Town and Village Life Magazine - November/December 2015

TOWn & VILLAGE LIFE Magazine

November/December 2015

Win 6 bottles of award-winning wines with Halfpenny Green Vineyards Win family panto tickets to see Peter Pan at The Grand Theatre

TOWN & VILLAG E LIFE MA GA Z INE

November/December 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 | november/december 2015

Hello Readers, ’Tis a pet hate of mine to prematurely talk

about Christmas, but ’tis the season and I edit a magazine, so ’tis time to talk turkey, so to speak.

Fancy a Christmas Day dinner with a difference?

See our chef Mike Whitehurst’s recipe for roasted guinea fowl. Or spoil yourself by eating-out with our many enormously hospitable advertisers. There are countless Christmas celebrations too, like Kinver Christmas Tree Light Switch-On or the Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Trinity Church, Wordsley.

Panto at The Grand Theatre always says Christmas in my book, so enter our competition – and our winetasting competition from Halfpenny Green Vineyards as well – to really bring the holidays in with a swing.

Ladies need look no further than Aristocats or Classy Rags for fantastic fashion; for ladies, men and children, try Diffusion. For everything hair-related, check out Caprio’s Hair Salon and for beauty, try Wollaston Beauty Clinic. UltraSlim will work wonders on your waistline.

Christmas at Codsall and Wergs and Lealans Garden Centre is definitely worth a look, for Christmas trees, decorations and lots more. And there’ll be plenty of unique Christmas ideas at Country Baskets, Stourbridge Galleries and Halfpenny Green Vineyards. In fact our advertisers have it covered from A-Z: everything from kitchens and bathrooms to curtains, blinds and furniture.

Keep warm this winter with Black Country Firewood and impress your in-laws with spotless cutlery, courtesy of D A Baldwin’s soft water supply. Then let Chancery Contracts Limited use their electrical wizardry to make your house smarter than ever before. And Blacks Vets will take care of your pets.

And last but not least: thank you to all our advertisers, contributors and readers and to our delivery team, who deliver the goods come rain or shine.

Merry Christmas. And all the best for 2016.

See you in January!

Geoff

TOWN & VILLAGE

LIFE M AGA Z I N E

Town & Village Life Magazine Ltd Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY

Contents Fireplaces

8

get fit – banish Christmas stress

16

Crosswords & puzzles

20

dress up your home for Christmas

26

stourbridge rugby Club

32

recipe of the month

40

meet the Boss

42

grand theatre competition

46

Waffle about Wolverhampton

56/57

royston Blythe competition winner

58

gardening with Ann Winwood

64

Christmas season at the Vineyards

66/67

gift buying is an art

68

kinver to rock around the Christmas tree

70

Complete the look – perfect party make-up

82

Christmas party essentials; the little black dress 94/95 education and schooling social scene

106 108-110

nobody’s Fuel: kia rio

111

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Answers to Crossword & puzzles

112

Advertising enquiries

rebel yell – Jeep renegade

114

Editorial/What’s On information

Congratulations to:

Magazine design: Studio 28 (www.s28.co.uk)

Winners of Blood Brothers competition at The Grand Theatre Claire Jones, Amblecote Denise Griffiths, Sedgley

Tel: 01902 744217

Email: sales@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Gisella Wiley - Sales Director Email: info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Geoff Hall - Editor

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.

Winners of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World competition at The Grand Theatre Mrs C Green, Wollaston Mrs P Willetts, Hagley Winner of Bravaccio’s meal for two competition Kate Buckingham, Wall Heath Winner of Sadler’s Brewery tour with lunch and real ale competition Mark Fellows, Wollaston

*Total distribution 15,500 copies bi-monthly

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

03

Commencement on site

for new luxury homes development in Seisdon

Hovi Luxury Homes and Three Pines Building Co. Ltd has commenced pre-construction works on land that sits on the edge of picturesque Seisdon in anticipation of building 16 luxury 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses.

Ian Houghton, director of Hovi Luxury Homes explained: “We are delighted to have secured this opportunity to build an upmarket residential development, which will be known as Lower Lanes Meadow, in such a sought after location. The houses have been individually and sympathetically designed to provide a particularly desirable development. They will also benefit from good-sized gardens and a quality specification.”

easily commutable with excellent schools nearby. We are now in a position to take reservations and expect strong interest.”

Hovi Luxury Homes specialise in the development of small

to medium-sized residential developments in and around central England with a focus on selective developments of quality.

Three Pines Building Co. Ltd has been developing houses in the area for over 40 years.

They specialise in new builds, refurbishments, extensions, conversions and listed building works with an enviable track record for quality. This is all fully backed by the NHBC.

Seisdon is located between Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth close to the Staffordshire/ Shropshire border near to Penn and Wombourne.

Tim Hughes of selling agents Bartlams added: “I am excited about bringing this quality scheme, in such a wonderful setting, to the market. The village of Seisdon is an idyllic place to live and yet 04

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Whether you require refurbishment, extensions or new build, Three Pines are building contractors in Wolverhampton, who have the skills and expertise to handle your project from planning through to completion.

Three Pines recently completed a total refurbishment of the Skoda showroom in Telford

• Over 50 years of experience in construction • Commercial & Domestic developments undertaken • Fully qualified carpenters and bricklayers employed by the company for over 20 years • Care & consideration taken on all domestic & commercial projects • Professional & Friendly service

w w w. t h r e e - p i n e s . c o. u k Cullwick Court, Cullwick Street, Wolverhampton WV1 2UR www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Tel: 01902 499919 Email: info@three-pines.co.uk

05

Get in the Zone with our

Winter WArmer deALs Autumn’s here and our thoughts are turning to heating our homes.

If we are to gain the most from the ‘smart’ technology now available

to us, we must think about how we use the home and what we need from a heating system.

Are time clock-driven systems really the perfect solution to the modern connected lifestyle?

With last-minute meetings, afterschool activities and impromptu social gatherings can we really say when we will or won’t be home?

When home time finally arrives, wouldn’t it be great to know the

heating will be on and the house cosy warm, a tank full of piping hot water for that relaxing bath or a few welcoming lights on around the place to welcome you.

Relax; none of this has been costing you money while you haven’t needed it. The starter system from Chancery Contracts makes it all possible with a touch of your Smartphone from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

w i n t e r wA r m e r d e A l s This is just the beginning though. Countless money-saving and stress busting ways are available to allow you to customise your home and make it work smarter for you.

Get in the zone this winter and include zoned control to your starter kit, to further optimise your heating and improve your comfort. With a zoned heating system from Chancery Contracts you can take control of individual room temperatures from the comfort of your armchair or on your way home from work.

It’s the smart way to tailor each room to our own lifestyle.

Thermostatic valves do allow individual control of radiators but you need to be in the room to set them and by then you are already too hot or cold.

Of course, the smart systems we are offering are not just confined to heating; we can build from your starter kit to encompass every controllable aspect, from lighting and music to running a bath and closing the curtains - all contained within one easy to understand app. A central solution offering countless possibilities to simplify and streamline your home life while you stay in full control.

06

Our starter kit for only £595.00 Installed during the winter warmer promotion. For more information about our winter warmer deals please view our website at www.chancerycontracts.co.uk/winterwarmer Six radiator zone control added for £395.00 Installed during the winter warmer promotion. For more information about our winter warmer deals please view our website at www.chancerycontracts.co.uk/winterwarmer Explore other possibilities available to you and your new smarthome at www.chancerycontracts.co.uk/smarthome or call 01902 761555.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

We offer complete electrical design and installation packages for both commercial and domestic sectors: | Lighting | Power | Smart Home | Energy Efficiency | | Fire Alarms | Emergency Lighting | To know more about our installation and design services, please get in touch.

Chancery Contracts Ltd, 239b Trysull Road, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, WV3 7LG www.chancerycontracts.co.uk | info@chancerycontracts.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

07

FIRE P L A C ES “A room without a fireplace is a room without a heart.”

This may or may not be true, but it is quite certain that a room lacking a fireplace does indeed lack a focal point, one that a television, no matter how grand or largescreened, really cannot provide.

If you have a fireplace already in your room, even if it’s boarded up, you are half way to providing that focal point.

You can open it up, get a builder to examine the grate and the flue, make any necessary repairs, and then you can consider what you can do with the fireplace itself to make it a thing of beauty, a real heart to your home.

If you don’t have a fireplace - many were removed altogether some years ago when central heating was being installed, and again, many modern houses have been built without one, then you will have to take more radical steps.

An open fireplace can be constructed by a specialist or by a builder. If there is no chimney, an external flue can be provided, either bricked in or attached outside to the wall. On the other hand, an electric, coal-effect fire doesn’t require a flue and can look every bit as attractive and welcoming as the real thing.

The fireplace and surround itself must of course be considered whether you are intending to use an existing fireplace or installing a new one. The latest grates, within an antique pine surround, or handbuilt from stone or marble, can look wonderful. Fire surrounds may be bought ready-made or, for not very much more money, you can design the surround you want yourself, and get the specialist to build it. With a newly installed fireplace, in an oddly shaped room or in a period property, this can be the very best answer.

The type of fire you required is the next important consideration.

Open fires are popular even in these days of labour-saving homes.

Somehow there is nothing quite like the welcome a brightly burning fire can give. The latest in log-burning grates, under-floor ventilation and flue construction provide allround heat and make the most of 08

Fireplace shown is available from Flaming Fires (Wombourne)

every shovel-full of fuel, whether it is household coal or smokeless fuel. Many can also heat a back boiler to provide you with endless gallons of piping hot water, and may also run a radiator or two.

If you feel unhappy with an open, unprotected fire, one of the latest, attractive multi-fuel burning stoves might be an idea. These are usually pretty little boilers, perhaps potbellied or some other shape gleaned from the past. They are efficient, economical and, with a transparent plate on the front, will still provide the welcoming glow of that open fire.

Alternatively you can turn to another type of fire - one that gives every appearance of being an open fire, but which is not. A gas log or coal fire is constructed of imitation logs or coals made from almost

indestructible volcanic materials. The gas, once ignited, produces a red glow amongst the ‘fuels’, and free flames. It provides the welcome, the warmth but none of the mess and extra work. You will of course have to have gas installed, and if you are not in an area where mains gas is available you will have to consider a cylinder or bulk storage tank.

Electricity has already been mentioned. Some of the coal and log-effect fires powered by electricity are spectacularly beautiful, efficient, clean and trouble-free. Some even produce the effect of a living flame.

If you haven’t yet got a fireplace in your home, think about having one installed. Put the heart back where it belongs and enjoy the warmest welcome ever.

Fireplace shown is available from Wolverhampton Fireplaces (Chapel Ash)

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS

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Great value on all tiles inc.natural stone If you are looking for an up to the minute design for your kitchen, bathroom or en-suite, traditional style or a modern and contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory. Tile Choice can meet your every requirement at exceptional prices. Our fully trained and experienced staff will assist you in planning your room layout, how to prepare the surfaces to be tiled, and advise you on the correct tiles and tools to complete the project, with the minimum disruption

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Dream. Plan. Create.

with Country Baskets There’s something for everyone at Country Baskets, choose from one of our six enchanting Christmas themes to make your home magical this Christmas.

starting from 29p, you are sure to enjoy our unbeatable value!

This year Country Baskets has gone above and beyond to source affordable, beautiful and trend-led décor that will ensure that your home looks fabulous this Christmas. With prices

For those that want to experience the fairytale feel of a winter wonderland, look no further than Swan Lake. Imagine ballerina shoes and ice skates entwined, frosted glass baubles and feathery

Invest in Luxe Lustre, a glamorous and luxurious ‘city-living’ Christmas trend. Enhance your home this Christmas with dark rich tones of purple paired with opulent antique gold, intricate glass baubles, delicately glittered florals, enchanting mascarade masks and high shine candle holders.

detailing, this trend’s collection of tree decorations mirrors the atmosphere of the swan lake ballet: elegant and graceful.

Those that appreciate the beauty of nature will love our Highland Christmas range. Tree top greens, berry shades and earthy tones and hues create a cosy, cabinlike feel. Animals from both the woodland and the highlands feature throughout this nature friendly trend, exploring animal inspired texture and pattern.

Capture the warmth and richness of a traditional Christmas with Treasured Moments, the perfect decadent festive trend. Ideal for those who love the timeless feel of a classic Christmas, rich red tones and golden hues are combined with an added dash of glitter to create a feel of an old English favourite with a modern twist.

Craft enthusiasts will also be able to add a personal touch to their decor by creating wreaths, garlands and centrepieces to suit their individual style. Browse our wide range of artificial greenery, ribbons, dried fruit, baubles and bows for inspiration.

Visit your local store to be inspired by our wonderful displays.

Country Baskets, Gibbs Road, Stourbridge DY9 8SY Tel: 01384 896 888 Tweet us at @countrybaskets Find inspiration on Instagram @country_baskets To register for a membership card or to shop online visit: www.countrybaskets.co.uk

Diary date: 15th November Christmas Floral Demonstration with James Billington Sessions running between 10.30am – 2.30pm (Free to attend, no booking required)

10

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

New Website Visit your local store in Stourbridge!

Gibbs Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 8SY www.countrybaskets.co.uk

5

£

off

WHEN YOU SPEND

£20 IN-STORE Expires December 30th 2015 CODE:TVLXMAS

Voucher is valid for in-store use only and must be presented at the time of purchase. Voucher cannot be exhanged for cash and cannot be used in part transactions. £20 spend required is exclusive of VAT. Single use offer. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

11

BLACK CountrY FireWood

Quality logs, excellent service Black Country Firewood has been supplying and delivering high quality logs throughout the West Midlands, and its surrounding areas, since 2012.

The company - that’s based on a farm in the picturesque village of Bobbington, South Staffordshire - prides itself on supplying quality firewood at a fair price.

Owner, Michael Snelson, developed a plan for the business which would complement the seasonal workload of an arable farm, when he returned to his home farm after completing a degree at Harper Adams University.

The company has proved to be a great success, with orders for logs being placed all year round.

Over the last three years Black Country Firewood have developed a loyal client base, thanks to their commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Michael says: “Many people who have just had a log burner fitted may find ordering their first load of logs a little daunting. They will have questions like: “will they be dry?” or “will they fit on our fire?”

That’s why the small, but dedicated, team are always on-hand to offer help: “We always encourage our customers to come and visit us at our purpose-built firewood centre so that we can talk them through the different types of logs we supply and explain which type of log best suits their needs.”

And the company can even deliver to your home: “We deliver to a wide variety of areas, within a 14 mile radius, including: Kinver, Wollaston, Stourbridge, Lye, Kingswinford, Wombourne, Enville, Bridgnorth, Pattingham and Wolverhampton.

We’re always happy to travel outside of the area if required.”

Visit Black Country Firewood today and enjoy the warmth of your open fire this winter.

Both Michael and his colleague, Richard, enjoy meeting new customers when they come to visit the site to view the products on offer.

“We really enjoy dealing with our customers, we want them to look forward to ordering firewood and not see it as a chore. In fact, we are so confident in our products that we offer a full money back customer satisfaction guarantee.”

Richard Clarke and Michael Snelson

Suppliers of high quality firewood Shop and buy online

www.blackcountryfirewood.co.uk

or visit us at

Salters Hall Farm Bobbington, Stourbridge, DY7 5DX * pack includes:

1 x Huge Bag Kiln Dried Logs 2 x Nets of Kindling Sticks 1 x 24 Natural Firelighters

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Contact us today...

01384 884481 or 07791 438389 @thefirewoodshed 12

blackcountryfirewood

town & village life magazine | november/december 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

Find us on

and

Style

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.

THE ROMAN WAY

R

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

13

advertisement feature

E X T R A P E N S I O N TA X R E L I E F

IS AVAILABLE NOW

The recent Budget contained good news for pension investors.

The amount of tax relief that can be received on pension contributions has just increased for some.

WHAT IS PENSION TAX RELIEF? To encourage everyone to save for retirement some pension contributions receive up to 45% tax relief.

The government automatically pays 20% of your contributions regardless of your tax rate and higher and top-rate taxpayers can reclaim more through their tax return up to an extra 20% or 25% depending on an individual’s circumstances.

Imagine you pay £8,000 into your pension, the government will add £2,000 to make it £10,000 in your pension. A higher-rate tax payer

14

can reclaim up to a further £2,000 and a top rate taxpayer up to a further £2,500. £10,000 in a pension can in effect cost as little as £5,500. In order to receive the full 40% or 45% tax relief you must pay enough tax at that rate.

