Wolverhampton West Magazine

Christmas Edition 2015

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

Christmas Edition 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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CO N T E N T S Christmas Edition From the Editor The local property market by Nick Berriman Fireplaces Sleeping Beauty panto comes to Pattingham Local choir preparing for Christmas Rotary club of Wolverhampton Dress up your home for Christmas Crosswords and Puzzles Ladies love golf Codsall dramatic society presents Jack and the Beanstalk Festival of dance Author A.G Smith returns to Brewood Library Local Cricket Club complete a major ambition Recipe of the month Woggle mania hits Brewood Meet the boss Wombourne and district choral society Carvers Wolverhampton Marathon Advertising enquiries Email: sales@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Gisella Wiley (Sales Director) Editorial/What’s On information Email: info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Geoff Hall (Editor) Magazine Design Studio 28 Design & Print (www.s28.co.uk) Wolverhampton West Magazine Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY Tel: 01902 744217 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

4 8 10 12 12 16 20 22 26 28 28 30 34 36 38 42 44 46

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Waffle on Wolverhampton 52/53 Grand Theatre competition 54 Gardening with Ann Winwood 64 Christmas season at the Vineyards 76/77 Gift buying is an art 78 Food review – Codsall Spice 84/85 Out to wine and dine 88 Get fit – banish Christmas stress 94 Complete the look – perfect party make-up 96 Guaranteed Glamour: Royston Blythe 100/101 Christmas party essentials; The little black dress 112/113 Inspirational cancer nurse at Wolverhampton’s Nuffield 114 Toms Tip 119 Education and Schooling 130 Social scene 136-143 Golf Tip 145 Books to read at Christmas 150 Last tango in Yaris 156 The new C-Class Coupé – seduction of the heart and mind 158 Answers to crosswords and puzzles 160 Rebel Yell – Jeep Renegade 162

Congratulations to: Winners of Blood Brothers competition at The Grand Theatre Julie Wilkes, Claverley Estelle Hawkins, Tettenhall Winners of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World competition at The Grand Theatre Mrs Jennifer Bradley, Albrighton Mr B J Fieldhouse, Wombourne Winner of the fabulous hair makeover competition with Ego Hair Salon Donna Bannister, Wolverhampton Winner of Bravaccio’s meal for two competition Suzanne Webster-Smith, Lower Penn

We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Wolverhampton West Magazine and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert or editorial. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Wolverhampton West Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior consent of Wolverhampton West Magazine Ltd.

*Total distribution 24,500 copies across 2 months

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Christmas ramblings

FRom THE EDIToR

Keen-eyed regular readers among you will note that in this edition my opening address to you has expanded to swallow up an entire page. Let me first assure you that this aforementioned ampleness is not commensurate with my ego, but is instead necessitated by Wolverhampton West’s bumper bonanza of a Christmas edition. Before you lies a rich, bounteous 164 pages, all strung together with much mirth and merriment. After all, ‘tis the season – and as much as it’s a pet hate of mine to prematurely talk Christmas – it’s time to talk turkey, so to speak. Fancy a Christmas Day dinner with a difference? See our chef Mike Whitehurst’s recipe for roasted guinea fowl. Our top quality, local butchers – R.J. Hipkiss & Sons, Poxons and Allan Bennett – will provide the rest. Of course if you prefer to eat out, our advertisers will spoil you rotten. There are lots of Christmas events for you to attend – like Light Switch-ons across the area; Panto tickets from The Grand Theatre in our competition – and lots of gift ideas to tempt you with. We even have a competition from Halfpenny Green Vineyards that’ll really wet your whistle: a chance to win a winetasting session in the vineyard’s new Wine Loft and take home a choice of six bottles of wine. With competitions this good, I wish I could throw my name into the hat – these oversized editor’s letters are thirsty work! But back to business… Ladies need look no further than Aristocats in Tettenhall for fantastic fashion; for ladies, men 04

and children, try Diffusion. For everything hair: see the teams at Salon 27, Ego and current Midland Hairdresser of the year 2014, Royston Blythe, who will again be going for gongs at the 2015 awards in November. UltraSlim will work wonders on your waistline. Our eight pages of Social Scene will show you how well all of the above can come together. Christmas at Codsall and Wergs and Lealans Garden Centre is definitely worth a look, for Christmas Trees, decorations and lots more for your home. After all there’s just no place like home at this time of year. So read up on the history of our fair city of Wolverhampton, as well as its future in our feature article. D A Baldwin can even supply you with soft water to help keep your cutlery spotless for the imminent in-laws visit and Chancery Contracts Limited can use their electrical wizardry to make your house smarter than ever before. For everything else home-related, see our list of repair and renovation specialists at the back of the magazine. Oh and don’t forget to run your eye over our motoring section. And last but not least: a big thank you to all our advertisers, contributors and readers and to our delivery team, who deliver the goods come rain or shine. Merry Christmas. And all the best for 2016. See you in January!

Geoff

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The local

property market by Nick Berriman

Agents now have the advantage of the internet, mobile phones and computers so presentation and communication is now very different. There is no doubt that the internet has changed agency. It now makes it easy for potential purchasers to search for suitable properties in the comfort of their own homes. Agents must now ensure that they have efficient and user friendly web sites which are properly managed and kept up to date. Quality sale particulars are still important and although the internet is a splendid information channel it cannot negotiate and nor can it follow sales through.

My father recently was asked to speak at the funeral of one of his old partners. He took to reflecting on what Estate Agency was like when they started in the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. In those days there was a West Midlands commission rate of 2% which everyone charged and there was no undercutting. There were extra charges for sale particulars, sale boards, pre sale valuations and accompanied viewings. How the world has changed. Sale particulars were very rudimentary without photographs and copied on a Gestetner machine. Contact and communication were very basic although at the time what was done seemed normal and correct. The first time photographs appeared on particulars and in advertisements seemed very advanced and progressive ! 08

Many years ago agents made a sale and the next thing they heard was when the vendorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solicitor asked for the account. I think we now spend more time after the sale has been agreed than before the deal is done. We employ a lady who has a law degree to follow up. She will check that a contract has been sent, ensure that searches have been requested, check mortgage arrangements or alternative funding and ensure that surveys or valuations have been done. Much time is taken in checking details of any related chains of sales of involved properties and establishing dates for exchange of contracts and completion dates for the finalisation of the sale. This has to be done by people and not machines.

mobile phones or the development of television from its early days. I give some indication in each edition of how we are finding the market. We have had another busy month with both sales and new instructions running at a high level but one significant feature is that sales of new build properties have been particularly strong with several developments selling out. Several people have asked in the last few days how long it will take to sell their properties. My answer is that I am an estate agent and not a magician but the outlook is pretty good. The election is behind us and the economy appears to be in good hands so, unless some external factors come into play, the market should continue to be strong. As this is the last edition before Christmas I would like to extend the compliments of the season and every good wish for next year to all our clients past, present and future and thank them for their support and their confidence.

Just as agents thought fifty years ago that they were doing the job as well as possible we now think we are in the forefront of progress and it would be fascinating to be able to fast forward for another fifty years and see what estate agency will be like then. Perhaps there will be housing estates on large space stations or apartments on the moon. It is impossible to imagine the changes which will happen in the next five decades any more than people fifty years ago could have imagined space travel, the internet, computers, wolverhampton west magazine

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F I R E PLACES “A room without a fireplace is a room without a heart.”

This may or may not be true, but it is quite certain that a room lacking a fireplace does indeed lack a focal point, one that a television, no matter how grand or largescreened, really cannot provide. If you have a fireplace already in your room, even if it’s boarded up, you are half way to providing that focal point. You can open it up, get a builder to examine the grate and the flue, make any necessary repairs, and then you can consider what you can do with the fireplace itself to make it a thing of beauty, a real heart to your home. If you don’t have a fireplace - many were removed altogether some years ago when central heating was being installed, and again, many modern houses have been built without one, then you will have to take more radical steps. An open fireplace can be constructed by a specialist or by a builder. If there is no chimney, an external flue can be provided, either bricked in or attached outside to the wall. On the other hand, an electric, coal-effect fire doesn’t require a flue and can look every bit as attractive and welcoming as the real thing. The fireplace and surround itself must of course be considered whether you are intending to use an existing fireplace or installing a new one. The latest grates, within an antique pine surround, or handbuilt from stone or marble, can look wonderful. Fire surrounds may be bought ready-made or, for not very much more money, you can design the surround you want yourself, and get the specialist to build it. With a newly installed fireplace, in an oddly shaped room or in a period property, this can be the very best answer. The type of fire you required is the next important consideration. Open fires are popular even in these days of labour-saving homes. Somehow there is nothing quite like the welcome a brightly burning fire can give. The latest in log-burning grates, under-floor ventilation and flue construction provide allround heat and make the most of 10

Fireplace shown is available from Flaming Fires (Wombourne)

every shovel-full of fuel, whether it is household coal or smokeless fuel. Many can also heat a back boiler to provide you with endless gallons of piping hot water, and may also run a radiator or two. If you feel unhappy with an open, unprotected fire, one of the latest, attractive multi-fuel burning stoves might be an idea. These are usually pretty little boilers, perhaps potbellied or some other shape gleaned from the past. They are efficient, economical and, with a transparent plate on the front, will still provide the welcoming glow of that open fire. Alternatively you can turn to another type of fire - one that gives every appearance of being an open fire, but which is not. A gas log or coal fire is constructed of imitation logs or coals made from almost

indestructible volcanic materials. The gas, once ignited, produces a red glow amongst the ‘fuels’, and free flames. It provides the welcome, the warmth but none of the mess and extra work. You will of course have to have gas installed, and if you are not in an area where mains gas is available you will have to consider a cylinder or bulk storage tank. Electricity has already been mentioned. Some of the coal and log-effect fires powered by electricity are spectacularly beautiful, efficient, clean and trouble-free. Some even produce the effect of a living flame. If you haven’t yet got a fireplace in your home, think about having one installed. Put the heart back where it belongs and enjoy the warmest welcome ever.

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‘The Sleeping Beauty’ p a n t o m i m e c o m e s t o Pa t t i n g h a m Members of Pattingham Drama Group are busy rehearsing ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ by Ben Crocker, a traditional pantomime for the family loosely based on the well known fairy tale which they will be performing at the end of November in Pattingham’s Village Hall. The pantomime will have twenty children aged 6 to 16 years taking part from the group’s Junior section and it has all of the usual ingredients of a rather large dame as the Queen Dottie and her cat, Kitty, King Norbert, Billy the young lad, a wicked Fairy Godmother with her cat, four good Fairy Godmothers, and, of course, a beautiful Princess with her handsome Prince.

There will be the usual slapstick scene, this being in the kitchen, together with loads of panto jokes and topical humour with audience participation, together with a live band accompanying all the songs… “Oh no, there won’t!” Performances will be at 7.30pm on the nights of Wednesday 25th November through to Friday 27th, changing to 2.30pm on Saturday, the 28th. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for children under the age of 16. To book your tickets, call 01902 700748 or email boxoffice@pattinghamdramagroup.co.uk but hurry as demand is expected to be high.

Local Choir preparing for Christmas St Peter’s Collegiate Church Choir are busy preparing for the festive season carol services, the favourite is always the Lessons and Candles by Candlelight – this year on Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm. During the last year the choir (the largest cathedralstyle choir in the country) sang for 164 services in Wolverhampton and further afield. Aside from Christmas concerts and services, the other highlights of the year included singing the daily services for a week during the summer in Durham Cathedral and in Canterbury Cathedral, where the Archbishop of Canterbury enjoyed their singing and they enjoyed meeting him.

Next summer both the choirs go to Edinburgh to sing in St Mary’s Cathedral during the festival and they also have a date in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall to sing in the biggest work of all - Mahler’s 8th Symphony. Westminster Abbey has also invited the choir to sing there again on July 19th 2016. Great news for Wolverhampton!

former choristers who are studying music in Cambridge. Stephen Matthews is a choral scholar singing with the world-renowned St John’s College Choir and Claudia Grinnell is in charge of the music at Peterhouse College.

Meanwhile the 50 girls, 24 boys and 27 men are busily preparing for the Christmas carol singing. The music will include a special carol being jointly written by two

Website: www.stpeterswolverhamptonchoir.co.uk Email: info@stpeterswolverhamptonchoir.co.uk Telephone: 07733 225349 wolverhampton west magazine

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

IS AVAILABLE NOW

The recent Budget contained good news for pension investors. The amount of tax relief that can be received on pension contributions has just increased for some. WHAT IS PENSION TAX RELIEF? To encourage everyone to save for retirement some pension contributions receive up to 45% tax relief. The government automatically pays 20% of your contributions regardless of your tax rate and higher and top-rate taxpayers can reclaim more through their tax return up to an extra 20% or 25% depending on an individual’s circumstances. Imagine you pay £8,000 into your pension, the government will add £2,000 to make it £10,000 in your pension. A higher-rate tax payer

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

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

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

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you wanted to invest more than your earnings in any tax year you could ask your employer to make an employer contribution, possibly set off against future earnings. If you decide to use your new allowance remember money in a pension can normally only be accessed from age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028), usually 25% of this pension pot is tax free and the rest is taxed as income. Tax rules can of course change in the future. The value of your investment and the income from it can go down as well as up and you may not get back the original amount invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator for future results. Levels, bases and reliefs from taxation are subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. Please contact us for further information or if you are in any doubt as to the suitability of an investment. Making decisions about your pension is most important. Whilst it is critical to understand your options you should consult a professional adviser before proceeding with any pension option. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

John Webb

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

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

Midland Independent Financial Services Ltd, 153 Avon Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1LF. Telephone 01543 468877. www.midlandifa.co.uk 15

The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton

Putting your foot in it - with no regrets

Founder Members of the BFF Centurion Club, Preston Grundy (163 laps), Abi Reynolds (108), Kate Williams (100) and Roy Grew (118) swap notes about effective blister treatments.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton acted as hosts for the presentation of cheques to the benefitting charities arising from Best Foot Forward 2015, staged at Aldersley Leisure Village in July. The presentations took place in the Mayor’s Parlour, before guests made up of event patrons, some of the participants who had completed the greatest number of laps of the stadium, and others whose involvement had made the event possible. Cheques totalling £12,000 were accepted on behalf of Acorns in the Black Country, Samaritans in Wolverhampton and the Rotary Charitable Trust. On behalf of Acorns, Tanya Fellows spoke of the work of the Hospice in supporting not only children

with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, but also their families. This extended beyond in-hospice care, to out-reach support in the home. Samaritan’s Georgie Savage explained that the donation would fund the activities of Wolverhampton’s 70 volunteer Samaritans for two months in providing their 365 day, 24/7 service to those to those struggling to cope with terrible times. District Governor Richard Green, on behalf of the Rotary Charitable Trust, reminded guests of the broad range of activities undertaken by Rotarians, both in Wolverhampton and throughout the world to address need, to strengthen communities, eliminate disease and help with recovery from natural disasters. The event, first staged in 2013, is organised by the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton and remains unique in the UK. The funding of £12,000 was provided by over 40 companies and organisations, who each donated from £250 upwards to provide a Treasure Chest. This was unlocked for the charities at the rate of £1 for every lap of Aldersley Stadium logged on the day.

A total of 11,682 laps was close enough to the target of 12,000 to release all the funds for the charities. In addition a further £6,600 was raised for their own needs by other organisations, including Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, Bethel Christian Fellowship, Central Youth Theatre, Nepal Building Challenge and Bilston Rotary. On the day, those taking part logged individual laps which ranged from 2 up to 163, with eleven of the participants clocking, or exceeding, 100 laps - just about 25 miles. All of those achieving this were afforded the status of Founder Members of the BFF Centurion Club and presented with a certificate by the Mayor. Geoff Lowndes, Chairman of the club’s organising committee says “We are both delighted and relieved that Best Foot Forward has established itself as a means of providing support where it is most needed. "When we first developed the idea from an event in Monaco, we were not sure that the concept would be understood at all, or accepted by enough patrons to make it viable. Those questions have been answered, but every year we have the recurring anxiety that we will either run out of money before we run out of laps, or we will run out of laps before we run out of money! So far the books have been balanced, but every year the uncertainty is still enough to keep us awake at nights. "Over the course of three years as the result of the staging of Best Foot Forward, deserving charities have had their work under-written by £55,600. We are very proud to have been the catalyst in making this happen”

Best Foot Forward will be staged again at Aldersley Leisure Village on Saturday, 2nd July 2016. The Rotary Club would be pleased to provide more information not only to companies or organisations interested in joining the ranks of event patrons, but also to any charities, youth group or sports clubs who might consider using the event to generate funds for their own needs. Mayor Ian Brookfield puts his best foot in, along with Tanya Fellows (Acorns) Georgie Savage (Samaritans) and DG Richard Green (Rotary Charitable Trust).

