gooseberries regularly against American mildew and Sawfly – they can strip a plant almost overnight.

Start making up hanging baskets and tubs. Use a good multipurpose or tub and basket compost that has added moisture control and slow release fertilizer.

Don’t leave them outside at night until the beginning of June; a late frost will spoil them. They need good light levels at the moment to get established, so keep them

in a greenhouse, conservatory or utility room, never in a dark shed. One new idea for planting baskets this year is the new ‘Trixi’ plant – this is a rooted plug plant which contains 3 different plants which will grow together forming a mass of colour through the summer months. Just 1 plant is required in a 8 – 10” hanging pot and 3 plants in a 16” basket. We saw them at Ball Colegraves open day last summer and they were definitely the wow factor of the event.

Continue to look out for slug damage on young herbaceous plants, and summer bedding such as Marigolds. Use slug pellets or one of the natural controls that are available.

OPEN DAILY

Tel 01902 700209 Lealans own brand compost – 80 litre bags, still only £12.00 for 3 bags Geraniums, Fuchsias, basket plants ready now Hanging baskets being accepted for summer refilling Huge range of top quality shrubs, trees, roses, alpines and herbaceous plants always in stock

Lealans Garden Centre Bridgnorth Road, Shipley, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7EZ www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk

42

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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w w w . o c l - k i n g s w i n f o r d . c o . u k Opening Times : Mon - Fri 8.00 - 18.00 | Sat 8.00 - 16.00 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

43

2 Minutes on Savings with Jeremy Wood, Chief Executive of Dudley Building Society Many of us have found the past few years a struggle in an economic environment which has seen increasing costs and very little, if any, in the way to compensate us in the way of increasing income.

However, the importance of saving for things we need in the short term like holidays or longer term for retirement has not diminished. There is no doubt that this recession has taught us all that saving for what we need is a far better way of affording the things we want in the long run.

So there are a couple of important questions to ask. Where is the best place to invest our hard earned cash and which institution do we trust at a time when many people have

questioned the integrity of some financial services providers?

As the Chief Executive of Dudley Building Society, I might seem a little biased on this point, but I have always been an advocate for the regionally based building society serving its local community. Historically therefore, building societies have offered better rates for savers than banks with regular mentions in best buy tables as well as providing a personal service through their networks of regionally based branches manned by local staff, who understand your needs and the area you live in.

owned by our customers, so do not pay dividends to shareholders as banks do.

Instead, surplus profits are ploughed back into providing better service along with better rates for savers and lower rates for borrowers.

As a Society we are becoming more accessible, rather than less, with greater investment in fully trained staff and improvements to local branch access.

However, what a lot of people tend to forget is that we are

a nisa isa

Remember to take advantage of your ISA allowance by saving tax free with the Dudley.

You can save with our ISAs, JISA and soon to be NISA’s.

Don’t Forget!

From 1 July 2014 all ISAs will become New ISAs (NISAs) and your savings allowance will increase to ÂŁ15,000.

www.dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk

Telephone: 0845 850 2369 Brierley Hill | Dudley | Gornal Wood | Kingswinford | Perton | Stourbridge

44

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Dave’s Window Cleaning

Dave Russon Painter & Decorator

An established business committed to providing a professional, reliable, friendly service.

Professional Painting & Decorating

Using heated pure water technology I guarantee your windows will be cleaned perfectly every time.

◗ Interior & Exterior ◗ Reliable & friendly service ◗ City and Guilds Qualified

Frames cleaned every time at no extra cost!

Seeing is Believing To arrange your free demonstration and no obligation quote please call, text or email

Dave Turley

For a free quote please call

07790 165654 / 0800 1182033

01902 687818 or 07710 485036

daveswindowcleaning@hotmail.com

Woodbank Road, Sedgley, DY3 3NW

www.daveswindowcleaning.co.uk

Do’ ‘Good At What We Manufacturers, Suppliers & Installers of all types of domestic and commercial fencing and gates.

Call us today on:

01384 725435 Heath Mill Industrial Est, Heath Mill Road, Wombourne WV5 8AP

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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PROFENCE! 45

April Auction Review at Perry and Phillips Perry and Phillips April auction took place on the 1st (April fools day), which must have made the auctioneer a bit nervous, however everything went very well.

The monthly auctions always take place on the first Tuesday of the month and start at 10.30am.

Viewing for the auction takes place on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday prior to the Auction.

There were approx 460 lots in the auction covering furniture, silver, jewellery, pictures, porcelain and collectables.

Probably the most unusual items were a collection of Four Brass Dog Collars, the most important of which was inscribed “Lieutenant Inglefield RN-My Faithful Dog-NeroWho saved the lives of Two Men in China”. This dog collar sold for £1100 because of the inscription and because of the history of Lieutenant Inglefield who served in the first Anglo-China War and in the Crimean War and finished his career as an Admiral as Commander in Chief of North America and the West Indies Fleet. There were also three other Brass Dog Collars two of which were from Shropshire families, these sold for £210 with the other fetching £110.

Also in the auction was a large collection of silver, about 60 lots, the most unusual of which was a set of six Silver Mounted Whisky Tots with Hallmarked Silver Labels dated London 1912, these were very elegant and sold for £675.

There was also a Regency style Silver Tea Set sold for £360, and a small Liberty and Co Silver and enamel bowl which sold for £280. There was also a collection of silver pocket watches which sold for between £150 and £250 each.

There was also a collection of old prints of the local area, the best of which was a large oak framed print of Wolverhampton Racecourse on Race Day circa 1850.

This showed the racecourse when it was on the site that became “the West Park” and was owned by Thomas William Gifford of Chillington. There were also old prints of Dudley, Bridgnorth, and Tettenhall.

In the furniture section there was a beautiful late Victorian Painted Satinwood Three Fold Screen with nine portraits of young ladies-sold for £450; a late 18th century Single finger 30 hour Oak long case clock with Brass dial - sold for £325. An early 20th century Oak refectory table with gun barrel Legs sold for £380 and an early 19th century oak linen chest with carved panels went for £250.

The auction was very well attended with a good atmosphere and with a very pleasant tearoom and restaurant to sit in to watch the auction made for a very pleasant day.

Perry and Phillips, Old Mill Auction Rooms, Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG. Forthcoming Auctions to be held on Tuesday 3rd June and Tuesday 1st July 2014. For further details visit www.perryandphillips.co.uk or telephone 01746 762248.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Old Mill Antique Centre

Antique & Reproduction Furniture 1000’s of Gift Ideas Bespoke Furniture At The Old Mill Antique Centre we have 4 floors of antiques and quality reproduction furniture – and literally thousands of gift ideas for everyone – all displayed in charming and elegant room settings

Beautiful tables made to your design & specification in-house using only the best quality seasoned Oak or Pine.

 MATCHING PAIR 

Homemade Cakes & Snacks Open 7 days – 10am to 5pm Car Parking Available

Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG Tel: 01746 762248

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

47

Fun for all the Family at Kinver Country Fayre Sunday 15 June 2014

shops to fine dining restaurants and food festivals throughout the county. Through Taste of Staffordshire sponsorship, it is intended that the Fayre will have an enhanced opportunity to showcase great local food and drink from producers like Halfpenny Green Vineyards, who have taken part in the event for the last four years.

Images Courtesy of Purelight Photography

Kinver Country Fayre is all set to offer plenty of entertainment on Father’s Day, Sunday 15 June. The Fayre, a highlight of the village calendar, has grown in recent years to attract over 10,000 visitors.

Not only does the event provide fun for all the family, but it raises funds to help local charities and good causes, having donated £10,000 in grants last year.

For 2014 the theme of “This Island Race” is bringing in traditional entertainment from around the British Isles – including Scottish dancing, English folk dance and Irish music with well known band Dempsey’s Lot playing on the fields. The theme will carry into the children’s fancy dress competition, schools’ art show and into the beer tent, where ales from the isles will be joining local breweries for the day. Then, of course, there’s a full arena programme…

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming a really top attraction this year,

the Vikings of Middle England,” said Charles Sadler, one of the organisers. “They are among the UK’s top Viking re-enactment groups and they’ll be entertaining us with some exciting combat displays, which, I am told, are frighteningly realistic.”

Their Viking village will provide a fascinating living history display that includes a blacksmith and other crafts, weaponry and Icelandic horses. Fayre-goers will be able to test their skills on have-a-go archery, with an option to try out the traditional long bow.

The arena programme also features falconry displays by Hagley Falconry Centre, dramatic woodcraft shows from the Wye Valley Axemen (back by popular demand from 2013), the DRUAC dog agility team in their own arena and that canine extravaganza, the Kinver Country Fayre fun dog show.

For families on Father’s Day, children will have plenty of choice; there is a whole range of entertainment - including a circus skills workshop, puppet shows, a climbing wall, football and rugby games, face painting, donkey rides and bouncy castles – guaranteed to keep them busy. Then there are the shire horses, farm animals, steam engines, classic cars, dozens of stalls and tempting food outlets catering for all tastes, so there really will be something for everyone at this year’s Kinver Country Fayre.

Kinver Country Fayre would like to acknowledge and thank the Marsh family for kindly allowing them the use of their land to hold the Annual Fayre.

Another exciting new aspect of this year’s event is support and sponsorship from Taste of Staffordshire. Celebrating its 13th year, Taste of Staffordshire is helping to raise the awareness and profile of Staffordshire’s culinary delights from local producers and farm

For more information visit www.kinvercountryfayre.com Twitter @KinverFayre

48

www.facebook.com/kinvercountryfayre

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

A day of traditional entertainment, music, dance, family fun and ďŹ ne food.

Showcasing local food and drink

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

49

By Michael Peter Whitehurst Email: mike@takefood.co.uk

recipe of The Month

www.takefood.co.uk

Quick And Easy Chocolate Brownie Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes at 180˚C

INGREDIENTS • 4 medium eggs • 250g of caster sugar • 250g soft dark brown sugar • 200g of cocoa powder • 250g unsalted butter • 100g of self raising flour • 1 tsp of good quality vanilla extract, you can make your own, please email: mike@takefood.co.uk for advice on how to.

