Wolverhampton West Magazine - May 2015

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WOLVERHAMPTON WEST MAGAZINE

May 2015

Win tickets for The Mousetrap show at The Grand Theatre

MAY 2015

Delivered to areas of: Tettenhall, Perton, Wightwick, Compton, Pattingham, Burnhill Green, Ackleton, Badger, Chesterton, Seisdon, Trysull, Claverley, Wombourne, Lower Penn, Worfield, Hilton & Albrighton 01

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Hello Readers It’s a topsy-turvy time of year. We’ve got weather only environmentalists can find fault with; a General Election pending (at time of writing) that is closer to call than April’s Grand National; and dads’ are about to be – briefly – put on top for Father’s Day. As my old Nan used to say, “You don’t know if you’re coming or going.” If you too share her sentiments, read on. For only in the forthcoming pages will you find the requisite commonsensical articles to restore order and normality. Only herein will you find order in chaos. While we can’t predict the election result beyond “it’ll be another hung parliament” and that Ed Miliband is perhaps frontrunner in the ‘soonest to get the “sack”, sack race’, we’re full of facts on where’s best to eat locally (and we’ve got the three in-depth restaurant reviews to prove it); where’s the place to shop for all your home and garden improvement must-haves; where’s the local hair/beauty salon du jour, for all our fashion conscious readers; where, as Americans insist, “to golf”; and even where’s Wally? Just kidding, kids. We’re not afraid to wave our wares (or indeed ‘where’s!’) in the air like we just don’t care – in fact we’ve been doing it successfully in this here magazine for five years now – but we’re always serious when it comes to health. In this edition we major on the surprising surge in the uptake of cosmetic surgery by men and the over 65s in Wolverhampton, according to Nuffield Health. Furthermore, if you’re in need of a dentist/ chiropodist/ optician (and if you’re reading this on our digital online edition in XXL font, then you do) we’ve got what you need. Except the election result, of course. But who cares? The sun’s shining and, after all, what difference does it really make anyway? See you in July…

Geoff

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

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 (www.s28.co.uk) 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 Wolverhampton West Magazine Ltd.

Contents

The local property market by Nick Berriman 8 Wolverhampton businesses back 10 first Midlands Youth Zone Pinpointing Penkridge 12 Royston Blythe coffee morning 14 Tettenhall Fete 2015 14 Carver Wolverhampton Marathon 18 Crosswords & Puzzles 22 Charity bike ride and walk in memory of Bijay Khela 24 Recipe of the month 26 Father’s Day 28 Bluebell Walk 30 Race for life launches in Wolverhampton 32 True village life 32 Decking and garden furniture 36 Bedrooms 38 The road to Delhi 42 Rotary Club of Wolverhampton 44 Grand Theatre competition 46 Gardening with Ann Winwood 58 Knights of Middle England star 62 at Kinver Country Fayre Pattingham Drama Group 63 Meet the Boss 66 Halfpenny Green Vineyards food review 70/71 Shrewsbury Arms food review 74/75 Kings Repose food review 78/79 Royston Blythe - essential summer style 82/83 Explained: The science behind skin care 86 Trend Up-Date: summer style 96/97 Social scene 99-107 Toms tip 113 Education and Schooling 116 Young Citizens Awards 118 From little acorns 124/125 Golf Tip 130 Golf – No country for old men 132/133 Sounds like love – Alfa Romeo Guilietta 146 Suzuki and Mitsubishi from Autosales 148 Mercedes-Benz – 30 years of 150 autonomous vehicle development Answers to puzzles 144 Barlow Motors Seat 154 Winners of the Ghost Train competition at The Grand Theatre Sharla Rowley, Bridgnorth Carol Reece, Pattingham Alison Evans, Perton Catherine Johnson, Albrighton Winner of the hairdressing experience at Salon 27 Tracey Baldwin, Wombourne Winner of The Shrewsbury Arms competition Lianne Granger, Wombourne

*Total distribution 24,500 copies across 2 months

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Key Industry Award for thriving

Midlands Retailer

which is essentially what everybody is looking for from a retail perspective”. L-R: Steve Ball TTA, Kevin Beasley, Tile Choice Managing Director and Gavin Maiden, Tile Choice Director

A leading Midlands independent tile retail chain is celebrating a successful business year after winning a prestigious industry award. Tile Choice, whose headquarters are based in Wolverhampton and now have sixteen stores throughout the central region, attended the 2015 TTA Crystal Anniversary Awards in Birmingham, where they were recognised for their business excellence in the retail sector winning the Gold Award for “Multiple Retailer of the Year”. The Tile Association represents all aspects of the wall and floor tile industry in the UK, from manufacture to installation. Formed in January 2000, The Tile Association represents the whole of the UK wall and floor tile industry under one organisation. The Awards recognise and reward the innovative designs and projects that have happened over the last year, as well as appreciate the consistently high level of customer service shown by retailers within the Industry.

Centre in Solihull, on Saturday 18th April, along with a black tie dinner for the estimated 400 people who attended, and was hosted by TV presenter Emma Jesson. Marketing Manager at Tile Choice, Lee Rudkin was particularly proud of the company’s achievement, “This is the third time in the last four years we have won Multiple Retailer of the Year”. “As a company, we’ve been working very hard within the retail sector and have continued to see some great results because of our dedication to make Tile Choice the market leader”. “We are great believers in utilising our experience within our industry to focus on providing only excellent customer service and products,

“From the quality products we offer, which are bought in bulk from trusted suppliers allowing us to pass on significant in-store savings, to the way they are presented in each specific store, we like to make each shopping experience as enjoyable as possible for domestic and trade customers alike”. “And of course, it’s all down to individual style, so we make sure we stay up to date with the latest interior design fashions as well as continuing to offer traditional products to keep ahead of our competition, and remain always able to offer people a much wider choice”. “We are extremely proud to be recognised by our piers at The Tile Association for the work our dedicated team have put in to making Tile Choice such a success”.

The TTA Awards is now in its 15th year and is still growing fast. This year, the awards were held at St John’s Hotel and Conference 04

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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The Bespoke Experience Make it Personal, Make it Special, Make it your own… At T.A. Henn, we have been creating bespoke pieces for customers for generations as well as remodelling outdated jewellery with beautiful content giving it the opportunity to be worn again by the next generations. Seeing a client’s face light up when we present designs of what we can do with their piece of jewellery is very rewarding. Delivering the final item is indeed a special moment for us all. Jewellery gathers a lot of emotion that’s why we’ll work with you to design or re-style an

existing piece to reflect what you are trying to achieve whether it is a ring, brooch, pendant, earrings or all of them! Some of the Victorian pieces have been known to give birth to a whole family of new pieces! Perhaps you have a clear vision of what you would like us to do – some of our clients bring in pictures of a preferred style – but it is not essential. Guided by your preferences we will come up with suggestions and work closely with you during this process. We can work with existing diamonds and coloured stones when remodelling jewellery and can source new stones from all over the world. Anything is possible…

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The local

property market by Nick Berriman

availability of mortgages and interest rates have an effect but confidence is paramount. It does seem at the moment that all the defining factors are favourable so the future should be bright. This morning there were press headlines that there was a scramble for houses as the market shrinks. This was attributed to few properties being offered for sale because of fears of the mansion tax, increases in stamp duty and election jitters. I am sure the journalists had some justification for their story but readers; I have to tell you this is far removed from the market we are experiencing. For one thing there are few properties in this area where the mansion tax is relevant, most of the properties in and around Wolverhampton will benefit from the new stamp duty rates and we have found in the last few months that the number of new instructions is running at a very high rate.

We are now in what is traditionally the best selling time of the year. The weather is getting better, people are emerging from their winter hibernation and there is a feeling of optimism in the air. This year in particular there is a sense that the economy is through the worst and showing definite signs of improvement. As I write this I do not know the result of the election and this column has always endeavoured to be non-political. By the time you read my words (and that in itself is a hopeful assumption!) you will know the outcome and we will have to wait to see which of the manifesto pledges come true and which were vote seeking hot air. The good news at the moment is that in these last pre-election weeks the market remains strong. More than anything else the market depends on confidence. Obviously the state of the economy, the 08

This tends to show how far removed from the rest of the country the market in London and the South East has become. There was a saying that when America sneezes England gets a cold tomorrow. The same applied to the property market. Whatever happened in London would happen to us in due course but that is no longer true. The London market is idiosyncratic. It is affected by factors far removed from the rest of the country. Its top end is fuelled by foreign money. Arab money, Russian money, money that we only see on holiday and certainly not money that has an effect on property sales in Tettenhall or Trysull. So London and parts of the South East go their own way and the only effect on us comes from the pens of journalists looking for a story.

as they would not be able to afford to buy if they left it too long. That fuelled the first of the well known booms, followed as ever by an equally well known bust - didn’t someone well known say he’d fixed that? There has been rather more stability in recent years and the time when houses were seen as rapidly rising money making machines has gone for the time being and should not be mourned. People now are buying the houses they want to live in and not the ones they think will appreciate the most. As I said above we have experienced a high volume of instructions in recent months and sales have been good with the top end of the market showing signs of recovery. Let us hope that whatever the election result it will not effect the stability of the property market. As a non-political comment I have to say that there have been so many promises of increased funding from all parties for everything under the sun that perhaps we should have an election every year!

Stories and flip comments can have an effect. Shortly after the last war there was a house price boom which was short lived. The market was then sound and predictable with small percentage rises each year until the early 1970s when the chairman of a national building society advised people to buy now wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Property of the Month THE OLD FARMHOUSE, STOCKWELL END, TETTENHALL, WV6 9AX A fine Grade II listed, three storey period residence which is thought to date from the early 16th Century. Fully refurbished and extended accommodation of enormous character with a wealth of fine timbering and modern appointments throughout. Hall, cloakroom, cellar, drawing room, sitting room, breakfast kitchen through to informal dining area, laundry, first floor with large landing sitting room, three bedrooms and bathroom and upper floor of landing sitting room, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Double garage, gated drive and a matured garden to the rear. (EPC: E).

OFFERS AROUND ÂŁ635,000 VIEWING: Please contact the Tettenhall Office.

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

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Wolverhampton businesses back first

Midlands Youth Zone investment in what will be the first facility of its kind in the Midlands.

“Private sector support is vital to the future of Wolverhampton Youth Zone. Without their investment, the Youth Zone cannot happen; however we still need more businesses to get behind the project and invest in our city’s young people, in their future.” The £5.5 million Youth Zone is being built in the south west corner of Wolverhampton’s ring road and will boast a multi-use four court sports hall and climbing wall, 3rd generation floodlit pitch, fitness and boxing gyms, dance studio, music room, enterprise room, media suite, café, cooking area and a general recreation area.

The Midlands’ first state-of-the-art youth facility, Wolverhampton Youth Zone has secured Founder Patron support from 10 leading businesses from the region, with 10 months to go until opening.

Branded ‘The Way’, the Youth Zone needs to achieve 25 Founder Patrons by the time of opening to support its annual running costs of £1million per year. The growing league of Founder Patrons so far includes; Roy Bernard, Keith Bradshaw, FBC Manby Bowdler, John & Helen Gough, Chris Kelly, KGJ Insurance Group, Marstons Plc, Jez & Babette Moxey, John Bowater & Gina Osborne and The Redrow Foundation. The Youth Zone’s Founder Patrons are a group of individuals and companies united by the same aim; to help Wolverhampton’s young people lead healthier, happier and more aspirational lives by giving them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. Steve Morgan, Chairman of Wolverhampton Youth Zone, said: “We are thrilled to see so many individuals and businesses sharing our vision of delivering quality youth activities in a high quality setting. With the Youth Zone concept tried and tested in the North West region, we have a compelling proposition for community

The Way promises an exciting range of activities for young people aged eight to 19 (or 25 for those with a disability), ranging from sport, fitness and dance to music, arts and media, coupled with employability, mentoring and leadership skills. Underpinning the revenue funding from The Way’s Founder Patrons is £5.5 million of capital investment from The Morgan Foundation, The Queen’s Trust, St James’s Place Foundation, Sport England, Garfield Weston, Football Foundation and Keltruck. Wolverhampton City Council is also investing more than £3m in The Way - towards both the development and running costs. Becoming a Founder Patron of The Way is a chance for the local businesses and philanthropists to create a legacy for the future of Wolverhampton. Their support and endorsement of the project will serve to encourage others to invest in the future of the city’s young people.

For more information about how to get involved please contact: Alice Davey, General Manager of The Way on 01902 687003 or email alice.davey@thewayyouthzone.org 10

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


13 Ravenhill Drive Codsall WV8 1BQ A well presented detached bungalow close to the heart of the South Staffordshire Village of Codsall. Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, inner hallway, master bedroom with built in wardrobes, second bedroom and bathroom. Paved drive, car port, garage and a south facing rear garden.

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Pinpointing Penkridge keep under lock and key, but that I did instead want to access that most unwanted and tangible vestige of history, a book. I soon found a relevant example and read with interest on a subject that has confounded better minds than mine. For years it seems boffins of all kinds – from the bespectacled to the out and out living-in-mum’sbasement-aged-45 bonkers – have puzzled over this very issue, namely where’s that ridge?

When it comes to names it’s often better to be literal. Admittedly naming your newborn baby ‘Baby’ is taking things a little too far, but go too far into abstract and you can end up with Michael Jackson’s son, ‘Blanket’. So when researching the etymology of the market town of Penkridge, I felt I was already ahead of the game. Having already a smidgen of local geographical sympathy I figured that the ‘Penk’ derives from the neighbouring River Penk and that the ‘Ridge’ must denote, well, a ridge. But there is no ridge – or anything even approximating a ridge – in or near to Penkridge. Such natural forms do not readily move, even over the passing of millennia, so where could it be I wondered. My brain strained under the weight of much excruciating cogitation before, at the exact moment when the first blood vessel burst in my twitching left nostril, I was forced to dispense with my cursory condescension to research (read: using Google) and delve deep into the dark, dank and dusty dustbin of the past (read: visit my local library).

But there’s more. It turns out that my initial assumption about the River Penk may be spurious too. It seems that the river ‘Penk’ takes its name from the original Penkridge settlement – known in its Celtic form as Pen-crug – and not the other way around. As for the ridge, well the best guess is that it refers to Rowley Hill tumulus, which is a mound to you and I. However, the town today is a welcome distraction from all such academia. Already a popular draw for locals and those keen to take advantage of its fantastic communication links – Penkridge sits smack bang on the A449, is just north of the A5 and lies just south of an M6 junction – Penkridge Market is a twice weekly tradition that is the town’s most familiar touchstone. Held in the area between Pinfold Lane and the river, for years the site of livestock

By Rob Taylor

sales, it has emerged as the new centrepoint for trade in the town. Away from the open stall traders, there is much to see and do. The grade I-listed church of St. Michael and All Angels dates back to the early thirteenth century and is visible to travellers on the A449. There are some fifteenth and sixteenth century buildings and Penkridge has its own historic stocks and cells. Furthermore, and in particular due to a major residential resurgence in the 1980s, the town is a substantial shopping centre. Although having only one large store, the Cooperative supermarket, a wealth of independent shops, cafés, inns and services occupy the area between the Old Market and Stone Cross. Pay a visit to Penkridge on any given day - but particularly on market day - and it’ll come alive in a way that makes all nonsense about names totally redundant.

After much fighting with staff I was able to convince them that I wasn’t there to book an appointment with one of the three aged RM Nimbus PCs that they boastfully 12

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Tettenhall Fete 2015

Celebrating its 17th year, this year’s Tettenhall Village Fete looks set to be the biggest and best yet! Top attractions include entertainment from local dance and theatre groups, Wolf Mountain with their climbing wall and a ‘Round the World’ food court from some of Wolverhampton’s finest eateries!

selection of yummy cakes made by local residents (donations are greatly appreciated!). West Midlands Concert Orchestra will also be performing on the day. The event will be attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton. Through the Fete, Tettenhall Round Table hope to generate in excess of £5000 on the day for Children’s Wish - a small, national charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses - as well as raising funds for other local causes.

Signal 107 will again be in attendance throughout the day along with local businesses, charities and organisations who will be providing refreshments and entertainment including a bouncy castle, tombola and the now legendary Tettenhall Round Table Tea Tent kindly packed with a fine

Tettenhall Village Fete takes place on Sunday 5th July on Tettenhall Village Green. Entrance is free all day. Your support will be greatly appreciated by all involved and also by all who will benefit from the donations!

Contact: Robert Buka (Tettenhall Round Table PR and Media Officer) Mobile: 07834 374181 Email: rob@ellieandoscars.co.uk Chris Harris (Tettenhall Fete Chairman) Mobile: 07818 415522 Email: chris.harris13@btopenworld.com

Compton Hospice Coffee Morning Hosted by Royston and Nick Celebrity hairdressers Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko held a fun-filled fundraising coffee morning at their home on Monday 13th April in aid of a very worthy cause, Compton Hospice. Keen to get involved in raising funds for the local charity Royston and Nick offered up their beautiful home as the venue for the event that’s usually organised by Royston’s friend’s mother, Margaret Watton. Royston explains: “Margaret usually holds the coffee morning at her home, but we thought it would be nice to have it at our house for a change. There were over 150 people who bought tickets.” Local ladies made a wonderful selection of delicious cakes to sell at the event and businesses in the area donated their products and services to ensure the event was a success. “Everyone was so generous - the homemade cakes were gorgeous - and thanks to Village Catering, Codsall and Gluttons for Nourishment, Tettenhall we had a wonderful selection of food.” “Julie Bates from Peony Flowers in Shifnal supplied table arrangements, RJ Hipkiss & Sons Butchers from Compton donated a gift voucher for the raffle and the owners of Bayliss & Harding sent some lovely gift packs.” Supplying the coffee and Prosecco, Royston and Nick had also arranged a special treat: “We had Butlers in the Buff serving the drinks - the ladies loved it. Everyone said it was the best Monday morning they’d ever had.” 14

Providing the entertainment were two musical acts: a pianist from Manchester and an international soul singer. The event raised an incredible £3000, which has delighted Royston and Nick: “We’re so pleased to have helped to raise so much money for such a wonderful local charity. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported us - it was an amazing morning.” In fact, it wasn’t just a morning: “The event was planned to be held between 10:30am and 12:30pm but there was still plenty of people here at 4:30pm - it was great!” Everyone who attended will be pleased to know that Royston and Nick plan on doing it all again in the near future. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Carver Wolverhampton

marathon events Planning is well underway for the 2015 events scheduled to take place on SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER. The Marathon and Half Marathon are very popular with runners from not just Wolverhampton but all across the country. The organisers are well into the planning now and it is hoped that we can capture the sense of community spirit in West Park again. Race Director/Chair Mary Harding says: “Now in its 18th year the events have grown with The Banks’s 10K replacing the relays and the Cousins 20K cycle ride, always popular with families. Alongside all of that the children’s mini marathon encourages youngsters to take part and this year we are pleased to announce the introduction of the 3K Walk in the Park kindly sponsored by Call Print. It is hoped that families will enter for the walk and feel part of the events. There will be medals for all finishers.

Entries are coming in each day and we are now on Facebook and Twitter if anyone would like to send us a message. Online entries can be made through the marathon website www.carverwolverhamtonmarathonevents.co.uk or via Carvers Building Supplies. The Committee are always looking for volunteers to help with the many duties on Marathon weekend. This could involve manning a water station or marshalling around the course or duties in the park”. It is a great event for the city and good fun to be part of. Mary hopes that the loyal sponsors and supporters feel they get some promotion through the events. It certainly would not be the success it has become without their backing.

For more details visit the website www.carverwolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk 18

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Treat your home with

Merridale Furnishers

Longer days, better weather, and new life - that’s what Spring brings us - and at Merridale Furnishers we’re celebrating this start of a new season by adding six exciting contemporary ranges to our store. Alongside our current collection, our customers will now be treated to a superb new range of stylish solid oak painted and pine furniture that will effortlessly transform your home, plus a great selection of fresh new blinds in a huge choice of designs. Merridale Furnishers has been helping local people update their homes with beautiful furniture since 1969 – so it’s fair to say we’ve got to know what our customers like and want more of. That’s why we’re excited to be bringing these new lines into our store, because we’re confident these striking pieces are exactly what your home’s been looking for.

truly believe that our furniture is the best you can buy. It’s long-lasting, sturdy, and – above all - extremely elegant. Plus, thanks to the unique character of the oak itself, each piece has its own individual finish, which is highlighted thanks to hand-finishing processes like waxing and oiling. There’s simply no doubt, that when it comes to furnishing either a traditional or contemporary home, our top of the range new furniture makes a wise investment. Our fresh new blinds, meanwhile, are a stylish and easy way to update your home and add a statement look. Our new selection of blinds

come in styles from all-time classics such as roman and wooden blinds, to modern offerings such as the roller blind and truly contemporary panel blind. With so many different styles of blind and fabric choices, we are pleased to be able to offer you blinds that will add the perfect finishing touch to every room in your home. For instance, you could try a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired design for a child’s playroom, or opt for our fantastically versatile Duplex blinds for a room where you’d like to be able to control privacy with light. These stunning blinds use alternate strips of sheer and dim-out fabric that you control with a chain system to create a look and feel that works for you. Every home needs blinds – they’re easy and simple to use, can really make a statement, and they’re available in designs suited to every room’s needs. So, if your home is in need of a lift, come and see us at our store on Merridale Road. Our experts will be able to talk you through our great new ranges, and help you make the right choice based on what you need. We’ve been helping our customers achieve the best look for their homes for over 40 years, so let us help your family and friends too.

