Town & Village Life Magazine - May/June 2015

TOWN & VILLAGE LIFE MAGAZINE

May/June 2015

Win tickets for Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at The Grand Theatre

TOWN & VILLAG E LIFE MA GA Z INE

MAY/JUNE 2015

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

Local Magazine delivered to 15,500 Selected Homes and Businesses

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82 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV1 4TF www.mytis.co.uk part of Jon Pugh Dental town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Hello Readers, It’s a topsy-turvy time of year. We’ve got weather only environmentalists can find fault with; a General Election pending (at time of writing) that is closer to call than April’s Grand National; and dads’ are about to be – briefly – put on top for Father’s Day As my old Nan used to say, “You don’t know if you’re coming or going.” If you too share her sentiments, read on. For only in the forthcoming pages will you find the requisite commonsensical articles to restore normality. Only herein will you find order in chaos.

While we can’t predict the election result beyond “it’ll be another hung parliament” and that Ed Miliband is perhaps frontrunner in the ‘soonest to get the “sack”, sack race’, we’re full of facts on where’s best to eat locally (check out our Halfpenny Green Vineyard restaurant review); where’s the place to shop for all your home and garden improvement must-haves; where’s the local hair/ beauty salon du jour, for all our fashion conscious readers; and even where’s Wally? Just kidding, kids.

We’re not afraid to wave our wares (or indeed ‘where’s!’) in the air like we just don’t care, but we’re never cavalier when it comes to charity.

In this edition you’ll read news of two bumper fundraisers: first up is Kinver Country Fayre. Already a firm favourite of many, this year the Father’s Dayattraction boasts a top-notch medieval jousting display team, who have galloped straight from the silver screen. Then, if after all that excitement you’re in wont of a mellow mood, be sure to swing by the three-day Kinver Music Festival in early July.

See, just as promised, there’s everything you need to keep busy til the next edition.

Except the election result, of course. But who cares? The sun’s shining and, after all, what difference does it really make anyway?

Enjoy your read...

Geoff

TOWN & VILLAGE

Contents Pausing for a pint

4

Bedrooms

10

Decking & Garden Furniture

16

Recipe of the month

22

Hagley rambler scouts

24

Crosswords and puzzles

28

Stourbridge Rugby Club

32

Grand Theatre competition

36

Gardening with Ann Winwood

41

Inspiring Worcestershire and Dudley to choose cricket

42

Father’s Day

48

Knights of Middle England star at Kinver Country Fayre

50

Kinver Music Festival

54

Halfpenny Green food review Meet the boss

60/61 64

Royston Blythe - essential summer style

66/67

Women’s fashion - Trend Up-Date: Summer style

76/77

Explained: The science behind skin care

78

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

Education and Schooling

90

Best of both worlds – Renault Captur

100

Advertising enquiries

A new chapter for the Volvo XC90

102

Answers to Crossword & Puzzles

104

Sounds like love – Alfa Romeo Guilietta

106

LIFE M AGA Z I N E

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.

Social Scene

94-99

Congratulations to: Winners of The Ghost Train competition at the Grand Theatre Ann de Bont, Sedgley Meryl Billingham, Kingswinford Carol Kibbler, Stourbridge Winner of the pamper package at Wollaston Beauty Clinic Mrs Gail Whettall, Stourton Winner of the lunch for two at No.92 Oldswinford Coffee Lounge Diana Cooper, Hagley, Dudley

*Total distribution 15,500 copies bi-monthly

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

03

By Rob Taylor

Pa u s i n g

for a Pint “Not a lot happens here in Lye, and that’s no lie”, said the smirking stranger, as he peddled away from me on his oddly-shaped recumbent bicycle, his laid-back reclining pose helping enormously in support of his sizeable frame and substantial heft.

“Well, you’re about as useful as a pig on a Penny Farthing aren’t you?!”, I wasn’t heard to shout after him, most keen not to alienate the few other remaining targets for my impromptu vox-pop outside Lye Railway Station.

You see, I have to do these things on occasion to really get to the heart of the matter; to uncover the seamy underbelly (if there is one!) of any given village or town. But today the travellers unsurprisingly seem more interested in going about their daily duties than chit-chatting with me. Maybe it’s my clipboard that’s putting them off. And I knew I shouldn’t have borrowed my brother’s SkyTV promo jacket either.

No matter, I will persevere, as you must too, because there is a point to all this dilly-dallying. You see, I’m a big fan of TV’s Breaking Bad and this show has much to do with the subject of methamphetamine, which is a substituted amphetamine that relies heavily upon the ingredient lye in its illegal drug synthesis.

Now of course all this is unconnected to the town

that lies on the outskirts of Stourbridge, but I still wondered whether the chemical agent is at the root of the area’s history and thus the town’s name.

Well it turns out – and none of this comes from the good people interviewed in my survey, many of whom seem even unsure as to whether the place in which they found themselves was Lye or The Lye – that the town is famous for the manufacture of nails, anvils, vices, chains and firebricks. Not sodium hydroxide.

However, there may not be a link to that TV show but there’s definitely a connection brewing to another - a little tenuous perhaps, but a link nonetheless. And it comes direct to my nostrils from just across the railway station – specifically encased in that unmistakable “mmm… brewery” aroma, from the new home of Sadler’s Ales.

Founded in 1900 by Nathaniel Sadler, the familyrun business has earned a strong following throughout the Black Country and UK. The brewery was historically re-opened in 2004, 77 years after Thomas Sadler brewed his last pint in 1927.

Now situated on Conyers Trading Estate, the brewery has once again become a thriving Craft Brewery, producing a selection of full-time ales and a series of distinctive specials in both cask and bottle. Sadler’s latest Peaky Blinders brew – inspired by the BBC’s gangster drama, which is set in Birmingham in the late nineteenth century – has me hell-bent on forgoing the remainder of my survey and instead hop-footing it to the Windsor Castle Inn for a swift pint.

Thereafter follows a whistle-stop whiz past Christ Church and the war memorial outside it on High Street, onwards and beyond Lye Town FC - which has competed in the West Midlands Regional League since 1947, from the home that it shares with the cricket club at The Sports Ground – before finally hanging my hat at the bar.

Cheers, readers!

04

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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05

Key Industry Award for thriving

Midlands Retailer

which is essentially what everybody is looking for from a retail perspective”.

L-R: Steve Ball TTA, Kevin Beasley, Tile Choice Managing Director and Gavin Maiden, Tile Choice Director

A leading Midlands independent tile retail chain is celebrating a successful business year after winning a prestigious industry award.

Tile Choice, whose headquarters are based in Wolverhampton and now have sixteen stores throughout the central region, attended the 2015 TTA Crystal Anniversary Awards in Birmingham, where they were recognised for their business excellence in the retail sector winning the Gold Award for “Multiple Retailer of the Year”.

The Tile Association represents all aspects of the wall and floor tile industry in the UK, from manufacture to installation. Formed in January 2000, The Tile Association represents the whole of the UK wall and floor tile industry under one organisation. The Awards recognise and reward the innovative designs and projects that have happened over the last year, as well as appreciate the consistently high level of customer service shown by retailers within the Industry.

Centre in Solihull, on Saturday 18th April, along with a black tie dinner for the estimated 400 people who attended, and was hosted

by TV presenter Emma Jesson.

Marketing Manager at Tile Choice, Lee Rudkin was particularly proud of the company’s achievement, “This is the third time in the last four years we have won Multiple Retailer of the Year”. “As a company, we’ve been working very hard within the retail sector and have continued to see some great results because of our dedication to make Tile Choice the market leader”.

“We are great believers in utilising our experience within our industry to focus on providing only excellent customer service and products,

“From the quality products we offer, which are bought in bulk from trusted suppliers allowing us to pass on significant in-store savings, to the way they are presented in each specific store, we like to make each shopping experience as enjoyable as possible for domestic and trade customers alike”.

“And of course, it’s all down to individual style, so we make sure we stay up to date with the latest interior design fashions as well as continuing to offer traditional products to keep ahead of our competition, and remain always able to offer people a much wider choice”.

“We are extremely proud to be recognised by our piers at The Tile Association for the work our dedicated team have put in to making Tile Choice such a success”.

The TTA Awards is now in its 15th year and is still growing fast. This year, the awards were held at St John’s Hotel and Conference 06

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

O ILER F TH TA

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advertisement feature

HOW TO POTENTIALLY

RETIRE AT 55

If you have ever thought “I REALLY WISH I COULD STOP WORKING, BUT HOW COULD I AFFORD TO?” the answer could well be dependent on your pension and how well it has performed.

This month let’s look at ways in which you can get your pension into shape.

1. USE YOUR SHARE OF THE £35 BILLION TAX RELIEF GIVES PENSION SAVERS. When you put money in a personal pension tax relief also contributes.

08

If you pay in £1,000 tax relief automatically adds another £250 so your pension pot receives £1,250. If you pay 40% or 45% rate tax as a higher rate taxpayer then you get even more. You can claim back money through your tax return which means that the £1,250 from the example above could cost you as little as £687.50 or 55%. THE AMOUNT YOU GET FROM TAX RELIEF DEPENDS ON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND TAX RULES CAN CHANGE SO OUR VIEW IS MAKE THE MOST OF THIS WHILE IT IS ON OFFER!

2. START A PENSION. It is thought that as many as 4 in 10 British adults don’t have a pension including 1.4 million who are within 10 years of retiring.

Unless you are one of the few who are on course to retire at 55 you are likely to need to save more but the sooner you start the less it should cost you to build up a substantial pension.

3. IF YOUR EMPLOYER OFFERS YOU A PENSION AT WORK, TAKE IT! Some larger companies offer workplace pensions, many following auto-enrolment which came into effect in 2012. Soon all UK companies will have to offer a pension to their eligible employees. If you opt out you could be missing out on a pension contribution from your employer.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

4. CHECK WHERE YOUR PENSION IS INVESTED Incredibly half of those with pensions have no idea where it is invested.IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW BECAUSE YOU COULD BE MISSING OUT ON EXCELLENT REURNS IF YOU DON’T. NOT ALL INVESTMENTS ARE THE SAME AND THE DIFFERENCE COULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON WHEN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RETIRE. CALL US IF YOU WISH TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR PENSION IS INVESTED. 5. MAKE SMALL REGULAR INCREASES If a person aged 30 contributing £150 net to his pension increases by just 5% or £7.50 per month then they could find themselves with an extra £190k plus at 65 assuming basic tax relief and that the fund grows at 4% a year after charges. A little increase can go a long way in the future!

8. DON’T DELAY ON LOOKING AT YOUR PENSION! What you do today could make all the difference for your future and being able to relax and put your feet up at 55 sounds a lot better than working hard well into your later years!

9. USE A LOCAL SPECIALIST WITH A TRACK RECORD. Big changes making it easier to access money in pension pots have now taken place.

The Government has advised people not to take cold calls from fraudsters posing as pension professionals. DO NOT LET FRAUDSTERS RUIN YOUR RETIREMENT. THE VALUE PENSIONS AND THE INCOME THEY PRODUCE CAN FALL AS WELL AS RISE. YOU MAY GET BACK LESS THAN YOU INVESTED.

6. TRACE ANY OLD PENSIONS Most people have around 10 jobs during their working life and many forget or don’t keep track of all the pension schemes they have joined during their career.

If you recall joining one but can’t find the details then by contacting us we can help you put the whole picture together.

7. APPROACHING RETIREMENT?

John Webb

Readers will know from my previous articles that by the time this one goes to print pension rules will have changed and if you are 55 or over you will have far more freedom and flexibility, however, remember that if you draw your pension as a lump sum the first 25% is usually tax free – the rest will be taxed as income. Choosing when and how to withdraw your pension is one of the most important financial decisions you will make, so ensure that you take professional advice and that you understand the rules, the timing and the opportunities available. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

John Webb is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, the highest accolade designated by that organisation.

The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the Financial Advisory Profession in the United Kingdom, promoting the highest standards of technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice.

If you would like more information or need advice on your specific circumstances please feel free to contact the author John Webb of Midland Independent Financial Services Limited on 01543 468877 or john.webb@ midlandifa.co.uk Midland Independent Financial Services is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Midland Independent Financial Services Ltd, 153 Avon Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1LF. Telephone 01543 468877. www.midlandifa.co.uk 09

O U R B ED R O O M S Most of us spend a large chunk of our lives in our bedrooms - about a third in all, so it’s important that time thus spent is as comfortable and satisfying as it can possibly be.

Bedrooms were once considered merely areas for sleeping, and even thirty years ago, they were very much bottom of the list when it came to providing furnishings and decor. There was certainly little attention paid to creature comforts and the character of those who would be occupying the room.

Fortunately that attitude is very much a thing of the past. Bedrooms today are generally as comfortably furnished, as well appointed and as efficiently lit and heated as the best reception rooms in the house. Today’s bedrooms are rooms that are a pleasure to be in, a supreme comfort to sleep in and a reflection of their inhabitant’s character and good taste.

Fashion affects every area of our lives and the matter of furnishing and decor is no exception. Thus

the way we furnish and furbish our bedrooms is as important as the way we arrange any other part of the home, or indeed how we dress ourselves.

Fashions in bedrooms have changed a lot over the years. Once they were filled with dark, brooding furniture, massive in conception, that stood about the room taking up space but providing comparatively little in terms of storage. This was eventually banished by the fitted bedroom with furniture that rose from floor to ceiling. It provided vast quantities of storage space, ample space for clothes and, with a little ingenuity, even provided special areas for play for children, or for adults to perhaps use as a study or small work station.

The advantages of fitted furniture are many. It has few dust traps, the materials from which it is made are easy to care for, all available space is utilised and it gives a co-ordinated and well-planned appearance.

The wheel has turned full circle, and now free-standing furniture is once again, back in the ascendant.

However, the advantages of the fitted fixtures have not been quite forgotten. The latest bedroom furniture is a judicious mixture of fitted and freestanding units so the owners get the best of all possible worlds.

Perhaps the most important item in any bedroom is the bed itself. Most people spend between 6 - 8 hours in every 24, in bed, so it is essential that bed be comfortable and suit the person actually sleeping in it.

There are literally hundreds of beds to choose from, including:-

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simple divans, king-sized and super-king-sized beds, pine-framed constructions, hand-crafted wrought-iron beds, four-posters, to the ultimate, the electronic bed that changes its contours, heats the mattress, provides gentle vibratory massage and sits you up according to the way you operate the controls.

On the bed you will require the latest in bedding of course, and duvets are still popular being both comfortable in use and easy to care for. The bed linen to go with the duvet comes in a fantastic range of colours and patterns, and to give your bedroom that ‘all over’ look, you will be able to buy curtains, blinds and lampshades to tone in all round.

Flooring is important in any bedroom. Long gone are the days when linoleum and rug were all that covered the floor. Fitted wall-to-wall carpeting is still the most popular although warm pine flooring with scatter rugs are certainly options to consider.

Lighting is very important in any bedroom. Nobody nowadays will make do with a single ceiling pendant. Lighting should be adaptable to give strong directional light when needed and subtle, indirect illumination when it’s not.

Most people find that no matter how big the room and how many fittings they have there is never enough storage space to accommodate all one wants to keep in the bedroom.

There are dozens of items on the market designed to abandon clutter, including beds with storage drawers, shoe boxes and racks, drawer organisers, and compact clothes hangers that take more than one item of clothing thus utilising the maximum amount of wardrobe space.

So there you have it, the bedroom of today, a room of subtle comfort and beguiling pleasure. A room to go happily to sleep in, to read in, to listen to the radio or watch TV in, certainly a room to spend a good twenty-five years of your life in!

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

FLAMING FIRES, FIREPLACES & STOVES

Here at Flaming Fires, we look forward to the long winter evenings.....

• Contemporary and traditional designs • The only approved CHESNEY’S stockist in the area • Quality fireplaces at realistic prices • Established over 20 years High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DP (ON THE VILLAGE GREEN)

01902 898221 www.flamingfires.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Find us on

and

11

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 flooring from all of the leading brands, including Ulster, Brintons, Abingdon, Quick-step, Karndean, Amtico and Moduleo.

And a large selection of other wood flooring, vinyl tiles, rugs, cushion floor and laminates are also on offer, and every item comes with an outstanding value-for-money price tag.

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

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

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.

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

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“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.”

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

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

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.

