Wolverhampton West Magazine

August 2016

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August 2016

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Contents August Edition The local property market by Nick Berriman 8 Inheritance Tax 14/15 An independent nation 16 Carver Wolverhampton Marathon 18 Crosswords and Puzzles 22 Colourful Cannock 24/25 Recipe of the month 28 A dream comes true for home grown Wolverhampton talent 32 Creating an easier way to live 37/38 Grand Theatre competition 42 Meet the boss 50/51 Gardening with Ann Winwood 54 Make the most of your garden with outdoor living 55 Victory Painting Group 56 Rotary Club of Wolverhampton 60

West Midlands Police 62 22nd gold medal for David Austin Roses 64 Major Refurbishment at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 68 Wildlife photographer of the year 69 Food review – Park House Hotel 78/79 Sexy summer style – Royston Blythe 84/85 Mind Babble: Harness the power of your mind 86 Pucker Up - Make-up tricks for kissable lips 96 Women’s fashion: Ready for the beach 102/103 Toms Tip 107 Walk for Dreams 108 Education and Schooling 114 3 Hammers: Flying high for top national golf award 122/123 Golf Tip 124 Social scene 128-137 Smart fortwo Drayton Wolverhampton 140 Answers to crosswords and puzzles 142 Index to advertisers 143 Autosales: Suzuki Baleno 144 Mercedes Benz of Wolverhampton- GLC Coupé 146

Advertising enquiries Email: sales@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Gisella Wiley (Sales Director) Editorial/What’s On information Email: info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Geoff Hall (Editor) Magazine Design Studio 28 Design & Print (www.s28.co.uk)

Congratulations to:

Wolverhampton West Magazine Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY Tel: 01902 744217 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Winner of West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park competition Mr Nick Hogben, Finchfield

Winner of Heartbeat competition at The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Mrs Anne Birkert, Codsall Winner of The Shrewsbury Arms competition Mrs Nicky Downing, Codsall Wood

We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Wolverhampton West 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. Wolverhampton West 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 Wolverhampton West Magazine Ltd.

*Total distribution 24,500 copies across 2 months

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from the editor

So the unthinkable has happened. Britain is officially out of Europe – out by but a whisker, but out all the same. The people have spoken. Prime Minister David Cameron is out also. So we ask: what now?

its 22nd Gold Medal award at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Then turn your attention indoors to find your dream kitchen from Bespoke Kitchens; there are lots of other ideas for your home in this edition too – including news from Chancery Contracts Ltd, the electronic engineering business that can turn your house ‘smart.’ And for those of you about to jet off to sunnier climes check out our essential fashion guide to beachwear.

But that’s enough about the state of play nationwide. It’s business as usual here at Wolverhampton West magazine and we have much to distract you from the precarious bigger picture.

Now it’s time to really get down to business. Read how popular building contractor Three Pines has been getting its own house in order lately. M.B.H Builders Ltd is another familiar institution that this year celebrates 20 years’ in business. Boasting an even more impressive 47 years’ of trading are Baker brothers Clive and Patrick, who have another company to be proud of: Capital Appliances, a family-run white-goods specialist.

It’s summer time, which for us Brits means lashings of rain interspersed with occasional bursts of brilliant sunshine. It’s one thing that the EU Referendum result definitely won’t change. So, for those of you not away on holiday, enjoy our top tips on making the most of your garden, as well as how our own home-grown talent, David Austin Roses, romped home to

Thriving Midlands-based retailer Tile Choice – the floor and wall tiling specialist – has just been recognised at a glamorous industry awards ceremony as well. Also in the spotlight in our Meet the Boss feature is Kevin Rogers from Paycare – the not-for-profit health cash plan provider’s head honcho. We’ve also got big news about Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre’s imminent refresh.

Now from business to pleasure: amp up your style with fashion from Diffusion and the latest in summer hair trends from celebrity hairdresser Royston Blythe. There’s advice inside about where’s best to eat-out locally and a rave restaurant review at Park House, Shifnal. Then get your summer swing on with our 6-page golfing section, including 3 Hammers’ national golf award win and helicopter ride to Wentworth. Looking instead for a more holistic fix? You can’t go far wrong if you check out life coach Sue Wilkinson’s Mind Babble, which promises stress-free living for turbulent times, and then couple it with Artisan PT’s bespoke one-to-one personal fitness. We also have 10 social pages consisting of beauty events, Tettenhall College’s Gala Ball, Wolverhampton Rugby Club’s ever-popular Ladies’ Day and the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. Not forgetting The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which starts in July and runs until 18th September, perfect for the school summer holidays.. Enjoy the summer…

Geoff

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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The local

property market by Nick Berriman

are remarkable. There are sepia photographs and very large hand prepared estate plans, one being of the whole Wrottesley estate. The preparation time must have been considerable but the finished product is a work of art.

I start this piece at a considerable disadvantage as I write before the result of the referendum is known but you will read it already knowing the result so I cannot speculate what the effect will be. However whatever has been decided the property market will continue. There may be sideeffects but people will always want and need to move house and despite the occasional blip the market has moved upwards over a very long period. Before sitting down to write I have just been watching a programme about Lobbs, the bespoke shoemakers and have been reminded that craftsmanship is still available and in demand. It takes about six months for a pair of shoes to be made and the whole process is very traditional. It is also eye-wateringly expensive but it is good to know that such craftsmanship still survives and has a worldwide market. I tried to relate this to our profession and how it has developed. We have in the office some sale particulars prepared in the 1920s and they 08

We now live in an age of instant communication where speed is of the essence but presentation is still important. Forty or fifty years ago an estate agent was judged on their ability to describe properties in detail using their knowledge of architectural terms and of the different styles of different periods. Descriptions went into considerable detail and painted a precise picture. Colour photography was in use and there was a great improvement on the particulars prepared in the 50s and 60s when things were very basic. As is always the case things have moved on. The internet is now an important and much used channel of information and it is now essential for us to have an excellent website which is both informative and user-friendly. However good the site is it is only as good as the information on it so keeping it up to date is paramount. Looking at some of the national firms advertising in Country Life it is apparent that description is kept to a minimum with photographs telling most of the story. Quality sale particulars still have a job to do and a well prepared brochure in hand is much more impressive than a print out from the internet. Richard Eaton, who does our photos and floor plans, now has a licence to fly a drone so can take aerial shots. Years ago my father used to stand on walls and step ladders to get the best photo, how things have changed. When I reach my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s present age it will be one hundred years since he started work as an articled pupil and it will be fascinating to look back on the changes during that century.

We are delighted to report that Andy Roberts, who currently heads our successful lettings department, has been promoted to the newly formed role of Associate Director with wide ranging responsibilities in addition to his present duties. We all wish him well and are confident that he will fill the position with distinction. He starts with the advantage of being the tallest member of the company so it is much easier for him to look down on the operation and take an overview! This is where I reflect on the present state of the market and once again I find myself at odds with national statistics. A recent report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reveals that demand has fallen at the fastest rate in eight years but our Tettenhall Office has had probably the best month for sales ever, agreeing an average of more than a house a day for every day in the month. Furthermore demand has been such that several properties have had more than twenty viewings with a number having multiple offers. I do not think that has been a flash in the pan and of course it does not apply to every property on the books but it does sit strangely with that national report. In addition new instructions have been ahead of target so long may it continue!

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

LITTLE SAREDON DAIRY FARM AND BARN, LITTLE SAREDON, SOUTh STAFFORDShIRE A classically elegant, Grade II Listed period property over three storeys, together with the dairy farm barn annex which provides garaging and independent accommodation all of which has been superbly refurbished and stands in a picturesque setting. Reception hall, cellar, drawing room, sitting room, dining kitchen, guest cloakroom, study, utility, five large double bedrooms, house shower room and house bathroom. Double garage and workshop, leisure room, garden room and store room. Annex with hall, reception room and kitchenette, large bedroom / studio room and shower room. Expansive gravelled driveway and walled rear garden.

OFFERS AROUND ÂŁ945,000 VIEWING: Please contact the Tettenhall Office.

13-15 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QS Telephone: (01902) 747744

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Wolverhampton F i r e p l ac e s & S to v e s If you’re looking to find the perfect fireplace or stove for your home, then pay a visit to Wolverhampton Fireplaces & Stoves Ltd. The family-run company, that’s based in Chapel Ash, has just celebrated its 10th year in business. Known for their vast selection of fireplaces and stoves - as well as excellent customer service - it’s no surprise that the company has gone from strength to strength over the years.

Company Director, Steve Field explains: “We opened our doors at Chapel Ash over a decade ago on the 27th December 2005, since then we’ve increased our turnover year on year despite economic downturn and recession.” The team attributes their ongoing success to their commitment to excellent customer service. “We use our many years of experience in the industry to guide and advise our customers so that they can find the fireplace or stove that’s perfect for them.” And Steve does indeed have vast industry experience: “I started in business back in 1982 when I set up my first fireplace showroom in Walsall Wood. After working at the showroom with my family for many years, I left to open our Stafford branch in 1999.” The Stafford business grew rapidly and Steve was

soon taking on extra staff and expanding his showroom. “The company continued to be successful over the years and really began to flourish when my son, Richard, joined in 2001 after gaining great results in his A-Levels.” Richard wanted to grow the company - by opening another branch - and was instrumental in expanding their range to include multi-fuel stoves. The Stafford showroom now boasts over 100 live displays, as well as solid fuel stoves. “After a few years at Stafford we decided to expand and opened our sister showroom in Chapel Ash.” Both showrooms have proved to be extremely successful and business has never been better: “We’re expecting 2016 to be a record year for both branches.” To celebrate the company’s ongoing success the team will be running special offers across their whole range in store in July & August 2016.

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INHERITANCE

T A X

THE ONLY TRUE VOLUNTARY TAX THE NUMBER OF UK FAMILIES FACING INHERITANCE TAX IS SET TO REACH A 35 YEAR HIGH

In the period 201415 (The latest figures available) Inheritance Tax receipts amounted to approximately £3.825 BILLION and this figure has risen by 11.9 % compared to 2013-14. Let’s be clear from the start on what Inheritance Tax (IHT) really is. Briefly it is a tax on the property, money and possessions 14

of someone who has died – in other words their estate. Everyone has a tax free allowance on their estate; this is also known as a “nil rate band”. The threshold for 2016-17 is £325,000. So if your total estate is below this figure you will not pay any IHT. Married couples and civil partners are allowed to pass on their estate to their spouse tax free. They can also pass on their unused tax-free allowance to their spouse. So, for example, if a husband dies

his wife can take his allowance and add it to her own tax- free allowance. The new combined allowance means that when she dies her estate will only incur IHT if it’s more than £650,000. IHT is usually paid from the funds in the estate or from the sale of assets if there is no cash available. It is normally paid within six months of the person’s death. If it is not paid within that timescale then interest will be charged

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

John Webb

although HMRC may allow more time if certain parts of the estate e.g. property take some time to sell. In certain instances HMRC may allow the tax to be paid in yearly instalments.

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.

Naturally, we all wish to pass on as much as we can to our families and loved ones when we die, but if we don’t plan ahead and make provision now then our families could miss out by as much as 40% of our wealth. IHT is not a mandatory tax. Effectively we volunteer to pay it by not choosing the right path with regard to our assets during our lifetime so for this reason I term it a voluntary tax. One of the major factors that we should take into consideration when we look at IHT is of course House Prices. In the year to November 2014 house prices rose by 8.5% and it is anticipated that they will continue to rise this year by a similar figure. We know that the current nil rate band will be frozen at £325,000 until 2021 and that as a consequence more and more people will suffer a 40% charge on their wealth unless they exercise prudent money management now. True, one could argue that the government has taken some steps to alleviate this by announcing that from 6th April 2017 each person will receive an additional allowance of £100,000(rising to £175,000 by 2020-21) to use against the value of their home, but they can only get this additional allowance if they leave their home to their children or grandchildren and the total value of their estate is below £2 million.

I have termed IHT a voluntary tax; how do you organise your estate to ensure that you avoid what I also consider to be an unfair tax? We find when meeting with clients that the majority of individuals with estates valued at two to three million pounds are unaware that measures can be taken and that they simply accept the fact that a large part of their estate is going to go to the Chancellor of The Exchequer whether they like it or not. But this does not have to be the case and certainly this contrasts with the thinking of those in the highest positions in government as was made only too evident when our Prime Minister David Cameron and his parents took the appropriate action to ensure that they addressed their future liability.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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 Throughout the year we at Midland Independent hold investment seminars with industry experts. If you would like to attend please email: info@midlandifa.co.uk 15

An I ndependent

Nation

By Tom Hancock America is centre stage at the moment with the imminent presidential elections. The U.S. prides itself on its independence, but what is Independence Day really about? In the eighteenth century, America was a series of thirteen colonies governed from Britain. Initially the relationship between the two countries was strong but gradually the colonists became irritated by their lowly status. Simple decisions which affected their daily lives took months to implement because they had to be passed through Parliament in England. During Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s war with France it paid less attention to the American colonies and they became more self-reliant setting up their own de facto government systems. When Britain noticed this burgeoning independence it decided to impose greater control again: the agriculture, trade and purchases of goods were too important to lose. At the same time Britain resented the costs of protecting the colonies and decided these should be funded through taxation. The Stamp Act, passed in 1765, meant certain imported items were taxed. These were marked with an official stamp. In protest merchants banded together and refused to buy goods from Britain. The act was cancelled in early 1766.

But the British Government under King George III still held the power and in 1767 Charles Townshend, the chancellor of the exchequer imposed new taxes on tea, paint, lead, paper and glass. He also passed the Quartering Act whereby British soldiers were to be quartered in the homes of the civilian population. Once again the colonists boycotted British goods in protest. The rebellion centred on Boston so the British Government sent troops there to keep order. On March 5th 1770 British soldiers fired on a mob. Several men were killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre. The soldiers involved were arrested but there remained a very anti-British feeling among the colonies. On the same day as the Boston Massacre most of the Townshend acts were abolished. But Britain had a point to prove so left the Tea Act in place. This infuriated the colonists. They turned

away all tea clippers from their harbours. Then on December 16th 1773 a group of colonists dressed as Indians boarded a ship and threw the cargo of tea into the sea. This became known as the Boston Tea Party. When the British Government heard what had happened ministers were incensed. Britain closed Boston Port and put Massachusetts under military rule. Anger in the colonies spilled over. In 1774 the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and drafted the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. There were attempts at conciliation but when armed colonial militia inflicted a defeat on the British army at Lexington and Concord the American War of Independence was under way. The war officially began in 1775 and ended with the peace treaty of 1783. It transformed the original thirteen British Colonies into the United States of America. America officially split from Britain on 4th July 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

FLAMING FIRES, FIREPLACES & STOVES

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• Family run business celebrating over 35 years in business • Massive warehouse with roll stock comprising of over 90 rolls in stock • Karndean, Laminates and Wood Flooring

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We have now moved inside Sandford Carpets, Wolverhampton Curtains, Blinds, Stock Rolls of Curtain and Upholstery Fabric and Pattern Books You will find us at: 128 Trysull Road, Bradmore, Wolverhampton WV3 7JF Tel: 01902 335599 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 9am until 5pm

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

CARVER

Wolverhampton City Marathon Events The Call Print Walk is included in the events again this year and has already attracted plenty of interest. Race Director Mary Harding says “it is wonderful to see that so many people are attracted to and taking part in such diverse events.” Entries so far are up on 2015 which is good news for the organisers. As always there are opportunities for volunteers to get involved and help with marshalling or one of the many jobs that help with the smooth running of the event, which is now in its 19th year.

With just under three months to go things are progressing well for the 2016 Carver Wolverhampton Marathon events. Course Manager Gwyn James has engineered a slightly different course which he says is “flatter and faster” than before. The cycle route has also been slightly changed to take in part of the new I54 business park.

The Banks’s 10k will include a team challenge this year. The four runners from the same corporate company or association with the fastest times will win an award. (Please note that the company name must be declared beforehand on the entry form to qualify for the award).

So if anyone can spare some time to help please call Carvers or email Mary on mharding681@gmail.com. Race information packs and numbers will be posted out during July, and as always the late entry desk will be open on Saturday 3rd September from 9.30 until 5.00pm.

Marshals Manager John Nightingale will begin his marshal training courses over the next few weeks.

For more details please visit our website:

www.carverwolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk 18

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

The Design Centre Studios Visit our design centre studios for a complete range of modern, contemporary and traditional kitchens and bathrooms with accessories to suit every budget. Design and installation service available.

Littles Lane, Wolverhampton, WV1 1JY 01902 577090 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

www.carvers.co.uk 19

KEY INDUSTRY

A W AR D

FOR THRIVING MIDLANDS RETAILER

Tile Choice winners from left to right, Martin Jeavons, David O'Connell, Emma Jesson (Host), Lee Rudkin (Tile Choice Marketing Director), Michael Gough

A leading Midlands independent tile retail chain is celebrating a successful business year after winning a prestigious industry award. Tile Choice, whose headquarters are based in Wolverhampton and now have sixteen stores throughout the central region, attended the 2016 TTA Awards in Birmingham, where they were recognised for their marketing excellence in the retail sector winning the Gold Award for “Excellence in Marketing”. The Tile Association represents all aspects of the wall and floor tile industry in the UK, from manufacture to installation. Formed in January 2000, The Tile Association represents the whole of the UK wall and floor tile industry under one organisation. The Awards recognise and reward the innovative designs and projects 20

that have happened over the last year, as well as retailing, marketing and tile fixers within the industry. The TTA Awards is now in its 16th year and is still growing fast. This year, the awards were held at St John’s Hotel and Conference Centre in Solihull, on Saturday 14th May, along with a black tie dinner for the estimated 500 people who attended, and were hosted by TV presenter Emma Jesson. Marketing Director at Tile Choice, Lee Rudkin was particularly proud of the company’s achievement, “We have a strong marketing mix for Tile Choice across a broad cross section of media. In 2015 we decided a fresh more stylish delivery in our creative for our Radio and Television campaigns was needed. This was to compliment the new instore designs, our new instore brochures and Press advertising. A well planned advertising campaign with a combination of different media ensures that we stay at the forefront of the retail tile industry”.

“This is the fourth time in the last five years we have won a TTA Award and the first time for Marketing. “As a company, we’ve been working very hard within the retail sector and invest wisely in our campaigns to deliver great results keeping Tile Choice the market leader”. “A strong brand identity and the right message combined with maximum exposure in all forms of media have proven to be an excellent marketing campaign in the retail sector. Over the past years this formula has proven to be successful in keeping Tile Choice at the forefront of customers’ minds plus bringing the focus to the tile industry and the products we sell within main stream media platforms”. “We are extremely proud to be recognised by our piers at The Tile Association for the work our dedicated team have put in to making Tile Choice such a success”.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

As seen on...

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DIY SOS

Quick Crossword Down 1 Information (4) 2 Type of seabird (6) 3 Cleaning (7) 4 Intoxicated (5) 5 Coil (6) 6 Attractive (8) 12 Deduced (8) 14 Sickly sweet (7) 16 Hire (6) 18 Noon (6) 19 Quick (5) 22 Trip (4)

Across 7 Fruit (6) 8 Echo (6) 9 Sunrise (4) 10 Centuries (8) 11 Far away (7) 13 Type of boat (5) 15 Later (5) 17 Immobilized (7) 20 Correctly (8) 21 Silly (4) 23 Devils (6) 24 Almost (6)

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Colourful Cannock By Rob Taylor

Cannock has had brushes with both greatness and madness over the very many years since it was first recorded as the modest settlement of ‘Chenet’ in 1086. 24

The most populous of the three towns that make up the district of Cannock Chase – the others being Rugeley and Hednesford – it has often been known by other names: it was called ‘Chnoc’ around 1130; ‘Cnot’ in 1156; ‘Canot’ in 1157, and ‘Canoc’ in 1198. Every one of which translates roughly to mean ‘hillock’. So to which hillock does this refer? Best guesses point to Shoal Hill, which stands northwest of the town, but nobody

today remembers this market town for anything of the kind. They do instead remark upon its industrial legacy, when mining for vast coal reserves in the 19th century grew the area rapidly, but since Littleton – the last remaining colliery in the area – closed in 1993, this seems a less and less popular remembrance. In fact now that the landmark Rugeley Power Station has closed its doors for good, there is no heavy

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

industry in the area. Cannock today is instead prime commuter-belt for the surrounding towns and cities. But don’t imagine a wasteland ravaged by industry, because there is much glory to be found in or around this bustling township. Cannock has been holding markets since the 13th Century, when the original Royal Charter was first issued. Situated in the town centre and offering a diverse range of products and services from the 61 stalls in Cannock Market Hall and 27 stalls in the Prince of Wales Market, this local mainstay adds much colour and vibrancy to the town. Further enlivening the grey pallor of everyday life in the town is occasional celebrity visitors – both invited and unexpected. Earlier this year BBC Top Gear’s new hosts, Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc, paid the town an unexpected flying

visit when their Reliant Robin showcar suffered a breakdown nearby. While waiting for spare parts, the presenting duo took a break at KFC on Cannock’s Orbital Retail Park, shocking staff and customers alike. This follows hot on the heels of World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Floyd Mayweather’s whistle-stop tour visit to Cannock’s Bar Sport in February. During the visit millionaire Mayweather befriended local shop assistant Ramarni Ball. In no time at all she was living the high-life aboard the self-proclaimed ‘King of Bling’s £40 million private jet; before being snapped courtside at a basketball game in the U.S with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. But undoubtedly the real jewel in the area’s crown is Cannock Chase itself. Now a designated area of

outstanding natural beauty, the Chase was some 900 years ago not used for settlement because the soil was too sandy to grow crops. The oak forests were used for hunting, however. Then in the 16th Century the forests were cut down for charcoal burning. The charcoal was then used in the local iron industry. Soon the Chase became barren and desolate. Then during World War I there were two large military training camps installed, both capable of holding up to 40,000 men. The camps had their own church, a post office, a bakery and a theatre. By 1917 the War Office put a Prisoner of War camp in Brocton Coppice and the New Zealand Rifle Brigade made Cannock Chase their UK headquarters. Much is still concealed by vegetation – including pre-historic burial mounds, early industrial sites and remnants of medieval hunting – and this is due to the many trees planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. Infamously the Chase also concealed much horror during the 1960s when police mounted the then biggest manhunt in British police history, with 150 detectives visiting 39,000 homes; interviewing 80,000 people, on the hunt for evil child killer Raymond Morris, in a case dubbed the Cannock Chase murders. As is the case with so much of the Black Country there’s always plenty of good, bad and ugly.