For general information visit www.wolverhamptonbestfootforward.com For specific enquiries either email Geoff Lowndes, via bff.online@hotmail.co.uk or phone Mike Boyce on 07976 612276.

Visit www.rotaryclubwolverhampton.co.uk and talk to us. 16

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Dress up the home

for Christmas

Christmas in the home usually means festive decorating.

Somehow it is difficult to celebrate this special time without the embellishments that now normally go with it. How you go about the decorating, and what it costs, depends very much on how you and your family see the exercise. If you go the whole hog, decorate the place up to the nines and then burn the lot ritually on Twelfth Night, it will cost a veritable fortune every year. Much better therefore, to take the baubles down carefully and bring them out, year after year, adding to your collection as time, finances and inclination allow. There is a wealth of decorating materials in the shops just now costing from pence to pounds. Decorations range from tiny springs of plastic holly for the Christmas cake, to enormous fake Christmas trees that look so real you could be forgiven for trying to plant them out for next year! In fact the simplest things probably make for the most spectacular displays. Natural greenery, decorated

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

Decorate to a theme for best results, take a colour or shape and build your decorating theme round it. Fans for example can look stunning standing upright along the edge of a shelf, especially if they are linked by bows and ribbons, or bright tinsel garlands. Baskets can be another theme. Tiny wicker creations, filled with seasonally coloured flowers, fruit or sweets, hung in groups from corners, light fittings or in front of a window, can look quite spectacular. If you are short on ideas, have a look at what your local retailer is displaying this year. Generally these professionally invented displays look very expensive. Look closer however and you’ll probably find they have been made from basically inexpensive materials put together with colour, flair and sticky-backed plastic. Decorate the fruit bowls. Cover some of the fruit with foil or coloured tissue. If you don’t have sufficient bowls, cover an old flower pot, bulb bowl or box, with wrapping and fill with fruit in the usual way. If you wish to display flowers, make your vases seasonal by covering them too with gaily coloured paper or foil. Gift wrappings make very suitable materials for this purpose. Candles have a seasonal quality about them, especially the brightly coloured red and green ones. Make your own candle displays on a saucer with the candle and other decorations set in oasis. Decorations can include sprigs of holly or pine, artificial or dried flowers and the odd ribbon, assembled round the base of the candle so both oasis and saucer are concealed. They can look professional and expensive, as well as attractive. In all your displays, don’t overlook the usefulness of pine cones, grasses, bare branches and even drift wood. Do be careful about lighting candles though. Never light them if they are part of an inflammable set-piece decoration or display. Choose your Christmas tree with care. Natural trees are lovely of course but unless you are very careful, even if the roots have not been disturbed, the needles will start to drop as soon as the warm air of the home touches them. Artificial trees last forever and retain their built-in good looks, year after festive year. Part of dressing the house includes dressing the festive table. Be wise, unless it’s just you and your partner; go for paper tablecloth and napkins. White looks lovely but there is a whole spectrum of colours to choose from, either plain or printed with festive motifs. Make a colourful centrepiece either with candles, fruit or a combination of both, and your table will set the scene for the very best Christmas dinner ever. What’s more, there’ll be no linen to launder when it’s all over, and one less job to do should be good news all round.

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Burke Bros Moving Group opens Wolverhampton city centre self storage! companies during the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, coupled with a research and development program using ever changing technology, has placed Burke Bros at the forefront of the removal industry. Gary Burke (Left) and Chris Burke (Right), Directors at Burke Bros

Founded in 1982 by brothers Gary and Chris Burke in Wolverhampton, Burke Bros Moving Group has become one of the leading international removals and storage companies in the UK. Burke Bros provide moving and storage services to those moving in the UK, those moving business, those moving overseas and customers who require storage services. The acquisition of specialist removal

They have provided their customers with storage for many years and have recently opened a brand new self storage facility in the prime location of Wolverhampton City Centre. Self Storage is a perfect solution for many who require more room for their goods and is a cost-effective solution for many. Being able to access your goods during Burke Bros opening hours also means you can access your goods easily. Their secure self storage has over 90 rooms of various sizes and can be used to store items for residential customers, business and students alike. For businesses they also offer more long term document and archive storage.

Removals is still at the heart of Burke Bros Moving Groups many services. All of Burke Bros customers are provided with a free no obligation quotation, and if required, receive a personal visit from an experienced estimator to assess the volume of effects and furniture they would like to move. All their staff are fully trained and professional to ensure your move is handled with care. Burke Bros Moving Group are a fully accredited member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) meaning your move and money are protected by a financial bond. For more information on any of our removals or storage services please contact us on 01902 714555 or email sales@burkebros.co.uk. You can also find more information on our website www.burkebros.co.uk

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Sky Sports star SARAH Joins lady golfers

golf clinics supplied by 3 of the 5 full time PGA Golf Professionals from 3 Hammers Golf Complex, Coven. Sky Sports presenter and Ambassador for ladies golf Sarah Stirk spoke at length about the up and coming Solheim Cup and the importance for more events to encourage female participation in the sport. The Ladies Love Golf initiative is the brain child of 3 Hammers Senior Golf Instructor John Cheetham who in just 6 months has welcomed 78 lady members to the game of golf. Most ladies joined the revolutionary new Academy by progressing through the Complex’s popular Learn 2 Play Programme, of which half of all students are female. Ladies Love Golf members enjoy a social, fun and relaxed golfing environment as well as having exclusive access to discounted green fees across the region’s golf courses, overseas coaching breaks, PGA away days, a choice of weekly coaching sessions and a free Ladies Love Golf member golf shirt – all for an annual membership fee of £49pp. Sarah said “It was great to see so many ladies on the course enjoying themselves in such a relaxed environment. It’s important for ladies to have access to venues to enjoy playing golf under relaxed conditions and also to receive top quality coaching is a bonus.”

A new ladies Golf Academy away day has attracted the attention of Sky Sports.

Sarah Stirk for the away day event exclusively for 3 Hammers Ladies Love Golf members. The event which included a Q+A session and

For more information please contact Ladies Love Golf Director John Cheetham on 07709 320613 or johncheethamgolf@gmail.com

The 3 Hammers full day ‘Ladies Love Golf’ event was held in association with The Astbury, Bridgnorth on Monday 14th September. Over 30 lady golfers were joined by Sky Sports golf presenter

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Codsall Dramatic Society Presents

Jack & the Beanstalk

Join us for our ever popular children’s play as we travel to a land of magic, adventure and giants!

With the usual mixture of fun, interaction and laughter, help Jack to climb the beanstalk, cheer Clarabelle the dancing cow and boo the Giant. Let the magic unfold… Performances are at Codsall Village Hall Thurs and Fri 26th, 27th Nov and 3rd, 4th Dec at 7.30pm, Sat 28th Nov and 5th Dec at 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets are only £5.00; Adults come at children’s price. The ticket price includes a drink and biscuit for children during the interval and free entry into our colouring competition with prizes at every performance (aimed at children aged 3-11). There will be a selection of Jack & the Beanstalk merchandise on sale after every performance.

Tickets available from Codsall Craft & Models, The Square, Codsall, Ian Rigby Jewellers, Birches Bridge, Learning Ladder Toy Shop, Anders Square, Perton, or you can order online at www. codsalldramaticsociety.co.uk.

Festival of dance

Following the sold out success of this year’s Holi event, Arena Theatre brings you Diwali Utsav.

Celebrating the rich and diverse Indian culture of the UK; this vibrant and uplifting family-friendly event, will take place on Saturday 21st November 2015 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10 (£8 concessions) and can be booked by calling the box office on (10902) 321 321 or online www.arena.wlv.ac.uk. Diwali is the Indian festival of lights, celebrating the joyous commencement of the New Year. It marks the start of beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. This 28

globally celebrated festival is a time when families and friends come together for goodwill, feasting, fireworks and dancing. Come and join us to celebrate this fantastic diverse festival. The evening will feature Bollywood, Kathak, Punjabi Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, Gujarati Raas Garba, Punjabi Giddha, Contemporary and Manipuri dance styles including Dhol Drumming.

For parties of 6 or more please telephone 01902 267322 or order online. For more from CDS visit our website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter (@CodsallDramSoc). winner Vidya Patel, Jai Jashn Dance, Bollywood Dreams Dance, Jaivant Patel Dance, Gabhru Panjab De, Saijal Patel, Giddha Sansaar, Eternal Taal, Aaja Nachle Let’s Dance, Debanjali Biswas, Aishani Ghosh and Shree Krishna Dancers.* *line-up subject to change. A light authentic Indian snack will be provided and is included within the ticket price for this event. This event is produced by Jaivant Patel Dance. For further information on Jaivant Patel Dance please visit www. facebook.com/JaivantPatelDance

This event includes performances by BBC Young Dancer finalist and South Asian Category wolverhampton west magazine

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A.G. Smith ret u r n s to B re wood Librar y Author

Brewood library will be hosting a day of ‘spooky’ events on Tuesday 17th November which will culminate in a terrifying reading by acclaimed author A.G. Smith. A.G. Smith last performed at Brewood library in November 2014 and tickets for the event sold out very quickly. ‘I had a wonderful time at Brewood library.’ A.G Smith told Wolverhampton West, ‘the community has a very special library that feels like the hub of the community, exactly as a library should always be. The staff are so lovely and helpful they made me very welcome and had worked so hard to ensure the library had the right atmosphere for the performance. I was deeply saddened to read that Brewood is one of the libraries facing job cuts and being turned over to be volunteer run. This is unfair on rural communities who rely so much on their local library. A library needs

to be run by a qualified librarian, it’s that simple. I will be very proud to return to Brewood and show my support for the library with an event like this, I hope the audience will do the same.’ A.G. Smith has been writing since his childhood and his work has been praised by bestselling authors Anthony Horowitz, G.P Taylor and Miranda Dickinson. He works with Young Offenders in local prisons to engage them with reading and writing and this aspect of his work has been showcased on BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire programme. Although better known for his fantasy trilogy ‘Harvester of the Now’ A.G. Smith’s horror stories have become widely popular and his yearly tours sell out very quickly.

horror. As an author I love the ghost stories of M.R James, the ‘strange’ fiction of Robert Aickman and the sci-fi horror of H.P Lovecraft. All three are masters of their trade and I take great pains with my horror stories to stay true to their legacy. I think people have forgotten the power of spoken word. This is the oldest form of entertainment, and my stories will try to take you back to memories of sitting around a campfire and someone telling you a spooky story.’ Be warned though, A.G. Smith’s stories have been know to illicit screams of terror from even the most hardened audience, and they are not recommended for children or the faint-hearted.

‘I have always loved horror films, ever since my father introduced me to Hammer Horror in my teens. I love the Gothic beauty of those films, and I prefer the restraint and suggestion of the 1930’s – 1970’s period which I find much more frightening than a lot of modern

If you feel brave enough, please reserve a ticket on: 01902 850087 For more information about A.G. Smith please visit: www.harvesterofthenow.com or you can follow him on Twitter: @harvesterOTnow

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GET In THE ZonE WITH ouR

WinTER WARmER dEALS Autumn’s here and our thoughts are turning to heating our homes. If we are to gain the most from the ‘smart’ technology now available

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

Are time clock-driven systems really the perfect solution to the modern connected lifestyle? With last-minute meetings, afterschool activities and impromptu social gatherings can we really say when we will or won’t be home? When home time finally arrives, wouldn’t it be great to know the

heating will be on and the house cosy warm, a tank full of piping hot water for that relaxing bath or a few welcoming lights on around the place to welcome you. Relax; none of this has been costing you money while you haven’t needed it. The starter system from Chancery Contracts makes it all possible with a touch of your Smartphone from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

W I n T E R WA R m E R D E A L S This is just the beginning though. Countless money-saving and stress busting ways are available to allow you to customise your home and make it work smarter for you. Get in the zone this winter and include zoned control to your starter kit, to further optimise your heating and improve your comfort. With a zoned heating system from Chancery Contracts you can take control of individual room temperatures from the comfort of your armchair or on your way home from work. It’s the smart way to tailor each room to our own lifestyle. Thermostatic valves do allow individual control of radiators but you need to be in the room to set them and by then you are already too hot or cold. Of course, the smart systems we are offering are not just confined to heating; we can build from your starter kit to encompass every controllable aspect, from lighting and music to running a bath and closing the curtains - all contained within one easy to understand app. A central solution offering countless possibilities to simplify and streamline your home life while you stay in full control.

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

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THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

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Local Cricket Club complete a major ambition Springhill Cricket Club in Lower Penn, South Staffordshire has secured a £50,000 grant from Biffa Award; a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.

Community Buildings theme, will build an extension at Springhill Cricket Club for the benefit of the community at large.

The project, which was awarded funding under Biffa Award’s

The facility will then be able to meet the requirements expressed by

This is the second phase of the club's development plan; to create a versatile community space and install essential accompanying facilities such as a kitchen and toilets. In turn this will extend the use of the site, allowing it to be used at various times of day, all year round, by all members of the community.

user groups, and will enable the club to act as a hub for the local community as no similar venue is available nearby. Usage of the site is expected to expand from approx 2,000 visits per annum to 10,000 as more facilities become available. As well as catering for various community, club and private functions, the new space will allow the club to host a schedule of large scale events. Specific events planned for the new facility include a classical concert, a summer fete and bonfire night celebration. Tony Banks, Cricket Club Chairman said: “The funding from Biffa Award enables the club to complete a major ambition. It provides a kitchen, toilets and additional space essential for an effective community resource” Charlie Brueton, Supporter and Beneficiary said: “The ground is fantastic, the work done is fantastic, the view is unparalleled and the company is superb.” For further information please contact: Mr Daniel Kinsey, Club Secretary, Springhill Cricket Club: springhillcc@hotmail.co.uk

The Springhill Community team at the annual community cricket match

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RECIPE

Serves 4 By Michael Peter Whitehurst

A Christmas Day alternative

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

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

• A large handful of cobnuts - you need about 5 nuts per person • 1 kilo of potatoes (I use wilja or reds) • 200g of sour dough bread blitzed up • 500ml of milk • 300ml of double cream • 100g of unsalted butter diced and frozen Equipment • 1 large roasting tray • 1 heavy bottomed sauce pan • 1 small saucepan • chopping board • sharp knife • peeler • sieve • sauté pan a mental note of the line in the pan). Place this in the fridge over night ready to separate in the morning.

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

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

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

4. On Christmas Day Turn your oven on to heat up to 180°C. Gas mark 4. Take your bird and pick off as many of the remaining feathers, don’t wash the bird as any bacteria will be killed off during cooking. Take the other half of your lemon and stuff inside the bird with a few sprigs of tarragon, parsley and wolverhampton west magazine

thyme. Now wash your hands! Sprinkle sea salt all over the skin of the bird and place upside down in the oven. It will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. 5. Separate the cold milk and chicken stock from the dry ingredients and place the liquid back on the heat, peel the potatoes and parsnips and boil in the milk and chicken stock until soft, add extra water to make sure vegetables are submerged. Now take the bird out of the oven, turn it over and carefully spoon out the fat from the tray. Drizzle this over the potatoes and parsnips and sit the veg in the tray with the bird and put back in the oven until cooked through. 6. Meanwhile using the infused liquid from the potato and parsnips add in the breadcrumbs and cream, then simmer until thickened and keep warm - if it is too thick just stir in a little water.

pan with half the madeira, scrape with a wooden spatula and set aside. In the small saucepan add half the amount of diced shallots, slice the rest of the garlic thinly and fry gently in a little rapeseed oil until softened. Now pour in the deglazed pan juices, the remaining madeira and the chicken stock and then rapidly boil until it has reduced and is starting to thicken. Whisk in the frozen butter and keep warm. 9. Warm your plates in the oven on the lowest setting and then I recommend you carve the bird, split the legs and wings up and place everything onto a serving platter, put the bread sauce in a bowl and the sauce into a jug and present in the middle of your dinner table for everyone to help themselves. Serving suggestion Serve with a very cold glass of Prosseco or Elderflower presse.

