Woverhampton West Magazine - January 2017 by Jonathon

Wolverhampton West Magazine

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January 2017

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Contents January Edition The local property market by Nick Berriman New Year’s Resolutions you’ll want to keep Carvers Wolverhampton Marathon Crosswords and puzzles Recipe of the month Digging into Ludlow’s past Chinese New Year 2017- Year of the Rooster Penn Hall School fashion show Wolverhampton Art Gallery: Artist Rooms launch Rotary Club of Wolverhampton Charity Santa run for a great Clause Grand Theatre competition TV guide Meet the boss Gardening with Ann Winwood Midlands Animal Rescue Team: Helpful at heart

10 14 20 24 28 34/35 36 40 42 46 52 54 56 58/59 60 66

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

Wi-Fi woes 70 Feast Food competition 72 The lifelong healthy journey 77 St. Valentine: The mystery man 82 Amazing afternoon tea at Cupcake Lane 84 Food review: Mount Hotel 88/89 Food review: Halfpenny Green Vineyards 90/91 Get hitched at Himley Hall 94/95 Visit the personal training experts at Chris Jewkes Fitness 96/97 Midlands Hairdresser of the Year 2016 – Royston Blythe 98/99 Mind Babble: New Year resolution 104 Women’s fashion: Get fit – look fab 116/117 Tom’s Tip 123 Education and Schooling 134 Social scene 140/151 Golf Tip 152 Test drive: Porsche 718 Cayman S 154/155 Audi A3: A class act 156 Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate and GLC Coupé 158 Answers to crosswords and puzzles 160 Index to advertisers 161

Congratulations to: Winner of Aladdin panto competition at The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Jennifer Edwards, Perton Winner of Halfpenny Green Vineyards competition Sarah Hitchman, Compton Winner of Wolves book competition Kay Hughes, Tettenhall

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 The year is 2017. And I can say so legitimately, which I find incredible, as it seems like only yesterday when such fantastic futuristic dates belonged only to everything sci-fi and written by Philip K Dick. Already 2016 is a nondescript speck on the rear-view mirror of modern life, so as our calendar rolls towards another epoch it’s an opportune time to call “time-out.” Time also for me to paraphrase every selfhelp guru out there: so reflect, review and re-invigorate your life. With history still ambivalent about the seismic political events of last year (Donald Trump winning the ultimate game of Top Trumps in the U.S Presidential elections/ Brexit sticking it to the E.U in true Churchillian style), we’re going to keep it bright and breezy and remember fondly our success at the Rio Olympics (firstly for avoiding the Zika virus; secondly for coming second) as well as how we took the new-style £5 notes into our hearts and wallets. Our city is fast showing signs of rising like a phoenix from the ashes. Many local businesses are playing their part, so read on about the man behind Lighting R Us, Paul Jones; not-for-profit health provider Paycare’s grassroots initiative; estate agent Berriman Eaton’s newly-launched spin-off business - which is already a hit with home buyers and Burke Bros Removals alike; and top furniture retailer Cousins’ radical, bespoke answer to common comfort dilemmas. Add to this news on the city’s sexiest new car dealership, Porsche Wolverhampton, which sits so well beside other heavyweight car brands, like Mercedes Benz, and things are really starting to show 04

that Wolverhampton is beginning to punch again at its proper weight. Ahh yes, weight: a sore subject for so many of us after Christmas, but don’t despair, we have answers aplenty: articles about healthy eating and exercise; gyms; gyms with personal trainers; call–out personal trainers, as well as places where socialising is as important as exercising, including Wolverhampton Tennis and Squash Club. Even our Fashion pages are muscling in on the act with guidance on what gym-wear to wear this season! For faster and more permanent cosmetic solutions, you can turn to Cosmetique and Nuffield Health. And if all that sounds a bit too vigorous and likely to land you with a strain here and there, then pre-emptively check in with our hip, knee and chiropody specialists. Want to opt out of the post-Christmas exercise craze altogether (I don’t blame you!) and veg out until after Valentine’s Day? Then go straight to our stellar eating-out section, which features The Mount Hotel (plus a very special Valentine’s package), Halfpenny Green Vineyards and Himley Hall. You’ll need to look good while you’re dining out (our Social Scene snappers may be out and about – we’ve got 12 pages for you this time!), so catch up with newlycrowned Midlands Hairdresser of the Year, Royston Blythe; take beauty tips from Heaven and wear clothes by Aristocats. Or eat for free courtesy of Feast in our competition giveaway to win lunch for 10 people.

Our Grand theatre competition or a visit to Lealans Garden Centre will keep you entertained – or book a luxury holiday away with Holidaysplease to go one better. We’ve much in the way of home improvement coverage, attending to everything from furniture, fireplaces and firewood, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, Orangeries, doors, bi-folding doors to soft furnishings, lighting, TVs, fencing and gates from Profence, and landscaping from Boningale. Read all about Education of all kinds – from top school league tables, how to keep schools and companies cyber-safe with Concero, help with new tech from Finchfield IT, to how to give your own finances a MOT at Midland Independent Financial Services. And finally… following the Christmas tradition of helping others, be sure to check out Compton Hospice’s forthcoming celebrity charity football match in May; read up on Midland Animal Rescue’s sterling efforts to re-home four-legged waifs and strays and be sure to get in touch if you have any local news stories, charities or social events to promote. 2017 is going to be a cracking year: I can feel it in my creaking bones. Happy New Year! See you in March…

Geoff

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The local

property market by Nick Berriman

make a fairly quick sale at close to the asking price and then brag about the accuracy of his valuation although the property may well have been sold too cheaply!

This is my first opportunity to wish all our readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Those three things traditionally combine together to satisfy most people’s hopes and expectations for the future but they are all somewhat difficult to control and achieve. Our function as estate agents is to help our client’s prosperity by selling their houses for the best prices and as expeditiously as possible. To achieve both of those things at the same time is a balance which has always been difficult to find. When the market is flying away its easy because whatever the asking price there will be a lot of interest and the true value will be found by market forces. In a more normal market the balance starts with the decision about the asking price which, for the agent, has always been the difficult bit. Assuming the agent is pitching for the business against other competitors there is a temptation to go in high as many sellers feel that highest is best. If too high the sale will stall and become a spectator sport leading eventually to a price reduction and probably then to a sale. The frustration for the agent who advised the correct asking price is that the one who overvalued to get the instructions will keep the job at the lower figure and finally sell at the price the first agent had recommended so that he who was right gets nothing out of the sale. On the other hand if the agent is able to secure the instructions at a low price he will then be able to 10

Estate agents need instructions to sell as however good they may be at their job they do need stock to survive. Someone once said that the mark of a true professional is that they put their client’s interest before their own and when choosing their agent sellers should reflect on whether their potential agent is doing just that. This is the edition when I try to predict what will happen in the market during the coming year. In a world where Brexit, Donald Trump and Dancing Balls have happened predicting anything is fraught with danger. Add to that the uncertainty of when Article 50 will be triggered, what the exit terms will be and what will happen in pending elections in Europe it is easy to understand why commentators who are usually keen to make their predictions at this time of year are keeping strangely quiet. Some have been willing to put their heads above the parapet. One respected national agent predicts that there will be an average price rise of 0.5% across the country and in some areas there will be falls of up to 2.5%. Most are a little more optimistic for 2018 with about 2.5% suggested. One company predicts 11% fewer transactions in 2017 than this year and the nearer to central London one gets the worse the market becomes. One report states that prices there are down by as much as 20% and Countrywide, who own 10 London estate agents, report that sales in central London are down by 29% on 2015 and predict worse for the coming year.

has been more settled than some parts of the country. However it seems fairly sure that we can forget any large price rises in the foreseeable future. Indeed there is no real reason why we should want big rises. All we need is rises which keep pace with inflation and we do not want to go back to the days when the family home was looked at as a cash cow. We can report that in 2016 we achieved our sales figures of 2015 by the end of November so, in the context of the national situation that is very satisfying. Our rental department has had another good year with an average of about 4.5 completions per week during the year. They have almost 300 properties in management which is almost 100 more than in 2012. They report that the rental market is more balanced than during the boom years of 2012 – 2014, that most tenants are staying longer and that rents have risen by a little over 10% in the last two years. One significant factor facing rental agents is the recently announced government restriction on charges to tenants which will eventually have some effect on rents but it is not thought that this will come into force until 2018. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Geoff and Gisella for the remarkable way in which they have grown and developed this magazine into the excellent publication it has become. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be associated with it and may they also have a good 2017.

How relevant is this for our region? We have always been protected from the highs and lows of the market. We have missed the extreme rises, although we have seen periods in the past when prices have shot up, and we have also avoided the worst of the slumps. Despite periods when things have been difficult our market wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

FAIRWOOD, ASH HILL A fine property with stylish accommodation over three storeys admirably blending authentic features with contemporary living spaces and appointments in a large plot within a small, exclusive and much sought after address. Fairwood is typical of its period but an extensive scheme of improvement has been carried out and the whole property has been brought up to date to a very high standard. There are four excellent reception rooms plus a snug, a magnificent living kitchen, laundry, cloakroom, three bedroom suites, three further double bedrooms and luxurious house bathroom. Integral garage and an excellent, matured and landscaped garden. (EPC: D).

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www.berrimaneaton.co.uk 11

Off to a flying start In the last issue we found out about a new property service – beessential.com. Here we catch up with the team to see how their service has been received.

Principal Valuer, Mel Sellman from be-essential explains: “The majority of all of our new instructions have sold, so we are looking forward to new instructions for the New Year! The service has been incredibly popular, we’ve had great feedback and the system has shown itself to do exactly what we designed it to do”. “A few statistics for you from our first month: we agreed sales on four houses and the properties were only on the market for 5 days, 5 days, 24 days and 33 days respectively before they sold! “We saved our sellers over £10,000 in fees compared to what they would have paid with a high street agent and traditional conveyancing package versus using our fixed price. We achieved sale prices of between 97% to 101%! These statistics speak for themselves, the service works; it offers a streamlined sale, with accurately priced homes and saves sellers money which is exactly what we wanted it to do. We offer everything you need and nothing you don’t!” 12

Here’s a reminder of our service:

Is it a fixed fee? “Yes, our service is a great, fixed value fee, so when you make the decision to instruct www.beessential.com you know exactly what it will cost for your property sale, including your legal sales fees. If your property is leasehold you may have to pay the leasehold company a small extra fee for your leasehold pack but there are no hidden fees from us, our service represents incredible value. Based on an asking price of £200,000 a house sale would typically cost a seller 1.5% + VAT commission, which would cost a total of £3,600, plus the conveyancing fees which are typically worth £770 or more from a standard agency and conveyancer. “We save you money while offering a service that offers you everything you need and nothing you don’t!”

So, your service costs £1595, what does it include? “It includes; • A personal valuation by an experienced local professional • Professional photographs, floor plans and an EPC • For sale board • Local and national advertising • Full sales conveyancing service typically costing £770.00 “We have a bespoke system that is tailored to offer the best service and

offer you the greatest control with the ability to arrange viewings and the ability to know what happens when it happens. You can accept or reject your own offers, arrange your own viewings and all the while have the full back up of local, leading estate agency Berriman Eaton.”

Where do we advertise? “We advertise nationally on Rightmove, Zoopla and locally in the Express & Star, Chronicle, good quality local magazines and various other media. We offer all of the coverage you would expect coupled with the additional publicity a new business in this sector will attract!”

How are viewings booked? “Online! A potential purchaser registers nice and speedily on the site which is verified by email. “You receive an email saying Mrs Jones would like to view on a date and at a time and you can accept the request or suggest an alternative time. It’s confirmed with both parties then a reminder is sent pre-viewing. We also follow up the viewings and ask for feedback which is sent directly to you so you know how people feel.”

How does it differ from a traditional agency? “The service we offer is as comprehensive as a traditional agency but gives you more control. We still offer the essentials - great photographs, floorplans, EPC, national and local advertising and

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Meet the team: Nick Berriman, Director & Caroline Eaton, Director In 2006 Nick and Caroline merged their two firms creating the area’s leading independent agency Berriman Eaton with annual sales now being agreed on approximately £150 million of property per annum covering Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands from three offices.

Clare Norton, Director & Geoff Core, Director

Clare and Geoff together have spoken to, visited and advised thousands of estate agents on software for estate agency, property management, hardware and business marketing and management. It is these technical skills and consultative knowledge which they now bring to be-essential.com.

Katie Bannister, Negotiator

Katie has worked in the property industry for fourteen years having worked in both busy sales and lettings practices Katie has thorough knowledge of all facets of the housing market and her experience as a manager of three busy offices in Birmingham will bring a wealth of invaluable expertise to be-essential.com

Melanie Sellman, Principal Valuer

Mel has seventeen years’ experience working for both corporate and independent firms, and having successfully managed two City Centre offices, Mel joined Berriman Eaton in 2007 and swiftly became one of the most successful valuers in the company. our fixed fee also includes the legal costs for sale. We have found with the progression of smartphones and tablets we are all much more used to controlling our own diaries on the go. “We give you the ability to control these, liaise with a potential

buyer and accept, reject and negotiate initial offers directly. We are there if you need us but this new, streamlined service cuts out the need for endless back and forth phone calls when a simple button click will do!

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Is it a free valuation? “Yes, absolutely. In fact, in advance of your valuation we will send you all of the information you need about our service, our agreement, what we offer, and suggest you get your house photo ready, as if you like our service and the valuation you can be online for sale that day!

Is there someone to speak to in the office? “Of course, we are not a faceless online-only estate agent who has a call centre manned by staff who have no idea about your house or even your area! We are available to talk to at any point, in fact you will find we will often ring you, see how it’s going, chat through offers, and get involved in the nitty-gritty when a deal is close.

Is there a price limit? “At the moment our service is available for properties under the £250,000 threshold.”

Is there a place in the market to run alongside a traditional agency? “www.be-essential.com is a true hybrid agent; we have a trusted local brand with the technology to give you complete control 24/7.”

New Year’s Resolutions

You’ll Want to Keep By Kate Duggan

All too often New Year’s resolutions seem to focus on doing more of what we don’t enjoy, and less of what we do enjoy. So this issue, we thought we’d give you our suggestions for resolutions you’ll actually want to keep.

Learn something new Whether you want to get a qualification so you can get a better job, or you just fancy trying a new hobby, make 2017 the year you try something new. www.futurelearn. com is a good place to start. It offers hundreds of free, short online courses. Many are delivered by leading UK universities. You could try writing fiction, exploring digital technologies, or learning about forensic science. If you prefer face-to-face tuition, check out the courses offered by your local college. You could improve your computer 14

skills, take up a new craft, or find out how to delve into your family history.

Enjoy time outdoors Nature is good for you. It’s been proven to help with depression, anxiety, stress and a whole lot of other issues. It may even help you to live longer. We know the great British weather doesn’t always make it the most tempting prospect. But if the sun breaks through the clouds, wrap up warm, pull your wellies on and head for your nearest green space. You’ll likely find you feel calmer and happier as a result.

Take time to cook Home cooked meals are usually much better for you than ready meals. They’re higher in vitamins and minerals, and lower in salt and sugar. So, try resolving to cook for yourself a few days a week. If you struggle to find the time, you could try a box scheme. Simply Cook, for example, post you the

herbs, seasonings and recipes to make simple (but delicious) meals in around 20 minutes. You just add four to six items of fresh food and follow the instructions. Hello Fresh go even further. They send you everything you need to make a meal, including simple-to-follow recipes.

Appreciate the little things We’re often so busy; we don’t get time to really appreciate the little things in life. A soak in the bath, your favourite radio programme, a chat with an old friend… taking a moment to be thankful can make us happier and calmer, and improve our relationships. You could try listing three things that you’re grateful for before you go to sleep each night, or keeping a daily gratitude journal. Or just try to give thanks to the people you love a bit more often. Whatever your New Year’s resolution, we wish you all the luck in keeping it.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Pension Changes and the fallout

was to transfer the benefits and then fully encash the pension to use towards the purchase of a buy to let property. On the surface this would seem a reasonable thing to do however when I enquired a little further, Mr P was employed earning over £50,000 a year making him a higher rate tax payer. I did point out to him that it would not be beneficial to encash his pension as he would incur a significant tax liability. At this point he told me that he had already encashed 3 personal pensions with an overall value of £126,000 and paid almost £40,000 in tax leaving him with just enough money to buy a one bedroomed flat for cash and he thought that he would have a better retirement with this property than he would with his pension.

Following the complete overhaul of pensions in 2015 we are now over a year on and have some idea of how pensions are being utilised.

of the estate for inheritance tax purposes so when assessing an overall estate where there is an IHT liability, it can often be more beneficial to spend cash or other investments before accessing to any great extent their pension fund.

In April 2015 pension rules were changed to allow policy holders to draw down as much or little of their pension fund at any one time.

The overwhelming reaction to these changes has been positively received however, like all changes in financial services, getting the message across to everyone is proving difficult.

This was a major and welcome change as it gave everyone with a money purchase pension total control of their finances together with the added benefit that, should they die before age 75, the residual fund was paid tax free to the nominated beneficiaries. Should someone die having attained their 75th birthday, the residual pension fund would be inherited again by their nominated beneficiaries however the difference being that, as money was drawn down from the fund, it would then be taxed at their marginal rate. This last change now makes it vitally important to seek advice from a fully qualified Financial Adviser as careful planning can either reduce or, in some cases, eliminate totally any tax liability. Another great advantage to a pension is the fact that it is outside 16

We have in the past year seen some really positive outcomes however there has been the isolated client who felt that they did not require the services of a Financial Adviser and dealt direct with the companies with whom they held pensions with alarming consequences as in example one below. Against that we have also had some really positive outcomes and the biggest increase in enquiries this year has been related to preserved final salary/defined benefits schemes as highlighted in examples two and three below. Example One I was contacted by Mr P regarding a preserved defined benefits pension scheme with a transfer value of £74,000 that he had with a former employer. His intention

Mr P arranged a meeting at which I assessed and informed him of the implications of the action he had taken together with the alternative options that were available to him. He regretted encashing his pensions and I am happy to report that he did not encash his other pension. In fact we did not transfer the benefits as the scheme was not offering fair value in the transfer value unlike my next example. The worrying part to this is that the 3 personal pension providers only looked at their own scheme and by trying to save money by not taking financial advice the only winner is HMRC. Example Two I was last month contacted by Mr T (not from the A-team) who had earlier this year celebrated his 65th birthday and had three final salary schemes that he had yet to take benefits from, two of them being preserved and the third with his employer, West Midlands Pension Scheme from whom he had just retired. The sad part to this story is that both Mr T and his wife have in the past 16 months been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment. Obviously this has made both of them aware of their mortality and concerned that the pension

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

benefits they have reduce by 50% on Mr T’s death and disappear completely when his wife dies. This has made him look into the possibility of transferring the benefits and this is where it got really interesting. By law, a final salary pension scheme has to offer a CETV (cash equivalent transfer value) but only until 12 months before scheme retirement age after which point it is at the discretion of the trustees and not surprisingly the local government scheme refused to offer a transfer value whereas the other two schemes did. The one scheme was offering a pension of £9,800 per annum and they came back with a transfer value of £329,000 which was amazing because ignoring the fact that they both had cancer, we could purchase a standard annuity that gave a starting income of £10,650 p.a. which, in all my time in financial services, was the first time I had ever seen this. Needless to say, the idea of buying an annuity is not something that Mr T wants to pursue. Instead he is going to use this together with the other scheme that offered £79,000 as a family legacy to leave to his daughter and son, free from inheritance tax. I must point out that he does have two other pensions in addition to his state pension and savings that he can utilise should the need arise although, at any time, the pension is accessible and should they both recover I am sure they will ensure they make the most of the time they have left together.

Mr M is 54 and the scheme retirement age is 60. His projected pension on his retirement is £22,120 p.a. The cash equivalent transfer value being offered by Barclays was in excess of £660,000 and in addition to this Mr M also had other pension funds totalling over £140,000 giving him a total pension fund of £800,000. Following a comprehensive review of Mr M’s outgoings he came to the conclusion that if he had a gross income from his pension of £40,000 utilising his tax free cash as part of a tax saving strategy after tax he would receive £3,035 per month paid into his bank which is only £200 less than what he currently receives on a salary of £60,000 per annum. Following our involvement Mr M is now retiring on his 55th birthday in May 2017 and he cannot wait. These are just a small selection to highlight the difference we have made in our clients lives so I would urge anyone with retirement provision to seek Independent Financial Advice and ensure that your financial aspirations and objectives are fully catered for.

John Webb

Example Three I was contacted by Mr M who works for a high street bank who back in 2010 stopped future accruals into their final salary pension and switched over to a money purchase pension scheme. For the next 5 years employees were unable to transfer their final salary benefits in isolation and as the bank was making significant contributions into the money purchase scheme it was not advisable to transfer. Recently however the bank has changed its stance and now allow the final salary element to be transferred in isolation so we had another look at the options. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

John Webb is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, the highest accolade designated by that organisation. The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the Financial Advisory Profession in the United Kingdom, promoting the highest standards of technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice.

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

Midland Independent Financial Services Ltd, 153 Avon Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1LF. Telephone 01543 468877.

www.midlandifa.co.uk 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 17

New Year’s Resolution:

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However, nobody leaves their lights on 24/7. Leaving the LED fixture on for 8 hours a day would take an estimated 17 years of operation before you’d need to replace a bulb. Energy Efficient: LED lighting is today’s most resourceful way of illumination, with an estimated efficiency of 80-90%. This means that about 80% of electrical energy is converted to light, while 20% is lost and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat. Traditional bulbs are the opposite way around, with a 20% efficiency of light and 80% being lost to heat and other forms of energy, now you know why those bulbs get so hot! Eco-Friendly: LED bulbs are free from toxic chemicals, unlike traditional bulbs and they are 100% recyclable. The longer operational lifespan mentioned previously, means that one LED bulb can save the materials and production of 25 incandescent light bulbs. This will help you to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third. Faster Dispersal: LED bulbs brighten up instantly and can be switched on or off recurrently, without affecting the LED’s lifespan. In contrast, traditional bulbs may take several seconds to reach their full brightness and frequent on/off switching radically reduces operational life expectancy. Durability: LEDs make great outdoor lighting systems for rough conditions and exposure to weather because they are shock resistant. This brands them ideal for use under colder temperature settings such as snow and freezer rooms. The same goes for very hot settings; LEDs are frequently found in spa scenes such as saunas and hot tubs.

Design Control: Individual LEDs can be dimmed, resulting in a dynamic control of light, colour, and dispersal. Well-designed LED fittings can achieve remarkable lighting effects for the eye and for the mind. LEDs are a great form of accent lighting too and can create drama in alcoves, display areas, plinths, and under-cabinets. If you like the sound of LED Lighting, then come to visit our lighting showroom ‘Lighting R Us’ in Aldersley, Wolverhampton to browse through our extensive range of quality lighting. Email: sales@lightingrus.co.uk Tel: 01902 757825 We also have qualified electricians available for all your electrical needs using our parent company Central Electrical Contracts Ltd Email: cecontracts@aol.com Tel: 01902 744100

£480

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

FLAMING FIRES, FIREPLACES & STOVES

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C AR V ER Wolverhampton Marathon Events

f/r Henry Carver presenting the cheque to the Mayor & Mayoress of Wolverhampton b/r Mary Harding (centre) with representatives from the recipient charities

On Monday 5th December the organisers of the 19th Carver Wolverhampton Marathon Events joined together with the sponsors and charity recipients at the Mayors Parlour for the finale of the events, the presentation of cheques to the chosen charities. £20,000 was shared between Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton Rheumatology Support Group, The Haven and The Mayoral Charity Fund. Chair Mary Harding reflected; “it seems an age away when on September 4th over 2000 people took to the streets of Wolverhampton, running and cycling in their chosen event and all helping to raise money for charity. After a very wet day on the Saturday the weather improved as they lined up for the Cousins 20K cycle ride, Banks’s 10K and Carver’s Full and Half Marathon. “This was another opportunity to thank all the sponsors and supporters, especially Carvers Building Supplies who as always give their full backing not only financially but also with staff volunteering their help on the event weekend. Banks’s who

sponsor the Banks’s 10K: Cousins furniture who sponsor the Cousins 20K cycle event: NJB Sports & Physio for their continued sponsorship and assistance with all injury and issues arising from taking part: Call Print who sponsor the Walk in the Park: Angel Springs for providing all the bottled water to keep the competitors hydrated whilst they take part; Greggs the Bakers who supplied the goody bags for the competitors. “There are many more local companies who help with offering their service at little or no cost, all to help the charity causes. “I would also like to thank the planning committee who have supported me throughout. Without their input my job would be very hard. “The marathon events are all about encouraging activity for all ages and abilities and it was encouraging to see so many setting off in their different events. “The atmosphere at the start and in the park was enhanced by Dicky Dodd and his team from Signal 107. We feel that this event also helps to strengthen community spirit within the city of Wolverhampton.” Next year in the 20th year the date has been set for SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2017.