WHO CAN NOW RECEIVE MORE PENSION TAX RELIEF? A £40,000 maximum annual allowance untaxed usually applies to pension contributions each tax year from all sources into your pension pot. Contributions over this allowance effectively do not receive tax relief.

IN THE BudgET A NEW £40,000 ALLOWANCE WAS INTROduCEd FOR CONTRIBuTIONS MAdE FROM 9TH juLy 2015 TO 5TH APRIL 2016.

This means anyone who made contributions from 6th April

2015 to 8th July 2015 might be able to invest more this tax year as they have the £40,000 allowance starting again from 8th July 2015 and receive more tax relief. Anyone who hasn’t made contributions still has the same allowance - £40,000 for contributions up to 5th April 2016.

Contributions registered from 6th April 2015 to 8th July 2015 will reduce this new allowance, but only if they exceeded £40,000. Pension contributions made in the previous tax year could also count; your provider should be able to inform you.

QuALIFyINg FOR EXTRA TAX RELIEF To receive tax relief the total value of your contributions this tax year should not exceed your earnings.

For example, to contribute £60,000 in total this tax year you should earn at least £60,000. If

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

you wanted to invest more than your earnings in any tax year you could ask your employer to make an employer contribution, possibly set off against future earnings.

If you decide to use your new allowance remember money in a pension can normally only be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028), usually 25% of this pension pot is tax free and the rest is taxed as income. Tax rules can of course change in the future.

The value of your investment and the income from it can go down as well as up and you may not get back the original amount invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator for future results. Levels, bases and reliefs from taxation are subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor.

Please contact us for further information or if you are in any doubt as to the suitability of an investment.

Making decisions about your pension is most important.

Whilst it is critical to understand your options you should consult a professional adviser before proceeding with any pension option. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

John Webb

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 15

Get Fit

Banish Christmas stress There are many reasons for the stresses experienced at Christmas.

Some of course are caused by the very ‘togetherness’ of the season.

People are having to come to terms with being closer to their families than they are accustomed to being.

There is little that can be done to alleviate this other than to be as fit and healthy as possible. If you are at all under par, life gets on top of you, you get things out of proportion and problems rise up where problems have no right to be. Other stresses however, those caused by the pressures of extra work, organising the celebrations, coping with over-excited children, etc., can be helped. And in the course of helping these, the sufferer will find him or herself better able to cope with the other, less obvious strains.

merely exhaust you. Also, weight lost too quickly is just as quickly replaced. A slow, steady regime of calorie control, over a period of time will do the trick. If you have enrolled into a health club, you will reap extra benefits. If your fitness supervisor knows you are on a diet, he or she will formulate a plan of exercises to keep the relevant muscles in tone.

This is quite important if you don’t want your skin to look loose and flabby. And the older you are when you lose weight, the more likely this is to happen if you’re not careful.

Take time off for yourself each day.

If you have a busy schedule, look upon your own time for relaxation as part of the working day. Make it sacrosanct. Ensure your family

- especially your children, friends and colleagues, understand you cannot be disturbed during this time, unless for dire emergencies.

Try to find a darkened room, use a relaxation tape playing softly in the background or a recording of soft, undemanding music. There you will have peace to do your exercises, meditate, breathe deeply, or just relax and do as you will.

The effect will soon begin to show, when you will not only look great, you will find ‘problems’ melting away, stresses less painful and strains much easier to cope with.

In short, you’ll be fit enough to take on all-comers as well as the celebrations of Christmas.

Physical unfitness is at the base root of stress, so getting into good shape is an important aim. You have many choices open to you jogging alone night and morning, joining a keep fit, dance or Aerobics class, enrolling into a health club, or becoming involved in some form of sport. They will all help towards that ultimate goal of muscular tone and control that provides those smoothly operating joints and that lightness of step that are the outward signs of fitness. You need not be so energetic however, disciplines like yoga have very cathartic effects on both physical and mental fitness.

The inner calmness and peace promoted by yoga exercises do all this, and will also eventually help on a more outwardly physical plane.

Weight is important of course. If you are overweight, your body has to cope with the extra stresses of just getting you around. If you lose even a little weight, you will feel immeasurably better all round. Just as important however, is eating the right balance of foods. Have a word with your doctor about diet. Don’t try to lose too much at once, it will 16

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Quality, bespoke creations with an exceptional service!

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Meet the team…

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A Commitment to Quality It’s no surprise then to hear that many clients return: “We’re starting to find that some of our clients are now returning to us after 20 years, ready to choose a new bathroom suite. Because they were so impressed with the service they received and the quality of their bathroom, they won’t consider looking anywhere else.”

Many customers feel reassured that the team is always on-hand if they have any problems: “It’s rare that clients have an issue, but if they do they can contact us anytime of the day, seven days a week. This provides extra peace of mind, and sets us apart from other retailers.”

Wall Heath Bathrooms have built an excellent reputation over the 23 years they’ve been in business, thanks to their unwavering commitment to quality and outstanding customer service.

Co-owner Lorraine Taylor explains: “As a family-run company we’ve placed great emphasis on quality in every aspect of our business, from the bathroom fittings we sell, the workmanship that goes into installing them and the service that our clients receive.”

With a range of fine bathroom suites that suit any home interior, the team are able to meet all of their client’s requirements.

“Our bathrooms cater for all tastes and room sizes; we have extravagant, opulent designs as well as minimalist, chic suites. Our ranges are both practical and stylish.”

Even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed: “With the correct fixtures and fittings it is possible for even the smallest bathroom to become a pleasure to use and stunning to look at.”

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What’s more, Lorraine believes that everyone should be able to enjoy their bathroom: “Making the bathroom accessible for everyone, regardless of age or mobility is a high priority for us.

We have a variety of products that are ideal for those who need an easy-to-use suite, and none of them compromise on style.”

Unlike so many other companies, Wall Heath Bathrooms undertake every aspect of design and installation: “Bathroom Consultant, Lynne and I take care of all design and planning from the showroom.

My husband, Steve, who is a highly skilled engineer, goes out to measure-up in our client’s homes.”

With an extensive portfolio of work available to view in the showroom, clients can get a look at a variety of completed jobs: “We photograph many of our bathrooms so that we can show customers the high standards we work to. We’re proud of the work we carry out and are delighted to be able to provide clients with a bathroom they’ll love for years to come.”

For a free no obligation quote give us a call or pop into the showroom, we are open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm and Saturday 9am until 4pm.

Only trusted and experienced installers are used to ensure every bathroom installation is carried out to the highest standards. Old bathroom suites are removed with the minimum of disruption before work begins installing the new suite. Clients often remark on our friendly and polite approach and comment on how tidy we work during installation.

“We have a highly skilled tiler who has been with us since day one, when he is away no tiling work is undertaken.” town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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

19

Quick Crossword Across 1 Brass instrument (7) 5 Two wheeled transport (5) 8 More fortunate (7) 9 Room under the eaves (5) 10 Not sour (5) 11 Adore, revere (7) 12 Come to an end (6) 14 Irritates, annoys (6) 17 Used for cigarettes (7) 19 Seashell (5) 22 Regulations (5) 23 Holiday home (7) 24 Found in the spine (5) 25 Ruin (7)

Down 1 Informs (5) 2 Male relative (5) 3 Artist (7) 4 Flung (6) 5 Seat (5) 6 Fasteners (7) 7 Gets away (7) 12 Went into (7) 13 Small stones (7) 15 Accompanies (7) 16 Compelled (6) 18 Supports for broken bones (5) 20 Not ever (5) 21 Useful (5)

Sudoku

Easy

Hard

Puzzle answers on page 112

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

Ale

Optic

Bottle

Ouzo

Bourbon

Perry

Champagne

Rum

Chardonnay Cider Cognac Draught Gin Lager

20

Sambuca Shandy Shiraz Shots Spirits Spritzer Tankard

Liqueurs

Vodka

Mead

Whiskey

Merlot

Wine town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Unique, Traditional & Fashionable Kitchens

Add luxury to your life and value to your property Design | Fitting | Building | Extensions Electrics, Plumbing & Heating | Bathrooms | Decorating 01384 572 732 Unit 35, Delph Road Industrial Estate, Delph Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2UA www.blackcountrykitchens.com

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

21

Brand new Dance Studio

opens in Lanesfield The open evening was a huge success with around 120 people attending to show their support! The studio will be offering a variety of dance and fitness classes, which will be open to all ages and abilities. her assistant teacher Michelle Churm. A special mention for her dad, Gary Bate, who has devoted all of his time to refurbish the premises which was previously a van parts storage unit.

For more information contact Emma on 07888 654908.

Address: Unit C, Dock Meadow Industrial Estate, Lanesfield Drive, WV4 6LB www.facebook.com/ inspire2dance

l/r Michelle Churm with owner Emma Bate

Emma Bate from Sedgley, owner of Inspire2Dance, opened her very own dance studio on Saturday 10th October, just one year on from graduating from The University of Wolverhampton with a BA Hons in Dance. Emma has been dancing since the age of three and has always had a passion for dance and performing. The new studio is a dream come true for Emma who has been building Inspire2Dance for nearly 3 years with the help of

Christmas Tree Festival Holy Trinity Church, Wordsley, Friday 4th December 10am - 6pm Saturday 5th December 10am - 6pm Sunday 6th December 12noon - 3pm & 4pm - 6pm

On Sunday afternoon between 3pm and 4pm there will be an Organ Recital by Paul Carr, our Organist and Musician in Residence. We also have a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 6th December 11am - 1pm.

Everyone is welcome.

22

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

B r i e r l e y H i l l Bathrooms

Large Showroom Helpful Staff Free Survey

Special help for the disabled and elderly Baths removed and shower cubicle, seat, shower and tiles installed from £1,950 Bathrooms Fully Fitted from £2,950 inc. VAT

01384 484088

10/11 Garratt Street, Brierley Hill DY5 1JU

www.brierleyhillbaths.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

23

Sue and Stephen in the showroom

in-toto Sierra in Oxide Concrete

New in-toto Kitchens

Design Studio

now open in Stourbridge Sue Longthorn and Stephen Westwood are the dream team when it comes to kitchens, and luckily for homeowners in the Midlands they have opened a new in-toto Kitchens Design Studio in Stourbridge.

Together, they have over 30 years of experience in the industry and are dedicated to customer service excellence, making them perfectly placed to take care of the entire process from initial kitchen planning through to installation and the all-important finishing touches.

The kitchen design studio on Norton Road displays a range of German and British-made kitchens, including minimalist in-line handleless doors for a streamlined look. Choose from stylish materials such as glass, acrylic and lacquer, or be inspired by the traditional in-frame wood ranges for a Shaker look. Either way, you can create a kitchen that is practical, personal and totally suited to your budget, lifestyle and personality.

“A kitchen is one of the most sociable rooms in the heart of a home and your choice for this room should be driven by how you want to feel and who you share the space with”, says Sue. “We invite you to visit our Design Studio and welcome hearing your kitchen story so we can work with you to create your dream design.”

Now is the best time to visit the studio as in-toto, renowned for its innovation, has just launched its latest 2016 kitchen ranges and samples of every door are on display at Stourbridge. Discover the silky smooth feel of the new matt lacquer laminate range Neron, the warm wood tones of the new walnut-effect colour choice, and its growing ‘shades of grey’ with Light Grey, Graphite and Oxide Concrete - all set to be a huge hit!

For your free in-toto consultation, visit in-toto Stourbridge at Winwood Court, Norton Road, Stourbridge DY8 2AE. Alternatively, call Sue or Stephen on 01384 378 203, email them at stourbridge@intoto.co.uk or visit www.intoto.co.uk for more details.

in-toto Alva in Walnut-effect

Celebrate the opening of in-toto Stourbridge at its special Launch Party on Thursday 19th November 2015! Join the fun 4pm - 8pm and taste the delicious food fresh from the Neff ovens.

24

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

WE HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL...

AND SO DO OUR CUSTOMERS “My new kitchen reflects my personality and lifestyle. in-toto helped me to create a contemporary yet classic look.”

in-toto Stourbridge Shop 4, Winwood Court, Norton Road, Stourbridge DY8 2AE Tel: 01384 378203

www.intoto.co.uk

5 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

25

Dress up the home

for Christmas

Christmas in the home usually means festive decorating.

Somehow it is difficult to celebrate this special time without the embellishments that now normally go with it. How you go about the decorating, and what it costs, depends very much on how you and your family see the exercise. If you go the whole hog, decorate the place up to the nines and then burn the lot ritually on Twelfth Night, it will cost a veritable fortune every year. Much better therefore, to take the baubles down carefully and bring them out, year after year, adding to your collection as time, finances and inclination allow.

There is a wealth of decorating materials in the shops just now costing from pence to pounds.

Decorations range from tiny springs of plastic holly for the Christmas cake, to enormous fake Christmas trees that look so real you could be forgiven for trying to plant them out for next year!

In fact the simplest things probably make for the most spectacular displays. Natural greenery, decorated

bare boughs, flowers and pot plants, fruit and nuts, suitably presented, take a lot of beating. Add these to a little ingenuity, a spot of invention, a vivid imagination, and you’ll have a home dressed to kill, and it’ll hardly cost more than a pound or two.

Decorate to a theme for best results, take a colour or shape and build your decorating theme round it. Fans for example can look stunning standing upright along the edge of a shelf, especially if they are linked by bows and ribbons, or bright tinsel garlands. Baskets can be another theme. Tiny wicker creations, filled with seasonally coloured flowers, fruit or sweets, hung in groups from corners, light fittings or in front of a window, can look quite spectacular.

If you are short on ideas, have a look at what your local retailer is displaying this year. Generally these professionally invented displays look very expensive.

Look closer however and you’ll probably find they have been made from basically inexpensive materials put together with colour, flair and sticky-backed plastic.

Decorate the fruit bowls. Cover some of the fruit with foil or coloured tissue. If you don’t have sufficient bowls, cover an old flower pot, bulb bowl or box, with wrapping and fill with fruit in the usual way. If you wish to display flowers, make your vases seasonal by covering them too with gaily coloured paper or foil. Gift wrappings make very suitable materials for this purpose.

Candles have a seasonal quality about them, especially the brightly coloured red and green ones. Make your own candle displays on a saucer with the candle and other decorations set in oasis. Decorations can include sprigs of holly or pine, artificial or dried flowers and the odd ribbon, assembled round the base of the candle so both oasis and saucer are concealed.

They can look professional and expensive, as well as attractive. In all your displays, don’t overlook the usefulness of pine cones, grasses, bare branches and even drift wood. Do be careful about lighting candles though. Never light them if they are part of an inflammable set-piece decoration or display.

Choose your Christmas tree with care. Natural trees are lovely of course but unless you are very careful, even if the roots have not been disturbed, the needles will start to drop as soon as the warm air of the home touches them. Artificial trees last forever and retain their built-in good looks, year after festive year.

Part of dressing the house includes dressing the festive table. Be wise, unless it’s just you and your partner; go for paper tablecloth and napkins. White looks lovely but there is a whole spectrum of colours to choose from, either plain or printed with festive motifs.

Make a colourful centrepiece either with candles, fruit or a combination of both, and your table will set the scene for the very best Christmas dinner ever.

What’s more, there’ll be no linen to launder when it’s all over, and one less job to do should be good news all round.

26

town & village life magazine | november/december 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

27

H A G L E Y A RT C L U B 26t h A n n u a l e x hibition 2015 • 26th Exhibition; Friday 27th, 7pm – 9pm, Saturday, Sunday, 28th, and 29th November, 10am – 4pm • At Hagley Community Centre, Worcester Rd., Hagley • Official opening Friday, 7.30pm by Lord Cobham • Over 200 original paintings, all new work and all for sale • Also, crafts and cards, ideas for Christmas presents • Tea room with refreshments available • Volunteer-runclub, started 26 years ago and at present have 80 members • Club meets once a month for demos on second Friday at St. Saviours Church Hall, Hagley • Also, Painting Circle meets weekly at Churchill Village Hall • Interested? Ring membership secretary: Sue Merrill 01562 700078 • Visitors welcome at demo evenings; £3

2014 winner, voted for by the public. (Autumn Light, Dudmaston by Graham Madders)

DUDLEY SOUTH Ladies Luncheon Club The October Luncheon was chaired by Ann Rogers at the Himley House Hotel.