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.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

“Affordable Prices”

“Stunning Showroom”

“Expert Advice”

KARNDEAN SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Old Carpets Uplifted And Removed

“Heavy Furniture Not A Problem”

FULLY GUARANTEED CARPET CLEANING SERVICE CARPETING • RUGS • VINYLS • KARNDEAN FLOORING • LAMINATE FLOORING • REAL WOOD FLOORING

Family owned and run business for over 30 years and counting 88/90 Dudley Road, Sedgley Tel: 01902 883281

21 Enville Road, Wall Heath Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 0JT Open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm

A family established business since 1992.

Large enough to cope – small enough to care.

Wet rooms and luxury bathrooms for the less abled are our speciality.

Call us for a full design and in house fitting service.

01384 400016 www.wallheathbathrooms.co.uk info@wallheathbathrooms.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

13

Hayley Windows

Quality, Bespoke Creations with Exceptional Service

Managing Director Mike Molineux explains: “We are nothing like the typical double glazing company, we don’t rely on hard sales techniques or telesales, instead we give the best service to our clients and are rewarded with repeat business and customer recommendations.”

“All of our windows and doors are made to exceed British Standards and are fitted by our team of skilled craftsmen. We only deal in top quality frames and glass at realistic prices, and supply them with a complete 10 year insurance backed guarantee.”

And what’s more, the company also offers a complete design and technical service that will help any homeowner achieve the look they want for their property.

“We have a group of designers, architects and window specialists on hand to offer expert advice and guidance.”

With a reputation for offering outstanding customer service, Hayley Windows is the premier choice for anyone looking for a double glazing company they can trust.

Specialising in windows, doors, conservatories and roofline, Hayley combine the highest quality products with a superior level of customer service.

Since relocating from the premises that they occupied for over 20 years last May - The Old Forge Industrial Estate, Lye - the company has settled in its new location at The Enterprise Trading Estate, Pedmore Road (near The Merry Hill Centre) and invested in creating a fantastic new showroom, which is now complete and open to the public.

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For anyone who wishes to add extra space to their home with the addition of a conservatory, there’s also a design, building and accessory package on offer that takes care of everything - from digging the foundations to supplying the finishing touches.

“Flooring, blinds, cane furniture and lighting are all available as part of our accessories range.”

As an independent family run business, Hayley Windows offers a completely personalised service for every client, and works hard to meet each need or requirement a customer may have.

“Crucial to our ethos is the personal rapport established between our dedicated staff, fitters and each customer. We build relationships based on quality, care and customer focus and the value of our service is not just what we put in but what you get out.” town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Quality, bespoke creations with an exceptional service!

PVC Windows PVC Doors Conservatories Roofline Extensions Folding Sliding Doors Repairs Orangeries Timber Composite Doors

Meet the team…

Kelly and Mike We have now relocated to our new premises, you will find us at: Unit 19, Enterprise Trading Estate, Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1TX Please telephone: 01384 896989 www.hayleywindows.co.uk

Elegance We source from the most stylish manufacturers and we have more than a quar ter of a centur y of experience.

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

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ROMAN BATHROOMS • KITCHENS • TILES www.romanbathrooms.co.uk 110-111 HIGH STREET BLACKHEATH B65 0EG TEL: 0121 561 4374 Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am-5pm Late night by appointment

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

15

D eck i n g

and

garden

furniture

Today’s gardens are no longer patches where clothes may be dried and dad can spend weekends tending to a flourishing kitchen garden.

They are extensions of the home in a very real sense. True there are still flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables but these are less important than the usable accommodation and general appearance of the plot. But people want even more from their gardens and seek designs for patio areas or decking where eating al fresco is just as convenient as having meals indoors. To cater for this growing trend, has come a whole industry devoted to providing you with what you want to help make the best use of the open space around your home.

The concrete or paved patio has been popular for many years, but growing in popularity now is timber decking as the feel of seasoned wood blends with a garden in a way that the patio may lack in certain circumstances. It provides a raised level from which the garden may be enjoyed.

However in some areas, decking may have to comply with building codes and regulations which may amongst other things, regulate setback distances, foundation and deck materials.

Building a simple decking area can be achieved by the average DIY enthusiast as there are stockists for the specialist materials and appropriate fixings.

Garden furniture has been the subject of a major revolution in design over recent years. Once upon a time, seating in the garden was a matter of canvas covered deckchairs, like those hired at the seaside, or basic wooden benchseats. Now all this has changed.

The humble deckchair has been swept away by whole suites of 16

co-ordinated garden furniture that is more comfortable, elegant, and substantial in structure and quite spectacular to look at.

Many supermarkets and most DIY stores and garden centres stock a whole range of patio sets comprising table and chairs made from all-weather resistant plastic resin and priced to suit the average pocket. These can usually be added to with the addition of a parasol fitted into a base through the table, and matching seat pads.

Traditional tubular steel garden furniture is still popular with a full range of hammocks, loungers, relaxers and sunbeds, all easy to assemble, that come with a selection of fabric cushioning.

Cast iron and cast aluminium tables, chairs and bench seating mostly now come in a variety of scrollwork and patterns.

At the top of the range of garden furnishings, but still affordable, are sets of hardwood furniture with usual designs of tables, chairs, benches, swing seats, loungers and gazebos. This sturdily built furniture is often available to buy on a mix and match basis, so items may be added to as and when required or

when finances allow. Again extra seat cushions are usually available, as are parasols with a hardwood pole, wood or cast iron base, and heavy-duty, shower-resistant fabric.

One can never really be sure of the British weather so no garden designed for outdoor entertaining, especially in the evening, is complete without an efficient patio heater designed for use with bottled gas which is hidden away inside the base unit. As a matter of safety, all outside patio and decking areas should be adequately lit, and specialist retailers will have a whole range for you to choose from.

When designing a patio area or decking, allow enough room not only to just accommodate the furniture, one still has to move about and have room to cook at the barbecue. On top of all that a few tubs of flowers and plants will give a finish to the overall appearance.

It is so easy to transfer your patio / decking area into a new, relaxing outdoor lounge. Just visit your local garden centre or specialist garden furniture suppliers, and you certainly will be spoilt for choice.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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17

IS YOUR CONSERVATORY

too hot to sit in? …and that’s probably only half of the story, is it too COLD in Winter?

It’s a sad fact that all those dreams we had when we bought our shiny new conservatories 10 years ago of cosy candle lit dinner parties and children playing on the tiled floor in the Summer sunshine soon evaporated after the first cold or hot weather spell appeared. Added to this on the days you can use it if it rains you can’t hear yourself speak.

The chances are that you, like every other conservatory owner and there are about 5 million of us, can only use your investment for 6 months of the year and for the rest of the time it’s at best an empty space or more likely a dumping ground for toys, clothes, hobby equipment, looking more like a jumble sale table.

Well, it doesn’t have to stay that way thanks to a new generation of lightweight solid conservatory roofs which can replace the one you currently have without disturbing the windows, décor or flooring.

There are a few versions but the market leader is the Guardian Roof which has been around for several years in Ireland and is now available in this country through approved installers. Installation only takes about a week but the transformation is incredible. Looking like a traditional roof with plastered ceiling and the option of trendy down lights your conservatory will look a million dollars.

of false promises and gimmicks. We’ve seen it all before with everything from double-glazing to solar panels so it is very important to only choose approved suppliers who can offer genuine insurance-backed guarantees. Fortunately Guardian Roofs has done that for their customers by careful vetting of their installers so you can purchase in full confidence.

Another good second supplier reference resource is Checkatrade, a completely independent review for a variety of trades. All you have to do is Google www.checkatrade.com and type in your suppliers name and see what others said about them.

So if you want to get the best out of your conservatory, then changing the roof can achieve that for you in a few days and at far less cost than knocking it down and building an extension. Innovations seldom come along but this is one of them and will be the most popular home improvement of the decade, watch this space.

For a free no obligation quotation call our local office FREE on 0800 988 5938.

You really will be able to have that candle lit dinner party in the middle of Winter, see the children enjoying their toys on a Summer afternoon or listen to polite conversation even in a downpour.

The Guardian Roof has all the environmental credentials you would expect from a high quality product, already approved by Building Control so no need for any complicated paperwork.

Better still, now is the time to purchase one as companies are looking to build their portfolio of installations and some good genuine deals can be obtained.

The downside is as the market develops over the next couple of years and looka-like systems become available the cowboys will hit the trail with all sorts 18

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

LIKE AN IGLOO

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THANKS TO MY NEW ROOF, I’M NOW THE MOST POPULAR ROOM IN THE HOUSE!

For a free no obligation quotation call our local office FREE on

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The Guardian™ warm roof is fully LABC approved for your peace of mind.

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See what people say about us on Checkatrade over 450 independent customer references

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THE GREAT £448,000 STOCK SELL OUT THE GREAT £448,000 STOCK SELL OUT

WITH EVERY PRICE REDUCED WITH EVERY PRICE REDUCED

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To make way for fabulous new ranges arriving soon, we must clear £448,000 of stock To make way for fabulous new ranges arriving soon, at never to be £448,000 repeatedof prices. we must clear stock at never to be repeated prices.

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21

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

recipe of the month

Serves 6 - 8

Lemon Posset with Blueberry compote and Almond biscotti thins EQUIPMENT • Scales • Measuring jugs • 1 large and 3 smaller Mixing bowls • Set of heavy based pans • Lemon zester or the fine side of your grater • Reamer / juicer • Wooden spoon • Spatula • Sieve • 6 - 8 glass jars or tumblers INGREDIENTS POSSET • 600ml double cream • 150g of caster sugar • 2 medium sized unwaxed lemons COMPOTE • 350g frozen blueberries • 50ml water • 50g caster sugar BISCOTTI • 100g Organic plain flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 30g ground almonds • 50g whole skin on almonds • 75g caster sugar • 1 beat up egg • 3 drops of almond extract 22

METHOD Read through once and measure everything out before starting.

POSSET Firstly, pour the cream into a pan on a moderate heat and bring gradually to the boil.

Once bubbling add the caster sugar and whisk until dissolved then add the zest of one lemon and the juice of one lemon, taste the mixture and if not lemony enough add more lemon juice, don’t forget to leave a little juice for the blueberries.

COMPOTE Whilst the cream is coming up to the boil add the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon juice and simmer and stir until a blue jam appears. Once you have a jam consistency remove from heat and divide into glass jars, allow to cool and then pour in the lemon posset mix and allow to cool - you can do this the other way round if you like, lemon first. Although this dessert can be quick setting you should make these the day before or first thing in the morning to be sure they will set ready for dinner.

BISCOTTI Switch your oven on to 170˚C gas mark 3.

Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, ground almonds into a large mixing bowl then add the whole almonds, sugar and egg, mix together with a wooden spoon then bring the mix together with you hands into a dough. Place onto a floured tray and bake in the oven for half an hour and then allow to cool completely - by this time the possets should be starting to set. Once the biscotti is completely cooled slice it into thin slices and turn the oven down to 150oC, gas mark 2 and place back in the oven until crisp.

SERVING SUGGESTION You could make smaller versions of these in shot glasses to serve at a party or as part of a trio of desserts and add lemon flavoured meringue and lavender scented sponge with whipped cream. town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

N

M O ON RO SO W O ING SH EN P

O

EW

Unique, Traditional & Fashionable Kitchens designed to add luxury to your life and value to your property

For a free no obligation quote telephone 01384 572 732 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk enquires@blackcountr ykitchens.com

www.blackcountr ykitchens.com 23

Hagley

Ramblers

Scout

Group charity event in the park at Hagley Hall On Sunday 28th June the park at Hagley Hall will be the venue for an event for all the family in aid of Hagley Ramblers scout group.

The park is currently undergoing restoration work to restore it to its magnificent eighteenth century glory 24

(as it would have been seen by famous names of the time including Horace Walpole and Alexander Pope). Visitors will be able to explore the park at their leisure, ahead of its formal opening to the public later this year, taking in the lakes, deer park, rotunda and folly castle.

The day will also feature an exciting Viking re-enactment group including fully costumed warriors in an authentic Viking battle, a tented living history display showcasing typical Viking crafts such as metalworking and woodcarving.

Come and see the way the Vikings made their swords, prepared their meals and went into battle. There will be opportunities for audience participation – if you dare!

Other activities include a quiz trail, childrens crafts and games, face-painting and a bouncy castle.

Have a go at bushcrafting activities and find out what Scouting is all

about! Hot food, cakes and other refreshments will be available.

All proceeds from the day will go towards re-building the scout hut (in Hagley). Hagley Ramblers is a thriving scout group, extremely popular in the village, with many sections over-subscribed. (It provides a valuable opportunity for children to learn new skills and experience activities such as hiking, camping, backwoods cooking etc as well as having lots of fun). The existing hut is in constant use and urgently in need of replacement.

A new hut would provide a clean, modern base for the Scouting and Guiding movements but also for other community activities.

Ticket prices: Adult £7, Child (3-16) £3.50, Family (2+3) £20, Under 3’s free, car parking free.

Further details available via www.hagleyramblers.com or 07969 950523

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Brierley Hill

Bathrooms Large showroom Full fitting and design service Friendly helpful staff Free survey and quotation Please call 01384 484088 or see our website for more details www.brierleyhillbaths.co.uk

10/11 Garratt Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 1JU

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

For a free no obligation quote please call in at:

20 Finchfield Rd West, Finchfield, WV3 8AZ or telephone:

01902 761600

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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

25

Low-cost kitchen makeovers come to Stourbridge and Dudley with new

Dream Doors

showroom

Residents of Stourbridge, Dudley and the surrounding areas can now get a kitchen makeover for less than half the cost of a full re-fit, with the launch of a new Dream Doors kitchen showroom in April.

The new showroom is located on the Lower High Street, Stourbridge and was opened by the Mayor of Dudley, Margaret Aston, with beverages, canapés and a raffle draw in aid of local charity “Mary Stevens Hospice”. The new branch will be managed by lifelong Stourbridge resident Sarah Halloran, who believes she has found the perfect location for Dream Doors: “With Dream Doors the idea of a new kitchen is affordable, a full re-fit is not needed. A fresh new kitchen can be possible within 48 hours, goodbye to weeks of disruption.

For a fraction of the cost, we can replace doors and work surfaces.

I hope people of Dudley and Stourbridge will jump at the chance of a new kitchen makeover. And customers only pay a 50 percent deposit and then the balance when they are completely satisfied.”

About Dream Doors Dream Doors first opened in Hampshire in 1999 and has

26

become an established and trusted national brand giving a new lease of life to old kitchens.

Dream Doors is the UK’s premier kitchen makeover firm, with a presence on 60 high streets across the country. It transforms old and dated kitchen by replacing doors, worktops and drawer fronts, saving time and money.

Dream Doors MD, Troy Tappenden believes there will be a major demand for kitchen makeovers in Dudley and Stourbridge: “Nationally we have just had our best quarter ever, and Dudley is a perfect area for a Dream Doors showroom. Sarah was born

and bred in the area so knows its potential as well as anyone.

Offering a free guarantee on all work is a real plus for customers, the location has a number of complementary stores and free parking and I think this could be one of our best franchises yet.”

Sarah’s previous career has been HR and industry, utilising these skills she is able to deliver a quality product, in a timely fashion complimented with excellent customer service. The infrastructure of the Dream Doors Company gives both extra security and guarantee to the customer.

Dream Doors has opening offers on all kitchen makeovers, just pop into the showroom or give Sarah a call on 01384 466959 and ask her for details.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Transform your tired Kitchen!

At the fraction of the cost of a fully fitted one.

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.com Checkatrvaiedweour to credentials

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www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

27

Quick Crossword Down 1 Combines (6) 2 Highways (5) 3 Result (7) 5 Correct (5) 6 Outlive (7) 7 Bowls (6) 8 Escorted (11) 14 Becomes thinner (7) 15 Blow up (7) 16 Reverberates (6) 17 Alter (6) 19 Consent (5) 21 Innocent (5)

Across 1 Small tunnel (6) 4 Rubbed out (6) 9 Stretchy (7) 10 Young females (5) 11 Type of music (5) 12 External (7) 13 Translated (11) 18 Window covering (7) 20 Nip (5) 22 Smell (5) 23 Passion (7) 24 Female relation (6) 25 Harsh (6)

Sudoku

Easy

Hard

Puzzle answers on page 104

Word Search Find the words below in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a phrase.