EQUIPMENT • 9” square baking tin • heavy based pan • heat resistant plastic spoon • parchment paper METHOD

50

Serves 12

1.

Firstly grease and line your baking tin.

2.

Then melt the butter on a moderate heat on the stove and add the sugar, cocoa and vanilla stirring until combined.

3.

Take off the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes and then beat the eggs in one at a time until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy then add the flour beating until it becomes smooth again and then simply pour into your greased and lined baking tin and bake in the oven. It is easier to allow the brownie once cooked to cool completely before turning out of the tin onto a board.

SERVING SUGGESTION Once cooled slice into squares or fingers, put back in the oven on a tray to warm through and serve it with a good quality ice cream and either some fresh berries or make a quick salted caramel sauce by melting 50g of soft dark brown sugar, 50g of golden syrup, 75g of butter and 100ml of double cream adding a pinch of sea salt flakes. www.facebook.com/takefood www.instagram.com/mikewhitehurst_takefood www.twitter.com/takefood mike@takefood.co.uk www.takefood.co.uk town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Fine Dining Amongst The Vines Held in the vineyards’ restaurant, amongst the rows of attractive vines as a backdrop, Halfpenny Green Vineyards’ Gourmet Evenings take place once a month on a Friday evening, offering diners a special experience and delectable gourmet menu that’s not available to daytime visitors.

Guests to this reservationsonly evening can choose from an excellent range of appetising homemade, seasonal dishes which take in a variety of quality local and regional produce, as well as wider British cuisine.

The delicious courses can include starters such as: seafood trio in coriander and lime butter, pan seared noisettes of lamb marinated in caraway seeds, fresh mint and red chilli, or a sweet fresh fig with melted Roquefort cheese. There is a

sorbet course to cleanse the palate - or a soup or a salad in summer months and then main dishes include fare such as: rack of lamb, served with fondant potato on a bed of savoy cabbage and a port and thyme jus, pork schnitzel with apple-infused creamed potatoes in a white wine sauce, a baked loin of cod set on a seafood risotto or an asparagus and leek pancake on crisp rocket served with a Roquefort gratin. The dessert menu can include lemon meringue pie made with fresh berries, or a superb selection of British cheeses with homemade chutney and fruit. A choice of coffee or tea and a chocolate then finishes off the meal.

The evenings have a smart but comfortable atmosphere where diners are welcome to relax in the restaurant and enjoy the unique vineyard scenery while they are served a sumptuous menu.

The next gourmet evening is being held at the vineyards on Friday June 6th. Visitors can contact Halfpenny Green Vineyards to book on a Gourmet Evening on: 01384 221122.

www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP The Wine House

Enjoy our new High Teas

A new and unique vineyard setting for group tours, private events, business lunches, corporate training days and group visits.

Take your tea in style with one of our delightful traditional high teas, perfect as a gift or just to enjoy yourself!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.30AM – 5.00PM Tel: 01384 221122 Email: sales@halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

51

Compton in the park!

On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June In West Park, Wolverhampton 10am until 5pm

Compton Hospice

Caring Together

Charity Reg No: 512387

Following the success of our last years ‘Compton in the Park’ fun day, staged in conjunction with bbp Security Services, we are doing it all again!

And this year - its going to be even bigger and better than ever!

We will be taking over West Park in Wolverhampton to bring you not one but two full days of family fun, which promises something for everyone from tots to teenager to big kids at heart.

Compton in the Park 2014 will be held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June from 10am until 5pm and will feature an array of live multi-cultural performances from bands, musicians, choirs, dance groups, dog shows and much more. Kids will be able to enjoy a range of rides, amusements and crafts whilst mum and dad can browse the many market and trader stalls displaying goods from across the globe.

Why not then relax and have a drink in our beer tent serving a range of beers, lagers and soft drinks.

Over the two days we will be hosting a number of fundraising events that you can take part in.

On the Saturday, why not take part in our ‘Dive for Dosh’ bungee jump and take the plunge from an 150ft crane.

Also, this year for the first time we will be holding the ‘Colour Blast 5K’. Get blasted with paint powder and you tackle this 5K run, then take part in the biggest colour blast party that Wolverhampton has ever seen!

On the Sunday is our ever popular family event the ‘Annual 5 Mile Sponsored Memory Walk/Fun Run’ Then in the afternoon is ‘The Compton Cup’ 5-a-side football tournament in homage to the 2014 World Cup.

These two days of family fun are not to be missed.

Animal lovers can meet their favourite creatures in our petting zoo and all the fun of Blackpool will come to Wolverhampton as we offer donkey rides courtesy of Dunton Stables.

Join in the fun with the brand new Signal 107 radio roadshow who will be broadcasting live across the county with presenter Dicky Dodd compering our arena and stage acts.

The very best barbecue food will be served by our very own Compton Coffee Shop and for the first time this year we are excited to bring you a food truck rodeo featuring the very best Indian, Asian and Caribbean cuisine, all made freshly on site.

52

Sponsored by bbp Security Services & Training Ltd. Supported

by Signal 107, 2nd Floor, Mander House, Wolverhampton, WV1 3NH. Tel 01902 571070, Angel Springs, Angel House/ Shaw Pk Business Village/Shaw Rd, Wolverhampton WV10 9LE. Tel 01902 422755 and The Milk Bar.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

53

Eating Out

TOWN & VILLAGE

LIFE M AGA Z I N E

Promote your venue to over 32,000* readers in the Stourbridge and surrounding areas with Town & Village Life Magazine 54

For further details and to find out how your venue cantown be featured please call Gisella on 01902 744217 & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed

RATED 5 AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT FOR 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for over 24 years.

“We pride ourselves on our Quality of Food, Excellent Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction.”

Recently refurbished in contemporary surroundings, air conditioned and fully licensed.

• Winner of ‘Simply the Best’ restaurant competition 2009 • Winner of The Spotlight Awards ‘Best Eating Place – Casual’ 2007 / 2008 Our popular Take-away Service is still the best in Wombourne offering 10% off our Menu price.

Tel: 01902 324148 / 324437 Open 7 days including Bank Holidays - 5.30pm until 11.30pm

High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DN

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com

with master chef Mario and his enthusiastic team Serving Fine Italian Cuisine & Traditional English Lunchtimes & Evenings

MID-WEEK BLACK COUNTRY SPECIALS only £7.95

Served Tuesday to Thursday 5.30pm to 8.30pm Bookings not required.

Normal a la carte menu available.

Bookings now being taken for Father’s Day Sunday 15th June Sunday Lunch from £6.95 Opening Times Lunchtimes: Wed to Sat 12pm - 2.30pm (last orders), Sun served from 12 noon Evenings: Tues to Thurs 5.30pm - 9.30pm (last orders), Fri & Sat 6pm - 9.30pm (last orders) To avoid disappointment please book:

Situated at:

T. 01902 756052 E.reservations@bravaccios.co.uk www.bravaccios.co.uk

4a Upper Green Tettenhall WV6 8QQ Ample Free Parking

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

“Steve Bull invites you to come along and sample the delights of his delightful restaurant overlooking the Green in Tettenhall”

55

The French Connection, Stourbridge - By Rob Taylor Why doesn’t anyone ever associate me with anyone who is cool, I wonder quietly to myself, as I curl away into the foetal position. Like, say, Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle in The French Connection film? ’Nuff said.

Instead I concentrate upon the striking ambience which has been successfully created inside the restaurant: red and white chequered table cloths; ambient, piano-led music; culinary ephemera adorning every alcove and display place; gastronomic delicacies scribbled on chalkboards; atmospheric mood lighting with candle-lit tables.

Stepping inside away from the dreary English weather, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been teleported onto a boulevard in Paris.

We are very quickly offered drinks and, with a healthy appetite from a day spent toiling at the grindstone, we order our starters: I opt to choose from the a la carte menu; Nicola goes for the ‘Menu Rouge’ - a three course option which offers customers on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings fixed price dining for £16.95.

My understanding of the French language begins and ends with ‘Je ne comprends pas.’

As statements go, it’s admittedly a bit of an oxymoron and you may not understand, but let me explain: I very quickly ascertained in high school that this choice French statement would be of most value to me if ever I was cornered on the wrong side of the English Channel.

Needless to say I have it poised ready upon my lips on the eve of my visit to The French Connection in Stourbridge. However it soon becomes clear after arriving at this delightfully quaint bistro, situated on one of the town’s prettier streets, that all such forethought need not apply, as my girlfriend and dining partner Nicola - now

56

a veteran of many a restaurant review - astutely points out: “You see; there’s no need to be fluent in French, everything on the menu is explained in English.”

She then issues a characteristically amusing rebuke relating to our last visit to a French restaurant.

“And, remember, go easy on the wine and garlic this time - last time you ended up like Pepe Le Pew,” she sniggers.

Thrown entirely and immediately trying to recall the defining qualities of said Warner Bros.

Looney Tunes’ French skunk cartoon character, I respond: “You mean adorable and cute?”

“No. More like odour-able and amorous,” she laughs.

A popular option among the weeknight offerings which - among other things - sees customers return time after time, as owner Collette Garner, who has run the restaurant with her husband Christopher since 2000, explains: “We have a strong clientele here and have got to know a lot of our customers very well. The Menu Rouge has proven very popular - the selection of dishes changes every fortnight.”

Indeed it’s easy to see why the restaurant inspires such a solid customer base, as the relaxed dining space and attentive staff make for a very attractive evening out, however not every customer is fortunate enough to make work and pleasure overlap quite like Collette and Christopher did when they took over 14 years ago: “We were customers before we bought the place,” says Collette.

My starter of Coquilles Hollandaise (£9.50) consists of fresh panfried scallops, Scallop Terrine and spinach with hollandaise sauce and

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

is every bit as tantalising to the taste buds as it sounds: well-portioned, well-presented and a nice way to start. Nicola’s Home-made Tomato soup is rich, creamy and has me salivating from across the other side of the table. But since I’m not keen on having any further comparisons made between me and other cartoon characters, I quickly compose myself and return my attention to the main course.