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RECIPE

Makes 4 By Mike Whitehurst

roasted beetroot

and whipped goats cheese Salad INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •

400g of fresh beetroot 100g of goats cheese 100g of mascarpone 2 ripe figs 2 whole walnuts shelled and bashed up a bit a pinch of dried rose petals and crushed coriander seeds 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds half a lemon a bunch of pea shoots organic local clear and runny honey fresh flat leaf parsley 1 bottle rapeseed oil

equipment • food processor - a nutri-bullet is good for this if you have one otherwise any processor with blade attachment. • brush • mixing bowls • wooden spoon • baking trays • plastic tray • chopping board and a good sharp knife • iron pan • metal spoon - teaspoon / dessert spoon

•

prepping • Trim the stalks off the beetroot and wrap each root with kitchen foil then roast in the oven for about an hour - timings do differ according to the size of the root so if they are relatively small check after 40 minutes by poking with a metal skewer - if it slides straight through with no resistance then they are cooked through - check each one individually though to be certain. Once cooked take out of the foil and allow to cool enough so that you can peel them. Once peeled set aside 600g and blitz

•

the 400g in a food processor with a dash of oil and a few drops of fresh lemon juice to help the process - you need to achieve a nice smooth beetroot puree so pass it though a sieve or fine chinois if you have one and put it in a squeeze bottle or a bowl in the fridge until needed. The rest of the beetroot can be diced, sliced thinly, melon balled or wedges it’s up to you! Do something with it and set it aside for later. Blend goats cheese (rind removed) and mascarpone until smooth in a food processor or beat with a wooden spoon then chill in the fridge until needed. Quarter the figs, place on a baking tray and drizzle with a little clear runny honey - if your honey isn’t runny place it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes, that will loosen the honey. Set the tray of figs aside ready to be grilled later on. Heat a cast iron skillet or black iron frying pan if you have one otherwise use what you’ve got. Once heated add the bashed up walnuts, pumpkin seeds with the rose petals and coriander seeds quickly tossing around in the pan to prevent burning then once browned a little turn out onto a tray to cool. In a food processor blitz the leaves of the parsley gradually adding rapeseed oil until you have good liquid motion, now leave that blitzing for a few minutes, the colour will intensify over time. You can buy pea shoots from certain supermarkets or you

can buy a sprouter and a bag of dried marrowfat peas and grow your own - takes about 4 weeks so start now and keep them going all year round. plating • Smear the beetroot puree across the plate however you like. Use a spoon, a brush or just put the plate on some newspaper and splatter it across the plate. • Place your sliced, diced beetroot in a row across the puree. • Boil a kettle, pour hot water into a cup and using a tea spoon, heat spoon in water, then carefully scoop the blended cheese towards you hopefully creating a nice oval shaped cheese quenelle. • Grill the figs for a minute or 2 just to get the edges burning a little. • Now place the cheese quenelle’s in-between the beetroot with 2 pieces of fig next to them then top with the walnut mix and garnish with pea shoots then spoon over the parsley oil and drizzle a little rapeseed oil. SERVING SUGGESTION Serve with some homemade sour dough bread and a glass of sancerre.

For any other recipe/cooking advice please email mike@takefood.co.uk Follow me on facebook.com/takefood on twitter.com/takefood or on instagram.com/takefood 28

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Photos courtesy of Vicky Andrews, Under The Posts Ltd

Sportsman’s lunch

a t Wo l v e r h a m p t o n RF C

Snooker Player Dennis Taylor

Wolverhampton Rugby Club held its 6th annual Sportsman’s Lunch on Friday 10th June 2016. This year the event was sponsored by Tile Choice, Dudley Motor Company, Charter Savings Bank and Thompson AVC and remains one of the premier networking events within the local business community. Companies such as George Green, FBC Manby Bowdler, Liverpool Victoria Insurance and Barclays Corporate Bank attended with the aim of raising money for the Wolverhampton clubhouse redevelopment and Bag4Sport. A total of 495 people listened to England cricketer, Graham Gooch, who told a selection of light hearted stories from his career in test cricket. Then England rugby stars Neil Back and George Chuter talked about their rugby exploits and the characters they have met. Finally, Irish snooker player Dennis Taylor, who talked about snooker on BBC television and his time on A Question of Sport. The day was finished off by an appeal for additional funding for the completion of the club development by the Chairman, Ian Kendrick along with the First XV celebrating their promotion to Midlands Division one for next year. The event raised the biggest donation

Wolverhampton Rugby Team Lifting Trophy

Ex-England Cricketer Graham Gouch

that Bag4Sport has ever received and will fund a GB competitor at the Olympics in the summer. The club has been successful in raising funds to build 6 new “state of the art” changing rooms and works starts on June 27th. Funding is now required to complete the refurbishment of the social areas. If you feel you can help by donating time, money or material to the refurbishment then please get in touch. The event will be held next year on 16th June with Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell signed up already. If you are interested in attending the event next year then please contact Ian Kendrick on 07470 345555.

Ex-England Rugby Players George Chuter and Neil Back

Graham Gouch

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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A dream comes true for home grown Wolverhampton talent

Aimée Fisher in Wolverhampton‘s Youth Music Theatre (WYMT); one of the organisations that helped and supported her tremendously as young performer.

Blousy Brown (Aged 9)

Aimée Fisher, a local Wolverhampton girl, made her West End debut on 13th June in Les Misérables at the Queens Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue - the world’s longest running musical, seen by over 70 million people, in 42 countries, winner of 76 international awards. Aimée, who is only just 21 years old, really is a success story of home grown talent. She was educated at Tettenhall College in Wolverhampton from 5 years old. It was here she found her love for musical theatre playing her first lead role as Blousy Brown in a junior school musical ‘Bugsy Malone’ at nine years old. Throughout her time at Tettenhall College, Aimée was lucky enough to participate in several Bill Kenwright Company professional productions at The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton including Evita, Scrooge, Whistle Down the Wind, Jesus Christ Super Star and Joseph. Aimée’s initial vocational training took place in evenings and weekends at Telford Stage School. Later, Aimée benefitted tremendously from her involvement in local amateur dramatic societies; particularly Impulse Productions where she played roles such as Julia Sullivan in The Wedding Singer and the title role in Sweet Charity. During her summers, Aimée joined friends 32

As a singer, Aimée was classically trained by Mrs Brenda Arnold from the young age Beauty and The Beast of nine and under Brenda’s tutelage went on to pass her Diploma being offered an understudy role for in Musical Theatre (Dip.L.C.M.), Fantine and a place in the ensemble the examination after grade Eight, (playing several smaller roles). Aimée at the age of fifteen. It was at this left ArtsEd early, prior to graduation age that Aimée decided to audition to begin a month of rehearsals for drama schools to gain further before making her West End debut vocational training and was offered on Monday 13th June; for Aimée places at The Brit School, Tring this really was a dream come true. Park and Arts Educational Schools In 2012, whilst packing, having London where she was awarded sold the family home to finance the Arts Educational School Aimée’s training, Aimée’s Mum Scholarship for all round excellence. came across a piece of paper on So at the relatively young age of which Aimée’s had written her 16, Aimée left Tettenhall College hopes and dreams at 10 years and went to live independently old. It was entitled ‘My Future’ … in London to attend drama school for her sixth form years. Aimée’s family have always supported her dream. Indeed, At eighteen, Aimée auditioned her younger sister Chloë has successfully and was offered places been very supportive and is at two of the top Musical Theatre conservatoires in the UK, Mountview exceptionally proud of everything her sister has achieved. Her Mum, Theatre Arts and Arts Educational Mrs Sarah Fisher (Headmistress School. Having accepted a place at of Newbridge Preparatory ArtsEd, Aimée was delighted to find School in Wolverhampton) out that she had been nominated believes…”every child should to audition for an Andrew Lloyd have dreams and aspirations, yet Webber Foundation Scholarship, they should also understand that placing her in the top 8 auditionees dreams alone are not enough. from 2,500 applicants. In her final year at ArtsEd, Aimée played ‘Belle’ in Beauty and The Beast in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre and more recently appeared in the cast of Westside Story in the Shakespeare 400 Live at the RSC, televised by the BBC.

It takes hard work, dedication, perseverance and commitment to achieve those dreams – dare to dream it and work to achieve it.” Aimée Fisher (written aged 10)

From February of this year, Aimée began auditioning for roles in the world of professional theatre. Following Aimée’s final audition for Les Misérables on 16th February she was delighted to hear she was wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Dream designs:

Jason Webb at Bespoke Kitchens showroom

There have been some exciting changes taking place at Tettenhall-based business, Bespoke Kitchens, since Jason Webb acquired the Showroom in May this year. With over 27 years’ experience in the industry – working in both design and sales – his plan was first to update the showroom, which is based on Aldersley Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, and shares premises with Tettenhall Windows and Tettenhall Building Services.

worktops and doors. As well as providing a thorough kitchen facelift service – wherein you just replace your existing doors and worktops – the team at Bespoke can go as far as to design and install a brand new bespoke creation.

Of course once clients are satisfied with the virtual kitchen it’s then up to Jason’s team of highly-skilled, fully-qualified and trusted team of fitters – many of whom have worked with Jason for over 20 years – to complete all aspects of the job.

As Jason explains: “We go out to our client’s homes to do a survey and measure the existing space. We then can form a photo-realistic 3D design to show our clients exactly how their new kitchen will look in their home.”

“Because everything is under one roof, Bespoke works closely with Tettenhall Windows and Tettenhall Building Services to offer a complete service to clients requiring more than just kitchens.”

He can then alter the designs until clients are completely satisfied.

After bringing in new displays there are now over 200 different door ranges that cater to all tastes - including the popular handle-less drawers, that give a sleek, contemporary look. As well as this there are all kinds of worktops to choose from – from laminate, solid wood and granite to quartz and corian.

“We work with our clients to ensure that their design for their dream kitchen is realised.”

But Bespoke Kitchens offers a lot more than just the latest in

“We can even install any brand of appliance into our kitchens too.”

All styles of kitchens – from traditional to ultra modern – are available and anything is possible: kitchens can be made to any specification in any colour or design, completely bespoke.

Clients can rest assured that when they visit Bespoke they’ll enjoy excellent customer service and a relaxed ‘nopressure’ sales technique. “We really enjoy working with our clients to design their ideal kitchen. We’re really relaxed here at Bespoke and we never employ pushy sales techniques.” So, why not visit the showroom and start planning your dream kitchen today?

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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C r ea t i n g

a n

easier way to live

But beware, it could be a truly cosmic experience devices that let you know how the weather may affect your home. If this kind of technology has you hooked, clearly the best way forward is to choose an architecture that allows for easy add-ons. This stuff is as addictive as the latest smartphones (some UK polls suggest we check them 50 times a day).

Creating the ideal home is big business – in fact there’s a world stage out there for exhibitions that can both tempt and puzzle. From the practical to the bizarre the evolution to help make us time rich is rolling out rapidly. In the home of tomorrow our front doors will be able to ‘talk’ to your smoke alarm, lights will flash when the fridge door is left open and, according to reports emerging from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Teddy will put your child to bed.

Other features include a smart lock that unlocks the front door when the home owner is near, televisions that show notifications and can warn when a child is using the web when they should be asleep, and a system that lets you change all the clocks in your home at the touch of a button. Then, of course, there’s the heartbeat recognition gizmo that remotely alerts you if there are strangers in your house. The vision of the future is restrained only by our imagination. Intelligence that can open and close windows depending on the temperature inside and out, heat up the water for a bath with a single tap from a smartphone and lighting and music systems that welcome you home on a foreboding evening, are all concepts now being explored by innovative new-build developers and existing homeowners. With wireless connectivity it’s also possible to remotely boil a kettle from your bed as the internet gradually makes its way into everything from appliances to thermostats, security and sound systems, fire alarms and clever

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Technology by Loxone offers easy upgrades – an opportunity too good to pass for those eager to embrace the digital age in manageable bites. Local suppliers and Loxone Gold Partner installers, Chancery Contracts Ltd of Trysull Road, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton – www. chancerycontracts.co.uk – has a wealth of experience at the cutting edge of electronic engineering. Director David Lewis says: “When I talk to people, most believe such a luxury is beyond reach, but the prices have tumbled over the last decade and keen technology markets can offer a lot for your money. “For example, to incorporate smart system to the existing wiring on a 3-bed property, to include lighting and heating controls would be around £2,700. You’d need to add £1,000 if you’d got a fourbed detached,” he explains. Each package offers the potential for limitless add-ons – “the system is a bit like Lego,” he says – and can be hardwired, use air technology (internet), or a mixture of both. In the average home these days, you’ll find many devices, systems and appliances, each one of them controlled by its own switch, app, remote control, or motion detector. But in the ‘smart’ world a dilemma exists, as none of them are able to communicate with each other in order to meet (cont’d)… 37

(cont’d)… the emerging needs of homeowners who are hard-pressed to touch all the domestic bases. The technology has been around for years, but it has successfully crept under the radar of our domestic lives. It’s all about making life easier – smart – and allowing us to timemanage our domestic duties so much more efficiently. Geeky and futuristic it may be, but intelligent nerve centres offering joined-up ‘thinking’ between the domestic appliances and services we use every day (intelligent automation) clearly has a future and one that can adapt easily to trends and needs. But it’s not just smart homes that can help brush away the drudgery of domestic servitude.

Fancy getting the scrubbing done a whole lot quicker? You may consider the sonic scrubber. A very powerful cleaning tool, it scrubs at a speed of 10,000 times per minute. It will definitely save precious time and comes with interchangeable heads “so that you could access different areas, big or small.” A must for cat-lovers is the selfcleaning cat litter, LitterMaid and Purpose for Pets is another gadget aimed at those with more challenging animals. The device claims to eradicate unpleasant pet odours or stains and comes with a scrub brush and integrated backlight LEDs that illuminates hidden pet blemishes.

With some of the best designs on the market – but definitely not the cheapest – the company made a name for itself with Roomba, a vacuum cleaning robot. LG and Samsung also offer similar home ‘bots’.

If you’re still looking for a life in the digital fast lane, remember there are wireless remote crockpot slow cookers, controllable from a smartphone; smart LED light bulbs that react based on where you are in the house; smart speakers with voice activated control; and who would be without a touchscreen refrigerator that lets you view family members’ schedules, leave notes for each other and orders its own groceries?

For those needing a quick mop around, there’s the low

The future is indeed, present, but quite how futuristic some would

Vacuuming no longer needs a human operator. iRobot is one of the market leaders that deal with house cleaning tech products.

entry price Robomop – a very basic floor dusting robot.

care to be is a moot point. Does the oddly sounding Concoon Bed (hongkiat.com/blog/futuristichome-furnitures/) float your boat? The design appears to have ascended to new intergalactic heights and touched the colourful rings of Saturn with its light show. With a yacht-like design, the bed would actually feel more at home in space than the bedroom. It contains built-in surround sound, lighting that asserts to be therapeutic, waterbed sounds and a water mattress to simulate the weightlessness of space. A real cosmic experience… maybe.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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New look for

Three Pines

Alan and Louise Bradshaw (front centre) with the team based at their Cullwick Street headquarters

The team at top Wolverhampton-based building contractor, Three Pines, have been busy renovating and extending their offices to meet the needs of their ever expanding business. Company Director, Louise explains: “Although we extended our offices only a few years ago, we decided to extend again to make room for our growing team of staff who are based at our Cullwick Street headquarters.” Work got underway on the most recent transformation after Christmas and just eight weeks later the job was complete. “Our skilled team of tradesmen worked hard on the project and got it finished quickly and efficiently, fitting the work in at the weekends so that they could complete the refurbishment without affecting other projects.” The remodelling has made way for a bigger boardroom, two new offices, extra kitchen and toilet facilities as well as a dedicated archive room. 40

And, the existing offices were given a complete refurbishment too. “The expansion reflects the growth of the company. It was the perfect time to make the changes as we’ve recently taken on several new tradesmen and office staff.” The Three Pines team have earned an excellent reputation in the industry and have become known for their ability to complete a project on time and to the highest possible standards, that’s why they’re always in demand with top businesses. “We do a lot of work with commercial clients across the West Midlands area and beyond. We’ve just finished work at the Audi showroom in Halesowen, as well as Skoda in Telford.” But, it’s not just commercial clients that benefit, as the company are always busy completing jobs for their domestic clients.

Seisdon, where we’re building sixteen houses as part of a joint venture with Hovi Developments.” Working closely with the MOD and the Territorial Army, Three Pines frequently carries out works to adapt the homes of injured soldiers, and they’re currently completing a project for the Territorial Army Cadets in the Cotswolds. “We’re lucky to have a fantastic team of both tradesmen and office staff working for us who ensure that we can get every job done to the highest possible standards and in a quick and efficient manner.” The Three Pines team are made up of a dedicated group of tradesmen, many of whom have been with the company for many years.

“We undertake all kinds of domestic work - everything from domestic extensions to major works.”

“We’ve got an incredibly skilled and loyal team working for us. Many of our staff have been with us for a very long time and several started with our company as apprentices and are still working for us today.”

Of course, the company are regularly involved in new-build projects too: “We’re busy working on an exciting project in Fox Road,

Thanks to the hardworking team, it’s no surprise that Three Pines is continuing to go from strength to strength.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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. Recent refurbishment at Halesowen Audi

• 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

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

Grand Theatre COMPETITION

Photgraph by Mark Yeomans

Previous cast photography.

One lucky winner can win two tickets to see THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION on Tuesday 27th September at 7.30pm at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption comes to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 27 September – 1 October. This thrilling stage production examines desperation, injustice,

friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility. The 1994 feature film, regularly voted Britain’s favourite ever movie, starred Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman and was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal

murder of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated at the notorious Shawshank Facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone. Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, and things take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched…

To book 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 Wolverhampton West Magazine or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk by Friday 19th August 2016.

Who played the character of ‘Red’ in the 1994 Shawshank Redemption film? A) Tim Robbins B) Bob Gunton C) Clancy Brown D) Morgan Freeman 42

Competition Terms and Conditions Please send postal entries to Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk. To be received no later than Friday 19th August 2016. 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.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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MBH Builders Ltd

Celebrating twenty years in business

Some of the MBH team, Bill Southall, Marcus Hegarty MD, Phil Holland, Dave Padmore

It’s been 20 years since Marcus Hegarty established M.B.H Builders and 12 years since he made the company limited. Over the two decades he’s been in business, the company has gained a great reputation in the industry, earned a loyal client base - that’s made up of both domestic and commercial customers - and won contracts with some of the UK’s largest insurance companies. So, it’s no surprise that M.B.H. is going from strength to strength in 2016. We caught up with Marcus to find out more.

You’ve reached an impressive milestone this year, celebrating 20 years in business, how did you get the company started? When I left school at 16 I did an apprenticeship and gained my qualifications in City and Guilds/ Advanced Craft in plastering and building. I worked for Wolverhampton Council for 10 years, earning valuable experience in the trade, before deciding that I wanted to set up on my own as M.B.H. I started out doing various jobs for domestic and commercial clients for eight years, before I decided to make the company limited on 1st June 2004. 44

I’ve been in the building trade for 30 years now, so I’ve got a great deal of experience in all aspects of the industry.

including the planning; our architect is on hand to draw up plans which we can then submit to the council on behalf of our client.

It wasn’t long before your business earned an excellent reputation in the trade, winning you contracts with prominent names in the insurance world, tell us more.

We always build a really good relationship with our customers and find that many contact us time and time again to carry out different works on their property.

Yes, we’ve always done a lot of insurance work. We work for many of the ‘big boys’ in insurance; Zurich, Hiscox, Liverpool Victoria and National Farmers Union plus many others. We work throughout the West Midlands and beyond, carrying out restoration work on behalf of the insurer in all kinds of homes everything from a traditional terrace property to a £5million mansion. Our contract is renewed every three years and each time we’ve never been asked to change anything about our work - the company has always been completely satisfied with the job we do.