For more details please visit our website: www.carverwolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk 20

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Kitchen & Bathroom Design Let us inspire you...

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 577080 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

www.carvers.co.uk 21

Sofa Factory Outlet

At The Sofa Factory Outlet in Thomas Street, Wolverhampton, you’ll find the best value, high quality, beautiful and comfy sofas combined with the best customer service in the industry. They now stock a fantastic range of leather sofas from Italy. This compliments their existing handmade sofas that are manufactured locally in the Black Country by skilled craftsmen and guaranteed for up to 10 years. The combination of both ranges will ensure that you will be able to choose a sofa that’s perfect for

you. In addition, their “Price Promise” is your assurance that wherever you go, you won’t beat The Sofa Factory Outlet on price. The team at the Sofa Factory Outlet understand how difficult the process of choosing a new sofa can be, so they go out of their way to provide you with all the help you’ll need to make sure you get exactly what you want. Their 20 years of experience in helping

Here’s 10 good reasons why to choose The Sofa Factory… 1. 2. 3. 4.

Exceptionally well made, stylish comfy sofas Great value - a fraction of the price of similar high street sofas Bespoke sofas, handmade for individual customers Beautiful, natural fabrics selected from the top mills to keep costs down 5. Over 2000 fabrics to choose from at no extra cost 6. 10 year frame construction guarantee 7. All sofas are ‘made to measure’ and ‘made to last’ 8. A second to none delivery service 9. Price Promise - they won’t be beaten on price 10. Hand made in the Black Country by skilled craftsmen …And of course, because they care and they love their customers!

people to make the right choice combined with their unrivalled customer service, means you’ll be glad you chose them. Don’t be deceived by external appearances - the factory outlet shop in Thomas Street is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of sofas with a huge range of styles, sizes and fabrics to choose from and if one of them is ‘nearly’ right for you, their ‘made to measure’ service means they can alter the size, proportions and cushion filling until it is just perfect for your needs. The business has also supplied BBC’s hit show DIY SOS a number of times and worked with designers such as Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and Gabrielle Blackman, making bespoke sofas, including the recent Children In Need special.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

As seen on...

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Quick Crossword Across 7 Long sea journey (6) 8 Muscle used for swallowing (6) 9 Type of fruit (4) 10 Killed (8) 11 Holiday destination (7) 13 Hold tight (5) 15 Type of bread (5) 17 Two-wheeled transport (7) 20 Point out (8) 21 Close (4) 22 Poisonous snakes (6) 23 Assault (6)

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With the New Year here thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better time to get your house just the way you want it. With our January offers, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spoilt for choice. So why not treat you and your family to something you can enjoy for many years to come? Give your home a fresh new look with our great range of stylish home furnishings. We have a gorgeous selection of bedroom, living and dining room oak furniture. As well as a new stunning selection of made to measure curtains and blinds.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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RECIPE Roasted butternut squash Serves 6

By Mike Whitehurst

and chick pea tagine served with brown rice and lentils Something healthy and almost fat free to kick off the New Year. I recommend you go shopping at your nearest Indian supermarket for these ingredients. You will find almost everything you need at a drastically reduced price compared with other supermarkets.

• Wooden chopping board • Mixing bowl • Selection of heavy based pans if you have them -normal will do • Frying pan • Tagine or slow cooker • Fine grater

INGREDIENTS

Method

• • • • • • • • •

You can peel the squash if you like but you don’t have to. Cut it in half length ways and scoop the seeds out using a spoon. Dice the squash into 2 inch size pieces and place into a bowl. Pick off the rosemary leaves and chop up finely, crush 4 garlic cloves with the side of your knife carefully - blade facing away from you. Add the garlic and rosemary to the bowl with a pinch of Maldon sea salt and then spray with the low-cal oil and toss to ensure an even coating of the oil. Now roast the squash on 180oC for about half an hour. Set the squash aside to be added to the tagine later on.

• • • •

1 large butternut squash Fresh rosemary 1 garlic bulb Low cal spray oil Flaked almonds 1 tsp of ground ginger 2 tsp of coriander seeds 2 tsp of cumin seeds 1/2 tsp of cardamom - split and use the seeds inside 2 tsp of turmeric 2 tsp of paprika 1/2 tsp of whole star anise 1 tsp mix of cinnamon and cloves

(If you’re going to make your own spice mix then toast the whole spices in a dry frying pan first. You could just buy a ready mixed spice mix from an Indian supermarket, just check to see if most of the ingredients on my list are included in the spice mix - there are plenty to choose from and you don’t have to stick to my list, a good mix of aromatic spices is all you need.) • 1 x 400g carton of chopped tomatoes • 2 x 400g cartons of chickpeas • 1 tube of tomato puree • 1 tbsp. of fresh grated ginger • 3 red chilies • 2 white onions • 1 bunch of coriander • 1 bunch of flat leaf parsley • 300g of brown basmati rice • 150g of puy lentils EQUIPMENT • Pestle and mortar • Cooks knife

Roughly dice up the onions, spray a few squirts of low-cal oil into a medium hot pan and add the onion, chopped coriander stalks, sliced red chilli, the rest of the garlic diced finely and grate the ginger. Fry this until the onions are softened, if the garlic is browning too quickly just turn down the heat a little. Once soft add the spices and stir for a few minutes before adding in the chopped tomatoes and chickpeas. Now fill the tomato and chick pea cartons with water and add all this to the pan. Add the tube of tomato puree and pour this into a traditional tagine and place in a low oven for about 4 hours. You can use a slow cooker if you’re going out or just let it simmer on the stove for about 3 hours on a low heat in a normal pan. If it thickens up too much just add a splash of water until it loosens up. Half an hour before you’re ready to eat, cook the rice and lentils in 2 separate pans for 20 minutes, the

lentils may take a little longer but you can check them by getting one out of the water and if it squashes between your fingers then you know they are ready. Now rinse the rice and lentils through a sieve using boiling water, mix together and season with salt and mix in a handful of chopped coriander and parsley. Once the tagine is cooked add in a few handfuls of washed baby spinach, stir in the roasted squash then top with some chopped coriander leaves and toasted almonds. SERVING SUGGESTION You can serve this with slices of skinless chicken breast - just lightly spray a couple of chicken breasts, season and cook for about 30-40 minutes on 170oC and then slice into nice big pieces. Or you can crumble some feta cheese over the top of the dish.

For help with this recipe please email mike@takefood.co.uk for advice www.takefood.co.uk 28

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Specialists Specialists in the in the design design and and complete complete installation installation of of fitted fitted kitchens, kitchens, bathrooms bathrooms and and bedrooms bedrooms For further For further details details please please call 01902 call 01902 714557 714557 or email or email steve@kitbedtech.wanadoo.co.uk steve@kitbedtech.wanadoo.co.uk Open:Open: 80 Chapel 80 Chapel Ash,Ash, Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV3WV3 0TT 0TT Monday Monday to Friday to Friday 9.30am 9.30am until 5pm, until 5pm, Saturday Saturday 10am10am until 4pm until 4pm www.kitchenandbedroomtechnique.co.uk www.kitchenandbedroomtechnique.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

The Shutter and Blind Specialists

loveyourblinds too. They also serve to help to retain heat in the winter, whilst keeping you cool in the summer. All of Love Your Blind’s blinds and shutters are fully made-tomeasure and can be supplied to fit any shape or size of window. And, with more than 30 years’ in the industry, you can rest assured that you’ll receive only the best products and service from the company.

Finding a new look for your home is easy thanks to Bridgnorthbased blind and shutter specialist, Love Your Blinds. From their brand-new showroom, that’s located just a few doors down from their previous site in Whitburn Street, the company offer their customers the widest choice of quality blinds and shutters with prices to suit any budget. With designs to suit all home interiors and the latest innovation in motorisation, Love Your Blinds cater for all requirements. As partner, Paul Morris explains: “Whether it’s blinds, shutters, sails or even patio awnings you’re looking for, you can rest assured that we’ll have the product that’s perfect for you, all beautifully displayed at our new, larger showroom.

“PowerView © motorised blinds allow you to control any blind in your home with just the touch of a button or a tap on your smart phone or tablet. And Luxaflex’s PowerView © blinds can be scheduled to open and close automatically at any time you choose, whether you’re at home or not (even if sat by the pool on holiday!). They also completely eradicate the need for cords, which eliminates any child safety concerns.” New developments in rechargeable battery motors means that often there is no need for any wiring.

“We aim to offer exceptional customer service and make customer satisfaction a priority. So it’s no surprise that Love Your Blinds has earned an excellent reputation and gained a loyal client base” “We provide free measuring and unbiased advice, as well as a professional installation service.” “We tailor our service completely around the customer’s needs and are confident that you will love your blinds,” adds Paul. So if you are looking to add a stylish look to your home this year why not pop into the new showroom to see what great products are available.

But it’s not just blinds that can provide the perfect new look for your home, shutters can too.

“Clients can see how our fully motorised blinds work when they pay a visit to our showroom, as well as examples of our wide selection of shutter styles, which are extremely popular at the moment.”

“Plantation or Colonial shutters offer a stylish and elegant solution that will enhance any room décor, whether you’re looking for contemporary or traditional style.”

“We are immensely proud to have been appointed as the only Luxaflex Inspirations dealer in Shropshire. Luxaflex being the world’s largest developer of window treatments, including their new PowerView © Blinds.

By adding an extra layer to your glazing, shutters not only control light levels in your home but can also help to reduce noise levels wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Beautiful homes Deserve beautiful blinds… and shutters too!

Rise & Shine Introducing PowerView™ Motorisation from Luxaflex® A remarkable new system that moves your shades throughout the day so you don’t have to. Create personalised settings with your smart phone or tablet, or use our brilliantly designed Pebble™ remote control to active your favourite pre-set program. A brilliant evolution in the art of window styling – smart shades that simplify your life. See PowerView™ in motion at: luxaflex.co.uk

For impartial advice on all types of blinds, awnings and plantation shutters call Paul or Simon at our Bridgnorth showroom on 01746 768138.

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7a Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4QN Tel: 01746 768138 Email: showroom@loveyourblinds.com www.loveyourblinds.com

Dream Doors A new kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune

You may have been tempted in the past to refurnish your kitchen; after all who doesn’t want to cook in a kitchen they love?

that dream in the first place. With our extensive range of over 100 doors to our huge choice of worktops, appliances and storage solutions, we’ll help to shape your dream kitchen… and then bring it to life.” says Richard.

But for the majority of us money can be an issue, but we are here to let you in on a secret: a new kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

After completion, every customer has the opportunity to review Dream Doors overall performance for quality, reliability, timekeeping and workmanship through the independent consumer monitoring website, Checkatrade.com, and with over 150 reviews Dream Doors are getting an average score of 9.87 out of 10.

From its showroom at Newbridge on Tettenhall Road, a family business owned by Richard Foster, Dream Doors supplies time and moneysaving kitchen makeovers – as well as appliances and also complete kitchens if required. “Major home improvement projects always seem daunting,” says Richard. “But there’s far less upheaval with our kitchen makeovers. Rather than refit your entire kitchen, we aim to make the most out of your current kitchen’s structure – reusing your units wherever we can. We can achieve that same “brand new” kitchen look without the highend price tag. We can cater to your every kitchen need as our doors are made to measure.”

Book a FREE consultation with the Dream Doors showroom today on 01902 752200.

“For a simple door swap we’re in and out in a day, and for a facelift, with new worktops and a sink, we’ll probably need an extra day or two.” “It’s all about ideas. We aren’t just here to bring your dream kitchen to life, we’re here to help build 32

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Digging into Ludlow’s Past

Rob Taylor takes inspiration from some real-life diggers to unearth Ludlow’s secrets.

Even taking into account the recent Pokémon Go phenomenon, it’s still a rare and downright bizarre sight to find a bunch of strangers poking around in your back garden, all in the pursuit of catching something you never knew was there. However Ludlow-based archaeologist Leon Bracelin was earlier this year looking to make it increasingly commonplace, as he and students from the University of Worcester attempted to convince residents to allow them to excavate “one-metre

square” test-pits in gardens all across the historic market town.

Like some low-key and noble UK version of Spike TV’s Savage Family Diggers (where intrepid treasure-hunters seek permission to dig for riches on private property across the U.S.A), “Indiana” Bracelin hoped to build upon his recent success in documenting subterranean-Ludlow, wherein he found evidence of what was once the town’s medieval drawbridge in the basement of the Wheatsheaf Inn. Whether many residents took up his call remains a mystery. So in the spirit of fact-finding – in a less outdoorsy/ less messy sense, of course – it’s time to scratch the surface of one of Shropshire’s best-preserved medieval towns. Sitting on the border between England and Wales, Ludlow has a

turbulent history that stretches back to the Norman invasion of England, when the prominent DeLacy family had to fortify their newly acquired lands against the marauding Welsh. In 1233 construction began on the town walls, which would ultimately be served by four main gates and three secondary ones. To this day Ludlow retains some well-preserved stretches of wall (walk from Broadgate along Silk Mill Lane towards Mill Street to see for yourself) and the sites of its seven gates can still be readily identified. Much precision and planning went into the development of the town. Just like many planned-towns of the mid-1960s, like nearby Telford, it was developed around a grid network of streets, adapted to fit local topography. Wide main streets were crossed by narrow

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

side streets, with the flow of people directed towards the centre, where they then converged on the market, church and castle. The main area of settlement was at first probably to the east of the castle gates; then as the town grew, it joined what is now Corve Street to the north and Old Street to the south. Mill Street and Broad Street were added later. Such design patterns are still evident today. Keeping command from the outset and long before the walls were erected was Ludlow Castle. Built in many stages from around 1085 onwards and strategically situated on high land overlooking the rivers Teme and Corve, it was built by Walter de Lacey, one of William the Conqueror’s most trusted followers. Its most notable historic claim to fame is for its connection to Richard III, who spent much of his boyhood there. Richard’s nephews, Edward and Richard, commonly known as ‘The Princes in the Tower’, also lived in Ludlow Castle. They were in Ludlow when news broke of their father’s death. Yet the eldest of the two, Edward, would never be crowned, as he was imprisoned in the Tower of London with his brother; then murdered. Later Richard became king and sparked one of our oldest conspiracy theories. Leaving political intrigue aside, Ludlow Castle had a much more perfunctory function: it was designed to keep the Marches (the borderlands between England and Wales) safe. It also served to keep-out all kinds of unwanted travellers, collect market tolls and give support to lean-to buildings. Its walls were also a ready source of stone to be used in construction after hostilities ceased.

independent stores make shopping in Ludlow a delight: butchers, bakers, delicatessens, clothes shops, ironmongers, gift shops, book shops, antique and craft shops abound in the town centre, preserving the feel of timeless continuity between past and present.

And you certainly don’t need to dig up the ground to realise that it is this willingness to embrace so much of what has gone before and to keep alive so many long-standing traditions that will ensure Ludlow’s survival for another thousand years.

Indeed today you are more likely to find craft and chocolate shops than knights and canons. And fine foods too: Ludlow’s reputation as the gastronomic capital of England has it firmly on the map for discerning diners, who come from far and wide to sample an unreasonably high number of Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as more humble local fare on offer from the thrice-weekly market in Castle Square, which dates back to the 12th century, as well as the ever popular Food and Drink Festival. Beyond this and bursting forth from its sinuous cobbled streets and timber-framed medieval buildings is a shopping experience that is second to none. A plethora of www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Chinese New Year 2017:

Year of the Rooster

By Susan Brookes-Morris

Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 28 January. In China many people will take a whole week off from work to mark the celebration. It is known as the Spring Festival. On New Year’s Eve, Reunion Dinner is eaten. Many Chinese believe this is the most important meal of the year. It is usually shared by several generations and consists of fish, dumplings, spring rolls, glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls. To mark New Year, red lanterns are hung in the street, red couplets are pasted on doors and images of prosperity displayed. Fireworks are lit and it’s believed that the person who launches the first firework of the New Year will have good luck. Lion and Dragon Dances take place and these are intended to scare away evil, and attract health, wealth and wisdom.

ancient sea-living monster who came onto land on New Year’s Eve to eat people and livestock. One year, an old man with white hair and a ruddy complexion managed to scare away the monster by pasting red papers on to doors, burning bamboo which made a loud cracking sound, lighting candles in the houses and wearing red clothes.

Another monster called Sui was said to terrify children whilst they slept. Parents would stay up all night watching and lighting candles to try and keep their children safe. One official’s family gave their child eight gold coins to play with. The child wrapped the coins in red paper and then played at unwrapping them and wrapping them back up until he got so tired he fell asleep. The parents put the coins under the child’s pillow and legend has it that

when Sui came and tried to touch the child, the eight coins omitted such a strong light that it scared the demon away. This is the basis for why elders and those who are married give children and young unmarried people red envelopes with coins in them at New Year. The red envelope is called Yasui Qian which means suppressing Sui money and the purpose is to scare away the monster and bring good luck. According to Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal symbol. There is a 12 year cycle and 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. The China Highlights website says that those born in the Year of the Rooster are observant, hardworking, confident and courageous. They are best matched with those born in the Year of the Ox or Snake.

Many New Year activities have links with Chinese legends. New Year is called Guo Nian which means ‘celebrate a New Year’ or ‘overcome Nian’. Nian was an 36

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

The Blind Experts

– Val Hever With more than thirty years’ experience in the trade, Val Hever are the experts when it comes to blinds. From their Tettenhall Woodbased showroom, the familyrun team supply only the finest quality products and boast an impressive selection of blinds, as owner, Val Hever explains: “We work hard to provide our clients with the latest and best products and we pride ourselves on the excellent customer service that we offer.” Supplying all manner of blinds - everything from verticals to vision - the company have something for every home. “With so much choice available, selecting the right blind for your house can be difficult, that’s why we’re always on-hand to help you find the perfect product for you.” Offering advice on all types of blinds - as well as textures, colours and fit - and showcasing the most recent innovations in motorisation, there’s no doubt that you’ll find just what you’re looking for when you pay a visit to Val Hever. “We’ve got everything you’d expect - vertical blinds, roman blinds and roller blinds - as well as the latest products like vision, visage and perfect fit blinds.”

Vision is an innovative window blind that features two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric. The front layer moves independently of the back allowing

the stripes to glide between each other, creating an open and closed effect with limitless light control. “Vision blinds are extremely popular at the moment, so are our perfect fit blinds.” “Perfect fit blinds are fitted to UPVC windows in a cassette attachment which completely fills the space, leaving no gaps whatsoever.” And venetians, pleated and roller blinds can all be installed as perfect fit. There’s a brand new product that’s just been introduced at Val Hever, Visage blinds. “Visage blinds have just arrived and they’re already really popular with our customers.”

A cross between venetian and roller blinds, visage blinds are made up of two layers of soft fabric, connected by horizontal sheer vanes that filter sunlight whilst maintaining different levels of privacy and UV protection as the blind is raised or lowered. For those who want something a bit different though, there are the ultra-fashionable shutters. “Shutters give a gorgeous look in any home – whether it’s traditional or modern- and there are no restrictions when it comes to window size or shape.” Shutters can be shaped to fit any type of window - even circular or sloping designs - and they can even provide a complete blackout effect. “Our blackout shutters combine shutters and blackout blinds to eliminate all light seepage.” Motorisation is enormously popular with customers at Val Hever too: “More and more people are choosing motorisation for their blinds as it’s so convenient. It’s also completely affordable.” Sharing their showroom with Virgo Interiors, customers can find the best selection of curtains, carpets, lighting and accessories at the showroom when they pay the blind specialists a visit. So, why not update your home interior this New Year with a visit to Val Hever Blinds at No.72?

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Penn Hall School

Trustees and parents of Central Youth Theatre’s current members organised a charity fundraising fashion show and clothes sale in aid of raising money for Wolverhampton’s Central Youth Theatre on Thursday 17th November at Penn Hall School. The evening was coordinated by SOS Charity Fashion Shows.

In total, the event welcomed over 120 people and raised £1,010 for Central Youth Theatre from ticket sales, raffle tickets and refreshments. A big thank you to all who helped make the event such a great success.

Model on catwalk

Jan Wallis, Jayne Arnold, Clair Thorrington

Heather Johnson, Heather Wood, Melvin Wood, Dee Beasley, Jan Prosser

Zhaire Badley, Holly Elphick, Hannah Norman, Jessica Kelly

Amanda Rooney, Debbie Potter, Holly Parry, Annie Fletcher-Hall Kate McCullen, Ellie Taylor, Sharon Pickerill

Monique Mehra

Charlotte Roberts, Stephanie Roberts

Ann Drury, Yvonne Crilly, Mary Hall

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Wolverhampton

Art Gallery Guests at the launch of ARTIST ROOMS: Roy Lichtenstein at Wolverhampton Art Gallery which runs until February 26 2017.

The Lichfield Street gallery is the first in the country to host the exhibition of incredible works by one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Photography by Jane Williams Photography Marguerite Nugent, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Barry Findlay

Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, Marguerite Nugent, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton Mayoress Margaret Findlay Ben Dutton, Ron Dutton, Ron Lane

Ceri Lewis, Sam Beeston, Stephen Heyton

Glenys Shirley, Dr Stephen Shirley

Laura Jauzems, Sophie Meesom, Lee White, Nina Chaha

Richard Thompson, Neus Miro, Natalie Cole, Carol Thompson

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton’s Mayor and community in full support of The Rotary Club of Woverhampton’s efforts for PURPLE4POLIO For over 30 years, Rotary International and its members worldwide have been committed to eradicating polio across the world. In that time, the number of polioendemic countries has dropped from 125 to just 2, after over 2.5 billion children have received vaccinations, thanks to the help of the Rotary movement. 30 years ago, there were 1000 new cases of this crippling and often fatal disease every day throughout the world; this year the number of new cases so far has dropped to just 27 (15 in Pakistan, 9 in Afghanistan and 3 re-emergence cases in Nigeria), however, until the disease is eliminated completely, there is always the danger that the scourge of polio will spread across the world again. With eradication now closer than ever, Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland’s

latest campaign, Purple4Polio is designed to unite communities to engage in activities as part of the final push to eradicate polio for good. This year is the 100th anniversary of ‘The Rotary Foundation’, Rotary’s very own charity, which has played a key role in making polio eradication come close to reality, along with the hundreds of other projects it engages in worldwide. To raise public awareness, Rotary in the UK are planting 6 million purple Crocus bulbs to bloom in the spring of next year, in partnership with various public organisations such as the City of Wolverhampton Council, in public open spaces across the country. Why purple crocuses you will ask? - when children in India, Africa and anywhere else are immunised in the mass vaccination programme against polio, a purple dye is put on one finger to indicate that they have been immunised. It is then easy for the immunisation teams of Rotarians and

World Health Organisation nurses when they visit the same areas the next day, to easily be able to spot the children who still need the vaccine. On Wednesday, 2nd November 2016, the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay led the way by planting the first of the 10,000 crocus bulbs donated by our Club that are being planted in Wolverhampton, in the Park in front of the historic Bantock House. He was joined by children from Merridale Primary School, members of the Bantock User Group, the Finchfield and Castlecroft Community Association, and a large contingent of Wolverhampton Rotarians to assist with planting the remainder. When the Crocus bloom in spring, the splash of colour will serve as a reminder that Rotary International will continue to be at the forefront in the fight to eliminate polio from the world.

For more information about Rotary visit www.rotaryinwolverhampton.co.uk 46

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Dream Designs Cousins’ Bespoke Service When it comes to furniture Cousins undoubtedly leads the way.

Founded in Birmingham in 1984 by brothers, Robert and Edward Shotton, along with their cousin, the furniture store quickly expanded to become one of the UK’s largest family-owned furniture businesses.

Bringing their customers unrivalled selection, quality and value, it’s no surprise that Cousins has always been the premier choice for homeowners. The company’s three ‘destination’ stores are filled with the world’s leading brands in furniture that offer something special for every home interior, whether that’s

contemporary or classical, casual or formal, understated or opulent. And, with buyers that travel the world to source unique items, it’s easy to complete the look with a distinctive design from Cousins. Ever keen to offer their customers endless possibilities when it comes to furnishing their home, the company have recently introduced an exciting new

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

service that allows customers to design their own seating. As Managing Director, John Shotton explains: “Thanks to our brand-new Bespoke Service, we can create the chair, sofa or corner group of our customers dreams.” Anything is possible because customers can specify the exact measurements of their seating, choose or create the style, dictate the level of comfort and of course, pick the fabric. “Seating dilemmas are easily solved because no matter what the customer’s requirements, our skilled upholsterer can make it a reality.” Cousins has employed an expert Black Country-based upholster to take care of all of their customers’ orders. “Every piece of furniture is handmade by a local, small family team who produce the finest quality work.” The company has often heard customers say that they have difficulty furnishing their home whether that’s because they have a very small, large or unusual shaped space - so it was a natural progression for Cousins to offer a bespoke service. “Our talented upholsterer can make seating for any space – no matter whether it’s a tiny piece to fit in the alcove of a small cottage or a statement seating area to complete a huge room.” In fact, the company recently created an extra-large U-shaped corner group for a client in Penn.