Unsurprisingly I resist the urge to order a side-order of Garlic Bread.

Arriving swiftly but not to spoil the settling of the starter, my Filet de Boeuf - a seven ounce steak cooked exactly as I specified and served with French Fries (£23.95) - has with it an exquisite Blue Cheese Butter Sauce (£1.95), which is nothing short of sensational.

The two main aspects of this dish - steak and sauce - intersect to make one of the tastiest main courses I’ve ever sampled.

Now, before you dismiss the aforementioned exclamation as hyperbole, let me impress upon you that I am in no way some melodramatic, demonstrative European-type who waves his hands wildly at everything and professes that any given thing is “the best ever.” No, I’m mildmannered, reserved and just a little bit critical. Using far fewer words, Nicola assures me that her Chicken, Bacon and Mushrooms, pan fried and served on a leafy salad, is very appetising also.

Now to dessert: American Crepes with Ice Cream for Nicola; Gateau de Fromage Blanc et Chocolat (£5.95) for me. Both servings, being as they are tasty, fresh and delicately presented, prove to be a perfect note on which to end an evening of fine dining, in fine company; which assures me that, at The French Connection, French cuisine is in fine fettle.

I thoroughly understand this, make no mistake. And you will too when you visit.

The French Connection, 3 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP. To book a table please call 01384 390940. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Under New Ownership Bookings now being taken for fathers Day sunday June 15th Victoria Passage, Stourbridge DY8 1DP

Open 12pm to 2.30pm daily, 5.30pm to 11pm evenings

Our dishes are freshly prepared by our experienced Chefs, serving fine authentic Italian cuisine.

The perfect venue for birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and corporate functions. Private dining area available for up to 30 people.

A la carte menu served lunchtimes and evenings.

10% DiscOUNT Off A lA cArTe MeNU

when you present this advert (excluding Fathers Day Sun 15th June)

Lunch (set menu and Lite bites avaiLabLe monday to saturday)

Main course £6.95 2 course £8.95 3 course £10.95

dinner

sunday Lunch

with 125 ml glass red/white/rose wine

2 course £9.95 3 course £12.95

Friday - 3 course £15.95 Saturday -3 course £19.95

To book a table or for further details please call 01384 442119

www.vesuvioitalianrestaurant.co.uk Fully Licensed

Monday to Thursday - 3 course £14.95

Air Conditioned

email: vesuvio.restaurant@live.co.uk Car Park at rear of Restaurant

Contemporary Modern Dining at Sedgley’s Premier Indian Restaurant

Saffron Pink’s RestauRant R Rant

Sayed Miah along with his expert team of knowledgeable chefs and waiting staff welcome you to Saffron Pink. We pride ourselves on our high standard of service and authentic Bangladeshi cuisine.

Take Away Service Available FREE Home Delivery within a 3 mile radius, minimum order £15 Orders between £10 to £15 within a 3 mile radius, only £1.50 To book a table please call

01902 671759 / 673665 Open 7 Days including Bank Holidays, Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm to 11.30pm, Friday and Saturday 5.30pm to 12 Midnight 2 Bull Ring, Dudley Street, Sedgley, DY3 1RU

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 FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

• ‘Stourbridge’s Best Kept Secret’ • Authentically French • Freshly prepared food from the best available ingredients • Extensive A La Carte Menu

Menu Rouge, 3 courses only £16.95

Available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings Open for Breakfast and Lunch 9:30am to 2:30pm Wednesday to Saturday Open for Evening Meals 6:30pm to 9:30pm (Last Orders) Wednesday to Saturday

Gluten free and vegetarian dishes available

NEW Website coming soon!

NEW Seasonal Menus coming soon!

Thursday 19th June - A Taste of Gascony 3 courses and Armagnac £22.00.

Bastille Week 16th, 17th and 18th July - very French Menus, 3 courses from £8.88 per person.

A La Carte Menu Changes Seasonally Menu Rouge Changes Fortnightly See Website - Book On-Line

Catering and Dine at Home Service Available Authentic French Dishes Prepared for your Freezer

Bookings advisable for evenings please tel: 01384 390940 www.frenchconnectionbistro.com info@frenchconnectionbistro.com 3 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

59

IMAGE

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• Wedding Hire • Airport Transfers • Concerts

• Anniversaries • Proms • Birthdays

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01902 847145 or 07772 605764

Based in Codsall

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email: ossie.keith1966@googlemail.com

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Transform your Style with Sharon Dickens How many times have you exclaimed “I’ve got nothing to wear!” whilst searching through a wardrobe that’s packed full of clothes?

If you find yourself constantly puzzling over what to put on, then it’s definitely time to give Personal Stylist, Sharon Dickens from SJD Personal Styling a call.

With a passion for fashion, and keen to help women look and feel their best, Sharon has set up her personal styling business to solve the wardrobe problems that many of us face every day.

Recently completing her training at the NHJ Style Academy in London, Sharon is keen to start transforming clients nearer to home.

“Countless women get to a stage where they really don’t know what suits them anymore, they get stuck in a style-rut and shopping becomes a real chore,” explains Sharon.

Through a ‘wardrobe consultation’, Sharon is able to sort through

her client’s existing pieces - in the comfort of their own home - to find those flattering, on-trend or classic items that are worth holding on to. At the same time she identifies which clothes have had-their-day and even disposes of them on her client’s behalf by taking them to a charity shop.

“A wardrobe consultation helps you to find a great, versatile look for the current season.”

“I advise on what items work best for your figure and lifestyle and help you to make the most of your outfits by choosing the right shoes and accessories. I’ll also compile a list of items that are worth buying to complete your collection.”

And that’s not all, because there are shopping and styling days on offer too: “My shopping and styling days allow clients to spend a day with me in a style hotspot, like Birmingham or London, trying on a whole host of outfits which I’ve pre-selected for them in a store that suits their budget.”

It’s the perfect way to find a special outfit or treat yourself to a whole new look - without any of the hard work.

“I usually meet my client for a coffee and a chat before the styling session begins. After that it’s time to head to the changing room and enjoy trying on a gorgeous selection of clothes that are perfect for you,” adds Sharon.

SJD Personal Styling, Pedmore, Stourbridge.

Pedmore, Stourbridge

• Wardrobe Consultations • Personal Style Shopping • Personal Shopping Brought to your Home • Gift Vouchers Available • Trained at NHJ Style Academy in London • Affordable prices Please contact Sharon Dickens to arrange a face to face consultation or for further details

Tel: 07920 574485 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

email: sharondickens55@gmail.com 61

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital plaques – usually on sun exposedskin (they can be mistaken for other conditions like psoriasis). If these lesions are left untreated they have the potential to develop into a Squamous-Cell Carcinoma (SCC) • Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Basal-Cell Carcinoma (BCCs) are a type of skin cancer that generally take the form of either a single bump or a series of small, flat bumps. Although it is rare for BCCs to spread to other parts of the body, early treatment of the lesion is very important.

What are the benefits of PDT? • Non-invasive procedure, does not require an overnight hospital stay, general anaesthetic or recovery time What is Photodynamic Therapy?

As a consultant led, nurse treated procedure Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a modern, highly effective treatment for certain types of precancerous lesions as well as nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs).

Although they are known medically as actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinomas and Bowen’s disease, your doctor might refer to them as AKs and BCCs, or simply ‘lesions’.

PDT is a very different way to treat these lesions compared to conventional approaches e.g. cryotherapy (freezing), chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. It takes advantage of the chemical interaction between light and a light-activated substance, leading to a series of chemical reactions resulting in damage and death of tumour cells.

What does the treatment involve?

The treatment consists of a nurse or consultant applying a cream and dressing to the skin lesion and 3 hours later, shining a pure red light on it. The light and cream targets

the lesion cells only leaving the healthy skin unharmed. Only where the two are combined will they treat the abnormal area of your skin.

Following your first treatment, the treatment may be repeated approximately 1 week later, depending on the type of lesion. Usually the specialist will review at 3 months, and advise about any further treatment.

PDT has been shown to be a highly effective treatment that does not harm healthy skin.

What skin conditions are treated by PDT? • Pre-Cancerous Lesions Actinic Keratoses (AKs) is the term used for pre-cancerous lesions, which are the areas of skin that have been damaged by overexposure to sunlight, causing the skin to grow at an abnormally fast rate. AKs generally appear on the face, arms and hands and are usually reddish-brown in colour with a rough “warty” surface Bowen’s Disease is also a precancerous lesion appearing as slowly enlarging, reddish-pink

• Only abnormal cells are treated resulting in minimal or no scarring • It is an easy to perform, nonsurgical procedure, which offers convenience for both patient and specialist • Controlled treatment that only targets affected areas, leaving healthy skin cells intact Options for treating NMSCs aren’t always suitable for every patient.

Your GP will need to refer you to one of our consultant dermatologists who will assess whether PDT is the right treatment for your condition.

You can be referred for PDT if you are paying for yourself or if you have Private Medical Health Insurance but you will need to confirm with your private healthcare provider if you are covered.

To find out more about this new service that is now available or to book an appointment with one of our dermatologists please contact us on 01902 275278.

Get The Nuffield Treatment! www.nuffieldhealth.com

This article was provided by The Nuffield Health Group www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals 62

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Treatment for AK, BCC and Bowen’s PDT is a non-invasive treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs).

Options for treating NMSCs aren’t always suitable for every patient, but now there is a viable alternative available in your area.

Now available at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road, Tettenhall Wolverhampton WV6 8LE

Our prices are totally transparent, inclusive of all costs and guaranteed.

That means no hidden surprises.

We promise to meet any comparable price.* Our relationship with you doesn’t end when you walk out of our hospitals – there are no time limits on your aftercare.**

Get in touch. And get on with your life.