First off, we’ve got our stunning new furniture selection. With designs available in must-have pieces such as tables, chairs, bookshelves, and of course, bedroom furniture. This top quality furniture will add a sophisticated contemporary look to any room. What’s more, we 20

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


-furnishers.co.uk

DINING ROOM Enjoy dining on fine quality…

LIVING ROOM Relax in stylish surroundings…

BEDROOM Sleep tight tonight…

QuaLIty SOLID Oak FuRNItuRE aND StyLISh BLINDS 01902 420699 enquiries@merridale-furnishers.co.uk Open 7 days a week. Monday- Saturday: 9.30am-5pm, Sunday: 11am – 3pm.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

17-25 Merridale Road, Wolverhampton WV3 9RX

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

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

Sudoku

Easy

Hard

Puzzle answers on page 144

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

ACAPELLA

INDIE

ACID ROCK

JAZZ

ACOUSTIC

LATIN

BIG BAND

LOUNGE

BLUEGRASS CABARET DANCE DISCO FLAMENCO FOLK

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MEXICAN NEW WAVE POLKA PUNK ROCKABILLY SAMBA SOUL

GOTHIC

TANGO

HIP HOP

WALTZ

INDIAN

WORLD wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


ORANGERIES & CONSERvAtORIES www.tettenhallwindows.co.uk

Quality Conservatories, Orangeries,Windows & Bi-Folding Doors

Transform your home in 2015 with a Tettenhall Orangery Up To 30% Off And Flexible Funding Options Available, Including Nothing To Pay For 12 Months interest Free and Low Rate Funding available Orangeries ● Conservatories ● Windows Doors Bi-Folding Doors ● Triple Glazing ● Roof trim ● Sash Windows Residence 9 Flush Sash Windows ● Aluminium Flush Sash Windows

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Charity bike ride and walk Bj tackled his illness with tremendous courage, unwavering humour and an optimism that has become a lifelong inspiration. Already in its fifth year the event has, with dedicated help from his friends and family, raised more than £145,000. It has been put towards many good causes.

The memory of lifelong Wolves fan, Bijay Khela, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 41 after a four year battle with cancer, is celebrated each year with Bj’s annual charity bike ride.

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It has helped to buy new equipment for the West Park hospital in Wolverhampton, where Bijay was treated and cared for. Donations have been made to Macmillan nurses and Promise Dreams, a charity that helps seriously and terminally ill children fulfil their wishes. Additionally, through the India Housing Project, contributions raised have helped to build new homes for 30 of the poorest families in Punjab, India, giving them safe and secure accommodation.

In May 2014, eighteen cyclists cycled from Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, to the Hillsborough memorial in Liverpool. The route was a total of 96 miles in honour of the 96 fans that lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy. Four cyclists did a longer journey from London to Liverpool to raise a total of £14,000. In addition to the bike ride in 2014, other events that year included Pete Khela climbing Ben Nevis, cycling from Wolverhampton to Ypres, Belgium, in memory of those who lost their lives in the Great war and walking a gruelling 150 miles from Wolverhampton to the Houses of Parliament, London. Parts of the route were also walked by Kami Aujla (41 miles), Susan and Icky Sunda, Sarah Williams, Richard Atwal, Harmit Brar, Harry Athwall and Savina Raju. The walk was done in memory of Pete and Kami’s dad, Gurmel Singh Khela, who lost his life to cancer in 2014, as he loved walking. In 2011 support was also given to the MS Society, Cancer Research and NSPCC, the Steve Bull Foundation and Marie Curie cancer. This year’s bike ride will raise much needed funds for Cancer research, Steve Bull Foundation and Promise Dreams. Follow the fundraising progress on Bj’s charity bike ride on facebook and twitter.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

recipe of the month

Serves 6 - 8

Lemon Posset with Blueberry compote and Almond biscotti thins EQUIPMENT • Scales • Measuring jugs • 1 large and 3 smaller Mixing bowls • Set of heavy based pans • Lemon zester or the fine side of your grater • Reamer / juicer • Wooden spoon • Spatula • Sieve • 6 - 8 glass jars or tumblers INGREDIENTS POSSET • 600ml double cream • 150g of caster sugar • 2 medium sized unwaxed lemons COMPOTE • 350g frozen blueberries • 50ml water • 50g caster sugar BISCOTTI • 100g Organic plain flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 30g ground almonds • 50g whole skin on almonds • 75g caster sugar • 1 beat up egg • 3 drops of almond extract 26

METHOD Read through once and measure everything out before starting. POSSET Firstly, pour the cream into a pan on a moderate heat and bring gradually to the boil. Once bubbling add the caster sugar and whisk until dissolved then add the zest of one lemon and the juice of one lemon, taste the mixture and if not lemony enough add more lemon juice, don’t forget to leave a little juice for the blueberries. COMPOTE Whilst the cream is coming up to the boil add the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon juice and simmer and stir until a blue jam appears. Once you have a jam consistency remove from heat and divide into glass jars, allow to cool and then pour in the lemon posset mix and allow to cool - you can do this the other way round if you like, lemon first. Although this dessert can be quick setting you should make these the day before or first thing in the morning to be sure they will set ready for dinner. BISCOTTI Switch your oven on to 170˚C gas mark 3. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, ground almonds into a large mixing bowl then add the whole almonds, sugar and egg, mix together with a wooden spoon then bring the mix together with you hands into a dough. Place onto a floured tray and bake in the oven for half an hour and then allow to cool completely - by this time the possets should be starting to set. Once the biscotti is completely cooled slice it into thin slices and turn the oven down to 150oC, gas mark 2 and place back in the oven until crisp. SERVING SUGGESTION You could make smaller versions of these in shot glasses to serve at a party or as part of a trio of desserts and add lemon flavoured meringue and lavender scented sponge with whipped cream. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Kitchens with style – modern – contemporary – traditional Our Extensive range of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms will enable us to create the room of your dreams. Our Computer Aided Designs will give you the opportunity to experience your new room prior to installation.

For a free no obligation quote please call in at: 20 Finchfield Rd West, Finchfield, WV3 8AZ Telephone: 01902 761600 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

w w w. e a t o n k i t c h e n d e s i g n s . c o . u k 27


Father’s Day

H i s t o ry a n d t r a d i t i o n s the USA before the War, it has only been over a number of years that Father’s Day has come to be observed as regularly as is Mother’s Day. The commercial side to another day on which to buy things has not escaped the retailers in every High Street in the country, with predictable results. All the shops you can imagine, and some you probably can’t, are offering suitable gifts for Father’s Day. There is however a deeper significance attached to the day that is wholly of the 1980s. With the rise of the feminist movement and the general acceptance that men and women are equal in all respects, there has, without question, to be a day for thinking about and honouring fathers, as there is for mothers. How could it be otherwise? What is sauce for the goose.. after all!

The origin of Father’s Day is a bit of an import. It hails, as do so many other semicommercial innovations to our calendar, from the United States. Apparently way back in 1910, a certain Mrs John Bruce Dodd of Spokane, having thought up the idea, and having also made herself a nuisance to the Governor of Washington, got the day officially recognised by that poor gentleman, probably in self-defence. Then as now, there is no more determined person on earth, than the All American Matron with a cause on her mind. 28

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

However far you decide to go in remembering your father, it is worth bearing in mind that not only is it hard for the 21st century woman to assert her rights and take an equal place in society alongside her husband, it is equally hard for the 21st century man to adjust to the new set of circumstances. Not a point to be overlooked perhaps at the time when men’s rights are often overlooked and ignored. To have a mother after all, you have also to have a father. His contribution is just as vital to the production of children. On Father’s Day you have your opportunity to remember and acknowledge this, so the third Sunday in June is an important day to mark in anyone’s diary.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Headmaster David Williams said: “It is a very exciting time for Tettenhall College - we are expanding as a school, with lots of development within both the physical environment and the educational offering. Admissions are at an all-time high and we are looking forward to continued future success.

Bluebell Tettenhall College will open its grounds to hundreds of visitors when it hosts its annual Bluebell Walk this May. The School’s stunning woodland setting will come into bloom with a carpet of bluebells to compliment the huge variety of plants and trees which guarantee to enchant any visitor whatever their age. There will also be plenty of activities on offer to keep families entertained. Children will have a chance to encounter birds of prey and

WalK throughout the afternoon there will be face painting, craft stalls and an exciting treasure hunt. Representatives from Morgan Cars will also be there with a display of classic cars in the grounds. The school is currently undergoing an exciting multi-million pound development scheme, retaining its traditional, historic buildings and beautiful woodlands, but adding contemporary new amenities, including outstanding sports facilities and updated boarding accommodation.

“Our Bluebell Walk is an annual Tettenhall College tradition and is always extremely popular. We are lucky to have such a wonderful setting and this is a very special time of year. We look forward to welcoming the community for what promises to be a very enjoyable afternoon.” The Bluebell Walk takes place on Sunday 10th May from 1.00pm – 4.00pm and entrance is just £1 for adults and children are free of charge. Everyone is welcome to come and explore the grounds freely including our four-legged friends (provided they are on a lead). Refreshments and ice-cream will be available and the grounds are suitable for all ages. Anyone who would like to host their own craft stall should contact Penny Storey, Head of Marketing on 01902 751119.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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RACE FOR LIFE 2015

launches in Wolverhampton Wolverhampton women are being urged to sign up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2015. Every hour, more than three people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands. That’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women in Wolverhampton to fight back against this devastating disease by entering Race for Life 5k event at West Park on Wednesday 10 June.

advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the West Midlands. Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Emily continued: “Race for Life is to celebrate those who are with us, and also remember those who are not. The atmosphere is electric, our participants are so inspiring and we’re calling on the women of Wolverhampton to help make 2015 our best year yet.” Enter Race for Life today at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Emily Thompson, Cancer Research UK’s Wolverhampton Event Manager, said: “Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast, woman can choose to walk, jog, run or even dance around the course.” Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to

True Village Life by Robert Reade In 1996 I was asked about transport for horses to go on an organised ride, somewhere in Shropshire.

My response was, why go so far when we can arrange something in our own village? From that the Lower Penn Horse Parade was

born; in the space of fourteen days it was organised. The residents rose to the occasion and decorated the village in an Easter theme and the numerous horses and ponies, came from nearby stable yards all wearing their fancy dress outfits.

For many years it was held on Easter Monday but in the last two years we changed to the May Bank holiday to benefit from the warmer weather, so now our theme is Spring. My particular involvement is the heavy horses, this year’s parade will be led by two powerful Clydesdale mares named Ellie and Emma, backed by the members of the Midlands Heavy Horse Association and in particular my dear friends Eric and Pam Such from Redditch who have been supporting the parade since it started. We prepare the horses from 10am, and you are all welcome to watch and ask questions [look for the signs to the event on Langley Road, Lower Penn]. The parade will commence at approximately 11.45am passing

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the Greyhound Pub and stopping at the Victory Hall in Greyhound Lane. The Victory Hall, built over sixty years ago by the villagers, will be holding it’s annual Spring Fayre with traditional stalls and refreshments from 10.00am. This is all true village life and we look forward to seeing you on 4 May 2015. For further information please call Robert 07968 894668.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Spring into Creative Interiors

With a spring in our step we are celebrating our first year in our extended premises! Our main focus for the coming months is updating our windows and interior displays to inspire our customers with their schemes.

The days are getting longer so we have hit the ground running with some beautiful new collections. Featured here is Amazilia by Harlequin which embraces the trend for bringing the outdoors in. We offer a full made to measure curtain, blind and upholstery service to achieve this look. The team see the showroom as an extension of their homes, painting and wallpapering to show customers the latest colours and trends available. With an eye for detail and some creative flair, the garden can make as much of a style statement as the rest of your home. For the creative team this is an opportunity to use this space and create another ‘room’ to relax in. Follow us on facebook and sign up for our regular newsletter to keep up with all the latest updates or call in and meet the team.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Please come and browse in our fabulous extended showrooms at: 24-26 Finchfield Road West, Finchfield, Wolverhampton WV3 8AZ

01902 764123 Open: Mon 10am – 5pm Tues to Fri 9am – 5pm Sat 10am – 4pm

www.creativeinteriorswolverhampton.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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D ecki n g

and

garden

furniture

Today’s gardens are no longer patches where clothes may be dried and dad can spend weekends tending to a flourishing kitchen garden. They are extensions of the home in a very real sense. True there are still flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables but these are less important than the usable accommodation and general appearance of the plot. But people want even more from their gardens and seek designs for patio areas or decking where eating al fresco is just as convenient as having meals indoors. To cater for this growing trend, has come a whole industry devoted to providing you with what you want to help make the best use of the open space around your home. The concrete or paved patio has been popular for many years, but growing in popularity now is timber decking as the feel of seasoned wood blends with a garden in a way that the patio may lack in certain circumstances. It provides a raised level from which the garden may be enjoyed. However in some areas, decking may have to comply with building codes and regulations which may amongst other things, regulate setback distances, foundation and deck materials. Building a simple decking area can be achieved by the average DIY enthusiast as there are stockists for the specialist materials and appropriate fixings. Garden furniture has been the subject of a major revolution in design over recent years. Once upon a time, seating in the garden was a matter of canvas covered deckchairs, like those hired at the seaside, or basic wooden benchseats. Now all this has changed. The humble deckchair has been swept away by whole suites of 36

co-ordinated garden furniture that is more comfortable, elegant, and substantial in structure and quite spectacular to look at. Many supermarkets and most DIY stores and garden centres stock a whole range of patio sets comprising table and chairs made from all-weather resistant plastic resin and priced to suit the average pocket. These can usually be added to with the addition of a parasol fitted into a base through the table, and matching seat pads. Traditional tubular steel garden furniture is still popular with a full range of hammocks, loungers, relaxers and sunbeds, all easy to assemble, that come with a selection of fabric cushioning. Cast iron and cast aluminium tables, chairs and bench seating mostly now come in a variety of scrollwork and patterns. At the top of the range of garden furnishings, but still affordable, are sets of hardwood furniture with usual designs of tables, chairs, benches, swing seats, loungers and gazebos. This sturdily built furniture is often available to buy on a mix and match basis, so items may be added to as and when required or

when finances allow. Again extra seat cushions are usually available, as are parasols with a hardwood pole, wood or cast iron base, and heavy-duty, shower-resistant fabric. One can never really be sure of the British weather so no garden designed for outdoor entertaining, especially in the evening, is complete without an efficient patio heater designed for use with bottled gas which is hidden away inside the base unit. As a matter of safety, all outside patio and decking areas should be adequately lit, and specialist retailers will have a whole range for you to choose from. When designing a patio area or decking, allow enough room not only to just accommodate the furniture, one still has to move about and have room to cook at the barbecue. On top of all that a few tubs of flowers and plants will give a finish to the overall appearance. It is so easy to transfer your patio / decking area into a new, relaxing outdoor lounge. Just visit your local garden centre or specialist garden furniture suppliers, and you certainly will be spoilt for choice.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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

Bedrooms were once considered merely areas for sleeping, and even thirty years ago, they were very much bottom of the list when it came to providing furnishings and decor. There was certainly little attention paid to creature comforts and the character of those who would be occupying the room. Fortunately that attitude is very much a thing of the past. Bedrooms today are generally as comfortably furnished, as well appointed and as efficiently lit and heated as the best reception rooms in the house. Today’s bedrooms are rooms that are a pleasure to be in, a supreme comfort to sleep in and a reflection of their inhabitant’s character and good taste. Fashion affects every area of our lives and the matter of furnishing and decor is no exception. Thus

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

Fashions in bedrooms have changed a lot over the years. Once they were filled with dark, brooding furniture, massive in conception, that stood about the room taking up space but providing comparatively little in terms of storage. This was eventually banished by the fitted bedroom with furniture that rose from floor to ceiling. It provided vast quantities of storage space, ample space for clothes and, with a little ingenuity, even provided special areas for play for children, or for adults to perhaps use as a study or small work station. The advantages of fitted furniture are many. It has few dust traps, the materials from which it is made are easy to care for, all available space is utilised and it gives a co-ordinated and well-planned appearance. The wheel has turned full circle, and now free-standing furniture is once again, back in the ascendant. However, the advantages of the fitted fixtures have not been quite forgotten. The latest bedroom furniture is a judicious mixture of fitted and freestanding units so the owners get the best of all possible worlds. Perhaps the most important item in any bedroom is the bed itself. Most people spend between 6 - 8 hours in every 24, in bed, so it is essential that bed be comfortable and suit the person actually sleeping in it. There are literally hundreds of beds to choose from, including:-

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simple divans, king-sized and super-king-sized beds, pine-framed constructions, hand-crafted wrought-iron beds, four-posters, to the ultimate, the electronic bed that changes its contours, heats the mattress, provides gentle vibratory massage and sits you up according to the way you operate the controls. On the bed you will require the latest in bedding of course, and duvets are still popular being both comfortable in use and easy to care for. The bed linen to go with the duvet comes in a fantastic range of colours and patterns, and to give your bedroom that ‘all over’ look, you will be able to buy curtains, blinds and lampshades to tone in all round. Flooring is important in any bedroom. Long gone are the days when linoleum and rug were all that covered the floor. Fitted wall-to-wall carpeting is still the most popular although warm pine flooring with scatter rugs are certainly options to consider. Lighting is very important in any bedroom. Nobody nowadays will make do with a single ceiling pendant. Lighting should be adaptable to give strong directional light when needed and subtle, indirect illumination when it’s not. Most people find that no matter how big the room and how many fittings they have there is never enough storage space to accommodate all one wants to keep in the bedroom. There are dozens of items on the market designed to abandon clutter, including beds with storage drawers, shoe boxes and racks, drawer organisers, and compact clothes hangers that take more than one item of clothing thus utilising the maximum amount of wardrobe space. So there you have it, the bedroom of today, a room of subtle comfort and beguiling pleasure. A room to go happily to sleep in, to read in, to listen to the radio or watch TV in, certainly a room to spend a good twenty-five years of your life in!

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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built on solid foundations

long standing client, with the inclusion of comprehensive oak joinery throughout. Another project has been re-roofing a period barn with an original oak cut roof. This is in addition to fitting several kitchens and undertaking small plastering and joinery jobs.

Here at Build a Solution we pride ourselves in providing building, construction and design solutions founded on an attention to detail with an emphasis on skilled craftsmanship and the incorporation of traditional and modern building practices.

always looking for exciting and challenging new projects. We have recently undertaken a large groundworks project for the construction of a new premier dressage equestrian yard. Including a 7000 tonne dig out for an equestrian arena. A complete start to finish job. We have also been putting the finishing touches to a cottage that we built for a

Each member of the team offer up to 40 years’ experience in the building and construction industry and are fully certified and regulated by governing bodies such as gas safe, NICEIC and CPCS. Please feel free to contact us regarding any queries or advice and one of our friendly team will be happy to help.

Based near Brewood Staffordshire, we aim to create a project package to suit your individual needs. Each and every project is tailored to meet our clients' vision, taking into account any inspiration and ideas along the way, using our vast experience and expertise to create structural reality. Our extensive portfolio of high quality work, involving design and build of new homes, oak framed buildings, restorations, extensions, conversions, equestrian arena and groundworks and more, speaks for itself and we are 40

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


the solution to your building requirements call 07955 031 249 or 01902 844897

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Traditional & Eco New builds Extensions and alterations Oak timber frames Bespoke oak joinery Renovations Shop fitting and design Loft conversions Ground works Carpentry and joinery Electrical Plumbing heating All types of Roofing & lead work

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like us on facebook.com/buildasolution

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Benham Wolverhampton

The Road to Delhi put to use. It was a great insight so when thoughts of a long distance event were discussed 4250 miles to Delhi came up as a challenging yet achievable goal.

As hosts of the event and with support from other sponsors, Benham will be providing for all the needs of the cyclists throughout the ride. Benham are aiming to raise as much as they can, for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, no figure is being mentioned because the aim is to smash it. Throughout the run up to the event raffle tickets will be on sale with prizes being donated by BMW and MINI and many other generous supporters.

Benham BMW Wolverhampton this year are supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer with an ambitious event to be staged at the BMW Centre on June 20th and 21st.

So why Wolverhampton to Delhi? Punjabi Wolves work with projects in Delhi and a few years ago Jim was invited to go to Delhi to see how some of his earlier charity efforts had been

To keep up to date with all the preparations for the event follow Benham on Twitter @ BenhamBMW and don’t forget to call in during the event to offer encouragement to the cyclists during this huge challenge.

Benham have teamed up with Jim Bertram and his intrepid team of cyclists as they attempt to ride from Wolverhampton to Delhi, on static bikes, in a 24 hour period. It’s a massive total mileage of 4250 and will mean that each of the 10 riders will need to average 18 mph throughout the whole 24 hour period. An epic challenge I think you will agree. Jim is no stranger to long distance cycling and has previously completed other charity rides from Stoke to Glasgow and has recently ridden from Land’s End to John O’Groats. All great preparation for this huge challenge.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton Best Foot Forward Does your group need funds? Is it hard to organise your own fundraiser? We have a painless answer. The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton is staging a major charity fund-raiser at Aldersley Leisure Village on 18th July called Best Foot Forward. A community initiative devised by The Rotary Club of Wolverhanpton and supported by

You can tap into this event by getting your members to enrol for the event and then get supporters, family, colleagues and friends to sponsor them for the number of laps they complete – your group would retain 100% of the funds you raise. No need to dream up an event – to find a venue – to do all the organising. You don’t even have to produce your own sponsor forms. It’s a ready-made event on a plate. Just by taking part you will also help us release funds donated by community-minded Patrons for Acorns In the Black Country, Wolverhampton Samaritans and the Rotary Charitable Trust.