Best wishes were sent to Chairman Mary for her speedy recovery. Following a 3-course lunch members eagerly awaited speaker Mark Newbold who had served on the Royal Yacht Britannia and survived being torpedoed in the Falklands War. His job on the Royal Yacht was a diver and had to check several times a day that no bombs were attached to its hull. 146 sailors manned the yacht but when the Royals were on board a further 50 staff came as well to look after them. The main purpose of the ship was to wave the flag for Britain, promoting British goods and on one occasion the Saudi nation was so delighted they presented the Britannia football team with gold watches just for playing. He travelled the world enjoying a wonderful life, his favourite country being Iceland.

80ft. in darkness into a flaming sea and had to swim to find a life craft. He was burnt and injured.

They witnessed the Coventry sink in just a few minutes. 19 died, the rest rescued by helicopter and they returned home on the QEII. 255 servicemen were killed in action but sadly since then 300 have committed suicide. His was a remarkable story.

Members were reminded that the November 13th lunch would be at The Lodge, Wellington Road, Dudley 12pm for 12.30pm, the speaker would be Christine Gregory: “Remembrance Day Celebrations in other Countries”. The Christmas Luncheon will be held on 11th December at the Conservative Club, Sedgley. Visitors will receive a warm welcome and can attend 3 times before deciding to join.

For more information ring the Secretary on 01902 372984 or Email the Chairman maryjones30@sky.com.

However, this came to an abrupt end when the Falklands were invaded 33 years ago and he was seconded to the missile destroyer The Coventry. It took three weeks to reach the Falklands and all on board had to throw all their personal possessions overboard. Their diet consisted of stew and a mars bar three times a day. Everyone was frightened when they were bombarded for 3 weeks. Their ship was hit and had to be abandoned. They jumped 28

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

29

D.A. Baldwin Water Softener Specialists

there’s no need to add salt to your dishwasher ever again.

Cleaning is made easy without the burden of contending with hard water, there’s no lime scale to clean from taps or shower heads and surfaces gleam with just a wipe over.

How do water softeners work?

Water softeners contain a resin that removes the magnesium and calcium deposits that cause water to be hard. Periodically the resin needs to be regenerated by flushing with salt water. This is done automatically, all you have to do is add inexpensive tablet salt once a month. The salt does not enter the water supply, of course. It is simply flushed away by the softener once it has finished its job of regenerating the resin.

Tell us about your Water Factory – 3M Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System.

White-encrusted showerheads, dirty-looking glasses, clogged pipes and dull hair are just some of the annoying consequences of living in a hard water area.

But, you don’t have to put up with them any longer as there’s a simple, affordable and effective solution that’ll not only make life easier but save you money too.

The installation of a water softener in your home will bring benefits every time you turn on the tap, making you question how you ever lived without soft water in the first place.

So, we decided to head straight to the experts, D. A. Baldwin, to find out more.

Established for over 50 years, the Pattingham-based company has long been the premier choice for homeowners and businesses looking to transform the water they use.

With an excellent reputation in the industry, an extensive and loyal customer base - that spans the entire country - as well as a vast catalogue of installations in all manner of domestic, commercial and industrial settings, there’s no better company to consult when it comes to water softeners.

What are the benefits of having soft water?

Soft water has a clean, silky feeling because it’s completely free from scum. It makes hair soft and easy to manage and is kind to the skin.

Clothes that are laundered in soft water are fresher and fluffier.

Shampoo and shower gels lather easily meaning you can use much less product, the same goes for washing powder and toilet soap - up to 50% of the product is saved.

Household appliances, heating systems and boilers really benefit too. Without the damaging lime scale build-up each water-using appliance can function at optimal capacity. Of course this saves you a great deal of money as their lifespan, functionality and performance are considerably improved.

As soft water rinses away without staining, glasses and cutlery are left looking spotlessly clean and

The Water Factory system allows your family to enjoy clean, healthy, fresh tasting water. It’s a system that’s been engineered to meet the demands of today’s household’s needs and it delivers fresh drinking water anywhere in your home.

It has a space-saving, compact design with simple connections and a stylist faucet. There’s a highcapacity, 2.5 gallon, reservoir tank that ensures an abundant supply of water and as an extra option a high-performance booster pump allows the system to produce more water, while providing enhanced containment rejection and greater storage capacity.

What about installation?

Water softening systems are easy to install and are incredibly discreet, fitting unnoticed either under the kitchen sink, cloakroom or garage.

Before any installation, we carry out a survey to access our client’s needs, so that the right system can be installed. A water analysis is very important to enable us to size the correct water softener.

Do you provide aftercare?

Excellent customer service is incredibly important to us, we take pride in our after sales service which includes annual service contracts, breakdowns, water softener salt and filter delivery.

Why not change and enjoy the benefits of soft water in your home today?

Contact D.A. Baldwin on 01902 700456 email admin@dabaldwin.plus.com or visit www.dabaldwin-watersofteners.co.uk 30

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

D. A. Baldwin & Son

Over

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Distribution and Installation of Domestic and Industrial Water Softeners Our many commercial and industrial contracts include:

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For further details please call 01902 700456 admin@dabaldwin.plus.com www.dabaldwin-watersofteners.co.uk Pasford House, Chesterton Road, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7DZ www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

31

stourbridge

rFC

The Rugby World Cup 2015 has been the focal point of Stourbridge over the last six weeks and despite the combined efforts of all the home nations and France the Northern Hemisphere did not reach any of the semi-finals.

The hosts, England, failed to reach even the quarter finals much to the distress of any club affiliated to the RFU. Ten Stourbridge members were selected as volunteers for “The Pack” helping everything run smoothly for all the spectators and organisers from September 18th up to the Final on October 31st at venues from Villa Park to Twickenham. At the club the First XV has had a mixed start to the season, the Lions are improving week by week and Sundays are full of visiting teams competing with all age groups from seven year old’s upwards. There are now regularly over fifty children under six enjoying the fresh air, running around playing non-combative tag games and experiencing the early pleasures of running with ball in hand. Ridgewood High School from nearby Wollaston regularly play here on midweek afternoons. Worcester Warriors are running a Rugby Camp for youngsters at the club at the end of October and North Midlands under 18’s played Staffordshire under floodlights late in the month.

Off the pitch there was a sizeable turn out for the ex-players lunch and all the Rugby World Cup fixtures, especially the opening fixture. All catering is now in the hands of Ian Shipman of Specialist Event Catering, which has increased the variety of fayre available for all the birthday parties and bespoke weddings that regularly fill the club. We have enjoyed a masked ball on a Saturday night and continue to regularly host NADFAS and Probus lunch time meetings.

Christmas parties are already well booked for sponsors and members alike and on the Social scene we have a Ladies Day on December 5th, a Corporate Lunch on December 4th incorporating the long established Century Club.

The speaker on the 5th is larger than life Nick Bracken OBE, an ex-Commander at New Scotland Yard and Chairman of East London Rugby Club. We are expecting a big turn out to listen to his tales.

With Christmas fast approaching the traditional Turkey Supper with wassailing and carols is booked for Friday December 18th followed by a New Year’s Eve Party on the 31st.

As a bonus for businessmen holding seminars the club has upgraded its Wi-Fi and broadband facilities through the auspices of club sponsors MMS Communications of Cannock and they in turn are in negotiations with other club sponsors keen to save money against their current suppliers and upgrade their own telephonics.

Robin Edwards

Chairman, Stourbridge Rugby Club

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

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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Geoff Hill’s Charitable Trust donates 10% of our profit towards local needy causes

33

‘Best oF British’ raises the roof and funds for local hospice It was the kind of thing dreams are made of - singing on stage at Birmingham’s prestigious Symphony Hall.

20th September at the internationally renowned concert venue for their ‘Best of British’ concert, whilst supporting a West Midlands’ Hospice.

West Midlands’ Got 2 Sing contemporary choirs formed part of the 420 strong ‘Got 2 Sing’ team which packed the stage on Sunday

WE SE SOCIALI

PER WE FOR M

WE SING

WE GH U LA

Beth Dunn, founder and director of Got 2 Sing, was delighted with the success of the evening and commented, “We have had tremendous support from everyone involved and my members should be extremely proud of their efforts – the performance and people’s generosity have gone far, far beyond my expectations! The Symphony Hall is also renowned for its acoustics so we couldn’t have had a better venue to do justice to all the hard work that the choirs have put in over recent months. As a non-auditioned choir that doesn’t sing with music it’s simply incredible to hear everyone singing their hearts out on stage and what a fantastic sound they made. It sounded amazing!”

The Stourbridge-based Hospice organised a very generous raffle which included a London Theatre Break, Spa Day and Apple iPad amongst its prizes and produced a souvenir programme for the event; raising an amazing £8781 for the charity’s funds.

...much more than a choir!

Singing and Performance in Pop, Classics & Musical Theatre

Marlene Watson, representing Mary Stevens Hospice, thanked the audience for their generosity, whilst adding much humour to the evening as well as praising the volunteers and staff who work tirelessly for the charity.

ER TAST FREE SSIONrts SE rm Sta r

be Te Newt Septem 164 21s 330 146 o.uk 03 g.c Call: .got2sin www

Got2SingUK

Adult Contemporary Choirs in this area!

Wolverhampton, Stourbridge, Bewdley / Kidderminster, Telford and Shrewsbury.

Plus Youth Choir in Stourbridge (9-16 year olds).

Check website for Dates/Times.

@Got2Sing

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sing@got2sing.co.uk 03330 146164

For a full list of our contemporary choir venues... visit www.got2sing.co.uk

34

The 2000 plus audience were treated to a full programme of contemporary songs from Adele, Queen and Take That, to the Beatles, Elton John and other British classics.

The choir comprised members from Wolverhampton and Stourbridge plus five other Got 2 Sing choirs from across the West Midlands, including their Youth Choir, Shropshire, and Worcestershire. They were joined by local tenor Russell Painter and dancer Amelea Rostron who performed during the choir’s haunting rendition of Karl Jenkins’ ‘Adiemus.’

Tel: 03330 146164 E-mail: info@got2sing.co.uk

www.got2sing.co.uk town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

CBS ( Midlands ) LTD

Architectural Ironmongery Specialists Official Stockists of:

nv l From the

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35

Castle Blinds and Awnings has a long history. The independent family-run business, that’s based in Kingswinford, was established back in 1993 by owner, Brian Jones.

“I started the company when I had a conservatory installed on the family home. I’d been looking for blinds and had numerous quotes but was shocked to find how expensive they all were.”

Brian subsequently noticed an advert in a national newspaper for a blind company that were looking for agents within the Midlands area, he made contact with the company and soon became an agent.

“I continued to sell and install blinds alongside my full time job in the brewery trade for five years, before I made Castle Blinds and Awnings my full time job.”

Castle Blinds’

fortress grows Brian began to manufacture vertical blinds from his parent’s garage before moving the company to permanent premises in 1999.

Brian’s youngest sibling, Amanda, joined the company in 2003 to work within the manufacturing side of the business. Amanda worked really hard over the years and is now a Director within the company.

“Amanda now takes responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business while I’m out on the road visiting major clients across the country.”

Over the past two decades the company has gone from strength to strength: “The business has thrived and continued to grow at a steady pace over the years and we’ve recently met an exciting new challenge.”

On 1st September 2015, the company took over one of its competitors, Factor 15 Sunblinds, which has now become part of the Castle Blinds and Awnings family.

Following the takeover, Brian’s eldest sibling, Lee, has taken on a new role within the company.

36

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Factor 15 Sunblinds will manufacture and install exterior and interior shading systems, which will be offered to the trade to create a one-stop-shop for trade clients.

There’s no doubt that both businesses will continue to flourish in the future, thanks to Brian and his talented team at Castle Blinds and Awnings.

Excellent customer service has always been a number one priority

Sitting down Brian Jones Managing Director, Lee Jones Sales Surveyor and Amanda Jones, Director

“Lee has worked within the business over the years, creating 90% of our marketing material whilst working in the utility sector. He will now be working alongside long serving employees, Terry, Adam and Darren, who joined the Castle Blinds family following the takeover.”

The company has already made some important changes at Factor 15 Sunblinds: “We’ve updated all

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Factor 15 branding, including the logo and website, and brought the company into the 21st century through the use of social media.”

The takeover opens an exciting new chapter for both companies.

“Factor 15 Sunblinds will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Castle Blinds and Awnings, opening new avenues for both companies.”

for the business, so why not pay a visit to the showroom today and see how the company can help you?

You’ll be amazed at how a fantastic new set of blinds can completely transform your home or office.

Castle Blinds & Awnings, Portway House, Stream Road, Kingswinford DY6 9NT. Freephone 0800 163 429 or visit www.castleblinds.co.uk

37

• Curved Glass • Glass Balustrade & Balconies • Glass Partitions • Glass Doors, Patio Doors, Bi-fold Doors • Shop Fronts, Canopies & Entrance Glass

38

Tech Alum Systems Limited Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate Rumer Hill Road Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0ET

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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39

RECIPE

Serves 4

By Michael Peter Whitehurst

A Christmas Day alternative

Roasted Guinea Fowl with sour dough bread sauce, tarragon, cobnuts and smoked bacon sprouts.

Ingredients • 1 whole guinea fowl (1.2 kilo) • 1 lemon halved • 1 bunch of tarragon, parsley and thyme • Maldon sea salt • 2 litre of chicken stock • 250ml of Madeira • 4 banana shallots peeled and diced • 6 cloves of garlic peeled • 12 cloves • 2 parsnips peeled and cut length ways in half • Rapeseed oil • 1 large white onion quartered • 300g sprouts halved and peel outer leaves • 300g slab of skinless smoked streaky bacon from Rich Hipkiss at the Spar Compton

• A large handful of cobnuts - you need about 5 nuts per person • 1 kilo of potatoes (I use wilja or reds) • 200g of sour dough bread blitzed up • 500ml of milk • 300ml of double cream • 100g of unsalted butter diced and frozen Equipment • 1 large roasting tray • 1 heavy bottomed sauce pan • 1 small saucepan • chopping board • sharp knife • peeler • sieve • sauté pan

Method

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a mental note of the line in the pan). Place this in the fridge over night ready to separate in the morning.

1. *Chef’s tip, for the milk and chicken stock use a very large (deep) saucepan if you have one so when the milk starts to rise it doesn’t escape from the pan all over your hob.

3. Crack open the cobnuts and dry out in the oven for about an hour on 120°C then allow to cool ready to use the next day.

2. On Christmas Eve take 500ml of chicken stock and 500ml of milk add to the pan with the onion, 2 garlic cloves, a few sprigs of tarragon, thyme and parsley, 12 spice cloves and half the lemon. Bring the pan to the boil, add in 1 litre of water and allow this to simmer until the litre of water has evaporated (make

4. On Christmas Day Turn your oven on to heat up to 180°C. Gas mark 4. Take your bird and pick off as many of the remaining feathers, don’t wash the bird as any bacteria will be killed off during cooking.

Take the other half of your lemon and stuff inside the bird with a few sprigs of tarragon, parsley and

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

thyme. Now wash your hands! Sprinkle sea salt all over the skin of the bird and place upside down in the oven. It will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

5. Separate the cold milk and chicken stock from the dry ingredients and place the liquid back on the heat, peel the potatoes and parsnips and boil in the milk and chicken stock until soft, add extra water to make sure vegetables are submerged. Now take the bird out of the oven, turn it over and carefully spoon out the fat from the tray. Drizzle this over the potatoes and parsnips and sit the veg in the tray with the bird and put back in the oven until cooked through.

6. Meanwhile using the infused liquid from the potato and parsnips add in the breadcrumbs and cream, then simmer until thickened and keep warm - if it is too thick just stir in a little water.

pan with half the madeira, scrape with a wooden spatula and set aside. In the small saucepan add half the amount of diced shallots, slice the rest of the garlic thinly and fry gently in a little rapeseed oil until softened. Now pour in the deglazed pan juices, the remaining madeira and the chicken stock and then rapidly boil until it has reduced and is starting to thicken. Whisk in the frozen butter and keep warm.

9. Warm your plates in the oven on the lowest setting and then I recommend you carve the bird, split the legs and wings up and place everything onto a serving platter, put the bread sauce in a bowl and the sauce into a jug and present in the middle of your dinner table for everyone to help themselves.

Serving suggestion Serve with a very cold glass of Prosseco or Elderflower presse.

7. Once your bird has reached 75°C inside and the juices run clear sit on the side with some foil over the top to allow to rest. Let the potatoes keep on roasting and get on with the sprouts. Boil your sprouts for about 4 minutes in salted water, chill under cold running water and set aside. In your sauté pan add the rest of the shallots, and chunky dice the bacon, fry this gently until the fat renders from the bacon and it starts to brown. Pour off the excess fat from the bacon and now add in the cobnuts and sprouts and toss until everything is browning nicely.