01902 275278 nuffieldhealth.com/wolverhamptonhospital Download our free guide online †Subject to status. Terms and conditions available on request. *Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. **Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. ”Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

1016_Photodynamic_PDT_218x140_ad V3.indd 1

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

15/04/2014 10:16

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Turn Back the Clock for Younger-Looking Hair

By Helen Taylor You’re probably all too aware of the need to look after your skin to stay looking youthful for longer, but have you ever thought that you might need to be doing something to age-proof your hair?

Hair, like skin, is affected by two types of ageing: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic is everything that your locks are exposed to on the outside, like heat styling, sun damage and colouring. Intrinsic factors come from below the scalp and show signs that your hair is past its prime, these include: reduction in melanin, decline in sebum production and a change in hair diameter. For you that means, greys start to appear, shine starts to disappear and your once full, bouncy hair is no more.

But don’t despair because there’s plenty you can do to help, read on:

Always Be Aware of Your Hair Try to limit the extrinsic damage caused to your locks as much as possible. Lay off the heated styling tools, stay out of the sun and treat your hair with care.

Photograph Courtesy of Paul Mitchell Hair

Reconsider Your Colour Although you might colour your hair to hide greys, choosing the wrong hue can be very ageing. An all over colour can be hard to wear as you get older, so instead, choose a base colour that’s close to your natural hue and add a multitude of highlights. Not only will your hair look younger, your face will too.

Condition, Condition, Condition Smother the lengths and ends of your hair with a rich deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week.

Try a New Hairstyle Get your current hairstyle reappraised by your stylist, or better still try out a new salon. Any hairdresser worth their salt will be able to advise on what styles work best for thinning or ageing hair, but generally it’s worth considering saying goodbye to long, thin lengths and hello to a blunt midi cut. Try to include a blunt fringe or soft layers into your new style for a younger look.

A Professional Opinion is Best Although it’s normal for your hair to show signs of change over the years - like thinning - it’s worth seeing your GP if you notice any sudden changes. Hair loss can be caused by hormone deficiencies - like low thyroid levels - nutrient deficiencies, stress and medications, so if you’re in doubt visit your doctor for advice.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

MAY AND JUNE OFFER

20% OFF COlOUR SERviCES

*

To book an appointment please call 01384 484749 Open: Tuesday to Friday 9am until 6pm, Saturday 8.30am until 4.30pm 131 Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 1HD Free Parking Outside www.capellihairdressing.co.uk (*When you present this advert, one www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk voucher per client, no photocopies)

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When Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep Two leading surgeons are set to bring their skills to a new Wolverhampton clinic that will focus on skin care.

Partnering established Wolverhampton implant dentist Jonathon Pugh BDS MSc (Implant Dentistry) and his business partner Bibi Dodd, Maxillofacial surgeon Mr Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman BDS, FDSRCPS, MBChB, MRCS (Gen Surg), FRCS (OMFS) and consultant dermatologist Dr Hamdi Hamad are launching a new service which will be based at the Parkdale Clinic on Tettenhall Road.

The surgical team will offer a full body dermatological service to patients and will, among other procedures, address antiwrinkle facial aesthetics, skin cancer screening (including tissue biopsies), and the removal of moles, skin tags and basal-cell carcinoma (BCC).

Non-invasive procedures will offer the ultimate in skin care pampering using the internationally acclaimed Deborah Mitchell Heaven range of products.

Jon Pugh, Bibi Dodd and Maxillofacial consultant Mr Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman

Endorsed by Victoria Beckham.

Katie Price, Dannii Minogue and other stars, Deborah Mitchell products and services will be available at the Parkdale Clinic.

Bibi, who worked in beauty business management before joining Jon, is excited at the new business prospects.

“The product range has been a phenomenal success so far and will be an excellent complement to the therapies the surgeons will be able to offer.

“All our aftercare skin therapies will be based around Deborah’s range and of course, we have Jon’s implant skills to complete any smile reconstructions.

“Combining our dental work with that of our consultant colleagues creates a powerful, facial aesthetics package for those who want to make the very best of their looks,” said Bibi.

“Heaven was the obvious choice for us – the products are organic and have achieved global acclaim.

A natural choice – some of the Deborah Mitchell Heaven range of products

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Based at Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Khaleeq is a consultant Oral and

Maxillofacial surgeon with a special interest in head and neck micro-vascular reconstruction.

Dr Hamad is a consultant dermatologist at New Cross Hospital and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

Perfect skin is key to an ageless beauty. It’s the secret weapon many of us long for as the years encroach and steal the glow of youth.

Clearly our gene pools play a big part in how skin is preserved, but caring for the largest of our organs has now become a multi-million pound, international business. The beauty marketplace is inundated with products that help rejuvenate, deep cleanse, lift and provide that to-die-for glow.

Sometimes, however, no matter how good the products, a little extra surgical help is required.

“It’s a great project which will run completely separately to Total Implant Solutions.

However, there’s a strong synthesis between aesthetic dentistry and what we plan to achieve with the new clinic,” adds Bibi.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Desire perfection

-empower your skin

and non-surgical therapies • Surgical endorsed skin products • Celebrity service is consultant led • Our Skin screening service • Facialcancer aesthetics – anti-wrinkle treatments • First clinical with consultant • Maxillofacialassessment surgeon Mr Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman • BDS, FDSRCPS, MBChB, MRCS (Gen Surg), FRCS (OMFS)

Consultant dermatologist Dr Hamid Hamad For appointments and information call

01902 420654

82 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV1 4TF

User and stockist of www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

beauty products 67

The

Healing Tent Come and see us at The Kinver Country Fayre on Sunday 15th June 2014 Where you will find: n n n n n

Amethyst Caves Crystals Angels Pendulums Incense

n n n n n

Oils and oil burners Candles Bath salts Herbal Infusions Sallaki Arthritis Supplements and Liniment

Also: Mini Treatments, Crystals and Massage

We look forward to seeing you.

The Healing Tent – For your Mind, Body and Spirit.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Did you Know you Can buy your bareMinerals® Makeup In Wollaston! bareMinerals is not like any other makeup. It’s both a treatment and a protection to the skin. Minerals, i.e. rocks are actually ground to create the softest lustrous foundation on the market today. This totally natural product is moisturising, balancing, and has its own SPF protection.

Whatever your skin type colour or age, there’s a bareMinerals shade for you. Here at Wollaston Beauty Clinic you can pop in for a free consultation and no obligation colour match at any time. All our staff have had intensive training in bareMinerals makeup application. They will expertly select the correct match for you and show you the “swirl, tap, buff” method of application.

Once you’ve experienced this unique product you’ll never want to go back to cloggy, liquid foundations again. Say goodbye

We have been proud stockists of bareMinerals for over five years and have seen the benefits of this amazing product in our own skin and our many clients who love it.

to unattractive demarcation masks & hello to radiant looking flawless skin. You’ll never know your wearing makeup, it’s that light.

Together with eye, lip and cheek products bareMinerals have now launched their READY collection.

A collection of solid foundations, bronzers and eye shadows. The first of its kind made from natural sea minerals and age defying algae. The handy compacts are a must for every hand bag.

READY foundation is available in customisable kits for £50.

Any Get Started Kit will be on offer throughout the month of May for Town & Village Life magazine readers.

Rethink your makeup and be a force of beauty with bareMinerals at Wollaston Beauty Clinic.

d

tar te Get S

Kits

riginal

and O Ready

£50

only

* 5 £4

Free colour matching 01384 393305

153 Bridgnorth Road, Wollaston, Stourbridge DY8 3NU

with

e ve

et ry G

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where relaxing & pampering is essential

www.wollastonbeautyclinic.co.uk

Terms & conditions apply. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer, voucher loyalty scheme or course of treatments. Points cannot be exchanged for cash. No refunds on cancellations or unused bookings. All offer bookings must be paid in advance at time of booking. Manager’s decision in all matters is final. *Valid until 31st May 2014 when you mention Town & Village Life magazine.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

69

Stay Looking Younger for Longer

By Helen Taylor Ageing is unfortunately an inevitable process for us all, but if you take steps to protect your skin now, you’ll benefit in the future.

Environmental factors play an enormous role in how well - or not -you age, so it’s really important to look at how your current lifestyle might affect your skin in the future.

Keep Your Skin Safe in the Sun You’ll be well aware of the need for sunscreen when you’re lying on the beach, but you might not realise that you need to use it every day. That’s because skindamaging UV rays are present even when the sun isn’t shining.

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Photograph Courtesy of Estee Lauder

So, be sure to apply sunscreen and don’t rely on SPF-enhanced make-up for your face - it’s likely that you won’t apply enough to properly protect your skin.

Don’t Pull Your Face

Sunbeds are equally - if not more - damaging than the sun and they’ll leave your skin looking coarse, leathery and wrinkled.

Repetitive movements - like frowning and raising your eyebrows can encourage lines to form earlier than they should.

Squinting in the sun can, over time, cause crow’s-feet, so always wear sunglasses and ensure that they offer proper protection for your eyes else you may become more prone to cataracts in later life too.

It’s good to express yourself, but if you find yourself frequently pulling the same expression then make a change now, or expect wrinkles in the future.

Time to Quit It’s hard to quit, but if you want to kerb or prevent the signs of premature ageing then it’s a must.

The free radicals in cigarette smoke break down collagen, slow the skin’s ability to heal and make it look sallow, dull and lifeless. Wrinkles

prematurely begin to form and you start to age quickly compared to your non-smoking friends.

Get into a Routine Start a skincare routine today.

There’s no better time to start dedicating time in your day to your skin. Invest in a variety of skincare products to help you in your quest to stay looking youthful. Eye creams, moisturisers and exfoliators are essential.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

The UK’s most advanced NON-Surgical Solutions

Now available at Hayley’s Beauty Boutique This revolutionary non-surgical beauty solution offers a comprehensive range of treatments that improve the look of lines and wrinkles and firm-up sagging skin.

SPeCial oFFeRS

10 course Treatment £550 for only £440* Offer to also include Ultimate Course, Microdermabrasion and Wrinkle Comb.

Jowl lift 10 course treatment £250 for only £199* *To be booked by 12th June 2014, first treatment can start after this date.