7. Once your bird has reached 75°C inside and the juices run clear sit on the side with some foil over the top to allow to rest. Let the potatoes keep on roasting and get on with the sprouts. Boil your sprouts for about 4 minutes in salted water, chill under cold running water and set aside. In your sauté pan add the rest of the shallots, and chunky dice the bacon, fry this gently until the fat renders from the bacon and it starts to brown. Pour off the excess fat from the bacon and now add in the cobnuts and sprouts and toss until everything is browning nicely. 8. When the potatoes and parsnips are ready transfer them to a serving dish to keep warm and deglaze the

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

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WoGGLE mAniA

HITS BREWooD! The third annual Woggle fundraiser took place on 27th September in the picturesque village of Brewood.

The runners were once again treated to fine weather and perfect running conditions with the added incentive of finishing in the village square for the first time. Over 80 runners took part from all over the West Midlands and the race was finally won by Christian Evans in an impressive time of 35.22. The fastest lady was local Brewood resident Belle Ward in 43 minutes. The day started off early with the under 8’s competing to win the Mini Woggle trophy and the first boy home was Joe Harris with Mia Chard taking the girls trophy. Next up was the U12 race won by an impressive sprint for home from William Harris and Danielle Wake as the fastest girl. Not to be outdone by her sister, Natasha Wake retained her title in the U15’s race and Elliot Braine won the boys race. All in all the day proved to be yet again a huge success with over

£1000 raised for the Brewood Scouts to go towards securing a new hut. The cakes and tea went down well courtesy of the local Co-op and local residents who had been busy baking to feed the hungry runners. Supporters also turned out in the square to cheer on the runners. The date has been booked for 2016 – 25th September, entries via: www.Brewoodwoggle.com. Why not come and join us?

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Commencement on site

for new luxury homes development in Seisdon

Hovi Luxury Homes and Three Pines Building Co. Ltd has commenced pre-construction works on land that sits on the edge of picturesque Seisdon in anticipation of building 16 luxury 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Ian Houghton, director of Hovi Luxury Homes explained: “We are delighted to have secured this opportunity to build an upmarket residential development, which will be known as Lower Lanes Meadow, in such a sought after location. The houses have been individually and sympathetically designed to provide a particularly desirable development. They will also benefit from good-sized gardens and a quality specification.”

easily commutable with excellent schools nearby. We are now in a position to take reservations and expect strong interest.” Hovi Luxury Homes specialise in the development of small

to medium-sized residential developments in and around central England with a focus on selective developments of quality. Three Pines Building Co. Ltd has been developing houses in the area for over 40 years. They specialise in new builds, refurbishments, extensions, conversions and listed building works with an enviable track record for quality. This is all fully backed by the NHBC.

Seisdon is located between Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth close to the Staffordshire/ Shropshire border near to Penn and Wombourne. Tim Hughes of selling agents Bartlams added: “I am excited about bringing this quality scheme, in such a wonderful setting, to the market. The village of Seisdon is an idyllic place to live and yet 40

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

Meet the boss:

Open Up With St yle!

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

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

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

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

It’s not hard to see why. Craig’s team – an alternative longstanding Wolves’ fan club – clearly gets along famously, there’s an abundance of gentle humour and a genuine transparency that’s refreshingly endearing. “We must be doing something right,” he says, adding that the general public is becoming much more discerning regarding price and quality. “More people are now aware of the benefits of composite doors and it’s no longer just the fitting industry that wants to be included as part of a double-glazing package. “Increasingly, we are establishing direct links with home-owners who have carried out their own internet research and concluded they need the security and thermal efficiencies our doors can bring,” adds Craig,

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

Big on caring, family values, the hands-on boss is determined that those relational qualities are carried through into customer relations. “There’s never any hard sell from us. We’re not pushy, but will give advice and we have plenty of experience. “We have a showroom display in our factory of some of the 30-plus standard doors we produce, but we never actively have to go out and sell – we’re too busy to do that anyway. “People come to us primarily from word of mouth recommendations. “It’s all about trust, we regularly put in extra hours to ensure deadlines are met. We have an honourable reputation and customers like the fact we are a family concern, if people need time to consider their options, that’s fine by us,” adds Craig.

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

Doorsmart also specialises in the supply of Fire Doors, Stable Doors, French doors and Entry System products all can be viewed on our website www.doorsmart.co.uk. There are excellent selections of glass and fittings available which can be viewed at their factory showroom. “From the traditional, to the ultra modern . . . we do them all,” says Craig. Craig and his father in law Jeffrey Bates founded the business in 2005. Jeff a former engineer with years of experience of machinery has been invaluable in the success of the business. “Jeff’s engineering skills have allowed us to be competitive and the place just wouldn’t run without him,” adds Craig, a Wolverhampton University graduate in environmental management. Joining Craig and Jeff in the team are family members Darren (brother), and Stewart (brother in law) as well as other friends and family members. Although open Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, most customers visit the factory display on Saturday mornings 9.00am –12.00pm.

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

wolverhampton west magazine

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Wombourne & District Choral Society to perform Haydn ‘Nelson’ Mass & Vivaldi ‘Gloria’ Wombourne and District Choral Society’s next concert performance in November will centre on the 'Nelson' mass, originally called the 'Mass for Troubled Times'. It was written at a time of intense fear for the citizens of Austria, whose army had been defeated in four major battles by Napoleon Bonaparte. His army had crossed the Alps, and even threatened Vienna itself. Haydn’s mighty choral work is now forever associated with Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory over Napoleon and is, according to Joseph Haydn’s biographer, arguably the composer’s “greatest single composition”. This wonderful work is scored for strings, three trumpets, and timpani, reflecting its martial background.

The programme will also include a glittering concerto for trumpet and strings by Telemann to help raise the roof, played by renowned trumpeter David Blackadder. The concert will be held on Saturday 28th November 2015 at the Church of St John’s in the Square in Wolverhampton WV2 4AT, commencing at 7.30pm. The choir will be conducted by their Musical Director, Ian Clarke and accompanied by professional soloists and orchestra. Light refreshments will be available in the interval and tickets are £14 each with children under 16 free. Tickets can be bought from choir members, calling 01902 744447 or by buying at the door on the night.

Wombourne & District Choral Society is a well-established, mixed choir of some 80 singers, drawn from the local area and has a varied repertoire, mainly full classical works, often performed with soloists and an orchestra. Patron of the choir is John Rutter, the renowned and popular choral composer. New singers are always welcome to the choir. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, 7.30 to 9.30pm during term time at The King's School, Regis Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8XG. For more information, contact our Membership Secretary, Carol Dixon at cagsdixon@gmail.com

Vivaldi's Gloria has a gloriously sunny nature, and is characteristic of all of the composer's music, its distinctive melodies and driving rhythms giving it an immediate and universal appeal.

Penn Christmas crib festival Prepare for nostalgia, tradition and a few surprises when the parishes of Penn unite at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Church Hill, Penn between 5th and 7th December.

You are warmly invited to see dozens of Nativity scenes displayed inside the church, warm up with a hot drink and cakes(s) and sit to enjoy entertainment during the event. Entrance is free. All of this is in aid of 2 Wolverhampton charities: Street Pastors, who promote late night safety on the city streets and Let Us Play, who provide support and activities for local disabled/ special needs children. Further details available by visiting the Facebook page: penncribfestival or email: pennchristmascrib@ gmail.com

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W o lv er h a m pto n

Marathon who have run for charity. The organisers never know exactly how much is raised in total for the chosen charities as many people like to support their own worthy causes.

As the final event in December when the cheques are presented to the charities draws near, the organisers are appealing for local charities to apply for a share of the funding in the 2016 event.

It seems long ago but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only been a few weeks since many people took to the streets in and around Wolverhampton helping to raise money for local charities supported by Carver Wolverhampton Marathon Events. The planning committee will be meeting shortly to discuss this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event and see what if anything can be done to improve it.

These events have been well received and hopefully even more people will now feel included now that a walk has been added in the programme. Chair Mary Harding would like to say a very big thank you to all the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and everyone who helped to make this event in its 18th year so successful. We hope to see you all back in 2016. Funds are still coming in to the Marathon Office from competitors

Mary Harding asks that people write to her at Carverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Littles Lane, Wolverhampton WV1 1JY, on headed paper, telling her about their charity and who they aim to help. The committee will make their decision in early January so applications need to be received by December 18th please. The requirement from each chosen charity is that they provide a minimum of 25 volunteers to help marshal on the day around the course. Full training will be given. Good luck to all who apply.

To see photographs from this years event visit the website www.carverwolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk 46

wolverhampton west magazine

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

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

This isn’t surprising when you consider what’s on offer, as Director, Roberta Colavito, explains: “We hand-pick all of the products we sell from manufactures in Italy and various other countries across the world. That’s why we have such a unique selection of furniture and accessories that are top quality and exceptionally well-priced.” 79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Telephone: 01902 428 489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk 48

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

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

“Our new Rootwood range is incredibly popular with our customers. There are so many beautiful pieces in the collection that would look amazing in any home.” If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to planning the perfect look for your home interior, you’re sure to find it at the showroom. “All of our products are displayed in real room settings so that clients can get an idea of what items work well together. We’re always happy to offer advice and interior design help when it comes to planning a new look.” It’s this personal service and commitment to excellent customer care that really sets the company apart from the competition.

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

luxurious contemporary living

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

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

wolverhampton west magazine

“Excellent customer service is our number one priority; we try to meet the needs of all of our clients. If they can’t find what they’re looking for on display, they’re welcome to look in our warehouse or flick through one of our many catalogues and choose to have something ordered in.” The Interiors Italia team travel across the country to attend all manner of exhibitions, shows and events, like Grand Designs Live at the NEC: “We’ve showcased our styles at many different events and have really expanded our client base. We have supplied interior designers, show homes, restaurants and even footballers with our unique ranges. We’ve also appeared on the hit TV show, Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.” Whatever you’ve got planned for your home make sure you visit Interiors Italia today, so that you can experience excellent customer service and find something extra special.

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

Waffle about

by Rob Taylor

Wolverhampton

Standing on the steps of St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton, I gaze skywards for inspiration. But it is not the Almighty I beseech. Instead it is Charles Wheeler’s sculpture of Lady Wulfruna who I look to for answers. Like many who have come before me, my wish is a selfish one: “Please, blessed patron of our fair and righteous city, I implore thee: do invest in me the requisite courage to do justice to Wolverhampton. So often in the past my fancy has strayed towards the kind of frivolous, tongue-in-cheek commentary that has provoked the wrath of readers who reside in whichever town, city or village I’ve turned my attention to for purposes of light-hearted editorial entertainment. “Please on this occasion, when I find myself fortunate enough to be afforded opportunity to wax lyrical about my home city for the very first time in the pages of this magazine or any other, please, don’t let me go down faster than Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in 2013, after their second successive relegation…” But I digress. Leaving aside all of the above partisanship and with the good lady now firmly encamped in my half of the proverbial pitch, I’ll begin anew, with a cursory caper around the city in a bold effort to really put the Wolverhampton into Wolverhampton West Magazine. There is much investment and reinvigoration afoot in the city right now. A £2.3 million cash injection from a National Lottery grant will next spring restore some historically significant buildings in Queen Street to former glory. Regeneration operations have also just started at the Canalside Project in Lower Horseley Fields, ultimately paving the way for 100 new homes. 52

Furthermore, Wolverhampton City Council is now beginning to breathe life into its ambitious Westside project, which is designed to deliver major mixeduse development in close proximity to the city’s retail centre. Additionally there is also work in the offing at the ever-popular Civic and Wulfrun Halls. Mainstay venues for countless touring attractions since they were built in 1938, the halls will in January 2016 be undergoing major refurbishment to primarily increase capacity with the installation of new balconies. Not everything will be changing however, so all of the magic and atmosphere will remain. So there’s some future for you; but what about Wolverhampton’s past? My first non-frivolous factoid is factory-focussed: the Sunbeam racing car – developed and built at the landmark site, Sunbeamland, just off Penn Road island – became the first vehicle to reach 200 mph when it smashed the land speed record. The recordbreaking vehicle nicknamed ‘The Slug’ on account of its ugly shape really put Wolverhampton on the map when it hit the headlines in 1927 at Daytona Beach, Florida. The now derelict factory – which has stood empty for nearly 20 years – has just been given the go-ahead to be regenerated into 115 apartments, which are to be built over the next three years. A beautiful bridge between the city’s past and present is its illustrious theatre, The Grand. Still as vibrant and pivotal to Wolverhampton’s cultural repertoire as it was when it opened some 120 years ago, the intimate three-tiered theatre receives each year many touring productions of drama, ballet, dance, musicals, as well as some of the biggest pantomimes in the UK. The theatre’s fortunes were foxed by the fickle hand of fate in the early 1980s, when the doors closed for a three year spell. It then re-opened in 1983, after a heartfelt campaign to ‘Save the Grand’, as an almost unrecognisable, massively renovated and sensitively restored phoenix from the ashes. Further modernisation took place in 1998 to make wolverhampton west magazine

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

in Serbia, Klagenfurt in Austria and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.

and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson as a notable past contributor.

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

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

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

The city’s newspaper, Express and Star, is one of the biggest selling regional daily newspapers in the UK. It counts esteemed writer

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

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

Two lucky winners can each win a family ticket for four people to see PETER PAN on Tuesday 5th January at 7.15pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. This Christmas set sail to Neverland with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and their

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

Ross Carpenter as Peter Pan

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

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send it on a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to Wolverhampton West Magazine or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk before Monday 30th November 2015.

What is the name of John Altman’s character in Eastenders? A: Alfie Moon B: Nick Cotton C: Ian Beale 54

Competition Terms and Conditions Please send postal entries to Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY or email info@wolverhamptonwest.mag.co.uk. To be received no later than Monday 30th November 2015. Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the evening of the performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash or alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

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hEALThCARE 1ST ChoiCE caring for you at home Healthcare 1st Choice are dedicated to meeting the needs of their clients, that’s why they offer a full range of tailored domiciliary care services that support adults with a variety of different needs. The elderly, people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or other complex care needs are all well-provided for by the friendly, fully-trained team at the Wolverhampton-based company. Manager, Sandra Wharton explains: “Our primary aim is to ensure that individuals using our service receive care that is suited to their needs, promotes positive outcomes and is carried out to the highest standards.” Each care package is carefully planned with the client’s wishes at its core and no matter how small or great the requirement, Healthcare 1st Choice can help.

“We offer everyday support by providing personal care, help with meal preparation and domestic tasks as well as medication support and escorting.” In addition to this care, Healthcare 1st Choice is also well-equipped to meet more demanding needs. “We also offer complete, round-theclock care for clients in their own home - our staff do both waking and sleeping nights when required.” And a robust recruitment process is in place at the company.

“We conduct care reviews on a monthly basis for all our clients so that we can always be certain we’re providing the right package for them. We also have a completely flexible approach, so we can adjust our care to suit changing requirements.” Clients and their families can rest assured that there is always someone available to offer help and advice no matter what time of day or night. “We operate an out of hours service and always have staff members on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Whatever your own or your relative’s requirements, contact Healthcare 1st Choice today and find out how they can help you.

“All staff complete an enhanced DSB check and a rigorous training programme. References from previous employers are always obtained and verified." Healthcare 1st Choice are registered with the Care Quality Commission to support adults aged from 18 onwards with physical or learning disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health conditions and Dementia.

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website and an internal IT network installed for our patient records and digital x-rays. Finchfield IT has been a perfect solution. A bespoke, well thought out service has been provided to us at a competitive price. Their advice and expertise has been invaluable when deciding what systems to install in my practice, particularly overcoming the difficulties of an old building. And best of all, they are locally based, providing us with that peace of mind of support when needed. We highly recommend Finchfield IT!” – Mr Bhup Gupta, Dentist and Principal of Claregate Dental Practice

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First impressions really do last…

and Synaxis Design Consultancy can help any business make a good one The Wolverhampton-based graphic design specialists offer eye-catching solutions for companies of all sizes – including Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. With a studio suitably situated inside Molineux, Synaxis boasts an intuitive understanding of how to leave a lasting mark with end users, be it thousands of fans inside a football stadium or recipients of an impressive business card. Synaxis’ creative services include the design of pretty much anything a company could need to make a bold impression - from an eye-catching logo through to the roll out of a whole new brand including stationery, advertising, brochures, websites, signage and more. Managing and creative director Simon Pagett revealed: “Synaxis was set up nearly seven years ago in what was a difficult time financially for many companies. “We are a small independent company allowing us to develop close, long standing client-relationships while also ensuring we can be flexible. This has always been a big help in keeping us busy, along with a great level of referrals to new clients.” Having founded the business in February 2009, Simon reflected on some of its successes so far including the Wolves match day programme winning two awards as a personal highlight. Simon added: “While we certainly don’t go looking for awards and recognition, it was a lovely feeling for the programme to be acknowledged in this way, and in our first year of designing it. “It was reassurance that we can leave a positive impression on a large audience, which is ultimately what any designer is judged on.” Simon also added that seeing start-up businesses flourish having worked with them from the very beginning is equally fulfilling. “Working with large, recognised brands is great, but to play a creative part in a small company’s development – by way of branding or marketing support – and seeing them grow is extremely satisfying as well.” With testimonials from all manner of local businesses, Synaxis, is certainly worth its weight in old gold. For more information about Synaxis Design Consultancy visit www.synaxis.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Wolverhampton Police Cold mornings and darker nights are upon us!