8. When the potatoes and parsnips are ready transfer them to a serving dish to keep warm and deglaze the

For any recipe advice please contact mike@takefood.co.uk and sign up to my recipe blog here: www.takefood.co.uk/blog

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41

Meet the boss:

Open Up With St yle!

Managing Director of Doorsmart, Craig Broadley, has been successfully manufacturing composite doors in his family business for a decade.

With a home burgled in the UK every minute, safety and security is at the forefront of the Doorsmart priorities.

His Wolverhampton company, based at Units D1-D3 Guy Motors Industrial Park (WV10 9QF), is clearly servicing a burgeoning marketplace.

Aesthetics include realistic looking wood grain finish in a mind-boggling array of colour options linked to the RAL colour matching chart codes, BS number or Farrow & Ball paint palette.

It’s not hard to see why. Craig’s team – an alternative longstanding Wolves’ fan club – clearly gets along famously, there’s an abundance of gentle humour and a genuine transparency that’s refreshingly endearing.

“We must be doing something right,” he says, adding that the general public is becoming much more discerning regarding price and quality.

“More people are now aware of the benefits of composite doors and it’s no longer just the fitting industry that wants to be included as part of a double-glazing package.

“Increasingly, we are establishing direct links with home-owners who have carried out their own internet research and concluded they need the security and thermal efficiencies our doors can bring,” adds Craig,

The 44mm thick composite product has strong fibreglass facings, high impact foam core and a reinforced inner frame.

Big on caring, family values, the hands-on boss is determined that those relational qualities are carried through into customer relations.

“There’s never any hard sell from us.

We’re not pushy, but will give advice and we have plenty of experience.

“We have a showroom display in our factory of some of the 30-plus standard doors we produce, but we never actively have to go out and sell – we’re too busy to do that anyway.

“People come to us primarily from word of mouth recommendations.

“It’s all about trust, we regularly put in extra hours to ensure deadlines are met. We have an honourable reputation and customers like the fact we are a family concern, if people need time to consider their options, that’s fine by us,” adds Craig.

Quality is paramount and with direct sales to public their own tried and trusted fitter – another family business – is always used.

Doorsmart also specialises in the supply of Fire Doors, Stable Doors, French doors and Entry System products all can be viewed on our website www.doorsmart.co.uk.

There are excellent selections of glass and fittings available which can be viewed at their factory showroom.

“From the traditional, to the ultra modern . . . we do them all,” says Craig.

Craig and his father in law Jeffrey Bates founded the business in 2005. Jeff a former engineer with years of experience of machinery has been invaluable in the success of the business.

“Jeff’s engineering skills have allowed us to be competitive and the place just wouldn’t run without him,” adds Craig, a Wolverhampton University graduate in environmental management.

Joining Craig and Jeff in the team are family members Darren (brother), and Stewart (brother in law) as well as other friends and family members.

Although open Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, most customers visit the factory display on Saturday mornings 9.00am –12.00pm.

Bringing family values to business – Managing Director of Doorsmart Ltd, Craig Broadley

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

43

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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45

Grand Theatre COMPETITION spectacular family pantomime Peter Pan, starring THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS as Starkey and Smee with JOHN ALTMAN as Captain Hook!

Two lucky winners can each win a family ticket for four people to see PETER PAN on Tuesday 5th January at 7.15pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

This Christmas set sail to Neverland with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and their

Join comedy legends Paul and Barry, the Chuckle Brothers on a swashbuckling adventure to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they fight against a team of pirates and the dastardly Captain Hook, played by Eastenders bad boy - Nasty Nick, John Altman!

Ross Carpenter as Peter Pan

To “Hook” your seats today please go online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01902 42 92 12.

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 Monday 30th November 2015.

What is the name of John Altman’s character in Eastenders?

A: Alfie Moon B: Nick Cotton C: Ian Beale 46

Competition Terms and Conditions Please send postal 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 Monday 30th November 2015. Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the evening of the performance.

Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash or alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

town & village life magazine | november/december 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

47

luxurious contemporary living Creating your dream home interior has never been easier thanks to Interiors Italia. With three floors packed full of stunning furniture, accessories, lighting and much more, there’s something to suit every style and budget.

Established for over 35 years and based at its central location in Wolverhampton city centre for nine, the Italian company has established a loyal customer base that not only spans the local area but the entire country too.

This isn’t surprising when you consider what’s on offer, as Director, Roberta Colavito, explains: “We hand-pick all of the products we sell from manufactures in Italy and various other countries across the world. That’s why we have such a unique selection of furniture and accessories that are top quality and exceptionally well-priced.”

79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Telephone: 01902 428 489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk 48

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

In addition to the company’s authentic Italian designs, there are also contemporary, traditional, industrial and rustic styles, including statement pieces from the Rootwood range.

“We work really hard to look after our customers and provide the best service and products we can, whilst keeping our prices completely affordable.”

“Our new Rootwood range is incredibly popular with our customers. There are so many beautiful pieces in the collection that would look amazing in any home.”

If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to planning the perfect look for your home interior, you’re sure to find it at the showroom.

“All of our products are displayed in real room settings so that clients can get an idea of what items work well together. We’re always happy to offer advice and interior design help when it comes to planning a new look.”

It’s this personal service and commitment to excellent customer care that really sets the company apart from the competition.

79a Darlington Street,Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Telephone: 01902 715 985 www.rootwoodhouse.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

49

luxurious contemporary living

And for the Interiors Italia team excellent customer service doesn’t just apply in store: “We take a lot of care when we make our deliveries to our client’s homes. We have our own fleet of vans and a dedicated team of drivers who ensure that customers receive their item on time.”

All of the company’s staff are experienced, trained and incredibly customer-focused.

79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Telephone: 01902 428 489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk 50

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

“Excellent customer service is our number one priority; we try to meet the needs of all of our clients. If they can’t find what they’re looking for on display, they’re welcome to look in our warehouse or flick through one of our many catalogues and choose to have something ordered in.”

The Interiors Italia team travel across the country to attend all manner of exhibitions, shows and events, like Grand Designs Live at the NEC: “We’ve showcased our styles at many different events and have really expanded our client base. We have supplied interior designers, show homes, restaurants and even footballers with our unique ranges. We’ve also appeared on the hit TV show, Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.”

Whatever you’ve got planned for your home make sure you visit Interiors Italia today, so that you can experience excellent customer service and find something extra special.

79a Darlington Street,Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Telephone: 01902 715 985 www.rootwoodhouse.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

51

seasonal tips for a pawsome festive season By dr emma pacione

MRCVS, BVMS

Poinsetta, lillies, mistletoe, holly and holly berries - all things we enjoy seeing over winter but make sure they are well out of reach of household paws as they are poisonous.

Alcohol - you may enjoy a tipple but alcohol is toxic to our pets.

Foods containing grapes, raisins and currants (such as fruitcakes) can result in kidney failure in dogs.

With November upon us here are a few top tips to take good care of our pets through the Winter season.

Fireworks When puppies are young they easily acclimatise to loud and unfamiliar sounds. This makes them much less likely to develop fears and phobias as they mature so early socialisation and exposure to loud noises is important.

Dogs that develop noise phobias can be helped - a programme of noise desensitisation can be embarked on with the help of a CD designed to build the intensity of noise thereby desensitising.

Medications can be used to help reduce anxiety and a dog’s response to loud noises can gradually improve over time, talk to your vet for advice.

Where such an approach isn’t possible, short term treatment with medication that reduces anxiety may be used on and around times of fireworks such as Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year. Feeding your dog and exercising him/her earlier than usual in the evening to avoid walkies / necessary garden visits at the height of the fireworks time helps too.

Playing loud music, shutting the curtains and providing a comfy bed with lots of blankets to hide under can all be helpful. Reassuring frightened dogs can encourage anxious behaviour, so in some cases it is best to try and ignore them, given that they are safe and otherwise comfortable.

Your vet is a great source of advice and support so it’s always worthwhile talking through noise sensitivities in advance of bonfire night so that you, your family and all paws can enjoy it.

Winter Poisons We all want to enjoy Christmas time so there are few common poisons to be aware of: Anti freeze is highly toxic, particularly to cats.

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Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Ingestion in small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias.

Many sugarless gums and sweets contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs. It can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

Leftover, fatty meat scraps can produce severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) leading to abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Watch out for bones too which can cause serious internal injury.

Christmas decorations such as tinsel and tree decorations can be dangerous if ingested. Cats and dogs love a bit of mischief so again keep a close eye to make sure you all enjoy a happy festive season.

Do fleas take winter holidays?

No! They do prefer summer but with central heating on in winter, fleas are now problematic all year round. Fleas can lay over 50 eggs per day and so eggs can build into the thousands trapped in furnishings and carpet.

They can lay dormant for many months before hatching so all year round protection is a must for good

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

health care. Look out for money saving clubs to keep routine costs down such as our Healthy Pet Club which can give savings of up to 40% on a range of routine care.

Curiosity killed the dog Lungworm, it’s a killer, it can occur all year round and it is in the Midlands. It is preventable with routine care so please make sure your dog is protected. Foxes, slugs and snails carry Lungworm and the incidence of detected cases is on the increase - a quick type in of a ‘DY3’ postcode on www.lungworm. co.uk illustrates 189 confirmed cases in a 50 mile radius at the last count, it is very easily

transmitted. Advocate, the only proven control for Lungworm can only be prescribed by a vet and needs to be applied monthly which you can do at home. Call us on 01384 252509 for advice, prevention and to save up to 40% on the cost.

Remember Small Furries Hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits will appreciate you double checking that they are warm enough in winter months. Make sure water is not frozen, hutches are free from leaks and that there’s plenty of warm bedding and hay available. Check 3 times a day.

After our recent refurbishment at Sedgley we are looking forward to our open evening soon so watch out for dates on our website www.blacksvets.co.uk.

Wishing you and all the paws and claws out there a Merry Christmas and a happy healthy 2016.

24/7 veterinary emergencies - 01384 252509 - Plumb it in to your mobile!

Blacks Vets at Dudley is your nearest Accredited Veterinary Hospital with our own staff and advanced diagnostic equipment to help your pet when they might need it most.

Dr Emma Pacione MRCVS, BVMS, Veterinary Surgeon & Branch Manager at Sedgley

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Rated 5* by our clients on Vet Help Direct

53

The A r t o f

Inspiration

Stourbridge Galleries is situated in a fine Victorian house on Worcester Street, a building which provides the perfect environment for this unique Gallery and Gift Shop.

Inside you will find a wonderful mix of design-led gifts, jewellery and scarves, greetings cards, artwork and home accessories. Design, quality and value for money are paramount when selecting the stylish and eclectic collections for which the store is renowned, giving a choice of products not readily available on the high street.

This season the Galleries are showing new collections from many makers, featuring a new and enlarged display of work by, Cornwall based glass maker, Jo Downs, new ranges of gift stationery and pens by Caroline Gardner, raku glazed ceramics of hares, cats and other animals by, Stourbridge artist, Paul Jenkins, the famous Terramundi money pots, delightful soft toys by Jellycat, and stunning ranges of contemporary jewellery from One Button, Aviv Sterling Silver, Treaty and Carrie Elspeth. Particularly exciting is the work of Jules & Fiona, a contemporary collection of English-made jewellery featuring raku fired beads, pewter, copper and bronze.

Hem & Edge and Peony have lovely new scarves, designed exclusively, and destined to be their most wonderfully wearable to date. Sumptous silks and cotton prints bring colour and pattern, and when Jack Frost comes a-calling, reach for the cosy wrap of jacquard weaves and the softest faux fur you’ve ever laid fingers on!

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Christmas is just a few weeks away and as usual the galleries are displaying the innovative ironwork of Belltrees Forge. Hand crafted in their traditional forge, this selection of candlelighting, lamps and accessories will greatly enhance the ambience of any home. You will also be impressed by the beautiful selection of tree decorations and seasonal ornaments made from wood, glass and metal, and the superb range of fine scented and church style candles from St Eval of Cornwall will give the finishing touch to the seasonal festivities.

The store also stocks a range of on- trend, beautifully designed, occasion and Christmas cards that you will not find in high street card shops. These include hand finished cards from the award winning Five Dollar Shake, Wendy Jones Blackett and Belly Button, the quirky yet sophisticated designs of Caroline Gardner, the fine art inspired Printmaker collection from Art Angels, packs of charity Christmas cards from Woodmansterne and a superb selection of wrapping paper and gift bags to give that finishing touch to your Christmas gifts.

new limited editions of boats at St Ives, from Alan Reed images from Italian cities and a new gicleé print of The Pump House in Bath and from Rebecca Vincent her striking idealised landscapes that express a more abstract idea. All are framed in the galleries own workshops, ensuring that the artwork is presented to optimal effect.

And if all that wasn’t enough there are also great clocks from Newgate and Thomas Kent, mirrors, either ready made or made to order, and a picture framing service for all types of artwork including photographs, needlework, sports shirts and memorabilia.

Expect a warm welcome and something new and different to see each time you visit. We are sure you will agree that this is the home of a truly 21st century shopping experience.

Stourbridge Galleries exhibit many limited editions from reputed artists. From Michael Wood there are watercolours and prints of Venice, from James Bartholomew town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Gift Shop Gallery Picture Framers

Two floors of eye catching art, giftware, jewellery and home accessories provides a visual treat that makes shopping here such a pleasure.

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

Open: 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday Open Sundays in December 11am – 4pm

Stourbridge

Galleries

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

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

55

Waffle about

by Rob Taylor

Wolverhampton

Standing on the steps of St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton, I gaze skywards for inspiration. But it is not the Almighty I beseech. Instead it is Charles Wheeler’s sculpture of Lady Wulfruna who I look to for answers.

Like many who have come before me, my wish is a selfish one: “Please, blessed patron of our fair and righteous city, I implore thee: do invest in me the requisite courage to do justice to Wolverhampton. So often in the past my fancy has strayed towards the kind of frivolous, tongue-incheek commentary that has provoked the wrath of readers who reside in whichever town, city or village I’ve turned my attention to for purposes of light-hearted editorial entertainment.

“Please on this occasion, when I find myself fortunate enough to be afforded opportunity to wax lyrical about my home city for the very first time in the pages of this magazine or any other, please, don’t let me go down faster than Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in 2013, after their second successive relegation…”

But I digress. Leaving aside all of the above partisanship and with the good lady now firmly encamped in my half of the proverbial pitch, I’ll begin anew, with a cursory caper around the city.

There is much investment and reinvigoration afoot in the city right now. A £2.3 million cash injection from a National Lottery grant will next spring restore some historically significant buildings in Queen Street to former glory. Regeneration operations have also just started at the Canalside Project in Lower Horseley Fields, ultimately paving the way for 100 new homes.

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Furthermore, Wolverhampton City Council is now beginning to breathe life into its ambitious Westside project, which is designed to deliver major mixeduse development in close proximity to the city’s retail centre. Additionally there is also work in the offing at the ever-popular Civic and Wulfrun Halls.

Mainstay venues for countless touring attractions since they were built in 1938, the halls will in January 2016 be undergoing major refurbishment to primarily increase capacity with the installation of new balconies. Not everything will be changing however, so all of the magic and atmosphere will remain.

So there’s some future for you; but what about Wolverhampton’s past?

My first non-frivolous factoid is factory-focussed: the Sunbeam racing car – developed and built at the landmark site, Sunbeamland, just off Penn Road island – became the first vehicle to reach 200 mph when it smashed the land speed record. The recordbreaking vehicle nicknamed ‘The Slug’ on account of its ugly shape really put Wolverhampton on the map when it hit the headlines in 1927 at Daytona Beach, Florida. The now derelict factory – which has stood empty for nearly 20 years – has just been given the go-ahead to be regenerated into 115 apartments, which are to be built over the next three years.

A beautiful bridge between the city’s past and present is its illustrious theatre, The Grand. Still as vibrant and pivotal to Wolverhampton’s cultural repertoire as it was when it opened some 120 years ago, the intimate three-tiered theatre receives each year many touring productions of drama, ballet, dance, musicals, as well as some of the biggest pantomimes in the UK. The theatre’s fortunes were foxed by the fickle hand of fate in the early 1980s, when the doors closed for a three year spell. It then re-opened in 1983, after a heartfelt campaign to ‘Save the Grand’, as an almost unrecognisable, massively renovated and sensitively restored phoenix from the ashes.

Further modernisation took place in 1998 to make

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

The Grand one of the country’s leading regional theatres.