To book your free consultation please call Hayley on 01384 293998 or 07855 891277

Now relocated to 5 High St, wall Heath DY6 0Hb www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

FREE PARKING 71

UltraSlim Clinics UltraSlim LipoFreeze™ Cryolipolysis is the newest body contouring procedure to be offered

by UltraSlim Clinics in Wolverhampton to assist clients in achieving a slimmer physique and a smaller waistline.

The clinic has seen bookings increase two-fold since recent media reviews from celebrities such as Luisa Zissman, Kristina Rihanoff and Casey Bathcelor who admit to having had the new Fat Freezing treatment with amazing results.

The Non-Invasive UltraSlim LipoFreeze™ procedure eliminates fat without surgery in areas around the hips, thighs, arms, and love handles by freezing stubborn fat cells that live beneath the dermal layer of the skin. Developed in 2005 and backed by strong clinical research and trials, LipoFreeze (Fat Freezing) is based on Cryolipolysis - the use of precisely controlled cooling to remove fat. It is an FDA-approved non-invasive body contouring procedure available to patients with no scarring, no pain and no downtime. It provides permanent results and promises a reduction of the treated area by up to 40% in a single session.

A patient will be able to see changes in about three weeks’ time, but dramatic improvement can be appreciated after two to three months. Hanna McCormac at UltraSlim Clinics in Wolverhampton encourages her clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimum results. Hanna says, “I often tell my clients I can remove ‘love handles’, but it’s entirely up to you to maintain this through diet and lifestyle. I find the majority of my clients follow the good aftercare advice given as the results achieved often provide clients with the motivation needed to change their lifestyle in order to maintain these.”

With their exclusive UltraSlim LipoFreeze™ device, UltraSlim Clinics now provide the same 72

quality treatments as London’s Harley Street Clinics only at a fraction of the cost. Hanna explains how. “Our exclusive UltraSlim LipoFreeze™ device uses 4 hand pieces, unlike most other clinics including the top clinics in London which only use 1 hand piece, therefore we are able to treat larger or 4 different areas simultaneously which means you receive more value for money in addition to reducing the need to return for more treatments. It’s because of this technology and capability that we can offer the most cost effective Cryolipolysis treatments in the Midlands. In addition, our clients can also benefit from having our UltraSlim Lipo™ Cavitation & Radio Frequency treatments at the very same time, which provides instant results to target other areas of unwanted excess fat.”

Aside from Fat Freezing Treatments, the clinic in Berry Street, Wolverhampton also offers other anti-aging solutions through their wide range of non-invasive and skin care services including Ultrasound Cavitation and Radio Frequency (RF) treatments to target excess fat, cellulite, Stretch Marks and Tighten Loose Skin on body or face. The demand for these types of treatments has soared in

recent years because you don’t have the risks associated with traditional tummy tucks or facelifts as there is no surgery, no needles, no pain and no downtime. Clients can resume normal activities directly after treatments and the procedures have become known in the industry as ‘Lunchtime Lipo’.

About UltraSlim Clinics: The Wolverhampton-based Aesthetics and Beauty Clinic is a specialist Non-Surgical Lipo and skin care services provider dedicated to helping women and men achieve their personal weight loss and aesthetic goals. The clinic is under the ownership of Hanna McCormac, who has earned extensive training and experience in the Non-Invasive Aesthetics industry. She is accredited by WhatClinic.com with a 5 STAR TREATMENT AWARD and prides herself on having some of the highest standards and reviews in the industry which can be found on the WhatClinic.com website or with simple Google search for ‘UltraSlim Clinics Reviews’ For more information, please visit www.ultraslimclinics.com or you can email info@ultraslimclinics. com Tel: 0844 288 7297

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Looking for the perfect body without surgery?

ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ TREATMENTS

Cryolipolysis Targets Excess Fat & Reduce Cellulite • Treat up to 4 areas simultaneously to reduce time and costs • Clinically Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective • The latest treatment to banish unwanted fat permanently • Undeniable results by up to 30% in only one treatment • No Surgery, No Scars & No Downtime • Used by many stars and celebrities

ULTRASLIM LIPO™ CAVITATION & RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS Target Excess Fat, Cellulite & Tighten Skin • Instant Results for Fat Reduction • Totally Non Invasive, • No Surgery, No Needles, • No Pain, No Side Effects, No Downtime!

UltraSlim Lipo Cavitation from only £50 - £75*

UltraSlim LipoFreeze from £250* for 2 areas

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UltraSlim Clinics 36-38 Berry Street Wolverhampton WV1 1HA Tel: 0844 288 7297 email: info@ultraslimclinics.com www.ultraslimclinics.com Find us on *Prices valid until 31st May 2014 Only

73

The Denture revolution: Breaking the Taboo Then there was the consummate actress – a lady in her 70s who, for the majority of her life, made excuses not to socially engage, terrified her teeth would fall out.

She was able to stop living a lie.

“We had a health professional, an enthusiastic singer, who quite literally found a new song in her life,” says Steven.

And not least there was the remarkable case of a patient who had been tormented by crippling trigeminal nerve pain for years. “She is now totally free from pain,” he adds.

The easy-access main entrance and drop off point right next to the off-road car park

By any measure, it’s a big statement, but his practice is well placed to make such claims with some 3,000 patients on the books and an ever-growing portfolio of happy clinical outcomes.

The clinic’s prosthetics, prescribed and crafted on premises in North Street, Dudley and Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, have found satisfied patients from as far away as Spain and Portugal.

Others wishing to resolve longterm denture issues have travelled from Dorset, the Isle of Anglesey, the Isle of Skye and London.

Steven Burchell DipCDT RCS(Eng) was one of the first denturists to register in the UK after studying at Canada’s George Brown College and with the Royal College of Surgeons.

Steven Burchell DipCDT RCS(Eng) with fellow clinician Peter Brookes

“We don’t just prescribe dentures, we transform looks, recover lost smiles and often play a part in transforming lives,” says the principal of the Denture Clinic.

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With more than 30 years’ experience, the Denture Clinic has encountered some heartrending accounts of how ill-fitting teeth have dislocated lives.

There was the case of a mother who travelled to the Caribbean for her son’s dream wedding.

Ashamed of her teeth, she didn’t have the confidence to be part of the album shoot. She’s due to make a return trip to Runaway Bay and in her words: “Guess who won’t be frightened to have their picture taken?”

“There are so many cases where our clinical intervention has had a hugely beneficial lifestyle impact.

There was a larger-than-life couple – the husband had not a single tooth in his head – that came for help. We were able to craft some high-quality dentures and within days he was putting on weight and eating peanuts,” he recalls.

Recently, the Denture Clinic in North Street, Dudley, has undergone a £.5m rebuild to include new surgeries, waiting area and installations for disabled.

An off-road car park provides secure, level access – there’s not a single step to negotiate. Facilities for the disabled include toilet, reserved parking bays and a drop-off point.

A dentist is on site, all prosthetics are prescribed and manufactured on the premises and everything from denture cleaning to implantretained therapies are available.

“We have a one-stop service – no referring out – cutting-edge technology, friendly team and I’d like to introduce new patients to our experience. We’re all about aiming for outcomes greater than expectations.

“We’re forever pushing boundaries and changing perceptions. Could dentures ever be glamorous?

Emphatically, yes,” adds Steven.

The Denture Clinic can also be found at Wolverhampton, Kidderminster and Bearwood. All consultations are complementary.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

www.denture-clinic.co.uk

on’t D let troublesome dentures let you down

Lower teeth instability? Poor function?

Recurring sore spots? Pinched lips?

Make an appointment with us TODAY! We supply and prescribe:

• Complete Dentures • Partial Dentures • Suction Dentures • Implant Dentures Wheelchair Friendly

P

• Soft Linings • Denture Relines • Copy Dentures • Denture Repairs Offroad Parking

Level Access

FREEPHONE 0800 0285185 Suction may be the solution A cutting-edge development to help resolve the stability problems faced by thousands of denture wearers is being offered at our clinics.

The invention has the potential to improve the life quality of patients who previously have experienced long-term problems with ill-fitting teeth.

Prosthetics are held in place by tiny, valveoperated suction devices which are built into the dentures.

A clever diaphragms principle, triggered by bite pressure on the patients’ gums, creates a ‘sucking’ vacuum between the soft-tissue mouth lining and the prosthetic.

The device can offer an alternative to those who may not wish to have implant-retained overdentures, or are not a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Call 0800 0285185 for a FREE consultation Clinics at Dudley, Wolverhampton, Bearwood and Kidderminster www.denture-clinic.co.uk email: info@denture-clinic.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Dress - see in store or online for prices

Dress £80

River Island

Betty Barclay

Dress £99 Burgundy Leather Biker Jacket £229

Dress £55 Lipsy

Clutch £59 All Pied a Terre

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

In Full bloom - Fabulous Florals

By Helen Taylor The floral print trend is in full bloom this summer. Although it’s not the most ground-breaking look, it’s certainly the most loved, and fashion’s love affair with it heats up at this time of year.

Which is just as well, because there’s certainly no easier way to update your wardrobe than with a floral print in a colourful hue.

Whether you want to embrace the trend fully with print dresses, skirts and tops, or just give a nod to it with carefully chosen accessories, you’re sure to find something to love that’s flowery this summer.

Dress £24.99 Fever Designs

Dress £50 Paper Dolls

Floral Jeans £13 Primark.

Floral Midi Skirt £35 Rare London

Blouse £14.99 Misguided

£140

£180 Mitford’ Tote £209 Radley

Peony Collection, exclusively at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

£120

The images used in this article are readily available in various places on the internet and are believed to be in the public domain.

Town & Village Life magazine claims no credit for them unless otherwise noted. If you own the rights to any of the images, or if any content appearing in Town & Village Life magazine infringes on your copyright, please notify us and they will be promptly removed.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Reclaim your lost smile!