“Our customer wanted the huge corner group to sit on their gallery balcony in their spacious barn conversion. “After we delivered their furniture they were so delighted with it that they decided to order two matching snuggler sofas for below the balcony.” And, when it comes to sizing, the bespoke service enables couples of different heights to have matching furniture made that meets both of their needs. “Bespoke sizing allows us to make furniture for tall gents with small wives by offering varying seat and back heights.” Comfort, of course, is massively important and chairs can be designed to meet your every requirement. “If you’re suffering with a bad back we can adjust the level of support that the chair offers.” The Cousins team has even known of customers that have been so impressed by a friend

or relative’s bespoke piece that they’ve ordered the very same design for their own home. The possibilities really are endless. “We’ve just had a Wolverhamptonbased family order two eightseater sofas, one six-seater sofa and a five-foot square footstool. None of which are available on the high street.” And, it’s not just new pieces that are taken care of: “People often want to up-date their current pieces of furniture because they have sentimental value, and they can do just that with our reupholstering service.” Excitingly, Cousins Bespoke is completely affordable. “Our customers have been delighted to discover that the service is completely in line with our high street prices.” So, why not bring your dream design to life? Visit Cousins today.

Cousins Furniture Stores, Dudley DY2 8NW and Tyseley B11 2EW. www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk and email online@cousinsfurniture.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Charity Santa run for a great Clause Just under 150 Santas took part in the annual Santa Run at Tettenhall College on Saturday 10th December, the best turnout ever despite the weather! Now in its fourth year, this festive tradition is still a popular event for parents, friends of the school and the local community, who don their red suits and running shoes to raise money for local charities. The Santa Run always provides the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and this year runners were raising money for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Star Appeal. Santa’s, little elves and a few “reindeers” (festive dogs) followed the traditional TC mile, taking in the stunning woodlands of the historic Wolverhampton

Charity golf day at Oxley Park golf club

school, while wearing Santa outfits and festive costumes. Headmaster David Williams said: “The annual Santa Run is a fantasticTettenhall College tradition and participants have great fun while raising money for a good cause.”

the winner’s trophy and friends and family generously donates raffle prizes each year. There is also a Guinness and Port (a favourite tipple of Mick’s) for every player at the 19th hole; this is sponsored by his three brothers in Australia.

has been donated to Compton Friday 2 September saw the fourth annual charity golf event at Oxley A great man who will Hospice and Cancer research. Park in memory of Mick Leeming, Work colleagues at UTC organised never be forgotten. a long standing member of the club. Sadly Mick lost his courageous fight against cancer in September 2012. Family and friends thought it apt to commemorate the life of this great and honourable man by organising a golf event every year in his honour and to date it has Jackie Leeming surrounded by Mick’s friends and work colleagues presenting raised around Simon Cater from Compton Hospice with a cheque prior to the golf event. £5,000 which 52

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Grand Theatre COMPETITION Gupta from the bestselling book by Meera Syal. Meera is an acclaimed comedian, actress and writer whose TV credits include the BBC comedy series Goodness, Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42. With Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinner Ladies) as Daljit.

One lucky reader can win 2 tickets to see ANITA AND ME on Tuesday 14th February 2017 at 7.30pm at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Meera Syal’s much-loved novel bursts into life on a UK tour after sell-out performances in 2015. The touring production will open and premiere in Wolverhampton at the Grand Theatre from 14 – 18 February 2017. This poignant coming-of-age tale follows Meena, a young girl growing up in the only Punjabi family in a 1970s Black Country mining village. Meena spends her days happily getting into scrapes with the other local children until one day the impossibly cool Anita enters her life. Suddenly Meena knows exactly who she wants to be but is Anita all that she seems? Soon Meena’s world is turned upside down as she

is caught between two very different cultures. Anita and Me paints a comic, poignant, compassionate and colourful portrait of village life in the era of flares, power cuts, glam rock, decimalisation and Ted Heath. It has been adapted for the stage by the multi-award-winning Tanika

Meera Syal said “I’m delighted that Anita and Me is touring the UK. It is amazing to think of so many people engaging in this story - particularly young people, who like me as a child, may be wondering how they fit in!” Tickets for Anita and Me from 14 – 18 February 2017 are now on sale at The Grand Theatre Box Office.

Photos from a previous cast

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 Tuesday 7th February 2017.

Meera Syal played Grandmother Ummi in which TV series?

Coronation St

Keeping up Appearances

The Royale Family

The Kumars at Number 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 Tuesday 7th February 2017. 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 | January 2017

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TV Guide

What’s the best way to watch TV?

By Kate Duggan Most of us enjoy curling up in-front of the TV on a cold winter’s night. And, as long as you have decent broadband, these days there’s plenty of ways to watch your favourite shows. If you’re feeling a bit flummoxed by all the options available, our quick guide might help to make your mind up.

Freeview – Free As the name implies, Freeview gives you access to more than 60 TV channels, for free. You can also watch hundreds of programmes that have aired in the previous seven days. With most TVs, you shouldn’t need any extra equipment, but TVs bought before 2010 might require a set-top box, which costs from £30. You will need a TV aerial, and not all channels are available in all locations, so it’s worth checking what you can get before you buy anything. 56

Satellite TV – from around £7.50 a month There are a range of providers to choose from, including Sky, Virgin Media, BT and Talk Talk, all of which give you access to a wide range of digital channels. You will need a set-top box, and in some cases a satellite dish, which is normally included in the cost of your subscription, and you’ll need to take out a 12-18 month contract. Most providers have different packages to choose from, and you can add on bundles, such as sports channels. Some providers offer wider phone and broadband packages. BT, for example, offers 80 channels, unlimited broadband and free weekend calls from around £10 per month.

Netflix – £5.99-£8.99 per month Netflix is a subscription service that allows you to watch thousands of films and TV shows through your smart TV, laptop, phone, tablet and other devices. You can choose

what you want to watch from a huge menu, including programmes made by Netflix, such as the award-winning Orange is the New Black. You don’t need any extra equipment; there are no adverts and you can pause, rewind, fast forward and watch again as much as you like. There’s also no contract, so you can cancel whenever you want.

Amazon Prime – £79 per year Like Netflix, Amazon Prime is a subscription service that allows you to watch films and TV shows through a multitude of digital devices. With some older TVs, you’ll need to buy a fire stick (which costs around £30). There doesn’t seem to be quite as much choice with Amazon Prime as there is with Netflix, but if you take into consideration the other benefits of Prime, such as free music, next-day Amazon delivery and cloud-storage for photos, it is a great price. If you don’t want the extras, you can opt for Prime video, for just £5.99 per month.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Meet the boss

‘Nothing too small or too big’

approach is lighting up a bright future for Paul By John Nash It’s the language of motivational speakers – nothing’s too small to do, and nothing too big to attempt – but this intuitive business approach has generated a distinguished career path for electrical engineer Paul Jones.

domestic projects, and will undertake everything from a simple light fitting repair to the installation of ‘smart’ security systems operated from a mobile phone. A respected, premier player in all things lighting and electrical, Paul holds contracts with some of the Midlands’ most soughtafter clients, including the NHS Clinical Commissioning

Group (CCG), Cousins Furniture Stores and the University of Wolverhampton, which includes Wolverhampton Science Park. Carrying out contract work on the City Campus, the Telford Innovation Campus, Walsall Campus and Wolverhampton Science Park, has opened up a commercially enriching seam of work and a fresh digital market awareness for Paul.

A man comfortable in his own skin, the former “grammar grub” admits he’s been privileged with some great opportunities that have given him a leg up in the competitive electrical install and retail markets. From small beginnings in 1986 as a self-employed electrical contractor, Paul has seen a phenomenal change of fortunes for the better as the years have rolled on. And what’s really encouraging, is that the success has been a sustainable, organic growth with no other strategy than Paul “just being himself.” “I like people and people seem to like me. My business has been built and contracts won by the person who I am – what you see is who I am; it’s a simple as that. It’s generally me they see and me they want to meet,” he says. This 58-year-old life-long Wolves fan is without doubt affable and warm-hearted, with “little old ladies from over the road” featuring frequently in the narrative of his business life – from apprentice to the head of Wolverhampton-based Central Electrical Contracts Ltd and the firm’s retail outlet, Lighting R Us. His business embraces internal and external lighting design, industrial, commercial and 58

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

“We have now been able to explore new marketing initiatives and development opportunities thanks to our work with the university, taking placements for graduates and offering apprenticeships,” he says. Significantly, he believes the nine years he has worked for the city’s seat of learning, has enabled him to “give something back to the community” from which he takes his living. “I’ve been able to employ local people from the Black Country and offer student placements. “I have two staff looking after internet marketing, one on placement rebuilding our website and another, an apprentice, who does our SEO (search engine optimisation). These are areas of expertise I would have never encountered without partnering with the university,“ he explains. Undoubtedly, his staff are creative thinkers and self-starters. “Most the time they just get on and do what is needed,” he adds. Proud of his team’s ability to work without heavy supervision, he explains the digital marketing which runs from the Lighting R Us showroom at Unit 1A Walton Works Industrial Estate, Macrome Road, Claregate, is “going well” along with a recent initiative to employ a sales rep aimed at selling energy-saving lighting and lighting control to the education sector. “It takes a bit of education from us, but once people understand they can actually walk in to a dark corridor or room and in seconds there’s instant light with an LED system triggered by a sensor, they buy into it. And it’s cheap to run – a fraction of traditional lighting energy costs.

commissions, Paul is hopeful of a continuing buoyant future. He explains: “I’ve come a long way since I was employed as an electrical maintenance engineer apprentice with Bilston Steel Works, after leaving King Edward VI Grammar School in Stafford. “In some respects the business has been like a wild animal with me trying to keep hold of it; so much has happened.” Cheap steel flooding the market from overseas destabilised UK production and the Bilston plant closed in 1979. Made redundant, Paul found new work with British Rail as a fully qualified electrical engineer. Whilst working on a major rewire of Shrewsbury Station, a painters’ and decorators’ gang came onto the job. It proved a defining moment for Paul. “I was earning a pitiful wage working 7 days a week and suddenly these painters appeared and they were working like crazy. I asked them why and they explained they were on a fixed price contract, so effectively the quicker they got the job done, the more they’d earn,” he says. “I got my 715 ticket [a subcontractors’ Inland Revenue registration], became selfemployed and discovered I was a natural good leader at organising workers,” he says. After operating as a sole trader, Paul who has two grown-up

children from a first marriage and two step children from a second marriage, set up Central Electrical Contracts Ltd and moved into a shop and offices in Claregate. Outgrowing the premises – the display area was too small for retail lighting – he established Lighting R Us just a stone’s throw up the road. With a large display area and a focus on LED light fittings, it’s another success chapter in Paul’s business. And the secret of his achievements? “Little old ladies . . . those people who just need the smallest of jobs doing. “The little old ladies from over the road who’d come to me and just need a very simple, quick job doing . . . you never know where an apparent insignificant job can lead. And those little old ladies deserve a proper service. It was nothing for me to pop over from the shop and fix a fuse or rewire a plug . . . “We’re not too big to consider small jobs. Nothing’s too small and there’s nothing too big,” he says. The sound bite has a resonance of authenticity and with work continuing to tumble in from the Black Country heartland of Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell, as well as Staffordshire, Shropshire, Birmingham and the distant reaches of the West Midlands, the future is looking very bright.

“Schools in particular are prime places for savings. Lights are always left on and just changing the bulbs can vastly reduce bills. With the addition of sensors to illuminate only when needed, even more light energy savings can be achieved,” adds Paul. Currently employing 15 staff, running a fleet of vans and the ability to buy in subcontractors for more labour-intensive www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Time to look forward to the coming year

at Lealans Garden Centre

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

Seed potatoes usually arrive at the start of the New Year, weather permitting. Come and buy them in January if possible, as the most popular varieties soon sell. We stock over 45 different varieties, including several of the Albert Bartlett range plus some more unusual varieties such as Pink Gypsy, the new Jazzy and old favourites like Rocket and Arran Pilot. Once you get them home, put them to chit (allow shoots to form), egg trays are ideal for this, place them in a light, cool and frost free environment. Trim old leaves away from Hellebores, this makes it easier to see the flowers and prevents the spread of disease. If the snow and hard frosts do arrive make sure vulnerable plants – Hebe,

Phormium, Cordyline, Palms etc are covered with fleece and it’s worth brushing off conifers and hedges to stop them splitting open with the weight of the snow. Remember to make sure outdoor taps are lagged and covered over in the winter to prevent any cracking and leaks caused by freezing. If you haven’t used winter wash on your fruit trees yet, do so on a mild day before the buds start to burst, this will clear up any pests and their eggs left overwintering on your trees. Make sure you have a grease band wrapped round the stems or coat the main stem with fruit tree grease, this can be kept on all year round to catch any pests climbing up the tree. Looking ahead to later in the year check out the ranges

of Geraniums, Fuchsias and hanging basket plants that will be available in April and May. Plug plants will be available around the beginning of March, but they will need heat to start with. Grow them in the house to get a head start, but remember you need to take note of the weather conditions and not be in a rush to put tender plants out before May time. Look out for signs of colour in your garden. Plants such as Hamamelis (Witch Hazel), Snowdrops, Viburnum tinus and Hellebores will all be showing signs of colour that suggest spring is on its way.

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www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

BARE ROOT AND ROOT

BALL PLANTS EXPLAINED By Martin Neenan, Garden Creations’ General Manager The dormant season – midautumn to early spring – is generally agreed to be the best time to plant rootball and bare root plants. Not sure what this means? Hopefully, this simple explanation will help you so that you can get the most out of your outdoor space. Bare-root plants are exactly what it says: plants with their bare roots exposed. That means they are sold without any compost and not in pots. Instead, they are sold wrapped in polythene, which prevents the fibrous roots from drying out. Bareroot plants and trees are typically between one and three years old and because they have large clumps of root, they will establish more

quickly once in the ground. It’s important, however, to keep the roots damp (put them in a bucket of water) and plant the specimens in their permanent position as quickly as possible – except if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Make sure they are in situ before the spring growing season. Root-ball plants usually come in a hessian wrap & wire mesh to hold in the compost or soil and roots.

It’s a common method for larger, semi-mature trees and conifers and other evergreens. Make sure you dig a hole that’s at least twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. Plant the root ball too deep and it could encourage disease to enter the trunk.

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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Celebrating 19 Years

of Excel Electrical Contractors Ltd This month marks 19 years of trading for a trusted local company Excel Electrical Contractors Ltd.

the Midlands and further afield, including offices in London’s Canary Wharf. Schools and MOD sites across the country are able to enjoy the company’s professionalism and efficiency which allows their sites to run effectively.

Directors Tim Cowling and Steve Perry and their team has a vast range of experience and are the trusted NICEIC approved choice for domestic, commercial and industrial clients undertaking a varied and extensive range of work, enabling customers to benefit from their knowledge and expertise.

Energy efficiency is now at the forefront of people’s minds when planning electrical work and Excel has been able to diversify to meet this increased demand. In Leicester for example at a large office and warehouse development, Excel has installed a lighting system which is self-regulating depending on the amount of natural sunlight available. Excel has also worked on a development of new homes in Taunton to ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible.

Excel offer a fast response, together with quality yet affordable installations which makes the company the premier choice for any homeowner and business. Excel provides a friendly, reliable and dedicated service, making any job stress free for their clients. Over the past nineteen years, Excel has certainly grown and they continue to grow, they now undertake work both in

in Albrighton, which allowed their impressive chandeliers to be put in place. Excel is very much part of the local community and is extremely proud to sponsor local football team, Bilbrook Junior’s. With such knowledge, expertise and skills at their disposal, Excel Electrical Contractors Ltd is the perfect option for all of your electrical needs. Here’s to the next nineteen years! For more information visit their new improved website www.excelelectrical.net

Closer to home, Excel is very proud to have been part of many local renovation projects, including the much praised renovation of The Shrewsbury Arms

OUR TRADEMARK IS EXCELLENCE

Domestic • Commercial • Industrial All electrical work undertaken

• Security Systems

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To arrange a free, no obligation, quotation

CALL US FIRST: 01902 374831

Established over 15 years

Office & Showroom,“The Ballroom” 16 Station Road, Albrighton WV7 3QG

www.excelelectrical.net 62

Email: info@excelelectrical.net wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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• Gas boilers fixed and installed • Gas hobs/cookers • Gas fires • Gas appliance servicing • Landlord certificates • Plumbing problems • Leaks • Power flushing

Fast reliable service at competitive prices Call Jamie on: 07931 752038 or 01902 758073 Email: Jbheatinginwolverhampton.co.uk 8 Cunningham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7XJ

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Call John 01902 279790 or 07973 295357 blakesglassandglazing@gmail.com 64

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Quality Logs at

Black Country Firewood

There’s nothing better than curling up in front of an open fire on a cold winter’s night , so now that the cold weather has arrived, it’s time to stock-up on the firewood that’ll keep you cosy all winter long. Black Country Firewood boasts the biggest indoor selection of quality logs in the West Midlands, and the team make it easy for their clients to find the perfect fuel for their fire. As, owner, Michael Snelson explains: “We’re fully stocked with logs that are suitable for all open fires and woodburners, and we’re always on-hand to

help and advise our clients when they visit the centre.” Making it easy for homeowners to enjoy a real fire in their home, the team supply high quality, clean logs that burn efficiently. “Myself and my firewood tech, Richard, always ensure that the logs we sell meet our client’s requirements. We’re passionate about what we do and pride ourselves on offering the best products and service.” So, it’s no surprise that Mike’s customers are always confident that when their logs are delivered they’ll be of the highest quality. “A lot of people who come to us have had bad experiences in the past and weren’t able to view their logs before buying.” That’s why Mike always invites his client’s to take a look at his logs first. “We work hard to take the hassle out of fuelling an open fire by

making everything as easy as possible for our clients.” By buying directly from the firewood centre, customers don’t have to worry about drying out their logs over the summer months or question if they’re going to be clean and bug and spider-free. Because the company offer free local delivery, all year round, it’s easy to get the logs to your door. And it’s not just logs that the company supply, they also create bespoke log shelters that provide the perfect place for storage. So, why not enjoy your fire this winter and pay a visit to Black Country Firewood?

Suppliers of high quality firewood Shop and buy online

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blackcountryfirewood 65

Midlands Animal Rescue Team: Helpful at Heart “We rely solely on our own efforts to raise funds by street collections, Car Boots, Jumble Sales etc. However, the backbone of our fundraising at present is our highly successful charity shop at 122a, Castlecroft Road in Wolverhampton WV3 8LU.”

Brax was badly matted and had lived most of his life confined. Now he is happy and contented with daily walks.

For over 50 years’ Midlands Animal Rescue Team (MART) has been working tirelessly to ensure that every mistreated or abandoned animal it comes across finds a good home.

Audrey

advice and support to fosterers and has a strict non-destruct policy. Beverley Hill says: “We all get such a reward from the voluntary work we do. Finding good homes is at the heart of our work.” MART uses a network of foster homes that collect, trap or otherwise secure unwanted or abandoned animals, giving them safe haven and arranging veterinary care. Once stable the animals are then offered for adoption to new owners.

Albrighton Animal Rescue Team was founded in 1961, registered in 1971 and changed its name in 1985 to ‘Midlands Animal Rescue Team’ – but the message is as clear now as it was then: to rescue, care for, and re-home animals that are lost or mistreated and to promote animal neutering.

And it’s never easy work: “If homing is slow then it slows down the amount of animals we can take in because we have a very limited supply of foster homes at any one time.”

And MART’s loyal and friendly team of volunteers provide much warmth and dedication to the self-financed charity, which offers

There are also substantial budgetary costs to cover: “The greatest costs are veterinary bills, then food, advertising and transport to vets etc.

Double rescue pen, situated in the garden of one of our foster homes, which has helped us rescue, rehabilitate and re-home a multitude of cats.

Donations can also be made via the website, but there are many other ways to support MART: donate goods (clothing, bric-a-brac, unwanted gifts etc); purchase goods at any of events or from the charity shop or donate money via Treasurer Susan Iles on 01902 673587. You may also wish to become a member of MART via secretary Eileen Webb. Contact her 0121 358 0251. Or volunteer yourself at the Charity Shop for 3 hours per week: Manager Debbie Cotter has the details. Her number is 01902 762344. Or even consider becoming a Dog or Cat Foster Home. MART will pay all the pet-related bills – food, veterinary bills – all you need supply is the TLC and allow prospective owners to come to view the animals. For more about fostering contact Chairperson Beverley Hill on 0121 520 5119. Website address: www. midlandsanimalrescue.com Email address: mart_bev@hotmail.co.uk. “Audrey came into care back in April this year; sadly we do not know how old she is because she is missing many of her teeth. Audrey was pregnant when she came to us and although her kittens have been homed long back, so far no-one has shown any interest in her… She has made good progress with her socialisation but we think that she will never be a fussy little lap cat. “We would like a home for her where she can just be herself without any pressure for her to be petted if she’s not in the mood. Audrey is spayed, vaccinated and chipped, now she needs a home so that she can have her very own “happy ever after.” If you would like to offer Audrey a home please call 01902 885095.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Wolverhampton Karate Club

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helps England top the tables! Eleven martial arts students from Ikon Martial Arts Centre in Showell Road, Bushbury, ranging in age from 10 to 21, have recently returned home from 43rd FEW championships in Liege, Belgium with an impressive haul of medals and helped England to top the tables for an amazing fifth successive year. Ikon has produced 3 European Champions: Amelia Harvey, Mohsen Haidari and Katie

Burnham as well as silver medallists: Sam Phillips, Cassie Taylor, Bethany Williets, Melissa Griffiths, Megan Hill, and Bronze medallists: Beth Jackson and Harrison Dooley. Apo Fars narrowly missed out on a bronze medal for individual kumite. The youngsters collectively brought home 3 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 14 bronze medals. Sensei Stennett Harvey, who travelled with the youngsters to Belgium, said he was immensely proud of his club and his athletes. He acknowledged their dedication to and enthusiasm for the sport.

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Find your dream destination with Kelly There’s nothing more exciting than planning your dream holiday. Whether it’s a visit to one of the world’s most stunning beaches, a week spent in a bustling metropolis or even an action-packed adventure, it’s essential to find an agent that can help you discover exactly what you’re looking for. Fortunately, Holidaysplease travel agent, Kelly England,

is ready and waiting to make planning your vacation easy.

some of the most incredible sights the natural world has to offer.”

As Kelly explains: “Your next trip overseas should be one of the most enjoyable things you do, so you need to get it right.”

And when it comes to family holidays Kelly can find the destination that will please everyone.

Providing clients with all the inspiration they need, Kelly is adept at matching holiday to client, making dream destination a reality.

“We know of all the best hotels around the world that cater specifically for children but which are small enough to ensure there won’t be lots of other people’s children running around.”

“For us nothing is too much trouble and we’ll go to amazing lengths to find something that suits your requirements exactly.”

Of course Kelly can help when it comes to honeymoons too:

Kelly enables her clients to choose luxury holidays that provide the ultimate in relaxation. “A private island holiday is the best in luxury; imagine your own personal island with a guest list that’s formed exclusively of people you want to be there. It’s perfect for weddings too.” But, if you’ve always wanted to go on safari, Kelly can ensure that you’ll have an amazing time too. “Our clients enjoy exclusive accommodation on private nature reserves where they can experience

Bespoke holidays to beautiful places.

“Your honeymoon is one of the most important and exciting holidays you’ll ever go on and we can help you find your perfect getaway.” Holidaysplease combines the personal service of the most experienced travel advisors, with the convenience of the internet, and the company has won numerous awards, including ‘Online Travel Agency of the Year’. So, to book your dream holiday, contact Kelly today.

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Holidaysplease – Kelly England kelly.england@holidaysplease.com www.holidaysplease.co.uk

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Global award success for

Burke Bros Moving Group Well known international removals company, Burke Bros Moving Group, has fought off competition from around the world to achieve a global award for a sustained commitment to environmental responsibility and ecological awareness. Burke Bros Moving Group has been awarded the Juan Peralta Ecology Award by the Pan American International Movers Association (PAIMA). After competing with entrants from around the world, Burke Bros Moving Group represented the European nomination at a conference with delegates from more than 40 countries from all five continents. They were then presented with the overall award for the most outstanding environmental performance within the moving industry.

at the PAIMA conference. We take our commitment to environmental issues seriously and work to set the benchmark for competitors in the sector. Importantly, the waste management processes we have implemented are sustainable for the future.” Burke Bros Moving Group is no stranger to winning awards, having also been the overall winner of the Juan Peralta Ecological Award in San Francisco in 2006, for the best contribution from a moving company on global environmental issues and recipient of the “Service Provider of the Year” award for 2013-2014, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. For more information on removal and storage services please contact Burke Bros Moving Group on 01902 714555 or email sales@burkebros.co.uk.