Always synonymous with industry, Wolverhampton was a mecca for heavy-duty Victorian progress and lies at the very epicentre of ‘The Black Country’, so called because of heavy industrialisation in the late 19th century, which coated everything with black soot and gave rise to infamous pea-souper smogs.

Known collectively as Wulfrunians, the people of Wolverhampton feel a powerful bond with their city. It was granted city status in December 2000 as part of the government’s three ‘Millennium Cities’s’ brainstorm and is today a vibrant, multicultural hub, which is twinned

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

with three cities - Subotica in Serbia, Klagenfurt in Austria and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.

UK. It counts esteemed writer and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson as a notable past contributor.

This Wulfrunian pride finds vociferous expression every other weekend, beautifully expressed in the theatre of football: Molineux. There’s always been a strong affinity with the local football team, even before Wolverhampton’s most famous footballer, Billy Wright, became the first player to earn 100 caps for England. He spent his entire career at Wolves, captaining the national side on 90 occasions; epitomising professional loyalty to club and country.

Wolverhampton was also the first town in Britain to introduce automated traffic lights; in 1927 in Princes Square, at the junction of Lichfield Street and Princess Street. And the city’s claim to fame is well and truly backedup by a parlous affinity with the traffic light that still exists to this day, as any driver sat parked on a roundabout (an invention which beautifully avoids the very need for any such interference) during rush hour will attest.

The city’s newspaper, Express and Star, is one of the biggest selling regional daily newspapers in the

Maybe Wolverhampton City Council just takes too seriously the city’s motto of ‘Out of darkness cometh light’.

57

G i l l i a n ’ s h a i r m a k e o v e r at

Sophie Beattie and winner Gillian Moreton before her make-over

To celebrate Nick and Sophie’s win at The Midlands Hairdresser of the Year Awards 2014 celebrity hairdressers, Royston Blythe, offered Town and Village Life Magazine’s readers an exclusive and very special competition prize.

One lucky winner would be treated to a fabulous makeover with Sophie at the Compton salon. A cut, colour, conditioning treatment and an exclusively styled Glam Girl Doll were all included.

After being flooded with entries, the Town and Village Life team revealed that the very lucky winner was Gillian Moreton from Hagley.

And Gillian was absolutely delighted to win the coveted prize:

“It certainly was a surprise to win the competition - I was absolutely thrilled and utterly delighted when they told me. I felt like I really needed a new me and couldn’t wait for a whole new look.”

The Royston Blythe team are wellknown for their warmth and downto-earth attitude, they love doing hair for everyone and enjoy taking care of their very varied client base.

“It was great to be able to meet everyone at the salon, the whole team were really friendly and welcoming.”

The innovative and highly skilled team at the salon have a wealth of knowledge and create stunning looks for their clients, as Gillian discovered.

“My hair is exceptional, it’s beautiful and so sophisticated, I love it.

Sophie and the team did an amazing job and I felt very special.”

During the make-over Royston Blythe arranged for Gillian to also be treated to a new makeup look - courtesy of professional Wolverhamptonbased make-up artist, Sabrina - which would complement her cut and colour perfectly.

And that’s not all, at the end of her makeover Gillian was presented with a goodie bag, complete with a selection of professional products to use at home to re-create her look.

“I had an amazing time at the salon and want to say thank you to Royston Blythe for making my day.”

Royston, Charles, Sophie and Nick have made it through to the finals of The Midlands Hairdresser of The Year Awards 2015, which are being held at the end of November. We wish them the best of luck!

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

Sophie, Gillian, after her make-over and Nick

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www.instagram.com/ roystonblythehair

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

s o a k u p t h e b e n e f its of

hYdrotherAPY

Water is a fundamental element of wellbeing and has been used for centuries to remedy a wide variety of conditions and improve health.

Hydrotherapy in particular is an age-old method that is popular today to effectively soothe the body and mind.

A family’s legacy The original hydrotherapy pump was invented by the Jacuzzi® brothers in 1956 to help a family member’s health condition, and became a small niche business selling the portable pump to hospitals and schools.

As larger units were designed to accommodate more people, Jacuzzi® incorporated heating

and filtration systems to keep the water warm and clean, leading to the creation of the first hot tub in 1970. Unlike the whirlpool baths, hot tubs could be used outdoors with this new heating system.

Jacuzzi today The Jacuzzi® PowerPro jets installed on Jacuzzi® hot tubs emit the perfect mixture of air and water that work in synergy with the hydro massage pump at specially studied positions to achieve the best possible results for massaging the muscles in a deep, yet gentle way.

The water flow pressure can be transferred from one seat to another and the hydro massage jets can be turned on or off independently.

During hydrotherapy, it is vital that the temperature of the water is controlled to maintain a calming environment for the body.

Benefits for everybody Hydrotherapy can assist in the treatment of many ailments.

From physiological conditions linked to problems with blood circulation, muscle or skeletal pain and outcomes of trauma or surgery to improving wellbeing and managing stress, hydrotherapy can help to benefit everybody.

Your local Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Centre, based at Webbs Garden Centre in Wychbold, is open seven days a week and staff are on hand to help you find the perfect Jacuzzi® hot tub for your needs. Come down and visit the store today and see the wide range of Jacuzzi® hot tubs on display.

Your Local Jacuzzi store is closer than you think…. ®

Come and visit us at Webbs to see the latest range of premium Jacuzzi hot tubs on offer ®

We have a wide range of finance options available starting from just * £125 per month Jacuzzi Hot Tub Centre, Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 0DG. ®

w: www.jacuzziworcestershire.co.uk t: 01527 869378

Example based on J210 £5500, less £1000 deposit 36 payments of £125 at 0% APR, total amount payable £5500. finance subject to status, terms and conditions apply.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Registered Charity No. 512387

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Dave Russon Painter & Decorator

TRADITIONAL BRUSH & VACUUM CAGES, CAPS & COWLS FITTED

Professional Painting & Decorating

NESTS REMOVED FULLY INSURED

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01384 930930

For a free quote please call

01902 687818 or 07710 485036

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Woodbank Road, Sedgley, DY3 3NW

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

Call us today on:

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30 Years’ Experience Free Quotations Local Authority Approved Competitive Prices Insurance Work Undertaken Metal or Wood Fencing & Gates All work guaranteed

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PROFENCE! www.pro-fence.co.uk

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The Christmas Shop AT

Or maybe it’s a book you are looking for, browse through our extensive book collection including children’s Christmas story books.

Large selection of Christmas houseplants and wreaths available.

Christmas at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre is bigger and better than ever this year.

As soon as you enter, you are transported into a Winter Wonderland, setting the scene for the all the Christmas delights you can see at Codsall & Wergs this Christmas season.

We have oodles of baubles, stars, garlands, wreaths, lights, crackers, cards, gift bags & wrapping, glassware, Christmas Table Accessories… And so much more. Whether you are

looking for something traditional or something more modern, we have everything to please everyone.

Wander through our Artificial Tree Forest, including pre-lit and fibre optic options, right next to the penguins playing in an icy waterfall.

We also have an extensive gift and homeware department. Full of affordable gift ideas for everyone in the family. Visit the kids department for stocking fillers and presents.

There’s a great new range of traditional wooden toys and puzzles for the younger members of the family.

Full range of Village Candle Christmas Gifts now in stock.

Find whatever you need for your family pet in Pets Corner.

Now stocking a new range of pet beds, and pet clothing.

Plenty of Christmas goodies, treats and toys now in stock.

Real Christmas trees will be on sale from Nov 28th, including all varieties and pot grown. All netted and blocked free of charge. Delivery service available (charge applicable) This year you can meet Santa’s real reindeer which will be living on site from Nov 28th till Dec 20th. Free to visit – reindeer food optional charge Come and see the polar bears in their icy cave, as you visit Father Christmas this December in his grotto. Santa will be in residence 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th from 10am till 12.30pm and 1pm till 4pm. Entry £2.50 including a gift. Photos with Father Christmas processed by Elves, (optional cost).

No need to book, Just come along.

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

aT

Visit santa and his reindeer EvEry saturday and sunday in dEcEmbEr

OVer 400 real ChristMas trees On display on salE from 1st dEcEmbEr

ChristMas shOp Open eVery day from 1st novEmbEr – 24th dEcEmbEr

PLUS LOTS Of gifT ideaS www.codsallandwergs.co.uk t: 01902 842461 e: enquiries@codsallandwergs.co.uk Wergs Hall Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2HJ Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre Ltd www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

@Codsall_Wergs 63

Spruce up your

Christmas

at Lealans Garden Centre

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

Cherry with its shiny red-orange berries. Christmas cacti produce beautiful red, pink, white or lavender flowers. Azaleas will flourish in either a warm or cool room and are very easy to keep.

Colourful planted arrangements in baskets, along with houseplants can be gift wrapped, making them an ideal present. Why not consider buying a shrub for the garden or a planted up tub or hanging basket specifically designed for winter colour, all last much longer than that bottle of wine.

Skimmia

The end of the year always seems to come round sooner than we expect.

The beginning of October was sunny if cooler, but with the trees starting to show their spectacular autumnal colours, I’m surprised every year at the rich colours that appear on trees as we move into the autumn season. Hopefully the weather forecasters will be wrong about the prospect of a hard and early winter.

Sarcococca

So long as there’s no frost in the ground you can still plant bare root hedging, and for winter colour why not add shrubs such as Pernettyas, Skimmias or Sarcoccoa. Also continue planting pansies, 64

wallflowers and winter bedding, the sooner it’s done now the better. November is the ideal month for planting tulip bulbs.

As the end of November approaches, many people start to purchase the traditional Christmas house plants. One of the best is the Poinsettia. It gives instant colour in a room.

Always buy from a reputable supplier, if they’ve stood outside on the market or in a draughty supermarket doorway they could be chilled before you buy them and this is one plant that doesn’t like the cold. Give them good light during the day and a warm room at all times.

Only water when the soil is dry and never stand in water for longer than 10 minutes.

For a cooler room the brightly coloured cyclamen is ideal.

They require good light at all times. The most common cause of failure with this plant is overwatering. Only water just as the foliage begins to droop and make sure that any excess water is removed after 15 minutes. Other plants ideal for Christmas are the Christmas

Freshly cut Christmas trees will be available from the end of November. Put it in a stand or pot that can be kept moist, as warm temperatures and dry air inside make the tree absorb water very rapidly. Keep away from hot radiators, open fires and TV sets.

Poinsettia

We have a newly designed spectacular Christmas display this year. There’s a vast array of baubles, garlands, lights and cherry blossom trees and if you don’t want a real tree, there’s an excellent range of artificial ones.

In the festive light department there’s so much choice today from solar powered lights to battery powered sets and a huge range of electrical sets.

If we do get some snow and ice this year remember garden centres stock rock salt, ice scrapers snow shovels and those very important sledges to keep the kids entertained when the schools are closed.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

OPEN DAILY

Tel: 01902 700209 Wide selection of Gift Arrangements, ideal as a living present, Gift Wrapped FREE of charge.

Top quality Poinsettias, Azaleas, Kalanchoe, Solanums and our own superb Cyclamen all available now.

Real Christmas Trees and Holly Wreaths available from end of November – we’ll net and load them into your car for you.

Come and see our wonderful array of Christmas lights, Decorations, Artificial and Fibre Optic trees all on display now.

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

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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The end of harvest Photos

by Pete Lopeman

marks the beginning of the Christmas season at The Vineyards During the month of October dozens of enthusiasts came to The Vineyards from the surrounding areas, and further afield, to begin the grape harvest.

The volunteers spent around five weeks on the thirty acres of vines, picking the grapes by hand. These grapes were pressed and put in to tanks to begin the winemaking process, and they will ultimately become part of the 2015 vintage range of wines, which will be released later in 2016.

If you would like to learn more about the wines, why not book a guided tour? Public tours begin again in the summer months, but private tours for groups of 10 and upwards can be booked throughout the year, and include a tasting of some of the international-award winning wines that are grown and produced entirely at The Vineyards.

If a tour doesn’t take your fancy, but a tasting does, why not pop in to the newly extended farm shop? The area has doubled in size, now across three floors, and incorporates a mezzanine area

called ‘The Wine Loft’. Here guests can taste a selection of the fantastic wines, including the brand new Mercia 2014, whilst drinking in the gorgeous view of the surrounding South Staffordshire countryside.

The lower area of the extension expands upon the local-produce deli. Foods available include a range of handmade cheeses, olives, garlics and oils, in addition

to a selection of frozen foods, and freshly baked pies and cakes, great for any parties over the holidays.

The main shop’s confectionery area has been expanded, and now features a full traditional sweet shop, selling old favourites such as hard-boiled sweets and liquorice, as well as soft sweets and real Haribo. The chocolate counter is bigger than ever, offering a range of handcrafted Belgian chocolates that make a perfect Christmas gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The gourmet evenings at The Vineyards, which are held monthly in the restaurant, are receiving continued high praise from their guests, especially since the introduction of a wine pairing menu, where The Vineyard’s winemakers

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

The Vineyards have hosted several AGMs and business summits over the course of the year, as well as a wide range of charity events and groups, and even intimate birthdays and anniversaries. Or for a vintage celebration why not try a high tea? Served on fine bone china, the freshly made cream cakes and finger sandwiches are the perfect way to celebrate in style. Full details can be found at www.halfpenny-green-vineyards. co.uk along with a booking form.

have selected individual wines to match each of the evening’s 5+ courses, for a truly gourmet experience. The next evening takes place on Friday 4th December, with a special Christmas date added on Friday 18th December, which will feature a festive themed menu. All enquiries and bookings can be made in the restaurant, or by calling 01384 221122.

line, perfect for occasions of all varieties. The room is equipped with seating for up to 60 people, with presentation facilities. As such,

The Christmas season will draw to a close one of the most exciting years in the history of Halfpenny Green Vineyards, which has seen unprecedented expansion, both in physical size and as a business. So why not pop down and share in the successes of The Vineyards with a glass of Sparkling White wine, and sort out a festive gift or two!

For a bespoke event, why not book out The Wine House - a state of the art function room with views over the winery’s bottling

C OMPETITION Halfpenny Green Vineyards are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a personal wine tasting session in the brand new Wine Loft, taking home a choice of six of the Vineyard’s award winning wines, including one traditional method sparkling wine.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

For a chance to win, just answer the following question correctly:

Name one of the new wines that can be tasted from the fantastic selection available?

Email your answer to: info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

or on a postcard to: Town & Village Life Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY, please include your name, address and telephone number.

All entries to be received by Tuesday 1st December 2015.

Competition terms and conditions: Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received. Winner to be aged 18 years or older. Wine selection is from grape wines only and includes a maximum of one sparkling wine. All entry details will be forwarded to Halfpenny Green Vineyards unless requested otherwise.

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Gift buying is an art Make a list of all those you intend to buy for. Next, list some salient facts about each person.

Finally decide how much you intend to spend on each gift.

This list should be your ‘bible’ during the shopping trips you make. Never let it out of your possession. Refer to it every time you look in a shop window, wander round a store or enter a shop. Be flexible in your perambulations round the shops.

Be prepared to see and buy in unexpected places. Even your local petrol station can often come up with the perfect gift.

One thing you mustn’t do is give totally unsuitable gifts. If you are buying for a child, make sure the toy or whatever is suitable for the age group of that child. If you’re buying for someone on a diet, giving them chocs is cruel.

If a member of your family has a blood pressure problem, don’t give them booze. This may all seem fairly obvious but you would be surprised how often people fall into the trap of unsuitable gift buying, especially when panicking at the last minute.

The most acceptable gifts are those that fulfil an unusual function in the recipient’s life, or which can be looked at with pleasure day after day in the ensuing year.

Most of us spend weeks pondering, how to get everyone on our Christmas gift list, just the right gift.

It also seems, the better we know a person the harder it is to choose the perfect gift. We ponder so much and so long we leave the actual buying till it’s so late, we are obliged to fall back on those tried-andtested standbys. These, whilst they will probably be gratefully

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accepted, will nevertheless lack that extra element of surprise so clearly mirrored on the face of the recipient. Somehow it seems to signal a lack of thought.

Thought of course, is the key to successful gift buying. They say, “It’s the thought that counts”, and it’s so very true. Unless we put careful thought into choosing gifts, they will go on, counting for nothing very much, as the years go by. What then is the answer?

Constructive thought is what is required and for this you need to be as methodical as possible.

Try to do the unexpected in your giving. If you give a book, try to get a first edition signed by the author. If you give something to ornament the house, try to make it an original work of art.

If your target doesn’t have a hobby, give them a starter kit for one. If they are getting on in years, give them something to promote their comfort or make life easier day to day.