• A permanent solution • Eat your favourite food • Next best to own teeth • Improved self-esteem • Dazzle your friends • Dependable outcomes • Improved oral health • Protect healthy teeth • Retains facial shape

Telephone 01902 420654 for a complimentary consultation

An Independent Dental Practice 78

82 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV1 4TF www.mytis.co.uk part of Jon Pugh Dental town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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Grand Theatre Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Grand Theatre celebrated a fabulous opening night production of “Brassed Off ”.

The Friends of The Grand hosted an after show party where members of the cast and the Jackfield Band celebrated in style.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surgery?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Monday 19th May 2014 and Tuesday 17th June 2014.

Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

1. Raj Kumar and daughter Priya Kumar (Young Ambassador) both from Finchfield, Wolverhampton.

2. Mick Drury (Hednesford), John Webb (Great Barr), Andrew Dunn (actor), Alan Dean (Heath Hayes).

3. Kelly Hodges (Church Aston), Chris Smith (Lilleshall), Pete Woodley (Broseley).

4. Martin Hickman and Rosa Hickman (Ambassador) both from Wolverhampton.

5. Rebecca Clay (actress), Sandra Williscroft (Rugeley), Margaret Drury (Hednesford), Helen Kay (actress).

6. Margaret Millington (Coseley), Rosemary Manjunath (Walsall), Les Millington (Coseley), Elizabeth M Smith (Walsall).

7. Shannon Wootton (Tipton), Laura Gronow (Rowley Regis), Tim Billingham (Stourbridge), Louise Owen (Tipton, Ambassador).

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John & Beryl Glover.

Rebecca Thorne & Maxine Malpass.

Jo & Isa Davies.

Irene Walker & Lynn Elwell.

Zoe Lennon & Claire Batham.

Keir Williams, Maggie Williams & Chris Williams.

Flora Bianco, Rose Luke, Michele Bianco & Fabia Luke.

Gail Moore,Yvonne Davies & Tina Bianco.

Flora Bianco owner of Capelli hairdressing celebrated 20 years in business. Family, friends and customers were invited to an evening of drinks and canapĂŠs to celebrate the milestone.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surgery?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Monday 19th May 2014 and Tuesday 17th June 2014.

Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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Benham MINI Wolverhampton

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8 1. Elvis as Ross Edwards.

2. Will Peel, Kerry Ellitts, Dawn Bimson & Brent Walker-Drew.

3. Paul & Gill Hammond.

March 13th saw the arrival of the brand new MINI at Benham Wolverhampton.

4. Charlotte Southall & Millie Hasledene.

To celebrate the event the MINI team dressed in 1950’s costumes, the food was meat and fish paste sandwiches washed down with coke and vimto.

6. Sandra & Stephanie Jenkins.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

5. Nigel Wells & Claire Parker.

7. Bryn Mullard & Ellie Sutherland.

8. Jennifer & Margaret Cleverley.

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How Important Are Regular Check-Ups? by Richa Sharma

Ouch? “Where is that pain coming from?” I said, as I gripped the right side of my jaw!

Does this sound painfully familiar? Dental problems are something we all face at some point in our lives regardless of how well we think we are looking after ourselves.

Okay, I have a bit of a confession to make; it has been a while since I’ve visited the dentist. As soon I reached the age of 18 and there were no longer regular check-ups coming through the post to remind me to visit my dentist, I sort of pushed aside the need to go. I was dreading to make my first trip to the dentist after so many years and thinking about how many treatments I would have to have and the damage it would do to my bank account. Enough! I had to face my fears and worries as the pain was too unbearable to just ignore it. I called my dentist and managed to get an appointment for the next day.

As I sat in the chair feeling ridiculous with the enormous sunglasses on 82

and a bright light shining on my face, I couldn’t help but feel anxious and slightly ashamed over what the dentist was going to find. Suddenly, I heard my dentist call my name and felt him staring at me with a weird expression on his face. I realised my day dreaming expression freaked him out. Oops! He kept staring at me for a few seconds and before I could speak he said “calm down”. You are not experiencing any major dental problems. It’s just a small cavity which can be filled and it’s completely painless.

At the end of my treatment he did however sit me down and explain the importance of regular checkups. He said, even though I may not realise it, regular cleaning visits to the dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities. He also went on to say that most people like myself put off going to the dentist until there is pain and although this time I was lucky, in some cases it can sometimes be too late and will already require expensive procedures or even worse the tooth may need to be extracted.

replied with a simple nod. That’s when he introduced me to the idea of getting a cashplan. A cashplan enables you to get cash back on everyday healthcare for a small premium per month so you don’t have to worry about the costs when attending check-ups or having any treatments done. I was amazed by the concept of such a simple plan and how effective it would be to have one to manage my finances.

As I was leaving he handed me a leaflet which explained more about a healthcare cashplan and sent me on my way. As I drove back home I couldn’t help but smile with relief that my first visit went so smoothly and at how helpful the dentist was when it came to managing the cost of my treatments.

If you would like to find out more about healthcare cash plans and what Paycare can offer you please visit www.paycare.org or call 01902 252265

He then went on and asked me if I had to pay for my treatments; I town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

English:

3) Sentence structures. Examiners need to see a mixture of complex, compound and simple sentences to reward the very best marks. Using complex sentences, in particular, are absolutely crucial for the A/B grade area.

What exactly are the examiners looking for from your child?

I hope this helps and that your child achieves the grades that they deserve this summer!

Mr Laurence Dalton – Private English Teacher

Experience: Head of English, Head of GCSE’s GCSE exam marker, classified as ‘Outstanding’ according to Ofsted requirements.

Having worked as an examiner, a Head of English and Head of GCSE’s at various schools, I am acutely aware of the need for the student to help the examiner to reward marks.

There are three areas that your child needs to be aware of to ensure that success is achieved this year in examinations: 1) Vocabulary. They need to ensure that they have at least 20 standard impressive words up their sleeve that they can use in most contexts. English is about what you say and how you say it so do not underestimate the importance of vocabulary.

2) Techniques are crucial. I often say to my students that writing a speech without a mixture of persuasive techniques (repetition, personal pronouns, rhetorical questions and triples) is like eating a pizza with no pizza base!

Tel: 07525 206388 www.learnmore4a.co.uk

The Royal School Wolverhampton

Vet ... Surgeon ... Nobel Prize Winner ... make the right move now for your child’s future

Nurturing and inspiring children every step of the way Developing the Individual www.theroyalschool.co.uk 84

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Unique Coffee Business Venture by Students The annual expedition to Uganda makes the trip of a lifetime for many Wolverhampton Grammar School students.

However, for a number of 6th Form students, supporting the projects that they had become involved with during their three week stay became the start of an exciting business venture.

It was in Bwikasa, a village in eastern Uganda where they had helped with teaching classes and constructing a building for the local Primary School, that the group discovered the excellent local coffee grown by the smallholders of the village. Some of the local raw coffee beans were brought back to Wolverhampton and processed by WGS parent, Carrie Bate of recent Dragon’s Den fame, and founder of The Little Coffee Bag Co.

connoisseurs will appreciate the 100% organically grown Arabica beans, which provide a barista style coffee with the convenience of a bag. The bags are sold in packs of 5, 10 or 25 and are currently available from the school. Future plans include selling through the godfreyscofffee.co.uk website with the option to buy ground coffee and whole beans of the same excellent quality as well as promotions at local coffee shops and restaurants.

All profits from the company will be returned to the Ugandan community. For more information please email godfreyscoffee@wgs-sch.net

Here began the seed of an idea and the students formed their own coffee company, with the support and guidance of staff and Carrie. “Godfrey’s Coffee” took its name from the village elder, and former Head Teacher of Lord’s Meade College in Jinja, Godfrey Kiganga, who looked after the groups during their stay in Bwikasa and introduced them to the local coffee.

Coffee beans are now imported from the area, processed here in the UK and sold by Godfrey’s Coffee in the revolutionary coffee bag. Coffee

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Organisers of the Denis Edge Memorial Trophy, Vicky & Steve Marsh

Great Golf on offer at Wergs With longer days and the promise of sunshine to come (hopefully!), why not join the fastest growing golf club in the area with probably the best value golf membership in the country.

Owned by the Moseley family for two generations, Wergs Golf Club offers a superb 18 hole, 6949 yard course in a glorious rural setting, only ten minutes from Wolverhampton town centre.

Currently offering a fantastic two years golf membership for the price of one for only £660, the club is going from strength to strength, having increased its membership from ninety to four hundred in the past year. Welcoming visitors and corporate groups, the club’s popularity is certainly growing so make sure you don’t miss out! Take advantage of this great offer while it is still available!

The course itself offers a variety of features including bunkers, ditches, ponds, conifers and deciduous trees to add a variety of elements to your day. You can choose from the full, short, ladies or seniors routes, all of which provide their own unique characteristics and challenges.

If you would like to brush up your skills before you tee off, why not make use of the twenty acre practise 86

area which includes bunkers. Alternatively, you may like to have a chat to with resident expert and PGA professional Shaun Ball. With over thirty years golfing experience, Shaun is able to use his knowledge to give you practical tips focussing specifically on what you need to do to improve your game.

Wergs also offers a well-stocked club shop, selling equipment and clothing for golfers of all standards. Novices can feel assured that they are purchasing the right equipment for them with the advice of experienced shop staff, whilst dedicated players will also be able to find the more advanced equipment that they are searching for.

After a long day of golf, you may choose to relax in the 19th hole, the relaxing Spike Bar. Unwind and discuss your day in the homely ambience whilst enjoying a guest ale or a light snack, without having to get changed.

For that special occasion, consider booking a table at the beautifully furnished Wergs’ Restaurant.

Open to non-members, the locally sourced menu will satisfy the appetite, but remember to leave room for a delicious dessert! Also, back by popular demand is the Sunday Carvery. Enjoy your food in this fabulous setting, complete with relaxing piano music. Vegetarian options are available as are high chairs and baby-changing facilities so the whole family can be catered for. Please note tables need to be booked in advance, see below for contact details.

The club is also the ideal venue for wedding receptions, christenings, birthdays and anniversaries.