Burke Bros Moving Group has maintained a record of recycling 100% of reusable materials without any waste going to landfill. The moving company has implemented a waste management system, working in collaboration with ACM Environmental PLC to ensure the procedure is environmentally and legally compliant. Upon receiving the award, Gary Burke, Managing Director of Burke Bros Moving Group commented: “We’re incredibly pleased that our work has been recognised through this award. It was a real pleasure to receive congratulations from all corners of the world

L-R: Antonio Tremols, Executive Director PAIMA; Gary Burke, Managing Director Burke Bros Moving Group and Chris Burke, Company Director, Burke Bros Moving Group

Do You Need Storage Space? Our secure self storage facility on Fox’s Lane Wolverhampton can provide excellent storage solutions for residential customers, businesses and students who all require a safe place for their belongings.

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Please call us today Wolverhampton (Head office): 01902 714555 (Bridgnorth: 01746 336041) email: sales@burkebros.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

w w w. b u r k e b r o s . c o . u k 69

Wi-Fi woes? Whilst wireless networks make use of our devices much easier, there are times when they can be frustrating due to loss of connectivity and speed due to distance from the router or interference. As ever in the world of IT, there are many ways to alleviate these problems.

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Wi-Fi repeaters are becoming more popular. These are usually fairly small devices that are plugged into a socket not too far from the router so they can pick up some of the signal and ‘bounce’ it to areas with low or no signal. At times where the reach of these isn’t long enough homeplug adapters can be useful. These use the mains electricity as part of a wired network, with a wireless device plugged into a socket in the area needing a signal. These devices all use a range of wireless standards, with the latest 7802.11ac the highest speed and longest range.

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01902 744217 wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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FEAST FOODS Delivering delicious, nutritious food that you and your body will love. Feast Foods is a vegan and vegetarian food delivery service based in Wolverhampton created by Nadiah Sweilem. Offering clean, natural lunches available Monday to Friday that can be delivered straight to your front door or office desk. Each meal is designed to create a culinary journey in your mouth using fresh, beneficial and colourful ingredients. It is Feasts’ mission

to provide tasty, honest food at an affordable price. Each week a new menu is sent out giving you the opportunity to order a well-balanced zesty lunch. Food is Nadiah’s main passion in life and she is always experimenting in the kitchen creating new and exciting recipes. It wasn’t until a friend of hers approached her to cook lunches on a regular basis that she realised how she could cook healthy meals for everyone. Through Feast Foods, Nadiah is not trying to convert people to become a vegan or vegetarian but thinks it is important for people to understand where their food has come from

CompETiTion This month we have teamed up with Feast Foods to offer one of our readers the chance to win 10 meals to share with family, friends or work colleagues. To be in with a chance of winning this unique prize simply answer the following question correctly.

and what they are eating. People are not aware of the health and environmental issues eating meat and dairy have, and there’s a misconception that a meal has to contain meat or dairy to be tasty. 90% of her customers are meat eaters and all of them keep coming back to order because they feel happy and healthy for eating natural, meat free, delicious food. To order and find out more information head to FEAST’s website at www.feast-foods. co.uk or social media pages: Facebook: FEAST Food Instagram: Feast_Foods Twitter: Feast_Foods or telephone: 07715 680236

What is the website address for Feast Foods? Email your answers to info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk or on a postcard to: Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY. Please include your name, address and telephone number. All entries to be received by Tuesday 21st February 2017. Competition Terms and Conditions Prize is a maximum of 10 meals in one delivery. Additional meals can be offered but must be paid for. Delivery is included within a 6 mile radius of Wolverhampton city centre. Prize to be redeemed by Friday 31st March 2017. No cash or alternative prize will be given.

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

R J Hipkiss & Sons Butchers Keepin Here at R J Hipkiss & Sons we believe in providing our customers with the very best in locally sourced produce.

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we love...

local!

All our meat can be traced back to its origin. It is prepared carefully in store for sale before displaying on our fresh meat counter. Customers can choose their particular joint or steak and have it cut to their exact requirements, ideal for all occasions, meal of the day, weekend roast or for that special dinner party.

EvEnts bookings now availablE Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that there is much loved interest in the street food vibe.

R J Hipkiss & Sons would like to offer our personal twist on the scene, offering an outdoor catering experience for all occasions. With the best customer service, Knowledge and source to amazing local produceâ&#x20AC;Ś It will be our pleasure to cook up a storm!

Outdoor... Gourmet style! (for further details call in store) Open: Mon-Sat 7.30am-6pm and Sundays 8am-4pm Tel: 01902 745956

www.rjhipkissandsons.co.uk

Compton A Family Business Since 1969 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk The Swan

Centre, Bridgnorth Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 8AE 73

A new look for Poxon’s have dedicated sausage and pie rooms on the premises, where we make 30 different kinds of sausage – including gluten free varieties - as well as our homemade pies, scotch eggs, lattices, burgers and grillers.” And customers can get a look at exactly how their favourite products are made when they’re in store. “There are two large LCD TV screens in our re-designed shop that show how we make our pork pies and pastries.”

Long established family-run butchers, Poxon’s, has recently undergone an extensive makeover. The new look store has been completely redesigned to create more space for customers and showcase the company’s impressive selection of fresh meats, homemade pies and ready cooked meals. As Cilla Poxon, explains: “We’ve made massive changes to our Castlecroft-based store. We’ve had new walls, floors, windows and counters, as well as new lighting and signage outside.”

And that’s not all: “We have also installed new fridges and freezers and have even brought in a coffee machine for our customers, so that they can enjoy a complimentary drink when they pay us a visit.” There’s a self-service counter and even a microwave in store too: “For our customers who want to enjoy their pie or sausage roll right away we’ve provided a microwave so that they can warm up the snack themselves, which is ideal for lunch.” No expense has been spared in designing the perfect space for customers and the best functional area for the highly skilled team to prepare all manner of meat-based specialities. “All of our meat is of the highest quality and is locally sourced. We

Adding to their already impressive homemade ranges, Poxon’s has recently introduced something extra special. “We have long supplied dinner party meats, like guards of honour, crown roasts and wellingtons. Now, we’ve added some exiting new additions, thanks to our expert Italian chef, Mario Bennescuitti.” Poxon’s ‘Bring Your Own Dishes’ service means that customers can wow their guests with lasagne, cannelloni or meatballs that have been made on-site by Mario - using Poxon’s meats - and served in their very own dish. “Mario is an amazing chef and we’re delighted that he’s working with us. We know that our customers will adore his delicious savoury courses, as well as his mouth-watering desserts, like Tiramisu and Italian trifle.” The team are always happy to provide help and advice and offer excellent customer service. “We’re old fashioned in our values when it comes to customer service, yet modern in terms of our facilities. We move with the times when it comes to technology too,” adds Cilla. So, whether you fancy just a snack or a freshly made feast for that special occasion, pay Poxon’s a visit today.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Quality Butchers 96 Windmill Lane, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton WV3 8HG

Specialists in high quality British meat for over 50 years Comprehensive range of pork pies using the finest ingredients All pies and sausages made exclusively on the premises.

NEW ‘Bring your own dishes’ service We will fill your dishes with delicious meals prepared fresh in our kitchen using Poxon’s quality meats Dishes include: Lasagne / Cannelloni / Meatballs / Quiches We also make sweet pies.

Gluten free and other special orders available upon request.

Tel: 01902 761693

www.poxonsbutchers.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Allan Bennett: Mr Sausage Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has congratulated Codsall butcher Allan Bennett on his recent award for services to the sausage industry. Gavin visited Allan Bennett in his Station Road shop to congratulate him on winning The David Black Award for services to the sausage industry. The Award, which has been presented annually since 1960, was instigated by the East Anglian pig producer after whom it is named. It is the highest award the pig industry has to give and is presented to an individual who has made a valuable contribution to the industry over a number of years. Allan Bennett started his career as a schoolboy helping the local butcher with deliveries by the butcher’s bike. A long association with the Meat Industry had started when he joined Gills in 1953 and

quickly rose through the ranks from shop floor to eventually become Managing Director of the Company and buying all 4 of the shops. He sources all of his meat from local markets and farms and produces everything himself including- sausages, pies, bacon and black pudding. He joined the Q Guild in 1991 and to date he is the most successful of any of any of the Q Guild businesses in the Smithfield awards, accumulating over 160 Gold awards and several Diamond awards. Allan now works alongside his son Steven Bennett in his Codsall shop on Station Road. The David Black Award follows a long line of accolades for the butchers shop including the NFMFT National Pork Pie Champion 2016, Butchers Shop of the year, lifetime achievement winner, National Federation of Sausage Champion to name but a few. Commenting on Allan’s award Gavin said: “I was so delighted to

hear about Allan’s recent David Black Award for services to the sausage industry. This is absolutely deserved after such a stellar career producing some of the best products here in Codsall. “Once again this proves that here in South Staffordshire we have the best butchers anywhere in the country. I would like to offer Allan and all staff at Allan Bennett Butchers, many congratulations on this extremely well-deserved award for some of the finest produce in this country.”

A member of the Guild of Q Butchers Quite simply, this means that Allan Bennett is one of the best butchers in Britain. Quality is our number one priority, and we are committed to preserving the skills passed down through generations of traditional craftsmen. At Allan Bennett’s we produce all our products using the best English meat, which is bought from Bridgnorth market every Tuesday. This means that all of our meat has full traceability, and guarantees you top quality meat from local farmers. In short, you can’t buy better!

Perfect pastry aids top triumph Allan Bennett beat more than 200 competitors in the Meat Traders Journal Pork Pie contest in Bolton. Judges were impressed by the meaty contents of the pie and the perfectly produced pastry. Steven said: “The ingredients we use in the pies has been the key and it feels fantastic to have won first prize”.

Allan Bennett Ltd, 15 Station Road, Codsall. WV8 1BX Tel: 01902 842204 Open 6 days a week : Monday to Friday 7am-5.30pm, Saturday 7am-5pm 76

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

The Lifelong Healthy

Journey all the weight as soon as they stopped. But they do work for some because just by reading about weight loss it will motivate you to take action, and furthermore can provide you a framework to which you can adhere. For example if the weight loss plan tells you ‘no carbohydrate’ it’s something you don’t have to think too hard about and you know you can have anything you want except carbohydrate. You are only depriving yourself of one type of food rather than saying you have to restrict all foods.

Keeping with our theme of a lifelong journey though, one of the best things you can do is just to return to basics and stick to healthy food. If you cut out sugar, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, wine, beer and crisps you already have your framework.

There is no other time of the year when as many people decide to ‘do something’ about their weight as January. A combination of Christmas holiday excesses and the feeling that the New Year is time for a fresh start, prompt people to address the uncomfortable and unhealthy feeling that being overweight gives them. However like so many New Year’s resolutions the determination is often short-lived and old ways soon return.

And most importantly identify your weakness: if you have a sweet tooth for example, start your diet by telling yourself you can have anything you want provided it doesn’t contain sugar. Indeed, not only will this help with your immediate weight loss, but the less you indulge your weakness, the less of it you will crave.

LITTLE ITALY DELI

The key to success is not just to view the change in eating and exercise habits as a one off task that needs to be over and done with as soon as possible. Weight control is a lifelong journey and the best time to start is when you’re young. The next best time to start is today!

FRESH, AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE

Eat less or exercise more?

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t address your diet and nutrition. There is a billion pound industry associated with the different ways you can lose weight, all of which are preying on society’s desire for a quick fix and a magic formula. Many people will report success having followed advice in a book or on a website, but what you don’t hear of is those that have failed, and those that succeeded but regained www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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When you eat less you are taking a negative action; that is you are avoiding certain foods and depriving yourself. When you exercise more however, you are taking a positive approach to not just your weight control but your general health; action is so much more psychologically rewarding than avoidance. When you take a walk after dinner you relax, improve your digestion, enhance your vitality and burn fat and calories. After the walk you feel better both physically and emotionally.

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Seafood business expanding as £10m sales barrier is smashed customers the chance to buy shrimp that is direct from some of the best sustainable farms in India and Bangladesh. “They can buy one, two or three bags, there’s no minimum quantity,” added Mr Money. Star Argo Marine Foods is backed by a £30m-strong Indian parent company and can provide full traceability from hatchery to delivery point. Shrimp is available in both cooked and raw options. Variants include marinade, butterfly, EZ peel, skewer, fresh water, black tiger and the popular Vannamei species.

The Team at Star Agro

A booming seafood company has opened a new trade counter in the Black Country heartland after landing £10m in sale deals for the first time in its history. Star Argo Marine Foods has invested £100,000 and expanded into a second adjacent unit on the Fallings Park Industrial Estate. Offering its ‘Star Feast’ range of products to the public, the sustainable shrimp producer is cashing in on the lucrative DIY chef market. The expansion, that includes display freezers, new cold storage unit and product picking areas, has seen the workforce expand to 11 with the appointment of a new trade counter manager and an additional driver.

subsequent sales quadrupling over the last six months. Steve Money, managing director, said: “The amount of TV programmes dedicated to cooking is inspiring a whole new generation of ambitious chefs who are exploring new tastes and new foods. “This means there is an increasing demand for high quality shrimps and white fish, including tilapia, cod and pangasius fish. We’ve seen it from the big supermarkets we supply and the restaurant/hotel trade… now we’re beginning to see it from individuals who want to buy in smaller quantities.” With a no minimum quantity demand, the trade counter is open six days a week, offering

The Star Feast brand included antibiotic-free products, which can if required, be dispatched in tailor-made packaging to suit customer requirements. Owner of Wolverhampton’s famous Bilash restaurant Mohammed Khan is consultant to Star Argo Marine Foods. He said: “This is just the start of a really ambitious sales drive for the business and the next six months will see us launch another ‘own label’ brand, introduce new products to the range and create our own app.” The app, available for iPhone and android handsets, will give customers the opportunity to place orders and arrange deliveries. Visit staragromarine.co.uk for more information or call 01902 722963.

In the last six months Star Argo… has bucked the economic forecast of the Brexit gloommongers and sealed business totalling £4m, despite the ensuing currency fluctuations. A turnover of £100,000 in the first six months of trading is being targeted. What’s described as ‘significant deals’ in the wholesale marketplace have recently been struck with two major High Street retailers with 78

L/R Mohammed Khan, Shiv Lal, Steve Money

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Unit 3 & 4, Fallings Park Industrial Estate, Park Lane, Wolverhampton WV10 9QA

TEL:01902 722963 Open to all Monday to Friday 6.30am - 5:30pm Open Saturday’s 9:30am - 1:00pm

www.staragromarine.co.uk info@staragromarine.com www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Food, Drink, Eating Out, Entertainment and Wedding Venues

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

New Year AT HALFPENNY GREEN VINEYARDS

Local produce shop & deli • New range of over 50 British Gins in stock • Renowned restaurant and tea rooms • Unique range of gifts for all occasions including Valentines, Mother’s Day and Easter • On-site craft centre and WILD Zoological Park

Now booking for Mother’s Day 26th March and Easter 16th April in our Restaurant. A La Carte Evenings throughout the year. First 2017 date on Friday 17th February (bookings only). Wine Tasting available in our Wine Loft, with Gin Tastings available from Early 2017 Gift vouchers available. Public Tours available on select dates May - October, including 12th May, 25th May & 10th June (bookings only).

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

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

TELEPHONE 01384 221122 81

S t. Va l e n t i n e :

The mystery man

With the approach of 14th February every year, the shops begin to fill with hearts and flowers. Heart-shaped gifts, boxes of sweets, chocolates and other nonedible gifts come decorated with flowers and slogans proclaiming everlasting love. And this has been going, off and on, for hundreds of years though perhaps without the intense commercial attraction that it carries today. Who was this mysterious saint who, it must be said, no longer carries any official recognition from the Vatican? Where did he come from and why do we persist in using him as a symbol of everlasting and passionate love? Indeed why on this particular day? The who will probably never be firmly established. Some traditions place him as an early bishop of Terni who was martyred in Rome either by Claudius the Second or, according to others, by Aurelian in AD 271, actually on 14th February. His name was removed from the calendar of saints because no proof of his existence could be found. He existed only in a tradition he shares with one or two other candidates. 82

Other candidates include a Roman priest martyred for his faith in AD 269, a bishop from Umbria executed in AD 273, and a nameless centurion who it is said, went willingly to the lions around the same period because he had fallen deeply in love with one of his prisoners, a young Christian woman condemned to death because of her faith, from whom he was unwilling to be parted. The date of the martyrdom is probably less uncertain although the calendar has been changed radically since those times. The Roman festival of the Lupercalia started on February 15th and spectacles, such as Lions -v- Christians were held as a ‘cheerful’ start to the general jollifications. The Lupercalia was in effect a festival of fertility when young men were let loose on the population, armed with thongs made from the skins of sacrificed animals with which they would strike every female they came across, thus ensuring their future fertility. It was also believed the lascivious god Pan roamed abroad at this time and could be encountered in the reeds by the rivers. A great many ‘encounters’ probably took place though whether with Pan is open to conjecture. The festival came to Britain with the Romans and interestingly, it is

only in this country that the festival is observed. A similar custom once prevailed in France on the 1st Sunday in Lent, probably a remnant of a pagan festival in honour of Pan and Juno. The fact that the love connection is so vividly part of a tradition that was obviously carried to Britain by Roman soldiery probably indicates a centurion did go to his death in odd circumstances, though whether for love or otherwise will always be unclear. St. Valentine himself as we celebrate him, is probably a composite of several notable people who perished either for carnal or spiritual love and whose names, virtues and histories have been bound together along with the customs and traditions of the festivals theirs eventually replaced. The pagan spring festival of Lupercalia was eventually superseded by the Christian Feast of Candlemas and the early Church fathers probably allowed St. Valentine to remain on the calendar for so long on the assumption that, if you can’t beat them, get them to join in. Whoever he was, if he existed, he would probably have been amazed to learn for how long his sacrifice would be remembered.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Amazing afternoon tea at

C u pc a k e L a n e

You don’t have to go far to enjoy a fantastic afternoon tea, as our reporter, Helen Taylor, discovered when she paid a visit to Tettenhall’s delightful tearoom, Cupcake Lane. Located within an old railway building and hidden on the edge of Smestow Valley Nature Reserve, Cupcake Lane is a tearoom with a difference. Decorated in a vintage style, the tearoom exudes character and has an unmistakeable olde-worlde charm, which is partly why it’s become a favourite with locals. Open every day – except Monday – the tearoom serves a selection of teas and coffees and caters for hungry visitors with a menu that’s filled with all manner of homemade culinary delights. Alongside the hearty breakfasts, tempting lunches and indulgent cakes, Cupcake Lane has something extra special on offer; a fabulous afternoon tea. And, luckily for me, I was asked to try it out. At the first opportunity I excitedly booked in for afternoon tea for two and looked forward to a rare afternoon off work and a catch up with a good friend. Soaking up the atmosphere in the tearoom’s brand new dining 84

area, that’s been beautifully decorated and styled with all kinds of wonderful vintage pieces, we chatted over a coffee – that’s served in an antique cup and saucer, of course - and anticipated the arrival of our very special lunch. Attracting the gaze of our fellow diners, our beautifully displayed afternoon tea selection soon became the talk of the tearoom. Freshly prepared ham, cheese, egg and tuna sandwiches were neatly cut into triangles and arranged on the stand. A small side salad and bowl of crisps completed the savoury selection, but the best was yet to come.

The only difficulty was deciding on which one to try first. Equally delicious, each of the cakes tasted as good as they looked, so we greedily devoured most of the selection. Feeling rather full, we sipped yet another coffee and admired the quaint setting. When we were ready to leave, what little food that was left was carefully packaged up by our waitress, ready for us to take home to enjoy later. Feeling thoroughly spoilt, we left Cupcake Lane eager to return again, very soon, to treat ourselves to the experience all over again.

A delicious assortment of cakes filled the top tier of the stand. A slice of rich chocolate cake instantly drew my attention, before my eyes wandered to the mouth-watering cupcake and homemade scone – that was served with jam and clotted cream. And, as if that wasn’t indulgent enough, there were also strawberries – complete with chocolate dipping sauce - to enjoy. Unsurprisingly, conversation immediately turned to the food as we eagerly tucked into the sandwiches. Savouring every mouthful, we made our way through one of each of the four different fillings, making sure that we left plenty of room for the cakes. wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Situated at: Smestow Station Building, Meadow View Terrace, Tettenhall WV6 8NX (off Henwood Road behind Majestic wines)

Vintage inspired Tearoom which has just been extended and refurbished, situated in the old station building at Smestow Valley. Large seating area outside the tearoom with swings and a playhouse. We also welcome dogs. Serving a selection of teas, coffee, soft drinks, freshly baked cupcakes, homemade cakes and home-baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves. We have an extensive menu serving breakfast, lunch, desserts and ice-cream. Gluten or dairy free available (pre-booked).

We also offer • Bespoke cupcake gifts - for that special occasion • Catering – outside events or private hire of the tearoom for all occasions including children’s parties (all day Monday and from 4.30pm Tuesday to Sunday) • Smestow Afternoon Tea

Capture a true journey back in time with vintage crockery, period music and a warm welcome. We are open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am - 4pm and look forward to seeing you. For further details about Cupcake gifts and our bespoke services please do not hesitate to contact us: 01902 219280 contact@cupcakelane.co.uk www.cupcakelane.co.uk

The Park house hoTel Shifnal

www.parkhousehotelshifnal.co.uk

£2017 for 2017 Wedding Package 50 Day Guests 80 Evening Guests 3 Course Set Wedding Breakfast Sparkling Toast and Wine with Meal Hot Pork Baps for Evening • House DJ • All Room Hire (subject to availability)

Originally two separate 17th century country houses set on the edge of the market town of Shifnal, this elegant and luxurious building combines modern amenities with traditional features. Amidst its tree studded gardens The Park House Hotel is the ideal setting for wedding receptions, with its Victorian charm and picturesque grounds it’s a venue to make your wedding day dreams a reality.

Wedding fayre on Sunday 19th february 2017 between 11am to 4pm - free enTry

For further details please call The Park House Hotel on 01952 460128. The Park House Hotel, Park Street, Shifnal, Telford, TF11 9BA reservations@parkhousehotel.net

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Himley Hall A local treasure by images of stars of the silver screen from the Art Deco era. Afternoon Tea in Himley Hall

Himley Hall is an 18th Century former stately home set amongst 180 acres of ‘Capability Brown’ landscaped parkland, situated just 6 miles north of Stourbridge and 4 miles west of Dudley. Once the family home to the Earls of Dudley and host to royalty and high society, today it offers a glamorous setting for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions, elegant afternoon teas, special occasion celebrations and parties, art and craft exhibitions as well as prestigious conference facilities and guided tours.

as golden weddings, Christmas parties and corporate functions. The Swimming Pool room includes a dance floor and lighting, specifically designed for evening functions. It can cater for 90-100 guests for a seated meal and between 80 -140 guests for an evening event. The Cinema Bar, so named because it is situated in the Earl’s former private cinema, offers a sumptuous retreat from the lively Swimming Pool during your celebration. Exquisite 1930’s style café bar furniture sits adjacent to the ‘birds-eye’ maple and chrome bar overlooked

Enjoy one of the true traditions of our culinary heritage in a venue where royal newlyweds spent their honeymoon and princes and earls once strolled. The classic combination of ribbon sandwiches, scones with fruit conserve and cream, sweet pastries and tea in the superb setting of Himley Hall is an afternoon of indulgence that cannot be missed. Arrival at Himley Hall is at 2.00 pm with guests seated in one of the beautifully refurbished ground floor rooms by 2.30pm ready to enjoy an afternoon of indulgence. Guests may also ‘top up’ their afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco or a ‘G & T’ for a small extra charge. Afternoon Tea in Himley Hall must be pre-booked and is offered on individual weekday dates each month. Individual, small party or large group bookings are available up to a maximum of 100 persons.