ACAPELLA

INDIE

ACID ROCK

JAZZ

ACOUSTIC

LATIN

BIG BAND

LOUNGE

BLUEGRASS CABARET DANCE DISCO FLAMENCO FOLK

28

MEXICAN NEW WAVE POLKA PUNK ROCKABILLY SAMBA SOUL

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HIP HOP

WALTZ

INDIAN

WORLD town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

29

Spring into Summer with

Love Your Blinds Or stay in the shade, “Plantation” or “Colonial” shutters from Love Your Blinds offer a stylish and elegant solution that will enhance any room décor, whether you are looking for a contemporary or traditional style. All shutters are fully made-to-measure, so can be supplied for any shape or size of window, including sash, casement or sloping/arched topped windows and patio doors. They are available in a wide choice of colours and are all made from sustainable woods or upvc. Shutters add an additional layer to your glazing, so they not only control light, but can help reduce noise levels as well.

Shutters can help keep you cool in summer, but also retain warmth in the winter months. They provide complete privacy as well as being flexible to allow natural light in while providing extra security.

Why not step into spring/ summer this year and choose Shade sails from Love Your Blinds, they offer an elegant, eye-pleasing and natural complement to both traditional and modern tastes.

30

They are an excellent alternative to fitted blinds for lanterns, roof lights and conservatory roofs. The sails are made from an advanced stretch fabric that creates a sail that is easy to install or remove and that can be cleaned in a domestic washing machine. InShade sails have curved edges to tension the fabric and keep it smooth. These curves create a distinctive, sculptural aesthetic and help maintain an open aspect when significant shading is required. The sails can also be used to great effect when providing only partial coverage, in order to shade, for example, just the south-facing aspect. Multiple overlapping sails generate combinations of direct and diffused light and on sunny days this creates wonderful pools of light and shadow that move with the sun to create a very natural, outdoor feel.

Perhaps you would prefer to keep cool in the summer sun, patio awnings from Love Your Blinds provide the perfect focal point for summer barbeques and al fresco parties, they can even have LED lights, heaters and speakers! Not just a luxury though, as awnings provide the best defence against sun fading your carpets or over heating rooms and are perfect for shading children when playing outdoors. We have a range of awning and canopies to suit every application and budget from simple wind-out models to sophisticated, motorised shading systems.

Business Partners Paul Morris and Simon Doble of Love Your Blinds, supply and install a wide variety of made to measure window blinds, shutters, sails and awnings to suit all types of windows for homes, schools and offices, each with over 35 years of expertise and knowledge you can feel confident in knowing that the service provided is of the highest standard.

Free measuring and advice together with a professional installation service on all our window blinds and shutters is backed up by full aftercare and support. Call us today on 01746 768138 or 01384 877518.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

LOVE YOUR HOME

Beautiful homes

Deserve beautiful blinds‌ and shutters too!

For impartial advice on all types of blinds, awnings and plantation shutters call Paul at our Bridgnorth showroom on:

01746 768138

or Simon at our Kinver showroom on:

01384 877518

Alternatively you can visit our showrooms at:

10 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth & 83 High Street, Kinver

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

31

stourbridge

RfC

As I put pen to paper our First XV prepare for the last game of this season against Harrogate at home.

We are likely to finish this season in mid table despite a creditable win away at Preston Grasshoppers and a narrow defeat away at Chester which collected bonus points. Our supporters continue to provide our rivals with excellent away attendances and at home our pre-match meals are regularly sold out. Planning for next season`s campaign is already under way.

Our social scene continues to provide value for money. The televised England v. France game on the 21st March drew a full house and we will be planning many similar events for this year`s Rugby World Cup games in the autumn.

Keep your eye on our website for details. Our members welcomed ex England star Martin Corry to our Debenture Club dinner in March. It was very entertaining, well attended and was excellent value for money.

Preparations are well in hand for our main events of the social year namely our Corporate lunch and May Ball on the 8th and 9th

May respectively. Speakers for the Lunch are Shane Williams MBE and Martin Corry returns to entertain our corporate guests.

A local comedian Andy White completes the entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies will again be the ebullient John Bentley. Full details of both events are available on the website and from the office and the bookings indicate both events will be well attended!

Our amateur sides, Lions, Hounds and Hoppers continue to enjoy their rugby in the lower, but just as competitive, leagues. The Lions finished fourth in their league and the Hoppers second in theirs.

Both teams will benefit from the proposed integrated training and coaching systems with our First XV next season. Mini and Junior

sides ensure Sunday mornings remain a busy time for moms and dads and team coaches and managers with home and away fixtures. The Minis recently held a very successful tournament medals for the participants being presented by local MPs Gavin Williamson and Margot James. Our own Under 13s won their age grade tournament at Stourton Park, the U11s won the Plate competition at Worcester and our U9s travelled away to Luctonians as underdogs but took the honours there, winning the Anglo Welsh Cup! Those not yet old enough to play matches continue to swell the numbers of “Micros� who enjoy a run about with the emphasis on fun.

The club continues to host many local celebratory events with weddings, christenings and birthday and anniversary parties making the most of our excellent facilities. We now have a specific Wedding Brochure for those seeking to hire our venue and which is available for collection or despatch from the club office.

So plenty of dates for your diaries and for all of the above events please call Lin in the club office on 01384 395000 or access the club website for details and contact numbers.

Carl Wythes

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

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

33

hOuse Of sandeRsOn

Good old-fashioned service Walk through the doors at House of Sanderson and you’ll wonder if you’ve stepped back in time.

The charming family-run business - that’s located on 135-139 Dudley Road, Brierley Hill - was established nearly half a century ago by owner, David Raybould, and has remained virtually unchanged ever since.

David’s daughter, Jane explains: “We have a wonderful selection of both traditional and contemporary designs to choose from including brands like Sanderson, William Morris, Harlequin and Clark and Clark.

And there’s plenty more; Villa Nova, Ashley Wilde, Blendworth, Chatsworth, Chatham Glyne, Hardy’s, Prestigious and Samuels Simpson.

The premises still looks largely the same, there are no computer systems in store and payments are made the old fashioned way in either cash or cheque. Most importantly though, the company has retained good old fashioned values when it comes to serving their customers; something which has always set them apart from the competition.

All these fabrics are usually delivered within a couple of days from placing the order. Customers are not obliged to have goods made up, we also offer a ‘buy only’ option and give a 15% discount when ordering a minimum of 3 metres of fabric to take away.”

Priding themselves on offering a friendly and efficient service, the House of Sanderson team have earned themselves legions of loyal customers over the years, as well as an enviable reputation in the business.

“Our five sewers are able to create practically anything our customers want, curtains - with eyelets, pinch or pencil pleats - pelmets, swags and tails, nets and voiles, bed spreads, roman blinds, box cushions and cushion covers. They also take care of any alterations.”

Spread over two floors, the store is packed-full of all manner of fabrics, wallpapers and soft furnishings, which are certain to appeal to the tastes of all customers.

House of Sanderson’s experienced sewers can even make patterns from samples brought in by their customers.

There are five members of staff onsite that are responsible for making all manner of soft furnishings:

And, if you’ve decided to have some cushion covers made you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a great selection of polyester and feather cushion inners to choose from.

A re-upholstery service is available for smaller items, such as dining chairs and headboards, which ensures the fabrics in your room will match perfectly.

Recently a new blind department was introduced to the store, meaning that customers can easily order any style of blind they desire.

The company offers free quotations for all of the services they offer and can put customer’s in-touch with a trusted and experienced fitter, who’ll be able to take care of all aspects of installation.

There will be a brand-new range of quality wallpapers arriving at the store very soon:

34

“We’re looking forward to introducing our fabulous new collection of vinyl wallpapers to the store towards the middle of May. The range is made in Belgium and Italy, from top grade quality vinyl and prices start at just £8.99.”

For those customers who are handy at making things themselves, there’s a small haberdashery: “We’ve got a limited selection of haberdashery items in store and our customers can choose to buy as much or as little from us as they choose - there are no minimum purchase quantities.”

And if you need help or advice with anything, just ask the team: “We’ve got seven wonderful members of staff, who are always keen to help clients and offer advice. We’re all really friendly and approachable and enjoy helping our clients find what they’re looking for.”

Every item and service on offer at the store is competitively priced, meaning that at House of Sanderson you really can have it all; excellent service, superior products and all at impressive value-for-money prices.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

• Curtains • Pelmets • Blinds • Designer Fabrics & Wallpaper new stock now available.

• Upholstery services for Headboards, Seat Covers and smaller items • Custom made Bed Throws and Cushions

House of Sanderson

135 – 139 Dudley Road, Brierley Hill DY5 1HD

Tel:01384 70022

Open Mon-Sat 9.30am – 5pm. Free parking front and rear

Mention this advert and get: • 15% off 3 metres or more for fabrics ordered (still applies if we do not make curtains) • Free make up and half price make up on selected ordered fabrics with pencil pleat 3” tape • 10% off top quality linings • 20% off eyelet curtain make up • 20% off handmade pinch pleat headed curtains

Specialists in all types of Blinds Vertical - Fabric, Wood and PVC Venetian - Wood & Aluminium Rollers Including Blackout • Awnings and Canopies Romans • Woodweave • Velux • Conservatory Blinds

Free Measuring & Fitting + 12 Month Guarantee

Call Now 01902 754 129, 07891 197 369 or 01902 212314 No 72, School Road, Tettenhall Wood, WV6 8ET

as seen advertised on

www.valheverblinds.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

35

Competition Three lucky winners can each win two tickets to see THE MOUSETRAP on Monday 29th June at 7.30pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

THE MOUSETRAP returns to Wolverhampton from Monday 29th June to Saturday 4th July. The murder mystery is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12 or please visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Previous cast photography

36

y Previous cast photograph

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send it on a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to Town & Village Life Magazine or email info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk before Tuesday 2nd June 2015.

Which of these is an Agatha Christie sleuth?

Jessica Fletcher Jane Marple Molly Blume Nancy Drews Competition Terms and Conditions Please post all entries to Town & Village Life Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY or email info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk. To be received no later than Tuesday 2nd June 2015. Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the evening of the performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available.

If a winner has any access issues please let me know as this may affect the date of the tickets we have issues for this reason only we will exchange the tickets for the production. Entries will be forwarded to the Grand Theatre unless otherwise stated.

Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Castle Street, Dudley Centre, DY1 1LA Tel: 01384 234620 Unit, 26, Vanguard Way, Shrewsbury, SY1 3TG Tel: 01743 463261 3 Riverside, Stafford, ST16 3PT Tel: 01785 223338 Macrome Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton, WV6 9HD Tel: 01902 752764 Townsend Place, Kingswinford Centre, DY6 9JA Tel: 01384 271812 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0RX Tel: 01902 429060 Castle Street, Hadley, Telford TF1 6GJ Tel: 01952 257007 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

37

Exciting changes at

of advantages as an independent builders’ merchants, we’re not restricted like national companies to using only one supplier. We can sit down with any manufacturer and work out a deal and then we can pass the savings on to our customers directly.”

“We’ve got the freedom to do things as we want to, which is really important to the business,” adds Barry.

Mark Charlton & Barry Smith

There are some big changes taking place at OCL this spring.

experience and knowledge in the building materials industry and this is essential to provide the highest level of customer service”.

The Kingswinford and Pensnettbased business has long been known for its landscaping services and fencing, but now the company is changing and expanding to become a fully-stocked general builders’ merchants too.

It’s not just new staff members that have joined the company though, there’s also a brand new piece of equipment.

There will still be all of the same services and products on offer at both of OCL’s sites but the new one-stop-shop builders’ merchants will be the main focus.

Procurement Manager, Barry Smith, explains: “We’re introducing new products all the time, soon we’ll have everything needed on-site to build a complete house from the foundations up.”

A great deal of investment has been made in the business, along with an intake of experienced new staff members who’ve been brought in to manage the new aspect of the company.

Mark Charlton, Branch Manager, says: “We’ve got a new 26 tonne crane vehicle that’s just joined our fleet of delivery vehicles - which already includes two Tipper Transits and a Hi-ab lorry - it will really improve our delivery scope.”

And there’s many delivery options available, to suit every client’s needs: “If you can’t collect, it’s no problem for us to deliver prices start at only £9.95.”

In fact all of OCL’s customers benefit from competitive pricing, as Mark explains: “There’s plenty

Each part of the company has its own specialist, to help and advise both domestic and trade clients alike.

“We’ve got a separate specialist for each department; landscaping, timber, bricks and blocks etc.

Excellent and efficient customer service is really important to us,” explains Mark.

OCL’s opening hours have been worked out with the customer’s needs in mind too: “We’re open from 7am until 5pm on weekdays during the winter months, and 7am until 6pm in the summer.

We also open on Saturdays between 8am and 4pm.”

“It makes a real difference to tradesmen to be able to get the materials they need early in the morning so that they can get on with the job they’re working on,” adds Barry.

“I joined the business recently from Jewson; I’ve worked in the trade for many years. Ashley Ibbs George, OCL’s Managing Director/ owner, brought me and Mark Charlton, also a long standing employee from Jewson, into the business to manage everything relating to the builders’ merchant aspect of OCL. Ashley recognises that we both have a wealth of 38

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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PROFENCE! town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

the growing season has

aRRiVed

Tips are provided by Ann Winwood, Lealans Garden Centre, Wolverhampton

As May starts so hopefully it begins to feel like summer is on its way, but beware late frost during the first part of May that can spoil the fruit blossoms and kill any tender plants put outside too soon.

Sow or plant salad crops fortnightly.

Don’t plant out tomato plants or cucumbers until it’s warmer at night – they soon go blue if they’re cold! Start them off inside making sure they have some heat at night.

Spray gooseberries against American mildew and Sawfly – they can strip a plant almost overnight. Cover fruit bushes with netting to stop the birds getting your fruit before you do. Spray fruit trees before flowers open and after fruit has set to keep bugs and diseases under control.

Start making up hanging baskets and tubs, but don’t leave them outside at night until the beginning of June. Once planted they can be stood outside if we get a nice warm day, but bring them inside at night. Don’t be tempted to put them in a dark garage or shed, they need good light levels at the moment to get established.

Water regularly – everyday when the sun starts shining and feed.

Marigolds, Begonias, Impatiens and Geraniums until the beginning of June if necessary. Water well to get established, then, feed fortnightly and dead head regularly.

Hoe borders frequently, preferably on a nice sunny day and any weeds that are beginning to get established will wilt and die off quickly; regular hoeing will also allow air into the top layer of soil and encourage root growth.

Watch out for slug damage on young herbaceous plants, and summer bedding such as Marigolds. ‘Slug Gone’ is a relatively new product that is made from wool, which you put round the base of plants and once dampened its small fibres act as an irritant to slugs.

Summer bedding can be planted outside from the end of May onwards, so long as we aren’t getting any late frosts. Antirrhinums, Asters and Lobelia first, leaving

Don’t forget the lawn, do a light cut first, gradually reducing the mower height over several cuts. Weeds and moss can be treated with products such as Scotts ‘Evergreen Complete’ which will fertilize the lawn as well as killing weeds and moss. MO Bacter the organic moss treatment and fertilizer can be applied every 3 months from March to September.

OPEN DAILY

Tel 01902 700209 Lealans own brand compost – 80 litre bags, only £12.69 for 3 bags Hanging Baskets now being accepted for summer refilling.

Open over May Bank Holiday.

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

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

41

Inspiring Worcestershire and Dudley to Choose

Cricket

New initiatives have brought an exciting opportunity for girls and disabled people who are interested in playing cricket.

As the leading organisation for cricket in the county, Worcestershire Cricket Board Limited aim to inspire all ages, genders and abilities to choose cricket.

With successful programmes running in the east, west and southern parts of the county, new plans are being formulated to bring these opportunities to Dudley and the north.

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Looking ahead for the summer months of 2015, the England Women’s Cricket Team will be bringing Ashes fever to Worcester when they take on Australia at New Road on the 26th July. This is being seen as an opportunity to give girls a chance to come and take part in cricket. In recent years, girls cricket in Worcestershire has being on the increase with 6 women’s and girl’s teams representing the county.

The next step is to make cricket the choice for girls in the summer and improve the recreational game.

Cricket Development Coach and County Women’s Head Coach Jon Hancock stated that: “I hope that more and more girls choose cricket as their summer sport.

Cricket is now a viable option for all Women to choose as a professional career. There is no better time than the present to get involved in the girl’s game”.

In addition to this, the development of disability cricket throughout the world has allowed people with a range of disabilities to take part in different, enjoyable versions of the game. Worcestershire Cricket wants everyone to enjoy the game in a variety of different ways that are friendly, fun and safe for everyone.

Indoor community sessions have been ongoing for girls and disability cricket at The Crestwood School in Kingswinford on Monday nights and at Thorns Community College in Quarry Bank on Tuesday nights.

Now the lighter nights are here we will be introducing outdoor sessions throughout the summer months.