To be held on

Saturday 18th July, at Aldersley Leisure Village, from 8am until 8pm.

To find full information on the event, how to register and how to get your group’s Sponsor Forms, visit the event website at

www.wolverhamptonbestfootforward.com or call 07580 773876

rotary honours the memory of a past President Some years ago, the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton decided to set up an annual presentation to an apprentice at the Cosford RAF Museum Conservation Centre judged to be the Apprentice of the Year, as a memorial to Past President George Sidebotham. George served in the RAF and was Captain of a Lancaster Bomber at the age of 19 during the War and spent a number of years in Stalag Luft III including the time of the Great Escape, after being shot down over Holland returning from a mission. This year, sixty Rotarians and Guests from the Wolverhampton Club attended the APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR DINNER at Perton Park Golf Club on Thursday 5th March. The Official Guests include Daren Priddy, Manager, and Mick Shepherd, Training Manager, from the Michael Beetham Conservation cCentre, RAF Cosford, together with the current apprentices, some of whom gave a most interesting and informative illustrated

44

talk on their recent visit to the National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC, USA, where their training included working on both aircraft and space vehicles. Following this, the presentation was made of The George Sidebotham Lancaster Trophy by Peter Sidebotham, George’s son, to this year’s winner, 21 year old Ella Middleton whose specialist training at the centre has involved working mainly in sheet metal. She received a further prize from enthusiast Rob Davis and a cheque from Rotary President Mike Boyce. After the presentations, Chairman of the Clubs Youth and Community Services Committee, Brian Bailey announced a joint initiative with the Michael Beetham Centre aimed at assisting an apprentice visit to New Zealand, who are in the process of setting up their own Museum Conservation Centre, which will possibly take place later this year.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Competition Three lucky winners can each win two tickets to see THE MOUSETRAP on Monday 29th June at 7.30pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. THE MOUSETRAP returns to Wolverhampton from Monday 29th June to Saturday 4th July. The murder mystery is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre. The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed. In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

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

Previous cast photography

46

y Previous cast photograph

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send it on a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to Wolverhampton West Magazine or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk before Tuesday 2nd June 2015. Which of these is an Agatha Christie sleuth? Jessica Fletcher Jane Marple Molly Blume Nancy Drews Competition Terms and Conditions Please post all entries to Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk. To be received no later than Tuesday 2nd June 2015. Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the evening of the performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. If a winner has any access issues please let me know as this may affect the date of the tickets we have issues for this reason only we will exchange the tickets for the production. Entries will be forwarded to the Grand Theatre unless otherwise stated. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Write a Will!

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can appoint guardians to look after children should you or they die before the children reach 18.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Windows 10 Microsoft’s new operating system should be released in June, although no date has been set. It is believed that users with Windows 7 and 8.1 will be able to upgrade for free, certainly for the first year. Windows 8 users will need to update to 8.1 before being able to upgrade. The operating system is a big improvement on the unpopular Windows 8,

particularly with a Start Menu that resembles ones that users are familiar with from previous operating systems, although it is very large in order to combine traditional Windows Programs with Apps. There is no longer a switch from the Start screen with the tiles and the traditional desktop mode, and Internet Explorer is reputed to be finally disappearing, to be replaced by an improved browser. It is hoped that Microsoft have learned from the mistake of trying to combine two operating systems and come up with something a lot more user friendly.

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Exciting changes at

of advantages as an independent builders’ merchants, we’re not restricted like national companies to using only one supplier. We can sit down with any manufacturer and work out a deal and then we can pass the savings on to our customers directly.” “We’ve got the freedom to do things as we want to, which is really important to the business,” adds Barry.

Mark Charlton & Barry Smith

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

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

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

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

There will still be all of the same services and products on offer at both of OCL’s sites but the new one-stop-shop builders’ merchants will be the main focus. Procurement Manager, Barry Smith, explains: “We’re introducing new products all the time, soon we’ll have everything needed on-site to build a complete house from the foundations up.” A great deal of investment has been made in the business, along with an intake of experienced new staff members who’ve been brought in to manage the new aspect of the company.

Mark Charlton, Branch Manager, says: “We’ve got a new 26 tonne crane vehicle that’s just joined our fleet of delivery vehicles - which already includes two Tipper Transits and a Hi-ab lorry - it will really improve our delivery scope.” And there’s many delivery options available, to suit every client’s needs: “If you can’t collect, it’s no problem for us to deliver prices start at only £9.95.” In fact all of OCL’s customers benefit from competitive pricing, as Mark explains: “There’s plenty

Each part of the company has its own specialist, to help and advise both domestic and trade clients alike. “We’ve got a separate specialist for each department; landscaping, timber, bricks and blocks etc. Excellent and efficient customer service is really important to us,” explains Mark. OCL’s opening hours have been worked out with the customer’s needs in mind too: “We’re open from 7am until 5pm on weekdays during the winter months, and 7am until 6pm in the summer. We also open on Saturdays between 8am and 4pm.” “It makes a real difference to tradesmen to be able to get the materials they need early in the morning so that they can get on with the job they’re working on,” adds Barry.

“I joined the business recently from Jewson; I’ve worked in the trade for many years. Ashley Ibbs George, OCL’s Managing Director/ owner, brought me and Mark Charlton, also a long standing employee from Jewson, into the business to manage everything relating to the builders’ merchant aspect of OCL. Ashley recognises that we both have a wealth of 52

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Independently Better

LANDSCAPE AND BUILDING MERCHANT Hinksford Lane, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 0BH

• Sheet Materials, Various types of Cement, Lintels, Insulation, Joinery Timber, Standard Timber, Drainage, Fencing, Paving Slabs, Block Paving, Turf, Decking, Top Soil and Bark • Decorative Aggregates, Building Supplies, Bricks & Blocks, Timber Supplies, Astro-Turf, Sheds and Gas • Display Area • Delivery service available

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53


Try Safe Screen this Summer We all want to leave our windows and doors open during the summer months, but for most of us it’s just not practical. Firstly there’s the worry of a beloved family pet escaping through the open space and secondly there’s the constant threat of invasion from pesky wasps and flies. As a result, we suffer the heat and swelter in hot, stuffy rooms. But not for much longer, because Safe Screens have the perfect solution. Owner, Tom, explains: “Our house cat used to keep escaping through our open conservatory window, so I made a wood and stainless steel mesh screen to cover the open space.” “The screen kept the cat inside, allowed fresh air in and prevented flies from getting in, so I decided to make more screens for other windows and doors in our home.” Seeing how brilliantly the screens worked, Tom decided to start his own business, Safe Screen: “Every screen we sell is handmade and designed to fit each of our customers’ individual windows or doors. They fit neatly, have extremely good optical clarity, are robust, waterproof and have good air flow. They meet food hygiene regulations too, making them ideal for use in all kitchens - both domestic and commercial.” “Our Solar Control meshes eliminate the need for dangerous fly sprays and keep your environment cool which is ideal for homes and offices. Our Pollen Screens help allergy sufferers by filtering birch, grass and stinging nettle pollen, whilst keeping insects out too.”

The screens fit all windows and doors; including sash, French and most types of Velux windows, as well as internal and external single, double and sliding doors. They are attached to the frames using hinges and turnbuckles, Velcro or magnetic strip. They’re aesthetically pleasing and blend with your current frames - you can choose to have them in brown or white. “We did a lot of research to find good quality components that look attractive and are, of course, strong enough to do the job,” adds Tom.

New For 2015 Make your home a fly free zone With added security from our new Heavy Duty secure door with stainless steel. Amplimesh and the fly screen mesh also designed to deter the opportunist snatch and run thief. For a free no obligation quote on all jobs small or large, please call Tom on 01902 497703 or 07762 939567, covering all surrounding areas.

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“Our Pet Screens are fitted with claw and scratch resistant polyester mesh - great for dogs, cats and birds.” 54

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


In your garden

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Spring ahead

Garden Magic Ltd is now in its 11th year of trading and has grown considerably since starting life in 2005.

At that time they just marketed garden watering systems which they imported from Australia. Then in 2007 they introduced garden lighting into the range; at the same time expanding their installation service. Large contracts soon followed including Lord Saville’s Estate in Yorkshire (now owned by a billionaire businessman) and Marks & Spencer’s headquarters building in London. Marks & Spencer HQ building, London - part of the roof garden, Garden Magic supplied and installed the irrigation system

Recently there has been a trend to highlight garden features such as ornamental shrubs, trees, patios and paths. This is done with discrete low voltage lighting which is both easy and safe to install; and is more reliable than solar (although Garden Magic do have a good range of quality solar lights). Operating in winter months too, garden lighting provides a safe “lived-in” look whilst lighting paths and driveways. Clever timers are available which switch garden lights on at dusk and off after a pre-set number of hours. Most of Garden Magic’s customers install their watering and lighting systems themselves; the Garden Magic team being available to answer any queries. However for those who don’t have the time or inclination to “do it yourself” Garden Magic’s professional installation team is ready and waiting. Gordon Essex the systems designer and director is happy to visit with the head of the Installation Team, Phil Law, to measure up gardens and discuss options for lighting or watering. Garden Magic’s website: www.waterbymagic.com is available 24/7. The firm are main dealers for the Luxform and Techmar lighting range, Hunter irrigation controllers and lawn sprays, as well as having a number of products manufactured exclusively for them.

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57


The growing season has

aRRiVed

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

As May starts so hopefully it begins to feel like summer is on its way, but beware late frost during the first part of May that can spoil the fruit blossoms and kill any tender plants put outside too soon. Sow or plant salad crops fortnightly. Don’t plant out tomato plants or cucumbers until it’s warmer at night – they soon go blue if they’re cold! Start them off inside making sure they have some heat at night. Spray gooseberries against American mildew and Sawfly – they can strip a plant almost overnight. Cover fruit bushes with netting to stop the birds getting your fruit before you do. Spray fruit trees before flowers open and after fruit has set to keep bugs and diseases under control.

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

Marigolds, Begonias, Impatiens and Geraniums until the beginning of June if necessary. Water well to get established, then, feed fortnightly and dead head regularly. Hoe borders frequently, preferably on a nice sunny day and any weeds that are beginning to get established will wilt and die off quickly; regular hoeing will also allow air into the top layer of soil and encourage root growth.

Watch out for slug damage on young herbaceous plants, and summer bedding such as Marigolds. ‘Slug Gone’ is a relatively new product that is made from wool, which you put round the base of plants and once dampened its small fibres act as an irritant to slugs. Summer bedding can be planted outside from the end of May onwards, so long as we aren’t getting any late frosts. Antirrhinums, Asters and Lobelia first, leaving

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

OPEN DAILY

Tel 01902 700209 Lealans own brand compost – 80 litre bags, only £12.69 for 3 bags Hanging Baskets now being accepted for summer refilling. Open over May Bank Holiday. Huge range of top quality shrubs, trees, roses, alpines and herbaceous plants always in stock

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

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Create lush gardens in an instant with mature hedging By Steve Tonks, General Manager at Boningale Garden Creations

Most homeowners need some kind of secure decorative element around their boundary partition, but have you considered hedging - choosing green over stone, fencing or wood can create a beautiful natural garden. Using the right kind of hedging can enhance a garden, and provide a stunning natural backdrop that offers privacy, security and excellent protection from the elements. Natural hedging suits properties of all ages – it can create a warm natural atmosphere in a country garden, soften the surroundings of a city garden and add structured clean lines to a modern garden. Plus, what many people don’t realise is that you can buy hedging in all growth forms, from 1 year old up to fully mature 8ft hedges in a choice of varieties according to your garden aspect and soil condition, including indigenous, exotic, flowering, ever-green and fruit bearing.

conifer hedge with a 6ft Hornbeam deciduous hedge. The result is a much thinner and easy- tomanage hedge, which is aesthetically pleasing with its beautifully veined green and yellow leaves. For further information and advice on choosing a lush green boundary partition or a privacy enhancing decorative hedge, please visit www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk, email inspiration@boningale.co.uk or call us on 01902 376500. From our award winning garden design associate, Andi Way, to our horticultural specialists and project management team, who oversee and manage the project from start to finish, you can be assured of expert advice every step of the way.

The advantage with the fully grown option is there is no need to wait ten or more years for it to mature – it’s rare that you can achieve such instant results in gardening. We’ve used fully-grown hedging on a number of garden designs; one of the most dramatic transformations was when we replaced an out-of-control 8ft tall

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Sizzling Summer Food at

R J Hipkiss & Sons Butchers

We believe in providing our customers with the very best quality locally sourced beef, lamb, pork and English poultry.

All our meat can be traced back to its origin. of Also available an extensive range r in store cooked meats, sliced to you e and preference, handmade pastry’s, pat ally salads for all occasions and all loc Superb! sourced from the best suppliers…

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’S e R e H T , S n o S d n A S AT R J H iP k iS ne! o y R e v e R o f g in H T e SoM 60

Open: Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 6.00pm, Sunday 8am to 4pm Tel: 01902 745956 wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


www.rjhipkissandsons.co.uk

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are All the summer barbecue favourites ection back! Spatchcock chickens, great sel , of marinated grill sticks, bbq pork ribs culent wide range of meaty sausages, suc handmade burgers and lots more! A superb selection of marinates, oils and glazes. Choose any flavour you like and have it on anything you wa nt. Tried and tested flavours plus new arrivals including Jim Beam Bourbo n sauce and new marinates that are bursting with high impact flavours. uding stir-frys and Gluten Free products available incl much be used on anything! sausages, new oils that can pretty ntia l) wer e wel l kno wn (an d late ly Dai sy Fres h and Esse deli cate sse n. “Fo r 37 yea rs, Dai sy Free zer and ts mea lity lly sou rced qua for sup plyi ng a ran ge of loca food dep artm ent hav e ard and the team at his fres h it is fan tast ic to see how Rich r stor e in Com pto n. Spa don and Mal colm Cru mps bec ome the new feat ure of gor y yea rs - his exp erie nce and ent man age r for dai sy for man Rich ard was the mea t dep artm s tha t the sec tion enjo yed . t of the rea son for the suc ces eye for qua lity was a maj or par deta il by his team , now ed with care and atte ntio n to par pre , rced sou lly loca ts, Loc al mea dai sy trad ition �. Mik e Boy ce a fab ulou s con tinu atio n of the incl udin g my son Jas on, - its

The Swan Centre, Bridgnorth Road, Wolverhampton WV6 8AE (based in the Spar store) www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

61


Knights of Middle England star at Kinver Country Fayre Top UK jousting display team, The Knights of Middle England, will be topping the bill on Sunday 21st June at Kinver Country Fayre. The team is well known for its action-packed displays showcasing superb horsemanship, which has featured in numerous TV shows and films such as Merlin and The Da Vinci Code. “We are particularly proud to be welcoming the Knights to the Fayre.” said Brian Ashmead, one of the organisers. “They really do put on an amazing show and as Kinver is their only appearance in the Midlands this year,

we feel particularly privileged.” Of course visitors can expect a wide range of other entertainment including live music, dance, falconry, football, rugby, medieval minstrel Wynndebagge and the popular fun dog show – not to mention Mad Dominic the stilt walker. Children will find plenty to occupy them with donkey rides, bouncy castles, face painting, traditional games and fun challenges with Kinver Scouts. Then there are shire horses, Icelandic horses and feathered friends from Owls on the Prowl. There’s food to suit every taste from a host of catering stalls, local ale in the beer tent and a taste of summer at the Pimms stall. Tea and homemade cakes await those taking a well-earned rest from browsing the stalls. Stalls this year are offering an even wider range of goods, crafts, arts, jewellery, decorative items, candles, plants, pottery, woodwork, toys, clothing, items for gardeners and animal lovers – not to mention the delicious produce in the fine food tent. Specialist stalls are selling country liqueurs, wines, preserves, garlic, chilli’s, scotch eggs, pies and puddings - to name but a few.

Traditional entertainment, music. dance, family fun and fine food

The event kicks off at 11am with a parade through the High Street. Find out more about this traditional family day out at www.kinvercountryfayre.com 62

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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

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

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

Pattingham Drama Group to come and see. Ayckbourn at his best and a wonderful way to experience amateur theatre done well.

Looking for a fun night out? This classic farce promises to be fast, furious and huge fun-certainly a laugh a minute. Directed by Henry Ibberson and involving eight members of the Group, this will be a great show

Why not come to Pattingham Village Hall to see this famous farce. It is on from Wednesday 13th May to Saturday 16th May in the Hall from 7.30pm. Pattingham Drama Group is a voluntary group formed over 50 years ago and they present at least 2 shows a year. They will be doing a pantomime just before Christmas. Thank you.

For more details contact Colin Ringrose: 01902 700340 or colinringrose@waitrose.com www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Corbelli’s LITTLE ITALY DELI

EstaBLIshED 1965

Tel: 01902 630994 Open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm

www.littleitalydeli.co.uk Sole distributor for Armani Water in the UK and Ireland.

43 LoWEr LIchfIELD STrEET, WILLEnhALL WV13 1QQ Easy accEss from thE motorway

✁ Spend £25

receive a frEE bottle of Wine when you present this coupon

Hundreds of authentic Italian Wines · Cheeses Olives · Pastas Parma Ham Coffees · Breads

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FRESH, AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE

QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICE

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Multi-Award-Winning Fish and Chips

One visit and you’ll be hooked.

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

TASTY FOOD WORTH THE TRAVEL!

Fresh fish from sustainable waters Top quality fresh ingredients delivered daily Oil purifying equipment in daily use Fast and friendly service Large orders catered for (Factories, Offices, Church Functions, etc) Battered or plain chips available

FREE BAG OF REGULAR CHIPS*

with Kebabs, regular size Fish and Pies. Simply present this voucher in May and June 2015. Ref: WW *offer valid against a maximum of 2 portions per voucher, no photocopies

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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would be interested in marine antiquity. All and sundry came to the auction and it sold for £52,000.” The gavel came down on it for a London company famed for its walking sticks.

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

Meet the boss (both of them)

The time travellers with a ‘Tardis’ of treasures They are purveyors of the past, modern-day time travellers, who, by walking just a few paces in their daily workplace, can span the signposts of history. Meet Denis and John Ridgway – antique dealers extraordinaire – and owners of one of the most fascinating collectors’ emporiums in the Midlands. The brothers have been in business together for more than 30 years and it shows. Joined at the hip with a disarming charm that is both knowledgeable and astute, it’s easy to understand why their two businesses continue to attract global interest; not to mention the odd television news crew or millionaire on a mission for something uniquely memorable.

“I never tire of it,” says Denis. “You never know what a day can bring, what surprises from history will appear from the jewellery, fine porcelain, pictures, furniture or other collectable we have come in.” He adds: “Here’s an example… Three years ago a lady in her 70s asked a young couple to bring in a walking stick to inquire if it was worth anything. “It was a perfect example of a carved, whalebone and walrus tusk, marine collectable, walking stick, inlayed with giant tortoiseshell. Made around 1820, it looked like it had been carved yesterday. A fantastic example of a scrimshaw’s work, in fact it was so good my brother and I were convinced it was a fake. “I didn’t tell the young couple that I thought it wasn’t the real thing, but said I was unsure of the value and would do research.” John takes up the story: “We made some phone calls and came out with a value of 22,000 dollars for this stick from Boston [USA], which was more than likely carved by a sailor working on a whaling ship. “We put it in the catalogue, emailed every museum across America and all our contacts who we knew

“It emerged the lady who owned the stick had married an American. When he was in his 20s he showed her the stick and she thought nothing of it. It was wrapped in newspaper and put on the top of a wardrobe and there it stayed. “It’s now listed as one of the most important pieces of American history ever found,” adds John. A year later, says Denis, someone brought in seven silver spoons from the period of Henry VIII. They went to auction and sold for £36,000. “It’s the handling of history, the research, the excitement of discovery… I love my work,” adds the former accountant, who confesses he got bored with figures. The brothers’ businesses moved from High Town to its present premises in Mill Street in 1996. The Old Mill Antiques Centre is open seven days a week, is home to 40 dealers who rent cabinets and floor space, holds auctions on the first Tuesday of every month and has a popular tea room that’s open every day 10am – 4pm. Says John: “The experience here can be a day out in its own right. There’s a vast array of things and often people who come to auctions make a day of it and eat at the tea room.” Valuations are held each Wednesday between 10am and 4pm.

Humorous, engaging and every bit as theatrical as any specialist appearing on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, the Denis and John double act quickly get to work to explain what makes them tick running the Old Mill Antiques Centre and sister business, Perry & Phillips Auctioneers (established 1835), in Bridgnorth’s Low Town. Their enthusiasm is infectious as they carefully navigate the floor space of their neatly stacked treasure trove, the largest place of its kind in Shropshire. 66

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

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Old Mill Antique Centre

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

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

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

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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THE IDEAL VENUE for

WEDDINgs

C h r i s t e n i n g s , B i r t h d ay s , a n n i v e r s a r i e s & W a k e s The Wergs

For more information please call:

Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8UA

01902 742 225

e info@wergsgolfclub.com

www.wergsgolfclub.com

Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa

Weddings at Albrighton Hall EXCITING NEWS FOR ALL BRIDES AND GROOMS TO BE‌ Albrighton Hall has just completed a stunning refurbishment of the Albrighton Suite, the most popular wedding room with gold ornate balustrade, state of the art lighting and elegant granite bar. Two of the finest bedrooms in the hotel have been fully redecorating with a classic but contemporary twist, and more refurbishment of the grounds and Spa are also planned over the next few months, so very exciting times ahead, the perfect time to book your complimentary showround. For more information on the hotel, please call 01939 291000, email h6629@accor.com or visit www.mercureshrewsbury.co.uk

Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa, Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AG Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to keep up to date with what’s going on 68

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Eating Out and Entertainment

*over a 2 month period

Promote your venue to over 50,000* readers with Wolverhampton West magazine. For further details contact Gisella on: 01902 744217

Fathers Day Sunday 21st June 2015

Treat dad to a Fathers Day he won’t forget at Molineux Stadium. Enjoy pitch side views from The Hayward Suite or Sir Jack’s Restaurant while you dine, a special gift for Dad of a framed family photo and a stadium tour are also included. Hayward Suite Carvery: £23.50 per person Sir Jacks Restaurant: £25.50 per person 0871 222 2220 candb@wolves.co.uk corporatewolves.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

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

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

fabrics, moodily lit and chock-full of returning regulars the sense of occasion is not lost on us. Primed and ready we await what new head chef Matt has in store. But first, wine. Well, it’d be rude not to, wouldn’t it?