• Always lock doors and windows when you go out, even if it’s for a short time

Every winter, cars are stolen from driveways across the West Midlands because owners leave them unattended, keys in the ignition, while they warm up and the windscreens defrost. Some victims nip inside for just a few seconds to collect a bag or finish the last mouthful of coffee – but that’s all the time an opportunist thief needs!

Freeze out car thieves on frosty mornings:

• If you have window locks and deadlocks, us them • Don’t leave windows open when you go out • Use timer switches on lights and radios to give the impression of someone being at home when the house is empty for long periods • Fit a house alarm • Place keys out of view & never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door • Where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows

• Clear windscreens with de-icer and a scraper • Sit in your vehicle while the heater de-mists the windscreen

As the darker nights are approaching we are asking residents to ‘Lock Up- Light on’.

• Don’t open the door to anyone unless you can identify them

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Excellent service, amazing prices If you’re looking for quality building supplies at outstanding valuefor-money prices - with a fast, reliable service guaranteed - then head straight to Wolverhampton Building Supplies. Since the family-run business opened its doors on Parkfield Road earlier this year, both trade and domestic customers have been benefiting from the company’s commitment to deliver superior service. So, it’s no surprise that they’ve rapidly established a loyal client base. Owner, Simon Parton, explains: “Many people have tried us and realised that we are very competitively priced. A lot of people don’t realise that small merchants can actually be cheaper than their larger competitors.”

And there’s no compromise on service despite the competitive pricing. “Our own experience in the building trade means that we completely understand it, that’s why we can meet the needs of our trade customers so effectively.” The company is sure to have everything you need: “We supply all building materials and can quickly order in any items that we don’t have in stock. Our same or next day delivery service ensures that our clients get the products they need, when they need them.”

And pricing has been really carefully considered by the Wolverhampton Building Supplies team: “We’ve really tried to have a ‘sense and reason’ approach to our pricing, we offer one price for all and it’s the same for trade or domestic customers. You know that our prices are the lowest they can be every time you visit us.”

There’s a dedicated trade counter as well that’s stocked full of essential items, like hand tools, sealants and adhesives.

The friendly team are always happy to share their knowledge and expertise with their customers: “We’re always keen to help our customers find what’s right for them. We aim to provide the best all-round service we can.”

Of course domestic clients are welcome too: “Whether you’re a house builder or just looking to put up a shelf at home we aim to be able to supply you with what you need, on time and at the best possible price.”

Whatever project you’ve got planned contact Wolverhampton Building Supplies today on 01902 500140.

Opening Times Mon-Fri 7.15am - 5.00pm Sat 7.30am - 4.30pm Sun closed

A small selection of products from our vast range Bulk Bags of building sand, sand & gravel, concrete sharp sand & roadstone hardcore £24.90 All prices 1200mm x 100mm Cavity lintel £32.02 are plus Cement £2.85 VAT 100mm Celotex £29.75 18mm Best Plywood £21.50 6 Panel internal doors £9.99 3mtr Underground Pipe £5.85 wolverhamptonbuildingsupplies@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01902 500140

www.wolverhamptonbuildingsupplies.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine

PREPARE youR GARDEn noW

foR nEXT yEAR’S diSPLAy

Gardeners don’t stop working in winter; in fact it is just as busy as any other time of the year, if not busier.

By Steve Tonks, General Manager at Boningale Garden Creations

Winter is the perfect time to reassess your outdoor space and look carefully at what changes you can make to ensure your garden is ready for springtime.

Consider your hardscape too – the benches, tables, gazebos, stepping stones, and pergolas. What effect would it have if you moved them around? You might find a change around enhances the space or gives it an entirely new perspective. Could the hardscape benefit from a good clean or a lick of paint? Is there anything that should be replaced to keep the look of the garden fresh?

Does your garden have a good flow? Do you have defined areas to your garden or could it benefit from some additional work? Or do you simply just want a change?

By looking critically at your slumbering garden now means you can reinvigorate it in time for spring and with some careful planning, get your garden to be a space you can enjoy every season.

If you need any further information or want to seek professional advice on giving your garden a fresh new design please visit www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk or call me on 01902 376500. From our award-winning garden design associates to our horticultural specialists and project management team, who oversee and manage the project from start to finish, you are assured of expert advice every step of the way.

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TO LEARN MORE, VISIT: WWW.BONINGALE-GARDEN-CREATIONS.CO.UK Facebook.com/BoningaleGardenCreations Facebook.com/BoningaleGa

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

@boningalegarden @boningalega

Spruce up your

Christmas

at Lealans Garden Centre

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

Cherry with its shiny red-orange berries. Christmas cacti produce beautiful red, pink, white or lavender flowers. Azaleas will flourish in either a warm or cool room and are very easy to keep. Colourful planted arrangements in baskets, along with houseplants can be gift wrapped, making them an ideal present. Why not consider buying a shrub for the garden or a planted up tub or hanging basket specifically designed for winter colour, all last much longer than that bottle of wine.

Skimmia

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

Sarcococca

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

wallflowers and winter bedding, the sooner it’s done now the better. November is the ideal month for planting tulip bulbs. As the end of November approaches, many people start to purchase the traditional Christmas house plants. One of the best is the Poinsettia. It gives instant colour in a room. Always buy from a reputable supplier, if they’ve stood outside on the market or in a draughty supermarket doorway they could be chilled before you buy them and this is one plant that doesn’t like the cold. Give them good light during the day and a warm room at all times. Only water when the soil is dry and never stand in water for longer than 10 minutes. For a cooler room the brightly coloured cyclamen is ideal. They require good light at all times. The most common cause of failure with this plant is overwatering. Only water just as the foliage begins to droop and make sure that any excess water is removed after 15 minutes. Other plants ideal for Christmas are the Christmas

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

Poinsettia

We have a newly designed spectacular Christmas display this year. There’s a vast array of baubles, garlands, lights and cherry blossom trees and if you don’t want a real tree, there’s an excellent range of artificial ones. In the festive light department there’s so much choice today from solar powered lights to battery powered sets and a huge range of electrical sets. If we do get some snow and ice this year remember garden centres stock rock salt, ice scrapers snow shovels and those very important sledges to keep the kids entertained when the schools are closed.

wolverhampton west magazine

OPEN DAILY

Tel: 01902 700209 Wide selection of Gift Arrangements, ideal as a living present, Gift Wrapped FREE of charge. Top quality Poinsettias, Azaleas, Kalanchoe, Solanums and our own superb Cyclamen all available now. Real Christmas Trees and Holly Wreaths available from end of November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll net and load them into your car for you. Come and see our wonderful array of Christmas lights, Decorations, Artificial and Fibre Optic trees all on display now.

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

The Christmas Shop AT

Or maybe it’s a book you are looking for, browse through our extensive book collection including children’s Christmas story books. Large selection of Christmas houseplants and wreaths available.

Christmas at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre is bigger and better than ever this year. As soon as you enter, you are transported into a Winter Wonderland, setting the scene for the all the Christmas delights you can see at Codsall & Wergs this Christmas season. We have oodles of baubles, stars, garlands, wreaths, lights, crackers, cards, gift bags & wrapping, glassware, Christmas Table Accessories… And so much more. Whether you are

looking for something traditional or something more modern, we have everything to please everyone. Wander through our Artificial Tree Forest, including pre-lit and fibre optic options, right next to the penguins playing in an icy waterfall. We also have an extensive gift and homeware department. Full of affordable gift ideas for everyone in the family. Visit the kids department for stocking fillers and presents. There’s a great new range of traditional wooden toys and puzzles for the younger members of the family. Full range of Village Candle Christmas Gifts now in stock.

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

No need to book, Just come along. 66

wolverhampton west magazine

Visit santa and his reindeer EvEry saturday and sunday in dEcEmbEr

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

ChristMas shOp Open eVery day from 1st novEmbEr â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24th dEcEmbEr

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

@Codsall_Wergs 67

Introducing The

go into The Birthday Box and the guests can call in and choose a gift to buy from the selection.”

at T he L ear n i n g L adder

“There’s no risk of a child receiving a duplicate present and the guest knows that it’ll be liked and wanted, which certainly takes the stress out of gift buying.”

Play Den five years old, as owner, Jo Woodhouse explains: “Kids absolutely love The Play Den, it’s already been a great success since we opened it in July. We offer play on an hourly basis and whilst the kids are enjoying themselves, mums can relax with a hot drink in our coffee area.”

There’s a fantastic new arrival at The Learning Ladder that’s sure to please kids and mums alike. The Perton-based store has recently introduced The Play Den, an exciting soft play area suitable for children aged under

The Play Den holds up to 10 children at a time and can be hired for private parties: “We offer bespoke parties for children and can even provide the catering. We also have our Birthday Box service which takes the stress out of present buying for any kid’s party.” The Birthday Box is a unique idea that enables a child - or their parent - to pre-select the gifts they’d like to receive at their party. Once selected, the items

Guests can pay for the present at the party and the team at The Learning Ladder will even gift wrap it. “We take care of all aspects of the party and its planning - we can even provide personalised invitations as well as the balloons.” And of course, there are plenty of toys too: “We stock an extensive range of educational toys, from leading brands like Lego, Top Model, Melissa and Doug, Bigjigs trains and Orchard toys.” It’s been 15 years since The Learning Ladder opened in Perton and five years since Jo took over. “We’re celebrating our 5th year of running The Learning Ladder this November and can’t wait to enjoy many more years to come.”

The one stop shop for parties

Toys - Balloons - Bouncy Castles Play den for children up to the age of 4 only £2.50 per child per hour. Tea & coffee area for parents.

SPECIAL OFFER

FREE admission for 2 children to the PLAYDEN

available throughout Nov & Dec 2015 when you present this advert (no photocopies).

The Learning Ladder Perton Shopping Centre, Anders Square, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7QH

01902 759444

www.learningladdertoys.com

wolverhampton west magazine

MUSiC 2OOO We’ve Got It. Right! Our family business first opened its doors in Wolverhampton way back on the 1st November 1998. In those days MUSIC 2OOO shared premises with our music school (M2K), but in June 2003 we made a decision to move the retail sales to Broad Lane, leaving M2K at Barn Green in Bradmore. The reasoning behind the separation was purely down to growth, making it apparent both businesses could not be professionally run under the same roof.

MUSIC 2OOO has its own full e-commerce website (www. music2000.co.uk) in which we regularly receive orders sending instruments throughout the UK, on occasions exporting to places like Australia, America and other European countries. From our shop we boast good stocks of guitars, pianos (digital & acoustic), keyboards, drums, violins, flutes, saxophones, clarinets and recorders. Together with all associated accessories including reeds, strings, plectrums and many many more. We also carry a vast stock of music, which caters for many schools and teachers in our local area. We pride ourselves on professionalism and still offer the now, somewhat old fashioned ‘personal touch’. Whether it be Wolverhampton, the south coast or even Scotland, we deliver all our larger musical instruments insuring their safe arrival into our customers’

L-R: Sophie, Steve & Jane

homes. Together with an excellent after sales service we also try to match internet prices wherever possible. Our sales team always go that step further where most online companies are physically unable. After phoning us on 01902345999 you will receive a friendly knowledgeable approach, offering you a very competitive quote for your musical requirements. Over the past few years retail sales have been difficult and we proportion most of this down to the internet. Thanks to our regular and loyal Wolverhampton customers we still have a very strong presence on the high street. Our music school (M2K), retail shop and online website offers customers an all-round musical experience. Please support your local music store and don’t let the internet take over completely.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Now stocking the brand new Yamaha PSR-s670/s770 & s970 keyboards, also Tyros 5 and the very latest CVP709PE Clavinova.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Owner, Giuseppe Corbelli and Warehouse Manager, Pasquale Montana

Italian gastronomy

Authentic

in the heart of Willenhall If you do one thing this weekend - or any weekend for that matter, make it a trip to Corbelli’s Little Italy Deli.

has to be on your list. Why not create a truly unique hamper for the perfect gift for a foodie in your life? As well as fresh produce there’s also a fabulous collection of coffees, condiments, tins, jars that will keep well and be the perfect answer to the ‘no more turkey!’ feeling, yet still provide something special. So if you are looking for the finest Italian foods at wholesale prices and a unique shopping experience, then pay Corbelli’s a visit at 43 Lower Lichfield Street, Willenhall WV13 1QQ – you won’t be disappointed.

This Aladdin’s cave offers the finest selection of Italian foods and wines that you just won’t find in any mainstream supermarket. Mainly a wholesaler, Corbelli’s opens its doors to the public at weekends; on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm.

LITTLE ITALY DELI

Established in 1965 Corbelli’s Little Italy Deli is quite literally a hidden gem. It initially opened in Wolverhampton in 1965 and moved to its current location in Lower Lichfield Street, Willenhall in 1980. It can be tricky to find but it’s well worth the search.

The recent re-opening of the winery welcomes the return of home produced Marsala; rich and enticing and the perfect accompaniment for all of those fine cheeses. If beer is more your bag then you won’t be disappointed with the selection, spirits and liqueurs are plentiful and varied. If you are looking to stock up with some special treats for Christmas then Corbelli’s 70

ESTABLISHED 1965

QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICE

✁

Spend £25 Receive a FREE bottle of Wine When you present this coupon

✁

The delicatessen and winery was started by Giovanni Corbelli and is now run by his sons Giuseppe and Pietro. They offer a warm welcome and are keen to share their in-depth knowledge of their exquisite produce. The range at Corbelli’s is vast, from cheeses and meats to antipasti and pasta and not forgetting the wines – there are hundreds to choose from! The aroma from the wine vats is aromatic and intoxicating. If you are a keen wine maker, it’s worth adding a diary note that once a year at the beginning of September the finest grapes are imported from Italy, red first and then a week later white. It’s a keenly anticipated event so you will have to be quick to get your order. Meanwhile the wines stocked are sure to cater for every taste.

FRESH, AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE

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

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

wolverhampton west magazine

Gourmet Christmas With over 50 years experience of the meat industry, Allan Bennett and his staff strive to create the best quality money can buy. This quality has brought success at the highest level, winning national competitions for his Bacon, Black Pudding, Sausage, plus international success for pies & pastries. Visit us for help and advice to help make your Christmas a success.

Dupheshen

Our Dupheshen is based on the traditional three bird roast. A duck is boned then stuffed with chicken and pheasant breast, sausage meat, orange and apricots. Once roasted it can be served hot or cold for that special Christmas feast. Aproximate weight: 3-3.5kg, 7-8lb Servings: 10-12 people for a meal or more served on a buffet.

Winner Pork Sausage, Overall Best Product, Stafford County Show 2010

Allan Bennett Ltd 15 Station Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1BX Tel: 01902 842204

96 Windmill Lane, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton WV3 8HG

Quality Butchers As a member of the Guild of Q Butchers we only sell selected produce from local farms. We also sell a complete range of Poultry including Copas Free Range Turkeys, Caldecott Cockerels and Goodmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Free Range Geese at Christmas

In our manufacturing premises we make a comprehensive range of Sausages, Pies and Ready Meals.

Tel: 01902 761693

Email sales@poxonsbutchers.co.uk

www.poxonsbutchers.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

R J Hipkiss & Sons Butchers Here at R J HIPKISS & SONS we believe in providing our customers with the very best in locally sourced beef, pork and English Turkey.

All our meat can be traced back to its origin, it is prepared carefully in store for sale and then onto our fresh meat counter.

DERS R O S A M T IS R H C G IN N O W TA K 72

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

Keeping the th ing

we love..s.

lOCAl!