The North Wing The North Wing of Himley Hall, once housed the Earl of Dudley’s swimming pool and cinema, but has now been transformed into an elegant Art-Deco style banqueting suite and lounge bar. Magnificent 1930’s style bespoke lighting, period decor and stylish soft furnishings highlight the superb attention to detail which has established Himley Hall’s North Wing as a dazzling venue for not only wedding celebrations but special celebrations such

For either a wedding breakfast celebration, an evening ‘after wedding’ function or perhaps both, a glamorous evening dinner, afternoon tea or a full day conference, the team at Himley Hall will ensure your experience is a special one, simply contact Himley Hall on 01384 817817 for further details 86

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

The Drawing Room Bar and Grill at The Mount Hotel, Tettenhall

By Rob Taylor “Dig in!,” I trumpet oafishly while smirking as our desserts arrive. Do forgive the outburst, but it’s rare that one can so legitimately make such an exclamation and I really wasn’t expecting the ‘Chocolate Flower Pot’ (£6.50) to be presented in such a creative and literal way. Consisting of chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie, and pistachio layered inside a flower pot, dusted with a sandy topping of loose, crumbly chocolate and topped off with a sprig of mint, this fascinating dish is tonight’s piéce de résistance. Both my long-suffering girlfriend Nicola and I begin to eat with much trepidation, solely because the artisan chefs have managed to fashion something capable of confusing our brains into thinking we’ve mistakenly been presented with Bill and Ben The Flower Pot Men. It may be counter-

intuitive at first, but it’s not for long, because as soon as the rich dark chocolate begins to course through us, we dig ever deeper. It’s rare to find food both exciting and rewarding. It’s more rare still to find a restaurant that lives up to its website’s promise of “exciting seasonal menus”, yet the Drawing Room Bar and Grill at The Mount Hotel, Tettenhall, does just that and more. So good is it in fact that it’s forced me to steal a trick from so many annoying Hollywood films that begin at the end, only to then work backwards in flashback to end at the beginning. But stick with me, because just as we were when we first began our climb up the sandstone ridge to find the fantastically imposing privately-owned Grade

II-listed hotel and conference centre, you’re in for a treat. The restaurant opened in 2011 and today offers contemporary highgrade, home-made British food, which is locally-sourced and selected for quality. It was a runner-up in the England and Wales’ Good Food Awards 2014 and 2015 and was awarded its first AA Rosette in 2014. It now has its second. Open to both residents and non-residents, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, as well as a very popular seasonal Sunday Lunch, The Drawing Room is also available for Afternoon Tea. I can only imagine that it is a delightful place in which to enjoy Afternoon Tea because this evening the seasonal gloom has snatched all daylight away so the charming panoramic views provided by the glorious floor-to-ceiling windows, out across well-manicured gardens, are sadly absent. Happily however the restaurant’s décor is eye-candy enough: it is a well-considered mash-up of modern and traditional; beautifully finished and dominated by overhead skylight and chandelier. Though a flexible dining space well capable of entertaining larger parties it has an intimate feel to it. Under the watchful eye of charming Restaurant Manager Jacky O’Sullivan, waiting staff work hard to ensure this feeling remains: they deliver only speedy, attentive and warm service without ever being overbearing and familiar. This tip-top Silver Service (they still

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

juxtaposition of flavours. Nicola opts for ‘Spiced Confit Chicken Bon Bon, with Mango Salsa, Curried Mayonnaise and Coriander Oil’ (£7.00) and reports with gusto that her meal is a powerful smorgasbord of flavour.

wear the gloves at times!) is sadly missing in most restaurants and immediately calls to mind the words of new General Manager, Neil Wyatt, who spoke to me before my visit: “We’ve done a lot of work on the service our guests receive. We want to make their time here a special experience.” In this already I can see that Neil’s efforts have paid off. This is a special experience – one that proudly stands out in a sea of mediocrity. And it is an experience that more and more people will be able to enjoy as visitors flock to enjoy the spoils of a recent £2.5 million overhaul and update of the hotel’s bedrooms. We first receive drinks from a very healthy Wine List, as well as a complimentary amuse bouche. Eager to get stuck in and see for myself just what two AA Rosette’s tastes like, I jump at the chance to sample the bijou nugget of chicken with assorted Chinese spices wrapped inside a crispy pouch, delivered on a plastic spoon. It is exquisite and Nicola agrees.

We soon can barely contain ourselves and are at fever pitch to see what we’ll make of our next choice: ‘Pork Tender, with Dauphinoise, Apple, Apple Puree, Roasted Parsnips, Kale, and Cider Reduction’ (£16.50) and, from The Grill, ‘28-Day Matured 8oz Fillet Steak, with Grilled Tomato, Triple-cooked Chips, Mushroom, Rocket Salad and Peppercorn Sauce’ (£24.50). Both dishes arrive quickly and are piping hot. Every component of this delicious ambrosia is devoured; every morsel gone in record time. The two key aspects of my dish - steak and sauce - intersect to make this the headline-grabbing extravaganza main. Seldom is steak so tender, succulent and moist; rarely is it cooked so precisely as I demand; never ever have I tasted such a satisfying sauce, which is potent but not overpowering. The accompanying array of soft, hand-fashioned triple-cooked chips does much to complement the dish also. Nicola describes her

pork as “tender and moist”; her parsnips as “delicate and pillowy”. She is thoroughly satisfied. And now to – or rather back to – dessert, which is a symphony of satisfaction. And I’ll happily go back there – or to The Drawing Room at The Mount, in fact – anytime. Then; sure enough, as quick as a flash, the very moment I express my desire to return, Nicola pounces upon the idea: “Why not on Valentine’s Day then? It’s just around the corner.” And with a Valentine’s Day package that offers under the sweet, sweet sound of live background entertainment, for just £99 per couple, canapes and prosecco cocktail reception drinks, a three course meal in the Great Hall and a red rose for the lady; or from £260 per couple, a Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast package, which includes all of the above plus handmade chocolates in the room with robes and slippers, I feel I may have to answer with a resounding: “Yes, my love!” The Mount Hotel, Mount Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8HL. For table reservations or further details please call 01902 752055.

Our starters quickly follow. They are both from the A la Carte Menu: I go for ‘Torched Mackerel with Cucumber Gel, Pickled Cucumber, Chive Oil and Radish’ (£7.50). A petite yet plentiful dish, beautifully presented and dressed, it is tasty and demonstrates a well-judged www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Halfpenny Green Vineyards Rustic charm, log fires and food worth waiting for

by John Nash Good service, attentive but not overbearing waitresses, country living ambiance, log burner’s aplenty and locally sourced food that’s cooked well – who could ask for more? Sunday lunch at Halfpenny Green Vineyards Restaurant and Tearoom is not a quick affair, but I can’t emphasise enough it’s worth the wait as food is freshly prepared and the culinary accomplishment is of a high standard.

In fact, a strategically placed label on a table marker wine bottle encourages diners to be patient and informs it may take up to 40 minutes before dishes are served. Don’t be put off. When I arrived for a 1.30pm booking the place was buzzing with all covers taken and it was not too long before I found out why. There was a good selection of creative dishes on the menu and three courses comes in at under £17, take the two-course option and it’s £13.95. But whilst I’m a great believer in getting foodie bargains that are a cut above good honest pub grub, I’m convinced the majority of my fellow diners were attracted by dishes of gastronomic bliss. It’s a juggling act pricing things just right for the market. Too cheap and expectations are lowered; too expensive and the clientele becomes too niche. For this hungry chappie, I suspect the Vineyards have pitched its marketing perfectly. Families with

pre-teen children, pensioners wanting to indulge on a budget and a healthy number of younger adults made for a mixed bag of customers. It’s also the kind of place where dressing up, or down seamlessly fits in. And quite apart from the food, this re-born farm, with its unique English charm, offers plenty of customer experience and individuals or small groups can buy in to wine tasting in the Wine Loft. Starting at £4.50 per person, guests can choose from two to six half glasses of still wine to tempt the taste buds (an upgrade to the sparkling stuff is available and a selection of four cheeses from the deli can be added for a small fee). The tasting also comes with a self-guided trail through the vineyards and a lesson in successful farm diversity. A family business, it is in its third generation, employing more than 40 staff, and is run by Clive Vickers and wife Lisa.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Back to the food… For starters I plumbed for gin cured salmon, with cucumber crème fraiche, pickled cucumber and crostini bread. What a treat. I adore fish and this starter was delightfully presented with small toasted breads that were magnificently light. The whole dish was wonderfully understated – delicate flavours that complemented each other and served with a sprinkling of mixed salad. Excellent start. My colleague Gill ordered the turmeric and garlic chicken served with a chargrilled Baby Gem, croutons and garlic and Parmesan dressing. Again it was refreshingly light and the slices of chicken flavoursome and moist. The turmeric and garlic were not overpowering – a nice example of some clever kitchen work. Keeping with the fish theme for mains, I ordered haddock, turbot and mussel boullibase served with new potatoes, wilted spinach and aloi crostinis. Boullibase in its truest form is a classic French seafood soup. This, however, was a less Continental offering – not a soup, but a delicious sauce with mussels and chunks of fish. Served alongside accompanying veg, it worked brilliantly. Gill – “it’s Sunday, so I’ll have the roast” – decided on the topside of beef, with roasted potatoes, vegetables and Penny Red (one of the Vineyard’s wines) jus and watercress.

I resisted the temptation to steal a mouthful, but was reliably informed the beef was a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Definitely one for me to order on a return visit.

popular deli, wine loft (there’s a lift), conference facilities, visitor tours, a thriving craft centre and the glorious tranquil option of fishing on three coarse specimen lakes.

We were never rushed and a bottle of Penny Black, a medium dry white that was fresh on the palate, went down a treat.

A serious wine contender, The Vineyards’ bottles can found in Marks & Spencer and Waitrose – a national endorsement of which the owners are fiercely proud.

To finish Gill indulged in sundae with vanilla and the unusual elderflower and gooseberry ice creams. Full marks – and certainly not a hope of me getting a spoonful. Breaking a sponsored diet to raise monies for Mary Steven Hospice, I rationalised one might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb and asked for the cheesecake – banana and chocolate. What bliss – but such pleasures pass all too quickly before it’s a return to living life like a nun. Exposed brickwork, the odd church pew and the smell of burning logs gives the right dose of rustic charm. Great experience, would book again.

Gin tasting coming soon For those with a taste for gin, the Vineyards present a good selection with plans for a tasting experience coming in the New Year. It’s another chapter in an evolution of the business that began with a vision from farmer Martin Vickers 30 years ago. The family-run enterprise now has good reason to toast its success, with a farm site hub that offers fine dining, conservatory tea room, an extensive farm shop,

A vintage high tea experience For those wishing to turn back the clock and indulge in a vintage high tea experience with sandwiches and, of course, tea and cakes, the Vineyards offer a relaxed setting. On the menu is a selection of sandwiches, naughty but nice cream cakes, scones, jam, clotted cream, tea and coffee. The experience is available Monday to Thursday from 2pm and Friday to Sunday from 2.30pm. A minimum 24 hours’ notice is required. Price: £15.50 per person, or £21.00 with a glass of award-winning sparkling wine.

Guided tours and functions Guided tours for private groups with a selection of food and wine options come at an entry level of £15 per person, rising to £35 for the Platinum evening-only experience. Public tours take place on set dates for small groups and individuals, these are available for £24.95 per person. The Wine House is also available for private and corporate hire for functions of up to 60 people.

For further information on any of the above events or to book a table call 01384 221122. Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP.

www. h a l f p e n n y - g re e n - v i n e y a rd s . c o . u k www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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of going to print wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

TWO COURSES FOR JUST £20 per person including a complimentary half bottle of house wine.

Available on Wednesdays to Fridays throughout January. Offer is on starter and mains only. Excludes Gourmet evenings. Please call 0871 222 9339 to book or e-mail candb@wolves.co.uk

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for over 28 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.

Treat your lo ve one to a spec d romantic even ial for Valentines ing perfect venu at the e to dine. Bookings on ly.

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

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

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Get Hitched at

Himley Hall By Rob Taylor

There are a plethora of packages to suit all preferences and budgets. Options range from a full wedding package of ‘Ceremony, Wedding Breakfast and Evening celebration with disco’ to just ‘Ceremony only.’ “Our aim is to make your day special and unforgettable. Our wedding co-ordinators and catering managers are on hand to guide you through all of your wedding preparations, helping you to make the right decisions.

The Green Room – civil ceremony

As big days go nothing is bigger than your wedding day. For many wannabe brides, planning begins in childhood. Ideas fall in and out of favour; dresses in and out of fashion, but of all the myriad details to get right there’s one that matters above all others: the venue. Get it right and you may relax safe in the knowledge that proceedings will go off without a hitch – get it wrong and you may find your big day riddled with mishaps and misunderstandings.

of ‘Capability’ Brown-landscaped parkland. The former stately home of the Earl of Dudley was a regular weekend retreat for Royal visitors, including Edward, Prince of Wales, during the 1930s.

There is however one local venue on which you can rely to provide only the very best – from planning right through to execution on the Big Day– for Bride and Groom. You might even say it boasts a Royal seal of approval.

One of Himley’s Wedding Coordinators, Tracey Reece, takes up the story: “Today, couples can marry where Royal newlyweds once took their honeymoon, and photograph their special day in the grounds where Princes and Earls once strolled.”

“Where - pray tell?,” I hear you ask. Himley Hall is the venue about which I speak; the place chosen for the first two weeks of honeymoon in 1934 by the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Today one of the premier wedding venues for the West Midlands and Staffordshire, Himley Hall is an eighteenth century Grade II-listed building planted amid 180 acres 94

So it’s definitely got the “wowfactor”, as to be able to tell your friends and family stories so rich with history and grandeur is a real coup, and Himley Hall has been fully and sympathetically restored to its glorious heyday, so couples are now able to enjoy that which was once the preserve of only the fortunate few – at an affordable cost.

“There’s no need for wedding planners – we appoint someone to liaise directly with clients to take care of all the details, from button holes to music and photographs etc. We even provide a Master of Ceremonies.” A smooth-running, memorablefor-all-the-right-reasons’ occasion is of course paramount in the minds of couples wanting to tie the knot. But today that’s not enough: everybody wants their very own perfect wedding. And everyone has a different take on just what that is so at Himley Hall betrothed couples are lucky to have available to them wedding co-ordinators ready to bend over backwards to accommodate their every heart’s desire:

The South Wing terrace at Himley Hall

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

“Your wedding day at Himley is tailor-made to suit you. Whether it is specific timings involved in your ceremony, a particular choice of music or special touches such as champagne on the terrace, experienced staff will always be available to help.” Another key concern that Himley Hall answers emphatically is on the – sometimes sticky for some venues – subject of exclusivity. “Total exclusivity is given on the day, no other wedding will take place at the same time and no exclusivity fee is payable for this benefit.” Because you’ll be sure to have everyone’s undivided attention, couples’ and guests will enjoy a warm welcome as they arrive, as well as appropriate private parking within the hall’s imposing courtyard. Wedding co-ordinators also ensure the discreet arrival of the wedding couple if necessary. And since there’s so many rooms inside the venue, as well as 180 acres of parkland to enjoy, there’s plenty of space for guests to take “time out” for themselves during the event. Himley Hall has three Ceremony Rooms, which are licensed for civil ceremonies, the Pink Room; once the library of the Earls of Dudley and the Green Room; originally the formal Dining Room. Both of these rooms overlook the hall’s terrace gardens and have stunning views towards the lake. Recently licensed for ceremonies and overlooking the courtyard is the Oak Room, a former billiard room. Couples are also able to dine and celebrate their ceremony in both the Green Room and the Oak Room, which can host receptions for up to 48 guests.

Cinema Bar

The Swimming Pool Room – wedding breakfast

For larger receptions, the North Wing, an elegant art-deco style banqueting suite and lounge bar, is made available. Himley Hall also offers a superb choice of wedding breakfast menus, from fully inclusive three-course dinner packages to high quality buffet receptions.

The Green Room – wedding breakfast

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To showcase all this finery in the try-before-you-buy tradition, the venue runs Wedding Open Days every year to show-off Himley Hall at its very best, exactly as it can be for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The next Wedding Open Day is Sunday 22nd January 2017, between 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. Admission is free. Himley Hall’s wedding co-ordinators and catering team will be available to discuss options and registrars from the Staffordshire Registration Service will be on hand to guide couples through the civil ceremony process. Bookings are now being taken for 2017, 2018 and 2019. For further details about the Weddings Open Day or Civil Wedding or Partnership Ceremonies at Himley Hall contact 01384 817817. 95

Visit the personal training experts at

Chris Jewkes Fitness

The team at Chris Jewkes Fitness are ready and waiting to help you make 2017 your healthiest year ever.

Whether you want to shed the pounds that you piled on over the festive season, improve your general fitness or even accomplish an enormous weight loss goal, you can ensure the

best chances of success with a personal training programme that’s been designed by the experts. As owner, Chris Jewkes explains: “Personal training has changed a lot over the last 20 years. It used to be something that was done for vanity, but now it’s about lifestyle, education and achieving results that make a massive impact on your health and fitness - now and in the future.” Chris has been in the industry for over 15 years and has seen first-hand how things have changed. He’s also got a wealth of experience that has enabled him to develop a winning formula for addressing each client’s needs. “There are three key points to consider with every client

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

for successful personal training; education, motivation and accountability.” And educating clients means giving them good advice on their overall diet and lifestyle. “Personal training isn’t just about the work that’s done each session; it’s about looking at a client’s lifestyle and establishing a bespoke strategy. We’re not interested in quick fixes; we want to enable people to make changes for life.” And that sentiment has never been more apparent than in Chris’ approach to weight loss. “When you look carefully at a person’s lifestyle you begin to see how it affects their eating habits - whether it’s because of the job they do or their family life.”

“We want positive change to be easily achievable for our clients. If their motivation dwindles however, we’re always on-hand to offer support and encouragement.” There are ten personal trainers at Chris Jewkes, who each offer a different style of training and have worked with clients of all ages, sizes and fitness levels. “We try hard to match our client with the trainer that will suit them best. We have both male and female trainers who each have a unique approach.” Personal training clients at Chris Jewkes benefit from full use of the centre’s gym facilities, for members there’s unlimited use of the club and

there’s no joining fee or contract. Non members can attend classes on a pay-as-you go basis. There’s no doubt that the team are experts in their field, that’s why they’ve been featured on ITV’s show, The Biggest Loser, and made frequent appearances in local media. So, to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals this New Year, contact Chris Jewkes today. Chris Jewkes Fitness, Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 9BQ. www.chrisjewkesfitness.com For further details please call 01902 750355.

So, Chris and his team take notice of those day-to-day routines that make a big impact over time. “We’ve had clients that have explained that because they spend a lot of time on the road they find themselves snacking every time they pay for their petrol. To help them avoid temptation, we listed every self-serve petrol station on their route.” Of course, other factors are considered too: “Personal training really is personal at our fitness centre. We frequently help clients with back, shoulder, knee and hip issues, as well as those who are pre and post-surgery. Every aspect of training is based around the client’s own needs.” Clients at Chris Jewkes are also taught how to ‘train smart’, allowing them to make the most of exercises that will specifically benefit them. “Training with a personal trainer can be worth three hours work on your own in the gym.” And when it comes to motivation, the team are adept at making attaining your goals as easy as possible. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Midlands Hairdresser of tHe Year 2016

A regional win at the awards well and truly puts a hairstylist on the map and secures their place as an authority, creative visionary and a tastemaker. So, we are obviously delighted with the result. And that’s exactly why we’re desperate to ask you what trends we should be wearing in 2017? Argh! I hear these questions every day, what trend should I go for? What trend is going to suit me best? What are the hottest styles this season? Forget about trends and reclaim your own style. You need a hairstyle that suits your lifestyle, compliments your skin tone and enhances your facial features - it’s got to make you look and feel fabulous. You also need to consider the condition of your hair and your own individual hair type. It’s no good choosing a smooth, chunk-fringed, platinum bob if your hair is in poor condition and prone to frizz.

We all fancy a new look at this time of year, and there’s certainly nowhere better to book in for a restyle than at award-winning hair salon, Royston Blythe. Recently crowned Midlands Hairdresser of the Year 2016, Nick Malenko was on-hand to give us some much-needed style advice for the New Year and of course, fill us in about the salons most recent win.

The awards are really prestigious and the event, that’s held at the Grovesnor Hotel, Mayfair, is undoubtedly the most eagerly anticipated evening in the hairdressing industry’s diary. The award has, once again, cemented you and Sophie as the leading hair talent in the Midlands .

Do you have any favourite looks? At Royston Blythe we love iconic, timeless and classic looks that we personalise with a unique twist. Long hair is undoubtedly beautiful. It’s super-feminine and certainly not age-specific and the key to finding a long hairstyle to suit you is the cut.

Congratulations on your win at the Midlands Hairdresser of the Year Awards, how does it feel to take home the coveted award for the second time in three years? It’s amazing, Sophie and I were absolutely ecstatic when it was announced that we’d won. 98

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to your already over-processed hair, then use damage-free extensions to create the lighter tones or speak to your colourist about treatments such as Olaplex. Clients of every age can be daring and unique in their style, we encourage it if it works for the individual. Blue is a statement colour that can be tailored to suit so many complexions. Team a jaw-grazing bob with a blue or black root for a dramatic yet super-stylish look or enhance lazy waves with a denim blue colour. Give us one piece of hair advice that we should remember in 2017.

I hear so many people that have opinions about long hair on more mature clients, but as long as the hair has been cut well and shaped to flatter your bone structure, it’ll look fabulous.

Once again, the key is in the cut and whilst the bob can be simple and understated, the impact can derive from the colour. Platinum blonde, vibrant red and denim blue bobs are all head-turners.

As ladies mature hair generally becomes finer and thinner and we’re really mindful of this at the salon. We use Rapture Hair extensions to thicken the hair as they cause absolutely no damage and give a really full and flattering look.

What about colour? Do you have a favourite recommendation?

Midi styles, with tones of body and movement are fabulous and incredibly versatile – look at Sophie Huntington-Whitey, Jerry Hall and Victoria Beckham for inspiration. The look works for every occasion and can be quickly switched from effortless chic to instant glamour. We also love jaw-grazing statement bobs. The bob is an iconic, classic look that never dates and it can be tailored to suit any individual.

Hair colour is quite possibly one of the most influential parts of your look. If your hair colour is good, your skin tone, eyes and hairstyle will look fabulous. Poorly coloured hair or fading hair will drain your face, dull your eyes and ruin your hairstyle. Balayage is a type of colour application that will work for everyone. The key is finding a professional colourist who will help you find the right tones to enhance your individual look. If you’re concerned that lighter ends will cause even more damage

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Let trends inspire your thoughts but remember that the key to beautiful hair is that it is always absolutely personalised to suit you.

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

Heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flagship Salon | 13a Market Place | Shifnal | Shropshire TF11 9AU. Salon: 01952 461888

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BeePeel ™ Treatment PURE & SIMPLE Wake up like you’re in your Make up. BeePeel™ - Become absolutely flawless with the revolutionary, natural-chemical peel that blurs, not only the marks and lines on your skin but also the lines between cosmetology and natural skincare. Delivering never beforeseen results to treat fine lines and wrinkles, Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tones. BeePeel™ contains the Heaven Skincare patented ingredient *ABEETOXIN®, coconut oil, raw cane sugar and apple pectin to gently, but effectively, dissolve away skin imperfections. It reduces dark pigmentation, evens out skin tones and, due to the inclusion of ABEETOXIN®, relaxes lines and has a plumping effect on the skin, leaving your face looking bright, refined and dewy! And all without the downtime associated with regular chemical peels. This product can be used for all skin types, including sensitive, for an immediate, perfecting effect. “Facial skin is constantly exposed to UVA and UVB light, which can cause an increase in localised melanin production, which causes hyper-pigmentation. Pigmentation is the single most

ageing skin concern, much more so than fine lines or wrinkles, and although, prevention is the key to pigmentation by using facial SPF’s like my Silk Bee-Bee creams, when the damage has already been done, my brand-new treatment-product, BeePeel™, will help to repair the damage and rejuvenate the skin,” Deborah clarifies. Heaven Skincare uses natural ingredients to remedy the stress experienced by your skin, safely and effectively. The BeePeel™ stand alone treatment is just 30minutes long, for busy, time-poor, fast paced people who are looking to achieve medi-spa results quickly and definitely. The BeePeel™ can also be added to your existing Heaven facial, for intensified results. Treat your skin like royalty *ABEETOXIN® is the patented Heaven Skincare ingredient created using bee venom. But, no bees are harmed collecting the venom for our formula; bees are stimulated safely for venom and these bees have been noted to yield more honey than their non-stimulated counterparts. Win, win, bee-autiful skin, safe bees and more honey production.

Deborah Mitchell

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“Hello, Beautiful!” Discover the ‘real’ you when using Heaven Skincare. Heaven products are based exclusively on natural ingredients, not tested on animals and are free of ‘harsh’ chemicals. Our philosophy is that if you love your body, it will love you back, releasing your inner glow. With the added benefit of advanced technology, our system is proven to work time after time, on every skin type, with repeatable results for a great looking you. What we do best and it’s what makes us different Ageing is a fact of life. It affects us all. But with Deborah Mitchell’s Heaven Skincare Range, it needn’t show on your face. Deborah Mitchell’s (CEO & founder of Heaven Skincare), skin-perfecting products, have gained a worldwide reputation as the ‘natural answer to Botulism Toxin’ which is the most acutely toxic substance known. Already with a massive celebrity and royal following, Heaven Skincare positions itself as a revolutionary organic range that works to heal the emotional triggers for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dry and oiliness, as well as preventing and curing the symptoms of ageing, resulting in younger looking, healthy skin. “With so many consumers becoming conscious of ingredients and their impact, both on health and the environment, we do what we, at Heaven, do best and look to nature for the answer,” explained Deborah. RRP - £109.00. Stockist: www.heavenskincare.com - Flagship salon is Heaven Health and Beauty in Shifnal. 101

Be part of the success story:

Cambridge Weight Plan

It’s been eight years since Cambridge Weight Plan consultant, Karen Price, took redundancy from her high-flying finance job and embarked on a brand new career path.