If you would like to come and give cricket a go or for more information, please contact Worcestershire Cricket Coach Daniel Such on 07910 749468 or suchycricket95@gmail.com

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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43

Hawthorn Barn near Heartland – great home comforts and splendid base for walkers

Walker’s paradise

with ever y home comfor t Almost twice the size of its wilder west Cornish neighbour, North Devon at first glance presents itself as a county with a gentler feel.

With its rounded landscape of sweeping pastures, chocolate box thatched cottages and picture postcard villages it can easily seduce unsuspecting explorers into a false sense of security.

But for those wishing a proper walking holiday that will deliver some good cardio-vascular workouts along with predictable stunning scenery, it’s all there for the taking.

Indeed, many outings will tempt with stereotypical cottage cream tea experiences along the way and an endless supply of country eye candy, but there’s some serious off-the-beaten-track challenges if you wish to take them on.

Ideally suited for walking enthusiasts is Hawthorn Barn nestling in the Heartland Peninsular backwoods. With numerous walks through the quiet lanes onto the South West Coastal Path, the tasteful barn conversion is one of a row of sympathetically developed conversions.

Its three bedrooms and first-floor lounge/kitchen accommodation is easy live-in space, but you do need to watch your head on the low eves.

The cobbled streets of the timeless Clovelly

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For a walking party or family group with a taste for the great outdoors, it offers a comfortable retreat after a day’s trek and a blissful patio where to chill when Devon’s weather is at its kindest.

Clearly, the owners have thought of every convenience to make a self-catering break a home from home – an en-suite master bedroom is a lovely touch.

Solid oak, modern furniture is found throughout, the kitchen equipment allowed me to indulge my hobby as a would-be Jamie Oliver (there’s a good array of pans and utensils) and for those soggy-sock returns when the weather breaks there’s a washing machine.

For the hunter-gather types wishing to revisit Scouting experiences there’s a log burner with exposed flu. I genuinely fell in love with the ambience of this retreat – plenty of birdsong – and in the early summer week I spent there with my walking partner Gill, hardly a whisper of farm machinery.

Situated a few miles from the pretty village of Hartland, stunning coastal views are just a 10-minute walk away from the door.

With its coves nearby at Spekes Mill and the rugged allure of beautifully desolate Hartland Quay’s granite cliffs, this place ticks every box

for me. This holiday home haven, hidden behind the high hedges of oft-uncharted winding tracks where weeds and wild flowers flourish in the middle of the road is a far cry from the ‘scrumpy’ image for which the county is best known.

For those wanting sand castles, surf and rock pool exploration, there’s plenty of that on hand too.

Surfing beaches can be found at Westward Ho! and Sandymouth.

Bideford lies close by, from where trips to Lundy Island can be booked.

A must-do-visit is the quaint village of Clovelly with its famed donkeys and steep, cobbled streets. A sometimes-demanding cliff-top walk offers a direct route from Hawthorn Barn to the attraction, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

If you’re a cream tea enthusiast, check out the nearby award-winning Lavender Tearooms. Excellent scones and gardens to explore too.

For me, the North Devon coast is forever enchanting. As spring breaks out already I’m feeling drawn back to the often-deserted sandy beaches, the wilder walks and, of course, the homely comforts of Hawthorn Barn.

For bookings visit: www.homeaway.co.uk/p1673796

By John Nash

Desolate beauty – Heartland Point

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

get your garden ready for summer with

JaCuZZi

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The brand new J500 series is a simply stunning design which combines excellent technology with the premium hydrotherapy we are best known for. The Curvalux™ cabinet creates the look and feel of high end garden patio furniture accentuated by the glow of innovative exterior corner lighting which makes a great feature in any garden.

Jacuzzi® prioritises offering quality to our customers in every way – from the dedication towards creating the perfect hydrotherapy massage and putting our customers’ wellness first, to the continuing dedication to develop the technology of our PowerPro® jets.

We have introduced the new PowerPro® FX Directional jet for a targeted hip massage and we’ve also provided a wider variety of seating levels to accommodate varying heights comfortably.

The four pillars of the brand are design, health, pleasure and performance and we take great

From a technology perspective, the J500 series includes a fullcolour ProTouch™ glass control

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46

01384 930930 wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk/ halesowen-kidderminster town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Vet health check

By Brian Hogan MRCVS MVB Cert SAS Clinical Director, Blacks vets

illustrates 189 cases within 50 miles, it’s serious. Call us on 01384 252509 for advice and prevention.

Kennel cough - the myth Watch out for Kennel Cough, which has little to do with Kennels and everything to do with contact - in a park, a field or at the local pub with your dog on a sunny evening, contagious but preventable with a simple vaccine.

As Spring turns into Summer it’s time to watch out for a few problems that we see walking through the doors at our Accredited Veterinary Hospital in Dudley as well as in our branches at Sedgley, Lye, Quinton and Oldbury.

Curiosity killed the dog...

Lungworm, it’s a killer - preventable with routine care so please protect your dog. Foxes, slugs and snails carry Lungworm, passed through contact - a quick type of a ‘DY’ postcode on www.lungworm.co.uk

Itchy issues Pollen allergies are more common at this time of year. We see cases referred every day to our Advanced Practitioner in Dermatology, John O’Flynn MRCVS MVB Cert AVP (VD), to get to the bottom of itchy issues using advanced testing equipment and knowledge to aid diagnosis.

And remember: NEVER leave a dog in a car unattended, overheating can be lethal and frighteningly quick.

Bottoms up for bunnies Fly Strike, preventable and hideously traumatic for your bunny if you do not keep their bottom clean every

day. A moist or dirty bottom attracts flies laying eggs which quickly hatch to maggots and burrow into the skin causing horrific, sometimes fatal, wounds. It is so upsetting to see distressed furry friends in our surgeries with upset owners who love their rabbits but are unaware of the problem, sometimes having to say goodbye to their much loved big ears, so sad. It’s preventable.

When a pet comes to see us at Blacks we treat them as our own.

Voted this year as ‘Best UK Vet’, savings of up to 40% on preventative care in our Healthy Pet Club was a firm favourite with clients.

Enjoy the sunshine with your paws or claws, always here if you need us 24/7 with our own vets and nurses waiting for you, back to surgery for me... Brian

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Father’s Day

H i s t ory a n d t r a d i t i o n s the USA before the War, it has only been over a number of years that Father’s Day has come to be observed as regularly as is Mother’s Day. The commercial side to another day on which to buy things has not escaped the retailers in every High Street in the country, with predictable results. All the shops you can imagine, and some you probably can’t, are offering suitable gifts for Father’s Day. There is however a deeper significance attached to the day that is wholly of the 1980s.

With the rise of the feminist movement and the general acceptance that men and women are equal in all respects, there has, without question, to be a day for thinking about and honouring fathers, as there is for mothers.

How could it be otherwise? What is sauce for the goose.. after all!

The origin of Father’s Day is a bit of an import. It hails, as do so many other semicommercial innovations to our calendar, from the United States.

Apparently way back in 1910, a certain Mrs John Bruce Dodd of Spokane, having thought up the idea, and having also made herself a nuisance to the Governor of Washington, got the day officially recognised by that poor gentleman, probably in self-defence. Then as now, there is no more determined person on earth, than the All American Matron with a cause on her mind.

48

The day received only spasmodic recognition for the next quarter century. Support grew however, and by 1935 it had become a fully-fledged day of celebration observed throughout the USA. There of course it might have stayed, had it not been for the subsequent War and the influx of GIs flooding this country, bringing with them, many of their habits and customs. The concept of a day for remembering fathers, far from home, fighting in various parts of the world, destined perhaps never to return, was too good to overlook. Slowly the day began to insinuate itself into our way of life.

Its general acceptance however has not been fast and as in

However far you decide to go in remembering your father, it is worth bearing in mind that not only is it hard for the 21st century woman to assert her rights and take an equal place in society alongside her husband, it is equally hard for the 21st century man to adjust to the new set of circumstances. Not a point to be overlooked perhaps at the time when men’s rights are often overlooked and ignored.

To have a mother after all, you have also to have a father. His contribution is just as vital to the production of children. On Father’s Day you have your opportunity to remember and acknowledge this, so the third Sunday in June is an important day to mark in anyone’s diary.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP Special Gourmet dinner events monthly, Friday 12th June & Friday 10th July

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The Cat Inn

the Cats Crawler

The Cat Inn at Enville in South Staffordshire has won the “Staffordshire Pub of the Year” The village pub is run by Dan and Aimee Hicks and the award coincided this month with the first birthday of their baby boy Harvey-Joe. So a special brew has been brewed up called “The Cats Crawler”

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Please call Mike or Irene on:

01952 261267 49

Knights of Middle England star at

Kinver Country Fayre said Brian Ashmead, one of the organisers. “They really do put on an amazing show and as Kinver is their only appearance in the Midlands this year, we feel particularly privileged.”

Of course visitors can expect a wide range of other entertainment including live music from The Naughty Corner, dance, falconry displays, laughter yoga, football, rugby, medieval minstrel Wynndebagge providing comedy and music, the popular fun dog show and Mad Dominic the stilt walker. Hotfoot Jazz will again be entertaining the crowds in the High Street.

Kinver Country Fayre on Sunday 21st June is set to be the biggest ever. With a record number of stalls and a full entertainment programme, including a dazzling headline act, the Father’s Day extravaganza is aiming to pull in the crowds.

Top UK jousting display team, The Knights of Middle England, will be topping the bill. The team is well known for its action-packed displays showcasing superb horsemanship, which has featured in numerous TV shows and films such as Merlin, Robin Hood and The Da Vinci Code.

Children will find plenty to occupy them with donkey rides, bouncy castles, face painting, traditional games and fun challenges with Kinver Scouts, including havea-go-archery. Then there are some magnificent shire horses, Icelandic horses and feathered friends to meet from Owls on the Prowl. Meanwhile, Dads out for a Father’s Day celebration will find a collection of classic cars and motorcycles to admire.

There’s food to suit every taste from a host of catering stalls – ranging from the traditional to exotic, local ale in the beer tent and a taste of summer at the Pimms stall. Tea and homemade

cakes await those taking a wellearned rest from browsing the stalls.

Stalls this year are offering an even wider range of goods – crafts, arts, jewellery, decorative items, specialist medieval goods, candles, plants, pottery, woodwork, toys, clothing, items for gardeners and animal lovers – not to mention some delicious produce in the fine food tent. Specialist stalls are selling country liqueurs, wines, preserves, garlic, chilli’s, scotch eggs, pies and puddings - to name but a few.

The event kicks off at 11am with a grand parade through the High Street. Find out more about this traditional family day out at www.kinvercountryfayre.com.

The event is made possible by the support of its sponsors – with a big thank you to: Hired On Line, C.A.B.Joinery Services, Thursfields Solicitors, Sanlam Financial Services, NFU Mutual Insurance, Chapman’s Electrical, Western Power Distribution, G & S Starkey Garages, Aura Veda, Enterprise Pipework Services, Gill Mechanical Services, Paul Jackson Surveyors, Consort Craftsmen, KIA – Evans Halshaw and not forgetting; Peter & Diana Williams of The Enville Estate, The Holme Lacey Estate & Balfours Surveyors.

“We are particularly proud to be welcoming the Knights to the Fayre.”

www.kinvercountryfayre.com Email info@kinvercountryfayre.com 50

Follow us #kinverfayre

Like us /kinvercountryfayre

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Voices for Hospices

Penn Singers is a mixed voice friendly community choir with approximately 70 members who sing under the enthusiastic and imaginative leadership of our musical director Helen Smith.

The choir performs a wide repertoire of music ranging from classical, spiritual, folk and musicals.

Helen has been with the choir for nearly 5 years. She studied music at Birmingham University where she began conducting, working with choirs, orchestras, wind bands as well as musical theatre productions.

Helen is a member of the CBSO Chorus and has performed with them throughout Europe.

Our aim as a community choir is to foster the cultivation and enjoyment of good music. We are keen to support local charities by raising funds at our concerts. We have long been a keen supporter of Compton Hospice and look forward to maintaining a long and fruitful relationship with them and their remarkable work. Our concert Voices for Hospices will be support Compton Hospice and St Mary’s Hospice, Stourbridge on 10 October 2015 at Dudley Town Hall.

down the country. He is a keen concert recitalist and after dinner entertainer. He is a regular guest with our choir and enjoys a loyal following.

The Jackfield Brass Band has a long illustrious history dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. It maintains a strong presence in Jackfield village (near Telford) and continues to entertain audiences. In 1998 Chris Lewis became the band’s musical director and under his leadership the band qualified for the National Final’s Great Britain. Coming back up to date the band comprising of approximately 40 talented musicians got off to a flying start in January 2015 at the Butlin’s Mine Workers Concert. The band put on a great performance coming third out of nineteen bands. It has recorded several cds the latest ‘Feeling Good’ received critical acclaim from the Brass Band Press.

Anyone who has heard the Jackfield Band will have had an unforgettable experience, contributing to their loyal following throughout the West Midlands.

Joining us on this occasion will be tenor soloist Russell Painter and the full Jackfield (Elcock Reison) Brass Band.

Russell Painter started singing as a chorister in St George’s Church, Kidderminster. He moved to London to study at the prestigious Guild Hall School of Music and Drama. He is now a freelance singer and has made his mark up and www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Courtesy of Ralph Mason Photography

Saturday Spectacular

acts announced Six musical acts based in the Midlands and an acclaimed accordion duo from the Ukraine will make up the Saturday Spectacular element of the three-day Kinver Music Festival to be staged from Friday July 10th to Sunday July 12th in aid of the Mary Stevens Hospice and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Following the theme of last year’ successful event, free live music will be playing at venues throughout the village on Friday July 10 and Sunday July 12, with the Saturday Spectacular to be presented by the village’s Rotary Club.

Emulating Rotary’s memorable Musical Extravaganza of a few years ago, the Saturday Spectacular will feature performances by the West Midlands Fire Service Band, the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir (pictured above), the Midland Fretted Orchestra, Stourport Choral Society, the Wild Irish Folk trio and Chapter8, a vocal harmony group.

Each will perform between 7pm and 10pm, with two half-hour breaks, at six venues within walking distance of each other (Chapter8 performances finish at 9.00pm).

An added attraction will be a performance by the Kyiv Classic Duo, acclaimed accordion artists from the Ukraine, who will be using the Spectacular as the curtain-raiser for an 18-date British tour.

At their performance in St Peter’s Church Hall they will demonstrate how their two contemporary button accordions produce sounds ranging from a small squeezebox to a string quartet, a massive church organ or even an orchestra.

The performance, which has been sponsored by CHL Holdings of Brierley Hill, will take place at 2.30pm with tickets costing £7 for adults and £5 for children. Tickets for this performance and the evening Spectacular, which cost £12 (concessions £10) for entry into all six venues, are available from the Post Office in Kinver High Street and Stourbridge Travel in Wollaston.

For details of the acts performing free at pubs, clubs and restaurants on Friday July 10 and Sunday July 12 visit:

www.kinvermusicfestival.co.uk

54

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

KINVER MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 10th to 12th In aid of Mary Stevens Hospice and Acorn Childrens Hospice

Saturday Spectacular Walk between SIX venues for performances from 7pm to 10pm by:

• Band of the West Midlands Fire Service • Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir • Midland Fretted Orchestra • Stourport Choral Society • Chapter8 (concludes 9pm) • Wild Irish

Presented by the Rotary Club of Kinver

One ticket costing £12 (concessions £10) gives admission to all venues

accOrdION eNtHuSIaStS

Buy your tickets from:

The Post Office 118 High Street, Kinver Stourbridge Travel 66 Bridgnorth Road, Wollaston

Join the internationally acclaimed Ukranian KYIV Classic duo for the first performance of their UK tour at 2.30pm

Tickets £7 (concessions £5)

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Grand last night of the proms FIreWOrKS finale 55

Co-owner Hayley Fletcher

The BLUE SUBMARINE

There’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned plate of fish and chips to fulfil even the biggest of appetites; and docked just several hundred yards from Dudley’s famous Russells Hall Hospital, The Blue Submarine has established itself as the Black Country’s number one name in fish and chips.

The standard-setting business (which celebrated its 32nd birthday towards the end of 2014) has won numerous industry awards, and has recently been conferred a maximum of five stars by Dudley Council’s Environmental Health Department for high standards of hygiene.

“We are delighted to have been officially recognised as one of the best among literally thousands of fast food and hospitality establishments,” says owner Tony

56

Andreas, aged 43. “We work very hard to ensure high levels of cleanliness and maximally efficient stock rotation.”