Customers can choose their particular joint or steak and have it cut to their exact specifications for their meal of the day, their weekend roast, for that extra special dinner party, or of course - the most important meal of the year - The Christmas Dinner!

You can be sure of the best advice and service! ntia l) wer e wel l kno wn (an d late ly Dai sy Fres h and Esse zer Free sy Dai rs, deli cate sse n. yea 37 and r â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fo lly sou rced qua lity mea ts 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 don and Mal colm Cru mps Spa r stor e in Com pto n. 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 t of the rea son for the suc ces s tha t the sec tion enjo yed . eye for qua lity was a maj or par n to deta il by his team , now pre par ed with care and atte ntio Loc al mea ts, loca lly sou rced , a fab ulou s con tinu atio n of the Dai sy trad ition â&#x20AC;?. Mik e Boy ce incl udin g my son Jas on, - its

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

Entry to all EvEnts email: events@wolvescivic.co.uk is frEE It’s Christmas in Wolverhampton and Tel: this01902 year552099 we have

2015

five spectacular lights switch-ons to look forward to!

Just a month before Christmas Day Wolverhampton kicks off the festivities with a huge city-centre lights switch-on featuring the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Santa with real reindeer, stars of The Grand Theatre’s ‘Peter Pan’ pantomime The Chuckle Brothers, Wolves FC players, Free Radio’s Big Screen and children’s TV characters Bing & Flop. Families and friends will be able to soak up the festive spirit in Queen Square and peruse market stalls in Dudley Street while the children are entertained by the mini-funfair and reindeer pen in Lichfield Street. Christmas tunes will be playing on the Wulfruna Steam Organ while pop stars grace the big screen. The fun-packed evening will crescendo at 6.30pm with the lights switch on heralded by a breath-taking firework display. For the next four nights Christmas lights will be switched on in Wednesfield, Bilston, Tettenhall and Bantock Park by the Mayor of Wolverhampton and Santa while the Signal 107.7 Road Show play hosts, ensuring the Christmas cheer spreads out far and wide. Wednesday

25 Nov Thursday

26 Nov

Wolverhampton

Queen Square, event starts 5pm, switch on 6:30pm

Wednesfield

High Street, event starts 4pm, switch on 5pm

Bilston

27 Nov

Friday

Church Street, event starts 4pm, switch on 5pm

Saturday

Upper Green, event starts 5pm, switch on 6:30pm

28 Nov Sunday

29 Nov

Tettenhall

Bantock Park

Finchfield Road, event starts 5pm, switch on 6:45pm

For full details of Christmas events in Wolverhampton visit: www.itschristmaswolverhampton.co.uk 74

wolverhampton west magazine

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The end of harvest Photos by Pete Lopeman

marks the beginning of the Christmas season at The Vineyards During the month of October dozens of enthusiasts came to The Vineyards from the surrounding areas, and further afield, to begin the grape harvest. The volunteers spent around five weeks on the thirty acres of vines, picking the grapes by hand. These grapes were pressed and put in to tanks to begin the winemaking process, and they will ultimately become part of the 2015 vintage range of wines, which will be released later in 2016. If you would like to learn more about the wines, why not book a guided tour? Public tours begin again in the summer months, but private tours for groups of 10 and upwards can be booked throughout the year, and include a tasting of some of the international-award winning wines that are grown and produced entirely at The Vineyards. If a tour doesn’t take your fancy, but a tasting does, why not pop in to the newly extended farm shop? The area has doubled in size, now across three floors, and incorporates a mezzanine area

called ‘The Wine Loft’. Here guests can taste a selection of the fantastic wines, including the brand new Mercia 2014, whilst drinking in the gorgeous view of the surrounding South Staffordshire countryside. The lower area of the extension expands upon the local-produce deli. Foods available include a range of handmade cheeses, olives, garlics and oils, in addition

to a selection of frozen foods, and freshly baked pies and cakes, great for any parties over the holidays. The main shop’s confectionery area has been expanded, and now features a full traditional sweet shop, selling old favourites such as hard-boiled sweets and liquorice, as well as soft sweets and real Haribo. The chocolate counter is bigger than ever, offering a range of handcrafted Belgian chocolates that make a perfect Christmas gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. The gourmet evenings at The Vineyards, which are held monthly in the restaurant, are receiving continued high praise from their guests, especially since the introduction of a wine pairing menu, where The Vineyard’s winemakers

wolverhampton west magazine

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

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

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

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

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

C OM P E T I T I ON Halfpenny Green Vineyards are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a personal wine tasting session in the brand new Wine Loft, taking home a choice of six of the Vineyard’s award winning wines, including one traditional method sparkling wine.

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

Name one of the new wines that can be tasted from the fantastic selection available? Email your answer to: info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

or on a postcard to: Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY, please include your name, address and telephone number. All entries to be received by Tuesday 1st December 2015.

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

Gift buying is an art Make a list of all those you intend to buy for. Next, list some salient facts about each person. Finally decide how much you intend to spend on each gift.

This list should be your ‘bible’ during the shopping trips you make. Never let it out of your possession. Refer to it every time you look in a shop window, wander round a store or enter a shop. Be flexible in your perambulations round the shops. Be prepared to see and buy in unexpected places. Even your local petrol station can often come up with the perfect gift. One thing you mustn’t do is give totally unsuitable gifts. If you are buying for a child, make sure the toy or whatever is suitable for the age group of that child. If you’re buying for someone on a diet, giving them chocs is cruel. If a member of your family has a blood pressure problem, don’t give them booze. This may all seem fairly obvious but you would be surprised how often people fall into the trap of unsuitable gift buying, especially when panicking at the last minute. The most acceptable gifts are those that fulfil an unusual function in the recipient’s life, or which can be looked at with pleasure day after day in the ensuing year.

Most of us spend weeks pondering, how to get everyone on our Christmas gift list, just the right gift. It also seems, the better we know a person the harder it is to choose the perfect gift. We ponder so much and so long we leave the actual buying till it’s so late, we are obliged to fall back on those tried-andtested standbys. These, whilst they will probably be gratefully

accepted, will nevertheless lack that extra element of surprise so clearly mirrored on the face of the recipient. Somehow it seems to signal a lack of thought. Thought of course, is the key to successful gift buying. They say, “It’s the thought that counts”, and it’s so very true. Unless we put careful thought into choosing gifts, they will go on, counting for nothing very much, as the years go by. What then is the answer? Constructive thought is what is required and for this you need to be as methodical as possible.

Try to do the unexpected in your giving. If you give a book, try to get a first edition signed by the author. If you give something to ornament the house, try to make it an original work of art. If your target doesn’t have a hobby, give them a starter kit for one. If they are getting on in years, give them something to promote their comfort or make life easier day to day. This year the shops are fuller than ever before with wonderful things to give. There really is no excuse for not exercising intelligent gift giving this year. Such gifts will still be remembered next Christmas.

wolverhampton west magazine

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

Superb restaurant offering an exquisite selection of food and drink, including daily specials. Enjoy traditional High Tea in style, perfect as a gift or to enjoy yourself. Special Gourmet dinner events monthly. Friday 4th December. Festive themed Gourmet evening. Friday 18th December. Gourmet evenings bookings only.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.30AM – 5.00PM

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

TELEPHONE 01384 221122

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

Eating Out and Entertainment

Promote your venue to over 50,000* readers with Wolverhampton West Magazine To find out how your venue can be featured please call Gisella on 01902 744217 80

*over a 2 month period

wolverhampton west magazine

Christmas at Molineux Limited number of party packages still available.

Book now! Please call our Christmas Party bookings team on: 0871 222 2220 (Option 5) or email: christmas@wolves.co.uk

Christmas Fayre Menu available from 28th November

s Christma ow n s g in book n! e k being ta

(available alongside our Full Main Menu)

Special New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Menu

Served from 8pm on the 31st December, including a Disco. Tables strictly subject to pre booking.

Special Festive Cocktail Menu

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Wergs golf Club

The ideal venue for Christenings, birthdays, Anniversaries, Wakes and Christmas Parties

What’s On at thE WERGs: Sat 5th Dec // 7pm ‘til late!

THe Wergs CHrIsTMAs PArTY £10 per ticket - Dance the night away with live act, disco & hog roast. Everyone welcome bring along all your friends and family! Dress code: smart casual.

Fri 11th Dec // From 6pm onwarD

From 7.30pm ‘til late

NeW YeArs eVe gAlA NIgHT

CorPorATe CHrIsTMAs PArTY

WITH Joe WHelAN only £55 per ticket! Book now to avoid disappointment. Welcome in the New Year with our fantastic celebrations. Champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by sumptuous buffet, dance the night away to Heartbeat, firework display at midnight. A superb night! Dress code: black tie, suits or very dapper!

£25 per perSon includes 3 course festive meal and entertainment. Looking for a works Christmas party or a few friends on a night out? The Wergs Christmas fayre packages are ideal! Complete with great festive food, live entertainment and disco on the night. Dress code: smart casual.

The Wergs

For FUrTher inForMATion on GoLF,

Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8UA e info@wergsgolfclub.com

DininG or FUncTions or To MAKe A

www.wergsgolfclub.com

booKinG pLeAse cALL

01902 742 225

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

Christmas Bookings now being taken!

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

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

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

01902 307846 01902 738299

Eat in or take away

wolverhampton west magazine

OUR CHRISTMAS FAYRE MEnU Served throughout December

£24.50 per person

CHRISTMAS DAY 4 cOURSE LUnch £59 per person

Serving Fine Italian and English Cuisine including Traditional Black Country favourites

BULLy’S MidWEEk hAT-TRick! 3 course meal for only £11.95 per person Choice menu of both Italian and English food or

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

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

OUR EVER POPULAR SUndAy LUnch

still from only £6.95 Bookings essential

To avoid disappointment please book:

Situated at:

T. 01902 756052 E. reservations@bravaccios.co.uk www.bravaccios.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

4a Upper Green, Tettenhall WV6 8QQ Ample Free Parking 83

Oasis of comfort food by John Nash

rooted in tradition

I recall reading somewhere the story of Indian food in the UK is a complex one of high street curry houses that embrace everything from the delightful to the disastrous. It’s true.

Sadly, in these financially austere times, many have succumbed to compromise where their ‘curry night’ customers tolerate industrialstrength ghee, questionable processed chicken and far too many chillies – all washed down with copious quantities of lager. Quite how some survive baffles me, a dark, mystery akin to O-Level Calculus and algebraic coefficients. Driving past my three local ‘Indians’ I regularly feel a pang of guilt that

my lack of custom is contributing to their ultimate demise. But frankly, their quality is shot and my attempts to revive happier days with wishful-thinking bookings have alas been a let-down. Happily, some fine examples of authentic Indian cooking remain and are worthy of salutation. They have become oases of gastronomic heaven, where enthusiastic staff can name customers and for a table at the weekend, you best book. These are the places where dining is like having membership of an exclusive club, which comes with the trimmings of polite conversation, waiters with encyclopaedic knowledge of the menu and nothing is ever too much trouble. One such place is Codsall Spice, situated in Codsall on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. I arrived with my colleague Gill a few minutes late and had to queue to get through the doors – always a promising start. By 7.40pm on a Saturday evening the place was buzzing. There’s something very genuine about this restaurant, it’s spotlessly clean, the leather upholstered chairs and linen table dressings are traditionally comforting in a way that says this is not rarefied luxe Indian with high-gloss minimalism that has forgotten its culinary roots.

Owner Moyna Miah – "everything is cooked fresh"

On the day we visited a party of a dozen or so were celebrating a birthday. I noted each course they ordered was served in perfect synchronisation. No-one wolverhampton west magazine

is cooked fresh, so please expect to wait for a while.”

appeared to be left starting their food, while fellow revellers were mopping up the sauce with a naan. Owner Moyna Miah runs a tight kitchen, equally matched by his front of house skills. “It’s a very busy evening and has been so since 5.30pm, but everything is cooked fresh. Our customers – we have a regular clientele – understand that freshly-cooked food is worth waiting for,” he says. The poppadoms arrived speedily, were delightfully light and served with mint sauce, onion salad, special house red sauce and sweet onion. On taking our order, we were informed by a waiter “everything

For starters I ordered a signature dish tandoori monkfish (£4.95) lightly spiced and flame grilled in a tandoori oven. Gill was tempted by the Desi Grill lamb chops, cooked with fried onions, peppers and garlic (£4.95).

No complaints here. The food for both mains was tasty, not overcome by over-spicing and what a night out at the Indian should be about. To sum up: Nothing pretentious, good sized portions, attentive, but not overbearing staff and commendable comfort food.

Both dishes can be a test for any pressured chef as cooking times are critical. Leave lamb much beyond pink and its tenderness is lost; undercook monkfish before its milky juices have ceased to flow and its unpalatable hot sushi; overcook it and it quickly gets chewy. Both dishes were lovely and the fish… big respect for the chef! Well worth the wait. For mains, Gill opted for a slightly hot Bengal Jalfrezi (£8.95) – a tender lamb, chicken and tiger prawn affair, served with pilau rice (£2.60). I plumbed for a Prince Special, tandoori chicken and minced lamb in a spicy tandoori bhuna sauce with coriander, topped off with a boiled egg (£7.95). A simple bed of pilau riced (£2.60); a portion of Bombay Aloo (£3.25) and a chapatti (£1.20) completed my meal.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Codsall Spice 139 Wolverhampton Road Codsall Wolverhampton WV8 1PF For bookings please call 01902 846723 0r 07930 497764.

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 £10 Mon to SAt lunChtiMES 12pM – 3pM bookingS AdViSAblE the Wergs

Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8UA e info@wergsgolfclub.com

www.wergsgolfclub.com

FOR FURTHER iNFORMATiON ON GOLF, DiNiNG OR FUNcTiONS OR TO MAKE A

bOOKiNG pLEASE cALL

01902 742 225 Monday & Tuesday

Special Offer Choice of any starter, main course and a choice of rice or nan only £10.95pp*

Small or large party bookings welcome, we can cater for up to 70 diners in our function room.

*Tandoori mix grill, king prawn, duck and fishes dishes £2 extra

4 Course speCial

chriStmaS Day menu £19.95pp, children under 10 £9.95

Serving freshly prepared mouth-watering dishes for all the family

Outside catering service available

Any dish from the menu can be prepared with Turkey, advanced orders only. Served from 12.30pm, bookings only. (£10 per person non-refundable deposit required at time of booking)

Free home delivery on takeaways within a 3 mile radius on orders over £12 OR Receive a 10% discount on collection of orders over £10

Please call 01902 846723 or 07930 497764 139 Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1PF

www.codsalls p i c e . c o m 86

wolverhampton west magazine

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Celebrate your Christmas Party in Style at the Perfect Venue to Dine! Christmas Day Menu now available...

5 course Festive Christmas Menu

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

Available from 1st – 24th December

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

for groups of 10 people or more

Papadums with relish Choice starter Chicken Tikka Onion Bhajee Samosas Chicken Chat

“We pride ourselves on our Quality of Food, Excellent Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction.”

Choice main course Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi Lamb Bhuna Prawn Sagwaller Balti Vegetable Balti Rice or Nan Pilau Rice Fried Rice Mushroom Pilau Rice Plain Nan Peshwari Nan Keema Nan

Recently refurbished in contemporary surroundings, air conditioned and fully licensed. Our popular Take-away Service is still the best in Wombourne offering 10% off our Menu price.

Tel:

01902 324148 01902 324437

Tea or Coffee

only £12.95 per person

Bookings Only

Open 7 days including Bank Holidays - 5.30pm until 11.30pm

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

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com 87

Eating out

over the festive season

Of course, the very best value for money is wining and dining out on Christmas Day. This is becoming more popular with every passing year. It offers several very real advantages. It relieves at least one member of the family of all the work. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require clearing up afterwards. It allows the lonely the opportunity of enjoying this festive meal in company. And because it is prepared by professionals, it is always a meal worthy of the occasion and a joy to eat in itself. Christmas Day menus are well worth the booking. Normally several courses of mouth-watering traditional foods are offered, with one or two luxury alternatives for those with special dietary needs or simply a requirement to have something a little different for once. Diners can be sure too that the wines ordered to accompany the food will be of excellent quality and served at just the perfect temperature.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something very special about a perfectly prepared meal, served with panache in beautiful and comfortable surroundings. It can help celebrate in a very unique way, any special time of year. Christmas is of course the most special time of the whole calendar, and eating out over the season is a perfect and traditional way to enjoy the festival with all your family and friends. Caterers, no matter how excellent at other times of the year, still pull out all the stops at Christmas. Special menus are devised. Special meals are created. Restaurants, whether standing alone, or part of pubs, clubs and hotels, are decorated in the traditional, seasonal way. Party bookings are particularly welcome, and special entertainments are put on, to help the party mood go with a swing.

an ideal opportunity to entertain business colleagues, clients, customers, friends or relatives, with an intimate, festive repast. Then there are the evenings. Party bookings enable groups of colleagues, entire departments, whole firms, complete family groups, associations, club members, or just good friends, to gather together and enjoy a memorable evening out. Special menus,Â seasonal trimmings, discos, bands and groups, are laid on by caterers to please their guests and keep them happy the whole evening through. Party bookings of this sort are usually tremendous bargains and can be about the best value for money in dining out, it is possible to find.