After achieving amazing results with Cambridge Weight Plan herself, Karen decided to become an Accredited Consultant to help others attain their weight loss goals. Fast forward and Karen is now a highly successful full-time consultant. She runs a slick, professional business and has developed a cohesive team. As Karen explains: “When I first started out, things developed quickly, I worked from home and we converted our garage

into an office to accommodate my growing business.” After moving house three years ago, Karen made the move to Chris Jewkes Fitness, where she’s based today.

“I worked tirelessly to build my business. I’ve always advertised, networked and attended Head Office events. As a bit of a perfectionist I wanted to have the best business I could and I was happy doing what was necessary to achieve it.” Karen chose to focus on making her business as good as it could be before she began to build her team. “I put feelers out among my existing clients and I now have six first generation consultants.” Louise Peck, Anthony and Samantha Worton, Mark Williams, Rozina

Ali and Rachel Bruerton make up her first generation of consultants. Charlotte Cotterill and San Jhooty are soon to be accredited too. Tanya Mercer and Su Ghale complete the second. Karen’s team have followed her lead, achieving great success in their own right. Louise Peck is now an AwardWinning Consultant too. Karen has certainly made her mark as a consultant, winning a string of accolades which include ‘Above and Beyond’, ‘Highly Commended’ and ‘Business Building’. Karen was also a “Sales Champion” for three consecutive years. Karen has always believed in making herself accessible and being as supportive as possible to her clients, which has undoubtedly contributed to her success. So, whether you want to embark on a brand-new career path or achieve your weight loss goals, contact Karen and become part of the success story.

Tettenhall Weight Loss Centre (based at Chris Jewkes Fitness), Danescourt Road, Tettenhall , Wolverhampton WV6 9BQ

Tettenhall Weight Loss Centre Are you worried about your weight? If you are, Cambridge Weight Plan could be the answer. I operate from Tettenhall Weight Loss Centre a private office where together we will work out a plan to suit your lifestyle helping you achieve the best results at the rate you want.

Why not get in touch today. Looking for additional income - why not become a Cambridge Weight Plan Consultant yourself and join my Team? Contact me for more details. Independent Cambridge Weight Plan • Multi Award Winning Consultant Highly Commended & Above and Beyond • Sales Champion & Business Building

Karen Price t: 07974 974 994

e: karen.s.price@btinternet.com

CWPKarenSPrice CWPkarensprice karensuzanneprice

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

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3D-Lipomed at

Cosmetique

The team of experts at Wolverhampton-based Aesthetic Clinic, Cosmetique, have been busy helping clients take care of all manner of beauty concerns using the latest – and best – techniques and products.

Radio frequency is incorporated into the treatment to start tightening up the skin.

“The machine also has duo Cryolipolysis, which is a system 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, recently introduced 3D-Lipomed – a brand new 3D treatment. 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 nonsurgically removes fat cells, treats cellulite and provides skin tightening for the face and body. Clients have seen staggering skin tone, fat reduction and weight-loss results, an ideal way to get into shape after over indulging during the festive season”. The process begins with Cavitation, a non-invasive contouring body treatment for localised fat and cellulite.

Although every treatment is bespoke, each session has a fixed price of £150. “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.” 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 £79 per treatment.

Available throughout January and February 2017.

1 off treatment remain at £150.

570 Penn Road Penn Wolverhampton WV4 4HU

Clinically led with all procedures carried out by qualified 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

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Mind BaBBle:

New Year’s resolutioN...

It’s a New Year, and everyone appears to be setting New Year goals and intentions. Is this you? Did you do this last year, and the year before? How was it for you?! Statistics show approximately 8% of resolutions were achieved; not very inspiring!! So why do we do this each year?

which, if you used it every day, would become the new pathway. Another good exercise is to change the hand you use to brush your teeth. Hold the toothbrush in your non-dominant hand. Do this for a week and see how it feels. This is good exercise for your brain too! I hold workshops on how we can make changes and build new habits. Check out my website for more interesting brain trivia, and when and where the workshops are being held. Happy New Year!

The most common goals are: Lose weight, get organised, spend less and save more, enjoy life to the fullest, get fit and stay healthy. Ring any bells?? So why is it that we have all good intentions to achieve our goals, but often fall at the first hurdle? Well, that has a lot to do with how our brain is programmed. The brain likes to be efficient and helpful. It will take the most obvious or well-worn route when we start a process or action; this is habit. A few years ago, it was believed that the brain could not make new cells (neurons) and that once they died off, that was that. Science has now proved that new pathways can be developed and strengthened, right up until we die. This ability to be able to change old pathways and create different actions and behaviours is called ‘Neuroplasticity’. Understanding how our brain makes new ‘pathways’ is the key to making positive change, and creating new and better habits. Try this exercise: hold your arms out in front of you, and clasp your hands together. Notice, which thumb is on top? Now repeat this action, but place the other thumb on top. How alien does that feel? Continue to do this for about 20 – 30 seconds, alternating the thumbs each time. Do you notice it gets easier and less uncomfortable to have the ‘other’ thumb on top? If you can create a change in a few seconds, with concentrated effort, this demonstrates ‘neuroplasticity’ at work! You are creating a different neural pathway, “I aim to help you quickly gain skills and techniques that will empower you to clear your ‘Gremlins’ and move you towards a bright future. I use a mix of new sciencebased processes and well established systems, suited to your own unique situation.” The next workshop is on February 4th, 2017 – ‘Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes!’ - motivate yourself to make change. Information and booking is found on my website. 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.

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Phone: 07980 541271 email: change@mindbabble.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

• Aldo Martins • Basler • Eugen Klein • Frank Walder • Joseph Ribkoff • Just White • Olsen • Oui • Rabe • Saint James

SALE STARTS

Friday 6th January 2017 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

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Find your new look at It’s the start of a brand new year which means there has never been a better time to try out a new look. As Salon 27 owner, Jodie Mason explains: “2017 is here, so why not treat yourself to a makeover? We offer free consultations and can help you to find the style that’s perfect for you.” And, if you’ve got a special occasion to attend this year, the Salon 27 team can help. “Wedding season is just around the corner, and we specialise in styling glamorous styles.” Of course, the team also create stunning wedding hair, so if your big day is fast approaching then you really should book an appointment with Jodie. “We’re always really excited to take care of brides-to-be and we enjoy helping our clients plan for their big day.”

The salon offers special wedding packages that are designed to suit all clients’ needs. “As soon as you’ve confirmed a date for your big day book an appointment at the salon, so that we can find out the details of what you’ve got planned.” And, of course there’s always time for a practice styling session. “We do a run-through well in advance to make sure that the bride is absolutely delighted with her wedding look.” In fact, one of the salon’s stylists is due to get married this year. “Laura is getting married in October and we’re all really excited about following her hair progress – from consultation to wedding practice.” The team at the salon use only the best products and are stockists of Nioxin – a hair care range offering customised solutions for thinning hair.

“Our clients have been amazed by the results of the Nioxin products we sell. A lady recovering from chemotherapy had her first cut and finish eight weeks after using the treatments because her hair had grown so well.” If you’re concerned about thinning hair, book in for a free Nioxin scalp consultation. “Whatever our client’s needs, we’re always ready and waiting to make them look – and feel – amazing,” adds Jodie.

Special offer for all new clients

CUT & FINISH ONLY £20

January offer

GeNTS CUTS ONLY £10

Salon 27 are a unisex salon and have a monthly offer throughout the year, even one for the kids!

February offer

WaSH & BloW Dry ONLY £10

Half price colour To book an appointment please call on: every Wed & Thurs 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

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Opening times:

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

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Get the body you’ve always wanted

at Artisan

If you want to get on the road to health and fitness this new year, then pay a visit to Artisan. The team at the Tettehall-based personal training studio have got all the tools you need to help you to transform your body, kick-start your fitness routine and give you the motivation you need to achieve every single one of your goals. As owner, Sam Evans explains: “We treat every client as an individual and tailor sessions around their lifestyle and needs.” Specialising in resistance training, Sam uses weights to enable her clients to achieve real results. “Many people often wrongly assume that weight training means bulking up and building muscle like Arnold Schwarzenegger, which isn’t the case at all.”

Resistance training is, in fact, all about developing strength and being able to manage your body effectively. “Strength training is incredibly good for keeping your joints and bones healthy and promoting good health. So it can really benefit older people, especially women going through the menopause. ” Of course, resistance training also enables you to lose weight and sculpt your body too. “Effective weight training allows you to lose fat and replace it with muscle.” With the right technique - which of course, the team teach their clients - weight training provides a really safe and injury-free way to train. Samantha is adept at assessing her clients and helping them attain the look they want for their body. “I am very aware of each client’s natural body shape and the look

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they want to achieve and I tailor their training around that.” That’s why Samantha is able to sculpt her client’s body to help them achieve aesthetic muscle definition. Although building muscle isn’t a quick process, the results are certainly worth it in the end. And, clients are always pleased to hear that they don’t have to limit their calorie intake. “It’s essential to eat lots during resistance training in order to see results because you need to feed and repair the muscles,” adds Samantha. So, why not start sculpting your dream body today with the help of Artisan?

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A NEW YEAR - A NEW YOU !

Recent years have seen an explosion in demand for and acceptance of cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. In a world where people are living longer and remaining active, more people want to keep looking fresh, to make sure they enjoy life; at ease with the way they look. More than ever, it is important that a thorough consultation takes place so that treatments are based on the needs of the individual, making sure that their aspirations can be matched by surgical interventions, fully informed of the limitation and possible complications. Identifying where and who should perform your surgery is essential. This is not a commodity that can be returned with a full refund or swapped for a different model. A well established provider of private healthcare in the West Midlands, Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital is proud to offer patients the highest standards of consultation, safe treatment and aftercare, at affordable

prices. Our hospital, based in Tettenhall for almost 40 years, is also the official medical supplier to Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at our hospital on Wood Road is conducted in ultra-clean environments by a dedicated team of experienced cosmetic surgeons. All our cosmetic surgeons are highly qualified and hold all the relevant professional health accreditations – being part of the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, where their details can be found on www.baaps.org. uk and the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Procedures available include breast augmentation, uplift and reduction, body contouring, tummy tucks and liposuction, dermal fillers, face and neck lifts, brow uplifts, eye, nose, ear and chin reshaping, mole removal and varicose vein treatments. For the last two years, we have been named twice as a top performing hospital, and the first Nuffield Health hospital, of 31

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in the UK, to be awarded JAG accreditation for the highest clinical standards and best practice in Endoscopy. Most recently in a patient satisfaction survey when asked at the end of their treatment, “How likely is it that you would recommend this service to friends and family?” an impressive 100% of all the Wolverhampton patients surveyed said yes they would. Remember the training and experience of your surgeon makes the difference to your treatment outcome. With proper counselling and careful treatment, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery can have a powerful, positive impact on your life. To help you make the right choice, at the end of January there is an upcoming free mini consultation event for patients considering cosmetic surgery with Mr Naiem Moiemen, who has worked with Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital for the last 15 years.

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Stay on-trend with Taylor Biddle

Glasses can make a huge difference to the way you look, so it is important to wear a style that really suits you and enhances your facial features. That is why at Taylor Biddle Opticians you can find hundreds of different designs and our dispensing staff are trained to help you select the most appropriate frame and lenses. The appearance of frames is constantly evolving to keep up with the current fashion trends. The latest styles are bolder and bigger featuring unique finishes, with colours ranging from two tone contrasts to classic brown, black and tortoiseshell.

Nevertheless, rimless and semi rimless designs still remain popular as they are stylish, lightweight and offer a good peripheral vision. The more mature spectacle wearers are also exploring more fashionable looks typical to a younger generation, adapting them to suit their lifestyle and individual requirements. The shape of your frame should contrast the shape of your face, so if you have rounder features, you would want more angular glasses, and if you have more angular features you can soften them with more curved shapes. In general, frames should be in proportion to the rest of your face and have a colour that compliments your features. A darker colour is always good for highlighting and outlining your

eyes. Glasses that contrast your face and hair will stand out more, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to you how much of a statement you want to make. As independent opticians we are free to select the best frames from any manufacturer including famous designer brands. Our dispensing staff are specially trained in matching frames to faces, so as well as looking great we ensure that your glasses are comfortable and well fitted - this is paramount in spectacles wearers of all ages.

Designer Frames fromâ&#x20AC;Ś & many more Your Local Family Opticians Full eye examinations Ocular health checks The latest eye scanning OCT technology Visual Dyslexia Colorimetry assessments Now stocking optical frames from the fabulous Oakley range

JANUARY & FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFER 25% off Lindberg, Ray-Ban and Bvlgari frames, when you bring this advert. (Offer ends 28th February 2017. Terms and conditions apply.)

www.taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk 39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton Tel: 01902 750 325 34 Windmill Bank, Wombourne Tel: 01902 895 909 110

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

PERSONAL TRAINING DELIVERS RESULTS

Chris Jewkes Fitness, home of the ITV’s Biggest Loser, is the Midland’s leading fitness club, with over ten highly qualified specialist personal trainers to match your personality and fitness needs. A limited number of VIP memberships are available, allowing unlimited access to the excellent facilities, including FREE classes. (No joining fee, No 12 month contract) www.chrisjewkesfitness.com • Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, WV6 9BQ • 01902 750 355

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Your Chance to Join a n A w a r d - W i nn i ng T e a m

“Our team have access to outstanding opportunities and development. Whether you dream of working at London Fashion Week, seeing your work in a hair magazine or winning a British Hairdressing Award, our salon is the place to make it happen.” Apprentices at the salon get the chance to learn from the best and work with the team at all manner of star-studded events – whether it’s a celebrity wedding, a fashion show or a photo-shoot at a luxury location. Benefitting from in-house training, alongside your NVQ qualification, you’ll quickly learn the cutting and colouring techniques that’ll set you apart from the competition. For those who’ve been working in the industry, Royston Blythe allow experienced stylists or colourists to flourish, giving them limitless opportunities and the chance to provide the highest levels of service to their clients in luxurious surroundings.

Whether you want to embark on an exciting career in hairdressing or leave your current role in search of a new opportunity, then contact Royston Blythe, and see what the award-winning salon can offer you. Always looking for new talent to join their creative teams – at both their Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury salons - Royston and 112

Nick offer unbeatable opportunities and the chance to become a part of a prestigious team, that’s just been awarded the coveted title of ‘Midlands Hairdresser of the Year’ for the second time. As Nick explains: “The whole team at Royston Blythe are passionate about what they do, motivated to succeed and deliver the very best hairdressing and client service.” So, if you’re starting out on the journey to become a stylist or experienced but keen to find a salon that’ll enable you to fulfil your potential, a career at Royston Blythe will be perfect for you.

And, as a prominent L’Oreal salon, there are almost endless openings for colourists to develop their skills, style breath-taking looks and earn industry recognition. “We’re all really down-to-earth and there’s always a fun atmosphere at the salon,” adds Nick. There are many long standing team members at the salon, which is testament to the amazing working environment. And, with excellent salaries and generous commission rates, there’s no better place to start - or further - your career. Please email your CV to Sara at Royston Blythe info@ roystonblythe.co.uk or contact Sara on 01902 751720.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club

Tennis Club of the Year 2016

Members of Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club already know that the Tettenhall-based club leads the way when it comes to racquet sports, but now it’s official. Awarded ‘Tennis Club of the Year 2016’ at the National Club Awards, the team were delighted to beat the competition as it was against some other great clubs. As Operations Manager, Marc Hughes explains:

And, the club have recently refurbished their bar and restaurant area to create a light, bright and modern space that’s perfect for socialising.

is open to people of all ages and there is also a specialist ‘Energize Fitness Team’ who are on-hand to offer personal training, classes and motivation in the gym.

Boasting outstanding facilities, highly skilled instructors and great social functions, it really isn’t surprising that the club was recognised at the event.

In fact, there are exciting times ahead for 2017, as the club has plans to extend their premises, allowing for further development of their health and fitness facilities. Keen to be an inclusive club, Wolverhampton’s Premier Racquets and Fitness Club offers something for everyone.

As a favourite venue for tennis competitions, the club has hosted matches like the Staffordshire County Tennis Championships and LTA-graded tournaments.

“We’ve recently upgraded most of our tennis courts and are the first club in the country to install outside LED floodlights.

“We have a specialist team of instructors who provide expert coaching to beginners and aspiring professionals. The club

“We were all absolutely thrilled with the result, especially as we were finalists in four other categories too, including ‘Environmental Club of the Year.”

And the club also hosts many other events too: “Our refurbished corporate training room is available for hire and the club can also be booked for private parties. So, to enjoy sport and socialising, why not join the club today?

NEW YEAR OFFERS • • • • • •

INDOOR TENNIS TENNIS GYM BAR & RESTAURANT STUDIO SQUASH/RACKETBALL

Bring this voucher with you to the club when you sign up for our membership deals and you can receive some great extra offers: • • •

Free Personal Training Session Free Tennis or Squash/Racketball Lesson Free meal for 2 in the Restaurant

T&C’S apply: membership offers are only available for new members

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

£5 off

each monthly direct debit fee on any membership category over 21 years

£50 off

any membership category over 21 years and paid in full for 12 months

To find out more call:

01902 755265 113

Keeping fit January is the time of year when people set out their health and fitness goals and wipe the slate clean after an indulgent festive period.

all year round

If you’re new to this sort of thing, you might be wondering where to start, or if you’ve taken a break over Christmas, you might be looking for ways to get back on track. The best time to start your fitness journey is once you’ve eaten all of your festive food and you’re back in your daily routine. Before you start, read through the tips below from the Health and Fitness Team at WV Active to make sure your journey is a permanent lifestyle change of constant self-improvement and not just a temporary fix to beat the Christmas bloat! Starting your fitness journey: • The first step is all about breaking bad habits and creating a healthy lifestyle change. Start by setting yourself realistic goals and creating a detailed plan to ensure you see them through. • It’s important that you find a type of exercise you enjoy; this can be in the gym, at fitness classes or home workouts. If you enjoy your workouts then you will want to continue with them and improve. For the maximum effect try and mix your exercise up and don’t repeat the same routine too often.

Keeping on track:

Reaching your goals:

• A few weeks into your journey you may struggle to keep on track; write down your workouts for the week and start working on a meal plan. Make sure you set aside dedicated time for your workout and prepare your meals and snacks - especially if you’re out and about and may be tempted in to skipping a workout or purchasing your favourite treats!

• Hurrah! You’ve reached the goals you set out to achieve! If you want to push yourself that little bit further and build on your achievement, why not set yourself another fitness challenge?

• There will be days when you don’t stick to your plan; you may go out for a meal or enjoy a piece of cake but don’t punish yourself for this – just get back into your fitness routine as soon as you can.

• Most importantly, your fitness journey should be a permanent lifestyle change and not a temporary fix. By this stage, you should feel comfortable with what you are doing, feeling both happier and healthier within yourself. If you’ve read through the advice but need help setting your goals or you’re looking for that extra motivational push, why not try a WV Active Personalised Fitness Programme? This is a great way to get started as your fitness levels will be assessed and a tailored workout plan will be created to monitor your progress. These tips from the WV Active Health and Fitness Team should have you raring to start your fitness journey. The team will be on hand and ready to start working with both new and existing January fitness recruits across all three WV Active leisure centres. To find out more, visit wvactive.com.

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Get fit, look fab By Helen Taylor

Need some inspiration to get fit this New Year? Then why not hit the shops and treat yourself to a whole new gymwear wardrobe? After all, looking great is bound to make you feel more like sticking to your New Year’s resolution. Sports Bra £39 Leggings £38 Both Addidas at Littlewoods

Here are our favourite fitness finds – working out never looked so good: Sports Bra £28 Leggings £47 Both Reebok at Littlewoods

Crew Top £58 Leggings £33 Both Stellasport at Littlewoods

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Forget tired old jogging bottoms and a baggy t-shirt, nowadays it’s all about making a style statement with your workout gear, plus you can enjoy looking fabulous before you even start getting into shape.

Sports Bra £32 Shorts £42 Both Nike at Littlewoods.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Leggings £20. M&Co

T-Shirt £16. M&Co. Sports Bra £30. Biba at House of Fraser

Bag £59. Adidas Stellasport at Littlewoods.

Nike Flex Trainers £80. Littlewoods

Cascade Collection Pendants start from £125 & Earrings from £225

Snowdrop Collection Pendants start from £60 & Earrings from £70

All by Award Winning Designer, Fei Liu, at T.A. Henn www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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TRAINER TRENDS Puma £75

EA7 Trainer £110

Filling Pieces £155

Adidas £100

Asics £85

Cortia £85

Adidas £110

Cruyff £100

Filling Pieces £190

Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Telford or Walsall, or online at diffusiononline.co.uk. 118

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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2017 Fitness Solutions

South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres offer a wide range of fitness facilities which are available to both members and non-members. The facilities available include: •

Gyms

•

Exercise Classes

•

Studio Cycling and My Ride

•

Swimming

•

Toning Suites

£20 for access to all areas, plus use of 4 leisure centres for 1 great price

Join this January and receive: •

Free Health Check

•

Free Fitness Programme

•

Free Induction

First 10 to join in the New Year get January FREE To find out more visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure or call: Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre: 01922 417790 Codsall Leisure Centre: 01902 844032 Penkridge Leisure Centre: 01785 714152 Wombourne Leisure Centre: 01902 898202

NO Joining fee NO long term commitment NO cancellation fee 120

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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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 | January 2017

Tom’s tip: “MY

Lower back pain can be related to abnormal foot function which can cause an imbalance in the skeletal framework, but not many people realise this.

BACK IS KILLING ME!”

Patients with certain types of spinal problems benefit from custom made orthotic/insole support. These devices stabilise the foundation of the pelvis and spine by first addressing structural problems with the feet, thereby reducing abnormal forces and stresses, while enhancing structural and functional relationships. Understanding Human Biomechanics: The joints and muscles of the body function most efficiently when they are in physical balance. Principles of engineering have shown that with any physical entity, whether it is a bridge, a building, or the human body - structure dictates function. The body is a biomechanical kinetic chain where abnormal movements at one line, or joint, can interfere with proper movements at other joints. During standing and walking, our bodies are subjected to natural forces and postures that can inflict mechanical stress and strain throughout the interrelated chain of joints and muscles. When foot imbalance is present, there is a negative impact on the

Nat Gill personal training

knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. Some patients must have these abnormal forces reduced before they can achieve improved spinal function. Understanding Pronation Pronation describes the rotation of a foot downward or inward (rolling in). It is actually a normal motion that occurs when walking; however, if it happens excessively, pronation can cause global postural problems. The major cause of over-pronation is a decrease in the arch height. Benefits of Orthotics Properly fitted orthotics/insoles support the foot to control excessive and unwanted pronation and supination. This helps to reduce unwanted stress on the body. Improved shock absorption reduces repetitive stress on joints and muscles, permitting smoother function and decreasing arthritic symptoms.

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist HCPC registered

ExclusivE mobilE

pErsonal training

If you want to get fit and lose weight but can’t get to the gym, then NG Personal Training is perfect for you. Offering a bespoke service that’s client centred, Nat’s focus is to teach clients how to work with their body to achieve their goals. “I don’t believe in fad diets, it’s about real food and lasting results,” explains Nat. “I’ve worked alongside fitness models and professional bodybuilders, I have competed in and won British and European fitness competitions, so I know that what I do works.” Nat is also highly qualified and is an expert in female body transformations, building lean muscle, weight loss and nutrition: “I studied sport and exercise at Wolverhampton University and have a Level 3 personal training diploma and a diploma in diet and nutrition.” So, if you’re ready to succeed, Nat’s ready to show you how. Failure is not an option. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

by British and European fitness champion Nat Gill

I can offer training at your home, at work, in the park or at a luxury gym in Tettenhall. • • • • • •

Tailor made fitness programmes 1-2-1 training or small group sessions Regular progress tracking Bridal packages available Fully insured Over 15 years experience

For further details please call Nat at NG Personal Training on 07572 126649 or email: nattgill@hotmail.com

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Don’t just Let It Be -

wills can be challenged treated, always consult a solicitor with experience in contentious probate to help you establish if there is a case to answer. “A will may be invalid or it may be that undue pressure was placed on the deceased. A solicitor will confirm if there are grounds for a case but always remember certain claims must be made within six months of the Grant of Probate being obtained.” If you’d like to know more contact Craig on 01902 392402 or by email at c.ridge@fbcmb.co.uk.