A previous runner-up in the national Fish and Chip Shop of the Year contest, Tony’s business serves an average of 3,000 customers per week, and employs 14 people.

“I think there are several reasons for our success, and why we are still the busiest shop of its type in the Black Country,” explains Tony. “Firstly, because it has remained a family-run business, we have a personal investment in what we do and produce here. That changes everything.

“We filter our vegetable oils every day, sometimes twice a day, making our products virtually carbon-free.

We source the best ingredients, including fish that’s delivered daily from sustainable waters.

“Our chicken kebab is 100 per cent chicken, which is very rare

nowadays as most are injected with water. Similarly, our doner kebab is composed entirely of lamb meat.”

Tony adds that the Southern Fried Chicken pieces that he sells are cut from larger 4.5lb fresh chickens, this isn’t standard practice in the industry as 3lb chickens are often used to extract as much meat as possible.

Last year the modernised establishment had further extensions to the rear of the shop, resulting in a greatly improved preparation area.

But Tony insists that there is still more to be done at the shop: “We plan on steadily expanding our menu throughout 2015, and catering for more parties and work get-togethers.

“We also have a new promotion offering a free bag of regularsized chips with certain items, as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to our customers, old and new.”

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Multi-Award-Winning Fish and Chips

One visit and you’ll be hooked.

The best fish and chips in the Black Country; 3,000 customers a week can’t be wrong.

Fresh fish from sustainable waters Top quality fresh ingredients delivered daily Oil purifying equipment in daily use Fast and friendly service Large orders catered for

(Factories, Offices, Church Functions, etc)

Battered or plain chips available

FREE BAG OF REGULAR CHIPS*

with Kebabs, regular size Fish and Pies.

Simply present this voucher in May and June 2015. Ref: TVL *offer valid against a maximum of 2 portions per voucher, no photocopies

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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

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For further details and to find out how your venue can be featured please call Gisella on 01902 744217 58

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

with master chef Mario and his enthusiastic team

Serving Fine Italian and English Cuisine including Traditional Black Country favourites

Bully’s MiDweek hat-trick!

3 course meal for only £11.95 per person Choice menu of both Italian and English food or

20% OFF A La Carte menu Now available Tuesday to Thursday evenings

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

Father’s Day sunDay June 21st Sunday Lunch still from only £6.95 (no price increase) Bookings essential

to avoid disappointment please book:

situated at:

t. 01902 756052 e. reservations@bravaccios.co.uk www.bravaccios.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

4a upper Green, tettenhall wV6 8QQ ample Free Parking 59

Halfpenny Green Vineyards To see the fruit of my careful cogitation die on the vine is never pleasant, but especially when I’m at Halfpenny Green Vineyards, where fine fruit and even finer wine is abundant everyday. And today is no ordinary day, today – or more specifically tonight – is the vineyard’s showcase monthly attraction, ‘Gourmet Evening’: a culinary soiree where local cognoscenti gather at the Tom Lane site, just outside Bobbington, to partake in a celebration that is at the nexus of what the vineyard is best known for, food and drink.

Rob Taylor is wined and dined at Halfpenny Green Vineyards on the illustrious Gourmet Evening “I’ll have the duck,” I say, “that’s if it’s still on the menu?” The waitress smiles politely. “This is Gourmet Night, after all,” I volunteer, doing my best to sell a joke that I’ve since decided is far too obscure to be considered appropriate pre-meal chit-chat with anyone not wellversed in Fawlty Towers lore. “No, everything on the menu tonight is still available, sir,” she says, obliviously.

I really should get out more.

Halfpenny Green has been owned and run by the Vickers family ever since farmer Martin planted his first vine some 30 years ago. My partner Nicola and I are warmly received inside the large atrial hub by husband and wife team, Clive and Lisa Vickers. Ever the genial host – and quite the acclaimed winemaker – Clive offers us and his other guests a tasting of today’s freshly fermented crop, before Lisa – who manages the restaurant, shop, deli and tea room – takes us through into the restaurant.

Snugly secluded beside the fireside, I’m struck by the intimacy of the room. Elegantly decorated with soft

fabrics, moodily lit and chock-full of returning regulars the sense of occasion is not lost on us. Primed and ready we await what new head chef Matt has in store. But first, wine.

Well, it’d be rude not to, wouldn’t it?

What better, I think, than some more of the delicious white wine, Long Acre, that I sampled earlier; if it’s good enough to be sold in Marks & Spencer, then it’s more than good enough for me. It really brings new meaning to the phrase, “house wine”, I exclaim to my long-suffering partner. She sighs.

I then quote W.B Yeats: ‘Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye.’ She weeps, with despair, and then snaps, “Stop your whining and drink your wine!”

The arrival of some locally sourced (a theme of the entire evening) bread punctuates the moment. Replete with a knob of butter, it’s yum. With only the merest moment of delay the friendly and competent waiting staff – now knowingly ignoring my silly Basil Fawlty quotes like: “It’s a pleasure to meet people who appreciate the boudoir of the grape” – serve the starters; my duck – oh yes! – and Nicola’s salmon. The ‘Duck Fillet’ is served on a carrot and coriander frittata with damson sauce. It is a symphony of colour, packed to the gunwales with flavour and blessed with a fine cut of succulent game.

Nicola’s ‘Lemon Vodka Cured Salmon’, I am told, is stuffed to the gills with tasty character; “a deliciously piquant aspic,” she says. Since I don’t know what this actually means, I’ll continue.

Next up: a delicately nuanced take on ‘Leek and Potato Soup’, which

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

is petitely proportioned and quite a surprise. Attention to detail is clearly a high priority at Halfpenny Green; delicately laid tables, impeccable service and artistically presented food all bear witness to this. Now for more wine; this time sparkling rosé. It’s delicious, especially when complementing our main courses of ‘Honey Thai Pork Shoulder’, with leek-wrapped green beans, ginger and saffron carrots with a redcurrant jus. The meat is tasty, tender and the dish itself is telltale of a capable and well-oiled kitchen staff. This is especially impressive when Lisa informs us that a lot of the team are new and working their very first Gourmet Evening.

The vegetables are cooked to perfection: zingy, fresh and crunchy.

We both enjoy every morsel and now eagerly await dessert.

and chocolates, which is a nice touch and goes someway to satisfy Nicola’s considerable sweet tooth.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “how do I get a table before they all get booked up next mont?” Firstly you’ll need to know the next few dates: 15th May; 12th June; 10th July. And secondly: don’t panic, even if you can’t beat the rush to get in next month, Halfpenny

Green is about to launch a new daytime menu, which offers a cornucopia of goodies on a daily basis - as does the vineyards’ very own “Vintage High Tea (24 hours’ notice required), from £15.50 per person”. So it’s easy to sample the vineyards’ culinary wares.

There’s really no place better to un-wine-d than at Halfpenny Green.

For me: a ‘Trio of Mini Tarts’ – apple, pear and treacle, served with fresh egg custard and mixed berries; for Nicola, ‘Chocolate Mousse’, set on a bed of sliced strawberries and roasted nuts. The two dishes are a delightful duo, which prove to be a veritable feast of sugary goodness. To end, there’s coffee

Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP Tel: 01384 221122 www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for over 25 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.

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

Fully Licensed

Air Conditioned

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com

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 2015

at Village Dudley

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would be interested in marine antiquity. All and sundry came to the auction and it sold for £52,000.”

The gavel came down on it for a London company famed for its walking sticks.

John (left) and Denis Ridgway – infectious enthusiasm for antiques

Meet the boss (both of them)

The time travellers with a ‘Tardis’ of treasures They are purveyors of the past, modern-day time travellers, who, by walking just a few paces in their daily workplace, can span the signposts of history.

Meet Denis and John Ridgway – antique dealers extraordinaire – and owners of one of the most fascinating collectors’ emporiums in the Midlands.

The brothers have been in business together for more than 30 years and it shows. Joined at the hip with a disarming charm that is both knowledgeable and astute, it’s easy to understand why their two businesses continue to attract global interest; not to mention the odd television news crew or millionaire on a mission for something uniquely memorable.

“I never tire of it,” says Denis.

“You never know what a day can bring, what surprises from history will appear from the jewellery, fine porcelain, pictures, furniture or other collectable we have come in.”

He adds: “Here’s an example… Three years ago a lady in her 70s asked a young couple to bring in a walking stick to inquire if it was worth anything.

“It was a perfect example of a carved, whalebone and walrus tusk, marine collectable, walking stick, inlayed with giant tortoiseshell. Made around 1820, it looked like it had been carved yesterday. A fantastic example of a scrimshaw’s work, in fact it was so good my brother and I were convinced it was a fake.

“I didn’t tell the young couple that I thought it wasn’t the real thing, but said I was unsure of the value and would do research.”

John takes up the story: “We made some phone calls and came out with a value of 22,000 dollars for this stick from Boston [USA], which was more than likely carved by a sailor working on a whaling ship.

“We put it in the catalogue, emailed every museum across America and all our contacts who we knew

“It emerged the lady who owned the stick had married an American.

When he was in his 20s he showed her the stick and she thought nothing of it. It was wrapped in newspaper and put on the top of a wardrobe and there it stayed.

“It’s now listed as one of the most important pieces of American history ever found,” adds John.

A year later, says Denis, someone brought in seven silver spoons from the period of Henry VIII. They went to auction and sold for £36,000.

“It’s the handling of history, the research, the excitement of discovery… I love my work,” adds the former accountant, who confesses he got bored with figures.

The brothers’ businesses moved from High Town to its present premises in Mill Street in 1996.

The Old Mill Antiques Centre is open seven days a week, is home to 40 dealers who rent cabinets and floor space, holds auctions on the first Tuesday of every month and has a popular tea room that’s open every day 10am – 4pm.

Says John: “The experience here can be a day out in its own right.

There’s a vast array of things and often people who come to auctions make a day of it and eat at the tea room.”

Valuations are held each Wednesday between 10am and 4pm.

Humorous, engaging and every bit as theatrical as any specialist appearing on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, the Denis and John double act quickly get to work to explain what makes them tick running the Old Mill Antiques Centre and sister business, Perry & Phillips Auctioneers (established 1835), in Bridgnorth’s Low Town.

Their enthusiasm is infectious as they carefully navigate the floor space of their neatly stacked treasure trove, the largest place of its kind in Shropshire.

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The Aladdin’s Cave of treasures in the Old Mill Antiques Centre

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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.

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

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essential summer style: Essential Summer Style 1

The Pixie Crop Made famous in 1966 by Twiggy, the ‘elfin crop’ became an instant hit, establishing itself as an iconic look in the hair world. It’s a style that’s been worn by some of the world’s most beautiful women; Kate Moss, Halle Berry and Anne Hathaway, to name a few, and it’s guaranteed front page headlines for all of them.

It’s an attention-grabbing style that could be perfect for you; Nick explains the look: “If you’re dreaming of a new look this summer and are looking to make a dramatic statement, then go for a personalised pixie style.

There’s endless options and we can tailor the look to enhance your features, suit your face shape and fit in with your lifestyle.”

When cut by a skilled stylist the pixie style is an incredibly versatile style: “You can wear your hair smooth and sleek for a professional look, ultra texturised for off-duty style or finished with volume and curl for full-on red carpet glamour.”

“The key to a perfect pixie this season is all about using powerful colouring techniques to ensure that the cut stays feminine and the face is framed with lighter and brighter layers of colour to add a natural sun-kissed feel.’’

At this time of year there’s plenty to look forward to; whether that’s jetting off to a sun-soaked beach abroad, taking a trip somewhere closer to home or attending a special occasion with family and friends.

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That’s why there’s no better time to update your look with a fabulous new hairstyle that’ll be perfect for everything you’ve got planned.

Knowing where to start isn’t easy though, you need professional advice to get it right, that’s why we’ve teamed up with the experts at Royston Blythe Group who have recently won the title of Midlands Hairdresser of The Year, so that we can bring you the top three essential styles you should be considering this season.

Essential Summer Style 2

The Tousled Bob The tousled bob has been resurrected this season and Jessica Alba is just one of the A-listers who’ve jumped on the trend. Her above-the-shoulder bob has real appeal and is perfect for understated daytime glamour.

“It works for yummy mummies on the school run as much as celebrity A-listers gracing the red carpet.

This season’s version of the bob combines loose, tousled waves that are perfectly polished with a

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

dried-in-the-breeze style, finished with an ecaille colour technique.”

Ecaille (meaning Tortoiseshell in French) is the name for a new colouring technique that has evolved from the ombre trend that’s been around for the last few seasons.

“It’s a more sophisticated and subtle version of ombre and is perfect for creating rich, warm, sun-kissed looking hair. Using smooth caramel

tones we create a slightly richer and darker version of a natural hair colour before pairing it with golden highlights to add interest.”

“The perfect ecaille bob mimics the natural bleaching effect caused by exposure to the sun and is healthy and shiny looking, that’s why it’s perfect for summer.”

add honey, cream and beige tones to lighten and brighten hair, making it beach-ready in no time. Babylights, which are incredibly fine highlights, are the perfect way to achieve a totally natural result. They flatter all skin tones and will leave hair looking beautifully sun-kissed.”

Essential Summer Style 3

The Summer Blow-out There’s no beating big, beautiful, sexy long hair. No matter what the season it’s guaranteed to get you looking gorgeous and always gets you noticed.

“During the summer months textures should be soft and styles loose, feminine and unstructured. At this time of year it’s more important than ever to keep long hair in excellent condition by using deep conditioning masks that will nourish and revitalise long locks and serve to protect from the damage caused by heat, chlorine and salt water.”

Long hair looks beautiful when it’s coloured with natural-looking highlights: “Our colour experts will www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Royston Blythe 36 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, Wolverhampton WV6 8AE Tel: 01902 751720 email: info@roystonblythe.co.uk www.roystonblythe.co.uk Royston Blythe @RoystonBlythe

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Lastly one trend that encapsulates the feeling of summer perfectly is the floral print, but if you want an investment piece stick with a print with a black base which you then can carry through to autumn.

This year, catwalks were ablaze with a sizzling selection of new styles and shapes. The bucket, cross-body and satchel bag are all still prevalent but we are also seeing far more tiny micro bags in bright colours.

With an expanding brand portfolio including Armani Jeans, Vivienne Westwood, Versace Jeans, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors there’s something for everyone to get excited about at Diffusion.

There also seems to be a return to classic white or black but if you want to be ahead of the trend black and white gingham print will be huge across the high street this summer.

Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Centre, Telford or Walsall, or online at diffusiononline.co.uk

Michael Kors £315

Spring/Summer is here again and while we are all looking to update our current wardrobes, one of the easiest ways to make a statement or renew an outfit is to add new accessories.

Versace Jeans £130

Vivienne Westwood £279

Michael Kors £240

Michael Kors £170

g a B y v n E

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Ted Baker £119

Armani Jeans £125

Ted Baker £169

Armani Jeans £165

Armani Jeans £115

Lulu Guinness £245

Armani Jeans £95

Beauty is

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

A modern twist on Cleopatra’s

beauty secret

Faye Wozniak – skin peels can offer a more youthful appearance Egyptian artistry, education and attention to beauty set a benchmark in cultural history and few figures of the passing ages match the political prowess of charismatic Cleopatra VII who ruled from 51BC to 30BC. Famed for affairs with Roman rulers, Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, this Queen of Egypt was a highly intelligent and beautiful woman.

Obsessed with preserving her skin – ancient Egyptians regarded beauty as a sign of holiness – she regularly bathed in milk.

Legend has it that no less than 700 asses were needed to provide the quantity necessary for her daily dip.

Whether Cleopatra knew it, we’ll never know, but it is now recognised that milk extracts can indeed be a key ingredient in therapies to revitalise skin and this woman, both revered and reviled by history, might just have benefited from such a science.

Lactic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from milk, this is combined with Canadian Willowherb, a natural anti-inflammatory, to create a unique minimal downtime peel.

This premium clinical grade chemical face peel is a complete rejuvenation treatment. It is superior to ordinary facial treatments as it gently peels and decongests pores while hydrating the skin to achieve visible, long-term results. Medivisage face peels address skin concerns such as dull, lifeless, uneven skin tone, sun damage, ageing, pigmentation, congestion and oily, acne conditions.

The Aspect Dr range that Medivisage use is an Australian perspective on skincare. Their lifestyle is sun and surf and a daily dose of extreme climate. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

So unfortunately with that love of sun, Australia has the highest occurrence of skin cancer in the world. So a skin care that gets the job done without harsh and harmful ingredients are a necessity.