Of course all this costs a little bit more. However, when you think of the service that is provided, not to mention the cooking and clearing away, really the Christmas Day meal is probably the ultimate bargain of all. This year, try a festive meal or two at your favourite restaurant, at some time during the hectic weeks leading up to The Day. Gather a group of friends or colleagues together and book a party meal and entertainment. And if you really want to give mum the very best present of all, book a Christmas Day meal for all the family. That way you can be really sure, everyone you know and love, will have the very best Christmas ever!

There are several good gastronomic ways of marking the coming of this very gastronomic season. You can have a traditional Christmas lunch, most restaurants put these on daily for several weeks before Christmas actually arrives. The menu usually comprises Christmas fare with all the trimmings, with thoughtful additions for those who might just prefer something else. This provides 88

wolverhampton west magazine

Join us for some of our popular December and January Events… Party Nights

Take your pick from one of our fabulous party nights available on a range of dates. Whether there is a small group or you are organising a large affair, Patshull Park Hotel is the perfect place for you to celebrate 2015 in style. The night includes a three course meal and disco until early hours of the morning.

from £21.00 per person

80s Disco Party Night Thursday 10th December

Why not bring your party to our party? Prepare to be taken back to classic timeless magic and relive the sounds of the 80s, as you step out in style for a sensational night at Patshull Park Hotel. Dance the night away and enjoy a blast from the past with a festive three course meal and disco until late.

£23.00 per person

Take That Tribute Night Thursday 17th December

Relighting your fire once again, it’s our amazing Take That Tribute Act. The fantastic evening includes a delicious three course meal, live entertainment and disco until 1am.

£25.00 per person Great location, convenient to J3 M54 and only 20 minutes from the centre of Wolverhampton and Telford.

Look us up on Trip Advisor

Patshull Park Golf and Resort Hotel

P a t t i n g h a m , N r Wo l v e r h a m p t o n W V 6 7 H R T: 01902 700100 E: sales@patshull-park.co.uk www.patshull-park.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Registered Charity No. 512387

wolverhampton west magazine

Independent restaurant located at

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

Fully licensed restaurant seating 120 diners in air conditioned comfort

All meals cooked to order Extensive menu including daily specials, freshly prepared sandwiches, vegetarian meals, desserts, new ice-cream sundae (most being home-made)and a selection of gluten free cakes. Children’s menu. Monday SpecialS Mini breakfast including tea or coffee only £4.25 served 9.30am - 11.45am. Monday carvery 2 for £10 served 12pm – 2.30pm. carvery Tuesday to Saturday £6 per person, Sunday £7 per person Carvery served 7 days a week – Monday to Saturday 12pm – 2.30pm, Sunday 12pm to 3pm (Including bank holidays)

Gluten free gravy available

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

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

Eden Brasserie is available for private parties with a choice of hot or cold buffet. We will even arrange the disco! Based at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre, Wergs Hall Road, Codsall WV8 2HJ www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk All major credit cards accepted. Tel: 01902 845936 Email: edenbrasserie@codsallandwergs.co.uk

D.A. Baldwin Water Softener Specialists

there’s no need to add salt to your dishwasher ever again. Cleaning is made easy without the burden of contending with hard water, there’s no lime scale to clean from taps or shower heads and surfaces gleam with just a wipe over. How do water softeners work? Water softeners contain a resin that removes the magnesium and calcium deposits that cause water to be hard. Periodically the resin needs to be regenerated by flushing with salt water. This is done automatically, all you have to do is add inexpensive tablet salt once a month. The salt does not enter the water supply, of course. It is simply flushed away by the softener once it has finished its job of regenerating the resin. Tell us about your Water Factory – 3M Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System.

White-encrusted showerheads, dirty-looking glasses, clogged pipes and dull hair are just some of the annoying consequences of living in a hard water area. But, you don’t have to put up with them any longer as there’s a simple, affordable and effective solution that’ll not only make life easier but save you money too. The installation of a water softener in your home will bring benefits every time you turn on the tap, making you question how you ever lived without soft water in the first place. So, we decided to head straight to the experts, D. A. Baldwin, to find out more. Established for over 50 years, the Pattingham-based company has long been the premier choice for homeowners and businesses looking to transform the water they use.

With an excellent reputation in the industry, an extensive and loyal customer base - that spans the entire country - as well as a vast catalogue of installations in all manner of domestic, commercial and industrial settings, there’s no better company to consult when it comes to water softeners. What are the benefits of having soft water? Soft water has a clean, silky feeling because it’s completely free from scum. It makes hair soft and easy to manage and is kind to the skin. Clothes that are laundered in soft water are fresher and fluffier. Shampoo and shower gels lather easily meaning you can use much less product, the same goes for washing powder and toilet soap - up to 50% of the product is saved. Household appliances, heating systems and boilers really benefit too. Without the damaging lime scale build-up each water-using appliance can function at optimal capacity. Of course this saves you a great deal of money as their lifespan, functionality and performance are considerably improved. As soft water rinses away without staining, glasses and cutlery are left looking spotlessly clean and

The Water Factory system allows your family to enjoy clean, healthy, fresh tasting water. It’s a system that’s been engineered to meet the demands of today’s household’s needs and it delivers fresh drinking water anywhere in your home. It has a space-saving, compact design with simple connections and a stylist faucet. There’s a highcapacity, 2.5 gallon, reservoir tank that ensures an abundant supply of water and as an extra option a high-performance booster pump allows the system to produce more water, while providing enhanced containment rejection and greater storage capacity. What about installation? Water softening systems are easy to install and are incredibly discreet, fitting unnoticed either under the kitchen sink, cloakroom or garage. Before any installation, we carry out a survey to access our client’s needs, so that the right system can be installed. A water analysis is very important to enable us to size the correct water softener. Do you provide aftercare? Excellent customer service is incredibly important to us, we take pride in our after sales service which includes annual service contracts, breakdowns, water softener salt and filter delivery.

Why not change and enjoy the benefits of soft water in your home today? Contact D.A. Baldwin on 01902 700456 email admin@dabaldwin.plus.com or visit www.dabaldwin-watersofteners.co.uk 92

wolverhampton west magazine

D. A. Baldwin & Son

Over

50 yeaRs

Water Softener Specialist

Service Care

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

Hospital 路 Prisons 路 Restaurants 路 Hotels Water purification technologies come in a compact convenient package for all your household water softening needs. Allows your family to enjoy clean, healthy and fresh tasting water with a 3M Reverse Osmosis drinking water system.

SPECIAL OFFER

20% OFF SALT AND WATER SOFTENERS When you mention this advert during November and December 2015

Domestic prices

from only 拢399

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

Get Fit

Banish Christmas stress There are many reasons for the stresses experienced at Christmas. Some of course are caused by the very ‘togetherness’ of the season. People are having to come to terms with being closer to their families than they are accustomed to being. There is little that can be done to alleviate this other than to be as fit and healthy as possible. If you are at all under par, life gets on top of you, you get things out of proportion and problems rise up where problems have no right to be. Other stresses however, those caused by the pressures of extra work, organising the celebrations, coping with over-excited children, etc., can be helped. And in the course of helping these, the sufferer will find him or herself better able to cope with the other, less obvious strains.

merely exhaust you. Also, weight lost too quickly is just as quickly replaced. A slow, steady regime of calorie control, over a period of time will do the trick. If you have enrolled into a health club, you will reap extra benefits. If your fitness supervisor knows you are on a diet, he or she will formulate a plan of exercises to keep the relevant muscles in tone. This is quite important if you don’t want your skin to look loose and flabby. And the older you are when you lose weight, the more likely this is to happen if you’re not careful. Take time off for yourself each day. If you have a busy schedule, look upon your own time for relaxation as part of the working day. Make it sacrosanct. Ensure your family

- especially your children, friends and colleagues, understand you cannot be disturbed during this time, unless for dire emergencies. Try to find a darkened room, use a relaxation tape playing softly in the background or a recording of soft, undemanding music. There you will have peace to do your exercises, meditate, breathe deeply, or just relax and do as you will. The effect will soon begin to show, when you will not only look great, you will find ‘problems’ melting away, stresses less painful and strains much easier to cope with. In short, you’ll be fit enough to take on all-comers as well as the celebrations of Christmas.

Physical unfitness is at the base root of stress, so getting into good shape is an important aim. You have many choices open to you jogging alone night and morning, joining a keep fit, dance or Aerobics class, enrolling into a health club, or becoming involved in some form of sport. They will all help towards that ultimate goal of muscular tone and control that provides those smoothly operating joints and that lightness of step that are the outward signs of fitness. You need not be so energetic however, disciplines like yoga have very cathartic effects on both physical and mental fitness. The inner calmness and peace promoted by yoga exercises do all this, and will also eventually help on a more outwardly physical plane. Weight is important of course. If you are overweight, your body has to cope with the extra stresses of just getting you around. If you lose even a little weight, you will feel immeasurably better all round. Just as important however, is eating the right balance of foods. Have a word with your doctor about diet. Don’t try to lose too much at once, it will 94

wolverhampton west magazine

AESThETiC TREATmEnTS… backed by medical evidence, delivered by medical experts. Cosmetique Aesthetic Clinic was launched in September this year by Suky Chana; her aim was to provide a clinician led service for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. With a team consisting of consultants, a local GP and nurses she has certainly achieved

her goal. Every member of the team has a specialist medical area and Suky herself has a biomedical background and spent many years working in pharmaceuticals and primary care. Although treatments at standard beauty salons may make you feel pampered, it’s important to remember that benefits may be short lived. Cosmetique is NOT a beauty salon. The procedures available at the clinic are carefully researched and backed by medical evidence. Cosmetique also consults for cosmetic surgery where required. Products are available to buy for home use to compliment the procedure carried

out, again these are not pamper products but have proven benefits to support collagen in the skin. Procedures offered include: antiwrinkle injections, dermal fillers, tear trough, skin rejuvenation, dermapen (needling), permanent laser hair removal and IPL for pigmentation, scars, blemishes, stretch marks, collagen enhancement and cryotherapy. In addition to aesthetic procedures, Cosmetique offer all aspects of consultancy for gynaecology and dermatology. Choosing the right treatment for you can be difficult, so Cosmetique have planned a series of open evenings with demonstrations and advice on different procedures. The first one will be held at the end of November, models will be required for the evening and prices will be at cost. Full details of the evening will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram nearer the time or you can call the clinic for details, or to register your interest in being a model. The clinic is located in Penn, Wolverhampton. For further details or to book an appointment please call 01902 334181.

570 Penn Road Penn Wolverhampton WV4 4HU

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

Laser Hair Removal IPL Pigmentation Scars Blemishes Stretch Marks Collagen Enhancement

• • • • • •

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

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

Complete the look: Perfect party by Helen Taylor

make-up

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

Smoky Eyes This look is all about statement smoky eyes and you want the focus to be completely on them. First, use an eyeshadow primer to prepare the lid, this will help application and ensure that your eyeshadow stays looking fresh and crease-free for hours. Next, take a dark and dramatic shade of eyeshadow - greys, deep navy blues and aubergines work well - and a slightly lighter shade in a similar hue. Apply the lighter shade across the lid up to the crease, then use the darker shade on the outer corners, working it across the lid from the outside in. Using a brush, apply the lighter colour shadow under the eyes and soften the line by smudging with a cotton bud. Then use a black eyeliner pencil to define the lash line both above and below the eye - and on the waterline if you want a really dramatic effect.

Courtesy of New Look Beauty’

You’ve found a stunning little black dress - and a gorgeous pair of heels to match - so all you need to do now is plan your perfect party make-up look. 96

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

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

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

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

Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa

Winter Bridal Fayre Sunday 17th January 2016 11.00am – 4.00pm Free admission A perfect place for gathering ideas for your big day, from cars to videographers, hairstyles to make-up, we will have it all. Bridal fashion shows will take place at 12.00 noon and 2.00pm

Call our wedding co-ordinator now on 01939 291 000 for more information or email: h6629-sb1@accor.com

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

Tettenhall Weight Loss Centre Are you worried about your weight?

Independent Cambridge Weight Plan Consultant

‘For all your beauty treatments’ November and December offer*

If you are, Cambridge Weight Plan could be the answer. Cambridge Weight Plan is all about choices, made by you to benefit you. Together, you and your Consultant will work out a plan that suits your lifestyle – helping you achieve the best results at the rate you want.

Treat yourself to a facial for Christmas! Tailor made to suit your skin type.

So, why not make a positive decision to change your life for the better and call me today.

Real People, Real Support, Real Results Cambridge Weight Plan Award Winner Highly Commended & “Above and Beyond” 2010/11 Sales Champion & Business Building 2012/13

(Now located inside Teddy’s hair salon)

Karen Price

t: 07974 974 994

e: karen.s.price@btinternet.com facebook.com/CWPKarenPrice Chris Jewkes Fitness Ltd, Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 9BQ

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Cleanse, steam, exfoliate, extraction of blackheads and whiteheads, includes face and shoulder massage mask - leaving you with a clear, brighter looking skin!

£45

offer price only

£25*

Bookings by appointment only

Please call Geeta on 07968 182984 Teddy’s Hair Design, 35 Queen Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1TL

Joseph Ribkoff

at Aristocats The entrepreneur, Joseph Ribkoff, launched his first collection in 1957 when women’s fashion was undergoing a complete revolution. Since then the Joseph Ribkoff label has created a product that has the reputation of being innovatively versatile, affordable and yet appealing to a global market. The brand also prides itself on having unmatched, excellent customer service. Company priorities include knowing and understanding retailer’s requirements.

Joseph Ribkoff proudly remains one of Canada’s leading exporters. All clothing is designed, produced and exported from Dorval, Quebec in Canada, a remarkable feat in today’s ever changing fashion world. The designs reflect an understanding of current fashion trends that respond to the multi-dimensional needs of women world-wide. The Joseph Ribkoff fashion market offers the discerning woman, whatever her age or size, a unique range of stylish clothing. The collections include: • Versatile dresses to suit any occasion, day, evening or night time

• Formal occasion evening wear • Contemporary stylish separates with exceptional fit • A Sportswear line that is ‘trendy’ and cannot be found elsewhere Aristocats have recently dedicated a showroom for the popular Joseph Ribkoff brand. The room displays a wide selection of the company’s day, evening, smart occasion and cruise wear. In addition, twice a year, Joseph Ribkoff personnel and Aristocats staff organise seated presentation fashion shows at Aristocats. These give customers the opportunity to view and be inspired by the wide range of unique designs and ‘Hot Styles’ from the latest collections.

wolverhampton west magazine

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

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

Guaranteed Glamour:

There are so many long, sexy, feminine styles at the moment that look beautiful on young women, but can we really wear them if we’re over 30? Of course you can. There are so many outdated ideas about women not having long hair after a certain age or changing their style just because they’ve reached 40, none of it applies anymore because older women look fabulous and they stay looking great way into their 60s and 70s. Take Helen Mirren for example, she’s absolutely stunning and proves that you can look totally gorgeous whatever age you are.

Whatever your age, the festive season is all about full-on glamour and nothing is better at making you look and feel gorgeous than fabulous hair.

Winter is well and truly here, does that mean we should ditch our beachy blonde hue in favour of something darker?

That’s why there’s no better time to take a break from your Christmas shopping and think about updating your look. With so many loose, sexy styles taking the spotlight at the moment, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice.

There are so many gorgeous celebrities that are known for their signature style and colour look, like Sienna Miller.

We caught up with Nick from award-winning celebrity hairdressers, Royston Blythe, for some expert advice: 100

Not at all, if you love your current hair colour and you know that it suits your eye colour and skin tone then why change it?