As we’re Gas Safe, NAPIT and Safe Contractor Accredited, our clients have complete peace of mind when they deal with us.

And you also undertake specialist projects… We take on a diverse range of jobs and have worked with organisations like SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity - to carry out adaptations for injured soldiers, so that their living space meets their needs. We’ve also carried out specialist restoration work at Bantock House.

It’s obvious that you have a highly-skilled team of tradesmen working for you.

You’re kept busy with plenty of work for domestic clients too. What services do you offer homeowners?

Yes, I’m lucky to have an incredibly skilled and loyal team. Having worked in the industry before setting up my own business I got to know who the best people were in each field.

We undertake all kinds of domestic jobs, large and small. We take care of extensions, loft conversions, kitchens, bathrooms and everything in between. Every aspect of the job can be completed by us,

Therefore I was able to handpick my team to ensure that I have the best guys working for me who are not only excellent at the job they do but hardworking, trustworthy and reliable too.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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a company to be proud of! installation effortless and ensure peace of mind - all at a very reasonable price. Proud to be agents of Rangemaster Cookers and Refrigeration, along with top manufacturers, Hotpoint, Bosch, Siemens and Miele; Capital bring the latest and most stylish appliances to your locale.

Boasting an impressive 47 years of trading history, brothers Clive and Patrick Baker have a company to be proud of: Capital Appliances is a trusted, respected and long established family-run business, specialising in high quality white goods. Formed initially at modest premises in Oxley, the extremely successful organisation has expanded rapidly over the years, and now incorporates six outlets, which span both Shropshire and the West Midlands. Shrewsbury, Telford, Kingswinford, Dudley and Wolverhampton are all home to Capital. Always committed to quality, a visit to the central warehouse at Claregate reveals top branded products at spectacular prices. With a display of over 250 built-in ovens, hobs, laundry, refrigeration and cleaning appliances; as well as expertly trained staff on hand to offer impartial advice, every customer experiences only the best in both product and service. As members of Europe’s largest electrical buying group, Euronics, Capital has the same purchasing power as any one of the high street’s chain stores. Making maximum savings available to all customers, end of line and boxed-blemished items are available at bargain prices. But rest assured, purchasing from a store that is passionate about its products, means that they all come with a full warranty.

Excitingly, a new and very exclusive range is on sale also, Blomberg. Available in Germany, the Blomberg brand is on a mission to be in harmony with every aspect of life and creates products with technological, practical and environmentally friendly features and aesthetic design, which all come with a 3 year warranty. Low energy washers, dishwashers, refrigeration and soon to be available built-in ovens and hobs, make up the extensive range, all carrying a very impressive three year warranty. Recently acknowledged for their standards of excellence, Blomberg have been presented with European awards for creating the most energy efficient fridge freezers on the market. The team at Capital are determined to provide a superior and extensive service, as owner Patrick explains: “We offer the complete package and as a result have thousands of satisfied customers. With many internet companies going into administration and letting people down, here at Capital we aim to be ‘hands on’.” “The staff are there to help, guide and advise we recommend Capital and so do many others.” With a reputation for being the best in the business, Capital offer something really special and as Patrick concludes, “the journey is a must to a firm that you can trust.”

Bulk buy and special trade discounts rival that of any internet company and Capital are always keen for a deal to be struck. With stock changing on a regular and even daily basis, a good buy is certainly waiting to be had. Once you have found just what you wanted, a delivery service is on offer to get your new purchase into your home as quickly as possible. Fully qualified ‘Gas Safe’ registered engineers will then make 48

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Meet the boss

Sitting in the firm’s “chill-out area” drinking coffee, a relaxed Kevin Rogers extolls the virtues of the best job he has ever had.

Being brave and pushing boundaries

Quietly confident and upbeat, the life-long Wolves fan is very clear that the prospects of his business show much more promise than the disappointing performance by his beloved football team which saw them end the season languishing in the bottom half of the Championship table. It’s a conversation that’s short and left hanging with a silent exchange of knowing looks. As Chief Executive of not-forprofit health cash plan provider, Paycare, he remains proud of his working class upbringing,

is equally proud of his family values having been married 32 years to Lindsey, and has a consuming social and moral enthusiasm about his 40,000 policy holders and the charitable ethos of his employer. Under his tenure, Paycare has donated generously to charities and local organisations, recently helping to fund The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton that launched in January. A pioneering £5.5 million Wolverhampton City Council

Chief Executive of Paycare, Kevin Rogers – My style is about investing in staff and trusting them to innovate, create, and question.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

partnership with local business, it aims to take 8 to 19-yearolds off the streets and offer them life skills and a creative focus for their futures. Since 1966 the company has given away more than £2 million to worthy causes. Additional support has gone to Staffordshire Wolves Visually Impaired Cricket Club, Bilston FC, Darlaston FC, Penn Cricket Club, Wednesfield Ladies’ FC, and Black Country Fusion – the first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender football club to kick off in the Black Country and play in a mainstream Sunday league. Without question, Kevin breaks the mould of the stereotypical CEO, but his encouraging management style appears to be well received by his 29 staff. In a reference to rock band the Eagles’ 1977 hit, he adds: “People say that working here is like going to the Hotel California – you can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave. Our staff turnover is incredibly low.” It’s something Kevin intends to build upon… “I want to make Paycare the most soughtafter employer in the city.” He adds: “I don’t need to micro manage the team. My style is about trusting people to make the right decisions, investing heavily in them so they can be as great at their jobs as they possibly can be, and it’s about me being brave – I’m always looking to push boundaries. “Many of the training programmes we run are developed by the staff. We run a five-week happiness programme, because happy workers make an efficient team. It’s like this… they might well be present at work, but how present are the staff in their work?” Leaving school with three CSEs and two O-levels, Kevin admits he’s been lucky landing what he describes as his “dream job”.

stock was stolen from his vehicle on the Heath Town estate. “From there I stumbled into accountancy in 1978 and took a trainee job with Tarmac. After ten years I then progressed my career becoming Financial Controller with the Eaton Corporation and then with North American global engineering business, Multimatic.” Kevin took a three-month contract with Paycare as Interim Finance Manager in 2009 after being made redundant. “From the day I walked into the building I was impressed by the culture. Coming from a profit-driven background, it was very different. The job was more about people, and what and how we could invest in them. And I’ve loved every day here since,” he says. Proud of its Wolverhampton roots, Paycare is based in the historic enclave of George Street, a pretty cobbled road just on the outskirts of the city centre. The company, still known by some as the Patients’ Aid Association, was founded in 1874 out of the city’s former Royal Hospital. “The romantic story, though some facts may be lost in the telling, is that a fund was first set up when factory foremen collected premiums to safeguard their workers from costly doctor’s bills,” Kevin says. “It was a way of ensuring ordinary people could receive affordable, everyday healthcare. Their contributions – the penny in the pound or Saturday fund initiatives – were a simple way of budgeting for unforeseen health expenditure. “Of course, for the factory owners it meant their workforce remained healthy and able to work.

“As both the chief executive of Paycare and also personally, I am driven to preserve the good intentions of those founders and that impacts on the way I manage our team. And, not least, the way policyholders are treated,” adds Kevin. Some 90,000 claims are processed every year, 95 per cent within 48 hours. “People get to speak to my team, not a call centre, and the claims process could not be more simple. In essence, we are doing now what’s been done for 142 years. Our ethos is not how can we avoid the claim, but rather, how can we pay it,” he explains. With only three major stakeholders in the business – the policyholders, employees and benefitting charities – the company, as a notfor-profit concern, is able to invest generously back to its customers and the community in which it serves. “I’m really proud of how efficiently the team work and the amount of funding that can go directly back to our policyholders,” says Kevin. As part of the Paycare service, the company offers its policies to businesses under its Employee Paid Benefits scheme. “But it doesn’t finish there,” adds Kevin. “We work with over 800 business and help many with performance management matters, signposting vital services including mental health and counselling providers, as well as with HR and communications.” Paycare is indeed a rare find – a place where humility, humanity and moral principles join and drive the economies of success in this remarkable piece of living history.

With aspirations of becoming a professional footballer when he was younger, he soon realised he “just wasn’t talented enough” and took work as a milkman. It didn’t last long. His entire milk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Lighting R Us Celebrating their first year in business kinds of domestic, commercial and industrial installations.” The electrical business has developed an extensive client base over the years and Paul and his team have won contracts with The University of Wolverhampton as well as big businesses like Cousins. And, the company is a favourite with domestic clients too, who know that they can call on Paul and his team to take care of any job, big or small. “The electrical side of the business is really well established but we wanted to expand on the lighting side of the company to give our customers an extensive choice of fittings for their home.” (centre front) Paul Jones, MD and his team

It’s been a year since Lighting R Us opened their impressive showroom in Macrome Road, Aldersley, Wolverhampton. Supplying the very best selection of lighting, the company have quickly become known for their fantastic range of fittings. As Manager, Laura Aston explains: “We have thousands of light fittings, in all different styles and designs. We’ve got everything from modern and contemporary pieces to traditional styles as well as statement fittings that create a real focal point in a room.”

as well as an extensive selection of LED lighting.” And, there’s even a small selection of furniture too: “We stock console tables, chests, drawers and mirrors. We also have some beautiful garden furniture that’s perfect for enjoying in the summer months.” “The business started over 30 years ago from a small showroom in Green Lane, as part of Laura’s stepfather’s - Paul Jones company, Paul Jones Electrical.” “Central Electrical Contracts Ltd has been in business since 2008, the company takes care of all

After finding that their small showroom no longer met the needs of their increasing customer base, Paul decided to grow the business and move out of Central Electrical Contracts Ltd offices into a new, dedicated showroom to expand Lighting R Us. Providing their customers with the same excellent levels of customer service, the lighting company have already earned a loyal client base. “We work hard to provide an excellent personal service for all of our customers,” adds Laura. So, there’s no doubt that Lighting R Us will continue to go from strength to strength as they enter their second year in business.

And, there’s something for every budget: “Whatever the budget, our customers are sure to find something that fits their price range. We use many different suppliers to provide our clients with the best choice.” The showroom has lighting that’s perfect for every room in the home, as well as a selection of exterior lights. “We have pretty much everything even nightlights for kid’s bedrooms. We also sell commercial lighting and sign lights for businesses, 52

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Summer

in the Garden

Once July and August arrive most of the hard work in the garden should be done and you can start to reap the benefits of all that back breaking labour.

Tubs and baskets need watering daily if the weather is dry, do it first thing in the morning or in the evening to avoid scorching leaves. Remember to liquid feed weekly. Warm summer winds can dry plants out quickly so make sure that you keep the base of new plants moist and firm into the soil to prevent rocking. Tomatoes and cucumbers need water regularly during

hot weather – preferably in the morning – this keeps the atmosphere humid and stops the plants being damp overnight which can cause problems with mildew and botrytis, particularly with cucumbers. Make sure greenhouses are well ventilated on warm days. Once tomato plants are as tall as you want them, take out the growing point one leaf above the last truss of fruit.

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

impatiens for summer show. Many herbaceous plants are available in 2 -3 litre pots and will lift any bare spot instantly. Going into August it’s time to start trimming hedges. Use secateurs on large leaved plants such as Laurels to save mutilating foliage. Cut out the old fruited stems from blackcurrants and gooseberries once the fruit is picked.

Continue to sow salad crops – small amounts fortnightly for a continuous supply. Pick runner beans regularly to encourage further cropping, keep plants moist so beans are tender.

Plant seed potatoes in tubs in July and August to get a crop of new potatoes for Christmas. Remember they’ll need frost protection once the winter frosts appear in November and December.

Any gaps in borders can be filled by adding instant colour. Plant larger geraniums, begonias or

Watch out for autumn planting bulbs arriving towards the end of August.

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www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN WITH OUTDOOR LIVING

Steve Tonks, General Manager at Boningale Garden Creations provides his top design tips We may live in a temperate climate, but that’s no reason for our gardens to be used only during the few weeks that we enjoy hot, sunny days.

choose from, from barbecues to increasingly popular pizza ovens.

It’s easy to turn your garden into a room you can use all year round – all you need to do is take a little time to think carefully about the design, making sure it fits in with your needs.

Consider building a low wall around your seating area, and add some strategically placed lighting and heating. This will not only make it a more intimate, “room-like” space, it will also help you feel less exposed to the elements.

The first thing to do is decide what your priorities are. If you want to use your outdoor space to cook and eat outside, then there are plenty of options to

A canopy is another great option: not only will it shade you from the height of the sun, when we get it; it will also provide some much-needed shelter when the heavens open!

Complement this cooking area with a cosy entertaining space, complete with a table, comfy outdoor sofas and chairs, so you can enjoy a relaxed meal in comfort.

You should also consider creating a seamless pathway from indoors to outdoors (make the garden an integral part of the home). Use materials and hard landscaping in complementary colours. If you decide to use decking to complement a wooden floor, make sure the boards run in the same direction as the flooring in your home – this will ensure a better flow. The choice of paving can also make a real difference to the look and feel of your garden. Get a few samples and see how they look in their intended space, particularly if they are right against your property. Pour some water on them, too; you may find the colours are completely different when they have been rained on!

If you need any further information or want to seek professional advice from our award-winning garden designers please visit www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk or call me on 01902 376500.

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V I C T O R Y P A INTING G R O U P

1 1 t h A N N UA L E X H I B I T I O N

Lake View, Mel Eddowes

We would like to make you very welcome this August Bank Holiday Weekend to our Annual Exhibition on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August from 11.00am to 4.30pm. The members of victory Painting Group have had a very busy year and have taken great pride in producing well over 200 paintings for you to see. The paintings cover many subjects and styles in a variety of sizes and media and are available for sale at very attractive prices. If you enjoy art and paintings our exhibition is not to be missed. Please feel free to come along and browse, we would love to see you.

Finally, a beautiful mixed media painting of Cow Parsley by Midlands artist Clare Botterill who specialises in landscapes and floral studies in varied materials and media. All the prizes have been framed professionally by the Framers Gallery of Wolverhampton. We also have a wide range greeting cards printed from original paintings by Victory Painting Group members for sale, they are usually very popular. Most of the artists will be available over the weekend and take great pleasure to give information about their work or to have just a friendly chat over a cuppa and a tempting homemade cake.

We have three raffle prizes on offer this year by professional artists who have visited our club for demonstrations in the last twelve months. There is a pastel painting of a Puffin by self-taught local artist Shane Wiseman from Walsall.

We display paintings throughout the year in ‘Waitrose’ cafe area, which we renew at two to three month intervals. ‘Gravel Hill Doctors Surgery’ in Wombourne and the ‘Farmer and Friends’ cafe at Shipley Garden Village are also venues where we permanently display our work.

He is a well-respected wildlife artist who has travelled to many countries to study his wildlife subject first hand. Shane exhibits at the Wildlife Art Society International and belongs to Marwell International Wildlife Society and is a member of the Association of Animal Artists.

Admission to the exhibition is FREE. We have good parking with disabled access. Refreshments will be available all day.

We have a further pastel by West Country artist Graham Cox. This is a landscape typical of his ‘moody views’ style.

Orchids, Jill Smith

Mr Meskopheles, Elaine Skidmor

The exhibition takes place at Victory Hall, Greyhound Lane, Lower Penn WV4 4UN (next to the Greyhound Pub). Website www.victorypaintinggroup.co.uk Inquiries - via website

The Old Wreck, Les Eccleston

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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R C C l e a n i n g Treat your home to a professional clean Even though we all know that first impressions count many of us overlook the exterior appearance of our property. Dirty fascias, grimy conservatories and blocked gutters don’t just look unattractive; they also devalue your property. That’s why it’s important to regularly treat your home to a professional clean. Fortunately, the team at RC Cleaning are ready and waiting to transform your home. “I’ve established a really good customer base over the seven years I’ve been in business and many of my clients have recommended my services to their friends and relatives.”

As owner, Richard Cotterill explains: “We undertake all aspects of exterior cleaning from top to bottom. We clean roofs, fascias, soffits, inside and outside of gutters, window frames and sills, garage doors, porches, conservatories and orangeries.”

It’s no surprise that RC has gone from strength to strength as Richard prides himself on the work he does for his clients.

And the company also install Hedgehog Gutter Guards: “Many homeowners don’t realise just how problematic blocked gutters can be and often don’t notice a problem until they’re overflowing.”

“I’m really passionate about what I do and I take pride in my work. Cleaning is incredibly rewarding and I get real job satisfaction from seeing the transformation once a job is complete.”

When gutters become blocked water can get into the brickwork and cause damp problems in your home.

And the company also offer a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning service too.

“Well maintained gutters are essential, that’s why it’s so important to have them regularly cleaned out to keep them working effectively. Installing Hedgehog Gutter Guards prevents gutters from blocking.”

The business is accredited by Age Concern, which proves to highlight just how trustworthy and reliable Richard is.

Many homeowners have benefited from Richard’s cleaning services since he started the company in 2009.

“Homeowners can rest assured that whatever the job, they’ll receive only the best service when they use RC Cleaning.”

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01902 448289 or 07792 359262 Bhylls Crescent, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton

RC Cleaning 58

Age Concern approved trader wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Professional paving and patio cleaning at affordable prices, get your drive looking pristine

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The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton

The end to Rotary’s 30 year war is in sight Over 40 years ago, a meeting of the World Health Assembly decided that a programme of extended immunisation should be initiated to tackle six crippling diseases which struck down children. This got underway and in rich countries immunisation was making good progress, but in the poorer countries nothing was happening. They simply did not have the funds to carry out immunisation programmes. In 1979, The Philippines was struggling to immunise their six million children, coping with some 2,000 polio cases yearly. Rotary International, through its own charitable fund The Rotary Foundation, made a grant of $700,000 to provide vaccine over the next five years.

numbers dramatically reduced to about 2,000 per year - a great improvement, but still some way to go.

Enter Bill Gates. Rotarians raised a further $100million and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation doubled this amount. There have been many problems to be overcome, including civil wars, and opposition by the Taliban, but by 2013 the total number of cases was down to about 200. Now The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation became the fifth member of the Consortium. In 2013 it was calculated that the last case of polio would occur by the end of 2015, but that it would be necessary to continue immunising children until the end of 2018, 3 years after the last reported case. This was estimated to cost $5.5billion.

By 1985 the number of cases of polio in the Philippines could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Bill Gates has offered to treble everything that Rotary raises, up to $35million each year, to end of 2018.

Joint initiative.

Bill Gates, at a recent Convention in Seoul declared “This Campaign would never have started without Rotary. This is Rotary’s legacy to the children of the world. Not just this generation, but all future generations.”

Inspired by this dramatic achievement, Rotary International pledged itself to immunising all of the world’s children against polio. By 1988 Rotarians had raised $248million and a consortium was set up which saw The World Health Organization, UNICEF and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joining forces in the battle against this crippling disease, undertaken by Rotary three years earlier. At that time Polio was endemic in 125 countries, with 1,000 children being afflicted every day. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was established, with the goal of eradicating polio by the year 2000. This target was missed, but the fifteen year campaign had seen

So far this year there have been only 16 cases worldwide - 5 in Afghanistan and 11 in Pakistan.

On the front line. The logistics of this battle are frightening, made worse by the fact that whereas in the early years a single dose of vaccine was effective, growing resistance now means that many revisits can be needed. National Immunisation Days are planned when Rotarians from all over the world travel to the target country for the campaign. For example, twice a year, and at their

own expense, about 200 Rotarians from the UK travel via Delhi and go into the slums and to remote villages across the country to work with local volunteers, administering the vaccines - a simple procedure of placing two drops on a child’s tongue. The figures are quite staggering. It is quite usual on a National Immunisation Day for the many hundreds of workers to be able to administer the vaccines to over 6 million children. As soon as a child has been treated, a purple dye is put on the finger as visible evidence that the vaccine has been administered. The next day, the volunteers tour the areas on so called ‘mop up’ days and, by looking for children who don’t have the dye, ensure that no child is missed. Rotarian Richard Green, a past President of the Wolverhampton club and just stepping down as District Governor, recently took part in a National Immunisation Day in India. Says Richard “It was a very moving experience to see the huge programme in action and to be a part of it, hastening the end to this truly dreadful disease.”

For more information about Rotary visit www.rotaryinwolverhampton.co.uk 60

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

OUR TRADEMARK IS EXCELLENCE

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Wolverhampton Police Gun crime across the West Midlands has fallen dramatically over the last ten years.

However illegal guns are still being used in a variety of crimes from robberies up to murder and the force is committed to stopping this once and for all. Under Operation Captiva we are rooting out people carrying illegal weapons and arresting them, because we want to take both criminals and their weapons out of our community.

about crime and where it is happening. You can report information to them in confidence and without fear of them revealing to the police who has passed on that information.