Their philosophy is to change without trauma, as irritated skin is ageing skin.

Medi Visage skin and beauty therapist Faye Wozniak explains: “Lactobotanical peels are suitable for even sensitive skin types and a course of three sessions is recommended every two weeks. They work on the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin, breaking down the glue that holds the cells together which enables a faster cell turnover resulting in youthful looking skin as the healthier layers of skin are brought to the surface.”

“The peels are a great start to aid in getting lasting results for our patients that are looking to go for antiwrinkle injectable treatments and the PRP therapy, better known as the ‘Vampire face lift’. It not only aids the needle into the skin better but it is also giving the skin itself an all over youthful appearance which cannot be achieved with injectables alone.”

Along with the body sculpturing 3D Lipo therapies that offers an easy solution to fat reduction, skin tightening an cellulite without invasive surgery, Medi Visage, based on the Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, also offers IPL, dermal fillers, muscle relaxants, Heavens bee sting facial and massage.

“Our other strength is the medical work with Mr Khaleeq Ur-Rehman. We provide consultant-led assessment and diagnostic services for non-healing ulcers in the mouth and on skin, as well as lumps, bumps and suspect moles and blemishes,” says Faye.

The service provides a fast-track, self-referral approach in dealing with some very serious health issues that can’t always be put on a waiting list.

Concerned people can just call or walk in to make an appointment and can be seen within that week.

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W o ll a s t o n

Beauty Clinic

Celebrating 30 years in the beauty business Whatever you’re looking for you can be sure to find it at Wollaston Beauty Clinic: “We’ve got everything covered; beauty products, make-up, candles, jewellery and even a very unique home-use facial device called Caci Microlift.”

The brand-new face-lifting device has just been introduced to the salon and ensures that clients can enjoy salon results in the comfort of their own home.

It’s no surprise that Wollaston Beauty Clinic is celebrating its 30th year in the beauty industry.

The well-established salon has long been a favourite for women - and men - looking to find the latest and best beauty treatments and services.

Step through the doors of the salon and you’re met with a fantastic selection of beautifully displayed products from industry-leading brands, like bareMinerals, Dermalogica, St Tropez, Environ and HD Brows.

You’ll also find a clean and modern interior and a team of friendly staff: “We work hard to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for our customers at the salon.

We stock a great selection of products that all of our staff members are fully trained in - so that they can offer expert help and advice to our customers,” explains Salon Manager, Jenny Birch.

“Our customer’s shopping experience is a very personal one, whether they’re looking for a specific moisturiser with an SPF or a gift for a friend, we ensure that we help them find what they need.”

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“We’re really proud to offer the new hand-held device at our salon. It gives clients access to facial lifting whenever and wherever they want.”

Excitingly, the team at the salon will be demonstrating just what Caci Microlift has to offer at their open evening: “We’ll be holding an open evening to celebrate our 30th birthday on Wednesday 24th June and we’ll be showcasing the Caci device then.”

“So why not come along with a friend, between 5pm and 8pm, and experience the top treatments on offer at the salon? They’ll be plenty going on: Caci non-surgical facelifts, tanning, HD Brows and bareMinerals makeovers.”

“All of our therapists receive regular training so that they remain at the top of their game, meaning that our clients can rest assured that they’re in safe and experienced hands.”

You’ll find a vast range of treatments on offer at the salon, with everything from waxing and nail services to laser treatments, semi-permanent make-up, injectables and non-surgical face lifts.

There’s also all of the pampering services you’d expect such as indulgent facials and luxury body treatments: “Our cosy treatment rooms are complete with heated couches and soothing candle light which will have you relaxed in no time.”

“We provide a little bit of luxury in Wollaston that’s guaranteed to make you look good and feel great,” adds Jenny.

They’ll be some excellent discounts to take advantage of on the night, as well as drinks and nibbles and of course a goodie bag to take home.

And, what’s more everyone who visits will be entered into a draw to win a fantastic hamper of products.

“There really will be something for everyone on the night.”

The treatments on-offer at Wollaston Beauty Clinic are as close to those offered by a day spa as possible: “We pride ourselves on keeping-up with the latest trends, offering top brands and training staff to the highest levels.”

Rachel Ward (owner) and Jenny Birch (salon manageress)

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Ultraslim Clinics

W o lv e r h a m p to n

Wins whatclinic.com award for excellent customer service UltraSlim Clinics in Wolverhampton has been recognised with an award for excellent customer service by private healthcare search engine, WhatClinic.com, based on feedback by customers over a twelve month period.

WhatClinic awarded the top clinics across the country with awards for excellent customer service, superior satisfaction and consumer feedback. Customers rated clinics based on how well the clinic treated them, how quickly they were contacted and seen, and how happy they were with the treatment.

UltraSlim Clinics of Wolverhampton was honoured with the award due to their fantastic customer feedback and constant drive to better patient experience.

Last year the clinic also received a 5 Star Treatment Award from WhatClinic.com after receiving over 30 online reviews from clients following treatments such as non-invasive Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo and Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze who rated the clinic “Excellent” with 5 Stars. The clinic boasts some of the highest reviews in the industry throughout the whole of the UK and on the WhatClinic.com website.

Hanna McCormac, owner of UltraSlim Clinics today said; “We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to customer service. As a practice, it is something we focus on in everything we do. Given the nature of the treatments we offer clients we are very customer focused and results driven, so to receive such positive feedback from our patients is great.”

of technologies such as Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze, Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo & RF they are able to offer a non-invasive alternative to help target excess fat, cellulite, stretch marks and tighten loose skin without clients needing to go under the knife or local anaesthetic. There is no surgery required, no needles, no pain, no side effects and no downtime, so clients can return to normal activities directly after treatments.

About WhatClinic.com WhatClinic.com is a clinic comparison site that lists over 100,000 clinics globally. In the last year over 15 million people visited the site to find, compare and book treatments across a wide range of elective, self-pay medical treatments. WhatClinic.com’s mission is to give the patient, as an empowered consumer, access to all the information they need to make an informed choice, including price, availability and reviews. WhatClinic. com was founded in 2007 by tech entrepreneur Caelen King, and is in operation in over 127 countries.

WhatClinic.com CEO Caelen King congratulated UltraSlim Clinics and said “Our awards are now in their 7th year and it’s great to see more clinics than ever reaching the high standards we set in order to receive this award.

It’s the customer who selects our awards winners, by their clinic ratings and the feedback they leave about service and experience. We believe that empowering the patient with accurate information is the future of a successful healthcare market.

With these awards we honour clinics that are dedicated to the highest level of customer care and consistently putting the needs of the patient first.”

UltraSlim Clinics in Berry Street, Wolverhampton specialise in Non-Invasive Lipo treatments which have become more and more popular for those seeking an alternative from the risks and downtime associated with traditional Liposuction. Using a combination 74

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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Find us on: www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

36-38 Berry Street Wolverhampton WV1 1HA Tel: 0844 288 7297 email: info@ultraslimclinics.com www.ultraslimclinics.com

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trend Update:

summer style

By Helen Taylor

The long hot days of summer are just around the corner, so you’ve got the perfect excuse to hit the shops and grab as many of the latest trend looks you can find.

Wrap Tunic Top £69 Mint Velvet

Colourful, statement print floral dresses have taken over as one of the key looks for summer 2015. They’re ideal for the warm weather and look effortlessly stylish both day or night.

Monochrome prints are big news too; black and white is a classic colour combination that never fails to look chic.

For a casual look, swap your skinny jeans for 1970’s inspired flares and team with a pair of embellished flip flops and a t-shirt.

Forget reaching for the same old outfit when the sun’s shining; it’s time to try something new.

Floral Print Trousers £17.99 New Look

Sandals £79 Dune

Aztec Wrap Skirt £24 Next

Sunflower Print Dress £59 Dickins & Jones at House of Fraser

Embellished Collar Shirt £99 High Waist Jeans £75 an Moc Croc Bag £109 Dickins & Jones at House of Fraser

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.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Printed Dress £99 Phase Eight

‘Leni Dress’ £160 Phase Eight

Flares £26 Dorothy Perkins

Dress £38 Dorothy Perkins

Kimono Jacket £35 Wallis

White Colette Bag £340 Michael Kors at Diffusion Brown Embellished Sandal £35 Wallis

Floral Shift Dress £125 Dickins & Jones at House of Fraser

Charms from £15 Bracelets from £35 Endless Jewellery Exclusively at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

Yellow Floral Jacket £150 Yellow Floral Dress £150 Dickins & Jones at House of Fraser

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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by Helen Taylor

Explained:

The science behind skin care Image courtesy of New Look Beauty

smooth look and helps it to maintain moisture - which is vital for youthful looking skin. It’s a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the body, but levels diminish with age, especially after you reach 40.

Ceramides help in the fight for youthful looking skin thanks to their ability to prevent water loss and promote skin-cell renewal. They’re commonly used in moisturisers as they effectively re-hydrate dry skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring acids, commonly found in citrus fruits (citric acid), dairy products (lactic acid) and sugar (glycolic acid). They work to aid the skin’s natural exfoliation process by loosening dead surface cells. When applied in the form of cream to your face, AHAs reduce fine lines and unclog pores.

Glycolics work similarly to AHAs - they speed up the process the skin goes through to shed dead outer cells, which in turn reveals new, smoother skin cells Collagen is found naturally in the skin, the protein maintains the skin’s elasticity and keeps it looking plump. Over the years though, the body’s production of collagen drops dramatically.

Used in many anti-ageing creams, collegan is found to be a very effective water-binding ingredient.

How many times have you been completely baffled by some scientific sounding jargon when you’ve gone to buy a new anti-ageing cream? Unless you were top of the class in chemistry, you probably don’t know your AHAs from your Ceramides.

So that’s why we’ve compiled our guide to the most common ingredients you’ll come across today.

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radicals which our skin is exposed to on a day-to-day basis. Free radicals - or oxidants - are unstable molecules which are caused by environmental factors like smoke, pollution and UV rays. Free radicals are responsible for causing those annoying visible signs of ageing like lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E, Vitamin C and green tea are some of the most common antioxidants.

Once you’ve read our skincare glossary you’ll not only understand the terminology, but you’ll be able to find the best cream for your skin’s needs as well.

Vitamin E has great moisturising properties and makes skin soft and smooth, whereas Vitamin C helps to diminish the look of brown age spots and hyper pigmentation, green tea is a strong antioxidant and a staple ingredient in most anti-ageing products.

Antioxidants serve to protect skin from those damaging free

Hyaluronic acid, when applied topically, gives the skin a fresh,

Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. They have been found to help to renew the skin and stimulate collagen production, minimise the appearance of wrinkles and bolster the skin’s thickness and elasticity; which makes them a popular ingredient in anti-ageing creams.

Growth factors are used in antiageing creams to help to build collagen and diminish lines and wrinkles, whilst softening the skin.

Their natural function in the body is to control cell growth in different areas.

Hydroquinone is useful in suppressing pigment producing enzymes in the skin, thus fighting age spots. It’s therefore, often recommended by experts to lighten those dark spots on the skin.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

MENIMALISM

Vivienne Westwood £275

Menswear takes a simple turn for Spring/Summer 2015.

Diesel £45

Less is more for menswear this summer.

Focus on simple tailoring, classic shapes and a neutral colour palette.

Hudson £100

Brands like Hugo Boss and Vivienne Westwood are both showing navy lightweight suit options accompanied with a fitted shirt or t-shirt.

Paul Smith £149

Gucci £240

Your current wardrobe is easily updated, with the main focus being the correct accessories to achieve this clean look.

These are designed to get you noticed.

Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Centre, Telford or Walsall, or online at diffusiononline.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood £45

Armani Jeans £89

Top IMAGE COURTESY OF www.mannersmakethman.com

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Healthcare to help you make the most of life Our treatment costs are transparent and covered by a one-off-payment – and are more affordable than you might think.

• Enquiry You have a medical problem and DON’T have health insurance. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.

• Your initial consultation This will take place at your local Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital. There is a one off payment for this appointment.

Your health is at the centre of everything we do. Whether you need prevention or cure, we want to work with you to ensure your health allows you to lead the life you want.

• Tests and investigations You may need further tests or investigations as recommended by your consultant. These are paid for as and when required.

As a not-for-profit business we reinvest all profit in our hospitals, gyms, medical centres, and our expert staff.

• Treatment If you need surgical or non-surgical treatment, this will be arranged at a time to suit you. You will be given a guaranteed all-inclusive procedure price.

We have the highest standards of clinical care, with Consultant-led treatment, spotlessly clean rooms, and a team of dedicated and experienced nurses.

Our Health Experts Consultants

All our consultants are highly experienced and are here to listen to you. During your consultation they will answer any questions you have and tell you all about your diagnosis and any treatment or procedure. They are all registered with the appropriate professional organisation for their specialty and hold General Medical Council registration.

Having medical treatment can be an anxious time, that is why we think it’s important that you have the same consultant looking after you throughout your time with us. Your consultant will also continue to look after you when you return home, and during any aftercare.

Matron-led care

Everyone knows that matrons make hospitals run efficiently and, above all, hygienically. Nuffield Health has never lost sight of this. Our dedicated Matron takes responsibility for your nursing care and works around the clock to ensure your comfort and safety.

Physiotherapists

Our physiotherapists can help restore your movement and function if you’ve been affected by an injury, illness or are recovering from an operation. They can also provide you with advice in pain relief and rehabilitation to get you back on your feet and help you to lead a happy and healthy life.

Private GPs

You can see our private GPs at a time that suits you with minimal waiting and plenty of time for your appointment so you don’t feel rushed. They can also refer you to hospital consultants if necessary.

A guide to accessing private healthcare

• Aftercare All aftercare is included within your treatment.

The Nuffield Health Promise means there are no time limits on your aftercare.*

Private Medical Health Insurance • Enquiry You have a medical problem and you DO have private medical health insurance. Contact us to guide you through the process or to book an initial consultation appointment. Check with your insurer that your policy covers you for treatment with us.

• Your initial consultation This will take place at your local Nuffield Health Hospital. You will need your insurance policy number and pre-authorisation code and a referral letter from your GP • Tests and investigations You may need further tests or investigations as recommended by your consultant.

• Treatment If you need surgical or non-surgical treatment, this will be arranged at a time to suit you. We will arrange payment directly with your insurance company.

• Aftercare All aftercare is included within your treatment.

In our hospital you can expect: • • • •

Rapid access to consultations, x-rays and treatment Matron-led care with a dedicated, friendly nursing team First class treatment and clinical standards Guidance and support throughout every stage of your treatment • Private, en-suite rooms with excellent facilities

Paying For Yourself

Don’t wait, get back to the life you love - Contact us Now!

If you don’t have health insurance, it doesn’t mean you can’t have swift access to private hospital treatment. At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital private treatment can be just as accessible by paying for yourself.

For further information on any of the above please call us today on 01902 793259 or visit our website: www.nuffieldhealth.com

*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.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Contact us today and take control of your health and wellbeing Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton 01902 793259

Hospitals + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

2410_Wolverhampton - For the Love of Life Advert_218x140_v2.indd 1

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

13/01/2015 17:09

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Simply Dentures,

creating beauty in every smile involved and informed through every stage of construction gives you the confidence that you will get the smile you deserve.

With years of training and experience our team aims to provide you with dentures that help you overcome the challenging problems you face.

Peter Brookes DipCDT ‘Creating beauty in every smile’

You may never have given much thought to who or how dentures are made. Typically if you require new false teeth you pop along to your dentist and the process begins. The relevant impressions are taken and the teeth are constructed by a technician in a laboratory hidden away somewhere.

Illustration of implant-retained overdentures

Peter says “Having to wear dentures is something that many people through the years have struggled to cope with. We find that the three most common issues for denture wearers are the fit, the function and appearance. We work with you to enable you to get the best from your dentures as well as have them look good too”.

He continues “I recently had the pleasure to fit new dentures to a patient who was left in a poor state and had no teeth for 6 months. There was a great sense of satisfaction that we were able to provide dentures on implants which look great and enabled the patient to eat foods of her first choice once again.

Using the latest technologies such as injection moulded acrylic, ultra suction device and implants ensures that your denture wearing experience is as good as it can be. Not every option is suitable for all so we offer you a free consultation to see what may be a good solution for you.

Our clinic offers warm welcoming facilities for all, easy ground floor access, 3 ground floor surgeries, car park to the rear and friendly staff. We will do what we can to help overcome any issues you may face to make your journey to your new smile as smooth as possible.