This year the shops are fuller than ever before with wonderful things to give. There really is no excuse for not exercising intelligent gift giving this year. Such gifts will still be remembered next Christmas.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Christmas AT HALFPENNY GREEN VINEYARDS Local produce deli • Freshly baked pies and cakes • Traditional sweet shop Handcrafted Belgian chocolates • Wine tasting in the new Wine Loft Unique range of Christmas gifts and crafts Private guided wine tours for groups of 10 or more

Superb restaurant offering an exquisite selection of food and drink, including daily specials.

Enjoy traditional High Tea in style, perfect as a gift or to enjoy yourself.

Special Gourmet dinner events monthly.

Friday 4th December.

Festive themed Gourmet evening.

Friday 18th December.

Gourmet evenings bookings only.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.30AM – 5.00PM

Halfpenny Green Vineyards Tom Lane, Bobbington South Staffordshire DY7 5EP

TELEPHONE 01384 221122

sales@halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Kinver to rock around the

Christmas Tree

Christmas kicks off in Kinver on Friday 27 November with the annual Big Tree celebration, when the large tree at the heart of the village and dozens of smaller trees light up to create a magical start to the festive season.

The evening is planned around the arrival of Santa, who will be hitching a ride on the Kinver Rotary Sleigh, ready to pull the switch on the lights at 7pm prompt. Prior to that, a performance from The Rock Choir at 6.30pm will be getting everyone in the mood as the crowds await Santa, who will be bringing along a sack full of goodies for the children.

And for those who like to try their luck, the no-lose tombola will be offering the chance to win a prize every time, with all monies raised going towards the cost of staging the evening. There will also be plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping, as the village traders will be opening their doors until late.

There is a great mix of individual shops in Kinver – perfectly placed for finding “something different” or sourcing that special present.

So come along, meet Santa, see the lights, eat, drink, shop, have fun - and rock around the Christmas Big Tree with the Rock Choir.

The Big Tree has been provided with monies raised from the 2015 Kinver Country Fayre.

The organisers would like to thank Kinver Rotary Club, the National Trust at Dudmaston Hall, Kinver Parish Council and Cox Equipment Hire for their support.

Once the lights are on, the fun continues with another performance from The Rock Choir and plenty to keep everyone occupied along the length of the High Street. There will be a choice of delicious food on offer from stalls – Preserves, Creperie and Hog Roast - and shops – Hot Dogs, Faggots and Burgers, not forgetting the opportunity for a cup of Gluhwein to keep out the cold.

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

k c Ro und s o r a A istm r h C h the wit

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

OUR CHRISTMAS FAYRE MEnU Served throughout December

£24.50 per person

CHRISTMAS DAY 4 cOURSE LUnch £59 per person

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”

OUR EVER POPULAR SUndAy LUnch

still from only £6.95 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 73

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

Festive Lunch Menu £16.95 for three courses and Festive Evening Menu £25.95 for three courses all turkey free, plenty of other choices including vegetarian and gluten free.

A limited a la carte evening menu is available during December as an alternative to the fixed price festive menu.

Light lunch and snack menu served from midday for those not wanting the festive lunch menu.

Booking forms and menus available on-line and from the restaurant.

Deposits will be required for bookings over the Christmas period.

Catering and Dine at Home Service Available – Authentic French dishes prepared for your freezer New Years Eve 3 Course Meal and Champagne at midnight £59.00 per person.

Tickets now on sale Bookings advisable for evenings please tel: 01384 390940 3 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP www.frenchconnectionbistro.com info@frenchconnectionbistro.com 74

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

• Sadler’s Tap House • Craft beer & cider • Fresh delicious home-made food - locally sourced produce • 4 Star Bed & Breakfast • Tuesday night’s gourmet burger night - £6.95 • Sunday lunch – roasts of the day £8.95 • Fish night Friday’s • Live Music • Celebrate with us this Christmas and New Year – Call and speak to our party planner for more info • Saturday morning breakfast served 8am – 11am

Windsor CasTle inn Stourbridge Road, Lye, Stourbridge West Midlands, DY9 7DG Tel: 01384 897 809 www.windsorcastleinn.co.uk

Fully Licensed

Air Conditioned

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

mas Christ kings boo party being now ! taken

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

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

 FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

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Independent restaurant located at

Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre Open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 5pm (winter hours 9.30am to 4.30pm)

Fully licensed restaurant seating 120 diners in air conditioned comfort

All meals cooked to order Extensive menu including daily specials, freshly prepared sandwiches, vegetarian meals, desserts, new ice-cream sundae (most being home-made)and a selection of gluten free cakes. Children’s menu.

Monday SpecialS Mini breakfast including tea or coffee only £4.25 served 9.30am - 11.45am.

Monday carvery 2 for £10 served 12pm – 2.30pm. carvery Tuesday to Saturday £6 per person, Sunday £7 per person Carvery served 7 days a week – Monday to Saturday 12pm – 2.30pm, Sunday 12pm to 3pm (Including bank holidays)

Gluten free gravy available

Christmas Fayre bookings now being taken December 1st – 23rd, 12pm – 2pm (excluding Sundays) Full waiter/waitress service Group bookings and large parties welcome

£13.50 per person, £7.50 per child (under 12)

Eden Brasserie is available for private parties with a choice of hot or cold buffet. We will even arrange the disco!

Based at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre, Wergs Hall Road, Codsall WV8 2HJ 76

All major credit cards accepted.

town845936 & villageEmail: life magazine | november/december 2015 Tel: 01902 edenbrasserie@codsallandwergs.co.uk

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Celebrate your Christmas Party in Style at the Perfect Venue to Dine!

5 course Festive Christmas Menu Available from 1st – 24th December for groups of 10 people or more

Papadums with relish Choice starter Chicken Tikka Onion Bhajee Samosas Chicken Chat Choice main course Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi Lamb Bhuna Prawn Sagwaller Balti Vegetable Balti Rice or Nan Pilau Rice Fried Rice Mushroom Pilau Rice Plain Nan Peshwari Nan Keema Nan Tea or Coffee

only £12.95 per person

Bookings Only

Christmas Day Menu now available...

Bookings now being taken for Christmas Day Lunch, Christmas Office Parties and Christmas Family and Friends Get-togethers.

Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian and Bangladeshi 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 01902 324437 Open 7 days including Bank Holidays - 5.30pm until 11.30pm

High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DN www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com 77

Joseph Ribkoff

at Aristocats The entrepreneur, Joseph Ribkoff, launched his first collection in 1957 when women’s fashion was undergoing a complete revolution.

Since then the Joseph Ribkoff label has created a product that has the reputation of being innovatively versatile, affordable and yet appealing to a global market. The brand also prides itself on having unmatched, excellent customer service.

Company priorities include knowing and understanding retailer’s requirements.

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Joseph Ribkoff proudly remains one of Canada’s leading exporters. All clothing is designed, produced and exported from Dorval, Quebec in Canada, a remarkable feat in today’s ever changing fashion world.

The designs reflect an understanding of current fashion trends that respond to the multi-dimensional needs of women world-wide. The Joseph Ribkoff fashion market offers the discerning woman, whatever her age or size, a unique range of stylish clothing.

The collections include: • Versatile dresses to suit any occasion, day, evening or night time

• Formal occasion evening wear • Contemporary stylish separates with exceptional fit • A Sportswear line that is ‘trendy’ and cannot be found elsewhere Aristocats have recently dedicated a showroom for the popular Joseph Ribkoff brand. The room displays a wide selection of the company’s day, evening, smart occasion and cruise wear. In addition, twice a year, Joseph Ribkoff personnel and Aristocats staff organise seated presentation fashion shows at Aristocats.

These give customers the opportunity to view and be inspired by the wide range of unique designs and ‘Hot Styles’ from the latest collections.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm Ample parking behind the premises in New Street or on the road opposite the Esso petrol station.

Co-ordinated Day Wear • Coats • Cocktail & Evening Wear Lingerie • Accessories • Belts • Bags • Jewellery • Hosiery 234www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Coalway Road, Penn,Wolverhampton WV3 7NN Tel: 01902 344003

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Pampering, gifts and much more at

Wollaston

Beauty Clinic or yourself - to some products from the ESPA range.

Take a break from your Christmas shopping and treat yourself to a facial, body treatment or maybe even a manicure at Wollaston Beauty Clinic.

The salon has been designed to provide clients with the perfect setting to relax and unwind, as Marketing Manager, Jenny Birch explains: “We want the environment at the salon to be perfect for our clients - think Paris boutique meets cosy cocoon.”

Using only the very best branded products, the team offer treatments from industry-leading brands like ESPA, Dermalogica and Environ.

“We have been using ESPA at the salon for many years, it’s a British brand and it’s synonymous with quality. ESPA products are used in many of the top spas around the world” Whatever your skin type or requirement, the ESPA range will have the perfect treatment for you and will guarantee to leave your skin glowing this winter.

And there’s never been a better time to treat someone special -

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“We’ve got a great selection of beautiful Christmas gift sets from ESPA at the salon. They make perfect presents for special friends and relatives and you can rest assured that everyone will be delighted to receive them.”

Clients at the salon can also experience the benefits of the prestigious Caci Ultimate System which uses pioneering technology to deliver targeted facials that can peel, lift, tone and plump the skin.

“These bespoke facials deliver on all levels and budgets. Caci

has a huge celebrity following with A-listers such as, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Snowdon to name but a few.”

With the party season just around the corner you’ll be pleased to know that the highly trained team at Wollaston is waiting to make you look gorgeous for every gettogether on your social calendar.

“Our St. Tropez spray Tanning System will add a sun-kissed glow to even the palest winter skin. We’ve got HD Brows - which are a favourite with celebrities - as well as Shellac, Minx Nails and Nailtiques manicures.”

It’s certainly easy to get some Christmas shopping done when you’re visiting the salon. Aside from the ESPA sets there are also gorgeous gifts from Bare Minerals that every glamorous lady will love.

“We’ve got a great selection of products and sets available to purchase. What’s more all customers can collect points on the products they buy from us, these points add up fast and can be redeemed on a selection of treatments to pamper and indulge.”

So what are you waiting for?

Go and treat yourself, or someone else, at Wollaston Beauty Clinic today.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

153 Bridgnorth Road,Wollaston, Stourbridge DY8 3NU. 01384 393305

www.wollastonbeautyclinic.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

81

Complete the look: Perfect party

by Helen Taylor

make-up

coverage foundation for an utterly flawless look, set with power and add a touch of colour to your cheeks with a neutral blusher.

Smoky Eyes This look is all about statement smoky eyes and you want the focus to be completely on them.

First, use an eyeshadow primer to prepare the lid, this will help application and ensure that your eyeshadow stays looking fresh and crease-free for hours.

Next, take a dark and dramatic shade of eyeshadow - greys, deep navy blues and aubergines work well - and a slightly lighter shade in a similar hue. Apply the lighter shade across the lid up to the crease, then use the darker shade on the outer corners, working it across the lid from the outside in.

Using a brush, apply the lighter colour shadow under the eyes and soften the line by smudging with a cotton bud.

Then use a black eyeliner pencil to define the lash line both above and below the eye - and on the waterline if you want a really dramatic effect.

Courtesy of New Look Beauty’

You’ve found a stunning little black dress - and a gorgeous pair of heels to match - so all you need to do now is plan your perfect party make-up look.

82

A sexy, sultry finish is all that’s needed to make sure that you smoulder at your Christmas parties this season, here’s how to get it:

Flawless Skin Prep skin with a primer before applying your foundation - staying power is essential when you’re partying all night. Choose a full

Use eyelash curlers and lashings of mascara to define both upper and lower lashes - apply a pair of false eyelashes for extra definition if desired - and then finish the look with a sweep of neutral eyeshadow on the brow bone.

Kissable Lips Any pale, subtle, light lip colours will work well with this look, just make sure that you’ve kept your lips in kissable condition well ahead of the party by applying a lip balm several times a day.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Classy Rags

Casual & Designer Wear

Mother of the Bride Hats Jewellery French & Italian Casual Designer Wear Shoes Evening Wear Fascinators Bags Accessories

0121 434 3727 627 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Bearwood Road, Smethwick, Birmingham B66 4BL

Classy Rags are offering Town & Village Life Magazine readers an introductory offer of 15% OFF* Clothing and 10% OFF* Accessories purchased when you present this advert *Not valid against sale items, no photocopies and not in conjunction with any other offer

www.classyragsbirmingham.co.uk

83

Christmas Gift Guide 2015

84

Michael Kors £240

Michael Kors £330

Paul Smith £995

Armani Jeans £175

Michael Kors £285

Ted Baker £99

Versace Jeans £160

Vivienne Westwood £195

Vivienne Westwood £245

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

It’s that time of the year again when the present buying conundrum begins.

With that in mind, Diffusion has worked to make your Christmas shopping stress-free with a handpicked gift guide.

With an expanding brand profile including Armani Jeans, Vivienne Westwood, Versace Jeans, Moschino Jeans and Michael Kors there’s something for everyone to get excited about at Diffusion this festive season.

Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Centre, Telford or Walsall or online at diffusiononline.co.uk or call 01902716762

Ugg Australia £155

Ugg Australia £155

Ugg Australia £70

Vivienne Westwood £345

Vivienne Westwood Keyring £50

Vivienne Westwood Watch £170

diffusiononline.co.uk Vivienne Westwood £99

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood Earrings £85

85

No ordinary hair salon

consultation where we assess the hair and scalp through a microscope and recommend the best course of action.”

The team at Caprio’s Hair Salon celebrated their 17th year in business this October.

There’s no doubt that the key to the company’s success is due to owner, Jo Barnett-Toop’s, commitment to ensuring that Caprio’s never becomes just an ordinary salon. As she explains: “We’re not just any old salon, we constantly strive to bring our clients more. We have attended over ten training seminars this year alone to make sure that our techniques are completely up-to-date, ensuring we stay one step ahead of the rest.”

The team provide a full range of hair services; cutting, colouring, styling and even extensions: “We can cut and colour your hair, dress it for those important occasions - such as your wedding or prom - and provide you with those curls and tousles you find so hard to achieve yourself, ready for that big night out on the town.”

Jo introduced Great Lengths hair extensions to the salon a few years ago: 86

“We added a hair extension service to our menu because we realised that we could shorten and style your hair but we couldn’t make it longer, now we can.”

Since bringing Great Lengths extensions to the salon Caprio’s have won the Great Lengths Silver Salon of the Year award in both 2014 and 2015.

“Instead of just discarding client’s old hair extensions we can donate them on our client’s behalf to the Little Princess Trust, so that they can be reused and made into wigs for children who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment.”

The team can also help clients that are concerned about thinning hair: “Many a time clients will sit in our styling chair and break their heart about how fine their hair is and sometimes how thin it is getting as a result of things like illness, stress and the menopause.”

Using Nioxin hair and scalp treatments and Viviscal Professional supplements, Jo and her team can offer a solution for clients with fine, thinning hair or those experiencing excess shedding. Of course client’s that simply want healthier hair can be helped by the treatments too.

The team at the salon work really hard to ensure the best for their clients, whatever their hair requirements: “Our clients are so important to us and we want to be able to help them however we can, whether it’s to get the long lengths they’ve always dreamed of, help restore the thickness of their hair or create their perfect special occasion look.”

Whatever your requirements, contact the Caprio’s team today: 01384 402890.

If you’re a qualified and experienced stylist and would love to work at Caprio’s Hair Salon, Jo would love to hear from you. Send your CV to: salon@caprioshairsalon.com

Caprio’s can offer a solution though, they provide their clients with a thinning hair consultation to establish their needs and work out a healthy hair regime: “We know how precious your hair is to you. We provide a thinning hair/scalp problem

Salon owner Jo Barnett-Toop

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Award winning Salon

01384 402890 Caprio’s Hair Studio, Unit 10, Stallings Lane, Kingswinford DY6 7SH

Winter Offer

15% off your first full set of Great Lengths hair extensions.

Valid until 12th December 2015 and available whilst appointments last.

Only on presentation of this offer.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Christmas open eveninG Monday 30th november

ÂŁ5.00 per ticket (redeemable against any purchase on the evening).

Gifts, festive refreshments, offers and much more.

Call 01384 402890 to buy your ticket.