To tell Crimestoppers what you know, not who you are, call them on 0800 555 111 or report it online using their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you know someone who has a gun or where one might be kept, you can help get the guns off our streets by anonymously calling Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers are an independent charity helping law enforcement to locate criminals and help solve crime. They only take information

Windows 10 Update Finchfield IT Microsoft’s decision to release a Windows 10 update that forces people’s computers to automatically upgrade has certainly been keeping us busy. This seems to be a strange thing to have done. The choice when offered the upgrade is no longer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, but ‘Yes’ or ‘Later’. If Later is selected it comes back at some point and does a countdown saying it will install. This has happened to several customers who weren’t using their computers 62

at the time, only to return to it and find a new Operating System. Some of the upgrades haven’t gone as smoothly as they should, meaning Programs don’t work properly or are completely removed and files seem to have disappeared.

PC Support & Service

Even when the upgrades have worked, this process is forcing the upgrade onto people who were happy with the Operating System they were using. In most cases it is fairly straight forward to revert the previous version of Windows, although some have needed a data backup and a complete wipe and reinstall of Windows.

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22 GOLD MEDAL nd

for David Austin Roses

at the Chelsea Flower Show 2016

A giant copper peach sculpture, surrounded by the ‘Roald Dahl’ rose as a tribute to James and the Giant Peach. £2.50 from the sale of each Roald Dahl rose will be donated to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

David Austin Roses is delighted to announce that its rose garden exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a gold medal. This takes their total to twenty-two golds at this prestigious show. David C. H. Austin said: “On a personal note, this year’s Chelsea Flower Show has been extra special as I am celebrating my 90th

David C H Austin wishing Her Majesty The Queen a Happy 90th Birthday. Like the Queen, David Austin is celebrating his 90th birthday year and continues to go to work every day.

birthday year. I first exhibited at Chelsea in 1983 and this has been my 33rd show. “It is always the pinnacle of my year and introducing my new varieties of English Roses gives me the utmost satisfaction. But I have also received two wonderful birthday presents – the honour of meeting Her Majesty The Queen on Monday followed by receiving a gold medal – I could not have asked for a better birthday gift.”

Felicity Dahl presenting Dame Judi Dench with a Roald Dahl rose bouquet

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Oh What a Night! In fact there were so many nights. Music, speakers, drama – it would be hard to pick out a favourite and each person will have their own special memories. Codsall Community Arts Festival is pleased to report that the latest festival was another success. Attendance was greatly

increased compared with 2014 and feedback suggests that the audience has been extremely complimentary, not only about the acts but also the professional sound and lighting, courtesy of Dan Street. The Festival is most fortunate in having such an enthusiastic, loyal and appreciative audience. As always the committee is extremely indebted to the band of volunteers who help make the events pass so smoothly but enormous gratitude is also owed to patrons whose subscriptions allow the events to be booked in the first place. If anyone would like to register their interest in becoming a patron for the 2018 Festival, please email the Festival address for more information.

www.codsallartsfestival.org.uk T: 07852 200421 Registered Charity 1127064

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Kinver Country Fayre Re-scheduled for Sunday 4th September Kinver’s annual Country Fayre, due to take place on 19th June, had sadly to be postponed due to unprecedented flooding of the event fields. On the Friday morning before the Fayre, organisers went down to the fields to find a lake in their place complete with ducks! The River Stour, which borders the site, had burst its banks overnight, scuppering all plans for the weekend’s activities. “I have lived in Kinver since 1958”, said June Dillow, one of the organisers “and I have never seen flooding like this on these fields before.”

Nearly all stallholders have re-booked, with new ones keen to be involved. “There’s a lot to be said for the new date,” added organiser Andy Calloway. “It’s the end of the school holidays, so people should be back home and looking for a fun way

to round-off summer. We have been absolutely bowled over by the amount of support we’ve received from all quarters and we would like to thank everyone for the offers of help. We are expecting a great turn-out for a September Kinver Country Fayre - see you there.”

A tremendous effort by all involved resulted in a speedy notification to the 100 plus participants that the event could not go ahead and that a new date was already planned, Sunday 4 September. The White Helmets, the Royal Signals’ famous motorcycle display team, will still be performing two spectacular shows as scheduled, with a full programme of entertainment in place including music, dance, fun dog show, High Street parade, children’s fancy dress and much more besides.

Photo courtesy of Purelight Photography

Find out more at: www.kinvercountryfayre.com or email: info@kinvercountryfayre.com Follow us @KinverFayre Like us /kinvercountryfayre

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Major Refurbishment

at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has announced plans for a major refurbishment due to take place in the summer of 2016 with a grand opening in the autumn. The new Encore Lounge will be created in the current stalls bar and will maximise the use of space, providing more seating and creating a small stage for extra

performances such as comedy and live music. The Dress Circle will feature new exclusive booths and a suite available for hire and the Grand Circle will have improved seating areas and another suite that will also function as a conference room. The booths and suites were recently named by the public as part of a popular online campaign. The refurbishment will allow the Grand Theatre to become more of a destination, somewhere to

visit during the day, outside of performance times for drinks. The work will take place during the theatre’s summer period in 2016, for minimal disruption to touring shows. The new project will be funded jointly by the Black Country and Wolverhampton LEP and the Grand Theatre along with fundraising. Chief Executive, Adrian Jackson said: “I am delighted we are able to extend our refurbishment project to include the whole front of house area. Enhancing the Theatre in this way will greatly improve the customer experience and will ensure the Grand not only continues as a celebrated Theatre venue but also becomes a popular daytime and early evening destination for socialising and intimate performance within the heart of the city centre”.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Go wild in Wolverhampton this summer!

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

Now in its fifty-first year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition provides a showcase for the world’s very best nature photography. The resulting exhibition is put together by the world-renowned and trusted British institution, the Natural History Museum. The exhibition, visiting Wolverhampton as part of a worldwide tour, boasts more than 75 of the 100 stunning images that form the full collection. Take in some of the world’s most astonishing sights and see nature at its most staggering in this blockbuster show put

together by the world-renowned and trusted British institution, The Natural History Museum. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for more than 50 years. Founded in 1964 and organised and produced by the Natural History Museum, it is one of the longest and most prestigious photography competitions in the world. This year the competition again received more than 40,000 submissions from amateur and

professional photographers from more than 95 countries, all of whom were competing for the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Every year, the best images submitted are selected to form the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which tours venues across the world to millions of visitors, helping to ensure that biodiversity and sustainability remain at the forefront of public awareness. Prices are £4 for adults, £2 for children and family tickets (two adults and two children) are £10. It runs from 23 July – 18 September perfect for the school summer holidays.

You can pre-order tickets for weekend entry here: www.wolvescivic.co.uk/-/mbo-events www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Au t h e n t i c I tal i a n

g a s t ro n o m y in the hear t of Willenhall If you do one thing this weekend - or any weekend for that matter, make it a trip to Corbelli’s Little Italy Deli. This Aladdin’s cave offers the finest selection of Italian foods and wines that you just won’t find in any main stream supermarket. Mainly a wholesaler, Corbelli’s opens its doors to the public at weekends; on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. Established in 1965 Corbelli’s Little Italy Deli is quite literally a hidden gem. It initially opened in Wolverhampton in 1965 and moved to its current location in Lower Lichfield Street, Willenhall in 1980. It can be tricky to find but it’s well worth the search. The delicatessen and winery was started by Giovanni Corbelli and is now run by his sons Giuseppe and Pietro. They offer a warm welcome and are keen to share their in depth knowledge of their exquisite produce. The range at Corbelli’s is vast, from cheeses and meats to antipasti and pasta and not forgetting the wines – there are hundreds to choose from! The aroma from the wine vats is aromatic and intoxicating. If you are a keen wine maker, it’s worth adding a diary note that on Saturday 3rd September the finest grapes are arriving from Italy, red first and then a week later white. It’s a keenly anticipated event so you will have to be quick to get your order. Meanwhile the wines stocked are sure to cater for every taste.

Owner, Giuseppe Corbelli and Warehouse Manager, Pasquale Montana

also a fabulous collection of coffees, condiments, tins, jars that will keep well and be the perfect answer to the ‘no more turkey!’ feeling, yet still providing something special. So if you are looking for the finest Italian foods at wholesale prices and a unique shopping experience, then pay Corbelli’s a visit at 43 Lower Lichfield Street, Willenhall WV13 1QQ – you won’t be disappointed.

LITTLE ITALY DELI

The recent re-opening of the winery welcomes the return of home produced Marsala; rich and enticing and the perfect accompaniment for all of those fine cheeses. If beer is more your bag then you won’t be disappointed with the selection, spirits and liqueurs are a plenty and varied. If you are looking to stock up with some special treats for Christmas then Corbelli’s has to be on your list. Why not create a truly unique hamper for the perfect gift for a foodie in your life? As well as fresh produce there’s

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Sizzling Summer Food at

R J Hipkiss & Sons Butchers

We believe in providing our customers with the very best quality locally sourced beef, lamb, pork and English poultry. Gluten Free products available including stir-frys and sausages, new oils that can pretty much be used on anything!

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All the summer barbecue favourites are back! Spatchcock chickens, great selection of marinated grill sticks, bbq pork ribs, wide range of meaty sausages, succulent handmade burgers and lots more!

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Open: Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 6.00pm, Sunday 8am to 4pm Tel: 01902 745956 wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Wolverham

Halfpenny Green Vineyards the perfect setting for summer

The sun is out, the wine is flowing, and it’s ice creams all around as the grapes begin to grow at Halfpenny Green. Back in March The Vineyards appointed a brand new head chef, Scott, in their restaurant. With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, he is already proving a roaring success. His new menu - now served throughout the airy

conservatory, intimate restaurant and tranquil garden areas - is being met with fantastic reviews from customers. Breakfast is served from 9-11am, and lunch from 12-3pm seven days a week. Sandwiches, cakes and drinks are served throughout the day. The Vineyards are also excited to announce that a series of brand new á la carte style evenings will be launched in the autumn. If a liquid lunch caters more for your appetite, why not try a wine tasting experience in the new Wine Loft? With views over the lush Staffordshire countryside and a specially trained wine taster on hand, the setting is absolutely perfect to sample some of the award-winning English wines that are sold in the on-site shop (as well as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer Stores around the country!)

If a posh afternoon celebration is more your cup of tea, why not indulge with a vintage afternoon tea! Served from 2:30pm daily, you will enjoy homemade finger sandwiches, cream cakes and scones, served with tea or coffee - or even a glass of sparkling wine, for an extra special day out! From couples and small groups, to large parties and even corporate and private functions, it’s the perfect afternoon out for any occasion (booking necessary). The Staffordshire countryside serves as the perfect backdrop for this rural retreat, and with 16 other businesses as part of the on-site Craft Centre, there’s something for everyone! For all the latest news and information, follow Halfpenny Green Vineyards on Facebook and Twitter, and sign-up to the fortnightly newsletter on the website.

www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP Enjoy Vintage High Tea in style, perfect for couples and groups of all sizes. Gift Vouchers available. Other functions and events available upon enquiry.

Wine Tasting Experiences held in the Wine Loft all year round. Gift vouchers available.

Brand new restaurant menu for summer 2016, now served in the garden and conservatory areas. New À La Carte style evenings beginning in the autumn

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.00AM – 5.00PM Tel: 01384 221122 Email: sales@halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk 74

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY

Gallery Café: 10.30AM – 4.30PM With a great selection of salads, quiche, Illy coffee, loose leaf tea and naughty-but-nice cake. There’s a tempting treat for everyone.

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Eating Out & Entertainment *over a 2 month period

Promote your venue to over 50,000* readers with Wolverhampton West Magazine For further details and to find out how your venue can be featured please call Gisella on 01902 744217

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

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Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for over 25 years. “We pride ourselves on our Quality of Food, Excellent Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction.” Recently refurbished in contemporary surroundings, air conditioned and fully licensed. Our popular Take-away Service is still the best in Wombourne offering 10% off our Menu price.

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www.wombournetandoori.com wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Christmas at Molineux Party packages now available for November and December 2016 Please call our Christmas Party bookings team on: 0871 222 2220 (Option 5) or email: christmas@wolves.co.uk

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Butlers Bar By Rob Taylor

& Restaurant

Sometimes all you crave from a restaurant serving Sunday Lunch is a smidgen of care and an ounce of competence. You don’t want culinary fireworks. You don’t want gastronomic gymnastics, defiantly pretentious derring-do dining or Michelin-starred madness – because if I have to sample just one more cucumber sorbet or onion ice cream, I’ll blow a fuse. Yes, what you really want is for everybody involved to cover the basics and, in restaurant parlance, take bloody good care of every cover. Obviously for many of us, much familial squabbling and sitcom-worthy mishaps rule out the stay-at-home Sunday lunch institution upheld now only by the fiercest dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists. Cheap and cheerful “pile yer platter high and be fed from a trough” pub fare is out on account of basic civility. So what’s the best alternative? Which establishment walks the optimum line to provide hungry punters with a perfect medium – between basic and baffling; cheap and costly; filling and fussy? Well, one restaurant that seems to have

everything absolutely right and in order is Butler’s Bar and Restaurant, located inside Park House Hotel, Shifnal. It is here where today I am – with my long-suffering partner, Nicola – dining along with many other non- hotel residents. Sunday Lunch here evidently proves especially popular. One look at the menu clues me in as to why; one look at the Two for One offer on Three Courses for a fixed price of £24.95 underscores it emphatically. And already, on first impressions, I have high hopes. There may be more lovely settings in which to dine in Shifnal’s cutesy confines, but I know of none better. Butler’s just feels like a good restaurant with good food and a relaxed atmosphere – which is precisely what we want. The dining room is understatedly grand. It has a high ceiling, with expansive windows, allowing sunlight to bounce around the room. There’s a chandelier, a wooden floor. Glassware and cutlery flash and shine. The sounds of hearty conversation and laughter from diners wafts gently around the large, friendly space – a cliché, but a necessary one in a hotel which is a whole raft of glorious cliché, belonging to England’s most decadent and illustrious past, made modern and exciting in just the right dosage. The Park House Hotel’s bricks and mortar positively sing our national anthem. Stop in for a spot of Afternoon Tea in the restaurant and you’ll never want to leave. With all of this going for it, the restaurant itself could be forgiven for phoning in a performance: hamming it up like De Niro in his latest comedy. Food simply needs to be solid, competent and un-worrying. Service needs to be only mediocre. But it’s not - far from it, in fact. Butler’s today is uncompromisingly brilliant in both food and service. We receive a warm and friendly welcome from Restaurant Manager, Sophie, whose encyclopaedic

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

knowledge of the food here proves itself integral to us being able to sniff out two of the most coveted dishes. Her staff are also very attentive and to-time. It is lunch – and although a Sunday, we don’t have hours – and so they are vigilant without being vaguely pushy. So what do you get for your £24.95? Well there’s an extensive Sunday Lunch menu (better than some restaurant’s main menu) replete with plenty of meat, as well as more than just a token few veggie options. I enjoy ‘Salmon and Prawn Tian, with a lemon and caper salad’; Nicola opts for ‘Carrot and Coriander Soup, with crusty bread roll’. Both starters arrive speedily. Even a large party of 20 people in a raised cordoned off part of the dining room, who seem to be eating very well, as a succession of dishes and platters are religiously brought up to them, doesn’t interrupt service at our table. I’m reliably informed that Nicola’s choice found precisely the right spot, her expert summation being, “a thick, creamy and full-bodied conglomeration of colour and culinary class.” My salmon starter is well-proportioned and well-presented. A satisfying medley of flavours which prove light and zesty, leaving little impression upon my ardour for my main selection: ‘Baked Pork Loin, with caramelised apples, puree and cider gravy.’ When it arrives piping hot, suffusing flavour and colour, I am overjoyed. Chuffed also with her choice – ‘Slow Roasted Beef, with Yorkshire pudding and red wine jus’ – is Nicola, who is eager to point out the virtues of the stand-out red wine jus and the meat, which is “especially good, which is as it should be – as some of the best beef in Britain is raised not too far from here.” And being the daughter of cattle farmer, I dare not beg to differ. Nor will I interrupt her from spreading copious lashings of homemade horseradish sauce onto every mouthful, even the assortment of roast potatoes, honey-roasted parsnips and carrots, creamed leeks and other “green meanies” (which accompany every menu selection) cannot escape her hankering for the fiery stuff. My main is exquisitely executed. Special mention goes to the cider gravy, which serves to enliven the inherent shortcomings of pork. For me personally, pork is always a torpid and uninspiring meat; chosen in this instance more to help speak of the quality of the kitchen and its suppliers, rather than as to be my first choice. I’m delighted to find however that the meat is well above par, both in succulence and taste. The beautifully formed medallions are almost entirely without fat and, with the aforementioned merits of the cider gravy, make a most enjoyable meal. The dessert menu choices are ‘Forest Fruit Pavlova with vanilla ice cream’ and ‘Millionaire Shortbread Sundae with white chocolate sauce.’ My Pavlova is a revelation – absolutely no bottled whipped cream nonsense here, only a smooth, opulent assortment of fresh fruit encaved in sugary meringue. Nicola’s shortbread encourages all of the right “ooohs” and “aaahhs” and other murmurs of enjoyment also. Sometimes proper words can be entirely redundant and only onomatopoeia will do. Dine at Butler’s at Park House Hotel, Shifnal, on a Sunday and you’ll know exactly what I mean. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

The Park House Hotel, Park Street, Shifnal, Telford, TF11 9BA. To reserve a table please call on 01952 460128 or email reservations@parkhousehotel.net 79

ENJOY A SUNDAY CARVERY AT THE WERGS Come and spend a relaxing sunday afternoon with us SERvED fROm 12pm – 4pm

ONE cOURSE: £11.95 TWO cOURSE: £15.95 THREE cOURSE: £19.95 cHilDREN UNDER 12 (ONE cOURSE): £8.95 Also serving Breakfast, morning coffee and lunches

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keepers lane, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton West midlands Wv6 8UA e info@wergsgolfclub.com

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fOR fURTHER iNfORmATiON ON GOlf, DiNiNG OR fUNcTiONS OR TO mAkE A

BOOkiNG plEASE cAll

01902 742 225

The Park house hoTel Shifnal

www.parkhousehotel.net

2 for 1 on Sunday Lunch Book a table in our restaurant for a traditional 3 course Sunday Lunch at £24.95 and receive another 3 course lunch FREE*.

Please quote Wolverhampton West Magazine when booking. *Valid until 31st December 2016. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not valid for private dining or for bookings of more than 6 people. Valid only when 3 courses are purchased.

Join us for Christmas New Christmas brochure now available, first 20 people to request a brochure and book will receive a complimentary bottle of wine.

To reserve a table or for more information on events at The Park House Hotel, please call our sales team now on 01952 460128. The Park House Hotel, Park Street, Shifnal, Telford, TF11 9BA

reservations@parkhousehotel.net

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Fish and FizZ at The Shrewsbury Arms

Here at The Shrewsbury Arms, we love to celebrate the arrival of the weekend with a little luxury, and our Fish and Fizz menu provides the opportunity for just that.

Running alongside our Full Main Menu, from 6pm until 10pm on Friday’s, our specially selected menu is created weekly by our experienced Chef’s with some of the finest fresh fish, caught and driven from Brixham Harbour that morning, we pride ourselves on bringing you the taste of the sea.

Accompany your meal with a bottle of Prosecco which is discounted alongside our Fish and Fizz Menu, you can really relax into the weekend in style and enjoy live music from our local, hand-picked artists starting at 9pm in the Bar area.

Full Main Menu Available 7 days a week

Fish & Fizz Fridays Every Friday

We serve a 'Fish Inspired' Menu and offer great discounts on Prosecco

New and improved

Cocktail Menu

Just in time for summer, 2 for £12.00!

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

PAYCARE

pledges support for visually impaired cricket team A not-for-profit organisation is marking the start of a successful partnership which has seen it sponsor a local visually impaired cricket team. Wolverhampton-based Paycare has pledged its support to the Staffordshire Wolves which has seen the club secure new branded shirts which were worn for the first time during their recent home match at Wolverhampton Cricket Club in their Blind Cricket England and Wales Regional League (North and West) match against Lancashire Lions.

Kevin Rogers, CEO of Paycare, explained: “We are absolutely thrilled to be announced as the official sponsor of the Staffordshire Wolves team, and in supporting them in the future as they compete with other visually impaired teams from across the country in the North and West Regional League. As an organisation, Paycare is proud of helping to support the communities it serves, and this team is another example of a fantastic initiative within our region. We wish the team huge success during the coming season!” Staffordshire Wolves was launched in 2014 following a desire by Wolverhampton Cricket Club to promote visually impaired

cricket in Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and since this time, have worked closely with Beacon Centre for the Blind in Wolverhampton. With players both male and female, and spanning all ages, the club focuses on not just enhancing the individual players’ cricketing ability, but in supporting the personal development of its team across areas such as increasing selfconfidence and social skills. Mike Elphick, Community Development Officer at Staffordshire Wolves, added: “Our aim is to develop our players’ cricket ability and to offer a supportive network for individuals to increase their self-confidence and social skills. We have players travelling to training match days to Wolverhampton from across the area, and we encourage anyone interested in joining to get in touch. We’d like to thank the team at Paycare for its kind sponsorship of the team, who I know are hugely grateful of the support and who are proud to wear their new shirts. Paycare’s generosity will help us to compete in the league and feel proud to represent our county and city in the future.” 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.