What better, I think, than some more of the delicious white wine, Long Acre, that I sampled earlier; if it’s good enough to be sold in Marks & Spencer, then it’s more than good enough for me. It really brings new meaning to the phrase, “house wine”, I exclaim to my long-suffering partner. She sighs. I then quote W.B Yeats: ‘Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye.’ She weeps, with despair, and then snaps, “Stop your whining and drink your wine!” The arrival of some locally sourced (a theme of the entire evening) bread punctuates the moment. Replete with a knob of butter, it’s yum. With only the merest moment of delay the friendly and competent waiting staff – now knowingly ignoring my silly Basil Fawlty quotes like: “It’s a pleasure to meet people who appreciate the boudoir of the grape” – serve the starters; my duck – oh yes! – and Nicola’s salmon. The ‘Duck Fillet’ is served on a carrot and coriander frittata with damson sauce. It is a symphony of colour, packed to the gunwales with flavour and blessed with a fine cut of succulent game. Nicola’s ‘Lemon Vodka Cured Salmon’, I am told, is stuffed to the gills with tasty character; “a deliciously piquant aspic,” she says. Since I don’t know what this actually means, I’ll continue. Next up: a delicately nuanced take on ‘Leek and Potato Soup’, which

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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

and chocolates, which is a nice touch and goes someway to satisfy Nicola’s considerable sweet tooth. Now I know what you’re thinking: “how do I get a table before they all get booked up next mont?” Firstly you’ll need to know the next few dates: 15th May; 12th June; 10th July. And secondly: don’t panic, even if you can’t beat the rush to get in next month, Halfpenny

Green is about to launch a new daytime menu, which offers a cornucopia of goodies on a daily basis - as does the vineyards’ very own “Vintage High Tea (24 hours’ notice required), from £15.50 per person”. So it’s easy to sample the vineyards’ culinary wares. There’s really no place better to un-wine-d than at Halfpenny Green.

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

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

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Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

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

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

High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DN

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com

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

ONE COURSE: £11.95 TWO COURSE: £14.95 THREE COURSE: £17.95 CHILDREN UNDER 12 (ONE COURSE): £6.95 Also serving Breakfast, morning Coffee, Lunches and Afternoon Teas

2 foR £12 Mon to sAt lunChtiMEs 12pM – 3pM Bookings ADVisABlE Bookings now BEing tAkEn foR fAthER’s DAY sunDAY 21st JunE 2015 3 COURSE LUNCH ADULTS £19.95 CHILDREN UNDER 12 £11.95 the wergs

Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West midlands Wv6 8UA e info@wergsgolfclub.com

www.wergsgolfclub.com

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fOR fURTHER INfORmATION ON GOLf, DINING OR fUNCTIONS OR TO mAKE A

BOOKING pLEASE CALL

01902 742 225 wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


with master chef Mario and his enthusiastic team

Serving Fine Italian and English Cuisine including Traditional Black Country favourites

Bully’s MiDweek hat-trick! 3 course meal for only £11.95 per person Choice menu of both Italian and English food or

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

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

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

to avoid disappointment please book:

situated at:

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

4a upper Green, tettenhall wV6 8QQ ample Free Parking 73


Historic charisma, good honest food and a

sprinkling of magic

It’s place that attracts all ages – and plenty of them – drinkers, diners and live musiclovers. The Shrewsbury Arms pulls off this remarkable fusion across the generations seamlessly. John Nash books a table in search of this magical symmetry. 74

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


B A R & R E S TAU R A N T

Think friendly, think relaxed, think gold standard service, think pub. Now combine this warm, slightly intoxicating hospitality with some serious cooking, tasteful surroundings and there you have it – the elixir of life in a glorious potent amalgam of pleasure. Quite how the family-run Shrewsbury Arms has pulled off this alchemy so successfully puzzles me, but the dining experience at this lovely, old timber-framed building with its converted skittle alley, is certainly one I’m planning to repeat. The building, described as “once an old spit and sawdust” pub, sits opposite the beautiful St Mary Magdalene Church on the edge of Albrighton, near Wolverhampton. Its choice setting and, quite apart from the food, an inviting beer garden is another reason to return. I wanted the evening to be special – my loyal friend Gill had recently helped me in a marathon hall, stairs and landing decorating escapade – and she welldeserved a gastronomic treat. Eating out somewhere new when you wish to impress is always a lottery, but the outing did not disappoint, evolving into one of those rare, perfect events that linger in the memory. Maybe it’s the historical charisma, the live music seeping unobtrusively into the dining area, the ambiance, an infectiously happy party of 30 or so marking a relative’s 80th birthday, or the attentive but not invasive waitresses busying themselves around the covers that defines this place. And perhaps it could be the friendly bar staff, who on a busy Friday night still had time for small talk as the drinks were being served. It’s hard to say, but the Shrewsbury Arms’ crowning glory has to be its good, honest food and an indefinable sprinkling of magic. The menu is comprehensive but not extensive, a good sign I believe as it shows confidence in the chef Andy Eaton’s creations. A cheeky chappie with a stage presence, he is passionate about serving up “a taste buds experience” even when a huge party of diners could seriously impact on kitchen service. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

I noted those in the celebration party were served almost simultaneously with a military efficiency. For starters I plumped for the breaded Brie (£4.75), served with cranberry compote and a selection of baby leaves. The Brie was piping hot, the bread crumbs crisp and cranberries not over-stewed, providing the perfect texture and slightly tart accompaniment for the none-too-over-ripe French cheese. Presentation on a trendy slate was a nice touch. My friend went for the breaded whitebait (£5.50) complemented with a watercress salad and a lemon and chive mayo. Verdict: Scrumptious. For mains my choice was easy. I’m a lover of seafood and the prospect of tucking into monkfish (£17.95), wrapped in Parma ham, easily tempted me. Stuffed with pine nuts and spinach, this sweet, white, naturally meaty fish tail section was cooked splendidly. It’s a fish that will stand some strong flavours as bedfellows, but the simplicity of the stuffing in the steaks readily expose the taste. Served with French beans and sautéed potatoes, I could have lingered much longer with this dish. Gill settled for slow-cooked lamb shank (£15.95) with garlic and rosemary confit cherry tomatoes on a bed of braised red cabbage. Offered with sweet potato mash and a minted jus it was not difficult for her to clear the platter. Verdict: “That was yummy.” The meal was finished with a peach melba sundae, rammed with fruit and coulis ice cream, and my friend’s favourite Cheshire farm dairy Cointreauinfused and vanilla ice cream (both £5.25). Washed down with a bottle of crispy Pinot Grigio (£16.50) we finally departed gastronomically satisfied but wanting much more of this experience. To make a reservation call 01902 373003 or email: theshrewsburyarms@gmail.com 70 High Street, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV& 3LA www.theshrewsburyarms.com 75


Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)

Indian Cuisine The Kings Repose have been awarded a 5 star award from rate my place for Kitchen Hygiene.

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

Misbah the master chef can cook anything to suit customers requirements. All of the superb mouthwatering dishes being freshly prepared at the time of ordering, using only the finest produce.

01902 307846 01902 738299

Described by many customers as a culinary experience of a lifetime.

Eat in or take away

B A R & R E S TAU R A N T

MID-WEEK

FIXED PRICE MENU

SERVED FROM 12 - 5PM MONDAY - FRIDAY

Menu changes weekly

NEW STEAK NIGHT

every Thursday Receive a FREE bottle of wine with every two Steaks ordered!

FULL NORMAL MENU SERVED 7 DAYS A WEEK, 12 NOON UNTIL 10PM.

THE SHREWSBURY ARMS HAS A BEER GARDEN, LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS, FISH & FIZZ FRIDAYS, GIFT VOUCHERS, SMALL SEMI-PRIVATE EVENTS AND MORE.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Patshull Patshull Park Park Golf Golf and and Resort Resort Hotel Hotel PPa at t ti ni ng ghha amm, ,NNr rWo Wol vl veer rhha ammppt toonnW WVV6677HHRR

Wedding WeddingShowcase Showcase Sunday Sunday10th 10thMay May

Come Comealong alongbetween between10.00am 10.00amand and3.00pm 3.00pmtotoview viewour ourbeautiful beautiful Wedding WeddingSuite Suiteoverlooking overlookingthe theGreat GreatLake. Lake.

Free Freeentry entry

‘May ‘MayFair’ Fair’with withAndrew AndrewLloyd Lloyd Wednesday Wednesday20th 20thMay May

Shop Shopfrom from5.30pm, 5.30pm, dinner dinnerfrom from7.30pm. 7.30pm. AnAnevening eveningofofshopping, shopping, flower flowerarranging arranging& &laughter. laughter.

£24.50 £24.50per perperson person

Royal RoyalAscot AscotLadies LadiesDay Day Thursday Thursday18th 18thJune June

Full Fullhospitality hospitalityand andLive Livebigbigscreen screenracing. racing. Dress Dresstotoimpress! impress!

only only£45.00 £45.00per perperson person

Fathers FathersDay Daywith withChris ChrisPriest Priest Sunday Sunday21st 21stJune June

Great Greatviews viewsfrom fromour ourLakeside LakesideRestaurant, Restaurant, Great Greatfood foodfrom fromChef ChefMalyon, Malyon, magic magicfrom fromChris ChrisPriest Priestaccompanied accompaniedwith withRichard RichardHarvey Harveyononthe thepiano. piano.

£19.95 £19.95per peradult, adult,£9.70 £9.70per perchild child Look Look usus upup onon Trip Trip Advisor Advisor T:T:01902 01902700100 700100 E: E:sales@patshull-park.co.uk sales@patshull-park.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

www.patshull-park.co.uk www.patshull-park.co.uk77


royal

Flush Our editor Geoff Hall follows in the footsteps of royalty to bring you an inside look at the King’s Repose, Featherstone.

The Kings Repose, New Road, Featherstone, Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

To book a table please call 01902 307846 or 01902 738299 78

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


It’s funny how the brain works. That tangled electro-chemical web is made up of billions of neurons, all bouncing messages around for purposes that are largely of no consequence whatsoever to mankind. Here is a case in point. It’s nothing more than a causal connection that I made just now, after thinking back to last night’s fine dining with friends at the King’s Repose Indian restaurant in Featherstone: There I was just inside the entrance, chatting and being a model paradigm of wit and joviality, when I saw the Bombay Mix on the table. My dining companions - partner Gisella; friends, Brian and Sam Saunders - all remarked upon how nice it was to see the spicy mix of dried peanuts, chickpeas, curry leaves, corn, rice, lentils and onion. So often conspicuous by its absence in other curry houses, plainly the King’s Repose had scored highly already. But more specifically, that humble bowl of goodies has just sparked a flashback to a story from two years ago relating to The Queen and her fury after discovering that royal protection officers had been helping themselves to her Bombay Mix and nuts in Buckingham Palace. A quick Google tells us that: ‘Palace officials sent a memo to royal protection officers warning them to “keep their sticky fingers out”; after Her Majesty noticed the snacks

were disappearing. The Queen became so incensed that she even began marking the bowls to check if the levels were dropping.’ The fact that I should remember the story when reviewing the appropriately regal King’s Repose made me smile - but not as much as our party did last night, however. Much merriment began with chatting and the aforementioned nibbles at the bar/ lounge space downstairs, before continuing up into the restaurant above. The King’s Repose is very olde worlde inside, not at all what you’d expect from the usual Indian restaurant; so often they can be modern to the point of being soulless, but not here. Here there are exposed beams, portraits of Charles II and Oliver Cromwell on the walls, antique swords trussed to the converted-barn walls and all manner of paraphernalia peculiar to a theme loosely connected to the buildings history, which is reputedly said to be on the site of one of Charles II’s many hiding places. Once upstairs and seated we take full advantage of our friends’ intimate knowledge of the restaurant, which has been located on New Road, amid a delightfully pastoral idyll consisting of mature trees and manicured lawns, for more years than either of them can remember. Eating at the restaurant on an almost weekly basis, they cite the excellent valuefor-money food, friendly staff and the restaurant’s unique atmosphere as the main attractions. Speaking of eating, it’s time to get to it: chop, chop, as the chef said to the waiter.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

We start, as is traditional, with a poppadom and mint sauce. We order our starters from a menu bursting with temptingly tantalising treats. Gisella plumps for the ‘Murgh Tikka’ (£3.50) – boneless chicken, marinated in mild sauce, cooked in tandoor – whereas I go for ‘Lai Bagun’ (£3.95) – Beef, tomato filled with spiced chicken chat, cooked tandoori style and served with salad. Both dishes arrive quickly and are piping hot, having been delivered by personable waiting staff. Special mention goes to the fine quality of the beef, which is both tender and tasty, but each dish is very well received. Attention to detail when presenting food is clearly a high priority at King’s Repose. Now to the mains: King’s Repose Chicken Tikka Vindaloo (£8.95) from the ‘Old Favourites’ section of the menu and, from the ‘House Specialities’ board, ‘Chamura Bengali’ (£17.95), which consists of king prawns and breast of chicken in a signature sauce. Gisella polishes off every morsel of her vindaloo and is full of praise for what she calls “an expertly-judged juxtaposition of flavours; familiar yet fresh; spicy but not to the detriment of the overall dish.” In short, it’s delicious. My choice leaves my taste buds overwhelmed with joy; the dish explodes with rich textures and rewards the sophisticated palate. The prawns are crisp and well-cooked; the sauce is exquisite. The white wine we have on the table complements it well. And so to dessert - Mangobased Kulfi Indian Ice Cream (£2.50) - which we elect to share. It’s a sweet and successful way to end. And now, with the sheer volume of restaurant reviews that I have under my belt causing my brain to flag, I must try to end anew this restaurant review. How about a word of advice I wonder? Yes that’s it: be sure to book your table in advance, dear reader, as the restaurant can get extremely busy, especially at weekends. It’s a no-brainer, really.

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Kors £315

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

Versace Jeans £130

Vivienne Westwood £279

Michael Kors £240

Michael Kors £170

g a B y v n E

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Ted Baker £119

Armani Jeans £125

Ted Baker £169

Armani Jeans £165

Armani Jeans £115

Lulu Guinness £245

Armani Jeans £95


essential summer style: Essential Summer Style 1

The Pixie Crop Made famous in 1966 by Twiggy, the ‘elfin crop’ became an instant hit, establishing itself as an iconic look in the hair world. It’s a style that’s been worn by some of the world’s most beautiful women; Kate Moss, Halle Berry and Anne Hathaway, to name a few, and it’s guaranteed front page headlines for all of them. It’s an attention-grabbing style that could be perfect for you; Nick explains the look: “If you’re dreaming of a new look this summer and are looking to make a dramatic statement, then go for a personalised pixie style. There’s endless options and we can tailor the look to enhance your features, suit your face shape and fit in with your lifestyle.” When cut by a skilled stylist the pixie style is an incredibly versatile style: “You can wear your hair smooth and sleek for a professional look, ultra texturised for off-duty style or finished with volume and curl for full-on red carpet glamour.” “The key to a perfect pixie this season is all about using powerful colouring techniques to ensure that the cut stays feminine and the face is framed with lighter and brighter layers of colour to add a natural sun-kissed feel.’’

At this time of year there’s plenty to look forward to; whether that’s jetting off to a sun-soaked beach abroad, taking a trip somewhere closer to home or attending a special occasion with family and friends. 82

That’s why there’s no better time to update your look with a fabulous new hairstyle that’ll be perfect for everything you’ve got planned. Knowing where to start isn’t easy though, you need professional advice to get it right, that’s why we’ve teamed up with the experts at Royston Blythe Group who have recently won the title of Midlands Hairdresser of The Year, so that we can bring you the top three essential styles you should be considering this season.

Essential Summer Style 2

The Tousled Bob The tousled bob has been resurrected this season and Jessica Alba is just one of the A-listers who’ve jumped on the trend. Her above-the-shoulder bob has real appeal and is perfect for understated daytime glamour. “It works for yummy mummies on the school run as much as celebrity A-listers gracing the red carpet. This season’s version of the bob combines loose, tousled waves that are perfectly polished with a

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


dried-in-the-breeze style, finished with an ecaille colour technique.” Ecaille (meaning Tortoiseshell in French) is the name for a new colouring technique that has evolved from the ombre trend that’s been around for the last few seasons. “It’s a more sophisticated and subtle version of ombre and is perfect for creating rich, warm, sun-kissed looking hair. Using smooth caramel

tones we create a slightly richer and darker version of a natural hair colour before pairing it with golden highlights to add interest.” “The perfect ecaille bob mimics the natural bleaching effect caused by exposure to the sun and is healthy and shiny looking, that’s why it’s perfect for summer.”

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

Essential Summer Style 3

The Summer Blow-out There’s no beating big, beautiful, sexy long hair. No matter what the season it’s guaranteed to get you looking gorgeous and always gets you noticed. “During the summer months textures should be soft and styles loose, feminine and unstructured. At this time of year it’s more important than ever to keep long hair in excellent condition by using deep conditioning masks that will nourish and revitalise long locks and serve to protect from the damage caused by heat, chlorine and salt water.” Long hair looks beautiful when it’s coloured with natural-looking highlights: “Our colour experts will www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

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Beauty is

in the detail Our latest Lumina therapy offers treatment for:

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


A modern twist on Cleopatra’s

beauty secret

Faye Wozniak – skin peels can offer a more youthful appearance Egyptian artistry, education and attention to beauty set a benchmark in cultural history and few figures of the passing ages match the political prowess of charismatic Cleopatra VII who ruled from 51BC to 30BC. Famed for affairs with Roman rulers, Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, this Queen of Egypt was a highly intelligent and beautiful woman. Obsessed with preserving her skin – ancient Egyptians regarded beauty as a sign of holiness – she regularly bathed in milk. Legend has it that no less than 700 asses were needed to provide the quantity necessary for her daily dip. Whether Cleopatra knew it, we’ll never know, but it is now recognised that milk extracts can indeed be a key ingredient in therapies to revitalise skin and this woman, both revered and reviled by history, might just have benefited from such a science. Lactic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from milk, this is combined with Canadian Willowherb, a natural anti-inflammatory, to create a unique minimal downtime peel. This premium clinical grade chemical face peel is a complete rejuvenation treatment. It is superior to ordinary facial treatments as it gently peels and decongests pores while hydrating the skin to achieve visible, long-term results. Medivisage face peels address skin concerns such as dull, lifeless, uneven skin tone, sun damage, ageing, pigmentation, congestion and oily, acne conditions. The Aspect Dr range that Medivisage use is an Australian perspective on skincare. Their lifestyle is sun and surf and a daily dose of extreme climate. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

So unfortunately with that love of sun, Australia has the highest occurrence of skin cancer in the world. So a skin care that gets the job done without harsh and harmful ingredients are a necessity. Their philosophy is to change without trauma, as irritated skin is ageing skin. Medi Visage skin and beauty therapist Faye Wozniak explains: “Lactobotanical peels are suitable for even sensitive skin types and a course of three sessions is recommended every two weeks. They work on the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin, breaking down the glue that holds the cells together which enables a faster cell turnover resulting in youthful looking skin as the healthier layers of skin are brought to the surface.” “The peels are a great start to aid in getting lasting results for our patients that are looking to go for antiwrinkle injectable treatments and the PRP therapy, better known as the ‘Vampire face lift’. It not only aids the needle into the skin better but it is also giving the skin itself an all over youthful appearance which cannot be achieved with injectables alone.” Along with the body sculpturing 3D Lipo therapies that offers an easy solution to fat reduction, skin tightening an cellulite without invasive surgery, Medi Visage, based on the Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, also offers IPL, dermal fillers, muscle relaxants, Heavens bee sting facial and massage. “Our other strength is the medical work with Mr Khaleeq Ur-Rehman. We provide consultant-led assessment and diagnostic services for non-healing ulcers in the mouth and on skin, as well as lumps, bumps and suspect moles and blemishes,” says Faye. The service provides a fast-track, self-referral approach in dealing with some very serious health issues that can’t always be put on a waiting list. Concerned people can just call or walk in to make an appointment and can be seen within that week. 85


by Helen Taylor

Explained:

The science behind skin care Image courtesy of New Look Beauty

smooth look and helps it to maintain moisture - which is vital for youthful looking skin. It’s a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the body, but levels diminish with age, especially after you reach 40. Ceramides help in the fight for youthful looking skin thanks to their ability to prevent water loss and promote skin-cell renewal. They’re commonly used in moisturisers as they effectively re-hydrate dry skin. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring acids, commonly found in citrus fruits (citric acid), dairy products (lactic acid) and sugar (glycolic acid). They work to aid the skin’s natural exfoliation process by loosening dead surface cells. When applied in the form of cream to your face, AHAs reduce fine lines and unclog pores. Glycolics work similarly to AHAs - they speed up the process the skin goes through to shed dead outer cells, which in turn reveals new, smoother skin cells Collagen is found naturally in the skin, the protein maintains the skin’s elasticity and keeps it looking plump. Over the years though, the body’s production of collagen drops dramatically. Used in many anti-ageing creams, collegan is found to be a very effective water-binding ingredient.