The Clifford suite, staffed by helpful assistants, makes the perfect setting for any special occasion and is guaranteed to make your day unforgettable.

For more information visit www.wergsgolfclub.com or call 01902 742225. town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

www.wergsgolfclub.com

2 YEARS MEMBERSHIP FOR THE PRICE OF

1 YEAR 7 DAY £660 - MONTHLY PAYMENTS AVAILABLE

SPECIAL DEALS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIETIES* *All packages minimum of 12 people

PAR PACKAGE

BIRDIE PACKAGE

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18 holes of golf.

Full English breakfast.

18 holes of golf. Roast carvery.

Dessert of the day.

18 holes of golf. Full English breakfast.

Roast carvery. Dessert of the day.

Weekdays £25pp.

Weekends/Bank Holidays £30pp

Weekdays £30pp.

Weekends/Bank Holidays £35pp

Weekdays £35pp.

Weekends/Bank Holidays £40pp

WEEKDAY GOLF £20.00

Wergs Golf Club Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8UA e info@wergsgolfclub.com

WEEKEND GOLF £25.00

TWILIGHT GOLF FROM £12.00

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON GOLF, DINING OR FUNCTIONS OR

TO MAKE A BOOKING

01902 742 225

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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14th Hole at Hagley golf club

Golf: Get in to the Swing of Things - By Rob Taylor There’s a lot of (small, white dimpled) balls talked about the ancient pastime of golf. And there always has been.

They include: open days, taster sessions, beginner courses, improver courses and membership offers. The target age is 18 - 55+, but all age groups and genders can participate, including the disabled.

Mark Twain disliked it: ‘Golf is a good walk spoiled.’ Winston Churchill preferred to puff on his Cuban when sitting down: ‘Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an ever smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose.’

Stourbridge and its surrounding areas is unnaturally well blessed with golf courses and clubs which have something to offer everyone, from the absolute beginner who immediately looks skywards whenever an Eagle is mentioned, to the ultracompetitive scratch player who has everything but an endorsement deal from Callaway. Check your local club for further details.

And even golf speak like Bogeys and Birdies does the game no favours in the minds of the many.

But let’s cut through all that right now and get down to basics: golf is just jolly good fun.

It’s everything good mothers want for their sons and daughters: exercise, etiquette and manners, time spent with friends and family; clean-living in clean air in England’s green, clean and pleasant land.

Yes, there’s sometimes a lot of fresh air whistling between the ears of those who take the game too seriously, but there’s always a solution, as golf legend Arnold Palmer puts it: ‘I have a tip that can take five strokes of anyone’s game, it’s called an eraser.’ Keep it lighthearted and the rewards are legion.

And when you do play, you needn’t be dressed like a caricature.

Participants along for introductory lessons are advised to wear comfortable clothing; thin layers

being ideal, as you can wrap-up or unwrap as weather dictates.

As you get further immersed in the sport, you’ll find your local clubhouse has everything to get you suited and booted in every ensemble imaginable.

Sensible shoes are a must for starting out though, to be quickly followed by golf shoes, with spikes for improved traction. Dress codes will of course become an issue at some point, with many clubs preferring you to keep to code, although generally it is a lot more relaxed than many people imagine.

There’s certainly no prerequisite for chequered trousers tucked into long socks and wooden clubs.

So to you and all of your friends: get in to the swing of it this May; play golf for a day.

And there’s never been a better time to pick up a club and start swinging, as it’s National Golf Month in May. With an accent firmly on newbies - as well as lapsed, former players - getting in on the act, the aim of the initiative is to promote the virtues of the game with great value teaser offers from clubs across the UK. 88

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Build a Great Swing For 2014 From The Ground Up We see many golfers here at the Driving Range stuck over ball as if our fibre built striking mats were made of treacle.

Golf Tip

Simon Gabbitas PGA Coach, Hagley GCC’s Driving Range & Golf Academy

With a swish of hands and arms they may eventually strike the ball but nowhere as consistent and powerfully as those that use the mat as a foundation for proper footwork.

Footwork 2 This should produce the classic finishing position pictured with the torso turned to the target and the sole of your back foot up and your weight settled onto your front foot.

Footwork 1 Your feet are part of the dynamics of your golf swing and as such should be allowed to move as you SHIFT YOUR WEIGHT FROM BACK TO FRONT in the forward phase of your swing.

Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley, Nr. Stourbridge DY9 9JW www.hagleygolfpro.co.uk To book your FREE Custom Fit Experience with me email:

golfcoach@hotmail.co.uk or call 01562 883852 quoting ‘town and village offer’. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Show The Sole We recommend ‘showing the sole’ next time you visit us here at Hagley GCC’s Driving Range and Golf Academy for better ball striking!

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Drayton Stars Shine at the Annual Mercedes-Benz UK Retailer Awards • Drayton named Mercedes-Benz UK Retailer of the Year 2013 • Nominated for every category: namely Sales, After Sales and Customer Service • Drayton named National Fleet Team of the Year The very best and brightest have been recognised at the annual MercedesBenz Retailer Awards.

In 2013 Mercedes-Benz Retailers welcomed more customers than ever before to every part of the business – from servicing to the supply of parts, After Sales care and new car registrations which totalled 108,572 vehicles to post a new record in the UK. The Awards identified those who strived not just to meet, but to exceed the rightly high expectations of Mercedes-Benz customers.

Scooping the main Award – MercedesBenz Retailer of the Year – was Drayton Group – commended for its continued work to deliver an outstanding performance across sales and after-sales, with customer service at the forefront of its business.

Drayton’s exceptional performance across the board was shown with its shortlisting in all of the three sub categories.

Drayton Group was particularly commended for delivering the highest levels of customer service in the UK; strong performances from its loyal new and used car sales teams; and, with aftersales, again delivering an outstanding customer experience.

Piers Guest, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Stourbridge part of the Drayton Group was delighted by the Award which Drayton have now won on an unrivalled four occasions said “To be nominated in the final three for every single award on the night was a unique achievement, and to win the Overall Retailer of the Year was just awesome, particularly in the year that we celebrated our 40th Year with the Mercedes-Benz Brand” Richard Rhodes, Group Fleet Manager commented “I’m absolutely delighted for my team to be recognised by Mercedes-Benz as the National Fleet Team of the Year, to be ‘the best of the best’ is something of which we are all really proud.”

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General Manager Piers Guest with the Retailer of the Year Award

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

Drayton Group Directors David Williams and Keith Caddick having been presented with the Retailer of the Year Award held in Barcelona.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

91

Taking Comfort from Driving

Rob Taylor gets behind the wheel of the new Honda CR-V and asks what it is that makes life inside it just so good.

Just what on earth does the CR-V designation abbreviate? I must confess that I haven’t got the faintest clue. And, right now, I don’t care; because I’m embraced safely inside its hulking shell, tucked in tight and not feeling a thing, despite trundling along over what I can only describe as a teenager’s face. Scratch that; allow me to rephrase: a road so pockmarked and pimpled it could double as a teenager’s face.

This new Honda CR-V really makes a mockery of what today passes for our highways and byways, reducing all said lumps and bumps to a near nothing, with considerable aplomb. The ride is what can only be described as comfy. And I like comfy cars. I like them so much, that in the interest of public information, I may even drive the return leg of my journey with a bowl of water pinned between my thighs. Or maybe that’s a little too Top Gear.

There’s certainly nothing infantile and silly about this latest offering from the Japanese marque which brought you the first, really popular recreational 92

4x4 in 1995. Needless to say the concept was a massive success and today every manufacturer is on the bandwagon, but what of the original, now in its fourth generation?

Still best? Let’s see; starting with what you first see: appearance.

It’s a fine and handsome brute; just the right amount of rugged with a softness to the edges. It’s especially fine to look at in the just-released Black and White Edition spec, where there’s addenda of 19” alloys, tailgate spoiler and lowslung running boards. That’s not the version I have here, of course - because those alloys make it ride too abrasively - but nevertheless, there are still no gimmicky angles or zeitgeist lines, just the purity of design on which Honda’s customers have come to rely.

Similarly spoilt are they when it comes to engines; after all Honda supplies them to F1. And although none of the line-up on the Monaco GP grid will have their tanks brimmed with diesel, in this two-wheel drive manual 1.6 litre i-DTEC SE-T offering, everyone else has a peach. This little diesel engine must be one of the most versatile around, achieving as it can 62.8 mpg on the combined cycle while still providing all the grunt required to lug this large load-lugger from A-B. I genuinely got close

to the official fuel consumption figure, without sacrificing myself at the altar of hypermiling. This almost never happens. Ever.

The CR-V is quiet at start-up and particularly smooth when up and running; all of the torque is available at the low-end of the rev-range and, as such, real-world driving is easy, with the Honda feeling fleet of foot. It is similarly composed and well-mannered in its roadholding too, despite its bulk.

There’s ingenuity in the innards as well, as the CR-V boasts a seatfolding set-up which makes the rear space incredibly practical and cavernous. Everything from the plastic switches to the upholstery feels well-made and robust, and a lot is standard, with the entry level S model coming with dual-zone climate control, 17” alloys, heated electric mirrors, digital radio and cruise control as standard. Throw in a strong reputation for reliability, a 5-year warranty and a high-scoring NCAP rating and you’ll do well to find better elsewhere, especially since the range starts at around £22,800.

But, more importantly, I muse, what does CR-V stand for?

Cross-over Recreational Vehicle? Compact Runabout Vehicle? I’d prefer to say, Comfortable; Really, Very.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

Servicing with us at Four Ashes will not affect your Manufactures Warranty. We also service all other Renault models out of the warranty period.

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

www.fourashesrenault.co.uk MOT NOW OPEN FOUR ASHES ACCIDENT REPAIRS LTD ALL IN-HOUSE FACILITY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BODYSHOP SERVICES

FOR ALL MODELS AND MODELS! Including: * Accident and Insurance Work * Full and Partial Resprays * Scratch and Chip Repairs * Alloy Wheel Repairs

Had an accident, in need of a respray?