Mike Elphick (Community Development Officer) with Andy Causton (Staffordshire Wolves player) and Kevin Rogers (Paycare)

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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

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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 371 000

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.

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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 371 000

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 371 000

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www.paycare.org 83

S e x y S u m m e r S t y l e At Nothing says laidback summer style better than hair that’s textured, tousled and sun-kissed. Whether you’re on the beach or in the city, when the sun’s shining it’s the perfect look for long or mid-length hair. We caught up with Royston Blythe’s colour expert, James Kelly, to find out how to achieve the look that’s favoured by A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

How can we achieve that gorgeous, natural colour look that’s sported by celebs? Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are well known for their balyage colour look. It’s a technique that’s perfect for creating a really soft, natural and flattering finish, which makes it perfect for relaxed summer styles. As it’s a completely bespoke colour service, colours are carefully chosen and placed to enhance client’s individual skin tone, ensuring gorgeous results. And, the balyage technique can be used on light or dark hair.

I’d love to swap my dark hair in favour of a blonde balyage colour, ready for my summer holiday, but I’m worried about damaging my long lengths. We use a fantastic treatment at the salon, called Olaplex, that we can add to colour treatments to really minimise the damage caused by the lightening process, even if you’re making an extreme colour change.

Photo by Jean Nelson

It’s also amazing when used as a standalone treatment, as it works to restore damaged hair by repairing bonds in the hair shaft.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

It seems that the balyage colour look works really well on ‘beachy’ style hair. The technique really flatters long or mid-length hair that’s cut with long layers and styled with texture for a laid-back, ‘undone’ look. Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley show just how gorgeous the colour and style work together on two different lengths of hair.

Can ladies with short or thin hair still achieve the look? Extensions are great for adding length, thickness and texture to short or fine hair, so if it’s a style you love you can still achieve it with extensions. We use Rapture hair extensions at the salon which are applied to hair quickly and easily, in less than an hour. There’s no damage to your own hair and they can give you the length and volume you want instantly. Rapture’s extensions provide a really natural look because they’re taped into hair - not bonded - and are of the finest quality. We wouldn’t use any other brand at the salon. Thanks to Royston Blythe, getting the perfect summer look for your hair has never been easier.

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

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Photo by Jean Nelson

Mind BaBBle:

Harness tHe po wer of your mind When I spoke to Gisella about promoting my new business, Mind Babble, I wasn’t expecting to be adding ‘writer’ to my CV! So, welcome to my first article as Mind Babble Coaching!

creating. By looking at our language, and how we use it, we can make very quick and simple adjustments, yet gain very great changes.

After 18 months of hard work, I am now fully qualified as a Master Practitioner in NLP – Neuro Linguistic Programming, and one of the very first Psy-Tap practitioners (a new and dramatic psycho-sensory technique) In short; I use quick, efficient ways to help people overcome problems, which are getting in the way of them living a fun, and enjoyable life. This could be anything from anxiety, phobias, exam nerves, bad habits or knowing something is wrong, just unsure about what the problem is!

Instead of thinking ‘I’m stressed’; say to your self, “I’m doing stress.” This shifts how you feel. If you are ‘doing’ something, it means that you have the choice to NOT do it! We are often in the wrong frame of mind – state – for the job that we are trying to do. By changing our ‘state’ we will change the way we achieve our goal. Next time you find yourself getting frustrated or angry, while you are doing something, ask yourself “Am I in the correct state of mind for this?” “If not, what can I do right now, to change?” Changing our breathing is probably one of the quickest ways to make a change. Simply become aware of how you are breathing; shallow,

chest breathing is common in high anxiety states. Take a deep breath in through your nose, making yourself push your belly button out as you do so, hold for a couple of seconds, then breath out slowly, pulling your tummy in as you do. Doing this five or six times will calm you down. One of my Psy-Tap tricks is quirky, but highly effective! When you feel anger rising, pull your little finger sideways and downwards, away from your ring finger, so it is hard to make a fist. Hold this for a few minutes, now see how angry you feel? I hope you have enjoyed these tips, and if you would like to know more about me, or Mind Babble, try one of my workshops, or contact me personally. Remember, you have the power to change!

Now summer is here, thoughts turn to the holiday season. A time when we look forward to our planned excursions, and indeed, once we arrive, we will relax. However, the run up to departure can often be seen as challenging. I often hear people say “I’m so stressed!”. Stress is something that we see as a ‘thing’ rather than a state of mind that we are experiencing or “My aim is to see you as few times as possible and in many cases never more than twice. The faster and more effectively I work, the faster you begin to progress into a new future. Allow me to enable you to ‘drop the baggage’ so you can move on to the future you want.” Sue Wilkinson

Some of the issues I work with: Panic Attacks • Anxiety • Phobias • Obsessions Rejection / Love Pain • Public Speaking Fears • Flying/Driving Fears Self Sabotage • Low Self Esteem • OCD • Depression • Chronic Anger Irrational Guilt • Self Sabotage • General Stress • Fear of Doctors/Dentists

Find out more at mindbabble.co.uk Contact me for a FREE consultation call & see how I can help you.

mindbabble.co.uk 86

Phone: 07980 541271 email: change@mindbabble.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Artisan PT - Bespoke personal training Getting the body you’ve always wanted has never been easier thanks to Tettenhall’s brand new private personal training centre, Artisan PT. Designed to enable clients to enjoy the very best in one-toone personal training, owner Samantha Evans has worked hard to create the perfect environment for her clients, so

that they can achieve the results they want quickly and efficiency.

to do what’s necessary to attain the body they want.”

As Sam explains: “I created Artisan to simplify the physical training of those wanting to attain their ideal body and provide them with a private environment where they can work with me to achieve real results.”

And, clients don’t only benefit when they’re at Artisan with Sam: “I aim to give clients the skills and knowledge they need to be able to continue working on their own to sustain the results after they’ve stopped their sessions with me.”

By assessing her client’s goals Sam is able to form a completely bespoke training plan that fits in with their requirements and lifestyle.

Samantha also gives her clients the low-down on nutrition and weight loss and specialises in postnatal training.

“Working specifically to an individual’s needs eradicates unnecessary physical and mental stress, as well as wasted time and loss of motivation, which many people struggle with when they’re going to the gym without any proper direction.” It’s this personal and focused approach that ensures Sam’s clients achieve their goals in the shortest time possible. “Every session is designed with maximum efficiency in mind, making it easy for a client

“I really got into fitness after the birth of my first child, as I became frustrated that I wasn’t losing my pregnancy weight quickly enough. I quickly regained my confidence when I started training and was delighted with the results.” It’s this personal experience that makes Samantha perfectly suited to helping people achieve the body they want. “As we offer only one-to-one personal training our clients can rest assured they’ll feel completely comfortable and relaxed when they come to Artisan PT.”

Transform your body through fitness training. We combine the art of body sculpting with the science of fitness training to transform bodies and boost wellbeing.

At ARTISAN personal training studio you’ll get: •

One-to-one training in a private environment

•

Programmes tailored precisely for you

•

Trainers who specialise in ‘body-type training’

Book a free consultation to discuss how we can help you:

01902 754 126

www.theartisanpt.com • hello@theartisanpt.com • www.facebook.com/theartisanpt

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“

s e t hi

r e m um

Versace Jeans Bag £170

Vivienne Westwood Watch £170

Michael Kors Clutch Bag £130

Michael Kors Bag £285

Michael Kors Shoe £140

Vivienne Westwood Earrings £55

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Summer 2016 Once summer arrives, there doesn’t seem to be an outing for which a crisp white dress doesn’t work: lunch date, beach day, race day or a picnic. What really counts is the detail, pick a dress with lace, broderie anglaise or delicate cutwork which will elevate the design from simple to eye catching. Finish the look with white sandals or choose a white bag to update your summer wardrobe.

< Religion cut out detail dress £85

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

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Look and feel your best for summer. If you want to look your best on the beach or around the pool this summer, but feel a little embarassed about blemishes or unsightly veins around your legs, there is a fast and effective solution available to you at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital. Varicose veins are mostly harmless and pose no serious health risk. If you are seeking treatment for purely cosmetic reasons, this will not be available to you through the NHS. It is only available to you as a private patient paying for yourself. There are a number of surgical, and non-surgical procedures to choose from, and treatment is performed in just a couple of hours as an outpatient, and starts from ÂŁ350. You can also ask us about personal finance to help spread the cost. Call today for more information or to make an appointment. 01902 793 269

nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

@nuffwolvhosp

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms 90

Like our Facebook page for the latest news and free healthcare events

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

A vo i d i n g

Sun Damage

People still underestimate the damage that sunburn can do to their skin. Since the 1970s, the rate of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, has more than quadrupled in the UK. Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital’s Mr Darren Lewis, consultant plastic surgeon, who is also a skin cancer specialist, offers the following advice, “With the summer holiday season now here, people need to know about the risks of spending too much time in the sun and what can be done to keep safe; be more skin aware and take extra care. Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun - don’t go red and don’t burn. Children in particular need to be covered up or wear high factor sun-cream because if you burn as a child, you are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer later on. When swimming, you need to re-apply sun screen afterwards.

day from May to September and shouldn’t involve sunbathing or using sunbeds. In the UK, more than 50 people die from skin cancer each year whilst working outside, in construction, agriculture and leisure industries. We want people to enjoy the warmer weather but stay safe, especially when on holiday and take extra precautions if you have a fair complexion. Finally as we age, our skin becomes naturally drier and so we need to moisturise more and do this regularly.” For the opportunity to meet Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Lewis and his specialist colleagues, free mini consultations are being held at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital. To arrange a free slot, contact the bookings team on 01902 793 269.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer as it may potentially spread to other areas and can be fatal. The second, more common, type of skin cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer which includes basal cell carcinoma. This tends to be seen in older people but is sometimes found in younger people who have had prolonged sun exposure. Whilst we need some sun exposure to help us make vitamin D, this only amounts to 10-20 minutes a www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Willow Piggott, Kim Piggott, Gemma Kelly, Harriet Piggott

Joined by Reps from Mii, Crystal Clear and Decléor, the sisters and their Mom - salon receptionist, Kim - made the night a massive success. “We are so excited to be able to offer our clients make-up by Mii. We introduced it on the night and it’s been really popular ever since.”

: : Celebrating its first year in business The team at Sorelle are celebrating their first year in business this summer and to mark their success over the last year, owners Harriet and Willow Piggott have introduced some fabulous new brands to their Codsall-based beauty salon. As Harriet explains: “We’ve had an amazing year and we’ve been really lucky to establish a great client base. We want to thank all of our customers for their support, as well as our fantastic therapist, Gemma, who has been with us from the start.” Harriet and Willow have worked hard to create a haven of relaxation for customers at Sorelle, as well as offering them all of the industry leading beauty brands. “We use products from top beauty houses, like Decleor and Crystal Clear, for our facials and skincare, as well as leading brands such as Jessica and Sienna X for nails and tanning.” And to celebrate their one year anniversary, Harriet and Willow have added two new brands: “We really wanted to do something special to mark our first year in business, so we decided to launch Mii make-up and LVL lashes,” says Willow. Mii make-up and LVL were officially introduced at a launch night - and one year anniversary celebration that took place at the salon on Wednesday 18th May. 92

Mii products offer effortless application and flawless results. The 100% mineral make-up combines skin-loving formulas and wearable shades, and is infused with precious gemstones. “The Mii range has been inspired by beauty spa and salon devotees and has been developed by experts. Mii make-up is easy to choose, use and understand and it gives clients the confidence to create a look that’s completely individual,” explains Harriet. And the entire Sorelle team have undergone extensive training on the brand. As well as enjoying champagne and nibbles at the salon, customers at the launch night also got to see various beauty demonstrations: “Mii Rep, Kirstie, provided advice on colour matching, whilst Crystal Clear Rep, Debbie, demonstrated the brand’s new ‘Lift Away the Years’ facial as well as their Complex C range, both of which we’re offering in the salon,” says Willow. Decléor Rep, Laura, introduced the company’s brand new body range that’s recently been launched. And, of course, LVL lashes were showcased too, leaving clients amazed at the fabulous looks that can be achieved using the treatment which creates amazing length, volume and lift. “Our clients absolutely love LVL.” There has been another new range introduced at the salon too: “We’re stocking Incandescent Candles, which are an exclusive range. Our customers always comment on how lovely our salon smells and that’s thanks to the gorgeous scented candles.” It’s been a great first year for the salon and things are set to get even better. “We’re expanding all the time and are looking for a new staff member to join our team,” adds Harriet. So, whether you fancy treating yourself to a LVL treatment, some Mii make-up or even joining the team, contact the salon today. wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

1 ry a s r e v i n n A st

Special Offers

July & August

Crystal Clear Bright Eye Facial - £45.00

A Fantastic eye treatment with visible results. An ideal treatment to lift, smooth and hydrate the fine delicate skin around the eyes creating a look that is noticeably younger and fresher. A Repairing facial mask designed to bring back clarity and hydration, lift away the years wand to firming and tone.

Treat Mii 30min Make Over - £20.00 Indulge yourself for a special occasion. Whether it's flawless elegance for an evening out or a perfect natural finish for lunch with friends, we'll create a look for you.

Decléor Fruit Seeds Exfoliation - £30.00 Unique blend of fruit powders, spices, essential oils and plant oils for optimum, revitalising and energising performance devoted to exfoliating the body.

These offers are for July & August 2016 only and are subject to availability. These offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

3 The Square, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1PT T: 01902 846000 W: www.sorellebeauty.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Amazing results with Nioxin at suffering with thinning hair or hair loss over the years and we know just how upsetting it can be, that’s why we introduced the excellent Nioxin range at the salon.” Nioxin is the number one selling brand for thinning hair and offers clients incredible results.

Hair loss can be extremely distressing for both men and women, and many of us suffer from it at some point in our lives. Whether the cause is stress, trauma, medication - like chemotherapy, hormone fluctuations after pregnancy, dietary, environmental or genetic factors, Salon 27 can help. As owner, Jodie Mason, explains: “We have seen many clients

And Jodie and her team have been really impressed with the products: “We went on an in-depth training course when they were launched and we were absolutely blown away by them. They reduce hair loss and breakage and amplify hair for thicker, fuller results.” Clients can book in for Nioxin treatments in the salon and purchase the products to use at home too.

“We have used Nioxion for the last three years in the salon and our clients have been amazed by the results - whatever the cause of their hair loss.” 70% of Nioxin users notice thicker, denser hair in just four weeks. “We give our clients an in-depth consultation and prescribe the best Nioxin treatment for them.” The products are tailored to meet individual needs and the salon has just launched the company’s new range of styling products. “In addition to the specialist shampoos and conditioners, we now have Nioxin’s full 3D Styling range.”

“We sell a three step trial kit for £29.99 that client’s can use at home and if they’re not satisfied after 30 days, Nioxin offer a full money back guarantee.” So there’s never been a better time to visit the salon and address your hair loss concerns today. Jodie is currently looking to recruit a senior stylist to meet the needs of her growing clientele. So, if you’re an experienced stylist and would like to join the Salon 27 team, contact the salon today.

Special offer for all new clients

CUT & FINISH ONLY £20 July offer

Salon 27 are a unisex salon and have a monthly offer throughout the year, even one for the kids! Half price colour To book an appointment please call on: every Thursday with selected stylists. Kids cut offer every www.salon27wolverhampton.co.uk Monday 3pm-5pm Find us on Facebook: Salon 27 unisex hairsalon. 65 Wakeley Hill, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 5BA

(01902) 836565

FULL HEAD FOILS & CUT & FINISH £80 August offer

GENTS CUT & FINISH £10 Opening times:

Monday 9am – 5pm Wednesday 9am – 7pm Thursday 11am – 8pm Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm Closed Tuesday and Sunday

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

3D-Lipomed at

Cosmetique

If you want to get your body beach-ready in time for your summer holiday, then pay a visit to the experts at Wolverhampton’s leading aesthetic clinic, Cosmetique.

that freezes fat cells, allowing them to be drained out of the body through the lymphatic system.”

The treatments are planned around the individual needs of the client, utilising each of the systems to achieve optimum results.

Owner, Suky Chana, has just introduced 3D-Lipomed - a brandnew 3D Lipo treatment - that offers clients impressive weight-loss results.

Although every treatment is bespoke, each session has a fixed price of £150.

As Suky explains: “The 3D-Lipomed is an upgraded device to 3D Lipo and it’s only available in aesthetic clinics. It’s a powerful machine that non-surgically removes fat cells, treats cellulite and provides skin tightening for the face and body.”

“We use each of the different methods available from the 3D-Lipomed machine to achieve the best results for our clients and work to a set price for each session.”

The process begins with Cavitation, a non-invasive contouring body treatment for localised fat and cellulite. Radio frequency is incorporated into the treatment to start tightening up the skin. “The machine also has duo Cryolipolysis, which is a system

Most people need an average of six to eight sessions, one each week. “You can get a beach body in only eight weeks with our amazing treatment and you don’t even need to exercise, just attend the clinic each week. It is important to eat sensibly though if you really want to maximise the results from the treatment.”

By introducing 3D-Lipomed to the clinic, the team at Cosmetique have made it easy for you to get the body you’ve always wanted.

So, why not book in for a treatment today?

3D –LIPOMED SPECIAL OFFER Package price only £99 per treatment. Available throughout July and August 2016. 1 off treatment remain at £150.

570 Penn Road Penn Wolverhampton WV4 4HU

Clinically led with all procedures carried out by qualified medical staff • • • • • •

Laser Hair Removal IPL Pigmentation Scars Blemishes Stretch Marks Collagen Enhancement

• • • • • •

Skin Rejuvination Anti-wrinkle Injections Dermal Fillers Tear Trough Dermapen (needling) Cryotherapy (removal of warts, skin tags and age spots)

New 3D Lipomed Treatments now available, please call for further details

To book an appointment or further details please call 01902 334181 cosmetiqueaesthetic@gmail.com www.cosmetiqueaesthetics.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

by Helen Taylor

Pucker Up Make-up tricks for kissable lips Soft, plump, kissable lips are guaranteed to get you noticed - but if mother nature hasn’t blessed you with them, don’t despair, because we’ve compiled a clever guide that will help you to fake a full-on pout. Soften Up Before you even think about applying lipstick to your lips, it’s essential to spend a bit of time creating the right base for your product. Exfoliation is key in keeping your lips looking luscious as well as smooth and free of flakes, so it’s important to do this once a week. Start by applying a generous amount of lip balm to your lips to soften them, and then gently remove the top layer of skin using a soft wash cloth or toothbrush, in circular motions. Smother your lips in balm every night so that they are super soft for the next morning, when you apply your make-up.

Get In Line Although lip pencil probably isn’t high up on your shopping list of beauty must-haves, when used correctly it can be a valuable and essential tool. It allows you to shape and define your lips, and helps to stop your lipstick from ‘bleeding’. Choosing a neutral and natural shade of lip liner is key for creating a modern look. Lining just outside the coloured part of your lips provides the fullest effect. Many women don’t do this, and tend to line inside the lip line, but this makes your lips appear thinner because the natural lip line generally extends further than the coloured part of your lips. 96

Be sure to choose a soft lip liner and ‘round off’ the tip by smudging it on the back of your hand a few times - a sharpened point will look unnatural and harsh - before you apply. Define your ‘cupid’s bow’ by drawing a V in the centre curve of your top lip, bring the line round and down using soft feathery strokes. Line the curve of the bottom lip with the same light movements, and soften by lightly blending with your finger.

Complete with Colour It’s best to choose a natural shade of lip colour for two reasons: firstly, light and bright hues look youthful and secondly they make the lips appear fuller, unlike dark shades which have the opposite effect. Use a lip brush to paint the product onto your lips for a neat and even

application - ensure that you take the colour right up to your lip liner line.

Get The Gloss Apply a shimmery gloss to the centre of your lips and blend gradually outwards to make your lips look really full. And, if you really want to make an impression with your pout, try one of the plumping glosses that are on the market. Using menthol, cinnamon or even chilli as active ingredients, these lip glosses create a mild irritation on contact with the lips causing them to temporarily increase in size. The tingling sensation lets you know it’s working and the results last for a few hours, so to keep the look you’ll need to re-apply regularly.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

• Aldo Martins • Basler • Betty Barclay • Eugen Klein • Faber • Frank Walder • Gelco • Joseph Ribkoff • Just White • Olsen • Rabe • Oui

SALE NOW ON 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.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Coalway Road, Penn,Wolverhampton WV3 7NN Tel: 01902 344003

A brand new look

for Urban Hair and Beauty There’ve been some exciting changes taking place at Urban Hair and Beauty recently, as salon owner, Karen Lewis explains: “We’ve just given the salon a fabulous makeover and it looks great. It had been a few years since we last decorated, so we decided that it was more than time for a new look.” Over the May bank holiday weekend, the salon was completely stripped out to make way for the brand new interior. “We’ve had gorgeous units installed, a fantastic new reception desk as well as luxury arm chairs at the backwash.” The stylish makeover has been designed with clients’ comfort in mind. “We wanted to create a really comfortable, yet stylish and modern, environment for our clients, so that they can relax and really enjoy their time with us at the salon.” And clients can even enjoy a glass of wine whilst they’re being pampered at Urban. “We’re now licensed and can offer our clients a choice of drinks, so if they fancy a glass of Prosecco, we can get it for them.” It’s not just the refurbishment that’s new at Urban though, there’s also some exciting new products that have just been introduced.