How many times have you been completely baffled by some scientific sounding jargon when you’ve gone to buy a new anti-ageing cream? Unless you were top of the class in chemistry, you probably don’t know your AHAs from your Ceramides. So that’s why we’ve compiled our guide to the most common ingredients you’ll come across today.

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

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

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

Antioxidants serve to protect skin from those damaging free

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

Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. They have been found to help to renew the skin and stimulate collagen production, minimise the appearance of wrinkles and bolster the skin’s thickness and elasticity; which makes them a popular ingredient in anti-ageing creams. Growth factors are used in antiageing creams to help to build collagen and diminish lines and wrinkles, whilst softening the skin. Their natural function in the body is to control cell growth in different areas. Hydroquinone is useful in suppressing pigment producing enzymes in the skin, thus fighting age spots. It’s therefore, often recommended by experts to lighten those dark spots on the skin.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Local optician nominated for

prestigious award Taylor Biddle Opticians are immensely proud to be nominated as one of the finalists in the Express and Star Business Awards 2015; Best Use of Technology category. In the present economic climate when approximately 20 independent optician practices are closing each week, Taylor Biddle Opticians has been continually investing in latest eye care innovations and technology whilst remaining focused on exceptional, friendly customer service.

Olha Lac & Tracey Taylor

At TBO, we believe that the best use of technology is to be able to preserve and save the most precious sense of all- eyesight. We aim to exceed the expectations of our customers through use of latest technological innovations in eye care and expertise of our staff. Both branches have cutting edge 3-D imaging technology; OCT scanners - which produce detailed photographs and scans of the back of the eye so that sight threatening diseases such as Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma can be detected at the earliest stages enabling us to refer our customers immediately to hospital for treatment, often preserving sight. The software produces analysis of the previous results to enable early diagnosis of many sight threatening eye diseases. We also run an extremely popular Dry Eye Clinic using a Video Slit lamp microscope and Corneal Topographer for the

dry eye assessments and to monitor treatment progress. We are one of the very few optician businesses in the region that specialise in EyeDream contact lenses- special lenses worn overnight that gently reshape cornea and correct myopia (short-sightedness) during sleep, so that perfect vision is restored for the day ahead. Medmont Topographer maps out the shape of cornea so that a bespoke contact lens can be made to temporarily change the shape of the eye and restore good vision. Unlike laser surgery, this treatment is safe and reversible. We also use it to slow down progression of shortsightedness in children, thus reducing the chance of eye complications such as Retinal Detachment and Glaucoma in the future. At Taylor Biddle Opticians we are proud to provide the best possible customer service. We strive to stand out from the crowd through our forward thinking approach to eye care services and our long-standing customer base is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.

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

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www.taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk 39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton Tel: 01902 750 325 34 Windmill Bank, Wombourne Tel: 01902 895 909 88

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Bringing smiles to life Parkside

Dental Practice

Brighten up your life with £40 Off our teeth whitening service We’re about permanence and consistency

We offer complimentary first consultations

We want to get to know you and your family

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We remake smiles and redefine lives

Our orthodontic service is hugely popular

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Find out what makes us so popular – call us or just drop in to discuss our affordable treatment schemes.

Telephone: www.parksidedental.co.uk

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Our fears: Spiders, heights and…

going to the dentist

Meet Jo – the soothing voice of calm to help allay your fear An estimated 12 per cent of us have an exaggerated fear of going to the dentist. After spiders and heights, it‘s the third most common phobia. What’s more, the British Dental Association reports that a staggering 25 per cent of the UK population undergoes some sort of anxiety before visiting the dentist. Twice as many women as men have a dental phobia, possibly because they are better at expressing their fears, and the baby boomers of post-war Britain possibly endure the worst dental apprehensions. With these, the seeds of dental despair were sown at a young age when dentistry

“I went into dentistry 17 years ago and worked at a sedation clinic at Brighton.

was not only perceived as aloof, but also far less patient focused. In an article published in the Daily Mail a professor of psychology at Guy’s Hospital, London, reported that many of this people group are “living with chronic pain and constant painful tooth infections.” But the stark reality of this oftenirrational loathing is they would rather put up with that agonising misery than go to the dentist. Newly appointed receptionist at Parkside Dental Practice, Jo Tricker, has a special interest in handling patients with dental fears and is bringing her skills to the surgery opposite Wolverhampton’s landmark West Park.

“It was a referral practice dealing with people who were just terrified of going to the dentist, so I’ve got plenty of experience. “I moved to the Midlands and then worked in a family village practice where every appointment was a relaxed, intimate encounter – for the patients it was a bit like dropping in for a chat,” she says. With the backing of practice principal Carl Horton BDS MSc (periodontology) GDC 71768, Jo is being encouraged to use her know-how at Parkside. Panic attacks, the shame of failing teeth and bad breath, fainting, being tense, hyperventilating, gagging, the terror of pain and just “being plain scared” are all symptoms… and age is no barrier. “There simply isn’t a usual case. The phobia can affect all of us, from small children who just don’t like the sound of the drill to people in their 80s and 90s who’ve really seen lots of life,” adds Jo. “I’ve worked with them all and the majority become my friends as we deal with their fears together. “Front of house is so, so important at any dental practice and just taking an initial telephone call from a prospective patient offers clues. “Most times I get a vibe when I chat to people on the phone and immediately set about trying to reassure them that coming to see us a Parkside will be a good experience.

Putting patients at ease – Jo Tricker, right, the new face at Parkside Dental Practice with practice manager Vanessa Wilding

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“Older patients – the baby boomer generation of the late 40s up to the 60s – mostly have bad childhood memories of the dentist. For the majority they have realised that going to the dentist is not only good for them, but that the experience is very different these days. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


A study in 2012 published by the journal BMJ discovered that people with poor oral hygiene and excessive dental plaque are more likely to die of cancer. Before accepting the post at Parkside, pioneering research by Carl saw him take international conference platforms at San Francisco, Gothenburg and Athens, sharing his knowledge of periodontology – the study of the supporting structures of teeth and how to treat the diseases that can affect them. A dental implant surgeon with the Jon Pugh Dental marque, Carl adds: “Being afraid should never really be reason for neglecting teeth. The biggest hurdle is the initial phone call or visit to the surgery – from thereon we can begin to nurture trust for future workingtogether relationships. Jo is a great asset for us and her experience is very welcome as we encourage new patients – and especially those older people with whom we have lost contact – to join us.” Practice principal Carl Horton BDS MSc (periodontology) GDC 71768 – ‘Jo’s people skills are a great asset’

“But for 80 per cent of those with issues, it’s all about the recollections of childhood memories; the school dentist, the smell, the horrible effects of the gas anesthesia and dentists with knees on the chest for extractions.

Jo’s boss, Carl, whose specialism is in periodontal (gum) disease, explains that a rash of dazzling celebrity smiles has been a significant driver for a new consciousness about people’s smiles.

“It’s hardly surprising they are afraid with these recollections being made at such an impressionable age.”

But much more seriously, poor dental health is linked to disease and possible premature death.

Jo is keen to reassure all prospective new visitors that the dental experience at Parkside will be friendly, the dentists will be approachable, no-one will be judgmental and that children will get her special attention.

“The good news,” says Carl, “is that most fears can be overcome – especially at a private practice like Parkside where, unlike the NHS, dentists are not paid by per unit of work.”

“I want to get to know the patients here – new and old – and it’s especially important that for those who are afraid the experience become more like going for a coffee than going to the dentist,” adds Jo, who spends her spare time riding her Triumph Tiger 800 motorbike. “It’s always a bit of a talking point when the patients realise my hobby is riding a motorbike,” she adds.

A recent study of 100,000 people found that those who’d had their teeth cleaned by a dentist or hygienist twice or more over two years had a 24 per cent lower risk of heart disease and 13 per cent lower risk of a stroke. The clinical link is gum disease with the same bacteria found in unhealthy mouths being discovered in the hearts of people with coronary disease.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

“I believe that dental care is not just about the clinical excellence we deliver, it’s about embracing patients as individuals and adopting an holistic approach to their care. “For the time they share with us I will endeavor to change their preconceptions of dentistry forever. “Dealing with patient fears is about taking things a stage at a time and letting confidence grow over appointments.” A graduate of Birmingham University, Carl qualified with a Clinical Distinction in 1996. He has worked as a General Practice associate, a part-time senior house officer in a hospital and as a clinical lecturer at Birmingham Dental School. In 2003 he became a practice principal and while continuing to teach undergraduates at Birmingham Dental School, also took the role of Foundation Dental Trainer for three successive years. In recent times he has placed implants with Total Implant Solutions in Tettenhall while taking the top job at Parkside. 91


Ultraslim Clinics

W o lv e r h a m pto n

Wins whatclinic.com award for excellent customer service UltraSlim Clinics in Wolverhampton has been recognised with an award for excellent customer service by private healthcare search engine, WhatClinic.com, based on feedback by customers over a twelve month period. WhatClinic awarded the top clinics across the country with awards for excellent customer service, superior satisfaction and consumer feedback. Customers rated clinics based on how well the clinic treated them, how quickly they were contacted and seen, and how happy they were with the treatment. UltraSlim Clinics of Wolverhampton was honoured with the award due to their fantastic customer feedback and constant drive to better patient experience. Last year the clinic also received a 5 Star Treatment Award from WhatClinic.com after receiving over 30 online reviews from clients following treatments such as non-invasive Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo and Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze who rated the clinic “Excellent” with 5 Stars. The clinic boasts some of the highest reviews in the industry throughout the whole of the UK and on the WhatClinic.com website. Hanna McCormac, owner of UltraSlim Clinics today said; “We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to customer service. As a practice, it is something we focus on in everything we do. Given the nature of the treatments we offer clients we are very customer focused and results driven, so to receive such positive feedback from our patients is great.”

of technologies such as Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze, Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo & RF they are able to offer a non-invasive alternative to help target excess fat, cellulite, stretch marks and tighten loose skin without clients needing to go under the knife or local anaesthetic. There is no surgery required, no needles, no pain, no side effects and no downtime, so clients can return to normal activities directly after treatments. About WhatClinic.com WhatClinic.com is a clinic comparison site that lists over 100,000 clinics globally. In the last year over 15 million people visited the site to find, compare and book treatments across a wide range of elective, self-pay medical treatments. WhatClinic.com’s mission is to give the patient, as an empowered consumer, access to all the information they need to make an informed choice, including price, availability and reviews. WhatClinic. com was founded in 2007 by tech entrepreneur Caelen King, and is in operation in over 127 countries.

WhatClinic.com CEO Caelen King congratulated UltraSlim Clinics and said “Our awards are now in their 7th year and it’s great to see more clinics than ever reaching the high standards we set in order to receive this award. It’s the customer who selects our awards winners, by their clinic ratings and the feedback they leave about service and experience. We believe that empowering the patient with accurate information is the future of a successful healthcare market. With these awards we honour clinics that are dedicated to the highest level of customer care and consistently putting the needs of the patient first.” UltraSlim Clinics in Berry Street, Wolverhampton specialise in Non-Invasive Lipo treatments which have become more and more popular for those seeking an alternative from the risks and downtime associated with traditional Liposuction. Using a combination 92

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Healthcare to help you make the most of life Our treatment costs are transparent and covered by a one-off-payment – and are more affordable than you might think. • Enquiry You have a medical problem and DON’T have health insurance. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.

Your health is at the centre of everything we do. Whether you need prevention or cure, we want to work with you to ensure your health allows you to lead the life you want. As a not-for-profit business we reinvest all profit in our hospitals, gyms, medical centres, and our expert staff. We have the highest standards of clinical care, with Consultant-led treatment, spotlessly clean rooms, and a team of dedicated and experienced nurses.

Our Health Experts Consultants

All our consultants are highly experienced and are here to listen to you. During your consultation they will answer any questions you have and tell you all about your diagnosis and any treatment or procedure. They are all registered with the appropriate professional organisation for their specialty and hold General Medical Council registration. Having medical treatment can be an anxious time, that is why we think it’s important that you have the same consultant looking after you throughout your time with us. Your consultant will also continue to look after you when you return home, and during any aftercare.

Matron-led care

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

Physiotherapists

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

• Your initial consultation This will take place at your local Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital. There is a one off payment for this appointment. • Tests and investigations You may need further tests or investigations as recommended by your consultant. These are paid for as and when required. • Treatment If you need surgical or non-surgical treatment, this will be arranged at a time to suit you. You will be given a guaranteed all-inclusive procedure price. • Aftercare All aftercare is included within your treatment. The Nuffield Health Promise means there are no time limits on your aftercare.*

Private Medical Health Insurance • Enquiry You have a medical problem and you DO have private medical health insurance. Contact us to guide you through the process or to book an initial consultation appointment. Check with your insurer that your policy covers you for treatment with us. • Your initial consultation This will take place at your local Nuffield Health Hospital. You will need your insurance policy number and preauthorisation code and a referral letter from your GP • Tests and investigations You may need further tests or investigations as recommended by your consultant. • Treatment If you need surgical or non-surgical treatment, this will be arranged at a time to suit you. We will arrange payment directly with your insurance company. • Aftercare All aftercare is included within your treatment.

In our hospital you can expect:

A guide to accessing private healthcare

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

Paying For Yourself

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

Private GPs

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

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

• • • •

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

*Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Contact us today and take control of your health and wellbeing Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE 01902 793259

Hospitals + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Trend Update:

Summer Style By Helen Taylor

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

Wrap Tunic Top £69 Mint Velvet

Colourful, statement print floral dresses have taken over as one of the key looks for summer 2015. They’re ideal for the warm weather and look effortlessly stylish both day or night. Monochrome prints are big news too; black and white is a classic colour combination that never fails to look chic. For a casual look, swap your skinny jeans for 1970’s inspired flares and team with a pair of embellished flip flops and a t-shirt. Forget reaching for the same old outfit when the sun’s shining; it’s time to try something new.

Floral Print Trousers £17.99 New Look

Sandals £79 Dune

Aztec Wrap Skirt £24 Next

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

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

The images used in this article are readily available in various places on the internet and are believed to be in the public domain. Wolverhampton West magazine claims no credit for them unless otherwise noted.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Printed Dress £99 Phase Eight

‘Leni Dress’ £160 Phase Eight

Flares £26 Dorothy Perkins

Dress £38 Dorothy Perkins

Kimono Jacket £35 Wallis

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

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

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

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

If you own the rights to any of the images, or if any content appearing in Wolverhampton West magazine infringes on your copyright, please notify us and they will be promptly removed.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Tettenhall Weight Loss Centre Are you worried about your weight?

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Social Scene

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Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 1. Kyle Pedley 2. Sarah Richards (Walsall), Stuart Reid (actor, Frank Farmer), Debbie Thomson (Walsall) 3. Lisa Wright 4. Jamal Crawford (ensemble), Kieran Taylor (ensemble), Jason Capewell (Resident Director),Tony Gull (Bilbrook) 5. Don Jackson (Newport), Alexandra Burke and Ann Jackson (Newport) 6. Chris Brown and Anne Brown 7. Fran and Lynne Richards 8. Jennefer and Paul Marston www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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8 Guests from the opening and press night of The Bodyguard – The Musical at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. The theatre played host to the Midlands Premiere of the show that is touring to theatres in the UK after a successful run in the West End. On opening night, Friends of the Grand held a post-show reception which was attended by the cast and crew, including star of the show - X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, who takes on Whitney Houston’s iconic role of Rachel Marron.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Tuesday 12th May and Monday 1st June 2015. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

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Medi Visage Wolverhampton

1. Bibi Dodd, Royston Blythe

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

5. Tracey Rock, Allison Simpson

Representatives attended to talk about 3D Lipo, IPL and Aspect Dr. The evening included demonstrations and the opportunity to talk to consultant Mr Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman BDS, FDSRCPS, MBChB, (GEN SURG), FRCS (OMFS). Bibi Dodd, Director of Medi Visage said “The evening was a great success, we will be holding another event soon.” 100

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


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Royston Blythe Coffee Morning 1. Adrienne Sheldon, Mary Lewis, Suzanne Morison, Kinny Blakemore, Elsa Grainger and Sandie Mclean 2. Louise Polak, Chalotte Jordan and Kirsty Hampton 3. Ellie Goodall, Lynne Edwards and Sarah Craven 4. Gillian Kinchin, Valda Higgs, Irene Price and Jenny McClay 5. Cora Boffey and Brenda Swatman 6. Hannah and Diane Wardle, Chris Bennasciutti, Sue Dhingra, Judy Lees (b/r) Cath Tudor and Lindsey Gordos 7. Karen Price, Matt Swann and Olivia Price 8. Gill Barratt, Joan Makepeace, Jean Allen and Elsie Evans 9. Ella and Karen Rollinson, Lyn Jones, Tracy Smith and Kathy Rollinson

A coffee morning in aid of Compton Hospice was organised by Margaret Watton, with the support of Nick and Royston who provided not only their beautiful home as the backdrop but also the added surprises of the morning. The guests were greeted by butlers in the buff and the entertainment included a rat pack and a soul singer and a fabulous guitarist and pianist. Over 150 tickets were sold and including the raffle money the total raised amounted to over ÂŁ3000. 15. Tracy Doughty, Debbie Jarzebowski, Lewis Clarke and Fiona Hawthorne 16. Sarah George-Dempster, Jan Humphries and Ann Clarke with the male hosts

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10. Margaret Tunnicliff, Carol Batt and Sara Tunnicliff 11. June Barnett and Yvette Brentnall 12. Jo Bridgwood, Caroline Boydell and Deborah Mitchell 13. Estelle Riley, Marina Whyton and Linda Hunt 14. Nick and Royston 102

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Tuesday 12th May and Monday 1st June 2015. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Wergs Golf Club 1. Alisan Cole, Natalie Pritchard, Eve Farrell 2. Sheena Chahal, Richard Powell 3. Brampal Bansal, Poonam Vaidya Bansal, Raj Kaur, Ushma Vaidya 4. Sophie Jones, Tyler Haynes, Willow and Harriet Piggott 5. Elizabeth Eyett, Donna Edwards

Word of Mouth held their most successful event to date on Easter Sunday at The Wergs Golf Club. An evening of Funk, Soul, Disco, Funk House & Club Classics organised by DJ Stuart Ojelay were enjoyed by all across the three club rooms and outside decking. 13. Hayley Darby, Jemma Rannello 14. Kellee Foulkes, Jo Paxton, Lorna Wilkes 15. Julie Baker, Gill Lyons 16. John and Sarah Vaughan, Danni Vater, Lorraine Sutton 17. Abby Savory, Layla Sedgemore, Louise Clarke, Zara Mir

6. Holly Mactherson, Kelly Davies, Madison Hill 7. Nav Dhaliwal, Kiddo Jay

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8. Stu Atkinson, Claire Davies, Peter Thompson, Leanne Pumphrey 9. Graham Thorpe, Steve Thompson 10. Katie Jancso, Andrea Beckett, Lauren McHugh, Cassie Judd 11. Sally and Adam Smith 12. Katherine and Jamie Stainer, Amy Grainger 104

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Tuesday 12th May and Monday 1st June 2015. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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WV1 Bar & Restaurant

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

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

Rob Smith, Edward Spencer, Peter Smith & Steve Compton Kiran Rayet, Christine Burgess Sara & Ian Tunnicliff, Kim Guest Lynn Timmins, Nadine Green and Parl Mangat Karen Fletcher, Amanda Sperling, Kerry Moseley and Jane Wellsbury 6. Storm Willis-James, Sarah Brown, Theresa Goodson and Tric Gooding 7. Sharnie Forman and Shazia Bano-Shah 8. Kirsty Bull & Beverley Bird 9. Sarah Newsome & Simon Pagett 10. Rav Rayet and Dee 11. Anita and Daniel Hill 12. Alison Preece and Sharon Campbell 13. Aron Parcsami and Manrika Khaira 14. Madeline and Rod Painter 15. Jackie Land-Keavney and Ravnita Rayet 16. Jennie Carpenter and Warren Clutton 106

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Over 350 guests attended and were entertained on entrance by Alexandra Jayne and later by Sasha Simone,The Voice finalist.

The catwalk show was a sensation with clothing from Armani, Ted Baker, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith and True Religion. Designer handbags were raffled much to the delight of the ladies.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic events on Tuesday 12th May and Monday 1st June 2015. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Simply Dentures,

creating beauty in every smile involved and informed through every stage of construction gives you the confidence that you will get the smile you deserve. With years of training and experience our team aims to provide you with dentures that help you overcome the challenging problems you face. Peter Brookes DipCDT ‘Creating beauty in every smile’

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

Illustration of implant-retained overdentures

Peter says “Having to wear dentures is something that many people through the years have struggled to cope with. We find that the three most common issues for denture wearers are the fit, the function and appearance. We work with you to enable you to get the best from your dentures as well as have them look good too”. He continues “I recently had the pleasure to fit new dentures to a patient who was left in a poor state and had no teeth for 6 months. There was a great sense of satisfaction that we were able to provide dentures on implants which look great and enabled the patient to eat foods of her first choice once again.