He made his name as ‘The Fifth Beatle’ but music producer, the late Sir George Martin, has been making headlines of his own recently after his will revealed that his eldest son will inherit nothing from his million pound estate. With the number of inheritance disputes increasing eight-fold in the last year, Craig Ridge, a Partner at Wolverhampton law firm FBC Manby Bowdler, looks at both sides of the disputed probate issue. “The news that more cases are reaching the High Court under the Inheritance Act than

ever before is no surprise to a lawyer – those that get to court are just the tip of the iceberg. “The number of second marriages, changing family structures and higher house prices means people are now, more than ever, challenging wills. “It does underline how crucial it is to have your will properly drafted. If you divorce or remarry, make sure you update it to reflect your circumstances. And if you want to disinherit a child, make sure you give details why as you need watertight reasons to exclude them. “Using a solicitor is important as they have a duty to keep records whereas other organisations don’t have the same responsibility. If your will is challenged, there needs to be evidence of why you disinherited someone. “If you believe you have been wrongfully excluded from a will or unfairly

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Craig Ridge is Head of FBC Manby Bowdler’s Disputed Probate team. His areas of practice include providing advice in relation to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, disputes in relation to the validity of wills and disputes regarding the construction of wills, actions for breach of trust and/or breach of duty in the administration of trusts/estate and professional negligence in relation to wills, trusts and/or estates.

Craig Ridge, a Partner and Head of the Disputed Probate team at FBC Manby Bowdler.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Services for Individuals

Services for Business

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FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership.

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WOLVERHAMPTON HIP

& 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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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BIRMINGHAM UNI

TEAMS UP WITH WOLVES FIRM TO SHARE UNIQUE SKILLS The University of Birmingham has partnered with leading regional healthcare firm to provide its students with practical experience and unique skills for life after graduation. Wolverhampton-based not-for-profit health cash plan provider, Paycare, has been working in partnership with the University to provide internship opportunities to Economics students, Aarya Sharma and Michael Dickinson, who were interested in gaining real-life workplace skills and the unique opportunity to get personally mentored by Paycare’s CEO, Kevin Rogers. Kevin Rogers explained: “Working closely with myself and the wider team gives students valuable insight and an understanding of the way organisations like ours operate day-to-day, as well as the procedures and legislations that we have in place. “At Paycare, we believe in trusting each and every member of our team to make informed decisions, and we give them objectives to meet, but the complete freedom in how they meet them. The students from the University of Birmingham this year were no different,

Paycare CEO, Kevin Rogers

with Aarya and Michael given the creative licenses to achieve their own specific tasks, and as a result, producing some very high quality and original work.” Both Aarya Sharma and Michael Dickinson attended for a month and were given a set of objectives relevant to their Economics studies. One undertook research around gaps in services currently provided by the NHS, as well as an analysis of ways Paycare could fill this gap. The other unique task which was set was to try and ‘destroy’ Paycare, where they were encouraged to review its way of working, and analyse its business model to see if it could cope effectively with industry change. “In return for their experience, we receive a great deal. It’s hugely valuable to have someone externally enter the business and give a fresh perspective on things, and we very much welcome their own ideas, concepts, challenges, and observations for where we could improve. It’s a fantastic opportunity, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new interns in 2017,” he added. 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.

Student, Aarya Sharma

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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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.

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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.

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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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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

The Team at Sharratts

is Growing! Sharratts are excited to welcome Alisha Rait who joined them as a solicitor on November 14th 2016 and is already firmly established as one of the team, sharing the ethos and values that make the firm a cut above its competition.

Alisha studied for her law degree and LPC (Legal Practice Course) at Wolverhampton University where she achieved a first class honours, a distinction in her LPC and was presented with the Sweet and Maxwell award for the highest achieving student. After completing her training and gaining experience in a Walsall firm Alisha is buzzing with excitement in her new position at Sharratts, she says: “Jane (Managing Director) is the font of all knowledge and an inspiration, the team here just gels perfectly and is so well organised. The support structure is fantastic, the team works together to share skills to achieve the best possible result for the client, always wanting to go the extra mile to offer experienced yet realistic and focussed advice in a friendly manner.”

children - where she represents both parents and grandparents. Alisha is based at the head office on Wergs Road, Tettenhall but is also available for appointments at the Darlington Street office. Jane Swancott (Managing Alisha Rait Director) tells us: “Welcoming Alisha as an expansion to our team will enable us to continue our commitment to excellence and ensure that we can make our tailor-made services available to even more families facing challenges or those wanting to make life changes or plans for the future.” The Sharratts team offer an initial 30 minute free telephone consultation as well as a number of fixed fee packages and legal aid to those who are eligible. For any assistance relating to children matters, divorce, separation, finances or wills and elderly people issues please do not hesitate to contact us on 01902 759500 or visit of website www.sharratts.com

Alisha specialises in all aspects of public and private family law, including divorce, financial relief, co-habitation disputes, domestic violence and matters involving

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

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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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Smiling Saddlers vs Compton Wolves Celebrity Football Match • Adam Smith (Soccer Am) • Dean Edwards (TV Chef) • Glynn Purnell (TV Chef) • Terry Alderton (Actor/Comedian) • Austin Armacost (Celebrity Big Brother) • Stevi Ritchie (X Factor) • Frankie Gavin (Boxer) • Gavin Ramjaun (TV Presenter) • Pete Mcdonagh (Boxer) • Sam Evans (Big Brother Winner) • Maik Taylor (Ex Pro Goalkeeper) • Darren Everest (The Overtones) • Mike Crawshaw (The Overtones)

Stars from the world of film, TV, music and sport will compete against each other in a charity football match being held on Saturday 13th May 2017 at Bescot Stadium in Walsall.

Those confirmed to take part in the Compton Wolves vs Smiling Saddlers Charity Football match so far include:

Celebrities including TV’s Calum Best, former professional Boxer Joe Calzaghe and EastEnders’ and Strictly Come Dancing star Jake Wood are just some of the well-known faces that will be taking part in the match on Saturday 13th May 2017, raising funds for two charities - Smile for Joel and Compton Hospice.

• James ‘Arg’ Argent (The Only Way is Essex)

• Ollie Phelps (Harry Potter Weasley Twin) • Calum Best (TV) • Joe Calzaghe (Boxer) • Jake Wood (EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing) • James Tindale (Geordie Shore)

• Liam Gatsby (The Only Way is Essex) • Simon Webbe (Blue) • Antony Costa (Blue) • Jimmy Constable (911) • MC Harvey (So Solid Crew) • Dan Osborne (former The Only Way is Essex star),

• Nicholas McDonald (X Factor) More celebrity stars will be announced in January 2017. Event Date: Saturday 13th May Time: Doors open 1.30pm, Kick off 3.00pm Tickets are now available to purchase from https://www. eticketing.co.uk/walsallfc/details/ event.aspx?itemref=4247 and cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. VIP tickets are available to purchase for £35 per person. For further information please contact Sue Chance, Head of Fundraising, PR & Trading Subsidiaries at Compton Hospice on 01902 774529 or click on the I’m interested button on the web page above, alternatively contact Suzy Richards, Smile for Joel, on Smileforjoel@aol.com Thanks to our event sponsors Tile Choice.

• Nev Wilshire (The Call Centre) • Dean Gaffney (TV) • Matt Lapinskas (EastEnders and Dancing on Ice) • Tony Discipline (EastEnders) • Nathan Cleverley (Boxer)

This event is being organised in association with Sellebrity Soccer.

• Max Morley (Love Island) • Che Chesterman (X Factor) • Jake Hall (The Only Way Is Essex) • Rocket (Soccer Am) www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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P u t t i ng childr e n first

with e-safety

“Ofsted look for good practice in schools when it comes to online safety and every school should have an up-to-date policy on how they deal with this and what they would do if they discover inappropriate use of the Internet. We are here to advise and guide schools on what they can do to ensure both students and staff are kept safe online to get the best, and not the worst, from the Internet.”

Vigilant schools and community groups are being encouraged to sign up for free e-safety training to help protect children from the potential dangers of the Internet. Experts at Wolverhampton-based IT company Concero Technology Services, which works in schools and businesses across the West Midlands and Staffordshire, have been providing the free course over the past year for teachers, school governors, parents and community and charity groups. And with national Safer Internet Day approaching they are keen to spread the e-safety message so children can enjoy all the amazing benefits of the Internet and social media without its perils. Concero Technology Services, based at offices in Tettenhall Road, has already organised a successful conference for head teachers and school IT managers to brush-up on e-safety. And the company is continuing to promote national Safer Internet Day on February 7, which this year has the theme ‘unite for a better Internet’. 132

James Morris, Concero Technology Services director, said: “Time and time again we meet parents, organisations and teachers who all want to become more Internet savvy about their children’s and students’ safe use of the Internet. “In response to their concerns, and to the expectations of Ofsted, we launched our free training sessions last year. They have been really well received so we are continuing them this year. We want to hear from vigilant schools and parents who will benefit from the course and unite for a better Internet. “Schools should give high priority to e-safety training for all staff, governors and especially parents. We go to great lengths in schools to protect children online and then they go home, where so many parents assume their children are safe, and use the Internet without realising what they might be being exposed to. “Staff also have to be aware of what information children are accessing. We can provide systems that will alert staff to the kind of material their pupils are accessing on their school computers as well as on any school mobile devices children take home with them.

Concero Technology Services has been providing IT support in West Midlands schools for the past eight years and has grown its team of expert engineers since it was set up by directors James Morris and Bradley Clegg in 2008. Thanks to the company The Kings CE School was the first in Wolverhampton to get an EPICT accreditation, which Ofsted recognises as an important mark of good practice. James Morris added: “Today all schools and colleges are legally obliged to ensure the online safety of their students. This includes the detection and prevention of cyberbullying, online grooming, indocrination and abuse. “The EPICT Online Safety Certificated course enables teachers and trainers to be confident in their knowledge of the latest online safety threats, precautions and interventions, and getting the accreditation also reassures governors and stakeholders about their organisation’s ability to protect and guide their learners.” Teachers, governors, school PTAs or community groups who want to find out more about Concero Technology Services’ free e-safety training can get in touch by calling 0333 111 0004 or email enquiries@concerouk.com

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College Expectations of schools have changed. Most educationalists and parents want to see a school that is seeking to improve itself with a process of strategic planning, review of practice, appraisals and targets that come with any modern organisation in twentyfirst century Britain. The customers’ view, be it pupil or parent, is at the core of the data gathering to assess whether or not you are doing a good job. Schools have pupil councils who express their opinions about the educational provision. Whilst this may lead to the Head explaining diplomatically that a new art block may take a few millions and months to build or that homework should not be banned, on the plus side, the same Head invariably can gain an insight from a Year 8 pupil that cuts through countless hours of leadership meetings. Similarly, parental forums are held for parents to play a role in shaping initiatives or giving suggestions to improve provision.

Parental and pupil questionnaires also form part of the inspection process or are instigated by schools themselves. Carefully constructed questions elicit satisfaction levels and percentages are subsequently crunched in order to provide those with the clipboards some trends to investigate when they set foot in the school. Interestingly an ever-present and highly sensitive subject, in my experience of this type of opinion gathering, has nothing to do with education but concerns what used to be termed ‘school dinners”. Inefficient queue systems, inadequate menu choices, failure to cope with dietary requirements and unsuitable food for the awkward teenager or picky infant, can all colour an otherwise positive judgement of the most esteemed academic establishments. So the right food provision is the top of any leader’s list when assessing one’s school. When consuming (or not) luncheon meat fritters, tapioca and stew with crunchy swede and cold custard puddings, pupils of my generation did not have much recourse to a facility to change the rather limited range, or protest at the inedible

nature of some of the offerings. Not only do pupils in my school have a range of hot and cold meals with a variety of starters and desserts, they also have the opportunity to be part of a food committee which consults regularly with the catering manager and allocated member of staff. A coffee shop also serves a selection of break and lunchtime snacks and the School Council polices its offerings to see it is in line with the same healthy eating direction that led to the axing of the lucrative chocolate and fizzy drink vending machines. This latter point is allied to the role that schools now play in a country where cookery book sales are up yet the number of people cooking at home is in sharp decline and “education” is indeed needed. We are expected to lead from the front with timetabled health programmes promoting good eating habits and establishing regimes for a healthy life. Our pupils at Tettenhall College are all taught the value of the right diet, a gardening club serves to show the provenance of food as well as how to cultivate vegetables, cooking is an extended day option and classroom space is being requisitioned to create more facilities to teach the culinary arts. Food is indeed a vitally important part of our life and we should be concerned about what our pupils eat both at home and when in our care. You can now follow David on Twitter @tettcoll_head

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

6th Form Open Evening - 17th January 2017 Year 7 Assessment Day - 19th January 2017 Independent day and boarding school for pupils 2-18 years old. www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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One of the top 25

Prep Schools

in England The Sunday Times Parent Power Top 100 Independent Preparatory Schools has listed Newbridge Preparatory School in the top 25 Prep Schools in England. The rankings are based on Key Stage Two SATs (Standard Attainment Tests) results, in which Newbridge Preparatory pupils have achieved results well above the national average across all three subject areas.

As an Independent prep school, we continue to voluntarily enter our girls for SATs which we do as a benchmark to help us see where we sit amongst the state sector; ensuring our high standards are maintained and externally measured. Newbridge Preparatory School, ranked 24th in the Sunday Times listing, achieved the following percentage of pupils meeting a level 5 standard in their SATs results:

• Reading: 100% • Mathematics: 88% • Grammar, punctuation and spelling: 88%

Additionally, at level 6, which is achieved by less than 1% of

pupils taking Key Stage Two SATs, Newbridge girls achieved:

• Mathematics: 40% • Grammar, punctuation and spelling: 31%

• Level 6 SATs were additional

tests intended to challenge Year Six children who were excelling in maths and/or English. Level 6 is a standard that the average child does not reach until Year Ten.

Forefront of academic achievement Newbridge is the only prep school in the West Midlands to reach the top 25; continuing the school’s reputation for being at the forefront of academic achievement across the West Midlands. This is an outstanding achievement for a small, non-selective prep school. Many of the other schools appearing in the top 25 are selective on entry. Newbridge is thrilled with the academic success which is the result of innovative teaching, a creative curriculum and a robust assessment programme. However, Newbridge Preparatory School is about so much more than just academic results with our focus on inspiring all to achieve their potential in all areas of school life through the support and dedication

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of the whole school community and our excellent pastoral care. Our Upper School girls take part in over two hours of sport each week, at least two hours of music and all have dance and drama lessons. In addition, we have many ‘extra-curricular’ clubs on offer each week including our own Brownie Pack – 1st Newbridge Brownies.

Outstanding School Earlier this year, Newbridge was inspected by the Independent Schools inspectorate and was awarded an ‘Excellent’ rating (Ofsted equivalent = outstanding) the highest grading in every inspection category. So Newbridge is truly an excellent and outstanding school in every way.

Creating a choice at 11+ Invest now and you will have far more options when your daughter is eleven. In and around Wolverhampton, we are fortunate to have diversity of choice across both state and independent sectors for senior schools. 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.

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 01902 751088 to make an appointment. Early registration for places is highly recommended for guaranteed places.

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Inspiring growth

in mind, body and spirit

St Dominic’s Brewood – the leading Staffordshire independent school – has had a number of recent successes and improvements to the school. A glowing report from independent school inspectors and top-notch examination results follow swiftly upon an investment totalling £200,000 including new ICT facilities and equipment, renovation and refurbishment of the buildings and sports facilities, within the leafy village of Brewood. The school welcomes boys and girls into the Early Years Foundation Stage with funded places available.

Dominic’s Brewood experience, including sport and performing arts, to help each child to achieve their own talents and gifts.” Sixth form girls are celebrating a 100% pass rate in their A-level results, with 37% of them graded at A* or A, which is even better than the school’s achievement last year. Students also chalked up a “stunning” array of GCSE results – with 100% pass rate in all subjects, 95% A*-C grades including English and Mathematics of which 39% of all grades were gained at A*-A.

Outstanding recognition over the last 12 months has included an ISA National Swimming championship winner, successes at the GB Archery Academy, National Training Competition at the Tennis Centre London and 95% of Year 3-13 LAMDA pupils achieving merit or distinction, including an amazing 4 gold medal grade 8 actors gaining distinction, through the MOMO Academy of Drama.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate in June praised St Dominic’s – which teaches boys aged 3 to 11 and girls right up to the sixth form – for its role in shaping “responsible, tolerant and lawabiding citizens”. “That comment alone tallies with our motto, which is ‘inspiring growth in mind, body and spirit’,” said Head of School, Peter McNabb. “While academic excellence is obviously extremely important, so are the other aspects of the St. 138

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

St. Dominicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brewood offers outstanding education for boys aged 3-11 and girls aged 3-18. Our pupils are our best ambassadors and they would love the opportunity to introduce you to their school. Every day is an open day at St. Dominicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brewood. We look forward to seeing you soon. For further information or to arrange a visit to the school please contact Sue Molloy on (01902) 850248, Ext:25 or Email: secretary@stdominicsbrewood.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Bargate Street, Brewood, South Staffordshire, ST19 9BA

www.stdominicsbrewood.co.uk

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Social Scene

Porsche Centre Wolverhampton

3. Fraser Tranter, Michele Ballard, Adrian Ballard.

On Tuesday 15th November Porsche held an official launch event to showcase the latest Panamera models. They welcomed over 300 customers and invited guests to mingle amongst the cars while tasting delicious canapés and drinking fine champagne.

6. Rick Kaul, Mac Kaul, Sonny Mahey.

Simon Priest, Centre Principal commented “The night was a great success, we were really pleased with the turnout which indicates that the new Panamera range will be very popular.”

5. Amanda Lannon, Richard Lannon. 7. Deborah Mitchell, Chris Cox. 8. Tim Worley, Martin Shaw. 9. Angela Kyriakou, Paul Kyriakou. 10. Martin Everall, Matt Ponting. 11. Emily Sammons, David Sammons, Sharon Sammons. 12. Sim Panesar, Jas Panesar, Manjit Panesar.

1. David Nickels, Sian Evans, Simon Priest, Ben Robinson.

13. Sandeep Krishan, Dr Kewal Krishan, Julian Parkes.

2. Adam Moran, Rachael Rushton.

14. Louise Bradshaw, Alan Bradshaw, Laura Kershaw, Russell Kershaw.

Sponsored by

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4. Ken Woolley, Kim Woolley, Anthea Turnbull, David Byrne.

A fresh approach to Dentistry

15. Simon Priest (Porsche Dealer Principle), Peter Mahon (Porsche General Manager). 16. Richie Hubble, Robbie Hubble, Kat Harte. wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Social Scene

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Social Scene

Royston Blythe Annual Christmas Party

1. Naked Butler Boys with Supreme Show Girl.

Always keen to entertain close friends at Christmas, celebrity hairdressers Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko served up a veritable feast at their annual Christmas party, which was held at their gorgeous home, on Saturday 17th December.

4. Pianist, Leo.

Fresh from success after scooping the Midlands Hairdresser of the Year 2016 award, much fun-filled festivities took place as guests enjoyed drinks from buff butlers and a supreme showgirl. Entertainment from pianist Leo and vocalist Paula Delaney also featured.

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Everyone enjoyed food, drink and warm hospitality that extended long into the evening.

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A fresh approach to Dentistry

2. Nick, Royston. 3. Adele Roche, Jamie Roche, Lucy Sauthey. 5. Malcolm Bridgwood, Richard Cox, Jo Bridgwood, Darren Hollinshead. 6. Daniel Lambert, Claire Caldwell. 7. Tracy Doughty, James Golden, Kim Guest, Steven Buckley, Yvette Brentnall. 8. Martin Caine, Adam Jenkinson, Craig Timmis. 9. Nicola Martone, Arron Murphy. 10. Vocalist Paula Delaney. 11. Dinner party in full swing. 12. Deborah Mitchell, Chris Cox. 13. Nick, Dawn Ward, Royston.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

Round Table Bollywood Ball 2016 Grand Station Wolverhampton Tettenhall Round Table organised a Bollywood themed charity ball to celebrate the work of their nominated charities for this year who are Promise Dreams, Compton Hospice, Central Youth Theatre, Trudy’s Trust and Believe to Achieve.

1. N eel Barchha, Vicky Barchha, Andrew Morey, Sara Yeates, Sue Walker, Steve Walker, Sonia Jones, Ben Jones, Stuart Holmes, Shirley Holmes, Tsitsi Chaza, Chris Harris, Sue Wood.

Cheques for £500 each were presented to the charities, Promise Dreams, Central Youth Theatre and Trudy’s Trust who attended on the night and more will be donated throughout the year.

3. A licia Bennett, Gemma Vale (Both from Desi Nach).

Sponsored by

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Approximately £2500 was raised on the night from the raffle and auction – a particular mention to thank Castle Galleries, Wolverhampton for donating a signed Pele and Gordon Banks framed print that raised £900.

2. Arun Photay, Dr Sharan Photay.

4. Alex Robinson, Sophie Ruggles, Rob Buka. 5. Barbara King, Jonathan King, Alison Gorton. 6. James Martindale, Katie Heeley.

A fresh approach to Dentistry

7. Vicki Barchha, Jade Colton, Hannah Link, Clare Norton. 8. Mani Rakhra, Colin Lowe. wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

Promise Dreams Ball Wolverhampton Racecourse Stars of the 1980s joined hundreds of people at a wintery Wolverhampton Racecourse to celebrate the success of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity, Promise Dreams. Pop and rock legends Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Sonia, Limahl of Kajagoogoo, Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, Kelly Wilde and Hazell Dean, as well as local band Hipster, took to the stage at the annual event. The venue was lined with more than 100 Christmas trees, a white carpet was laid and glittering silver decorations created a world of ice and snow for the 450 people who attended the event. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

8 The annual gala took place on Friday 2nd December with charity patrons Steve Bull and Don Goodman attending the special night. The evening raised a total of ÂŁ30,000.00. 1. Kate Stevenson, Simon Stevenson (Brush With Africa). 2. Molly Hughes, Hannah Harper, Ellie Ashmore, Leah Hughes, Jess Needham, Jasmine Marriott. 3. Lee Auden, Paul Taylor, Charlie Wilkins, Mark Knowles, Samoa Williams, Nick Jones. 4. Hayley Walker, Scott Walker. 5. Sarah Davies, Sonya Taylor, Michelle Close, Jayne Knowles, Joanne Williams, Val Jones. 6. Graham Evans, Ian Fletcher, Hannah Fletcher, Suresh Bawa. 7. Sabine Medniece, Rajesh Brigue, Aimee Parker, Jason Guy. 8. Beatrice Caine, Suzy Caine, Isabella Caine, Grace Caine. 145

Social Scene

Molineux Wolverhampton

manager Graham Turner to share their memories of the club from the good old days! The very funny and talented “Black Country” comedian, Doreen Tipton entertained the packed audience with her hilarious show.

Bully held an Anniversary Dinner to celebrate his association at Wolves for an incredible 30 Years!

1. Steve Bull with canvas that was sold for £2000.

Steve was joined by many of his old team mates from the 1986 squad, along with manager, Graham Turner.

3. Paul Morris, Lorraine Morris.

Steve took to the stage throughout the evening, ably supported by ex-players and former

2. Andy Roberts, Sarah Brown. 4. Former Wolves manager, Graham Turner. 5. Beverley Bird (Promise Dreams).

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6. Steve with former team mates and Robert Plant.