“We’re using and selling ProBlo products in the salon so that we can create on-trend volumised looks for our clients.” ProBlo’s range of products guarantees excellent blow dry results every time you wash your hair. “The range is fabulous and our clients love it - ProBlo makes it easy to get that celebrity look.” It’s not just ProBlo that can transform your tresses at the salon though, as Urban are also well-stocked with Bed Head’s new Size Matters range. “Bed Head’s products are great and their volumising range really amplifies limp hair for amazing results. The Size Matters range uses the latest technology to provide maximum impact.” All of the products are available to buy in the salon. “The Size Matters range includes a volumising shampoo, conditioner, volume boosting foam and finishing spray. When used together the results are incredible.”

for a beautiful blonde hue that’s perfect for summer. “We’ve got a gorgeous blonde colour collection from TIGI’s ‘Blondes Custom Collection’, which enables us to give our clients a bespoke colour service.” The team at Urban are always busy keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and colouring techniques and the salon has just welcomed two new members of staff, making a team of nine. “I’m lucky to have a great team working for me at the salon. Hannah joined us recently as a stylist and Leah is working part time whilst she completes her hairdressing course at college. “Each member of the team has their own specialist skills - Hayley is our Great Lengths extension expert and Christie takes care of men’s hair,” adds Karen. So, whatever look you’re after this summer contact the salon today.

And there’s another exciting new addition at Urban that can work wonders when it comes to improving the condition of your hair. “We’re really excited to now have Olaplex at the salon. It’s a fantastic treatment that works to improve the condition of your hair and it can be added to colours in salon to protect against damage from bleaches or used at home as a treatment.” Salon owner, Karen Lewis and Hayley Lewis

If you fancy a dramatic colour change, then why not opt wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

TIGIÂŠ Colour Specialist Hair Salon offering only the highest quality products

To celebrate our refurbishment we are offering

*20% off all hair services throughout July and August 2016.

*Offer available Monday to Wednesday, must be mentioned at time of booking and advert presented with appointment. Not available off hair products and hair extensions and not in conjunction with any other offers.

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MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S WEAR Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Centre, Telford, Walsall or online at diffusiononline.co.uk 100

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

What is

Visual Stress?

Simply explained, visual stress (also known as Irlen Syndrome, Visual Dyslexia, and Pattern Glare) is a sensitivity to visual patterns, especially stripes with excess contrast. It can occur when a white background appears to interfere with lines of black print and causes difficulties with visual processing of the reading content. VISUAL STRESS is not the same as dyslexia but is more common in those who are dyslexic and can occur despite normal vision. It is thought that visual stress affects 12% of the population and 65 % of dyslexics. Sufferers may report movement and blurring of the text. Letters can appear to reverse or change shape. Halos, colours or patterns in the print, sometimes described as “rivers” or “worms”, red, sore eyes and headaches are also frequent

complaints. These individuals often have poor comprehension of the reading content, and are observed to fidget, move the book around, skip words or lines and often rub their eyes and blink frequently. Frustration and low self esteem can occur in children who are underachieving at school due to visual stress. This can also manifest as disruptive behaviour in extreme cases.

Most recent studies found that people with reading difficulties such as dyslexia, are more likely to have unstable binocular vision at near distance which means their eyes have to work harder than usual to maintain alignment and tracking whilst reading and writing. Therefore to achieve best results, it is essential to investigate and correct this instability before undertaking Colorimetry assessment.

Often children who have reading difficulties are mis- diagnosed as dyslexic, so it's important that the existence of visual stress is identified and treated at an early stage of education. Visual stress can be reduced or eliminated by the use of coloured lenses worn in spectacles. These are prescribed following Colorimetry assessment when the precise tint is selected with the aid of INTUITIVE COLORIMETER which produces thousands of colour combinations.

Visual stress assessments are available at Taylor Biddle Opticians, and include a full binocular Schoolvision assessment and Colorimetry. Please enquire for further details.

Designer Frames from… & many more Your Local Family Opticians Full eye examinations Ocular health checks The latest eye scanning OCT technology Visual Dyslexia Colorimetry assessments Now stocking fabulous and exclusive Oliver Peoples frames

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www.taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk 39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton Tel: 01902 750 325 34 Windmill Bank, Wombourne Tel: 01902 895 909 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Ready for the

beach

By Helen Taylor

With so many different swimwear looks now available on the high street, there is no reason not to look - and feel - totally fabulous on the beach this summer. Model Wears:

Rainforest Maxi £55 Savannah Swimsuit £55 House of Fraser

When you’re on the look out for new swimwear, remember to keep in mind the style that will be most flattering for you. Check out our guide to buying swimwear for your body shape: Hourglass figure - complement your curves by choosing a bikini or swimsuit in a solid, statement colour. Avoid pattern, print and embellishments because a simple style is best for you. Athletic figure - show off your lean figure by choosing a bikini style. Bold patterns, prints and embellishments add softness to your shape and help to create curves. Any girly styles will look great on you. Pear shaped figure - halter straps look fabulous on a pear shape figure and you’ll find them on bikinis, swimsuits and tankinis. Opt for bright colours and styles which really bring the eye up to your top half. Boy shorts and tankini styles are perfect. Fuller figure - choose from a gorgeous selection of structured swimsuits and swim dresses which will maximise your curves, whilst flattering your fuller figure and creating a perfect silhouette.

Model Wears:

Swimsuit £55 House of Fraser

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Tankini Top £22 Tankini Bottoms £16 M&Co

Bikini Top £17 Bikini Bottoms £14 Accessorize

Pink Fringed Bikini Top £17.99 Pink Low Rise Bikini Bottoms £9.99 New Look

Cut Out Swimsuit £42 Butterfly by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams

Halter Neck Swimsuit £12.99 New Look

Tummy Control Swimsuit £30 M&Co

Flower Print Swimsuit £42 Jasper Conran at Debenhams Sandals £220 Michael Kors

Control Wear Swimsuit £30 Very Shoes £110 Michael Kors

Watch £139 Bering at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

Bag £220 Michael Kors

Necklace £99 Earrings £45 Bracelet £42 All Coeur de Lion at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

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Bag £189 Ted Baker at Diffusion 103

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at Parkdale Dental Clinic, 82 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4TF

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Looking for a new dental experience? An Independent Dental Practice We are a private dental practice that’s big on family values and fiercely proud to be part of the Jon Pugh Dental marque. Our dentistry is both creative and innovative and because of our diverse special interests we can ensure all of our treatments stay in-house. While many practices refer out for complex root fillings, orthodontics, aesthetic and implant procedures, with Parkside Dental it all stays within our team. It’s simply the best way for us to look after all of your dental needs.

We’re about permanence and seeing the same dentist We want to get to know you and your family We understand children and teenagers Our orthodontic service is hugely popular We offer complimentary first consultations We do implants and aesthetic dentistry We remake smiles and redefine lives We are wheelchair friendly And we’ll give you all the time you need Find out what makes us so popular – call us or just drop in to discuss our affordable treatment schemes.

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CHIROPODY & PODIATRY CLINICS

HCPC/STATE REGISTERED

Tom Casey BSc (Hons), MCHS, SRCH Margaret Kennedy BSc (Hons), MCHS, SRCH Ian Banyard Chartered Physiotherapist MCSP, MMACP, MAACP, MSc Physiotherapy Clinic now available please call 01902 833426

Treatments for: Nails, callus, corns, verrucas Diabetic & arthritic feet Heel and forefoot pain Ingrown toenails & nail surgery Functional & biomechanical issues Conditions needing orthotics/insoles

• Friendly Personal Service • Medical Centre Facilities • Secure Parking • Disabled Access • Centrally located • Home Visits Available Presentations & talks are available to interested groups.

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Park Avenue Clinic 13a Park Avenue Wolverhampton WV1 4AH For an appointment or to book a home visit please call Tom Casey on 07828 613165 or 01902 833426 For other surgery appointments please call or visit: Six Ways Clinic 24 Birmingham Road Walsall WS1 2LT 01922 622521 Albrighton For home visits, please call: 01902 754377 or 07917 520199

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Tom’s tip:

5 Things About Foot Pain change the foot shape, most commonly, flattening the arches. Losing even a few pounds can reduce that wear and tearand may help shrink your risk of diabetes, which can cause foot pain from decreased circulation and nerve damage.

1. Pay attention to everyday aches Nearly 80% of people ages 21 and older have had a foot problem. Anything from improper shoes to high-impact exercise can trigger a condition. To avoid injury, take discomfort seriously. Even seemingly minor issues, such as sore feet or bunions, can worsen and ultimately require costly surgery if left unchecked.

2. Fewer pounds mean happier feet Studies found that obese people are 41% more likely to have a current foot issue and 16% more likely to have pain. No wonder: Walking/running puts up to three times your body weight on your foot with every step and can

3. Good shoes are essential Ill-fitting footwear is one of the biggest causes of foot problems. Look for a pair with a wide toe box, ankle support, a firm grip on your heel, adjustable, and only bend under the ball joints. Your foot extends when you walk, so pick a size that leaves a third to half an inch beyond the tip of your toes when you stand. Winter is here, which often means people change their footwear to protect and keep the feet warm. This can cause problems if the change is drastic, as in moving from court shoes or high heels to flatter boots/shoes. Be careful to exercise your calf muscles and the smaller muscles in your feet.

WOLVERHAMPTON HIP

4. Orthotics/Insoles Shoe orthotics/insoles, which are worn inside shoes, can easily be made to alleviate a lot of conditions by re-aligning foot posture and the skeleton, so as to relieve muscular and bone tension.

5. The right clinician will save you money Whether you should see a podiatrist or an orthopaedist depends on your condition. In general, a podiatrist is the best bet for minor problems and for surgeries to correct chronic issues like ingrown toenails, heel pain, foot and ankle pain, shin pains, knee pains. Orthopaedists are surgical specialists often recommended for breaks and other sudden injuries (they also tend to be more expensive).

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist HCPC registered

& KNEE CLINIC

The Wolverhampton hip and knee clinic has been developed to provide modern, comprehensive and evidence based treatment for all hip and knee disorders. Mr David Simpson is an established and experienced Consultant orthopaedic surgeon. He is the leading regional exponent of custom made, personalised ‘Signature’ knee replacements.

MR DAVID SIMPSON CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

Areas of expertise: - Hip and knee arthritis - Hip and knee replacements - Custom made patient specific ‘Signature’ knee replacements - Sports Injuries - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery - Cartilage surgery - Tibial osteotomy / realignment surgery

To book an appointment or for further details please contact: The Wolverhampton Hip and Knee Clinic, Nuffield Health Hospital, Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE Tel: 01902 754177 ext. 2391, 01902 793225 or visit: www.wolverhamptonhipandkneeclinic.co.uk

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Walk the walk

and help make a dream come true Wolverhampton based children’s charity Promise Dreams are absolutely delighted to be announcing the return of their biggest single fundraising event - Walk for Dreams 2016! You may well have heard the team on Signal’s 107 talking about this year’s event and seen the banner going up around the city! Sunday 16th October will see walkers, family and friends return to the grounds of Himley Hall in Dudley in their thousands to set off on a 9 mile walk to Wolverhampton Racecourse. The start time is 11am and on arrival, after registration, walkers will be given a warm up to ensure they’re ready for the off and a full-on party atmosphere awaits

them at the Racecourse with music, bouncy castles, face painting, refreshments and, most importantly, somewhere to rest your weary feet. As in previous years entry to Walk for Dreams is totally free but walkers are encouraged to get sponsored or fundraise in whatever way they can as this will enable Promise Dreams to raise even more special smiles. There will also be “I walked the walk” t-shirts on sale at both the start and finish venues for participants of the event. The team at Promise Dreams are hugely grateful to their key partners in this project who, through their generosity, will ensure that every penny raised from the walk will go directly to the families that the charity works to support. This money will make a real difference to some very special children

and help to create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. To sign up or find out more about Walk for Dreams simply visit www. walkfordreams.co.uk and complete the online registration page. You can sign up individually or as a team so why not recruit as many of your friends and colleagues as you can and then see who can raise the most sponsorship. The website shows the different amounts in relation to different dream requests so you could even set yourselves a group target and know that you’ll be fulfilling a dream through all your hard work. For a small charity like Promise Dreams volunteer support at a big event like this is crucial so if you would like to help out on the day then you can also register on the same website to volunteer at this event. Promise Dreams are committed to helping seriously and terminally ill children and their families see their precious dreams become reality. Whether that dream is the chance to meet a celebrity, go to the theatre or simply to have access to medical equipment that will enhance each and every day of their life. To find out more please visit www.promisedreams.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

promisedreams.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1086020

S U N D AY 1 6 t h O C TO B E R 2 0 1 6

Join us for a fun-filled nine mile walk with friends and family from Himley Hall to Wolverhampton Race Course and you can help to make a difference to seriously & terminally ill children.

Call : 01902 212451 Email : walk@promisedreams.co.uk Visit : promisedreams.co.uk

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Compton Hospice family camp out the opportunity to enjoy two nights camping and two days and evenings of activities and entertainment.

Pitch your tent and enjoy a range of crafts and activities including archery, grass sledging, zip lining, keep fit and much more – all for one great price! Let mum master the climbing wall, while dad tries his hand at the shooting range and the kids go all Ray Mears in our bushcraft sessions. Alternatively simply soak

up the sun and get back to nature as you and your family explore the woodland glades away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the evenings why not join in the Compton Campfire (weekend campers only), complete with acoustic sessions and a traditional sing-along, great entertainment for all of the family.

Pause the computer games, put down the smart phones and shut the lids on those laptops… join us for our second annual Compton Hospice Family Camp Out. Bring the whole clan and join the hospice team as they set up camp in the heart of the picturesque Kinver Scout Woods. From Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August 2016 we will be offering you

Weekend ticket for a family of 5 just £125! For more information please contact Vicki Wootton on 0845 2255497 or email fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk 110

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Registered Charity No. 512387

nd Weekend a day passes available

Family Camp Out & Activity Weekend Archery * Rifle Shooting * Activity Wall * Keep Fit * Bushcraft * Campfires * Live Entertainment

Set up camp at the beautiful Kinver Scout Camp in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, then try your hand at a range of activities including; Archery, Rifle Shooting, Bushcraft, Climbing Wall, Zip Wire, Keep Fit and much more all for one great price!

Make this summer one to remember and book your place today!

Friday 12th – Sunday 14th August 2016 Full Weekend With Camping Family £125 (2 adults 3 kids) Adult £35 Child £25 Full Weekend No Camping Family £105 (2 adults 3 kids) Adult £30 Child £20 Day Passes Adult £20 Child £15

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Get In Shape This Summer With the summer holidays approaching and many of you jetting off to warmer climates to enjoy the sun, now is the time to start trying to shed a few pounds and tone up. South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres offer a range of fitness facilities to help you get in shape for the summer. There are sessions for all ages and abilities, and everyone is welcome.

lessons. The lessons run all year round and we even offer summer week-long crash course lessons to help build water confidence.

For more information visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk or contact your local south Staffordshire leisure centre: Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre: 01922 417790 Codsall Leisure Centre: 01902 844032 Penkridge Leisure Centre: 01785 714152 Wombourne Leisure Centre: 01902 898202

You don’t have to be a member, so pop in, have a look around and give us a try! The leisure centres also run a Swimming Academy; so make sure your children are safe around water this summer and enrol them onto our swimming

Summer School Holiday Camps South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres offer school holiday activity camps throughout every holiday. The camps are run in partnership with one of the UKs leading childcare providers, ’Fit for Sport’. •

Experienced, qualified and DBS cleared instructors

•

Ofsted registered

•

All-day and half-day care available for children 4+

•

Fantastic instructor to child ratios

•

Accept childcare vouchers

•

Discounts for Early bird bookings, on-line bookings and sibling discounts

Book your holiday activities at South Staffordshire Councils leisure centres by visiting www.fitforsport.co.uk or call 0845 456 3233.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE’S

SWIM ACADEMY

www.sstaﬀs.gov.uk/leisure

OFFERS HIGH QUALITY SWIMMING TUITION AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

CHESLYN HAY LEISURE CENTRE CODSALL LEISURE CENTRE PENKRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE WOMBOURNE LEISURE CENTRE

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| 01922 417790 | 01902 844032 | 01785 714152 | 01902 898202

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Lessons from 18 months to adults Beginners and non-swimmers to advanced standards Badge schemes to provide continual encouragement and rewards Lessons run throughout the year to ensure continual progression One to one lessons available on request Prices are from as little as £16.80 per month Good teacher/child ratios with assistants in the water to support weaker swimmers FREE public swimming included if you pay by Direct Debit

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

AFFORDABLE LEISURE IN SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE Your Local and Friendly Leisure Centre

• • • • • • •

Gym Classes Swimming Toning Suite* Studio Cycling Badminton Squash*

ALL THIS FOR LESS THAN 70p PER DAY

Affordable Prices Flexible Packages No Joining Fees or Long Term Commitment Free Inductions Open 7 Days A Week Free Health Checks and Fitness Programmes Discounts for Students, Apprentices and Corporates

Entitles voucher holder free access into specific facilities for 1 day only

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure *Terms and conditions apply

tA ug

01902 898202

Wombourne Leisure Centre

–3

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Penkridge Leisure Centre

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DA FR Y EE PA SS

USE 4 LEISURE CENTRES FOR 1 GREAT PRICE

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Booking iS ESSEntiAl

For gym access, you will be required to sign a Health Commitment Statement tAkE tHiS VoUCHER WitH YoU to ClAiM YoUR FREE DAY PASS Name _____________________________________________ Leisure Centre ______________________________________ Wolverhampton West Magazine July/August 2016 Edition. 1 voucher per person, per offer.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College hours of football and cricket in unsupervised games on an estate where violence often lurked. For today’s budding actors, musicians and sportspersons there will also be safe, high quality classes and sessions provided by the everincreasing army of rigorously checked volunteers, whilst schools such as ours also provide a rich and varied extra-curricular programme.

As I write the two events dominating the news have inadvertently taken me back to my childhood: the European Referendum and the death of Muhammed Ali. The first as we have the opportunity to vote as my parents did in 1975 whether to stay as part of the European Union or Common Market and the second with memories as a family watching the latter fight the likes of Joe Frazier or George Foreman in the “Thriller in Manila” or the “Rumble in the Jungle”. As an educator and father, they have also made me reflect on childhood today as one poses the question about whether we have progressed and the country is now a better, happier and safer place for the average 12 year old. The media and “research” that thrive on negatives will lead us to the inevitable conclusion that childhood is in crisis; with mental health issues formerly reserved 114

for adults now proliferating in our young people who are in turn enslaved to electronic devices, celebrity culture or materialism and equally cannot walk out of the door unaccompanied for fear of paedophiles or knife wielding gangs. Fear of exam failure or having to sit the latest governmentimposed test in a school worried about not being “outstanding” has created a generation of stressed teenagers. Meanwhile our 24/7 news channels serve a diet of the latest terrorist atrocities, corrupt politicians and economic crises to remind them of the terrible world which they will enter as adults. Yet if I consider my own childhood in the 1970s watching the Ali fights on one of the three available channels was it “better”? An overwhelming memory of the Britain of this time was one of boredom in an age devoid of iPads, box set DVDs and weekends and evenings crammed with organised activities. As a keen sportsman I can barely remember being properly coached but skills were honed in endless

The schools of today from which parents can choose, rightly have pupil wellbeing at their core as well as teams of teachers dedicating their time to ensuring that lessons are stimulating, relevant and engaging for those in their care. Pupils and parents are regularly consulted on how these schools can be improved. In our leisure time, we regularly eat out in the region in one of the range of family-friendly restaurants where children are welcome and not excluded (as in the pubs of the 40 years ago) to eat food of a variety and quality that would be unrecognisable in anything but the best establishments of the same period. The same comparisons could be made with the availability of taken for granted foreign holidays, travel and entertainment. Despite our impressions, childhood and schools continue to make progress, though each generation will still invent its own ills and present its own challenges. Previous generation’s television is today’s internet, both have a tremendous power to educate and children still need to learn what constitutes a correct balance. A certainty however is that parenting and teaching will never be easy tasks, yet both will always be fulfilling and only truly appreciated with the benefit of hindsight. You can now follow David on Twitter @tettcoll_head

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

WHAT INSPIRED THEM?

A passionate team of inspirational teachers where everyone knows your potential and believes in your ability to achieve your best. More than just results, this is preparation for life.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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A very special place: Newbridge Preparatory School Newbridge Preparatory School, for girls aged two to eleven years old and boys aged two to seven years old, is a very special place. Our purpose as a modern preparatory school is to offer an excellent standard of education for our pupils, balancing traditional values with high quality teaching and learning. As we are not linked to a senior school, we pride ourselves on being the only truly independent ‘Prep’ school in the City of Wolverhampton. We are a small, personal school where everyone knows everyone else – just like a family. We foster an environment in which children can grow in confidence, learning honesty, consideration, loyalty and openness.