Using the latest technologies such as injection moulded acrylic, ultra suction device and implants ensures that your denture wearing experience is as good as it can be. Not every option is suitable for all so we offer you a free consultation to see what may be a good solution for you. Our clinic offers warm welcoming facilities for all, easy ground floor access, 3 ground floor surgeries, car park to the rear and friendly staff. We will do what we can to help overcome any issues you may face to make your journey to your new smile as smooth as possible. Should you require a denture repair, relines or cleaning services then these are available too for those dentures which work but need that extra touch of TLC”.

More people have become aware over recent years that you can now see a Clinical Dental Technician to provide you with dentures. As part of the extended dental team a CDT can make your dentures in the laboratory and also work with you in the clinic and literally put the smile on your face. Mr Peter Brookes is our lead Clinical Dental Technician who has over 15 years experience as a technician. For the last 6 years he has been been training within a private denture clinic, giving him great insight into the manufacture of high quality dentures. His firm belief that you should be 108

See the website for more information www.simplydentures.net or call for a free information pack. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Simply Confident, Simply Natural...

Simply Dentures

Telephone 01902 420654

Working with

Total Implant Solutions

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

What to do next? If you are worried about any symptoms that you think might be caused by bowel cancer, make an appointment with your doctor. Just remember you’ll not be wasting anyone’s time by getting checked out. If it isn’t serious, you’ll put your mind at rest. If it’s bowel cancer, early detection can make all the difference. Over 90% who are diagnosed at the earliest stage are successfully treated.

Do not ignore Bowel Screenings!

Did you know that over 90% of cases of bowel cancer could be successfully treated if diagnosed early? Yet at the moment almost half of the 100 people diagnosed every day in the UK will die from the disease. Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer amongst both male and females and the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. However, it shouldn’t be; it is very treatable, especially if diagnosed early.

What is bowel cancer? The bowel is part of our digestive system. Food passes from the stomach to the small bowel. After the small bowel takes nutrients into the body, any undigested food passes through the large bowel, where water is removed from the waste matter. This waste matter is held in the rectum (back passage) until it leaves the body as bowel motions (also known as poo, stools or faeces). 110

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

What to look out for?

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England began in July 2006 and is currently screening everyone between the ages of 60 and 74, every two years. The test is not compulsory but health professionals do strongly advise that everyone who is invited takes part. Remember the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. They say prevention is better than a cure so don’t be afraid of getting any symptoms you feel unsure about checked. Don’t forget that a health cash plan covers the cost of going to see a specialist privately – so don’t delay getting a professional opinion.

Typical symptoms to look out for are:

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

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

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

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

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

• Unexplained weight loss • Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason • A pain or lump in your tummy wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


A Paycare plan helps you to reclaim money spent on health care. Cover starts from as little as £5.95 per month with your first premium FREE!

Easy healthcare cash plans to Recover the cost of healthcare A Paycare cash plan makes every day healthcare affordable; so you can focus on getting the treatment when you need it and not when you can afford it. For a small monthly premium you are protected against the cost of Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Specialist Consultation and Tests, professional Therapies, Hospital Cover and much more. All plans include a 24 hour counselling and help line service for when that extra support or advice is needed.

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

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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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From £20.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

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

From £29.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

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

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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 in our refurbished modern surgery please call Tom Casey on 07828 613165 or 01902 833426 For other surgery appointments please call or visit: Evenett & Bishop Opticians 67 High Street Albrighton WV7 3JA 01902 372141 Six Ways Clinic 24 Birmingham Road Walsall WS1 2LT 01922 622521

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Tom’s tip:

Heel Pain?

Heel pain is also known as ‘policeman’s heel’. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis which is commonly referred to as a heel spur. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia is inflamed. This condition can be very painful and cause considerable amount of suffering. Symptoms include a dull ache which is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the centre of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel. Often the pain is worse on first rising in the morning and after rest and is aggravated by prolonged weight bearing & thin soled shoes.

Causes of heel pain •

Biomechanical problems (walking abnormalities) are a major cause of plantar fasciitis.

Tight plantar fascia (this is often caused by tight calf muscles).

Excessive flattening of the arch on weight bearing.

Excessive pronation (rolling in of the foot too much)

Obesity is a major cause of plantar fasciitis. Which is why this condition is common in middle aged and over weight adults.

A sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

A sudden increase in walking or a sporting activity can also be a contributing factor.

Standing for long periods at work.

WOLVERHAMPTON HIP

There are several conditions which may cause pain under the heel. Osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, fractured heel bone, bursitis, neuritis, oedema, circulatory issues, poly and fibromyalgia are but a few.

Treatment options for heel pain Orthotics (insoles)- One of the most effective treatment options. This comes with Stretching exercises for plantar fascia and calf muscles. NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) may also be prescribed by your chiropodist/podiatrist or doctor. Plantar Fascia night splints, Steroid/local anaesthetic injection and surgery are further treatment options.

& 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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MORE

GRANDPARENTS

G I V EN L E G A L R I G H T S

“If I had known grandchildren were so much fun, I’d have had them first”, so the saying goes.

But for some grandparents in the West Midlands, it is anything but fun following a rise in the number of people resorting to court action simply to see their grandchildren. According to statistics from the Ministry of Justice, more than 2,500 applications were lodged by grandparents wanting to see their grandchildren in 2013/14 - that’s seven new cases per day. It’s not a figure that surprises Joanne Vernon, an Associate Solicitor and specialist in family law at FBC Manby Bowdler. “With an increase in divorces and relationship breakdowns, it is inevitable that relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren can get caught up in the crossfire,” she said. “Research shows that around half of grandparents never see their grandchildren again following a break up. In law, grandparents have no automatic right to see their grandchildren, so if one partner decides to prevent this, grandparents can be left with little choice other than legal action.”

The first step for any grandparent, said Jo, would be to attempt to make an agreement with the parent of the grandchildren to make arrangements to see them. She added: “It would be preferable to try and make an agreement out of court in the first instance. However, if you are forced into using the court system, you can apply for a child arrangements order that will determine the arrangements. “This can include information such as when, where and how they are to see the child or children and it can be enforced if, for instance, a parent breaches it and refuses to comply.” The figures were released following a written answer from Simon Hughes, Minister of State for Justice from a question put by Steve McCabe MP asking;

The award-winning family department at FBC Manby Bowdler is recognised as one of the leading teams in the region, with the focus always on excellent service and client care. The team adopts a sympathetic and supportive approach with the emphasis on providing a satisfactory outcome as quickly as practicable for all concerned. Joanne Vernon specialises in divorce, financial remedy applications, cohabitation disputes, domestic violence and injunctions and has a particular interest in children and family matters. She has Accredited Specialist status with Resolution. She can be contacted by phone on 01902 392454 or by email at j.vernon@fbcmb.co.uk

“How many applications for court orders have there been from grandparents wishing to see grandchildren after the divorce of the parents of those children in the last three years.”

Joanne Vernon

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The answers given confirmed that the number of applications was in the region of 2,500 for each of the last three financial years. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College of a large number of feeder schools which can lead to repetition of material or gaps in knowledge. For example, a French teacher in Year 7 is often faced with a range of previous experience from zero to three years and has to revert to the unsatisfactory tactic of starting from the beginning again to best serve those in the class. There can be a sudden switch from group-based project work and themed, innovative approaches with one teacher who knows them and their needs well to myriad expectations as pupils move around school to a large number of teachers for different subjects, some of whom are teaching four different groups in the same year and can only identify your child from the name badge at parents’ evening in the summer term. The educational world has also recognised the loss of enthusiasm and possible onset of disaffection as pupils move to secondary school and looked at ways of tackling the issue. These include regional variations in transition ages, increased affiliations with feeders and federations of primaries in order to find the optimum way of bridging the gap and bottling the best of both worlds.

In my short time in the West Midlands it has been clear that the selection of a secondary school for parent and the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is a period that can be best described as a challenge or at worst downright stressful, particularly for those experiencing it with a first child. This is not peculiar to this part of the country. The move to a secondary school can be disruptive as, in some cases, small village or local primaries with familiar faces are replaced by much larger impersonal institutions at secondary level. Those at the top of the primary school, confident and responsible, suddenly become the babies among several hundred. For some, this can be an exciting challenge and opportunity but for others this can provide a dent to self-esteem and hindrance to progress, no matter how effective the induction or mentoring programme. From an academic perspective, schools are also faced with the challenge of trying to build on the practice 116

A new and exciting trend that acknowledges these issues and provides a model to address them is the rise in the development of the “all-through” school from nursery age or four until 18, where one school provides a seamless educational experience with no need to change. It is significant where parents and providers have had opportunities to create new schools via the government’s free school programme that one in six of these will be all through mainstream schools (as opposed to one in 200 of the total schools in England). Of course, these schools have been a significant part of the independent sector for many years and schools such as Tettenhall College have responded to the demand for continuity, a common ethos and the attraction of specialist teachers teaching across all parts of a school. We have created a true “family” school, where children can be educated from nursery until university and all are known and valued. In a recent training day,all staff were agreed on the benefits of a shared educational vision on a single site as we seek to provide an outstanding educational experience for those in our care. It will be interesting to note whether this is a model that will be replicated across more schools in the country. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


take a closer look... Danny, Year 12, Music

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

TEL 01746 762248

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

VIEWING

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

LAST DAY FOR LOTS

Accepted up until 10 days prior to Auction

SELLING AT PERRY AND PHILLIPS

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

FREE VALUATION

We have a FREE valuation day every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. As well as discussing auction estimates we will advise on the best way to sell your items.

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

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

www.perryandphillips.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Learn to Swim with South Staffordshire’s

Swim Academy Learning how to swim is a crucial life skill and one that everyone regardless of their age should learn to do.

South Staffordshire’s Swim Academy offers local people of all ages the opportunity to learn to swim for health, safety and for fun.

The academy which operates at all four of South Staffordshire’s leisure centres has a lot to offer: • High quality swimming tuition at affordable prices • Lessons from 3yrs up to adults • Beginners and non-swimmers to advanced standards • Good teacher/child ratios • Lessons run throughout the whole year to ensure continual progression • Assistants in the water to aid weaker classes and give additional support for swimmers What else makes us special? • Our swim teachers are professionally trained • We follow the STA’s international Learn to Swim programme – one of the most successful ranges of learn to swim and aquatic courses in the world • Above all, we make learning to swim fun, progressive, inclusive, safe and affordable. This means that everybody is: • Encouraged to enjoy themselves • Motivated to improve • Taught step by step with rewards at every level • Supervised within a safe environment • Given the opportunity to develop all four swimming strokes What’s more, those who enrol get: • Free swimming for those that pay by Direct Debit • Free success tracker • One to one lessons available on request (extra charge)

NEW ENROLMENTS BEING TAKEN FROM 18TH MAY FOR ONE WEEK ONLY *Places limited and sold on a first come, first served basis

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FREE Adult or Child Swim Pass Voucher valid until 31st May 2015 Terms and Conditions: Voucher offers 1 free swim during a public session - Voucher cannot be redeemed against swimming lessons - Child to parent ratios apply in the water - please contact reception for full details and for swimming times - 1 voucher per person, per offer - Voucher must be presented at reception. Name……………………................................................................... Postcode……………………... Date………....................…………… Leisure Centre…………………...................................................... Wolverhampton West Magazine May 2015

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Learn To Swim • High quality swimming tuition • Affordable prices and pay scheme

with South Staffordshire’s Swim Academy

• Lessons from 3yrs up to adults • Beginners and non-swimmers to advanced standards Codsall Leisure Centre

01902 844032

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre

01922 417790

Penkridge Leisure Centre

01785 714152

Wombourne Leisure Centre

01902 898202

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure GET YOUR FREE SWIM PASS ABOVE www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

Compton Hospice

Caring Together

Charity Reg No: 512387

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

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

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

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

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

All new for this year the Compton Pantomime, staged by local drama company Mystical Productions, is set to keep the kids entertained with a host of fairy-tale characters, whilst The Paws for Thought Dog Display team will wow dog lovers everywhere with their pawfect performances! For those that like to get involved in the action there’s the Annual 5 Mile Sponsored Memory Walk and Fun Run, the Compton Cup 5’a side Football Tournament and the Compton Colour Blast 5k run and Colour Party. Plus, our Wolverhampton’s Got Talent section is perfect for those on four legs or two! Bring the kids along to join in with our Strictly Quirkey Dance Performance and Competition, run by the cast and crew of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts – a prize for the best moves - or enter your pup into our Pet Stop Pooch Parade. Pets really do win prizes! Phoenix Rising and the UK’s premier Queen Tribute act Queen II take to the stage to round off the 122

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Registered Charity No. 512387

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

QUEEN II

PHOENIX RISING

STRICTLY QUIRKEY DANCING COMPETITION PET STOP POOCH PARADE

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

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FRO M L I T T L E

A C ORN S Nick & David Berriman with the Tettenhall office team

Twenty five years ago David Berriman started in business with one assistant and twelve properties to sell. Berriman Eaton now has a compliment of twenty six with eleven in Sales in Tettenhall and five in Rentals, five in Wombourne and five in Bridgnorth with a total number of properties for sale of three hundred and sixty nine and thirty two to let so something must have been right! David started with the old established local firm of Walker Barnett and Hill in 1953 after

leaving Wolverhampton Grammar School and was articled to the late Freddy Hill. Three years articles cost two hundred and fifty guineas and pay was one pound per week which was supplemented with petrol expenses for his MG TC! Apart from two years National Service when he trained as a pilot David stayed with the firm until it was sold to General Accident in 1987 at which time he was Senior Partner. He became a member or the Midland Regional Board of GA Property Services and was the Marketing Director responsible for sixty six branches. After three years he hankered to return to a local and personal

business and opened an office in Albrighton. His service contract restricted him from starting within ten miles of the Wolverhampton office and although Albrighton was ten miles if approached through Shifnal that was not the recommended route, but both he and GA were happy with the arrangement. The business grew, more staff were employed and after five years the premises were outgrown and a move was necessary. The centre of Wolverhampton did not appeal and Tettenhall seemed an ideal location. After an extended search 15 High Street was the answer which had previously been a hairdressing salon and for several years puzzled ladies occasionally came through the door wanting a hairdo and not a house! The business continued to grow and more staff were employed and then David’s younger son Nick joined in 1998. He had a Law Degree from Manchester

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The Tettenhall office lettings team

and had been in London for five years working with his elder brother Chris at Alsopp the Property Auctioneers. The adjacent property became available a few years later so the floor space was doubled which was a good thing as it is now fully utilised. In 2005 David stood back to become a Consultant leaving Nick to take over the business as the sole partner and shortly afterwards the business was amalgamated with Eaton Estates who had offices in Wombourne and Bridgnorth. Caroline Eaton had Joined Walker Barnett and Hill as a trainee when she was seventeen and had shown immediate potential being trusted two years later to manage the Perton office when she was probably the youngest branch manager anywhere. Sometime after the sale of WB&H Caroline started on her own as Eaton Estate in Wombourne in 1994

Caroline Eaton with the Bridgnorth office team

and subsequently in Bridgnorth with considerable success so this year celebrates twenty one years in business. She was known to Nick and had been trained by David so the amalgamation was a very good fit. Berriman Eaton continued to grow and whilst it had been good to be the only Estate Agent in Tettenhall several others soon followed. This had the advantage of the village becoming a property centre, drawing more people in to look and not having the sorts of parking problems associated with the city centre. When the property market suffers one of its declines the rental market picks up and that is what happened a few years ago. The rental department was then in Wombourne but was moved to Tettenhall and now has a manager and a staff of four (it has been said that he employs his staff based on their looks and you can see why from the photograph!) Rentals have been a growth industry in recent years and proper qualifications and a professional approach are fundamentally important. We have been fortunate to keep staff for a long time. Carol Pilsbury joined Caroline when she opened in 1994 and Maddy Swann joined in 1995 when the Tettenhall Office opened becoming an Associate some years later and is now managing the Wombourne Office. Diane Hennessy joined Caroline twenty years ago in Wombourne, Richard Eaton, now an Associate and based in Wombourne responsible for the firms IT and preparation of floor plans and photographs joined his sister fifteen

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The team from the Wombourne office

years ago, Linda Davies, Jane McGuire and Trish Gooding have all been with the firm in Tettenhall for twelve years. Sarah Brown joined the Tettenhall office ten years ago and at the same time Ellie Eaton joined Caroline in Bridgnorth. Bruce Attwood is an Associate based in Bridgnorth after gaining experience with several other firms and Andy Roberts, who manages Rentals, is also an Associate. There is vast experience and expertise at all levels with a happy and committed staff in all offices. The professionalism is demonstrated by there being two Law Degrees, one Chartered Surveyor, nine qualified Members of the National Association of Estate Agents and three Members of the Association of Residential Letting Agents with a further two staff members now in the process of qualifying. This year celebrates twenty five years since the business was founded by David Berriman, twenty years since it moved to Tettenhall and twenty one years since Eaton Estates was started by Caroline. This would not have been possible without the excellent staff and so many loyal clients all of whom have our gratitude. The Wolves may not secure promotion this year but Berriman Eaton can justifiably lay claim to being in the Premier League! 125


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HOW TO POTENTIALLY

RETIRE AT 55

If you have ever thought “I REALLY WISH I COULD STOP WORKING, BUT HOW COULD I AFFORD TO?” the answer could well be dependent on your pension and how well it has performed. This month let’s look at ways in which you can get your pension into shape.

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

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

2. START A PENSION. It is thought that as many as 4 in 10 British adults don’t have a pension including 1.4 million who are within 10 years of retiring. Unless you are one of the few who are on course to retire at 55 you are likely to need to save more but the sooner you start the less it should cost you to build up a substantial pension. 3. IF YOUR EMPLOYER OFFERS YOU A PENSION AT WORK, TAKE IT! Some larger companies offer workplace pensions, many following auto-enrolment which came into effect in 2012. Soon all UK companies will have to offer a pension to their eligible employees. If you opt out you could be missing out on a pension contribution from your employer.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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

8. DON’T DELAY ON LOOKING AT YOUR PENSION! What you do today could make all the difference for your future and being able to relax and put your feet up at 55 sounds a lot better than working hard well into your later years! 9. USE A LOCAL SPECIALIST WITH A TRACK RECORD. Big changes making it easier to access money in pension pots have now taken place. The Government has advised people not to take cold calls from fraudsters posing as pension professionals. DO NOT LET FRAUDSTERS RUIN YOUR RETIREMENT. THE VALUE PENSIONS AND THE INCOME THEY PRODUCE CAN FALL AS WELL AS RISE. YOU MAY GET BACK LESS THAN YOU INVESTED.

6. TRACE ANY OLD PENSIONS Most people have around 10 jobs during their working life and many forget or don’t keep track of all the pension schemes they have joined during their career. If you recall joining one but can’t find the details then by contacting us we can help you put the whole picture together. 7. APPROACHING RETIREMENT?

John Webb

Readers will know from my previous articles that by the time this one goes to print pension rules will have changed and if you are 55 or over you will have far more freedom and flexibility, however, remember that if you draw your pension as a lump sum the first 25% is usually tax free – the rest will be taxed as income. Choosing when and how to withdraw your pension is one of the most important financial decisions you will make, so ensure that you take professional advice and that you understand the rules, the timing and the opportunities available. www.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 127


Success is a choice Our dental implants offer endless new horizons

Choose wisely Telephone 01902 420654 for a complimentary consultation

An Independent Dental Practice 128

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‘Getting into Golf’ at South Staffs There has never been a better time to take up golf and enjoy the exercise and friendship that it offers. South Staffs Golf Club is making it easier for people to play golf, whether as a beginner wanting to try the game or a seasoned player looking to play one of the Midlands’ leading courses. South Staffs offers two courses, the Championship course in Tettenhall, boasting some of the best greens in the County, and the 18 hole par three course at nearby Codsall Wood (formerly Ledene), said to be the most challenging par 3 course in the area. Both courses have excellent practice facilities. South Staffs is launching some new membership packages, whereby golfers may still pay and play at Codsall Wood at a very competitive rate or enjoy limited tee times on the Championship course.

• An introductory Novice Membership for the beginner who wants to try the game for six months, supported by professional tuition and guidance, with the option to move onto an alternative membership option.

Alternative options to full membership include:

• Corporate Membership options provide opportunities for conference facilities and business entertaining where staff and clients can unwind on the golf course and in the relaxed surroundings of the clubhouse.

• A Lifestyle Membership, which is a very flexible style of membership catering for those golfers who want to play a limited number of times throughout the year. For a reduced fee of £400 p.a., they will enjoy up to 15 rounds of golf on the Championship Course and unlimited golf at the Codsall Wood Course.

South Staffs has also launched the new Golf Academy supported by Ryder Cup star Peter Baker and local Professional Jeremy Nicholls, accommodating aspiring junior golfers across the County. Juniors receive one-to-one and group coaching at both Codsall Wood and South Staffs.

Want to find out more? South Staffs has arranged an OPEN DAY on 17th May where prospective members can sample the facilities and even play a few holes of golf. Contact Sue Lebeau on 01902 751065 or email: suelebeau@southstaffsgc.co.uk Club Open Day 17th May 2015

Come and enjoy one of the most accessible and finest 18 hole parkland Championship courses in the Midlands. Course Facilities Driving range, Practice area, Putting green & Golf Academy. Membership Gentlemen, Ladies, Juniors, Social and Corporate Memberships are available. Visitors Golf Societies, Corporate Golf days & Captain’s Away Days are all very welcome. Enjoy dining at The Danescourt.