Sienna recently shocked the fashion world when she opted for a new deep auburn hue; it wasn’t long though before she returned to her usual beautiful blonde shade and boho style, much to the relief of fashionistas and beauty editors everywhere.

Glamorous hair now is all about an unstructured, sexy, soft look, which is perfect for both mature and young women alike. We’ve got so many gorgeous clients at the salon that look younger now then when they first came to us 20 years ago because their style is so flattering and modern.

New Year is just around the corner, what’s the best way to achieve a totally new look for 2016? If you want to completely re-invent your look then hair extensions are perfect. You can use them to add length, thickness, texture and even colour to your hair. We use Rapture extensions at the salon and application takes only 30-40 minutes for a full head. wolverhampton west magazine

Changing your colour in favour of a totally new hue is certain to revamp your look too, you can also consider changing the length of your hair or adding a fringe to your current style.

The combination of bad weather and central heating is well-known for making hair unmanageable, what’s a quick fix? We use Kerastraight Smoothing System in the salon to help clients deal with their frizzy, unmanageable hair. It’s an amazing, luxurious treatment that removes frizz and tames tresses for up to four months, whilst maximising condition and leaving the hair glossy and super shiny - the perfect fix for winter weather.

We’ve heard that you’ve just introduced a fabulous new treatment to the salon that can restore damaged hair, tell us more. Yes, it’s called Olaplex and it’s amazing, it’s a favourite with A-list celebrities, like Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow. The three step programme works by repairing bonds within the hair shaft, known as disulphide bonds. These are broken down during processes like colouring and heating, leaving the hair weak and damaged.

We’ve got to ask… is Granny Chic really a trend right now?

to attend with the girls over the festive period - we can’t wait.

Yes, it is, we’ve had loads of our younger clients opting for a full grey look. The result is really stunning on younger girls with long hair and looks great on women over 30 when it’s teamed with a shorter style. There are still plenty of clients who want to continue to hide their greys though, despite the trend!

We know that you guys always have loads of different things going on, tell us what’s been happening lately. Royston, Charles, Sophie and myself have got through to the finals of Midland Hairdresser of the Year Awards 2015 again this year. We were delighted to win the title last year and are all really looking forward to attending the awards in a few weeks’ time. We had an amazing time filming The Real Housewives of Cheshire this year. Dawn is a really good friend of ours and we had loads of fun on the show with her and the rest of the girls. Although we’ve now finished filming we’ve still got loads of parties

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

Repairing the bonds improves the condition and texture of the hair. Olaplex works from the inside to fix damage, unlike masks and conditioners that just form a temporary surface. It can be used as a standalone treatment or used as part of the colouring process at the salon. The results are incredible and our clients have been delighted with their rejuvenated, silky, shiny tresses.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Guide 2015

102

Michael Kors £240

Michael Kors £330

Paul Smith £995

Armani Jeans £175

Michael Kors £285

Ted Baker £99

Versace Jeans £160

Vivienne Westwood £195

Vivienne Westwood £245

wolverhampton west magazine

It’s that time of the year again when the present buying conundrum begins. With that in mind, Diffusion has worked to make your Christmas shopping stress-free with a handpicked gift guide. With an expanding brand profile including Armani Jeans, Vivienne Westwood, Versace Jeans, Moschino Jeans and Michael Kors there’s something for everyone to get excited about at Diffusion this festive season.

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

Ugg Australia £155

Ugg Australia £70

Vivienne Westwood £345

Vivienne Westwood Keyring £50

Vivienne Westwood Watch £170

diffusiononline.co.uk Vivienne Westwood £99

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood Earrings £85

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01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 105 45

Find your new Hue this Christmas at colour should be about. There are three Creative shades and five ammoniafree Gloss shades to choose from and each can be mixed to created the client’s desired result.” You can trust the Ego team to be well-ahead of the competition when it comes to using the latest colouring techniques. “We recently had a training session with TIGI’s Head Educator, Jade Harrison, so that she could teach us the new Diffused Colour Silhouette

technique that works so well with the new shades.” The technique gives the face a flattering contouring effect that creates lift and brightens the complexion. “It’s a fabulous colouring technique that enables us to create a really personalised look for our clients.” Whatever the style or colour look you want to create, you can be sure that the team at Ego can take care of it. “Everyone of us at the salon loves fashion and enjoys keeping up with all of the latest trends in both the hair and fashion world, so we’re always able to give our clients the on-trend look they want.”

TIGI’s International Creative Team have developed a brand-new, super-indulgent range of copyright©olour shades that are just perfect for Christmas. Inspired by the catwalks of Chanel and Givenchy - as well as the exuberance of Arabic gold and the indulgence of silk - the team have created a unique palette of vintage rose gold, antique gold and chocolate suede hues. The colours are rich, deep, complex and completely on-trend, as salon owner, Layla Sedgemore explains: “We’re really excited about TIGI’s new copyright©olour range, the shades are beautiful and so expensive-looking. The new colours are really soft and incredibly flattering and of course, as with the entire copyright©olour range, can be completely personalised.” With Christmas just around the corner there has never been a better time to book in at the salon and try out a new look. “We enjoy being able to offer our clients colours that are completely unique. The latest tones from TIGI are so versatile and wearable and can be adapted to suit all skin tones.” And there’s no doubt that you’ll turn heads at every one of your Christmas parties when you’re sporting your stunning new hue. “These luxurious colours really encapsulate what winter hair 106

wolverhampton west magazine

So, whatever youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got planned this party season book in at the salon to find out which one of TIGIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning new shades will be perfect for you.

Ego 299/301 Tettenhall Road Newbridge Wolverhampton WV6 0LB Tel: 01902 754455 Email: news@ego-hairsalon.co.uk Facebook: Ego-HairSalon1 Twitter: @EgoHairSalon1 Instagram: EGOHAIRSALON1 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Spinal Surgeons

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

Mr Mushtaque Ishaque, private consultant spinal surgeon

Consultant spinal surgeon Mr Konstantinos Starantzis

Consultant spinal surgeons Mr Mushtaque Ishaque and Mr Konstantinos Starantzis have recently joined the team at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital to expand the spinal disorders service. Treating a range of spinal disorders, including slipped disc, sciatica, neck and arm pain through to degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, the spinal service extends from advice and joint injections through to keyhole and major open surgery to reconstruct the spine. Born in London, Mr Ishaque qualified from the University of Cambridge in 1991, undertook a two year combined orthopaedics and neurosurgical complex reconstructive Spinal Fellowship in Canada, became a consultant in 2008 and is now a fulltime private consultant spinal surgeon.

Also Fellowship trained, Mr Konstantinos Starantzisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work encompasses both cervical and lumbar spine to address deformities, tumours and degenerative and traumatic conditions of the spine. He is especially interested in minimally invasive and keyhole surgery where appropriate. He is active in the academic world, with a number of publications and is a reviewer of some prestigious spinal journals. Born and educated in Athens, Mr Starantzis has worked in the UK since 2004. He started his training in Trauma and Orthopaedics in Cambridge and then he moved to London. He completed his Spine Surgery training with fellowships in Athens, Nottingham and Bristol just before his appointment as a substantive Consultant Spine Surgeon at the University Hospitals of North Midlands. Mr Ishaque and Mr Starantzis join the existing Nuffield Health consultant spinal surgeons Mr Anthony Marino and Mr Gabriel Alo. For further information or to book an appointment with one of our consultant spinal surgeons please call us on 01902 212958. Nuffield Health - Get back to the Life you Love!

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

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wolverhampton west magazine

It’s time to stand up to spinal pain. NUFFIELD HEALTH WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, we want to make sure you are living the life you love. That’s why we offer rapid access to expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment of spinal pain. Whether you’re experiencing back or neck discomfort, we can help at a time and date to suit you.

Get back to the life you love.

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

01902 212 958 nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

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17/09/2015 10:44

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www.salon27wolverhampton.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Salon 27 unisex hairsalon

celebrating five years

It’s been five years since Jodie Mason took over at Salon 27 and to celebrate her fifth year in business she has made plans to hold a fantastic early Christmas party at her Wakeley Hill-based salon on the 5th December, between 4pm and 7pm. A wonderful festive atmosphere is guaranteed as St. Bartholomew’s Church choir will be in attendance to entertain guests by singing Christmas carols. Wine and nibbles will of course be served and tickets cost only £3.50, Jodie says: “We’re really pleased to be celebrating our 5th birthday this year and can’t wait to enjoy the party with our friends and clients.” All of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to St. Bartholomew’s Church and clients can redeem

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the cost of their ticket against their next salon service (costing £20 or more) in January 2016. Whilst you’re at the party you might find that you can do some Christmas shopping too, as Jodie explains: “We’ve got some really great offers on our product gift packs, Wella, starting from £12.89 and Paul Mitchell which make ideal presents.” Ladies who love their hair will be delighted to receive one of the salon’s Paul Mitchell gift packs and you’ll be pleased to know that prices start from only £27. And what’s more, if you purchase three or more gift packs throughout November and December you’ll receive a £5 voucher to spend on hair products in January - the perfect treat for you.

wolverhampton west magazine

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

PurChaSe 3 Gift PaCkS or more from 1St to 24th deCember 2015 AND reCeiVe A £5 VOuCHer TO SPeND iN JANuAry 2016

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Half price colour every Thursday Monday 9am – 5pm with selected Wednesday 9am – 7pm stylists. Kids cut offer every Thursday 11am – 8pm Monday 3pmFriday 9am – 6pm 5pm or Friday Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm & Saturday www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Closed Tuesday and Sunday with Hannah.

To book an appointment please call on:

(01902) 836565 www.salon27wolverhampton.co.uk

Find us on Facebook: Salon 27 unisex hairsalon 65 Wakeley Hill, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 5BA

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Dress £70 Wallis

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

Dress £75 Wallis

Christmas Party Essential:

The Little Black Dress By Helen Taylor

For instant glamour this party season look no further than a little black dress. There’s plenty of reasons why this timeless style-staple has never gone out of fashion; it’s chic, easy-to-wear, suits women of any age and is sure to flatter every figure. Right now the high street is filled with plenty of modern versions of this classic design. Lace, sheer panels and sequin embellishments are key in bringing the LBD thoroughly up-to-date this winter. Once you’ve found your perfect style, use statement jewellery and accessories to change your look, so that you can attend all of your Christmas parties wearing your new favourite dress. And, don’t forget that every LBD needs to be worn with a fabulous pair of heels! 112

wolverhampton west magazine

Handbag £279 Vivienne Westwood at Diffusion

Lace and Sequin Bodycon Dress £75 Lipsy

'Marigold' Dress £119 Monsoon

Black Mesh Beaded Bodycon Dress £79 Miss Selfridge

Print Dress £220 Joseph Ribkoff at Aristocats

Kimono Lace Dress £99 Phase Eight

Lace dress £24.99 New Look

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

Velvet Dress £60 Next

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

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Inspirational Cancer Nurse at Wolverhampton’s Nuffield Level and has undergone specialist training in Haematology and Oncology, the Administration of Chemotherapy and other Supportive Treatments and also completed training as an Independent Non-Medical Prescriber at Wolverhampton University. Her current role encompasses educating patients, so that they come to understand their illness, their chemotherapy or other associated treatment and the possible reactions and complications that they need to be aware of. Then, working together, strategies can be planned to help reduce the risk of infection and complications and to avoid or manage some of the potential unpleasant side effects.

Specialist Oncology nurse Sandra Turner at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

Sandra Turner, from Finchfield, was recently promoted to the role of Oncology and Preoperative Assessment Lead Nurse at the Nuffield Health private hospital in Wolverhampton. In her 36 year nursing career, Sandra has spent 32 years working for the NHS and became a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Haematology Cancer in 1995. Working with people who have been diagnosed with cancer requires a lot of understanding. Experienced Specialist Nurses like Sandra can be of enormous support to patients and their families during such difficult times. Sandra says, “The therapeutic relationships that we develop with our patients over a period of time are the most rewarding aspect of my role. Everyone reacts differently under stress and we need to be able to recognise what support patients and their families need as they learn about their illness and the treatment process. We need to be able to help them cope, by being honest, developing trust and by providing access to good quality information, counselling and support. By using this approach, I am often so encouraged and humbled by the positive outlook that our patients adopt to improving their well-being and coping with their illness and the trials of their treatment.”

Sandra explains, “Here at Wolverhampton Nuffield, we treat adult patients with a number of cancers, such as breast, bowel and gynaecology as well as some of the rarer Haematological cancers. I am ideally placed to be able to coordinate the patient pathway, through the diagnostic process and onto surgery and treatment as required. I try to be present at diagnosis to support the patient and their family and provide a link between the Consultants and other Health Care professionals involved in the patient journey. We are able to provide rapid access to diagnostic services and are able to give patients timely advice, intervention and treatment, which can be very reassuring for both the patient and their loved ones. Treatments are mainly hospital based and we provide a helpline that the patient or their family can contact at any time if they have any problems or concerns, or just need to hear some words of reassurance”. Sandra also has the remarkable achievement of losing twelve stones over a two year period and is now a regular attender at the Nuffield Health gym. Whilst she doesn’t tell everyone individually about her personal achievement, the process Sandra went through to achieve a healthy weight is an experience she can bring to bear in understanding and supporting patients in life changing situations, making allowances for the bad days and encouraging a positive approach. Sandra is fully committed to supporting her patients and to keeping herself fit and healthy.

Previously employed as a bank chemotherapy nurse with Nuffield Health, Sandra is educated to Masters 114

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embrace your inner smile

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Do your eyes water excessively? Do they feel gritty or sore at times? You may be suffering from dry eye syndrome. It may sound strange to be told that you have dry eyes when you are constantly mopping up your tears with a tissue, but one of the reasons could be that your tears are not oily enough to stick to the surface of the eye so they just run. This results in discomfort, grittiness and often leads to more tearing. Our tear film, which protects and bathes the eye, has one watery and one oily layer, which stabilises the tear film between blinks. Oil glands in the eyelids pump oil into the tear film with each blink. These glands may become inflamed or blocked and the oily layer of the tear film is no longer working correctly causing the eye to feel dry, gritty and irritable. It is more common in women than men and in over 60s age group. However it can happen at any age and is very common in computer users and contact lens wearers. Dryness may also be due to a condition called blepharitis-

scurf and debris from eyelids in blepharitis, and has shown to improve dry eye symptoms almost immediately, thus avoiding the long term damage to the tear glands, preventing chronic dry eye syndrome.

inflammation of the oil glands of the eyelids, which tend to get blocked as a result.

What can be done about it? There is no absolute “cure” for dry eye syndrome. However, most people can get significant relief from symptoms using a variety of treatments and measures.

Please enquire for further details.

At Taylor Biddle Opticians a specialised Anterior Eye clinic is very successful in treating dry eye syndrome. Optometrist Rosie Birhah carries out a detailed examination of the anterior eye using latest technology including video- microscopy and Topographer and prescribes a specific treatment plan using specialised products to alleviate the cause of discomfort. Our recent addition is BlephEx – a revolutionary device which spins a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of eyelids and lashes. This quickly and effectively clears

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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

Tom’s tip:

GouT Causes of Gout

A high level of uric acid in the blood (called hyperuricaemia) is the main cause of gout. When there is too much uric acid in your blood, it can no longer dissolve and it crystallizes into urate crystals. Your body then attacks these crystals, causing the tissues to become inflamed. The crystals usually settle where blood circulation is poor, such as

the joints in your extremities. This is why most gout attacks first occur in the big toe. Even though the symptoms of gout may subside within a few days, you may still have too much uric acid in your blood, and future gout attacks are likely.

Pain usually begins during the night. Even light pressure from a sock or sheet is intolerable.

While the exact causes of gout are not fully understood, some factors are known. Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop gout. Gout may also be related to other medical conditions. Diet also accounts for some gout; foods that contain purines, a kind of protein found in meat and fish, produces uric acid in the body. Some people have poor uric acid metabolism, so when they eat purine-rich food, they develop hyperuricaemia as a consequence.

Peeling itchy skin that may appear red, angry, shiny and infected around the affected joint.

Symptoms of Gout Warm, burning pain with swelling in and around a joint, such as fingers or knee. Gout usually starts in a big toe joint.

Pain or discomfort suddenly increases and lasts most of the night, then gradually subsides over several days.

Limited mobility in the affected joint. Lumps or nodules (called tophi) appear around the affected area.