For more info follow our facebook page and salon blog

www.caprioshairstudio.com FREE parking at rear of salon www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

24/7 On-line booking available

87

et ready et ready et et ready et ready

WHAT WHATISISLIPOFREEZE? LIPOFREEZE? AT HAT WHAT IS WHAT ISLIPOFREEZE? LIPOFREEZE? IS(LipoFreeze ISLIPOFREEZE? LIPOFREEZE? Christmas Christmas isisthe theseason toto‘eat, ‘eat, and andbebemerry’, merry’, but butwith with this thiscomes comes ryolipolysis Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze orseason or FatFat Freezing) Freezing) is is adrink new adrink new phenomenon phenomenon and and proven proven non-invasive non-invasive Lipo Lipo procedure. procedure.

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Then let Prince and Princess take away the hassle and leave you with a room full of happy guests, eager to share their experiences with their friends.

With products costing as little as £1, Prince and Princess are able to turn your party from good to great! So why not get in touch and see what they can add to your event.

For more information call 07887 053054 or email princeandprincess12@gmail.com or find them on Facebook by searching for ‘Prince and Princess’.

With a passion for creating not only magical events but also magical memories, the West Midlands-based company promises to bring a special flair to your party, no matter what size budget you are working with.

Events catered for include christenings, birthdays, baby showers, communions, anniversaries, children’s parties… the list goes on. Be it a small private party in your home or a large extravagant gathering at a striking venue, Prince and Princess is on hand to offer you an exceptional, professional standard of service.

They are able to work with you through the whole planning process from finding a location, venue, caterers, and entertainment or you can simply ask them to provide one of their fabulous balloon creations or party bags.

In partnership with a range of outstanding local businesses, Prince and Princess take pride in providing a first class service and make sure that no desire is left unfulfilled and that every little detail is taken care of.

A wide variety of themes can be catered for by Prince and Princess. Children can have a traditional fairy tale theme, or a Disney theme such as The Little Mermaid or Frozen. They can even arrange for the princesses to attend your party should you so wish.

Imagine the faces of your amazed young guests!

Prince and Princess are balloon specialists and can create fantastic beautiful bouquets for all occasions.

Be it an opening of a business, an important life event or just because you want to show someone that you care, the company are on hand to make a creation to your own theme and specifications. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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NEW FOR HIM [ Add the ultimate finishing touch with our latest new season accessories...]

Vivienne Westwood Wallet £109

Ted Baker Belt £45

Canada Goose Beanie £50

Paul Smith Wallet £149

Armani Jeans Bag £135

Hugo Boss Cap £45

Grenson Brogue £220

Vivienne Westwood Watch £275

Armani Jeans Trainers £119

Barbour Boots £119

Farah Boots £80

Filling Pieces Trainers £155

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

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

mAriKo CLiniC

fa c i a l enhancement Mariko Clinic offers three forms of therapy - acupuncture, traditional physiotherapy and facial enhancement.

Facial enhancement is an exciting development within the world of acupuncture. Micro-needles are used to stimulate the healing cascade in the facial skin. The healing process produces collagen and elastin which are two of the main building blocks of youthful skin.

Together with the acupuncture, topical creams and serums are used to enhance the effect of the needling.

The micro-needling is delivered in the form of a derma roller or a dermal pen which applies many thousands of micro stimulations to the skin. This then promotes fast collagen production to the area. As more collagen is produced, fine lines and wrinkles diminish, the skin appears more youthful and spots and blemishes fade.

The treatment can be likened to training in a gym, the more you train, the stronger you get, the more treatments you apply to the face, the more youthful the skin becomes.

For full price list please see website:

www.mariko-clinic.co.uk

Additionally, we use long acupuncture needles into the facial musculature and traditional acupuncture points.

This has an uplifting effect and tightens the facial structures. Together with the long needles, small microintradermal needles are used to target specific lines and wrinkles. This is a very fine and artistic procedure that allows you to concentrate on problem areas.

This therapy is becoming more and more popular, it is natural and works with the body’s healing process. There are many celebrities now using this treatment on a regular basis as a natural alternative and long-lasting therapy.

Mariko Clinic offers a secluded setting in Stourbridge where confidentiality is paramount. Appointments are offered during the daytime and evening and the ethos is to offer a relaxed environment where patient choice is the centre of all therapies offered.

Ian Felix has 30 years’ experience as a Physiotherapist and Acupuncturist and has studied with many organisations including the London College of Chinese Medicine and continues to maintain a working knowledge of all the latest developments in his field.

• Facial Enhancement using traditional acupuncture • Derma Roller • Dermal Pen • Dermal fillers for fine lines and wrinkles (Juvederm) • Botox (1, 2 or 3 areas) • Micro-needling • Traditional Acupuncture • Physiotherapy

Ian S Felix Dip RGRT MCSP SRP LLB (hons)

Cert.Ed Facial Enhancement, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy

T: 07966 261694 ian@mariko-clinic.co.uk

2 Shaftesbury Avenue, Pedmore, Stourbridge DY9 0YP

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Dress £70 Wallis

Dress £60 Shoes £55 Both Wallis Dress £60 Clutch £30 Both Wallis

Dress £75 Wallis

Christmas Party Essential:

The Little Black Dress

By Helen Taylor

For instant glamour this party season look no further than a little black dress.

There’s plenty of reasons why this timeless style-staple has never gone out of fashion; it’s chic, easy-to-wear, suits women of any age and is sure to flatter every figure.

Right now the high street is filled with plenty of modern versions of this classic design. Lace, sheer panels and sequin embellishments are key in bringing the LBD thoroughly up-to-date this winter.

Once you’ve found your perfect style, use statement jewellery and accessories to change your look, so that you can attend all of your Christmas parties wearing your new favourite dress.

And, don’t forget that every LBD needs to be worn with a fabulous pair of heels!

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Handbag £279 Vivienne Westwood at Diffusion

Lace and Sequin Bodycon Dress £75 Lipsy

'Marigold' Dress £119 Monsoon

Black Mesh Beaded Bodycon Dress £79 Miss Selfridge

Print Dress £220 Joseph Ribkoff at Aristocats

Kimono Lace Dress £99 Phase Eight

Lace dress £24.99 New Look

Sunrise Watch £219 Citizen Eco-Drive Katherine Jenkins Collection at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

Velvet Dress £60 Next

Heels £45 Faith at Debenhams Handbag £249 Vivienne Westwood at Diffusion The images used in this article are readily available in various places on the internet and are believed to be in the public domain. Town & Village Life magazine claims no credit for them unless otherwise noted. If you own the rights to any of the images, or if any content appearing in Town & Village Life magazine infringes on your copyright, please notify us and they will be promptly removed.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Spinal Surgeons

Join Nuffield Wolverhampton is involved in medical education and is an honorary lecturer at both the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University. He performs the full spectrum of spinal procedures from minimally invasive spinal injections through to full spinal decompression and reconstruction of both cervical and lumbar spine.

Mr Mushtaque Ishaque, private consultant spinal surgeon

Consultant spinal surgeon Mr Konstantinos Starantzis

Consultant spinal surgeons Mr Mushtaque Ishaque and Mr Konstantinos Starantzis have recently joined the team at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital to expand the spinal disorders service.

Treating a range of spinal disorders, including slipped disc, sciatica, neck and arm pain through to degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, the spinal service extends from advice and joint injections through to keyhole and major open surgery to reconstruct the spine.

Born in London, Mr Ishaque qualified from the University of Cambridge in 1991, undertook a two year combined orthopaedics and neurosurgical complex reconstructive Spinal Fellowship in Canada, became a consultant in 2008 and is now a fulltime private consultant spinal surgeon.

Also Fellowship trained, Mr Konstantinos Starantzis’s work encompasses both cervical and lumbar spine to address deformities, tumours and degenerative and traumatic conditions of the spine. He is especially interested in minimally invasive and keyhole surgery where appropriate. He is active in the academic world, with a number of publications and is a reviewer of some prestigious spinal journals.

Born and educated in Athens, Mr Starantzis has worked in the UK since 2004. He started his training in Trauma and Orthopaedics in Cambridge and then he moved to London. He completed his Spine Surgery training with fellowships in Athens, Nottingham and Bristol just before his appointment as a substantive Consultant Spine Surgeon at the University Hospitals of North Midlands.

Mr Ishaque and Mr Starantzis join the existing Nuffield Health consultant spinal surgeons Mr Anthony Marino and Mr Gabriel Alo. For further information or to book an appointment with one of our consultant spinal surgeons please call us on 01902 212958.

Nuffield Health - Get back to the Life you Love!

In addition to his clinical work in managing back and arm pain and sciatica, Mr Mushtaque Ishaque The entrance to the private hospital in the Tettenhall area of Wolverhampton

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

It’s time to stand up to spinal pain.

NUFFIELD HEALTH WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, we want to make sure you are living the life you love.

That’s why we offer rapid access to expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment of spinal pain.

Whether you’re experiencing back or neck discomfort, we can help at a time and date to suit you.

Get back to the life you love.

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8LE

01902 212 958 nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

Hospitals

+ Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

NHOD-15-327(00733) Wolverhampton Spinal Ad 218x140mm.indd 1

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

17/09/2015 10:44

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Paycare warns

employers about festive pressures & employee wellbeing

With 70 million working days lost each year in the UK to mental ill health, and the festive period’s notorious reputation for high levels of stress, a not-for-profit health cover provider is encouraging employers to consider the wellbeing of their staff this Christmas.

Wolverhampton-based Paycare, a leading independent health cover provider, is reminding employers about the importance of employee mental health, and how a happy and motivated workforce is not only more productive, but can have a direct impact on a business’s profitability.

“For many employees, the festive season can be far from jolly, with increased workloads and pressure to hit looming deadlines and targets,” explained CEO of Paycare, Kevin Rogers. “And, while some levels of stress in the workplace can be positive and lead to increased employee motivation and productivity, the downsides of stress are too important to ignore.

“An employee may become more easily agitated, for example, or they might exhibit a change 98

in behaviour, such as eating unhealthy foods. Stress can also affect staff performance and your business may suffer from a lack of uncompleted projects, orders not being placed, or a decline in sales.

“Maintaining a healthy workforce at Christmas, and throughout the course of the year, is vital in ensuring your team is happy and motivated, and essential in ensuring optimum productivity,” Kevin continued. “But how, as a business owner or manager, do you ensure you’re proactive when it comes to the health and wellbeing of your employees?

“Fortunately, there are a number of strategies you can employ to not only ensure your most precious assets are looked after, but to bring a whole host of benefits to your entire organisation too. For example, you could try introducing healthier food in the canteen or installing bike racks to encourage cycling to work. In addition, you could consider training senior level staff members to recognise the signs of staff anxiety and stress in the workplace, and encourage them to be proactive when it comes to supporting employees who may be vulnerable.

“And with wellness incentives like discounted gym memberships, and healthcare plans such as those offered by Paycare, staff benefits can encourage employees to take better care of their health, which in turn helps increase motivation, productivity, and morale.

“Introducing simple measures like these really can help decrease employee absence, increase productivity and offer that competitive edge. Ultimately, employers hold a unique position in which they can positively influence their staff, and investing time and money in the short-term can have a huge impact and ensure employees’ health isn’t costing their business,” Kevin concluded.

A well-respected and dedicated not-for-profit health cover provider, Paycare has helped individuals, families and businesses across the Black Country and Wolverhampton protect themselves against everyday healthcare costs and bills for over 140 years.

For further information about Paycare’s full range of health cover please call 01902 371000 email enquiries@paycare.org or visit www.paycare.org

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Would you like to reclaim the money you spend on everyday health care?

F monirst prem ths ium

FREE

!

Cover starts from as little as £6.25 per month with your first premium FREE! Easy Healthcare Benefits Plans to Recover the Cost of Healthcare A Paycare plan makes healthcare cost recovery individual plans and corporate plans let you reclaim 100% of the money spent on healthcare such as dental, optical, chiropody and many more (up to an annual limit) for a simple monthly payment.

Under 25s Paycare Go is a healthcare benefits plan 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

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?

Mon to Fri 8.30 to 4.30pm or email us.

Tel: 01902 252 265 enquiries@paycare.org

From £6.25 per month Call 01902 252 265

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 £21.00 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 £30.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

www.paycare.org 99

Simply Dentures:

creating beauty in every smile

Mr Peter Brookes DipCDT. GDC No.124429

Have you lost confidence in your smile? Have you ever tripped over an invisible brick in the street or found your skirt tucked-in after a quick toilet stop? No one likes embarrassing situations and we know they always happen when we least expect it.

Having dentures that may embarrass you by dropping out during an important family meal or that are just plain worn out is something no one wants. Perhaps this hasn’t happened to you yet, but you know that your dentures just don’t feel right? If so, here’s what you can do about it.

One option is to apply loads of fixative and hope for the best and never seek professional help. This never gets to the root of the problem and won’t improve your situation in the long term. Alternatively, you could choose to join the growing number of people who seek help at Simply Dentures.

We enjoy the challenge of improving the appearance, fit and function of our client’s dentures. It may mean that new dentures are required. If so, we are able to provide this for anyone requiring either partial or complete prosthesis. Sometimes it may only require a reline of a denture; a look into other stabilisation options - such as implants - or possibly just an aesthetic makeover option.

One client had recently been given new dentures elsewhere, but was upset by the final appearance 100

provided. She felt the upper teeth were way too long and when she came to us we had to agree.

It took just a couple of hours at Simply Dentures to adapt her denture to disguise her teeth, making them look smaller. When finished the patient was delighted and commented on how happy she was. In this case, all that was required was a little thought and a few hours work with the existing denture and the result was one smiling patient.

To trust someone with your smile is a big undertaking and we understand this. In order to give you confidence in what we do, we offer you a free consultation. If you would like more information before an appointment then please check out our website or call and we can send you our latest information pack.

Mr Peter Brookes is our lead Clinical Dental Technician. He has over 15 years’ experience as a technician. His last 6 years have been spent within a private denture clinic, which has given him great insight into the manufacture of high quality dentures.

His firm belief that you should be involved and informed throughout every stage of construction will assure you 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.

Our clinic offers warm, welcoming facilities for all; easy ground floor access; three ground floor surgeries; a car park to the rear and friendly staff. There is even a Patient Lounge where you can wait while we repair your dentures; designed specifically so that you won’t be seen out and about without your teeth! 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, reline or cleaning service then this is available too. See our website for more information: www.simplydentures.net or call for a free information pack on 01902 420654.

town & village life magazine | november/december 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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rare behind the scenes look into

AirCrAFt

Conser vAtion This November, the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be opening its doors, allowing museum visitors behind the scenes access to aircraft conservation projects and the chance to speak with the team who make them happen.

This rare and exclusive opportunity is for one week only and based on the overwhelming success of previous events, organisers are expecting thousands of visitors to attend.

It’s been almost twelve months since visitors last passed through the doors of the Conservation Centre and what a busy year it’s been…

Significant progress has been made to one of the centre’s longest running conservation projects, the Handley Page Hampden, and regular visitors are sure to be astounded by the developments being made. The Hampden’s tailplane, fin and rudder have been fully restored, with new fabric and new paint work. Technicians have incorporated as much of the original parts and materials as possible and work is now underway on the rear fuselage repairing damage caused during its crash landing.

Aviation fans and intrigued members of the public who have followed the story of the world’s last surviving Dornier Do 17 will be able to get up close to the aircraft and learn more about this ground breaking project. Finally clear of the marine crustacean that has coated the aircraft for 73 years underwater, bullet holes are now visible on the propellers and

shrapnel damage can be seen on the fuselage and undercarriage.

Repeat visitors will be able to view the on-going refurbishments of the Vickers Wellington and the Range Safety Launch.

Admission to the Conservation Centre Open Week is £5.00 per person (Children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult). The Conservation Centre will open to the public from the 9-14 November 2015 between 10.15am to 1.00pm. www.rafmuseum.org 01902 376200

Conservation Centre Open Week 9 – 14 November 2015 10.15am to 1.00pm Admission £5.00 for adults children under 16 free (must be accompanied by an adult)

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8UP T: 01902 376 200 cosford@rafmuseum.org

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View current projects including the Wellington and Dornier Do 17

www.rafmuseum.org town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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A local firm with a regional presence conveyancing transactions we charge fixed fees. By charging a fixed fee you will know right at the very start of the process how much you will need to budget for in terms of legal fees including Land Registration fees, Stamp Duty and search fees.

If you are selling your home we prepare the Contract Documents comprising; • the Contract (or Sale Agreement). This is prepared in two parts, one for the buyer and one for you.

• property and contents form Nicky Curtis

Moving house can be a stressful time…

There is so much to do, planning, packing, understanding all the legal jargon and then there is the excitement of moving to your new home. Some Conveyancing firms forget the stresses and strains involved, but we think we are different.