Small school - where quality of education matters Our small school has a well justified reputation as a friendly, family school. Excellent relationships between children and staff lie at the heart of the school’s success and there are shared expectations for striving towards academic excellence, whilst ensuring that all children are nurtured to be their very best as individuals, whatever their varied strengths. Close relationships are a significant characteristic of life at Newbridge. Children and parents alike feel secure when they know they are part of a small community where everyone knows each other. With small, average class sizes of

eighteen and one form entry, each child is treated as an individual, and valued both for who they are and who they could become.

Primary school specialists with exceptional results As the only stand-alone independent preparatory school in Wolverhampton, we are dedicated to focussing only on children aged two-eleven years. Our primary aged children are at the heart of all that we do, providing an exceptional start in life. Every child is different and unique and it is at this young age that excellent foundations are laid, and a sense of aspiration created. In our primary school environment, children grow quickly in confidence and their individual characters and skills develop, giving time before decisions about the next stage of their education are taken.

Creating a choice at 11+ Invest now and you will have far more options when your daughter is eleven. In and around 116

Wolverhampton, we are fortunate to have diversity of choice across both state and independent sectors for senior schools. Newbridge Preparatory School has well-established links with many of these schools, and we are experienced in methods of transfer and entry into them. Our experience and expertise enable us to match our knowledge of these senior schools to the girls we teach and nurture. We work closely with parents to identify the next school in which each individual child will truly flourish – we will help and support you, every step of the way, to find the right senior school for your daughter at the right time in her development.

Come and visit us Please do not just take our word for it. Read our ‘Excellent’ 2016 inspection report (www. isi.net/schools/6725) or better still come and visit us – as every day is an open day. Please ring Miss Taylor (registrar) on 01902 751088 to make an appointment.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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An Englishman’s home is his castle… or is it? We are a nation of home owners obsessed with property prices and TV programmes about relocating and restoring our little slice of England. We all like to put our own stamp on our home, whether that’s a colourful front door, new windows or a two-storey extension. But with more people choosing to improve rather than move, what are your rights when it comes to making your home your own? Mark Turner, a planning specialist from FBC Manby Bowdler explains: “Planning laws have been relaxed in recent years allowing more permitted development that you don’t need formal permission for. But the golden rule is always to check in advance with your local planning office about what you can and can’t do. “Some home improvements can be made under Permitted Development rights, including some two-storey extensions, outbuildings, porches or even swimming pools. However, all of these come with strict requirements that could depend on size, whether you

live in a conservation area, or if the property is listed. “Some people have personalised their homes, but come unstuck with the planners – for example, an owner who put a parapet wall around his flat roof. Some are even more exotic, for example the owner who built a large wooden replica Spitfire in his garden, and my favourite, the model shark fixed into the roof of a terraced house! But then another owner persuaded an inspector that an aircraft hangar was a reasonable requirement in his case. “Your first call should always be to check if your proposed project is covered under Permitted Development rights and does not require permission. My team advise people about the rules every day. “If you own a listed building or live in a Conservation Area, the rules can be very strict. For example, if you live in a listed house, you may not be able to replace your kitchen without permission, or even move a clock or a painting or panelling if it is fixed to the property!

Mark Turner

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judge decided the red and white striped paint job was ‘harmful’ to the amenity of the area. “Even if you don’t need planning permission for the work you’re doing, any changes may need building regulations approval so always make sure that’s in hand too. “Planning authorities can insist that all work carried out without consent, where consent was required, is reversed. It is therefore vitally important to get advice before embarking on home improvements to ensure that permission is not required. ” * Mark Turner specialises in a variety of matters including planning applications, appeals, hearings and inquiries, compulsory purchase matters and judicial reviews, and section 106 agreements. He can be contacted on 01952 208412 or m.turner@fbcmb.co.uk

“Painting your house may also be an issue. The owners of an historic building in Newport received complaints when they gave it a new purple look and a woman was ordered to repaint her house in Kensington after a wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

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Royal Ad 140 x 106_Royal Ad 140 x 106 20/06/2016 14:19 Page 2

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Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV3 OEG Tel: 01902 341230 mo@royal.wolverhampton.sch.uk www.theroyalschool.co.uk

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Summer of celebrations at

Tettenhall College There was a celebratory feel to the end of May at Tettenhall College, with both the annual Prize Giving and Gala Ball taking place in the same week amid the busy Summer Term.

The black tie ball saw its largest ever turnout, with 320 guests enjoying an evening of fine food and dancing, within the school’s stunning grounds.

The event culminated in an emotional farewell speech from head prefects Chloe Fisher and Quynh (Anna) Nguyen.

Headmaster David Williams said: “These two occasions are always a highlight of the Summer Term. We would like to thank family and friends who attended these events, the pupils who deserve their recognition, and our hard-working staff.”

Wolves legend Steve Bull presented a limited print of himself as an auction prize, raising money for children’s charity Promise Dreams. The event is proving to be one of the most popular in the Wolverhampton social calendar, and sponsors included estate agents Thomas Harvey, Codsall and Wergs Garden Centre and Mercedes Benz of Wolverhampton. The Prize Giving ceremony was a fantastic celebration of pupil success throughout the year, both academic and sporting. Chairman of Governors Jeremy Woolridge gave a formal introduction and the guest speaker was Martin Robinson, a renowned educationalist, author and consultant.

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Highly Commended & Above and Beyond

Senior boarders’ band “After Tea” performing at the Prize Giving celebration

We are looking for a Beauty Therapist with good experience, motivation and passion for beauty. Somebody who is willing to work hard and meet our high standards. Being a part of the Sorelle team is a fantastic opportunity to be trained by three highly qualified beauty therapists, all of whom have years of experience to guide you through this exciting opportunity and the beauty world.

POP IN WITH YOUR CV NOW! Karen Price

t: 07974 974 994

e: karen.s.price@btinternet.com facebook.com/CWPKarenPrice

3 The Square, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1PT T: 01902 846000 E: sorellebeautyuk@gmail.com W: www.sorellebeauty.co.uk

Chris Jewkes Fitness Ltd, Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 9BQ

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Summer of love We are in the wedding mood here at Sharratts and have been celebrating the engagement of one of the team.

The wedding is this summer and plans are in full swing! The bride to be is not just a colleague but a very dear friend of mine who I have worked with for the last 5 years. I have enjoyed being involved in the wedding planning, from searching for the

Jenny Stretton

right venue, florist and photographer to finding the perfect dress. Planning a wedding is exciting and all about the details like the colour scheme and how many cake tiers you have. So it’s understandable that some couples get swept away in a whirlwind of wedding bells. But there are some legal issues that can be overlooked in the process.

One of the topics that may need to be considered is whether there should be a prenuptial agreement. It can be a tricky subject, but dealing with these issues prior to the wedding may help some couples start their new life together on the right foot with each of them knowing the expectations of the other. Marriage or forming a civil partnership isn’t for everyone. But there are also legal options when cohabiting together as a couple, for example, one legal consideration might be to draw up a cohabitation agreement. Again this can assist the parties to set out clearly their expectations in respect of their finances and property matters for their future together.

Whether you need or want a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement will entirely depend upon your circumstances and on the two of you as individuals, but it’s worth considering your options, if you would like to have an informal chat about any of these issues then please contact me here at Sharratts Solicitors on 01902 759 500. Alternatively please feel free to pop in to our offices which are located at 81 Wergs Road, Tettenhall (next to the Crown Pub).

Where family means everything Offering a comprehensive service in all areas of family law. Our highly skilled solicitors are friendly and approachable, providing sound and practical advice while being emotionally sensitive to your situation.

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Children Matters Pre Nuptial/Cohabitee Agreements Care Proceedings Separation/Divorce/Finances Child Abduction Cohabitee/Civil Partner Claims Adoption/Surrogacy Injunctions

Change of Name Deed Gender Recognition Wills & Probate Elderly Client Advice

81 Wergs Rd, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 9BP (free parking onsite) ● 01902 759500 85 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4EX ● 0345 565 2070 info@sharratts.com www.sharratts.com

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Flying HigH for Top National Golf Award A renowned West Midlands based Golf Complex, which gave over 3,000 youngsters a pathway into golf, has won a coveted national award, celebrating their success in spectacular style by flying the staff by helicopter to a star studded event at Wentworth to collect their prize.

3 Hammers Golf Complex, Wolverhampton have been honoured by winning the prestigious Critchley award from the Golf Foundation where they shone above all competition by successfully getting people to take up the sport of golf.

Joined by excited crowds including their Ladies Love Golf members, the Complex celebrated the prestigious occasion by landing a helicopter on their driving range to fly the Golf Academy team and two lucky junior golfers in luxury style down to Wentworth where they collected the award in front of a packed audience of golfing greats and top celebrities. Complex owner Ian Bonser said “3 Hammers continues to go from strength to strength. It’s a prestigious award and recognises us on a national scale as the best in the UK for our hugely successful junior coaching programmes benefitting over 3,000 kids across the region over the past year. Going forward, this accolade encourages new people to take up the sport confident in the abilities of our 5, now national award-winning, PGA Golf Professionals”. The trip saw the Golf Academy Team rub shoulders with A-list celebrities such as BBC’s Chris Evans, Piers Morgan, Vernon Kay and One Direction’s Niall Horan. They were also joined by a host of sporting stars including Masters winner Danny Willet, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Trevor Immelman, Sir Ian Botham, John Terry, Jamie Redknapp, Kevin Pietersen, Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes.

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

The Awards celebrate some of the excellent people who work at the grass roots of the game and the high achieving projects which encourage more people to find their way in golf. The Critchley Award, one of eight President’s Awards is given to the heroes of grassroots junior golf and has been awarded to 3 Hammers. The hugely popular junior programme at the Complex is testament that golf is not in decline as is often reported. In fact, 3 Hammers continues to go from strength to strength and their proven successful formula is now recognised as a national example of good practice by the EGU, PGA and Golf Foundation. The Complex, supported by England Golf and the Golf Foundation, involves their 5 full time PGA Golf Professionals and two level 1 coaches to run Tri-Golf and Junior Golf Passport sessions in local primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities and groups across the region such as girl guides and scouts. The coaching then continues through the Player and Elite levels at the Complex’s unique facilities in Coven, Wolverhampton. The now national award-winning Complex ran junior programmes involving over 3,000 youngsters, 42 per cent of whom were girls. Pupils receive follow-on coaching right up to their teenage years with many youngsters joining local golf clubs as junior members as a result.

In recent years the Complex has expanded their facilities to enable the teaching of golf to people on a much wider scale with the design and commission of a purpose built Learn 2 Play Zone, the first of its kind in the UK. At over 10,000sqft the Zone is fully netted, astro turfed with synthetic putting green and an undercover pavilion. They are also continuing with an impressive £250,000 investment project including upgrading their 20 bay driving range with the latest automatic power tees and further investment on their esteemed golf course - making it even more accessible for beginners, juniors and golfers of all standards. With 5 full time PGA Golf Professionals on site, the Complex stands head and shoulders amongst other golfing venues across the region. The Critchley Award represents the outstanding work they have carried out in the community developing a successful pathway from school to golfer. This Golf Foundation award highlights golfing venues across the country recognising their outstanding achievements with junior golfers. All award winners support the Golf Foundation’s purpose to make golf and its benefits available to young people and help them ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the game.

Presidents’ Awards represent a unique opportunity for us to showcase our passion, commitment and hard work inspiring young golfers and growing the game of golf. We are always delighted with the progress and enthusiasm of our juniors from ages 4 up to 16, with over 20 of our students going on to become Golf Professionals themselves. It’s a hugely rewarding part of what we do here at 3 Hammers and we’re delighted to be recognised with such a coveted award.” For details on how to get into the wonderful world of golf – learn with the best! Call 3 Hammers Golf Reception on 01902 790428 for details on Learn 2 Play, Ladies Love Golf and golf lessons with our national award-winning golf academy. 3 Hammers Golf Complex Old Stafford Road, Coven, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV10 7PP Golf Reception 01902 790428 info@3hammers.co.uk www.3hammers.co.uk

Rob Bluck, 3 Hammers Golf Academy Director, said “The

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Richard Bissell, PGA Golf Professional at Patshull Park Golf & Country Club

No Nonsense Golf Tips

The bunker splash shot made easy This really is a reasonably simple golf shot to play when explained and executed correctly. However I often see this shot fail miserably due to the breakdown of one of the key components needed to make it work. What is key though is that we get the ball out of the bunker at the first attempt.

This is important as we want to swing the club along the line of the feet, helping the ball to pop up sharply into the air. Bend you knees and keep the hands low as this encourages and early wrist hinge. Give you feet a little wiggle into the sand for stability and also to feel how much sand there is.

SETUP

TECHNIQUE

Firstly it is important to stay calm and relaxed when in the bunker. This is a feel shot and you do not want any tension in your arms. To set up align the clubface to where you want to land the ball. Note this is not always at the flag as you sometimes allow for slopes. You must then take an open stance which means you feet are aligned to the left of the target.

This is where some fail. You have to be aggressive with this shot and accelerate all the way through. Any deceleration will more than likely mean the ball stays in the trap.

speed. On the downswing, swing along the line of your of your feet. Aim to strike the sand about an inch behind the ball, accelerating through and keeping the clubhead square to your target. Keeping the clubhead moving at speed and completing the follow through is important. If you follow these instructions the ball should pop up and land softly. Increase the length of the backswing for longer shots.

Executing the shot is all about your hands and arms. There should little weight shift at all in the course of the swing. On the backswing hinge the wrists early to create clubhead

Happy golfing.

Rich Patshull Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR 124

T: 01902 700100 Golf Shop: 01902 700342wolverhampton www.patshull-park.co.uk west magazine | 2016

Patshull Park has long been a popular venue for Golf Days for both Companies and Societies in the Midlands and from further afield. The 49 bedroom hotel, 18 hole golf course and Health Club are set n some of the most glorious countryside that shropshire and the Black Country can offer.

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Call 01902 700100 to book Look us up on Trip Advisor

sales@patshull-park.co.uk

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Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR

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125

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prices correct at time

of going to print wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Oxley Park: an emerald gem in the city of Wolverhampton 102 years of age and barely a stone’s throw from the city centre. Fresh faces and fresh ideas in motion at Wolverhampton's Oxley Park Golf Club this season mean a revitalised venue with much more to offer.

scoring system means that players of all levels can play together either socially or competitively.

One of Oxley Park’s new initiatives this season is to expand the ladies section, and to encourage more female members to join this friendly club, a reduced membership rate will be on offer for a limited period only. So ladies are you looking for a new challenge? Want to get healthy and active? Keen to meet more friends or spend quality time with your partner – and wondering which sport fits the bill?

If you are interested in joining one of the best courses in the area with a friendly atmosphere please call the Pro Shop on 01902 425892 or email office@oxleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

Pro Shop – Our Head Professional Craig Thomas brings his award-winning TGA Academy to the club, a new young team with a completely re-vamped pro shop recently opened and a 5 hole development course, established specifically for the junior academy.

Golf offers all these benefits and more.

Friendship & Sport Chatting as you walk between holes, a glass of wine in the clubhouse afterwards and plenty of people keen to join you for a game – golf has to be the most social sport ever invented. With plenty of time for conversation and fun, golf at Oxley Park is the perfect way to make new friends or grow closer bonds with people you already know. The sport’s unique handicap

Now the golfing season is upon us there is no time like the present to join a club and take advantage of the summer weather and lighter nights.

Oxley Park GOlf Club welCOmes New lady members upto 15 months membership for £550 (50% Off)

No joining fee less THaN £10 a week Excludes affiliation fees

fOr THe ladies

alternatively… Why not consider our successful Flexi Golf scheme for just £395 and get upto 26 rounds (off peak). Get a handicap and access to competitions.

Oxley Park is a thriving club with a growing lady members hip, a warm and friendly welc ome and busy social schedule . The 5507 yard, par 71 park land course (Red tees) is treelined and attractive with occasional water featu res and a wonderful sense of seclu ded charm. The club has strong links with the Ladies County Golf Asso ciation and recently hosted the Staff ordshire Girls Championships

Stafford Road, Bushbury, Wolverhampton WV10 6DE • Main Tel: 01902 773989 *2 Pro Shop: 01902 773989 *3

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Social Scene

Michelle Lawley Tettenhall Michelle Lawley organised a launch evening to celebrate the opening of her beauty salon offering skin care, beauty treatments and products. It was also the 3 year anniversary of Michelle Lawleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hairdressing business so it was a double celebration. 128

1. Richard Martin, Emma Trusselle. 2. Michelle Doughty, Anya. 3. Phil Gentle, Sharon Gentle. 4. Kelly Dewfield, Tiffany Clark, Samantha Rushbury, Danielle Mullinder, Michelle Lawley, Laurie Trusselle. 5. Cal Phillips, Sarah Phillips. 6. Matthew Nightingale, Debbie Fullford, Paul Gentle, Gemma Fullford, Jay Fullford. 7. Julie Hancox, Karen Dittman. wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene 1

4 5

Cosmetique Penn

1. Julie Bridges, Julie Duncan, Helen Carter.

Suky Chana and staff hosted a special event evening for clients old and new to introduce a full range of expert treatments available including facial aesthetics and non-surgical body sculpting. Demonstrations were held throughout the evening and clients met with doctors and staff including new aesthetic nurse Margaret Hill and Dr Sharma. Light refreshments were served along with champagne and canapés. Suky said “The evening was a great success, we will be holding another event soon.”

4. Michelle Pass, Julia Baker, Anant Sharma, Judith Harvey, Patsy Thorne.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

2. Anant Sharma, Margaret Hill, Andrew Booshan, Suky Chana. 3. Sarah Taylor, Lindsey Whitehouse.

5. Denise Rose, Chris Bywater. 6. Laura Sharma, Charlotte Willis, Emma Timson, Chantal Bernard. 7. Matt Jenkins, Lydia Summers, Jamie Thomas, Laura Sharma, Scott Turner. 129

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

Gala Ball Tettenhall College

3. Major sponsor Thomas Harvey. Glyn Harvey, Chris Harvey, Giles Harvey, Alex Harvey.

The black tie ball saw its largest ever turnout, with 320

7. Dawn Oakley, Vicky Benton.

guests enjoying an evening of fine food and dancing in the

8. Karen Price, Liv Price.

Celebration Marquee within the school’s stunning grounds.

9. Jeremy Woolridge, Sue Woolridge.

1. Major sponsor Mercedes-Benz. Duncan Harris, Michelle Harris, Edward Spencer, Zara Farnell, Rob Smith, Nicky Bristow, Deborah & David Williams (headmaster), Helen Smith, Peter Smith. 2. Emma Ray-Davies, Rebecca Ielden. 130

4. Steve Shore, Louise Shore. 5. Major sponsor Codsall and Wergs Garden Centre. 6. Nathan Crick, Sophie Jones.

10. Sophie Dempsey, Emma Perry, Charlotte Willies. 11. Chloë Fisher, Liv Price, Amy Willis, Aimée Fisher. 12. Jemma Bullock, Emma Stirk, Rhian Barker. 13. Liz Welch, Helen Collins, Corinna Roberts, Lisa Needham. 14. Rebecca Gough, Edward Gough. wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Social Scene

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

131

Social Scene

Heaven Skincare Shifnal A fundraising event was held at Heaven on Tuesday 24th May in aid of Promise Dreams. There were beauty demonstrations, a talk by Deborah Mitchell; refreshments were served and guests enjoyed canapés and champagne. The generous support from Heaven allowed guests to raise £700, from ticket sales and a raffle - Deborah personally donated £100 for the famous Bee Venom Mask to be auctioned off - plus another £320, raised from beauty product sales, for the popular charity. 132

The evening proved to be as popular as it was profitable, with guests and volunteers alike all enjoying themselves very much. 1. Christine Goodman, Beverley Bird, Deborah Mitchell, Liza Ward. 2. Caroline Bromley, Lisa Needham, Julie Dodd, Maria Tandy. 3. Paula Bawa, Kirsty Bull. 4. Ceri Bannister, Louise Evans, Julie Pritchard. 5. Nadine Green, Margaret Hickman. 6. Vicki Barchha, Sonia Jones, Louise Swinburne. 7. Sally Cross, Carole Brentnall. 8. Terri Jewkes, Charlotte Willies, Jo Richards, Emma Timson. wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Social Scene

Sorelle Codsall

1. Hannah Lea, Harry Garratt.

To celebrate their first birthday Sorelle held a grand event on Wednesday 18th May at their elegant French style beauty salon. Customers old and new were greeted with refreshments including champagne and canapĂŠs. Beauty demonstrations took place and all guests were treated to a goodie bag with beauty samples.

5. Louise Peck, Sandra Reid, Rachel Hawkins.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

2. Willow Piggott, Kim Piggott, Harriet Piggott, Gemma Kelly. 3. Jackie Andrews, Claire Andrews. 4. Susan Harding, Jodie Perry.