Should you require a denture repair, relines or cleaning services then these are available too for those dentures which work but need that extra touch of TLC”.

More people have become aware over recent years that you can now see a Clinical Dental Technician to provide you with dentures. As part of the extended dental team a CDT can make your dentures in the laboratory and also work with you in the clinic and literally put the smile on your face.

Mr Peter Brookes is our lead Clinical Dental Technician who has over 15 years experience as a technician. For the last 6 years he has been been training within a private denture clinic, giving him great insight into the manufacture of high quality dentures. His firm belief that you should be 82

See the website for more information www.simplydentures.net or call for a free information pack. town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Simply Confident, Simply Natural...

Simply Dentures

Telephone 01902 420654

Working with

Total Implant Solutions

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

for a complimentary consultation 82 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV1 4TF www.simplydentures.net

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COMPTON IN THE PARK! On Sunday June 28th In West Park, Wolverhampton between 10:30am and 8:30pm

Compton Hospice

Caring Together

Charity Reg No: 512387

Local charity Compton Hospice is once again set to take over West Park in Wolverhampton on Sunday June 28th 2015 with their ‘Compton in the Park’ spectacular.

day in style. Rock it out as the sun goes down to all your favourites from the legendary band as you enjoy a beer from the Compton bar.

Now in its 6th Year, the annual event promises to be a great day out for all the family with a range of multicultural entertainment from The Shikidim Belly Dance Troupe and Michelle Lewis’s Ultra Star Cheerleading Squad, kid’s rides and crafts and the very best BBQ food served by The Compton Coffee Shop.

For more information please contact fundraising on 0845 2255 497 or visit https://www.compton-hospice.org.uk/ fundraising/events/compton-in-the-park/

With free entry for all the family, what better way to start off the summer? The fun starts on Sunday June 28th between 10:30am and 8:30pm.

All new for this year the Compton Pantomime, staged by local drama company Mystical Productions, is set to keep the kids entertained with a host of fairy-tale characters, whilst The Paws for Thought Dog Display team will wow dog lovers everywhere with their pawfect performances!

For those that like to get involved in the action there’s the Annual 5 Mile Sponsored Memory Walk and Fun Run, the Compton Cup 5’a side Football Tournament and the Compton Colour Blast 5k run and Colour Party. Plus, our Wolverhampton’s Got Talent section is perfect for those on four legs or two! Bring the kids along to join in with our Strictly Quirkey Dance Performance and Competition, run by the cast and crew of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts – a prize for the best moves - or enter your pup into our Pet Stop Pooch Parade. Pets really do win prizes!

Phoenix Rising and the UK’s premier Queen Tribute act Queen II take to the stage to round off the 84

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

Registered Charity No. 512387

COMPTON IN THE PARK SUNDAY 28TH JUNE 2015 West Park Wolverhampton

QUEEN II

PHOENIX RISING

STRICTLY QUIRKEY DANCING COMPETITION PET STOP POOCH PARADE

ALSO FEATURING PAWS FOR THOUGH DOG SHOW • SHIKIDIM BELLY DANCE TROUPE MICHELLE LEWIS ULTRA STAR CHEERLEADING SQUAD COMPTON CUP FOOTBALL ANNUAL 5 MILE SPONSORED MEMORY WALK AND FUN RUN COMPTON COLOUR 5K COLOUR BLAST • CHILDREN’S PANTOMIME BOUNCY CASTLES • CHILDREN’S RIDES AND GAMES MARKET STALLS • FACEPAINTERS • PETTING ZOO FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Be Clear of Cancer!

You might experience one, some, all of the above or no symptoms at all. Remember most symptoms will not be bowel cancer.

What to do next?

If you are worried about any symptoms that you think might be caused by bowel cancer, make an appointment with your doctor.

Just remember you’ll not be wasting anyone’s time by getting checked out. If it isn’t serious, you’ll put your mind at rest. If it’s bowel cancer, early detection can make all the difference. Over 90% who are diagnosed at the earliest stage are successfully treated.

Do not ignore Bowel Screenings!

Did you know that over 90% of cases of bowel cancer could be successfully treated if diagnosed early?

Yet at the moment almost half of the 100 people diagnosed every day in the UK will die from the disease. Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer amongst both male and females and the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. However, it shouldn’t be; it is very treatable, especially if diagnosed early.

What is bowel cancer?

The bowel is part of our digestive system. Food passes from the stomach to the small bowel. After the small bowel takes nutrients into the body, any undigested food passes through the large bowel, where water is removed from the waste matter. This waste matter is held in the rectum (back passage) until it leaves the body as bowel motions (also known as poo, stools or faeces).

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Bowel cancer is also referred to as colorectal, colon or rectal cancer. Nearly all bowel cancers develop in the large bowel - twothirds of these are in the colon and one-third in the rectum. Cancer occurs when cells in your bowel multiply out of control. These cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Most bowel cancers develop from polyps which are usually non-cancerous and, once detected, can be removed easily if caught early enough.

What to look out for?

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England began in July 2006 and is currently screening everyone between the ages of 60 and 74, every two years. The test is not compulsory but health professionals do strongly advise that everyone who is invited takes part.

Remember the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. They say prevention is better than a cure so don’t be afraid of getting any symptoms you feel unsure about checked.

Don’t forget that a health cash plan covers the cost of going to see a specialist privately – so don’t delay getting a professional opinion.

Typical symptoms to look out for are:

For more information on Bowel cancer please visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo

For more information on Paycare please visit www.paycare.org

• A change in bowel habit lasting for 3 weeks or more especially to looser or runny poo

Disclaimer: all information used in this article has been sourced from www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

• Unexplained weight loss • Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason • A pain or lump in your tummy town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

A Paycare plan helps you to reclaim money spent on health care.

Cover starts from as little as £5.95 per month with your first premium FREE!

Easy healthcare cash plans to Recover the cost of healthcare A Paycare cash plan makes every day healthcare affordable; so you can focus on getting the treatment when you need it and not when you can afford it.

For a small monthly premium you are protected against the cost of Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Specialist Consultation and Tests, professional Therapies, Hospital Cover and much more. All plans include a 24 hour counselling and help line service for when that extra support or advice is needed.

F monirst prem ths ium

FREE

!

Under 25s Paycare Go is a healthcare cashplan designed specifically for young adults aged 18 to 24. Whether at home, away at college, or just enjoying independent living for the first time healthcare is easy to overlook.

From £5.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

A Paycare plan is useful for both day to day healthcare and those unexpected emergencies that crop up from time to time.

Individuals

Refunds are prompt, usually within 48 hours of receipt, directly into your bank or building society account - so you are never left out of pocket for long.

Paycare direct is aimed at individuals aged between 18 & 64. No medical is required to join. With the choice of four premium levels you can choose just how much cost protection you would like to receive.

Need help?

From £5.95 per month Call 01902 252 265

Mon to Fri 8.30 to 4.30pm or email us.

Tel: 01902 252 265 enquiries@paycare.org

Over 64s Paycare Gold is aimed specifically at the over 64s. There are extra benefits where seniors have an increased need: for things like hearing aids and home care assessment and support.

From £20.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

Families Aimed specifically at Parents and their children, this comprehensive policy ensures that your whole family can receive necessary medical care, without worrying about making tough decisions as claims are generally settled within 48 hours.

From £29.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

www.paycare.org *First months premium free offer ends 31st Dec 2015.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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We want our members and their families’ futures

to be protected

The future of you and your family is something that you have been striving towards for your entire life. Getting a good education, finding a job or saving for a car, house and family are all things that most of us will work towards. But have you thought about securing that future?

Here at Dudley Building Society we want our members and their families’ futures to be protected, which is why we are helping you to plan for the inevitable. Dying Matters Awareness Week is a national campaign that runs from 18 – 24 May 2015 and is a great way to ensure that your last wishes are put in place and that your family is protected after you are no longer here.

One of the most important yet often forgotten preparations that you can make is a Lasting Power of Attorney. Should you lose mental capacity whether

it be from an illness such as dementia or an accident, without legally appointing someone to act on your behalf, you could have difficulty paying bills, receiving pensions or benefits or even selling your home to pay for care unless you have someone appointed to manage your finances on your behalf. This could affect loved ones relying on you, who would be unable to help.

Another essential legal document that you should think about is a Will. This is especially important if you have a family of your own. Without a Will you cannot guarantee that your loved ones will inherit what you wanted them to when you are no longer here.

Even if you have had one made previously it is worth reviewing, especially if you have had any life changing experiences recently such as becoming parents or grandparents, getting married or divorced – as marriage automatically revokes a previously made Will.

To support the campaign we have partnered up with The Will Writing Company who are

offering £50 towards the cost of a Will or any other legal service*.

They will be on hand in our branches offering all customers help and advice on how they can ensure the financial security of your family after you pass.

We are supporting Dying Matters Awareness Week to ensure you know the facts and can start safeguarding your loved ones early. During the week we will be encouraging customers to take part in five simple steps to make things easier for you and your loved ones towards the later stages of life.

• Write your Will • Record your funeral wishes • Plan your future care and support • Consider registering as an organ donor • Tell your loved ones your wishes Our designated Will Writing and Estate Planning Group advisor will be on hand to sit down and have a chat, offering advice on Wills, Power of Attorney, care fees and much more.

Visit our branches on the following mornings to take advantage of this opportunity and see if we can help you to secure a future for your family.

Monday 18th May Dudley Tuesday 19th May Perton Wednesday 20th May Gornal Thursday 21st May Brierley Hill & Kingswinford Friday 22nd May Stourbridge Saturday 23rd May Kingswinford

To find out more about our Will Writing and Estate Planning services or if you would like to make a no obligation appointment with one of our specialist advisors, visit www.dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk/will-writing/ or alternatively you can call 01384 231414 to speak to a member of our team. *For full terms and conditions please see our website.

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

if you dont prepare for them who will?

Preparing for your family’s future is an important step to take, especially when you are no longer there to take care of them. Which is why Dudley Building Society are supporting Dying Matters Awareness Week to ensure you know the facts and can start safeguarding your loved ones early.

Special Offer

5 simple steps

£50 towards the cost of a Will or other legal services*

• Write your Will • Record your funeral wishes • Plan your future care and support • Consider registering as an organ donor • Tell your loved ones your wishes

1 in 3

people over 65 will develop dementia.

During the Week we will be encouraging members to take part in five simple steps to make things easier for you and your loved ones towards the later stages of life. only

24%

of the UK population have a Will which is fit for purpose.

More than

1 million

3 in 4

homes sold 2008-2013 to fund care fees.

people whose parents go into care face their inheritance being eaten up by the associated costs.

Call into a branch today or call us to talk to one of our team of specialists on

01384 231414

Dudley Building Society, 7 Harbour Buildings, The Waterfront, Brierley Hill DY5 1LN Tel: 01384 231 414 | Fax:01384 233 250 email: enquiries@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk

www.dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk

*see website for full terms and conditions

@DudleyBS

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College of a large number of feeder schools which can lead to repetition of material or gaps in knowledge. For example, a French teacher in Year 7 is often faced with a range of previous experience from zero to three years and has to revert to the unsatisfactory tactic of starting from the beginning again to best serve those in the class. There can be a sudden switch from group-based project work and themed, innovative approaches with one teacher who knows them and their needs well to myriad expectations as pupils move around school to a large number of teachers for different subjects, some of whom are teaching four different groups in the same year and can only identify your child from the name badge at parents’ evening in the summer term.

The educational world has also recognised the loss of enthusiasm and possible onset of disaffection as pupils move to secondary school and looked at ways of tackling the issue. These include regional variations in transition ages, increased affiliations with feeders and federations of primaries in order to find the optimum way of bridging the gap and bottling the best of both worlds.

In my short time in the West Midlands it has been clear that the selection of a secondary school for parent and the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is a period that can be best described as a challenge or at worst downright stressful, particularly for those experiencing it with a first child.

This is not peculiar to this part of the country. The move to a secondary school can be disruptive as, in some cases, small village or local primaries with familiar faces are replaced by much larger impersonal institutions at secondary level. Those at the top of the primary school, confident and responsible, suddenly become the babies among several hundred.

For some, this can be an exciting challenge and opportunity but for others this can provide a dent to self-esteem and hindrance to progress, no matter how effective the induction or mentoring programme.

From an academic perspective, schools are also faced with the challenge of trying to build on the practice 90

A new and exciting trend that acknowledges these issues and provides a model to address them is the rise in the development of the “all-through” school from nursery age or four until 18, where one school provides a seamless educational experience with no need to change. It is significant where parents and providers have had opportunities to create new schools via the government’s free school programme that one in six of these will be all through mainstream schools (as opposed to one in 200 of the total schools in England). Of course, these schools have been a significant part of the independent sector for many years and schools such as Tettenhall College have responded to the demand for continuity, a common ethos and the attraction of specialist teachers teaching across all parts of a school. We have created a true “family” school, where children can be educated from nursery until university and all are known and valued. In a recent training day,all staff were agreed on the benefits of a shared educational vision on a single site as we seek to provide an outstanding educational experience for those in our care.

It will be interesting to note whether this is a model that will be replicated across more schools in the country. town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

take a closer look...

Danny, Year 12, Music

A unique atmosphere with remarkable opportunities, where every pupil achieves their personal best.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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w w w. t h e r o y a l s c h o o l . c o . u k Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV3 0EG Telephone: 01902 341230

mo@royal.wolverhampton.sch.uk

NASH • C O N S U LT I N G • ENT

CLI

T

RKE

MA

Making the connection Print • Digital • Audio • Video

Content Marketing • Advertising • Public Relations Call Now 01384 277448 or 07947 159664 and find out what makes us different 92

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

OLD MILL AUCTION ROOMS MILL STREET, LOW TOWN BRIDGNORTH WV15 5AG

TEL 01746 762248

ANTIQUE AND SELECTED FURNITURE AND COLLECTABLES AUCTIONS NEXT AUCTIONS Tuesday 5th May Tuesday 2nd June Tuesday 7th July

VIEWING

Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm, Monday 10am – 5pm prior to auction

LAST DAY FOR LOTS

Accepted up until 10 days prior to Auction

SELLING AT PERRY AND PHILLIPS

If you have old items around the house or you have a deceased estate to clear we have the ability and experience to help. We have monthly auctions so items can be dealt with quickly.

FREE VALUATION

We have a FREE valuation day every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm.

As well as discussing auction estimates we will advise on the best way to sell your items.

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

As we employ our own delivery and collection staff we can ensure your goods are dealt with by trained staff and are insured.

www.perryandphillips.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Hyatt Regency Hotel Birmingham 1. Louise Campbell, Jess Bates 2. Julie Deaves, Jacque Drain 3. IINA Siren, Sarah Simpson- Davies 4. Jayne Spittle, Shirley Webb 5. Hannah Jones, Roselyn Murphy, Jane Jones 6. Allan Shaman, Justine Davey 7. Jade Davies, Shaz Sharif, Maria Avery, Mal Collings 8. Wei Du, Maila Tablizo, Dominga Devitt, Tomas Kollen 94

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8 The Spring Hyatt High Tea Fashion Show took place on 2nd April at the recently refurbished Hyatt Regency hotel in Birmingham.

Wolverhampton Personal Stylist Libby Walton hosted and organised the sell-out event which raised over £1000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Clothes were showcased from Coast’s Spring/Summer collection and given a real Day at the Races feel with hats by Award winning milliner Sally Harper-Kenn from Sharper Milliners.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Llewellyn designer photography

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Guests from the opening and press night of The Bodyguard – The Musical at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. The theatre played host to the Midlands Premiere of the show that is touring to theatres in the UK after a successful run in the West End.

1. Kyle Pedley

On opening night, Friends of the Grand held a post-show reception which was attended by the cast and crew, including star of the show - X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, who takes on Whitney Houston’s iconic role of Rachel Marron.

2. Sarah Richards (Walsall), Stuart Reid (actor, Frank Farmer), Debbie Thomson (Walsall) 3. Lisa Wright 4. Jamal Crawford (ensemble), Kieran Taylor (ensemble), Jason Capewell (Resident Director),Tony Gull (Bilbrook) 5. Don Jackson (Newport), Alexandra Burke and Ann Jackson (Newport) 6. Chris Brown and Anne Brown 7. Fran and Lynne Richards 8. Jennefer and Paul Marston www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Tuesday 12th May and Monday 1st June 2015.

Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

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Medi Visage Wolverhampton

1. Bibi Dodd, Royston Blythe

Medi Visage, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton played host to an evening of beauty, facial aesthetics and non-surgical body sculpting. Over 50 invited guests attended with a complimentary champagne reception and canapés on arrival.