People buy and sell property for a variety of reasons. If you are moving for the first time or have done so before, buying and selling can be an exciting time and we work hard to make the process as straight forward as possible. Even if you are not looking to move but simply wish to transfer ownership of a property, Thursfields can assist you with this.

Thursfields property team has many years of experience in handling all types of property transactions. Our team is committed to helping support you throughout your move 104

endeavouring to make the whole process as stress free as possible.

The Residential Property team are made up of experienced solicitors, paralegals and support staff all here to help you with your property transaction whatever this may be.

We deal with hundreds of cases each year, but whilst the format remains the same there are various facts that differentiate each transaction including the type of property being sold or purchased, the number of people involved in the chain and the stage at which each person has reached. For example, there may be one party in the chain who has nothing to sell and can therefore move quickly or, there could be transactions that have been ongoing for some time. These factors can make a transaction either straight forward or a complicated one. Our team are here to help you through this.

A major key when moving home are the costs involved. At Thursfields we try to make this particular part of the transaction as clear as possible. For all

• other documents relating to your property such as guarantees, planning and/ or building regulation documentation • title deeds These documents are sent to your buyer’s solicitors for their approval. Likewise, If you are buying a property the seller’s solicitor will prepare these documents for our approval.

Throughout the transaction we will provide regular updates to you and your estate agent. We will provide you with a detailed written pre-contract report, search report, mortgage report and pre-exchange report.

Our Lexcel accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing a quality service and our Conveyancing Quality Scheme Membership (CQS) which is a pre-requisite for many lenders panel membership is further commitment to maintaining a quality service.

To obtain a quotation and to help you with a stress free move please contact Nicky Curtis on 01562 512452 or, our Residential Property team on 01562 820575.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Integrity & Expertise Everything as it should be Seen as fair yet formidable opponents

Respected for our insight and knowledge

Reassuringly friendly and down to earth

Halesowen 0121 227 3850 Stourport 01299 827 517

Kidderminster 01562 820 575 Worcester 01905 730 450

Integrity & Expertise

www.thursfields.co.uk

Kinver 01384 883 415 Sedgley 01902 904 060

Royal Ad 140 x 106_Royal Ad 140 x 106 14/10/2015 13:04 Page 1

The Royal School Wolver hamp ton

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Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV3 OEG Tel: 01902 349 109 mo@royal.wolverhampton.sch.uk www.theroyalschool.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College

The debate on the role of sport in our educational provision never seems to be too far away especially in the wake of the country’s latest sporting failure.

So as the rest of the rugby world battle out to decide who wins the Webb Ellis trophy we must, as hosts no less, sit it out and contemplate our inadequacies. This article could have course been written at any point in the past couple of years following ignominious exits in both the last football and cricket world cups.

School sport will inevitably come under the spotlight and the themes are familiar. Many will point the downturn in our fortunes to the 1980s where some suggest that teachers’ strike action led to the decline of competitive team sport that was a staple of state education. Others cite the philosophy that stated that sporting success and its companion failure were somehow damaging to pupils’ well-being and had to be stopped. Recent debate has of course focused on the “X box generation” and the effects of excessive screen time on uptake of sports. The league table and inspection culture have understandably pushed teachers away from the less measurable outcomes as successive governments seek to drive up standards.

Fears of child safety mean that children are harnessed by organised activities rather than allowed in the street to develop skills as previous generations.

Independent schools-traditionally seen as preserving sport in their offerings-have not been immune from criticism. A disproportionate number of the current England rugby and cricket teams do indeed come from 106

independent schools, a fact which cannot be right in a sector that educates 7% of the pupils in the country.

However this week an expert, Mr Neil Rollins, told the prestigious Headmasters’ Conference that sport in these schools has not changed since the 1830s with too much emphasis on ‘making boys men’ and not enough on health and fitness. Instead of forcing reluctant children into team games, teachers should be “more inclusive” of children of “all abilities” and should “provide experiences for all shapes, sizes and levels of previous coaching”. He compared the current practice in independent schools with the depiction of Rugby School in the 19th Century in the Thomas Hughes novel Tom Brown’s Schooldays. Mr Rollings highlighted the “undemocratic” nature of sports in schools where pupils are selected on their basis of their physical abilities. He claimed that pupils “accepted the fact that sport is about as democratic as North Korea. That the opportunity you got was directly related to how big and strong you were”. Instead, he said we should focus on giving pupils the choice of more individual sports and other activities like Zumba and athletics where there is less emphasis on team competition.

Having coached many teams throughout my career, I have long reflected on the role of sport and the correct balance in an educational environment. The blind pursuit of sporting excellence in one or two sports can indeed be miserable for many whilst the few are lauded for their achievements. However, parents who choose a school such as Tettenhall College rightly seek some of the benefits of structured sport in education: team skills, healthy competition, winning and losing graciously, health and fitness, personal endeavour, self-discipline and building self-esteem. We therefore seek to provide a range of choices as pupils get older including more individual sports such as fencing, archery and golf. This offering is also based on a foundation of compulsory participation, especially in a smaller school where a high percentage will have the opportunity to participate in competitive fixtures from a very early age. Sporting excellence is naturally welcomed in a school that has bred an Olympian, elite performers are amongst our ranks and we strive for sporting success. However, our primary aim is to improve skill and fitness levels for all and stimulate interests and aptitudes through enjoyment that can hopefully continue into later life.

This may or may not help the inquest into our latest international sporting failure but I do feel that we are fully committed to our role in seeing sport as an integral part of our educational offering and a very important element of a child’s development.

You can now follow David on Twitter

@tettcoll_head

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

get involved...

6th Form Open Evening Tuesday 12th January 2016

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

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Park Hall Hotel Wolverhampton

1. Leah Davidson, Brad Davidson, Phil Davidson, Amira Davidson, Elle-Mae Davidson (front).

2. Andy Hartshorn, Lorraine Jones.

3. Carl Guy, Julie Guy, Bethan Griffiths, Daniel Guy.

Over 460 guests attended a charity ball on Friday 4th September to raise funds for a special local girl, Elle-Mae Davidson from Kingswinford. £27,000 was raised on the evening towards £100,000 which is needed for Elle-Mae to hopefully have brain stem treatment.

4. Liz Powell, Sonia Wilkes, Jonathan Wilkes, Rachael Matthews.

5. Mark Goodhead, Angels Goodhead, Michelle Walsh, Marcus Walsh.

6. Karishma Mehan, Evie Bramley, Aimee Evans, Tallulah Adams, Sophie Hickman.

It was a fantastic evening with Angels Dance Group, saxophonist Samantha Jayne, who played throughout the meal, and entertainment with Kick up the 80’s Band and a DJ.

7. Leah Davidson, Louise Evans (organiser).

Plans are already underway for the next event in September 2016.

10. Joy Edwards, Julie Murrey, Alison Wadge.

8. Wendy Harper, Max Harper, Peter Jones, Dawn Jones.

9. Maria Locke, Olivia Jennings, Emily McFarlane, Olivia Lucas, Nisha Kandola.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

11. Elaine White, Sue Preston, Nikki Billingham, Natalie Hemming, Karen Whitticase.

12. Ben Maxwell, Toni Gayden, Aimee Turner, Sam Ridge.

13. Katie Evans.

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Monday 9th November and Tuesday 8th December 2015.

Please call 01902 275211 to book your place.

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14. Neil Evans, Mark Grafton, Heather Mulley, Mike Smith, Sarah Allen, Becky Thompson.

15. Kate Marsh, Liz Lowe, Clare Bourne.

16. Hannah Roberts, Anne Harris, Charlotte Hathaway.

17. Gerald Bailey, Carly Lewis.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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Stourbridge Golf Club

The Bodykraft Annual Golf Day supporting the Steve Bull Foundation held their 3rd annual golf day at Stourbridge Golf Club on Friday 9th October. It was well supported with 18 teams taking part in glorious autumn sunshine.

1. Bodykraft 2nd Team – Tim Freeman, Dave Steele, Harry Innes, Kyle Harris.

2. Steve Bull in full flow.

3. Bodykraft Team – John Gregory, Mike Pugh MD Bodykraft, Phil Elms.

4. Stourbridge Golf Club Team – Keith Baldwin, Barry Corbett, Dave Homer (Chairman of SGC), Rob Walsh (Captain of SGC).

5. Granlyns Team – Jeff Taylor, Sharon Usher, Steve Usher, Craig McDonald MD of Granlyns.

6. Compass Computers Team – Frazer Lewis, Tim Cupper, Roy Everett MD of Compass, Darren Griffiths.

7. Steve Bull & Mike Pugh (centre) presenting the winning team with their prize.

A grand total of £2,000 was raised for the chosen charities, Bodykraft were again the main sponsor and Steve thanked them for their continued support of the event.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

Book Book a FREE a FREE 10 minute 10 minute one-to-one one-to-one chatchat with a consultant with a consultant at our next at cosmetic our next events cosmetic on event Monday 9thon November Tuesday 13th and Tuesday October8th 2015.

December Please call 2015.

Please01902 call 01902 275211 275211 to book to book your place. your place.

town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Nobody’s Fuel

I’m doing 72 on the motorway, but I’m not speeding. The dashboard display is showing mpg, not mph. Yes, you read that correctly: 72 mpg.

And it’s still climbing.

I know what you’re thinking: I must be taking part in some geeky RAC fuel consumption study; hyper-miling in a fashion to cause tailbacks longer than those inflicted by an asthmatic pit-pony pulling a gypsy cart, or maybe I’m some state-sponsored boffin in a simulator in a laboratory in Brussels, churning out “official fuel consumption figures.”

But I’m not, honestly (if I was, I’d be opening with the headline-grabbing official number of 85.6 mpg), I am instead driving in the real world, as I normally do, in the latest incarnation of the Kia Rio. And I’m getting numbers that are tantamount to a motorist’s wet dream.

Coming at a time when drivers are more suspicious than ever of manufacturers’ claimed fuel consumption figures, this particular

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

By Rob Taylor

version of Kia’s recently refreshed super-mini – the Rio 1.1 CRDi ‘1’ Eco – is just what’s needed to restore confidence in what have become spurious statistics.

Here is a vehicle that makes good on its promises to buyers. And it comes as no surprise, as Kia has for years been cultivating a solid reputation for delivering the goods, in all departments. A brand that’s already famous for its interminable 7-year warranty and especially popular with fans of value-for-money motoring, Kia is today so much more than an also-ran and the Rio is perfectly representative of this.

At the heart of the matter is a little 1.1 litre 74 bhp diesel engine that is more than capable of pulling its own weight, being as it is both composed and tractable at low revs, so it never requires a great deal of effort to keep pace with traffic. Which is, of course, great for driving down costs. Lending a helping hand to this end is the Intelligent Stop & Go stop/start system, which is standard even on this variant, the most affordable ‘1’ model. Plus, you won’t have

to pay road tax due to admirably low emissions of 86g/km.

Central to its core ethos of democratising that which the bourgeoisie car manufacturers consider premium add-ons is the commendable notion that states that all Rios, irrespective of spec and price, enjoy precisely the same safety kit. Which is a lot of kit, by the way.

The same can be said of the Rio’s exterior design; now demonstrably more sporting, with its revised front and rear bumpers, whatever the trim choice. Never before has a Rio looked this good; its sleek, modern Euro-esque lines embody the very style and verve which sees the marque now routine outperform other more established brands in sales, year on year.

And inside there’s a spacious, well-designed, quality cabin, that is loaded with kit – like Bluetooth and USB functionality – to keep you entertained while you’re looking good on the road, smiling smugly to yourself; acutely aware that you are motoring in comparable comfort at a fraction of the costs of the other motorists around you.

The Rio costs only £12,245; it boasts fine residual values; a wealth of space and practicality in its fivedoor form; a driving experience which is most rewarding - the steering is direct: the visibility, good: the handling, composed.

Oh, and the fuel economy. Did I mention the fuel economy?

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

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Rebel Yell Rob Taylor visits Guest Motors in Willenhall to get the low-down on the new Jeep Renegade.

A cheeky smile plays upon my lips as I utter to my long-suffering girlfriend Nicola the wisecrack: “Renegade by name, Renegade by nature.” She will tell you that in addition to the above there was an accompanying wink, as well as a prefacing “baby”, but I will admit to no such thing. I merely answered as to why I have not yet – despite many visits now to the good people at Guest Motors in Willenhall – come away with the keys to one of the many delightfully cute Fiat 500 models, which she does so conspicuously covet.

Charming as they are, the object of this review – the brand new Jeep Renegade – is a far more attractive choice to anyone like me who is concerned with standing out from the crowd.

Looking like nothing else on UK roads, the Renegade is a chunky piece of fabulous fun; rugged and muscular but with just the right level of refinement. After all, few will take their Renegade – or any other compact cross-over vehicle for that matter – to truly forge a renegade path, over mountains and into the wilderness. However it’s nice to know that if civilisation should be destroyed and you are flung into an episode of The Walking Dead, you’ll have things covered, unless of course you go for the two-wheel drive variant that I’m testing; specifically the 1.6 litre 120 bhp Multijet II TDI Longitude variant, which is firmly built with the real world in mind. It’s priced for it too, at just £20,895 on the road.

Designed and developed in the USA and built around the basic underpinnings of the Fiat 500X, the Renegade offers buyers a little bit of individually for not a lot 114

of compromise. No loutish ‘yeehawwing’ is to be found anywhere, not outside nor in; it’s all strictly sensible business as usual for the resurgent Jeep brand. The exterior styling, while admittedly “Marmite”, is unquestionably different; it’s in equal parts tough and jovial, like a nightclub bouncer.

Always keen to please, Jeep offers six engines to the Renegade line-up, although this compact but punchy 1.6 litre diesel unit is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. Blessed with a more than adequate 236 lb ft of torque and 118 bhp, the engine happily propels this sizeable vehicle in and around city streets. A stop/start systems helps drive down emissions to 120 g/km Co2 and a 0-60 mph time of 10.2 seconds won’t allow you to be embarrassed at the lights.

Get it out on the open road and you’ll appreciate its torquey and tractable character; with sympathetic driving only seldomly

will the Renegade demand for you to change down through the wellweighted and precise 6-speed gearbox. Fuel consumption is helped no end by this, so you will routinely see numbers nudging close to the promised 61.4 mpg. I managed into the mid/high fifties.

What you’ll also notice is a sensibly balanced steering set-up, a cabin with just the right amount of driver adjustments to keep you comfy and a ride that is well matched to UK roads. Inside there is good level of kit on offer in this, the second-tier Longitude spec. On top of what is an already generous as-standard bag of goodies, Longitude most notably gets you 17” alloys, black side roof rails, cruise control, DAB radio, Sat Nav and Bluetooth connectivity.

The cabin is spacious, well-made and comfortable like a warm pillow.

Immediately your eyes will point towards the ‘Since 1941’ slogan, which is emblazoned on the dash, referencing the manufacturers’ illustrious life and longevity. The ‘X’ icons found in the vehicle's tail lights are inspired by vintage gas cans and the front and rear light designs themselves hark back to traditions that began in the 1940s. At night the front lights can even see round corners.

So in a world of upstart brands and one-hit wonders, Jeep is now making its presence felt on the UK stage and this Renegade shows exactly why it is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. The Renegade is bold and quite brilliant, but Nicola still prefers the 500.

May be it’s a ‘man thing’?

To book a test drive or for further information please contact Guest Wolverhampton on 01902 544200.

Armstrong Way, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QU. town & village life magazine | november/december 2015

Cruise Control, Sat Nav, 17" Alloy Wheels. You can’t have all that on a compact SUV, you just can’t. Can you?

Think again, all standard on the most compact Jeep ever. Be Renegade.

NOW AVAILABLE FROM £199 PER MONTH* WITH £1500 JEEP DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION AND 0% APR REPRESENTATIVE

Call us today to arrange a test drive: Guest Wolverhampton, Armstrong Way, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QU. Tel: 01902 544 200 jeep.guest-auto.co.uk Model shown Jeep Renegade 1.6 E-torQ 110hp Longitude 5 Speed Manual at £19,695 including Special Pastel Paint at £500. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9 (5.9) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 55.4 (5.1), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 115 G/KM. *Customer deposit is £3,971. Optional Final Payment is £9,647. Contract Term is 24 months. Promotion available on

new Renegade 1.6 E-torQ 110hp Longitude with special pastel paint at £500 registered between 7th October and 31st December 2015. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP or Jeep Hire Purchase. With Jeep Horizon 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 10,000 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. Jeep Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work withwww.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC. 115

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town & village life magazine | november/december 2015