6. Amanda Grosvenor, Annabel Mottram. 7. Amy Hawkins, Jenny Robbins. 8. Emily Gillett, Tina Gillet. 133

Social Scene

Ladies Day Wolverhampton RFC Royal Ascot came to Wolverhampton Rugby Club for the 12th year running, organised by Kenneth Clive Menswear on behalf of Tettenhall Rotary. Everyone was dressed up for the occasion and guests were entertained by Bill Baileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jazz Band while having lunch. Racing commenced at 2.30pm and finished with a late afternoon disco. The event profits help local charities. 1. Karen Price, David Price, Carolyn Webb, Libby Walton. 2. Kenneth Clive (event organiser) and Jan. 134

6 3. Ally Birkett, Tracy Wilkinson, Paula Timmins, Leanne Platek. 4. Claire McCormack, Raj Raikhy. 5. Karen Fletcher, Diane Roberts, Claire Willis, Andrea Strathmore. 6. Sarah Billingham, Heather Mulley, Louise Haynes, Morag Snelling. 7. Carol Burgwin, Louise Lambert, Holly Haynes. 8. Joe Harper, Andrew Whiting, Nigel Walpole, Peter Whiting. 9. Malcolm Hinton, Kay Hinton. 10. Karen Price, Liv Price. 11. Jane Wellsbury, Kerry Moseley, Amanda Sperling. 12. Joanne Whitehouse, Louise Tonks, Jodie Berry, Emma Lucas. wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Social Scene

11 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

12 135

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

Magicians Dinner Molineux Over one hundred members of the Wolverhampton Circle of magicians with their friends and families met at the Hayward Suite, Molineux. Hosted by the President, David Pitt, they enjoyed an excellent three course meal followed by toasts and the presentation of awards for service and magical skill. Members then entertained their guests with close-up table magic. 136

7 Further details about the club may be obtained from Sue Oakley on 01785 247078. 1. (committee) Damon Conlan, Dave Oakley, Sue Oakley, Dave Taylor, Dave Pitt, Adam Cooper, Ricky Jackson. 2. Mich Gibbons, Katie Martin. 3. (Back) Kelly Idoine, Barry Flavel, (Front) Valerie Atherton, Bryan Atherton. 4. Dave Popple, Dawn Bishop, Hazel Popple, Ron Popple. 5. Derek Garbett, John Mackie. 6. Pracilla Mackie, Doris Mackie. 7. Nicola Taggart, Adam Cooper, Rita Cooper. wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Social Scene

3 5

Blakelands Bobbington 115 ladies attended a charity lunch on Wednesday 8th June which was organised by Tricia Ward-Jones, volunteer fundraiser for Promise Dreams. £3,580 was raised to purchase a Snap Dragon Power Chair for 7 year old Eilidh MacFarlane who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This also included a £match from Lloyds Bank of £1000. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

7 The fashion show was organised by Carol Billingsley, owner of Aristocats ladies fashion boutique based in Coalway Road, Penn. Volunteer models showcased the latest seasonal styles and this proved to be most enjoyable. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Carol Billingsley, Tricia Ward-Jones (organiser). Toni Wyer, Lynne Cave, Marita Morrison. Gill Rollings, Rachel Mitton-Davis. Margaret Davies, Carol Marple, Pauline Calloway. Pam Thompson, Margaret Bill. Jill Rossiter, Jane Perks. f/r Gill Row, Carol Whittle, Thelma Quayre, b/r Liz Stoll, Kate Banerjee, Sue Jones. 137

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

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Units S1 & S2 Station Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7BU 138

01902 790123

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Why service your air-con?

Most cars should be serviced every 10,000 miles or every year but did you know that an air-con service is not included in your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular service schedule? As with all things mechanical, the air-con system needs to be serviced regularly to keep it working at optimum performance. It is recommended that you have your air-con serviced and pollen filter replaced every 2 years.

Below are the 3 main reasons for servicing your air con.

because lubricating oil is mixed with the gas to keep the compressor unit running smoothly. In an air-con service the system is drained to remove any oil, gas and moisture from the system. It is then recharged with new gas and oil to keep it running effectively. 3.

Bacteria build up. Ever had a stale smell when you turn your aircon on for the first time in a while? This smell is usually associated with a dirty pollen filter and a build-up of bacteria in the air vents. A regular service will include an antibacterial clean removing nasty odours and germs so that all you get when you turn on your air-con is fresh air.

1. Checking for leaks.

Your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air-con system has to cope with a pretty hostile environment and as a result the refrigerant gas leaks out of the air-con system over time. This gas is required to cool the air and on average, the air-con system will lose around 10% of gas per annum. If the level of gas gets too low the system will not function.

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

18/04/2016 15:34

139

Smarty Pants

By Rob Taylor

The Smart ForTwo is a clever little car: a groundbreaking design for an overpopulated planet. If it could talk it would regale you with witty motoring anecdotes, explain the intricacies of the internal combustion engine and do it all while driving you to the shops. Look in its glove-box and you’ll see a Mensa membership card. But no-one really likes a smart rear-end or do they? As of this year, old clever clogs can arrive on your driveway as a roofless cabrio, but today I’m concentrating on its hard-top sibling, because it’ll take a lot more than flashy gimmicks to un-stick my own fascination with the Smart car, which began soon after it launched in the late 1990s. This 1 litre Passion test car certainly still cuts a dash in its natural habitat around the towns and cities of the West Midlands not quite the neon-glow of Tokyo but just the terrain needed to see if it can outsmart its many rivals, most notably the Renault Twingo, which, thanks to Smart’s jointventure development programme with – ahem – Renault, shares the ForTwo’s underpinnings. The Smart’s short wheelbase (the whole car still retains a tiny 269cm length) means that it turns into corners responsively 140

and rewardingly, yet the ride is smooth and comfortable, which could never be said of the previous generation - it had road manners akin to a substandard soapbox race entry. This gutsy three-cylinder engine develops 71bhp and makes keeping pace with traffic in town easy. And there’s every reason to greet passing cyclists without shame or green-faced embarrassment, because - as a corollary of its urban-orientated design – it coughs out less than 100g/km of the nasty stuff. It fits right in with slick city fashion too: trendy shoppers nod approvingly, while sipping lattes outside ultra-cool coffee shops, and the Smart’s supercool 15” alloy wheels allow you to bask in your own shopwindow-reflected glory, knowing that this vehicle costs just a smidgen under £12,000. But much of this will come as no particular surprise, nor will fans of Mercedes (Smart’s owner) be shocked to learn that it is well-built, blessed with finely upholstered seats and made with top quality interior plastics – or that it can be specc’d to be as sombre or colourful as you wish. Equally unsurprising is the fact that every bit of tech, whether infotainment – the £795 Premium Package which gets you built-in sat-nav, is a must – or safety is top-notch.

However what is truly staggering is that in a car small enough to park in your pocket, this six foot tall writer could comfortably be accommodated inside for a lengthy cross-country three hour run, involving motorways – the old Smart car’s nemesis – and myriad A and B-roads, and not come out the other side beset by tinnitus, wracked with back ache. Admittedly the engine can feel strained when under load, but you never feel too under-powered or intimidated on motorways, unless of course you happen to come up against a large automotive colossus when there’s a particularly strong cross-wind. A 0-60mph time of 14.4 seconds won’t win any drag races, however a top speed of 94 mph is all you’ll ever legally need. The Smart ForTwo is still an impressive amount of innovation for a not particularly impressive starting price of £11,070. The 5-speed manual gearbox (you can pay more for an auto) is precise and the gearing is well spaced and, when employed sensibly, it will return up to – officially - 69mpg on the combined cycle. With some fun and frolics I managed around 45mpg. So without having a retro gimmick like the Fiat 500, the cheap practicality of the Renault Twingo, the little Smart ForTwo is a big success in its own right.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

For more fun in the city. Choose smartly.

Drayton

Call us on 01902 471464 to book a test drive. Drayton Group smart at Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4HD 01902 471464 www.draytonsmart.co.uk Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the smart range: urban 55.4(5.1)-58.9(4.8), extra urban 72.4(3.9)76.4(3.7), combined 65.7(4.3)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 99-93 g/km. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 65 Perton & Bridgnorth Travel 65 Appliances Electrical & Gas Capital Appliances 49 Bathrooms Carvers Building Supplies 19 Eaton Kitchens 33 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 31 Roman Bathrooms 13 Beauty Clinics - Cosmetic Cosmetique Aesthetic Clinic 95 Beauty Salons Sorelle 93 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Chasewood 39 Cousins 10/11 Merridale Furnishers 13 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Fabric Barn 17 Merridale Furnishers 13 Val Hever Blinds 43 Virgo 43 Building Services & Contractors MBH Builders 45 Three Pines 41 Butchers Allan Bennett 70 Poxons 70 R J Hipkiss & Sons 72/73 Café Wolverhampton Art Gallery Café 75 Caravan Accessories Cannock Caravan Accessories 67 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Touch Dry 36 Carpets & Flooring - Supply & Fit 26 1st Choice Flooring Sandford Carpets 17 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 43 Car Sales & Service Autosales 145 Drayton Smart 141 Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton 147 Children’s Charity Promise Dreams 109 Chiropody & Podiatry Tom Casey 106 Composite Doors Doorsmart 47 Computer Services Finchfield IT 62 Delicatessen Corbelli 71 Dentistry Parkside Dental Surgery 105 Simply Dentures 104 Total Implant Solutions 2 Debt Collection Services JB Credit Services 63 Design & Print The Studio 67 Drive & Patio Cleaning DCS 59

Education Newbridge School 117 Royal School 119 Tettenhall College 115 Electricians & Electrical Contractors Central Electrical Contracts 53 Excel Electrical Contractors 61 Entertainment & Leisure Wolverhampton Art Gallery 69/75 Estate Agents Berriman Eaton 9 Fashion & Retail Aristocats 97 Diffusion 88/89/100 Fencing & Gates Profence 57 Fireplaces & Stoves Flaming Fires 17 Wolverhampton Fireplaces 12 Financial Advisors Midland Independent 14/15 Financial Services Fitness & Leisure Centres Artisan Personal Fitness Training 87 South Staffordshire Leisure 112/113 Furniture & Furnishings Cousins 10/11 Merridale Furnishers 13 Ralvern 27 Sofa Factory Outlet 21 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 43 Garage Services Four Ashes Renault 138 HiQ Tyres 139 Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations 55 Gardening & Landscaping Lealans Garden Centre 54 Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum System 46 Glazing Repairs Blakes Glass & Glazing 59 Golf Clubs & Driving Ranges 3 Hammers 122/123 Oxley Park Golf Club 127 Patshull Park 125 Wergs Golf Club 126 Hairdressers Salon 27 94 Urban 99 Health Care Cover Paycare 83 Hospices Compton Hospice 111 Hospitals - Private Nuffield 90 Interior Designers Virgo Carpets & Interiors 43 Italian Deli Corbelli’s 71 Jewellers T.A.Henn 7 Kitchen Doors - Replacement Dream Doors 29

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Kitchens - Supply, Design & Fit Bespoke Kitchens 35 Carvers Building Supplies 19 Dream Doors 29 Eaton Kitchens 33 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 31 Roman Bathrooms 13 Legal Services Manby Bowdler Solicitors 119 Sharratts Solicitors 121 Letting Agents Berriman Eaton 9/33 Lighting Lighting R Us 53 Locksmiths Cummings Brothers 63 Loft Ladders Lyndale 26 Music Lessons Rick Hampton 65 Opticians Taylor Biddle 101 Orthopaedic Surgery Wolverhampton Hip & Knee Clinic 107 Oven Cleaning Services OvenClean 59 OvenGleamers 63 Painters & Decorators Kevin Jackson 61 Personal Fitness Training Artisan 87 Photography Crescent Imaging 57 Plumbing & Heating JB Plumbing & Heating 61 Property Cleaning RC Cleaning 58 Restaurants/Pubs Bravaccios 77 Halfpenny Green Vineyards 74 Park House Hotel 80 Shrewsbury Arms 76 Sir Jack’s 75 Wergs Golf Club 80 Wombourne Tandoori 77 School Uniforms / Children’s wear Abbiss 104 Skip Hire Wolverhampton Skip Hire 57 Stairs & Stair Components Lyndale 26 Tea Rooms Halfpenny Green Vineyards 74 Theatres The Grand Theatre 148 Tiles & Interiors Heart of Stone 36 Tile Choice 5 Tyres Hi Q Tyres 139 Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards 74 Windows, Conservatories, Orangeries Tettenhall Windows 23 143

B A L E N O

Suzuki’s all new hatcHback for a new era

Suzuki is well known globally for its expertise in small cars and the new Baleno hatchback is its latest example. Since launching its first car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a vast range of significant models each tailored to the needs of its time. A larger car than Swift at 3.99 metres long, Baleno offers a more rational choice for buyers looking for extra interior space and larger boot capacity but who may not be looking to move up in size to a Vitara or S-Cross. Baleno offers the best tandem distance in its class which is the measurement taken between the front and rear seats. Standard equipment for all Baleno models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ-T model, available with an all new three cylinder 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine, includes six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rear privacy glass, cruise control with speed limiter and front electric windows. SZ5 (Boosterjet and SHVS model) adds automatic climate control, rear electric windows, 4.2 inch central colour trip display, LED 144

rear lights, Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Brake Support. Pricing for the Baleno range starts from £12,999 for the SZ-T 1.0-litre Boosterjet manual. With the increasing popularity of Personal Contract Purchase to new car buyers, the new Baleno is available with an attractive PCP offer. Taking the SZ-T model as an example, the offer comprises of a Nil customer deposit, £1,000 deposit contribution from Suzuki followed by 48 monthly payments of £199. Payments can also be reduced to just £159 over the same period if a deposit of £1,679 is made. As is normal with a PCP arrangement, a final payment is required to keep the car and the APR is 5.9 per cent. 1.2-litre Dualjet with SHVS Suzuki first introduced its Dualjet technlogy in 2014, initially in the 1.2-litre Swift and then more recently in the 1.0-litre Celerio. This technology is now utilised for the four cylinder 1.2-litre Baleno and includes the addition of SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki).

The SHVS mild hybrid system is a compact and lightweight system that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor, the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking. In the new Baleno the SHVS system helps Suzuki reach a top class CO2 emissions figure of 94g/km plus achieve a fuel consumption figure of 70.6mpg on the EC combined cycle. Display audio system with navigation and smartphone connectivity The audio system for both SZ-T and SZ5 models has a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (SLDA) with a large seven inch touch panel display that enables intuitive operation and can also be used when wearing gloves. A three dimensional navigation map makes landmarks easy to distinguish and the system also allows the driver to use certain smartphone applications with MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connection. Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use iPhone in the Baleno. Apart from making calls it also facilitates receiving directions for optimised traffic conditions, listening to music, accessing email, text messages and more.

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

£1000 3 YEARS’ TOWARDS YOUR DEPOSIT

FREE SERVICING*

EXPERIENCE THE DRIVE

Introducing the new Suzuki Baleno, the compact hatchback that’s a joy to drive. Thanks to the Boosterjet turbocharged engine, you enjoy maximum performance and great fuel eﬃciency. Plus there’s plenty of room for you, your passengers and all your luggage. And it comes packed with features, including satellite navigation and air conditioning as standard. Now it’s time to experience the drive. Discover how you can experience the new Suzuki Baleno. Contact Autosales today. Autosales is a credit broker and not a lender

Request a test drive today; See below for your local dealership

Autosales

Vulcan Road, Bilston, West Midlands WV14 7JW 01902 402233 www.suzuki.co.uk/autosales

Autosales Suzuki Cannock Progress Drive, Bridge Town, Cannock WS11 0JE 01543 431360 www.suzuki.co.uk/autosales

Model shown: Baleno 1.0 Boosterjet SZ5 Manual at £13,999 on the road (metallic paint available at £430). Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Suzuki Baleno range mpg (litres/100km) and CO₂ emissions (g/km): Urban from 44.8 (6.3) to 60.1 (4.7), extra urban from 68.8 (4.1) to 78.4 (3.6), combined from 57.6 (4.9) to 70.6 (4.0). Official CO₂ emissions from 115g/km to 94g/km. to 70.6 (4.0). Official CO₂ emissions from 115g/km to 94g/km. The above fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Baleno range: 1.0 Boosterjet SZ-T Manual available at £12,999 to 1.0 Boosterjet SZ5 Automatic available at £15,349. 5.9% APR representative on Suzuki Personal Contract Purchase. Maximum 43 month term. Terms and Conditions apply. Offer available on new Suzuki Baleno orders and registrations made between 1st June 2016 to 30th June 2016, subject to availability. We may earn commission or other benefits from introducing you to Suzuki Finance. The offer above is available from Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Credit is available to UK residents aged 18 years or over, subject to status, from Suzuki Financial Services Ltd (excludes Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Suzuki Financial Services Ltd reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer without notice or prior warning. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, part of Lloyds Banking Group, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. Offer correct at time of going to print. *Offer applies to private customers and the first registered vehicle only; 3 routine manufacturer services covering 3 years from the date of vehicle registration or the car mileage reaching 27,000 miles (for 1.0-litre Boosterjet models) or 37,500 miles (for SHVS models), whichever comes first by Suzuki franchised dealers or service partners only. Terms & Conditions apply, see Suzuki.co.uk/cars/freeservicing for details. Offer available on new Suzuki Baleno orders and registrations made between 1st June 2016 and 30th June 2016, at Suzuki franchised dealers based in the UK mainland.

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WORLD PREMIERE OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ GLC COUPÉ:

SPORTS COUPÉ MEETS “G” lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window.

Perfect combination of design elements from two different worlds The striking features of the front end are its dominant, steeply raked diamond radiator grille with single louvre and integral star, short overhang and SUVinspired override guard. The innovative headlamp concept, optionally in LED High Performance technology, sports the now characteristic Mercedes-Benz light signature. A striking injection of sports car genes is provided by the large lateral air inlets.

The dynamicexpressive styling of the GLC Coupé concept was a centre of attention at its world premiere in 2015 in Shanghai. It unites the typical stylistic elements of a coupé with the design language of current SUV models. Just one year later, this promise has become a reality: the new GLC Coupé translates the design idiom of the show car, with its distinctive basic structure and stretched greenhouse, virtually unchanged into series production. At the same time, the sports car among Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size SUVs impresses with its brandtypical safety, modern assistance systems and an especially sporty-dynamic character. The as-standard sports suspension as well as more direct sports steering, DYNAMIC SELECT and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission combine effortlessly superior ride comfort with decidedly sporty agility. Two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping are optionally available: the new DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL with steel springing as well as the already familiar AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air

suspension. Both options make for further enhanced driving dynamics and comfort. “The GLC Coupé reflects our iconic Mercedes-Benz coupé design while symbolising the bipolarity of our brand – it is ‘hot and cool’,” said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “With its design idiom of sensual purity, it perfectly embodies our styling philosophy while at the same time representing contemporary luxury.” The combination of multifunctional SUV and emotively appealing coupé constitutes a skillful fusion of emotion and intelligence. With an exterior length of 4.73 metres, a height of 1.60 metres and a wheelbase of 2.87 metres, the GLC Coupé is dynamic and compact in appearance. This makes the Coupé almost eight centimetres longer and some four centimetres lower than the multitalented GLC, with which it shares its basic architecture. The GLC Coupé owes its distinct character to a typically coupé-esque, singlelouvred diamond radiator grille and a restyled, dropping roofline. The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, terminating in the elegantly flowing, muscular rear end typical of a coupé. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not break away until after the spoiler

The perfection with which the intrinsically opposed design worlds of coupé and SUV have been brought into harmony is revealed by the side view of the 1.60-metrehigh GLC Coupé with its typical, stretched roofline of a sports coupé. The squat greenhouse blends in perfectly with the side of the vehicle to underline its coupé character. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupé its dynamic looks. This interaction is given added emphasis by the drawnin waist between the dropping line and the lower, rearwards ascending light-catching contour. Peter Smith, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, added: “We’re delighted with what the GLC Coupe will add to our already impressive range. We believe this dynamic model will appeal to many of our customers to become an extremely popular choice. You can pre-book a test drive with us by calling us on 01902 427897.”

Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4HD 146

wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

The all new GLC CoupĂŠ.

Standing out from the crowd.

Coming soon to Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton. Call us on 01902 276977 to pre-book your test drive. Drayton Group Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton

Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4HD 01902 276977 www.draytonmercedes.co.uk

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Mercedes-Benz range: urban 15.5(18.2)-72.4(3.9), extra urban 23.9(11.8)88.3(3.2), combined 20.5(13.8)-100.9(2.8). CO2 emissions 322-48 g/km.

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GREAT SHOWS COMING UP AT WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE SUN 25 SEPTEMBER

TUE 27 SEPTEMBER – SAT 1 OCTOBER

NINA CONTI – IN YOUR FACE

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

TUE 4 – SAT 8 OCTOBER

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THE SOUND OF MUSIC

A TALE OF TWO CITIES BY CHARLES DICKENS

Bill Kenwright presents A NEW PRODUCTION OF

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Music by Lyrics by RICHARD OSCAR RODGERS HAMMERSTEIN II Book by

HOWARD LINDSAY

and

RUSSEL CROUSE

Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’ by Maria Augusta Trapp Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe www.rnh.com

LUCY E O’BYRN Runner Up in last year’s CE THE VOI as MARIA

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TV ’s awardwinning ANDREW LANCEL as CAPTAI N VON TRAPP

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wolverhampton west magazine | 2016

Wolverhampton West Magazine - August 2016