Give Us A Call!

11 Reg Vehicles (3 years old) - Your MOT is (or soon will be) due - Check your date of registration on your vehicle log book.

• MOT testing arranged • Large stoock of new and used parts • Computerised diagnostic (main dealer equipment) • Accident/mechanical repairs & insurance work undertaken • All work is fully guaranteed!

• Courtesy Cars free of charge • Pick up and Drop-off service* • Servicing while you wait *conditions apply, please call for more details

WITH ANY SERVICE

£25 *All models over 3 years old and out of Renault warranty period. Prices start from as listed.

Please call for more details and exact price for your vehicle.

09 Reg and 59 Reg Vehicles DONT FORGET YOUR CAM/TIMING BELT! Most Renaults require Cam/Timing Belt change at 72,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first).

Cam/Timing Belt failure will result in serious engine damage, so make sure yours is changed at the correct intervals. Call us for more details.

FOUR ASHES RENAULT SPECIALISTS Station Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7BU

01902 790123 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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The New BMW M3 Saloon The BMW M3 Saloon combines M motorsport genes with suitability for everyday use. This high-performance BMW takes driving pleasure to new heights.

The BMW M3 Saloon is a four-door high-performance sports car. The completely redeveloped 431hp M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine offers spontaneous performance across the entire rev range. Innovations from motorsport like the Active M Differential, Adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic or the optional seven-speed M

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Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic redefine the limits of possibility. The cockpit has the last word in perfect ergonomics too. The new M seats with their shell-like form offer side stability and create the ideal connection to the vehicle. Everything is orientated towards one thing: the driver.

The result: a drive with unprecedented precision and confidence. The seemingly impossible is possible here: man and machine become one.

The BMW M3 Saloon’s shape highlights its powerful dynamics.

From the muscular powerdome that defines the shape of the

turbocharger engine, to the large air inlets in the front that ensure optimal engine cooling – every detail is justified by its function. Along with the Aero Curtain and Air Breathers giving the vehicle an aerodynamic touch, the M double-slat kidney grille with the M3 logo, M gills and the quad exhaust stand for the performance capabilities of the fourdoor sports car’s iconic appearance.

Experience the new BMW M3 and see for yourself how the M engineers have created an absolutely coherent vehicle.

Precise, agile and sharp, it will provide you with the ultimate driving experience.

town &town village & village life magazine life magazine | january/february | may/june 2014

The New BMW M4 Coupé With its record-breaking light weight of under 1,500kg, the BMW M4 Coupé has been designed to make the impossible possible.

The car is equipped with the brand new 431hp M TwinPower Turbo straight six-cylinder petrol engine with seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. It also features precision technologies like the M Servotronic, Active M Differential

and Adaptive M suspension creating a seamless connection between driver and machine Even at a glance, the BMW M4 Coupé is clearly a car that delivers high performance. A classic BMW M model, its powerful, sporty look is enhanced with athletic lines and an elongated silhouette.

The interior blends in seamlessly: every detail is built around the driver, offering the best possible control and an uncompromising motorsport character.

At the rear, the four bevelled tailpipe finishers with their unmistakeable sound send out a clear message: this vehicle stands for unbeatable performance – in technology, design and, above all, out on the road.

At the heart of the BMW M4 Coupé is the redeveloped M TwinPower Turbo straight sixcylinder petrol engine, which delivers tremendous power and an unmistakeable sound. The interplay of optimally-aligned motorsport technologies provides direct power development with a boost of 431hp.

Contact Benham Wolverhampton for more information www.benhambmw.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 60 Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill Antiques Centre 47 Artificial Lawn Supply & Installation Nevermo 41 Awnings Castle Blinds 21 Love Your Blinds 25 Bathrooms Eaton Kitchens 13 Roman Bathrooms 17 Wall Heath Bathrooms 19 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Blyth Group 7 Interiors Italia 22/23 Sofa Factory Outlet 11 Woodrobes 9 Blinds/Curtains Blyth Group 7 Castle Blinds 21 Creative Interiors 29 Hatfield Interiors 31 Love your Blinds 25 Val Hever Blinds 26 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 27 Beauticians Hayley’s Beauty Boutique 71 Wollaston Beauty Clinic 69 Building & Maintenance Contractors Three Pines 2 Building Societies Dudley Building Society 44 Carpets & Flooring (Supply & Fit) N D Walters 17 Wordsley Carpets 13 Car Sales/Service Benham BMW 100 ETB 97 Four Ashes Renault 93 Mercedes-Benz of Stourbridge 99

Cosmetic & Beauty Clinics Total Implant Solutions Ultra Slim Dentistry Denture Clinic Total Implant Solutions Education Learn 4 More Royal School Wolverhampton Grammar Electrical/Gas Appliances Capital Appliance Centre Entertainment & Leisure Kinver Country Farye The Grand Theatre Fencing & Gates OCL Profence Fireplaces/Stoves Flaming Fires Furniture/Furnishings Blyth Group Creative Interiors Hatfield Interiors Interiors Italia Sofa Factory Outlet Virgo Carpets & Interiors Garage Services ETB Four Ashes Renault Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations Gardening/Landscaping Lealans Garden Centre OCL Galleries/Gift Shops Stourbridge Galleries Golf Clubs/Tuition Hagley Golf Club Pro Shop Wergs Golf Club Hairdressing Salons Capelli

67 73 75 78 84 84 85 33 49 5 43 45 9 7 29 31 22/23 11 27 97 93 37 42 43 35 89 87 65

Holistic Therapy Auraveda Hospices Compton Hospice Hospitals (Private) Nuffield Hot Tubs Webbs of Wychbold Interior Designers Blyth Group Creative Interiors Hatfield Interiors Virgo Carpets & Interiors Kitchens (Supply, design & fit) Eaton Kitchens Roman Bathrooms Health Care Cover Paycare Painters/Decorators Dave Russon Personal Shopping/ Wardrobe Consultant S J D Personal Styling Photography Frozen Fixations Restaurants/Pubs Bravaccios French Connection Halfpenny Green Vineyards Saffron Pink Vesuvio Wombourne Tandoori Theatres The Grand Theatre Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards Window Cleaning Services Dave’s Window Cleaning Windows & Conservatories August Home Improvements Hayley Windows

68 30/53 63 39 7 29 31 27 13 17 83 45 61 60 55 59 51 58 58 55 5 51 45 15 19

Puzzle Answers Sudoku:

Easy

Quick Crossword:

Hard

Word Search: Hidden Phrase: Nature abhors a vacuum and so do I. Anne Gibson

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The new C-Class Saloon The best know no alternatives The all-new C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium medium-size category.

The clearly defined surfaces also deliberately display a degree of tension, lending them a modern and at the same time emotional character. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create progressive light and shadow effects.

Thanks to an intelligent lightweightdesign concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and new economical engines, the C-Class establishes new efficiency benchmarks in its segment. A host of new assistance systems offers safety of the highest standard, while a new optional air-sprung suspension provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and equipment features underscore the Saloon’s energising comfort and refined sportiness.

In all, the high-class appeal of the new C-Class feels like an “upgrade to a higher class of vehicle”.

High-class interior with fine details

The new C-Class offers sensuous and clear design and a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment and exemplary emissions and fuel consumption figures.

Design On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Its striking, dynamic design exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions. Modern aesthetics were the source of inspiration for the new Saloon’s sensuous lines and surfaces, whose harmony and dynamism directly touch everyone.

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The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered even in higher vehicle categories. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as to the precision of the finely crafted details. But also equally to a new design idiom which perfectly combines sensuousness and clarity with dynamic sportiness, and thus contributes to the highclass appeal of the interior.

The driver and front passenger enjoy a great deal of space and luxury in an unobtrusive, modern style on board the new C-Class. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this category of vehicle – settling into your seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on an airliner.

The interior design demonstrates a bold new approach by MercedesBenz. Here the designers combine in accomplished style the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a totally new centre console featuring sporty flowing lines. In vehicles with automatic transmission, a large one-piece centre console panel performs an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest.

Five round air vents lend the instrument panel a sporty touch.

With their metallic cool-touch effect

they create a tangible contrast to the warm look of the other materials – such as the high gloss black trim in the centre console or the ARTICO man-made leather on the instrument panel. The “upgrade” feel duly continues with the controls. All switches have a high-quality, three-dimensional design befitting a luxury vehicle and benefit from a clear layout.

A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. Like in a fighter jet, it displays important information directly in the driver’s field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and less distraction from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed, posted speed limits, navigation instructions and messages from the DISTRONIC system.

Three different design and equipment lines for the exterior and interior each offer further scope for individualisation in addition to the standard equipment and appointments: SE, Sport and AMG Line.

Piers Guest, the General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Stourbridge added “The new C-Class Saloon has brought a different dimension to our Mercedes-Benz new car range and will certainly catch anyone’s eye when walking into our showroom. I can’t help but be impressed by its stunning looks and dynamic features; it really has taken the C-Class range to a whole new level.

You can book your test drive by calling us on 01384 380315.”

town & village life magazine | may/june 2014

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BMW

Benham Wolverhampton

The ultimate driving Machine

M. The MosT poWerFul leTTer in The World. inTroducing The neW BMW M3 saloon and BMW M4 coupé. 21 June 2014.

2014 is going to be an exciting year at Benham, with many new launches to celebrate across the range including the new BMW M3 Saloon and the adrenaline fuelled new BMW M4 Coupé.

For more information on these exciting new additions to the M range, please contact us on 01902 457000 or visit www.benhambmw.co.uk

Benham Wolverhampton

Lever Street, Wolverhampton West Midlands WV2 1AD 01902 457000 www.benhambmw.co.uk Official Fuel Economy Figures for the BMW range: Urban 13.8–62.4mpg (20.5–4.4l/100km). Extra Urban 26.2–83.1mpg (10.8–3.4l/100km). Combined 20.3–74.3mpg (13.9–3.8l/100km). CO 2 emissions 325–99g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2014