NEW Lifestyle Memberships from less than £8.00/week

For more information or booking please contact: Sue Le Beau on: 01902 751065 or email: suelebeau@southstaffsgc.co.uk

Making golf more accessible South Staffs Golf Club Danescourt Road l Tettenhall Wolverhampton l WV6 9BQ

southstaffordshiregolfclub.co.uk

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With the golf season here, it's time to sharpen up your short game.

John Cheetham Senior Instructor

3 Hammers Golf Complex

Putting is a key part of the short game & good putting is key to achieving lower scores as it constitutes 40% of your overall game. During the winter months, putting is often neglected so I’d like to share two very simple tips to help improve your distance control. Tip 1….Before your round spend 5 minutes on the practice putting green hitting one handed putts. This is great way to improve your feel & get used to the pace of the greens. This is particularly a great tip if you’re playing a course for the first time (see Tip 1 photo). Tip 2….Having read the putt & decided on the line - take your practice strokes whilst looking at the hole. I recommend looking at the hole for 8-10 seconds during your putting routine. This allows time to process how far away the hole is & feel how long the putting stroke should be. Too many golfers look at the ground whilst performing practice putting strokes which doesn't give you the information needed to judge the correct distance (see Tip 2 photo).

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WERGS GOLF CLUB

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1 YEAR 7 DAY £685 – MONTHLY PAYMENTS AVAILABLE

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18 holes of golf, full english breakfast. Weekdays £25pp. Weekends/Bank Holidays £30pp.

18 holes of golf, two course meal. Weekdays £30pp. Weekends/Bank Holidays £35pp.

18 holes of golf, full english breakfast, two course meal. Weekdays £35pp. Weekends/Bank Holidays £40pp.

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prices correct at time of going to print 131


No Country for Old Men both the problem and solution to their situation.

Barman: Age is against you two lads. You’re both in your forties, why not take up golf? Neither one of the two can be bothered to do much more than grunt in acknowledgment, but it does spark a discussion among them. Mr E. Rudite: I hardly think middle-age in itself is a pre-

13th hole at Patshull Park

Rob Taylor on the changing face of golf in the 21st Century Picture the scene: a quiet pub, late on a Wednesday evening; two blokes are ensconced in the corner, putting the world to rights, while still recovering from a Herculean 5-set tennis marathon. Upon hearing news of their sporting labours, a friendly barman extols some wisdom - as only a barman can - that succinctly encapsulates

8th hole at Wergs

requisite for playing golf. My nephew already plays and he’s 9. Mr I. Gnorant: Yeah but your sister’s husband, Fred, has always had a few quid though, hasn’t he? I remember when he used to have that Aston…

3 Hammers Golf Complex - A Little Beauty says Today’s Golfer

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Mr E. Rudite: I loved that motor: we once went through a tunnel in it in the south of France; it sounded like God gargling. But that’s beside the point: my mate plays all the time and he picked up his clubs off eBay for £50, and at some places you don’t even need your own clubs.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


18th Green at South Staffs

Mr I. Gnorant (now with raised eyebrows): £50?! Bargain! How’d he get those past the club police though, if you know what I mean? These golf clubs always seem so petty with their ‘no jeans, no this n that’ rules; can’t imagine they allow secondhand stuff through the gate. Mr E. Rudite: Nah, he reckons all of that ‘stuffy, gentlemen-only of substantial wealth and status from a proper background’ cobblers went years back. Golf is changing: clubs are vibrant, welcoming places, with a range of memberships that meet the needs of players of all abilities men and women - from all social backgrounds. In fact you don’t even have to ‘join’ per se… a high percentage of golfers in the UK are not even members

of a golf club. They just book and play when they want… Mr I. Gnorant: Still takes ages to play 18 holes though and then there’s all that walking… unless you take one of those silly buggy things… ha ha! Mr E. Rudite: Well now you can kinda pay to play and not do the whole lot. It takes about four hours to play 18 holes, but you can play just nine. There are then shorter formats such as Par 3 courses, Pitch and Putt and driving ranges, of course. And the walking is supposed to be therapeutic: I read that it’s great for people who suffer from depression. Mr I. Gnorant: Bet there’s a few in here tonight who are in that camp. It’s gone down hill a bit in this place hasn’t it? It’s like that

pub in Men Behaving Badly, with that horrible landlord, Les. Pity that Leslie Ash ain’t the barmaid. I used to fancy her big time. Until her lips got big… but anyway… it’s pretty boring though isn’t it? Mr E. Rudite: What is? Mr I. Gnorant: Golf! You know, chasing a tiny ball into an impossibly small hole isn’t very energetic. Not like tennis is it? Mr E. Rudite: No, but it provides all of your recommended ‘gentle exercise’ quota for the week and strengthens your core muscle groups. And because you’re not legging it around during every given minute, it’s more conducive to socialising, as well as business. How do you think Fred got his Aston? Mr I. Gnorant: By doing a bit of business on the green? Mr E. Rudite: No; he inherited his wealth, but you catch my drift? Plus, there’s loadsa clubs round here in Wolverhampton, like Oxley Park, South Staffs, Wergs & 3 Hammers golf complex. All offer something for every level of golfer, from beginner to budding pro. From the serious to the social… Mr I. Gnorant: Wanna give it a whirl then?

9th hole at Oxley Park

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Mr E. Rudite: Sounds good, and it’ll be another sport to beat you at. 133


Patshull Park

Golfing Paradise Patshull Park Hotel is one of the West Midlands best known golf resort hotels, conveniently located a short distance from J3 of the M54 near the village of Pattingham. The hotel, golf and health club overlooks the Great Lake and sits amongst some of the most glorious countryside that Shropshire and the Black Country can offer. With 49 en-suite bedrooms, why not spend a leisurely weekend and enjoy the 18 hole parkland golf course on one of our competitively priced residential summer golf packages which start at just £169 per person; these two night packages include 54 holes of golf, dinner, bed and breakfast with full use of the health club and heated indoor pool. Golf Society Packages are also available from £25 per person,

including refreshments on arrival, and an informal meal to follow in Earls Brasserie. There are also a range of Twilight, and mid-week green fee rates starting at just £12 per person. The hotel also is a popular venue for company Golf Days, Conferences, and a range of family celebrations such as Christenings, and Wedding Anniversaries. With seven private rooms we can cater for events of all sizes and requirements including corporate team-building and company fun days in the hotel grounds.

treatments including massages, facials, pedicures and manicures.

Relax in our health club which boasts a 15 metre heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, and two gymnasiums. Our Beauty Therapist is available to take bookings for a whole range of

Contact our sales office for details on all of our offers including annual golf memberships, all of which offer great value for money in a competitive and sociable golfing environment.

Annual health club memberships are available, with special competitively priced rates for our ‘60s and over ‘clientele.

Call our sales office on 01902 700100, email: sales@patshull-park.co.uk, or visit our web site: www.patshull-park.co.uk Patshull Park Hotel, Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR

Patshull Park Golf Club 2015 Golf Memberships 2015 Great offers available

including junior golfers just £50 per year. Organised events, PGA coaching, competitions and inter-club matches.

Call John Prior or Richard Bissell

Twilight Green fees

From just £50 for a four ball Contact our golf shop for details

Call 01902 700 100 Pattingham WV6 7HR

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Corporate and Society Golf Days from just £25 per person Including welcome refreshments, golf and light lunch. Great facilities, friendly staff, and close to Wolverhampton.

sales@patshull-park.co.uk www.patshull-park.co.uk

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


flexi Golf at oxley Park Golf Club Oxley Park Golf Club are introducing a new category of membership, for golfers who do not have the time to justify full membership, and perhaps have competing demands on their time, but importantly would like to be a member of a golf club. Why not come and join us at Oxley Park Golf Club, and become one of a limited number of Flexi Golfers, at a superb golf club.

• The opportunity to play in monthly medal and stableford competitions • Invite guests to play at reduced guest green fee rates • 15% discount on drinks at the bar • Full use of the clubhouse facilities and the opportunity to attend club functions • Able to carry points forward into the following year at membership renewal

What would Flexi Membership give you? • The opportunity to play golf at any time to suite your lifestyle, up to 29 games of golf, depending on when you choose to play, making golf very affordable for the occasional golfer. • The opportunity to obtain an Official congu handicap

• The ability to move to full membership at any time, full membership always offers the best value for those who play golf frequently • The opportunity to top up at £100 each top up If flexible golf looks right for you come and talk to us, and join a golf club that is over 100 years old, provides a good test of golf for players of all abilities, and has a friendly membership that

New professional Craig Thomas giving a putting lesson to Oxley juniors

will make you feel part of the golf club in a very short time. We also have new golf Professional’s at Oxley Park, the golfacademy have recently taken over the Professional’s role, and are excited that we are about to introduce flexible golf membership to Oxley Park, an affordable package for the occasional golfer.

For more information call the Pro Shop on 01902 425892 or email office@oxleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

Oxley Park Golf Club

FlexiGolf *Plus £25 admin/golf union fees and £20 bar tariff

Play any day Up to 29 rounds of golf Get a CONGU handicap Play in Club competitions Sign in guests at special rates 15% discount on your bar card

Contact the Pro Shop on 01902 425892

www.oxleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

£350*

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Ladies

Love Golf

at the 3 Hammers An award winning Golf Complex in the Midlands has found the secret to attracting and retaining ladies in the world of golf.

in the sport as they go on to join local clubs. Just last year 7 ladies joined a local golf club and we will be looking to replicate this with more groups of ladies as the numbers continue to grow.” John Cheetham

With the recent news that St Andrews is now accepting female members, it seems that golf equality is now beginning to take effect.

For over 2 years, 3 Hammers Golf Complex have been offering weekly Ladies Mornings focusing on offering superb value for money and flexibility. Two things that have always had a heavy bearing on women’s golf are cost and the perceived male dominance in the sport. For John Cheetham, the intent to increase participation in the game is clear “Growing ladies golf is a passion of mine and a focus of the Complex. As a Pay & Play facility - it’s a relaxed place, there’s no dress code, no membership and therefore breaks down the usual barriers. Our female golfers know they can join in with other like-minded lady golfers, learn a new sport, keep fit and one of the most important factors, access the social element of the game. Golf to the newcomer can be a

In a sport where participation is sadly waning, 3 Hammers Golf Complex have taken up the mantle by finding the perfect recipe to attract a new generation of female golfers. The large Golf Complex situated in Coven offers an 18-hole short course, driving range and award winning PGA golf academy. The facility has concentrated on finding what attracts female golfers to the sport and now finds themselves voted number one Golf Development Complex in Staffordshire by England Golf for this hard to reach sector with 50% of all new Learn To Play Golf students being female. Sky Sports recently reported that 75% of golf clubs have seen a decline in female membership. In a vast contrast - demand for ladies golf at 3 Hammers is so great that it has led to them to create a revolutionary new ladies only Golf Academy. ‘Ladies Love Golf’ officially launched in February by John Cheetham Senior Instructor and Ladies Love Golf Director with female golfers from across the region signing up daily. The unique structure of Ladies Love Golf focuses on the key informal, flexible and social elements whilst keeping the membership fee affordable at only £49 per year. From weekly coaching sessions to golf away days, overseas breaks and social events, Ladies Love Golf is a community of lady golfers of all abilities. “The improvements we see in the ladies is fantastic and with exposure to Ladies Love Golf their confidence grows. Along with the social element these factors are key to ensuring these ladies are retained 136

daunting prospect and those initial steps are often the hardest. But at 3 Hammers – half of all their new Learn to Play Golf students are female. A statistic unheard of in golf worldwide. “The social element is brilliant. We welcomed 30 ladies this morning, even in the winter and poor weather. It has become their social group. We provide a relaxed, informal social environment for them to interact and we provide tuition tips to help them improve”. “Ladies golf here continues to go from strength to strength. The high numbers we attract on a weekly basis proves it. We listen to what the ladies want and need from their game and aren’t nervous about trying something new. In only the first 2 weeks, 50 ladies have already joined Ladies Love Golf! We’re delighted!” John Cheetham For those looking to take up the sport, both men and women, 3 Hammers run successful Learn 2 Play Golf classes for beginners every month. Priced at only £20pp for a 4 week course, golf is no longer the “rich man’s sport” it once was. For details call Golf Reception on 01902 790428. A variety of ladies sessions are on offer every week developed to suit busy lives including mornings, evenings and weekend sessions. For £7.50 LLG Members get a fantastic deal, coffee, quiz, 1&1/2 hours expert golf tuition, range balls and 18 holes after the session!

www.ladieslovegolf.com Further Information: Contact John Cheetham, Ladies Love Golf Director, 07709 320613, j_cheets@hotmail.co.uk 3 Hammers Golf Complex, Old Stafford Road, Coven, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV10 7PP. www.3hammers.co.uk

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over 65s and men

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The over 65s and men are leading a surge in cosmetic surgery in Wolverhampton. This trend is mirrored across the UK, as Nuffield Health’s first annual Plastic Surgery insight survey reveals emerging trends in the market. Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of Nuffield Health surgeons, who between them carry out 1 in 10 cosmetic procedures in the UK, reported an increase in older people seeking surgery. Nuffield Health’s patient figures paint the same picture, with patients over 65 up by 49% in 2014 from 2007. Men are also continuing to drive the cosmetic surgery market, with four in five (82 per cent) of the Nuffield Health surgeons saying they have noticed a rise in men seeking cosmetic surgery in the form of nose jobs, eyelid lifts and ‘man boob’ removal. Almost all surgeons (95 per cent) also reported a rise in the number of previously overweight or obese patients looking for surgery following weight loss. The Nuffield Health plastic surgeons believe the reasons behind the trend among the ‘baby boomer’ generation to be a direct result of people living longer, healthier lives and wanting to ‘look well’ too. For men, surgery has increasingly become ‘the norm’ in recent years, and the trend looks set to stay, with men accounting for one in ten of all UK cosmetic procedures.* Mr Darren Lewis, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital said: “We’ve seen a definite increase in cosmetic surgery for men over the last few years. 10 – 15 years ago cosmetic surgery for men was less common, now about one in ten procedures we do are on men. It has become much more socially acceptable and there has been a big change in the way men view health and fitness in recent years, with the media, consumer magazines and celebrities all having played a role. As well as keeping fit and active, we are seeing men place much more emphasis on looking well too.” These new groups of customers join the traditional customer set, such as

mums wishing to restore their pre pregnancy bodies, women in their 20s seeking breast augmentation and women in their fifties asking for face lifts. Many surgeons (95 per cent) have also noted an increase in people looking for surgery after weight loss as the procedure is increasingly difficult to get on the NHS. 82 per cent of the surgeons said that they are seeing uplift across all customer types as people are starting to feel the benefits of coming out of a recession. Despite this, figures released last week by the plastic surgery body BAAPS – reveal a slight decline overall for UK cosmetic surgery procedures. While some surgeons confessed to having been asked for penis extensions, ear lobe reductions, buttock implants and even a forked tongue, mostly patients are seeking a natural look.

the coming years in the world of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery following accidents or injury. Mr Darren Lewis, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital said: “The pioneering areas are really in reconstructive surgery where Plastic Surgeons in the UK are really pushing boundaries, particularly in their work with burns and major trauma. There are also incredible things happening with tissue engineering”. For more information or advice on cosmetic surgery visit the Nuffield Health website: www.nuffieldhealth.com

2014 Top procedures (Nuffield Health statistics) Women

The plastic surgeons said they are seeing a definite move away from people looking to copy celebrities – for 75% of surgeons it was very rare to be asked to replicate a celebrity look – with people in favour of a natural looking result (100 per cent), something non-surgical (55 per cent) and to rejuvenate rather than enlarge (57 per cent).

1. Breast Augmentation

In terms of what motivates people to consider surgery, the research highlighted that the choice is not down to peer pressure, pressure from a partner, or the need to look good at work, but the desire to improve self-confidence - which 100% of the surgeons agreed was a key motivator for most of their patients.

2. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

2. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) 3. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) 4. Breast Reduction 5. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Men 1. Breast Reduction 3. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) 4. Otoplasty (Ear Correction 5. Liposuction

The surgeons, based at 31 Nuffield Health hospitals across the UK were also asked to share their predictions for the future. The majority agreed that they would continue to see an increase in men (95 per cent) and older people (82 per cent) amongst their patients and most thought that plastic surgery would increasingly become the norm – indeed many view it as the norm already in most parts of the UK. Face transplants, light weight breast implants and mid face lifts (which lift the middle segment of the face) were highlighted as the new and innovative techniques that will become more commonplace over

For further information please contact Louise Clarke on 01902 793259 or Louise.Clarke@nuffieldhealth.com *Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Fully qualified electrician and plumber NicEic registered with £5m liability cover • Full and part re-wires • Outside lights • Light fittings, sockets changed • P.A.T testing • Electrical testing EICR/periodic tests • Fuse board changes/upgrades • Electric and thermostatic showers fitted • New taps fitted/changed • Leaks repaired • Complete bathroom suites fitted • Solar PV Qualified

Tel: 01902 519195 / 01922 302095 or 07830 539189

• 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 140

PAINTER & DECORATOR Interior and Exterior All work guaranteed Reliable // No job too small

FREE QUOTES Call Kevin on:

01902 784879 or 07989 151412 City and Guilds Qualified Camrose Gardens, Pendeford, Wolverhampton

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


WOLVERHAMPTON

SKIP HIRE • Small, medium & builders skips with doors

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• Local company • Established for over 25 years • Built from recommendations • Fast, friendly & reliable

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All electrical work undertaken

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To arrange a free, no obligation, quotation

CALL US FIRST 01902 374831 www.excelelectrical.net Email: info@excelelectrical.net

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

141


MENIMALISM

Vivienne Westwood £275

Menswear takes a simple turn for Spring/Summer 2015.

Diesel £45

Less is more for menswear this summer. Focus on simple tailoring, classic shapes and a neutral colour palette.

Hudson £100

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

Paul Smith £149

Gucci £240

Your current wardrobe is easily updated, with the main focus being the correct accessories to achieve this clean look. These are designed to get you noticed. Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Centre, Telford or Walsall, or online at diffusiononline.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood £45

Armani Jeans £89

Top IMAGE COURTESY OF www.mannersmakethman.com

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


MOTORING FOUR ASHES RENAULT SPECIALISTS

of Wolverhampton

The Rock Garage

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

143


The Rock Garage TETTENHALL’S MOT CENTRE

No Fuss! No Frills! Just Plain Honest Good Service & Advice

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A family owned business - established in 1961

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- CRM is a Fully Licensed Treatment Facility. All paperwork completed & downloaded to the DVLA ensuring no fraudulent use of your vehicle details.

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

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


Tyre Pressure

Monitoring Systems Vehicle technology is ever evolving and the latest innovation to hit the road is Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems.

also helps with performance such as shorter braking distances and a lower risk of aquaplaning.

This new safety feature for your car will be included on all new cars rolling off the production lines from 1st January 2015. This cutting edge system will also be included in changes to MOT test if your car was registered in 2012 or later.

What is TMPS?

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A Tyre Pressure Monitoring system constantly measures your tyre pressures through a transmitter in all four tyres to ensure they are safe to drive on. The car will give a warning on the dashboard if the pressure drops below the manufacture recommended pressures. As well as pressures, it also measures the temperature of your tyres to ensure they don’t get too hot. It

This innovative technology helps save you time and money as you will no longer have to carry out your regular tyre pressure checks as the car will notify you when more air needs to be added. Not only this, it will also help save money as well as time as by running your tyres at the recommended pressure helps improve your fuel efficiency and reduction in wear on your tyres.

Choosing the Right Garage Due to the cutting edge technology in each wheel and tyre specialist equipment is needed to reset and correct your TPMS sensor once a tyre is changed. Each car manufacturer uses a different sensor so there are now over 150 different sensor models on the market. It is crucial that you pick a trusted reputable garage with the correct training and equipment. HiQ Wolverhampton Fast Fit technicians are trained to fit TPMS tyres and also have the correct equipment to ensure that your TPMS system is running safely.