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A fresh approach to Dentistry

7. Colin Westbrook Snr, Colin Westbrook Jnr. 8. Andy Mutch, Gordon Cowans, Robbie Dennison. 9. Black Country comedian, Doreen Tipton. wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

The Molineux Wolverhampton Law Society Annual Awards Dinner On 11 November 2016, Wolverhampton Law Society hosted its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Molineux Stadium, attracting almost 200 members of the local legal and professional community. The successful awards candidates were: Professional of the Year (sponsored by University of Wolverhampton) to Rachel Jefferson of Prosperity Wealth Limited; Junior Professional of the Year Award (sponsored by St Philips Stone Chambers) to Christina Green of Talbots Law, with a highly commended entry to Emma Williams of No 5 Chambers; Community Champion of the Year (sponsored by Lloyds Bank Plc) www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

to Maria Posiwnycz of The Accountancy Firm Limited; Professional Services Business of the Year (sponsored by No 5 Chambers) to FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

John Randall QC, Robert Mundy. Tim Gray, Paul Ford. Joseph Martin, John Moss,Will Jones. Margret Findlay, Alison Westwood, Barry Findlay (Mayor of Wolverhampton). Paul Kettle, Charlotte Clode, James Sage. Graham Sower, Laura Jones, Kimberly Mears, Andrew Wynne. Rosie Heer, Faye Yee Vanheeren, Ravi Basra. Sohpie Guest, Oliver Jones, Bethan Blackwell, Andy Roberts, Sarah Brown, Linda Davis Tric Gooding, Mel Sellman, Maddy Swan. Luke Daniels, Raman Dhillon, Beverley Rizzotto. 147

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

Casino 36 Wolverhampton

Sponsored by

Over 4000 people came along to the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening night on Saturday 12th November where VIP guests were welcomed with champagne and canapes. The venue offers a whole new concept in

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A fresh approach to Dentistry

gaming and entertainment within the city, Las Vegas style with an ultra modern bar/grill and VIP lounge. 1. Dave Whitehouse, Craig Dobson, Tony Martin, James Wallis 2. Royston Blythe, Nick Malenko 3. Brian Saunders, Sam Saunders 4. Deborah Mitchell, Ella Mitchell 5. Paula Davis, Kim Guest 6. Emma Saunders, Sam Saunders, Jade Saunders, June Moody 7. Alan Bradshaw, Louise Bradshaw 8. Adrian Ballard, Michelle Ballard, Fraser Tranter 9. Steven Pickerill, Tom Vater , Gary Jones wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Social Scene

St. Dominic’s School Brewood The Christmas festivities were launched at St. Dominic’s Brewood with a Masquerade Ball on Saturday 26th November 2016. The ball was held in a Christmas-themed marquee and was a fantastic success and enjoyed by all who attended. The weekend was completed with a Christmas carvery on Sunday 27th November for 220 guests who after the carvery walked into the village to enjoy the switching on of the Brewood Christmas lights. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

1. Oliver Pointon, Martin Pemberton. 2. Clive Vickers, Lisa Vickers, Nicky Willis, Tim Willis. 3. Lisa Nightingale, Vanessa Prince, Sara Morris, Peter McNabb, Shirelle Bower, Coriarna Morris. 4. Stephen Cornwell (contestant on BBC’s The Voice). 5. Camilla Jones, Hannah Wright, Gemma Dilkes. 6. Joseph Prince, Vanessa Prince, Andrew Yeoman, Katie Yeoman, Alison Davies, Anthony Davies. 7. Tony Schofield, Yolanda Aguero-Schofield. 8. The team from Porsche Wolverhampton. 9. Greg Nightingale, Lisa Nightingale, Karen Hartland, Gary Hartland. 149

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

Chris Jewkes Fitness Mount Hotel Chris Jewkes Fitness held their annual Christmas party at the Mount Hotel to thank all their members and clients for all the hard work and dedication they have put in over 12 months. It was a great night and lovely to see their customers socially in a club environment rather than a gym. Ryan the machine, who is one of their clients, was the top DJ for the evening!

4. Brian Warburton, Diane Warburton. 5. Paul Hill, Louise Hill, Isabelle Hill. 6. Katherine Brueton, Jessica Lane. 7. Judy Smithyman, Lindsey Bernard. 8. Mike Allen, Tom Aleksandrowicz, Tracey Powell, Chris Edwards, Anthony Smith. 9. Sharon Klevin, Jackie Green, Tiffany Clark. 10. Martyn Jupp, Nicole Jupp, Laura Williams, Scott Williams. 11. Arran Bawa, Chris Jewkes, Suresh Bawa. 12. Helen Smith, Emma Hesson.

1. Chris Jones, Lauren Taylor, Catherine Hammond, Nick Hammond, Vickie Jones, Andrew Jones. 2. Matt Duff, Helen Duff.

13. David Gerche, Jane Langley, Tracy Doughty, Mariah Sodhi, Louise Lambert. 14. Jane Key, Kim Guest, Jessica Lane, Katherine Brueton. 15. Paul Heath, Julia Heath, Nick Cooper, Tracy Cooper, Lauren Taylor, John Powell.

3. Gordon Price, Kim Price. Sponsored by

16. Becky Burns, Katrina Hull, Emma Humpperdine.

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A fresh approach to Dentistry

17. Kim Price, Terri Jewkes, Lisa Corfield. 18. Claire Fiddler, Sarah Fiddler, Nat Gill. 19. Veronica Ulicma, Mark Foster. wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Social Scene 9

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John Cheetham Senior Instructor 3 Hammers Golf Complex

With the weather now colder, many golfers make an incomplete turn in their backswing often due to wearing more layers to keep warm (see photo 1). This can lead to 'quick swings’ & less rhythmical movements than we may see in the Summer months when the body is warm & we are wearing fewer layers. Therefore in the Winter it’s vital to complete your backswing (see photo 2). A simple counting drill can help with this.

Try to make your backswing a 3 second count. This will feel a long time however this will give your body the chance to make a complete turn. Warm up is also extremely important to achieving this full turn. Before you play your first tee shot try simply crossing your arms on your chest to rehearse your backswing (see main photo).



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If you repeat this 15 times your body will be moving well for the first tee shot. So remember to complete your turn this Winter for a smoother swing.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

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Porsche 718 Cayman S

Rob Taylor steps into the fast lane to pay a visit to Wolverhampton’s sexiest car dealership. Putting the new Porsche 718 Cayman S through its paces in an urban, “real-world” setting over the course of just one day was always going to be a challenge; undoubtedly a challenge to relish, but a challenge nonetheless. Rather than experiencing the car’s nature unfettered and in the wilderness on BBC One’s Planet Earth II it would be instead more akin to visiting a zoo; a day-out filled with wonder and glory but still with a pang of compromise and confinement, because I would be after all limited to just the urban jungle. However, after visiting Porsche’s brand-new £5 million luxury showroom on Stafford Road and after just one day in charge

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of a 718 Cayman S I’ve been convinced otherwise.

service in a plush and comfortable setting is always the order of the day.

And now with every one of my preconceived notions torn asunder (well except one which has to do with Porsche nomenclature, but I’ll get to that later) I will lay down in broad strokes exactly why the experience has converted me so very completely.

Now to the car: nuzzling next to such striking siblings means the Cayman must work really hard for your attention. Anything much less than a perfect symphony of lines and curves and the car might be overlooked, but not so, the Cayman calls to you with the sweetest siren song. It begs to be driven and driven fast.

The first thing that hits you as you arrive at Porsche’s imposing new citadel (it replaces the brand’s Sutton Coldfield seat) is the metal parked outside. Dripping with opulence and undeniably stylish, Porsche is a marque which has carefully built and honed a cachet over 80 years. It is almost transcendent in the minds of many. Such brand magnetism allied to the scope of the fantastic showroom is enough to sell itself, but despite this there’s no resting on the laurels at Porsche Wolverhampton: tip-top customer

Now to my earlier dilemma: a vehicle endowed with such a surfeit of power (345 bhp/ 310lb ft of torque) must logically need room to roam freely, without boundaries or borders, in order to be fully appreciated. The limitations of the ordinary (and since Wolverhampton’s love affair with the traffic light started earlier than anywhere else, it has much of it) serve only to blunt and dull the merits of the Cayman: in short, it’s thrills and spills Fantasyland driving or bust.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

But my day with the car moved me towards a new path of enlightenment. All Cayman owners don’t live inside the Nurburgring. But all Cayman drivers must abide speed cameras, potholes, slow-pokers who drive every kind of Honda Jazz ever made, low kerbs, interminable traffic jams, circa 1981 parking bays and dopey pedestrians dressed in black, walking at night. To traverse the Wolverhampton area on a busy Saturday just before Christmas is a more valuable test and it very quickly exposes another fallacy: the idea that the current four cylinder turbocharged engine is in some way a lesser beast than the outgoing six. Whether to appease increasingly intransigent EU emissions legislation or not the switch suits the real world better. The engine is now much more tractable because of its massive torque swell in the mid-range, so you no longer have to wring out every rev to make fast progress, which suits more drivers and more driving styles, as well as the awesome PDK gearbox, which is fitted to my test car. With smooth up-shifts and sporty, sonorous downshifts, this option is a must because it is as good at taking the pressure off when things get mundane as it is at dialling in the fun when opportunity presents. Speaking of fun, the Sport Chrono pack, which includes Launch Control, catapults the S to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

The 2.5-litre flat-four returns an impressive 34.9mpg and emits 184g/km and makes this range-topping S version the most powerful Cayman to date. Revisions to the vehicle’s cabin include a new infotainment system, and 918-inspired steering wheel; exterior styling tweaks include new LED lights, rear spoiler and front and rear bumpers. Prices start at just under £50,000 but as there are so many tasty options available you’ll want to spend more. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, which provides a chassis set-up for every eventuality, is a case in point.

But I still maintain that its new official designation – 718 – is not as good as its previously simple moniker. It’s just not as catchy. Although I suppose when a car’s this good, its name is of little consequence, because a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. For customer enquiries or to book a test drive please call 01902 397911 or visit www. porschewolverhampton.co.uk. Porsche Centre Wolverhampton, Stafford Road, Wolverhampton WV10 7ER.

The cabin is a glorious place to behold. The ergonomics are spoton; the switch-gear is beautifully tactile; the infotainment system is clear with high-quality graphics and the driving position provided by the exquisitely-made leather thrones is delightfully low-slung and adjustable. There’s a positive connection between driver and road. Every lump and bump is relayed through the steering to the driver with an almost incomparable immediacy, but it’s not an uncomfortable ride; in fact it makes driving/ sitting in a traffic jam in Wolverhampton a real event. That’s not an easy thing to do. So the 718 Cayman S is a beast for every occasion – as good about town as it is out in the wilderness of fantasy and imagination. Of this I am now entirely convinced.

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A Class Act By Rob Taylor If you choose to buy an Audi A3 over a Volkswagen Golf then you make a conscious decision to pay more: more for style, more for badge, more for image. They are after all basically the same car underneath: both are made by the same company and are both brilliantly engineered but Audi is – purely in terms of marketing at least – the Taste the Difference range. And this newly face-lifted A3 is very tasty indeed. Driving an Audi – any Audi – is a demonstrable show of wealth, not stealth. Like ardent fashion-followers who shop outside of the High Street and enthusiast wristwatch collectors who pay thousands of pounds to tell the time, Audi appeals to our sense of wanting what’s best, even if that doesn’t always make sense. Driven here in what will surely become a best-selling incarnation – the 1.6 litre 110 bhp TDI Sport – this A3 is as ever a student of evolution, forgoing the temptation to ‘reinvent’ its exterior styling; instead just the merest nip and tuck to a fold here, a crease there, has been attended to. Put it beside the last-gen version and I’m convinced that everyone will be able to tell which is the more modern of the two, but they will be equally unable to pin-down exactly 156

what makes it so, because the changes are almost infinitesimal. Anyway aesthetic appeal is best left for photographers to describe, but suffice it to say that it’s among the most eye-wateringly stylish family hatchbacks on the market. And yet this car is really all about the interior and it now has a spectacular party-piece: the optional virtual cockpit. As part of Audi’s £1345 Advanced Technology package this slick and incredibly cool display supplants conventional dials for seamless graphics and myriad integrated gizmos, which are displayed in high resolution on a 12.3 inch diagonal TFT screen. Drivers can switch between two views: in classic mode, the instruments appear as normal. In infotainment mode, however, a central window allows more space for the navigation map or shows lists for telephone, radio and audio; the rev counter and speedometer then appear as small round clocks. It’s well worth the money just to see the sat-nav system at work. Interior quality is unsurprisingly unsurpassed: soft-touch, tactile materials, well-damped switchgear and cool-as-ice metallic surfaces leave you in no doubt as to where your money (prices start at around £24,000) goes - because although it drives, rides and steers well, it’s no BMW when it comes to rewarding its driver. Be sure to keep suspension settings at their comfiest and don’t go too wild with

massive alloys because on roads as Third World as the UK’s are right now, you may live to regret it. It’s testament also to Audi’s interior design alchemy that I’m compelled to praise the newly redesigned air-vents – I promise you, these otherwise perfunctory tools are works of art in the A3. Furthermore there’s ample room in the front and rear of this five-door model to accommodate fully-grown adults in total comfort; seats are comfy and enrobed in fine fabrics too. Fit this 1.6 litre engine with Audi’s smooth and intuitive automatic gearbox and 16” alloys and you’ll creep underneath the fabled 100 g/km Co2 mark. Fuel economy is commendable (I managed nearly 55 mpg), however this engine still lacks some refinement when under-load and when driven briskly, on its way from zero to 60 mph (which it will cover in 10.7 seconds), and its handling through twisty sections of road leaves a lot to be desired – but does that really matter when all is said and done nowadays? More often than not we sit in traffic jams, with scant opportunity to ever find space enough to push our cars close to what they are capable of delivering. It’s much more sensible to concentrate upon the part of the car that’s available all of the time. That’s where Audi delivers big: stylish appearance allied to interior comfort and quality. And that’s what’s worth paying for.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

Winter tyres: what you need to know Winter tyres are not just effective in extreme snow conditions, they provide a decreased braking distance on icy roads, improved braking in wet conditions and provide better emergency braking on wet, icy and snow-covered roads. They are recommended for use in temperatures below 7°C, which in the UK is around 150 days of the year.

Express winter tyre test. It performed particularly well in Snow traction, Circle and Handling as well as Curved Aquaplaning. Also in stock, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5. The newest edition to the Dunlop range won second place in the Auto Express winter tyre test. The tyre was described as particularly strong in Snow Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, and Wet Braking. It even took first place in the Rolling Resistance test. Whilst using your winter tyres, we offer a ‘Tyre Hotel’ service. Your summer tyres will be labelled and safely stored on our premises until you need them again. Contact us for further information. For more information on winter tyres, including our tyre hotel, please contact Simon, Mac or Emma at HiQ Wolverhampton on 01902 420234.

Advantages of using Winter Tyres: • Shorter stopping distances – with braking distance significantly reduced in snow, ice and wet conditions • Improved performance and safety – more control in winter conditions due to innovative winter tyre technology • Resistance to aquaplaning – The specific tread pattern design of winter tyres can disperse more water which reduces the amount of water between the road and your tyres. • Increased tyre life

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NEW ENGINES EXPAND MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE AND GLC COUPÉ LINE-UP

Three new engines have been added to the E-Class Estate range, which now starts at £36,735 for the E 200 d SE. The E 350 d SE is priced from £47,255, while the Mercedes-AMG E 43 costs £58,290. The existing E 220 d Estate starts from £38,230. The 200 d features the latest 2.0-litre diesel engine with an output of 150 hp and CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. It delivers 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle. The 3.0-litre V6 E 350 d produces 258 hp while delivering up to 48.7 mpg and emitting 140 g/km of CO2. The Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC Estate features a bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine which generates 401 hp – enabling it to reach 62 mph from standstill in 4.7 seconds. All E-Class engines come as standard with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission (with shorter shift times for the E 43). Standard specification on the E-Class Estate mirrors that in the E-Class Saloon, but with the addition of standard split-folding rear seats. Comand Online with a 12.3-inch screen comes as

standard on the E 350 d, and customers can add to this with the 12.3-inch cockpit display for £495. For the first time, the E 220 d Saloon is available with 4MATIC four-wheel drive– it’s priced from £37,730 (£1,500 over the rear-wheel drive 220 d). It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds, and has rear-biased torque distribution of 45:55. All E-Class Estate models are now available with an optional folding bench seat in the boot, for £1,250. This provides an extra rear-facing two Artico-covered seats – which are specifically designed for use by children under 115 cm (3 ft 9 in) in height – and is stored under the load compartment floor when not in use. An Easy-Pack load securing kit can be specified for an additional £295. This provides rails in the load compartment floor with a telescopic bar that means luggage can be safely clamped against the rear seats or side wall. An AMG carbon fibre package is available on both Mercedes-AMG E 43 bodystyles for £1,575 – it includes exterior mirror casings and an AMG spoiler lip (saloon only) finished in carbon fibre.

GLC Coupé range expands

The GLC Coupé is now also available with the V6 3.0-litre diesel, producing 258 hp. The GLC 350 d 4MATIC Coupé can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds, emits 161 g/km of CO2 and delivers up to 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle. It is available from £47,135. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé can now be ordered from £50,960. Its bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine produces 367 hp, making for 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. First deliveries of the E 200 d Estate, E 350 d Estate, E 43 4MATIC Estate, GLC 350 d 4MATIC Coupé and GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé are expected in December. For full details including prices and specification, visit www. draytongroup.co.uk. Peter Smith, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, added “We’re so excited for the arrival of the new engines, it just shows how Mercedes-Benz as a brand is always trying to achieve more. We’re sure these new engines will be popular with our customers. They are now available to test drive and you can book yours by calling us 01902 427897.”

Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4HD 158

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

The all new GLC CoupĂŠ.

Standing out from the crowd.

Drayton

Call us on 01902 276977 to 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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wolverhampton wolverhampton west west magazine magazine | | January January 2017

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 128 Perton & Bridgnorth Travel 128 Appliances Electrical & Gas Capital Appliance Centre 55 Geoff Hill Electrical 57 Bathrooms Carvers Building Supplies 21 Eaton Kitchens 41 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 29 Beauty Heaven Skin Care 100 Beauty Clinics – Cosmetic Cosmetique Aesthetic Clinic 103 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Cousins 8/9 Merridale Furnishers 27 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Love Your Blinds 31 Merridale Furnishers 27 Val Hever Blinds 38 Virgo 38 Building Services & Contractors MBH Builders 53 Three Pines 43 Butchers Allan Bennett 76 Poxons 75 R J Hipkiss & Sons 73 Café’s Cupcake Lane 85 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Touch Dry 67 Carpets & Flooring - Supply & Fit 1st Choice Flooring 41 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 38 Car Sales & Service Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton 159 Porsche Wolverhampton 163 Chiropody & Podiatry Tom Casey 122 Composite Doors Doorsmart 49 Computer Services Finchfield IT 70 Delicatessen Corbelli 77 Dentistry Parkdale Dentures 119 Parkdale Implants 2 Debt Collection Services JB Credit Services 160 Design & Print Synaxis 71 The Studio 128 Diet & Slimming Cambridge Diet 102 Education Newbridge School 136 North Shropshire College 70 St. Dominics 139 Tettenhall College 135 Electricians & Electrical Contractors Central Electrical Contracts 44/45 Excel Electrical Contractors 62 Entertainment & Leisure Wergs Golf Club 153 Estate Agents BE Essential 13 Berriman Eaton 11

Fashion & Retail Aristocats 105 Fencing & Gates Profence 63 Fireplaces & Stoves Flaming Fires 19 Wolverhampton Fireplaces 15 Financial Advisors Midland Independent Financial Services 16/17 Firewood Black Country Firewood 65 Fitness & Leisure Centres Artisan Personal Fitness Training 107 Chris Jewkes Fitness 111 South Staffordshire Leisure 121 WV Active 115 Furniture & Furnishings Cousins 8/9 Merridale Furnishers 27 Ralvern 37 Sofa Factory Outlet 23 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 38 Garage Services HiQ Tyres 157 Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations 61 Gardening & Landscaping Lealans Garden Centre 60 Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum System 47 Glazing Repairs Blakes Glass & Glazing 64 Golf Clubs Wergs Golf Club 153 Hairdressers Salon 27 106 Health Care Cover Paycare 127 Home Entertainment Geoff Hill Electrical 57 Hospices Compton Hospice 130 Hospitals – Private Nuffield 108 Hotels Mount Hotel 83 Park House Hotel 85 Interior Designers Virgo Carpets & Interiors 38 Italian Deli Corbelli’s 77 I.T. Media & Communications Concero 133 Jewellers T.A.Henn 7 Kitchen Doors - Replacement Dream Doors 33 Kitchens - Supply, Design & Fit Carvers Building Supplies 21 Dream Doors 33 Eaton Kitchens 41 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 29 Lawn Tennis & Squash Clubs Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club 113 Legal Services Manby Bowdler Solicitors 125 Sharratts Solicitors 129 Letting Agents Berriman Eaton 11

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Lighting Lighting R Us 44/45 Locksmiths Cummings Brothers 64 Loft Ladders Lyndale 15 Music Lessons Music 2000 71 Rick Hampton 71 Music Shops Music 2000 71 Opticians Taylor Biddle 110 Orthopaedic Surgery Wolverhampton Hip & Knee Clinic 125 Oven Cleaning Services OvenClean 67 Painters & Decorators Kevin Jackson 64 Patrick Bellew 63 Personal Fitness Training Artisan 107 Chris Jewkes 111 NG Training 123 Photography Crescent Imaging 160 Plumbing & Heating JB Plumbing & Heating 64 Removals Burke Bros 69 Restaurants/Pubs Halfpenny Green Vineyards 81 Mount Hotel 83 Park House Hotel 85 Sir Jack’s 93 Wergs Golf Club 92 Wombourne Tandoori 93 Sea Food Suppliers Star Agro Marine Foods 79 Skip Hire Wolverhampton Skip Hire 63 Stairs & Stair Components Lyndale 15 Tea Rooms / Afternoon Tea Cupcake Lane 85 Halfpenny Green Vineyards 81 Himley Hall 87 Park House Hotel 85 Theatres The Grand Theatre 164 Tiles & Interiors Heart of Stone 53 Tile Choice 5 Travel Agents Holidaysplease 68 Tyres HiQ Tyres 157 Vegan & Vegetarian Food Feast Foods 72 Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards 81 Wallpaper, Paints & Decorator Accessories S J Dixon & Son 19 Wedding Venues Himley Hall 87 Mount Hotel 83 Park House Hotel 85 Windows, Conservatories, Orangeries Tettenhall Windows 25

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Black (Country) ‘magic’ key to new Porsche Centre success In addition, there is a service loan fleet, and local collection and delivery of cars needing service and repairs. It’s an ideal “gateway site” says Porsche and being right on Junction 2 of the M54 and served by Junction 12 of the M6 at Four Ashes, provides easy access for sales and servicing of Porsche vehicles to established and prospective customers from north Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire and beyond. Wolverhampton’s new Porsche Centre Principal Simon Priest with a Porsche Cayman

It is, without doubt, the stuff that dreams are made of – beautifully engineered German driving machines in a £5m flagship showroom setting. Already established as a market leader, Wolverhampton’s new Porsche Centre has been consistently rated in the top five of the luxury marque’s British dealerships since opening its door in April. A home-grown story of good old-fashioned Black Country business acumen, the centre on the Stafford Road, owes its success to its unique team, says Centre Principal Simon Priest. “We’re one of the best in the UK and our real strength comes from our team of people here that are engaged, energetic and committed to delivering an excellent customer experience.” At ease with his local roots, Simon, adds: “You can tell [by my accent] I’m local and my team is made up from local people from the Black Country. There is an authenticity with us, an honesty about being what we are – no airs 162

and graces – but just there to help offer the customer only the best of experiences. It’s all about trust.” And this locally sourced commercial ‘magic’ has fostered strident business growth with staff numbers already increasing from 32 to 42 in just six months. “Sales-wise we’re consistently achieving more than the Porsche manufacturer’s targets,” adds Simon. Undoubtedly the cars are the stellar stars of the landmark showrooms, but their defining clean-line elegance is reflected in the prestigious build project and its distinctive architectural design. It is a place to browse at leisure without the irritating trespass of sales people. “You’ll not find any of my sales executives chasing after customers in the showroom. It doesn’t work like that here. No-one gets jumped on. If they need help, customers are introduced to a sales executive. It’s a very relaxed customer experience,” says Simon. The centre, that has floor space for 20 cars in the showroom and room for more than 100 outside, offers a Direct Dialogue analysis bay where owners can receive on-the-spot diagnosis by a trained Porsche technician prior to any necessary work being undertaken, a 16-bay workshop and dedicated MoT bay.

The Wolverhampton story is part of a huge demonstration of investment with a current total of 38 centres operating throughout the UK and Ireland. With a successful recent launch night for the new Porsche Panamera, expectations are high for a busy New Year. Adds Simon: “The silhouette and design of the new 550 bhp Panamera is unmistakably Porsche, yet with a sharper, more elegant shape. “It brings Porsche to a new level of driving luxury and yet its credentials of true sports car are underpinned by its record as the fastest road-going saloon car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.” For those with a wallet to indulge, there are significant choices: new, approved pre-owned and a full range of Porsche demonstrators. A showroom display holds a wide variety of items from the Porsche Design Driver’s Selection range of clothing and accessories. In addition, customers can buy into the Porsche equipment personalisation options from floor mats to Aerokits that can be fitted on-site. And the future? “We’re planning to grow all departments next year and there’s the introduction of hybrid models capable of 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and with vastly reduced charging times,” says Simon.

wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017

The new Panamera. Courage changes everything. Discover more at porsche.co.uk/panamera

Porsche Centre Wolverhampton Stafford Road Wolverhampton WV10 7ER 01902 397 911 info@porschewolverhampton.co.uk www.porschewolverhampton.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the Panamera 4S in l/100km (mpg): urban 10.2 – 10.1 (27.7 – 28.0), extra urban 6.8 – 6.7 (41.5 – 42.2), combined 8.2 – 8.1 (34.4 – 34.9). CO2 emissions: 186 – 184 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU‑regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

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GREAT SHOWS COMING UP AT WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE SUN 29 JANUARY

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wolverhampton west magazine | January 2017