5. Tracey Rock, Allison Simpson

Representatives attended to talk about 3D Lipo, IPL and Aspect Dr. The evening included demonstrations and the opportunity to talk to consultant Mr Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman BDS, FDSRCPS, MBChB, (GEN SURG), FRCS (OMFS).

Bibi Dodd, Director of Medi Visage said “The evening was a great success, we will be holding another event soon.”

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5 2. Tracy Foster, Jackie Leeming 3. Sadie Simpson, June Cole 4. Valerie Garbett, Sandra Harrington 6. Margaret Jones, Stephanie Gibbons 7. Ruth Roberts, Ruth Keeling 8. Maxillofacial surgeon and cancer specialist Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman, Gemma Walker 9. Chantel Williams, Annabel Pitt 10. Sally-Ann Gennard, Debbie Schofield, Jackie Fantham 11. Jessica Ashton, Rose Smith 12. Kay Binks, Louise Bohannan-Tran 13. Annabel Pitt, Bibi Dodd 14. Liz Roberts, Laura Merrick,Vanessa Wilding, Jo Tricker town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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WV1 Bar & Restaurant

Diffusion hosted a Charity event for Promise Dreams and The Steve Bull Foundation at the fabulous WV1 Bar and restaurant at the Molineux stadium.

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The models included a number of footballers including Matt Murray,Tony Daly, Rob Edwards, Lee Naylor and Dave Barnett, the crowd were suitably impressed and welcomed them on stage.

Rob Smith, Edward Spencer, Peter Smith & Steve Compton Kiran Rayet, Christine Burgess Sara & Ian Tunnicliff, Kim Guest Lynn Timmins, Nadine Green and Parl Mangat Karen Fletcher, Amanda Sperling, Kerry Moseley and Jane Wellsbury 6. Storm Willis-James, Sarah Brown, Theresa Goodson and Tric Gooding 7. Sharnie Forman and Shazia Bano-Shah 8. Kirsty Bull & Beverley Bird 9. Sarah Newsome & Simon Pagett 10. Rav Rayet and Dee 11. Anita and Daniel Hill 12. Alison Preece and Sharon Campbell 13. Aron Parcsami and Manrika Khaira 14. Madeline and Rod Painter 15. Jackie Land-Keavney and Ravnita Rayet 16. Jennie Carpenter and Warren Clutton 98

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Over 350 guests attended and were entertained on entrance

by Alexandra Jayne and later by Sasha Simone,The Voice finalist.

The catwalk show was a sensation with clothing from Armani, Ted Baker, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith and True Religion.

Designer handbags were raffled much to the delight of the ladies.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Tuesday 12th May and Monday 1st June 2015.

Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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B e s t

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Wor l d s

Despite myriad technological advances in the last twenty years, nothing captures a moment in time better than a humble photograph.

empowerment and provides a field of vision far superior to that of the everyday hatchback. It is here where the Captur really starts to makes sense and goes along way to explain the current rash of mini-SUVs on the market.

Whether in sepia or in infinitively editable iPhone form, the photograph is still the simplest expression of the way things are right now. If I had to today choose a muse to point my lens at, in an effort to best describe the motoring zeitgeist, I can think of no better candidate than the Renault Captur.

Riding higher than you ordinarily would injects a hitherto unknown confidence into driving around the urban jungle; you feel ever-so-slightly omniscient. The steering is light but accurate and the ride feels especially fluid when at speed and cruising. The city stuff is a cinch too - thanks to dainty dimensions and minimal overhangs - meaning you can place and park it with consummate ease.

Sitting high atop underpinnings of a conventional hatchback - the Renault Clio - but not constrained by the hidden architecture of traditional 4x4 systems, the Captur is Renault’s answer to that most modern phenomenon: the urban cross-over vehicle. It answers today’s everincreasing demand for high-driving positions, masses of internal space and funky personalisation options. Yet despite giving so much extra over the hatchback the Captur remains clever, not corpulent; funky, not fat.

So it’s almost small enough for you to be able to park it in your pocket and it won’t see you out of pocket either with comparably low running costs - especially when allied to this 1.5 litre diesel 90 bhp unit. With combined fuel consumption officially listed at 76.3 mpg and Co2 at 95 g/km, the Captur cheats so many of the charges that are traditionally levelled at SUVs. Furthermore, it’s reasonably lively off the line - 0-62mph in 12.6 seconds; 106 mpg flat-out - and torquey enough - packing as it does 220 Nm - to make mincemeat of motorways.

It looks very striking in just about every colour combo I’ve seen, with its visual-cortex arresting hues, jackedup stance, sloping roofline and in this as-tested spec - Dynamique MediaNav - big 17” alloys. And you can go much, much further than you’d ever imagine possible with bodywork decals and contrasting roof colours. The theme of customisation continues inside also with detachable and washable seat covers, although there’s little value in going too over-the-top, as the standard cabin is such a nice place to be.

But what really is the Captur’s trump card - other than its value-for-money pricing at just over £16,000 - is the sense of space inside. Wherever you sit - front, rear or in Fido’s spot in the boot - there’s oceans of leg, head and storage room. The boot space is listed at 377 litres, so there’s more than enough room for a few crates of Evian. It’ll surely capture your imagination - like it did mine - as to how Renault has managed to make big internally something so small externally.

The shiny black centrepiece console houses an intuitive and well-designed Sat-nav; the plastics feel robust and well made; the ergonomics are very good. The raised driving position gives an appreciable sense of 100

By Rob Taylor

The Captur is seemingly a motoring panacea: providing almost every benefit of every class of car, with none of the inherent drawbacks. So, in this point-and-shoot society, there’s really only one target that prospective mini-SUV buyers need aim at. town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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A new chapter for the Volvo XC90

2015 is already looking to be an exciting year for Brindley Volvo as the highly anticipated all-new XC90 will arrive at the Stourbridge and Wolverhampton dealerships from April.

The new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilising its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology.

Volvo Cars UK were able to preview the all-new XC90 to a range of customers and from feedback already received, a number of additions have been made available to order. Principle changes have been the introduction into the UK of the 320hp T6 petrol engine and the addition in the availability of the auxiliary heater on the D5. The auxiliary heater, standard on the T8 Twin Engine, allows the driver to pre-condition the vehicle cabin to a set temperature so that it is ready for when the car is required.

The XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have been designed for 102

a Volvo. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system.

This system is virtually button free, a simplicity that opens up generous surfaces and gives the opportunity to create a modern, luxurious interior architecture.

The new model offers a range of two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency.

The top of the range XC90 Twin Engine, which combines a supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, offers an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation: around 400 horsepower with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 64 g/km (NEDC driving cycle).

Normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode. But at the push of a button the driver can switch to quiet and emission-free city driving on pure electric power where the range will be around 40 kilometres, and then, when needed, immediately revert back to the combined capacity of the petrol engine and electric motor. Combined

maximum torque is over 600 Nm, making the XC90 accelerate from 0 to 100 in 6.4 seconds.

The all-new XC90 offers the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. It includes two world first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability.

It’s the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car - a common scenario at busy crossings.

In a run-off road scenario, the XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position.

To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain.

For more information on the XC90 and other Volvo models available, or to pre order your car now, call 01384 849216 (Stourbridge), 01902 690727 (Wolverhampton) or visit www.brindley4volvo.co.uk

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

The Brand New Volvo XC90 is coming soon.

Reserve yours now.

The all-new XC90 comes from Sweden.

It’s bold, yet not brash.

It exudes power and confidence with subtlety.

Its imposing presence is elegant and understated.

STANDARD FEATURES: • City safety with front collision warning & autobrake • Pedestrian & cyclist detection • Rear collision mitigation • Driver alert control with lane departure warning • Road sign information • Sensus navigation

• 8 speed automatic • LED active bending headlights • Leather faced upholstery • 8˝ active TFT crystal driver information display • Power opening tailgate with handsfree opening

The Brand New VOLVO XC90 from £45,785

For full specification and model variants please visit: www.volvocars.com/uk/all-cars/all-new-volvo-xc90 Official fuel consumption for the All-New Volvo XC90 in mpg (l/100km) [excluding T8 Twin Engine – full figures not yet available]: Urban: 28.8 (9.8) – 45.6 (6.2), Extra Urban: 40.4 (7.0) – 52.3 (5.4), Combined 35.3 (8.0) - 49.6 (5.7). CO2 Emissions 64 - 186g/km.

BRINDLEY STOURBRIDGE

Tel. 01384 849216

Grange Lane, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 7HH

BRINDLEY WOLVERHAMPTON Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1HF www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Tel. 01902 590727 103

www.brindley4volvo.co.uk

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Advertising & PR consultants Nash Consulting 92 Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill Antiques Centre 65 Perry & Phillips 93 Appliances Electrical/Gas Capital Appliances 37 Artificial Lawn Supply & Installation Nevermo 43 Awnings Castle Blinds 17 Love Your Blinds 31 Bathrooms Brierley Hill Bathrooms 25 Eaton Kitchens 25 Roman Bathrooms 15 Wall Heath Bathrooms 13 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Interiors Italia 20/21 Sofa Factory Outlet 29 Woodrobes 11 Blinds/Curtains Castle Blinds 17 House of Sanderson 35 Love your Blinds 31 35 Val Hever Blinds Beauticians Wollaston Beauty Clinic 73 Building & Maintenance Contractors Three Pines 5 Builders Merchants OCL 39 Building Societies Dudley Building Society 89 Carpets Supply/Fit ND Walters 13

Car Sales/Service Brindley Volvo 103 ETB 101 Four Ashes Renault 105 Guest Motors 107 Chimney Sweeps Wilkins Chimney Sweep 46 Composite Doors Doorsmart 33 Cosmetic & Beauty Clinics Medi Visage 70 Ultra Slim 75 Dentistry Simply Dentures 83 Total Implant Solutions 2 Education Royal School 92 Tettenhall College 91 Entertainment & Leisure Kinver Country Fayre 51 55 Kinver Music Festival 52 Voices for Hospices Fashion/Retail Diffusion 68/69 Fencing & Gates Profence 40 Fireplaces/Stoves Flaming Fires 11 Fish & Chip Shops Blue Submarine 57 Floral Design & Venue Styling Every Occasion 40 Furniture/Furnishings Interiors Italia 20/21 Sofa Factory Outlet 29 Garage Services ETB 101 105 Four Ashes Renault Garden Irrigation & Lighting Systems Garden Magic 46

Gardening/Landscaping Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre Lealans Garden Centre Health Care Cover Paycare Home Improvements August Home Improvements Hospices Compton Hospice Hospitals (Private) Nuffield Hot Tubs Webbs of Wychbold Independent Financial Advisers Midland Financial Services Kitchens (Supply, design & fit) Black Country Kitchens Dream Doors Eaton Kitchens Roman Bathrooms Painters/Decorators Dave Russon Restaurants/Pubs Bravaccios Halfpenny Green Vineyards Saffron Pink Village Hotel Wombourne Tandoori Theatres The Grand Theatre Tiles & Interiors Tile Choice Veterinary Services Blacks Vets Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards Windows & Conservatories August Home Improvements Hayley Windows

40 41 87 19 85 81 45 8/9 23 27 25 15 46 59 49 62 63 62 108 7 47 49 19 15

Puzzle Answers Sudoku:

Easy

Quick Crossword:

Hard

Word Search: Hidden Phrase: Music is the poetry of the air Richter

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town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

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 NOW OPEN FOUR ASHES ACCIDENT REPAIRS LTD ALL IN-HOUSE FACILITY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BODYSHOP SERVICES

FOR ALL 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!

12 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

MOT 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.

10 Reg and 60 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

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

01902 790123

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Sounds Like Love

By Rob Taylor

I reckon legendary Irish poet W.B Yeats got it wrong when he wrote, ‘Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye.’

Either that or he’d been drinking too much Guinness, because I think I’m falling head over heels in love with a Sat-nav. If that sounds unlikely, listen to this: she’s no ordinary synthesised approximate of a siren, but the living breathing soul of an Alfa Romeo – specifically the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 175bhp TCT Exclusive.

Forget nostalgia and the Alfa V6 engine, with congested roads, all any motorist wants is the quickest route around the chaos, so these days you choose the engine with your head – in this case a frisky yet frugal 175 bhp 2 litre diesel unit – and the Sat-nav with your heart.

Seduced by only her dulcet tones; everything else is pure imagination.

There is a real warmth and humanity to her every utterance and I’ve found myself using her for even the shortest, most familiar journeys. She embodies beautifully the essence of the Giulietta, to which her ethereal spirit is bound: exotic, fiery and soulful. Never before has my pulse quickened and heart raced at the prospect of a trip to Wolverhampton.

Once inside – and now making full use of all five of my senses – I’m

struck by the Giulietta’s cabin, which is swathed in supple red leather and laden with soft-touch plastics.

There’s kit worth over £2000 thrown in as-standard for this Exclusive spec model, including rain-sensing wipers; automatic headlights; electric-folding door mirrors; tinted windows; an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror; and electric front-seat lumbar support.

Everything inside is laid out with a sensible, intuitive take on the modern hatchback. And, yes, it may be just a hatchback and relatable as such but it’s still ever-so-slightly special.

The Giulietta beguiles where a Volkswagen Golf makes a sound case in a Powerpoint presentation; bewitches as none of its competitors can. As my girlfriend Nicola adds, even its key-fob is sexed-up.

Some car anoraks may point to Alfas of yore as explanation for this frisson of excitement, but they’re all ensconced in the pub, pedantically ruminating over the technical minutiae of every make and model of car since Benz’s Motorwagen, so it can’t be that. Maybe it’s the ever-unfathomable machinations of image. Maybe it’s the value-for-money pricing of just over £25,000. Maybe it’s how this car looks. But I’ll get to that.

The engine starts unceremoniously enough, but quickly piques your interest when up and running, as it can be both docile and dumbfounding

if the situation presents. It’s quick - 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds; top speed, 135 mph - but economical too: 64.2 mpg on the combined cycle and responsible for just 116 g/km of Co2. It rides really well on its sports suspension and is never jarring. Equally the Giulietta is a capable performer whenever it’s possible to string a few corners together and is thus entirely justified in wearing the accoutrements of sportiness, like the 17” alloy wheels, a sports leather steering wheel with red stitching; aluminium sports pedals and kick-plates and side body skirts. The TCT semi-automatic gearbox is a willing and able partner in crime too, always impressive in its smooth changes and intelligence.

But above all else, the Giulietta’s exterior visage is a stunningly attractive thing to behold. A total knock-out. So, yes, it may have been the sensuous sounds of its Sat-nav that first hooked me, but it’s the Alfa’s looks that have me sold; hook, line and sinker - because nobody loves an ugly car.

As I watch the dying embers of the setting Spring sun light the sky one last time, I gaze from my window upon the Giulietta’s beauty, wine glass in hand, and conclude that old William did have love sussed after all: ‘I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you, and I sigh.’

To book a test drive or for further information about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta please contact Guest Wolverhampton on 01902 544200. Armstrong Way, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QU 106

town & village life magazine | may/june 2015

THE FUTURE, BUILT ON THE PAST.

THE NEW GIULIETTA Everything has changed. And nothing. Despite world leading innovations rendering the 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint almost unrecognizable to the engineers and designers of the 1954 original, one thing remains. The spirit that lives in every Alfa Romeo. Unchanging. Unmistakable. Unmatched. Now available with 0% APR Representative.

0 239 % £ APR

REPRESENTATIVE

PER MONTH

GUEST WOLVERHAMPTON ARMSTRONG WAY, WILLENHALL, WEST MIDLANDS WV13 2QU. TEL: 01902 544 200 WWW.GUESTS.CO.UK

Model shown is the Giulietta 1.4 MultiAir 150 bhp Sprint at £21,210 OTR including Alfa Red paint at £510. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 28.8 – 56.5 mpg (9.8 – 5.0 I/100km); Extra Urban 53.3 – 83.1 mpg (5.3 – 3.4 I/100km); Combined 40.4 – 70.6 mpg (7.0 – 4.0 I/100km). CO2 emissions 162 – 104 g/km.

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. *£3,199 customer deposit, £6,778 optional final payment, 48 month contract.

Promotion available on new Giulietta 1.4 MultiAir Sprint models registered by 30th June 2015. Only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. On the road price includes 12 months’ road fund licence, first vehicle registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Figures and prices are correct www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk 107 at time of publishing.

Retail sales only. Terms & Conditions apply & are subject to exclusions. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services.

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