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

13/02/2015 12:38

145


Sounds Like Love By Rob Taylor

I reckon legendary Irish poet W.B Yeats got it wrong when he wrote, ‘Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye.’ Either that or he’d been drinking too much Guinness, because I think I’m falling head over heels in love with a Sat-nav. If that sounds unlikely, listen to this: she’s no ordinary synthesised approximate of a siren, but the living breathing soul of an Alfa Romeo – specifically the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 175bhp TCT Exclusive. Forget nostalgia and the Alfa V6 engine, with congested roads, all any motorist wants is the quickest route around the chaos, so these days you choose the engine with your head – in this case a frisky yet frugal 175 bhp 2 litre diesel unit – and the Sat-nav with your heart. Seduced by only her dulcet tones; everything else is pure imagination. There is a real warmth and humanity to her every utterance and I’ve found myself using her for even the shortest, most familiar journeys. She embodies beautifully the essence of the Giulietta, to which her ethereal spirit is bound: exotic, fiery and soulful. Never before has my pulse quickened and heart raced at the prospect of a trip to Wolverhampton. Once inside – and now making full use of all five of my senses – I’m

struck by the Giulietta’s cabin, which is swathed in supple red leather and laden with soft-touch plastics. There’s kit worth over £2000 thrown in as-standard for this Exclusive spec model, including rain-sensing wipers; automatic headlights; electric-folding door mirrors; tinted windows; an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror; and electric front-seat lumbar support. Everything inside is laid out with a sensible, intuitive take on the modern hatchback. And, yes, it may be just a hatchback and relatable as such but it’s still ever-so-slightly special. The Giulietta beguiles where a Volkswagen Golf makes a sound case in a Powerpoint presentation; bewitches as none of its competitors can. As my girlfriend Nicola adds, even its key-fob is sexed-up. Some car anoraks may point to Alfas of yore as explanation for this frisson of excitement, but they’re all ensconced in the pub, pedantically ruminating over the technical minutiae of every make and model of car since Benz’s Motorwagen, so it can’t be that. Maybe it’s the ever-unfathomable machinations of image. Maybe it’s the value-for-money pricing of just over £25,000. Maybe it’s how this car looks. But I’ll get to that. The engine starts unceremoniously enough, but quickly piques your interest when up and running, as it can be both docile and dumbfounding

if the situation presents. It’s quick - 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds; top speed, 135 mph - but economical too: 64.2 mpg on the combined cycle and responsible for just 116 g/km of Co2. It rides really well on its sports suspension and is never jarring. Equally the Giulietta is a capable performer whenever it’s possible to string a few corners together and is thus entirely justified in wearing the accoutrements of sportiness, like the 17” alloy wheels, a sports leather steering wheel with red stitching; aluminium sports pedals and kick-plates and side body skirts. The TCT semi-automatic gearbox is a willing and able partner in crime too, always impressive in its smooth changes and intelligence. But above all else, the Giulietta’s exterior visage is a stunningly attractive thing to behold. A total knock-out. So, yes, it may have been the sensuous sounds of its Sat-nav that first hooked me, but it’s the Alfa’s looks that have me sold; hook, line and sinker - because nobody loves an ugly car. As I watch the dying embers of the setting Spring sun light the sky one last time, I gaze from my window upon the Giulietta’s beauty, wine glass in hand, and conclude that old William did have love sussed after all: ‘I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you, and I sigh.’

To book a test drive or for further information about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta please contact Guest Wolverhampton on 01902 544200. Armstrong Way, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QU 146

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


THE FUTURE, BUILT ON THE PAST.

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

0% £239 APR

REPRESENTATIVE

PER MONTH

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

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

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. *£3,199 customer deposit, £6,778 optional final payment, 48 month contract. Promotion available on new Giulietta 1.4 MultiAir Sprint models registered by 30th June 2015. Only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. On the road price includes 12 months’ road fund licence, first vehicle registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Figures and prices are correct www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk 147 at time of publishing. Retail sales only. Terms & Conditions apply & are subject to exclusions. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services.


Suzuki leads the way Since the launch of the all new Vitara in April starting at £13,999, Suzuki now offer three low CO2 emission 4x4 models from its range and these are all within the top four most fuel efficient 4x4s on the market. At £21,299 for the SZ5 DDiS ALLGRIP, buyers would need to spend almost £6,000 more to gain

in 4x4 Nonhybrid CO2 Emissions

any advantage in emissions by moving to a competitor model that utilises a hybrid drive system. The all new Vitara ALLGRIP DDiS model is the cleanest non-hybrid 4x4 on the market. CO² emissions are just 111g/km for the 1.6-litre DDiS SZ5 ALLGRIP model with an EC combined fuel consumption figure of 67.2mpg. It’s not just in the 4x4 SUV segment that Suzuki excels either, as the recently launched Swift 4x4 Dualjet model at £14,199 also emits 111g/km and, in the Crossover segment, the S-Cross 1.6DDiS SZ-T at £21,299 is only slightly higher at 114g/km. Four-wheel drive is typically seen as detrimental to fuel economy and emissions performance. By contrast, Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system enables CO² emissions

that are remarkably low for a fourwheel drive petrol-powered SUV as well, with figures of 130g/km with five-speed manual transmission and 131g/km with optional sixspeed automatic transmission that will be available in the summer. Standard equipment specification for the SZ4 model includes seven airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Cruise Control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and projector headlamps. Moving up to SZ5 adds LED Projector headlights, 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede seat fabric, keyless entry with start button, Adaptive Cruise Control, Radar Brake Support, navigation system and panoramic sunroof.

Mitsubishi passenger car sales

for 2015 are 159% up on last year Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s passenger car sales for January 2015 were 159% up on the same month last year against a market that is up 6.1% overall, according to figures released recently. Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s Sales and Marketing Director, Toby Marshall said: “I am extremely pleased with our start to 2015. Last year was a very good year for us, with our sales increasing by 75%, so for January to deliver a strong result shows that our growth continues.” The company’s ASX active sports cross-over car is 118% up, as a result of a high profile TV and press marketing campaign. The iconic L200 pick-up vehicle is 42% ahead of last year, following the launch of the L200 Challenger - the company’s best ever value for money pick-up.

Mitsubishi’s Outlander Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) is a major highlight of the UK car market. Its introduction has transformed the plug-in market, which it now leads by a significant margin, accounting for nearly half of all sales. The Outlander PHEV has an all-electric range of up to 32.5 miles and phenomenal economy and environmental credentials. It emits just 44g/km of CO² and the official combined fuel consumption figure is 148mpg. Mitsubishi Shogun is up 50%; the diesel Outlander also delivered a strong performance.

For further information or to book a test drive on the above models please contact Autosales on 01902 402233. Vulcan Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7JW 148

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


ALL-NEW SUZUKI

CELERIO ALL YOURS FROM

£7,999 *

Comfortably spacious with 5 doors and room for 5 people, the compact Celerio has plenty of surprises inside to make you smile. For starters, there’s air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus it’s easy to drive too. What’s not to like?

Contact Autosales today.

Autosales

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

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

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Suzuki Celerio range mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km): Urban 55.3-55.3 (5.1-5.1), Extra Urban 76.3-76.3 (3.7-3.7), Combined 65.7-65.7 (4.3-4.3), CO2 emissions 99-99 g/km.

The above fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown: Celerio SZ4 (metallic paint available at £415). For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print.

GREAT OFFERS Autosales Mitsubishi WOLVERHAMPTON

L200 RANGE SAVE £2,0001 ON SELECTED VARIANTS

MIRAGE WITH 0% APR

REPRESENTATIVE PCP FINANCE2

ASX RANGE SAVE £1,000

NOW FROM £13,999 - £23,6493

OUTLANDER PHEV FROM £28,249 - £39,999 INCLUDING £5,000 GOVERNMENT PLUG-IN CAR GRANT4

SHOGUN FROM £26,449 - £37,049

AUTOSALES MITSUBISHI Vulcan Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV14 7JW Telephone:

Book a test drive 01902 402233

www.autosales-mitsubishi.co.uk

1. £2,000 (excluding VAT) off offer excludes L200 Challenger. 2. Alternatives PCP Finance is through Shogun Finance Ltd T/A Finance Mitsubishi 116 Cockfosters Rd, Barnet, EN4 0DY and is subject to status to customers aged 18 and over. Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds Banking Group. The interest rate is better than high street lenders. Finance offer is only applicable in the UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & I.O.M) is subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Finance Mitsubishi. Other offers are available – ask for details. 3. Prices shown are inclusive of the £1,000 customer saving. This saving applies to all ASX variants. 4. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant, please visit www.gov.uk/ plug-in-caravan-grants. Prices shown include VAT (at 20%), but excludes VED and First Registration Fee unless otherwise stated. Vehicle OTR prices range from £9,054.00 to £40,054.00 and includes VED and First Registration Fee. Metallic paint extra. Models shown are: Mirage 3 1.2 petrol manual at £11,999, ASX 4 1.8 diesel 4WD manual at £22,249 (including customer saving), Outlander PHEV GX3h automatic at £28,249, L200 Barbarian 2.5 diesel manual at £20,599 (£25,118.80 including VAT) (including customer saving) and Shogun LWB SG3 3.2 diesel automatic at £34,049. Prices correct at time of going to print. Offers are available at participating dealers between 28th March and 26th June 2015. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and may be withdrawn or amended at any time. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Mitsubishi range fuel consumption (excluding Outlander PHEV) in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 28.0 - 61.4 (10.1 - 4.6), Extra Urban 37.7 - 78.5 (7.5 - 3.6), Combined 33.2 - 68.9 (8.5 - 4.1). CO² emission figures range from 224-95 g/km. Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO² Emissions: 44 g/km.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

149


30 YEARS

OF A U T ONO M O U S V E H I C L E D E V E L O P M EN T

Assist – standard across the range, Active Blind Spot Assist – the system detects a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot and, by means of onesided braking can reduce the risk of collision, Active Lane Keeping Assist – which works with ESP to pull the vehicle back into its lane if the driver unintentionally crosses the lane marking and Active Parking Assist – which uses electromechanical direct steering to navigate the vehicle into a parking space.

2013

With research spanning 30 years Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated a commitment to autonomous driving. An autonomous future is closer than it has ever been before with a range of semiautonomous technology available across the line-up. This semi-autonomous technology – under the banner ‘Intelligent Drive’ – is available across the range from the C-Class to the S-Class. Examples include DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot – the vehicle automatically brakes and accelerates based on the car in front and can even follow the car ahead without any steering input from the driver, whilst Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC helps detect suitable parking spaces and can automatically manoeuvre the vehicle into the space.

1985 Daimler-Benz and a group of European Manufacturers kick-started the research into autonomous cars with the EUREKA-PROMETHEUS research project (Project for European Traffic with Highest Efficiency and Unprecedented Safety). The project – over an eight-year period – addressed issues surrounding the future of mobility and suggested ways to improve vehicle safety, efficiency and traffic flow. The result was the

VITA-vehicle (Vision Technology Application) which used miniature video cameras behind the front and rear windscreens to capture the traffic around the vehicle enabling it to brake, accelerate and steer accordingly. The origins of a broad range of innovations, such as lanechange, parking assistance and navigation systems can all be traced back to this research project.

1995 An S-Class prototype test vehicle - equipped with an early supercomputer – travelled from Munich to Copenhagen almost entirely autonomously on motorways and was able to change lanes, overtake and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. As a result of this prototype in 1998 Distronic adaptive cruise control entered production in the S-Class. From this technology Mercedes-Benz was able to develop a succession of assistance systems capable of detecting hazardous situations, warning the driver and, ever more frequently, intervening.

2010 A broad range of driver assistance system were introduced in 2010 – now under the banner ‘Intelligent Drive’ – enabling vehicles to detect many hazardous situations and react as the situation demands. This includes; Collision Prevention

In 2013, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated that autonomous driving is already possible, even in complex urban and rural traffic. The close-to-production MercedesBenz S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE completed a 62-mile journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim fully autonomously using productionbased sensors – following the route taken in 1888 by Bertha Benz on the first ever long-distance car journey.

2015 With the F 015 Luxury in Motion, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates what form ‘Intelligent Drive’ might take in the future. The car’s role is evolving from merely a means of transport towards a comfortable place for passengers to utilise their new-found free time. This autonomous concept car is based on a future scenario – ‘Vision 2030+’ – where the already limited space in today’s cities becomes ever more restricted and autonomous driving is socially accepted. A major part of everyday trips will be covered in autonomous mode – creating a new driving culture – freeing up time for the driver and creating a retreat for passengers. Peter Smith, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, added “The fantastic research that’s been done by Mercedes-Benz over the past 30 years is highly commendable. We are really starting to see the positive effects of that research across our excellent range. With further research over the coming years, keep a look out for further developments within the Mercedes-Benz range. For more information on our range, call us on 01902 427897.”

Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4HD 150

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


The SLK-Class. Your closest link with the road.

Representative example for a Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI Roadster 7G Auto Solid Paint* 48 Monthly Payments of

£379.00

Total Amount Payable

£42,177.33

On the Road Price

£37,150.00

Number of Payments

48 Months

Customer Deposit

£379.00

Optional Final Payment

£14,800.00

Retail Deposit Contribution

£8,796.33

Amount of Credit

£27,974.67

Total Deposit

£9,175.33

Fixed Interest Rate

5.76%

Purchase Activation Fee

£10.00

Representative APR

5.9%

Book your test drive in this exciting model today! Drayton Group Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton

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

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the SLK-Class range: urban 23.5(12.0)45.6(6.2), extra urban 45.6(6.2)-65.7(4.3), combined 33.6(8.4)-56.5(5.0). CO2 emissions 195-132 g/km. *Finance based on a 4 year PCP at 10,000 miles per annum. Finance is subject to credit approval and vehicles must be credit approved and ordered between 01.04.2015 and 30.06.2015 and registered before 30.09.2015, subject to availability. Excess mileage charges apply. Models shown for illustration purposes only. Amount of retailer deposit contribution dependent on model. Finance available from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd, MK15 8BA. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk required. Drayton Group Ltd is a credit broker authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 98 50 Perton & Bridgnorth Travel Appliances Electrical/Gas 47 Capital Appliances Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill Antiques 67 119 Perry & Phillips Bathrooms Carvers 19 Eaton Kitchens 27 Roman Bathrooms 11 13 Wall Heath Bathrooms Beauty Clinics - Cosmetic Medi Visage 84 Ultra Slim 93 Beds & Bedroom Furniture 39 Chasewood Interiors Italia 16/17 Merridale Furnishers 21 Woodrobes 15 Blinds/Curtains/Shutters 37 Castle Blinds Creative Interiors 34/35 Merridale Furnishers 21 Val Hever Blinds 30 Virgo 31 Building Merchants OCL 53 Building Services/Contractors Build a Solution 41 Three Pines 29 Butchers Allan Bennett 64 R J Hipkiss & Sons 60/61 Carpet Cleaning Specialists Touch Dry 48 Carpets & Flooring (Supply & Fit) Virgo Carpets & Interiors 31 Car Sales/Service 149 Autosales Barlow Seat 155 Church Road Motors 144 Guest Motors 147 Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton 151 Chiropody & Podiatry Tom Casey 112 Composite Doors Doorsmart 43 Computer Services Finchfield IT 51 Delicatessen Corbelli 64 Dentistry Parkside Dental Surgery 89-91 109 Simply Dentures Total Implant Solutions 2/128 Debt Collection Services 141 JB Credit Services Design & Print 51 Synaxis Design Consultancy The Studio 50 Diet & Slimming 98 Cambridge Diet 152

Education Tettenhall College 117 115 The Royal School Electricians/Electrical Contractors Excel Electrical Contractors 141 140 Fitzgerald Electrical Electrical Suppliers Geo-E-Davies 48 Entertainment & Leisure Kinver Country Fayre 62 Estate Agents 9/11 Berriman Eaton Fashion/Retail Diffusion - Ladies 80/81 Diffusion - Men 142 Fencing & Gates Profence 56 Financial & Legal Services Later Life Protection 49 Fireplaces/Stoves Flaming Fires 15 Wolverhampton Fireplaces 13 Fish & Chip Shops Blue Submarine 65 Fitness/Leisure Centres 121 South Staffordshire Leisure Funeral Directors M Jackson & Son 50 Furniture/Furnishings Creative Interiors 34/35 39 Chasewood Interiors Interiors Italia 16/17 Merridale Furnishers 21 Sofa Factory Outlet 25 31 Virgo Carpets & Interiors Garage Services Church Road Motors 144 153 Four Ashes Renault HiQ Tyres 145 144 Rock Garage Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations 59 Gardening/Landscaping Ben Farmer 56 56 Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre Garden Magic 57 Keepers Lane Nursery 55 Lealans Garden Centre 58 R.L. Tree & Landscaping 55 Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum System 45 Golf Clubs/Driving Ranges 3 Hammers Golf Complex 137 135 Oxley Park Golf Club Patshull Park Golf Club 134 South Staffs Golf Club 129 Wergs Golf Club 131 Hairdressers Salon 27 87 Stargaze 98 Health Care Cover Paycare 111 Hospices 123 Compton Hospice

Hospitals (Private) Nuffield 95 Independent Financial Advisers Midland Financial Services 126/127 Insect Screens 54 Safe Screen Interior Designers Creative Interiors 34/35 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 31 Italian Deli Corbelli’s 64 Jewellers T.A.Henn 7 Kitchen Doors (Replacement) Dream Doors 33 Kitchens (Supply, design & fit) Carvers Building Supplies 19 33 Dream Doors 27 Eaton Kitchens Roman Bathrooms 11 Legal Services Manby Bowdler Solicitors 115 Letting Agents Berriman Eaton 9 Locksmiths Cummings Brothers 140 Luxury Travel Image Luxury Travel 98 Music Lessons Rick Hampton 63 Opticians 88 Taylor Biddle Orthopaedic Surgery Wolverhampton Hip & Knee Clinic 113 Oven Cleaning Services OvenClean 48 Painters/Decorators Kevin Jackson 140 Plumbing & Heating JB Plumbing & Heating 140 Restaurants/Pubs 73 Bravaccios Halfpenny Green Vineyards 63 76 Kings Repose Patshull Park 77 76 Shrewsbury Arms Sir Jack’s 69 Wergs Golf Club 72 Wombourne Tandoori 72 Skip Hire Wolverhampton Skip Hire 141 Theatres The Grand Theatre 156 Tiles & Interiors Heart of Stone 37 Tile Choice 5 Tyres Hi Q Tyres 145 Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards 63 Wedding Venues/Function Rooms Albrighton Hall 68 Patshull Park 70 68 Wergs Golf Club Windows & Conservatories 23 Tettenhall Windows

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

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

Had an accident, in need of a respray? Give Us A Call!

12 Reg Vehicles (3 years old) - Your MOT is (or soon will be) due - Check your date of registration on your vehicle log book. • MOT testing arranged • Large stoock of new and used parts • Computerised diagnostic (main dealer equipment) • Accident/mechanical repairs & insurance work undertaken • All work is fully guaranteed! • Courtesy Cars free of charge • Pick up and Drop-off service* • Servicing while you wait *conditions apply, please call for more details

MOT WITH ANY SERVICE

£25 *All models over 3 years old and out of Renault warranty period. Prices start from as listed. Please call for more details and exact price for your vehicle.

10 Reg and 60 Reg Vehicles DONT FORGET YOUR CAM/TIMING BELT!

Most Renaults require Cam/Timing Belt change at 72,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). Cam/Timing Belt failure will result in serious engine damage, so make sure yours is changed at the correct intervals. Call us for more details.

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

01902 790123

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Barlow Motors

Not only the best SEAT deals... the best all makes used cars & service deals too!

Gary with the sales team

BARLOW MOTORS SEAT are one of the longest established SEAT dealers in the UK. Operating from their original showroom at Evans Street, Wolverhampton this dealership has built a solid reputation for the best deals on new SEAT, used SEAT and any make and model of used cars. With access to over 600 new and used cars in group stock choice isn’t an issue and customer service levels are second to none. Sales Manager Gary Miller, who has over 18 years working with SEAT, comments. “Thanks to our friendly family atmosphere, you can be assured of seeing the same friendly faces every time you visit us. Our relaxed environment is a great place to be for customers and staff. We are very professional and just as important, friendly. We’re always looking to improve; everyone works hard on customer focus in all our departments”. They have 6 fully trained sales executives on site, two of which have many years of SEAT experience – Graham King over 10 years and Damien Smallman over 9 years. Business Manager Mike Greenhough also brings a wealth of experience to the dealership with over 8 years motor industry experience. Clearly a consistent, hard-working team that is passionate about every 154

customer and takes care of every detail is the foundation of Barlow Motors’ continued sales success. Aftersales Manager Simon Fussell is a SEAT Master Technician who has over 20 years of experience working with VW Group and 8 years working with SEAT, comments, “We have a wealth of knowledge in our service department and not just on SEAT models, we service and repair all makes and are passionate about every car in our workshop”. All Barlow Motors’ Service Technicians are fully factory trained and work with the very latest diagnostic equipment. Tom Bennett recently passed his Master Technician assessment and Luke Willetts boasts 10 years’ experience, recently becoming a qualified service adviser accredited

Simon (back centre) with the service team

by the Institute of the Motor Industry. Barlow Motors offer service plans for £19.99 per month for 18 months, this covers you for 1 major and 1 minor service, and is by far the most cost effective way to look after your car and can be taken out on the day of your service. If it’s just replacement SEAT parts you’re looking for then Nick Orszulan is your man! Nick has over 18 years of SEAT experience and can guide you to the right part at the right price, delivered quickly with no fuss. So as you can see it’s well worth the visit to Barlow Motors SEAT, whether you’re looking to buy a new or used car or simply wanting a Service or MOT for any make or model this is the team to trust pop down today, the kettle is on!

Business manager Mike Greenhough

Barlow Motors SEAT, 1 Evans Street, Newhampton Road West, Wolverhampton WV6 0PL. Tel: 01902 714503 www.bestseatdeals.com wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Wolverhampton West May 15:Layout 1 20/04/2015 17:04 Page 1

Great Theatre at the Grand! TUES 23 - SAT 27 JUNE

MON 29 JUNE - SAT 4 JULY

THE SEQUEL TO DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS

BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

BOOK BY

THE NEW ROCK‘N’ROLL MUSICAL

LAURENCE & MAURUCE

MARKS

GRAN

Includin the smash hg its...

A PICTUR ALL I HAVE T E OF YOU DO YOU LOV O DO IS DREAM E IT’S IN HIS K ME v HANDY MAN ISS v IT’S M Y PART WHEN WILL I BE LOVED Y HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE and ma ny more...

HHHH ‘EXHILARATING’

‘BURSTING WITH HITS’

THE SCOTSMAN

THE MAIL

Follow us on

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suspect everyone ‘A TRULY ENTERTAINING

CLASSIC’ The Sunday Times

‘Deservedly a classic among murder thrillers’ The Observer

The

60

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Anniversary production

Like us on Facebook: Wolverhampton Grand

Box Office 01902

156

42 92 12

BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | may 2015


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