Treatment For those people with an on-going gout episode then Colchicine is prescribed to return the urate crystals back to uric acid fluid. For some people prone to gout episodes then Allopurinol is usually prescribed. This is taken on a day for life. Some people have to have both medicines, but this is unusual. Chiropodists/Podiatrists are often the 1st professionals to diagnose gout due to frequent patient contact.

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Simply Dentures:

creating beauty in every smile

Mr Peter Brookes DipCDT. GDC No.124429

Have you lost confidence in your smile? Have you ever tripped over an invisible brick in the street or found your skirt tucked-in after a quick toilet stop? No one likes embarrassing situations and we know they always happen when we least expect it. Having dentures that may embarrass you by dropping out during an important family meal or that are just plain worn out is something no one wants. Perhaps this hasn’t happened to you yet, but you know that your dentures just don’t feel right? If so, here’s what you can do about it. One option is to apply loads of fixative and hope for the best and never seek professional help. This never gets to the root of the problem and won’t improve your situation in the long term. Alternatively, you could choose to join the growing number of people who seek help at Simply Dentures. We enjoy the challenge of improving the appearance, fit and function of our client’s dentures. It may mean that new dentures are required. If so, we are able to provide this for anyone requiring either partial or complete prosthesis. Sometimes it may only require a reline of a denture; a look into other stabilisation options - such as implants - or possibly just an aesthetic makeover option. One client had recently been given new dentures elsewhere, but was upset by the final appearance 120

provided. She felt the upper teeth were way too long and when she came to us we had to agree. It took just a couple of hours at Simply Dentures to adapt her denture to disguise her teeth, making them look smaller. When finished the patient was delighted and commented on how happy she was. In this case, all that was required was a little thought and a few hours work with the existing denture and the result was one smiling patient. To trust someone with your smile is a big undertaking and we understand this. In order to give you confidence in what we do, we offer you a free consultation. If you would like more information before an appointment then please check out our website or call and we can send you our latest information pack. Mr Peter Brookes is our lead Clinical Dental Technician. He has over 15 years’ experience as a technician. His last 6 years have been spent within a private denture clinic, which has given him great insight into the manufacture of high quality dentures. His firm belief that you should be involved and informed throughout every stage of construction will assure you that you will get the smile you deserve. With years of training and experience our team aims to provide you with dentures that help you overcome the challenging problems you face. Our clinic offers warm, welcoming facilities for all; easy ground floor access; three ground floor surgeries; a car park to the rear and friendly staff. There is even a Patient Lounge where you can wait while we repair your dentures; designed specifically so that you won’t be seen out and about without your teeth! We will do what we can to help overcome any issues you may face to make your journey to your new smile as smooth as possible.

Should you require a denture repair, reline or cleaning service then this is available too. See our website for more information: www.simplydentures.net or call for a free information pack on 01902 420654. wolverhampton west magazine

Simply Confident, Simply Natural...

Simply Dentures

Telephone 01902 420654

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Asset split may not be equal

for divorcing couples

Divorcing couples should not assume that assets will be split equally following a breakdown in the marriage, with the courts having wide powers of discretion over who gets what, a family lawyer has warned. Although a 50/50 split, or yardstick of equality as the courts refer to it, is a starting point, FBC Manby Bowdler Partner Fay Rothery said there are a number of reasons why the court may decide on a different outcome. Fay, a specialist in family law, commented following recent high profile divorce cases, which

Fay Rothery, Partner and Family Law solicitor at FBC Manby Bowdler

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saw ‘exceptional’ decisions made in the Court of Appeal. In one case, a market trader turned millionaire who called himself ‘Delboy’ lost a £900,000 divorce battle against his ex-wife after he sacked her from his business. Fay said: “Unlike Delboy and Rodney, in this case the husband and wife team turned their market stall into a huge business success story - a frozen food business turning over nearly £2m a year. She took him to court after he claimed a half-share in two properties she owned. But the Court of Appeal rejected her husband’s claim to the properties - which are worth about £900,000. “In another case a hospital consultant was ordered to hand over 100% of his fortune to his former wife. Although this decision was exceptional, it was made after the Court considered the welfare of the children involved. It ruled that as the husband had moved abroad out of the jurisdiction of the Child Support Agency, this was a fair decision to ensure the children’s welfare.

“Sometimes a court may decide that if either one of the couple has made a stellar contribution to the financial assets of the marriage, or if there is a business involved, that can also complicate how assets are split. Equally, if premarital property or an inheritance is held by one party or the other, then the courts need to consider whether that asset should form part of the matrimonial pot, and therefore whether it should be shared as part of any settlement, or ring-fenced. “As always, we’d advise people considering divorce to seek expert advice. We’re finding that many clients come to us assuming that the financial settlement will be equal shares, but as the above divorce settlements show, it’s not always the case.” Fay Rothery specialises in family work including divorce, all aspects of ancillary financial matters and disputes regarding children. She has considerable experience in cohabitation matters including disputes regarding the ownership of property, financial provision for the benefit of children of unmarried couples and cohabitation agreements. Contact her on 01902 392420 or f.rothery@fbcmb.co.uk. For further information, please visit www.fbcmb.co.uk, or follow the Firm on Twitter @ FBCManbyBowdler

“Both of these divorces are perhaps extreme examples, but clearly demonstrate that a 50/50 split of marital assets is not always what happens: each case is different and decisions will be based on the particular facts and circumstances of the marriage and the parties involved wolverhampton west magazine

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WOLVERHAMPTON HIP

& KNEE CLINIC

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

MR DAVID SIMPSON CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

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

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

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Paycare warns

employers about festive pressures & employee wellbeing

With 70 million working days lost each year in the UK to mental ill health, and the festive period’s notorious reputation for high levels of stress, a not-for-profit health cover provider is encouraging employers to consider the wellbeing of their staff this Christmas. Wolverhampton-based Paycare, a leading independent health cover provider, is reminding employers about the importance of employee mental health, and how a happy and motivated workforce is not only more productive, but can have a direct impact on a business’s profitability. “For many employees, the festive season can be far from jolly, with increased workloads and pressure to hit looming deadlines and targets,” explained CEO of Paycare, Kevin Rogers. “And, while some levels of stress in the workplace can be positive and lead to increased employee motivation and productivity, the downsides of stress are too important to ignore. “An employee may become more easily agitated, for example, or they might exhibit a change 124

in behaviour, such as eating unhealthy foods. Stress can also affect staff performance and your business may suffer from a lack of uncompleted projects, orders not being placed, or a decline in sales. “Maintaining a healthy workforce at Christmas, and throughout the course of the year, is vital in ensuring your team is happy and motivated, and essential in ensuring optimum productivity,” Kevin continued. “But how, as a business owner or manager, do you ensure you’re proactive when it comes to the health and wellbeing of your employees? “Fortunately, there are a number of strategies you can employ to not only ensure your most precious assets are looked after, but to bring a whole host of benefits to your entire organisation too. For example, you could try introducing healthier food in the canteen or installing bike racks to encourage cycling to work. In addition, you could consider training senior level staff members to recognise the signs of staff anxiety and stress in the workplace, and encourage them to be proactive when it comes to supporting employees who may be vulnerable.

“And with wellness incentives like discounted gym memberships, and healthcare plans such as those offered by Paycare, staff benefits can encourage employees to take better care of their health, which in turn helps increase motivation, productivity, and morale. “Introducing simple measures like these really can help decrease employee absence, increase productivity and offer that competitive edge. Ultimately, employers hold a unique position in which they can positively influence their staff, and investing time and money in the short-term can have a huge impact and ensure employees’ health isn’t costing their business,” Kevin concluded. A well-respected and dedicated not-for-profit health cover provider, Paycare has helped individuals, families and businesses across the Black Country and Wolverhampton protect themselves against everyday healthcare costs and bills for over 140 years. For further information about Paycare’s full range of health cover please call 01902 371000 email enquiries@paycare.org or visit www.paycare.org wolverhampton west magazine

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

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

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

From £30.00 per month Call 01902 252 265

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www.paycare.org 125

where legal excellence and empathy go hand in hand • Commitment to excellent personal service • A friendly approachable team Sharratts recently moved to new premises in Wergs Road and Jane explains, “The move was so exciting for all of us and we are very pleased with our new offices. They are light, modern and welldesigned on one floor making them accessible for visitors with disabilities; we have on-site parking too which is always a bonus!”

Heather, Claire, Jane and Jenny, the friendly team of solicitors at Sharratts

The Sharratts concept began a decade ago in the village of Tettenhall when owner and Managing Director Jane Swancott began planning a return to work after maternity leave. Jane felt inspired to offer a specialist tailor-made service to those experiencing family challenges. She was able to offer a wealth of experience in all tiers of the family court system having represented people from all walks of life in some extremely challenging cases.

With the move came an expansion in expertise offered. In addition to providing a comprehensive service in all areas of Family Law, Sharratts now offer wills and probate as well as advice on all aspects of legal planning for later life. The growth doesn’t stop there, Jane tells us, “In this our 10th anniversary year we have planned further expansion and further recruitment. This will enable us to continue our commitment to excellence and to ensure that we can make our tailormade services available to even more families facing challenges or those wanting to make life changes or plans for the future.” Legal expertise comes hand in hand with a real understanding of modern family challenges. Sharratts works in tandem with many groups such as; Cafcass, Refuges, Social

The new modern offices at Wergs Road

Services support groups for children and families, LGBT groups, Mothers and Fathers support groups, The Grandparent Association; Resolution, Relate and Reunite to name but a few. It is with these connections and voices within the community that Sharratts keeps its advice practical as well as considering the legal framework in any case. Family life in the 21st century is diverse, and whilst every situation is unique and personal to you and your family, Sharratts will help find the answers to each and every query, whether it’s working with you directly or putting you in touch with another skilled professional. If you have any feedback as an existing client or you are considering contacting Sharratts on a new matter Jane will be happy to hear from you at janeswancott@sharratts.com For further details on services offered and more about the team at Sharratts visit the website at www.sharratts.com or call 01902 759 500.

Jane remembers “Tettenhall welcomed us ten years ago and has been very supportive of our niche firm, we are proud to be part of such a vibrant village community.” Sharratts has grown to become a very busy firm with many legal advisers and support staff. The success of Sharratts can be attributed to these key factors: • Exceptional legal expertise • Straightforward, clear advice 126

You can be assured of a warm welcome at Sharratts from Debbie on reception

wolverhampton west magazine

Your future is our business

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

FREE

30 minute telephone consultation

Child-Care Proceedings (SI) Child Abduction Adoption

Separation and Divorce Cohabitee Disputes Domestic Violence / Injunctions Pre-marital Agreement

Wills & Probate Civil Partnership Children Matters Parental Responsibility

81 Wergs Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. WV6 9BP 01902 759500 Free parking onsite info@sharratts.com www.sharratts.com www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Kings

in Esafet y Protecting children online is once again a high priority for schools and parents.

This was highlighted recently by the governments’ ‘Prevent’ campaign, and documentation has been distributed to ALL schools in the UK. Ofsted recommendations for good or outstanding practice for esafety are that ‘One or more members of staff have a higher level of expertise within the school’. This advanced knowledge of esafety is provided through EPICT accreditation, a nationally recognised certificate for esafety within schools. This accreditation is provided exclusively in the west Midlands by Concero, a local IT technology company providing technical support to a number of schools across the West Midlands and Staffordshire areas. Following a meeting between Concero and a number of staff (including members of the senior leadership team) at Kings CE School in Tettenhall, it was decided that further development was essential if the school was to achieve its goal

of outstanding in esafety. EPICT was the tool chosen to help them reach this accomplishment. Seven members of staff were identified to attend a half day course provided by Concero. This enables the school to achieve whole school EPICT

course. The presentation takes a few hours, but at no time was it arduous. The activity at the end of each section was relevant to what you had just been taught and focused your mind on the subject at hand. Content was well tailored to the course and at times whilst being light hearted or humorous, it really bought the point home with a bang! Make no bones about it, this is a serious problem we have to address both in schools and further afield at everyone’s home”. Following the half day course each attendee was required to complete a task that included presentations to staff, governors, parents, the delivery of esafety lessons to students and updating the esafety and acceptable use polices.

Helen Ryan, Rachel Fearnehough, Nick Walton, Angela Cox, Phillip Sutton, Teresa Badger and Alan Foster

accreditation. The course identifies and discusses current esafety issues amongst sexting, grooming, online gaming and radicalisation. Mr Nick Walton, ICT Manager said: “Alan Foster has a friendly delivery, backed up by many years in education and as an advisor for a local authority, he is well equipped to guide the average person through the EPICT

Mrs Helen Ryan, Head of ICT stated: “EPICT - the esafety accreditation has encouraged me to refocus our eLearning strategy and how we deliver it to our students”. The Kings CE School in Tettenhall, is the first school in Wolverhampton to receive EPICT accreditation for esafety. It has provided the school with a vehicle to work towards achieving outstanding esafety within the school and will continue to use this accreditation and other resources such as the 360 Safe/Esafety Mark to accomplish their goal. For further information about EPICT accreditation, esafety training for governors, parents, teachers and students/pupils, or advise on how to work towards the esafety mark, visit our website: www.concerouk.com or contact us on 0333 111 0004.

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College

The debate on the role of sport in our educational provision never seems to be too far away especially in the wake of the country’s latest sporting failure. So as the rest of the rugby world battle out to decide who wins the Webb Ellis trophy we must, as hosts no less, sit it out and contemplate our inadequacies. This article could have course been written at any point in the past couple of years following ignominious exits in both the last football and cricket world cups. School sport will inevitably come under the spotlight and the themes are familiar. Many will point the downturn in our fortunes to the 1980s where some suggest that teachers’ strike action led to the decline of competitive team sport that was a staple of state education. Others cite the philosophy that stated that sporting success and its companion failure were somehow damaging to pupils’ well-being and had to be stopped. Recent debate has of course focused on the “X box generation” and the effects of excessive screen time on uptake of sports. The league table and inspection culture have understandably pushed teachers away from the less measurable outcomes as successive governments seek to drive up standards. Fears of child safety mean that children are harnessed by organised activities rather than allowed in the street to develop skills as previous generations. Independent schools-traditionally seen as preserving sport in their offerings-have not been immune from criticism. A disproportionate number of the current England rugby and cricket teams do indeed come from 130

independent schools, a fact which cannot be right in a sector that educates 7% of the pupils in the country. However this week an expert, Mr Neil Rollins, told the prestigious Headmasters’ Conference that sport in these schools has not changed since the 1830s with too much emphasis on ‘making boys men’ and not enough on health and fitness. Instead of forcing reluctant children into team games, teachers should be “more inclusive” of children of “all abilities” and should “provide experiences for all shapes, sizes and levels of previous coaching”. He compared the current practice in independent schools with the depiction of Rugby School in the 19th Century in the Thomas Hughes novel Tom Brown’s Schooldays. Mr Rollings highlighted the “undemocratic” nature of sports in schools where pupils are selected on their basis of their physical abilities. He claimed that pupils “accepted the fact that sport is about as democratic as North Korea. That the opportunity you got was directly related to how big and strong you were”. Instead, he said we should focus on giving pupils the choice of more individual sports and other activities like Zumba and athletics where there is less emphasis on team competition. Having coached many teams throughout my career, I have long reflected on the role of sport and the correct balance in an educational environment. The blind pursuit of sporting excellence in one or two sports can indeed be miserable for many whilst the few are lauded for their achievements. However, parents who choose a school such as Tettenhall College rightly seek some of the benefits of structured sport in education: team skills, healthy competition, winning and losing graciously, health and fitness, personal endeavour, self-discipline and building self-esteem. We therefore seek to provide a range of choices as pupils get older including more individual sports such as fencing, archery and golf. This offering is also based on a foundation of compulsory participation, especially in a smaller school where a high percentage will have the opportunity to participate in competitive fixtures from a very early age. Sporting excellence is naturally welcomed in a school that has bred an Olympian, elite performers are amongst our ranks and we strive for sporting success. However, our primary aim is to improve skill and fitness levels for all and stimulate interests and aptitudes through enjoyment that can hopefully continue into later life. This may or may not help the inquest into our latest international sporting failure but I do feel that we are fully committed to our role in seeing sport as an integral part of our educational offering and a very important element of a child’s development. You can now follow David on Twitter

@tettcoll_head

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get involved...

6th Form Open Evening Tuesday 12th January 2016

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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)

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FREE Child Swim Pass Voucher valid until 31st December 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 November/December 2015

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Brand new Dance Studio

opens in Lanesfield l/r Michelle Churm with owner Emma Bate

Emma Bate from Sedgley, owner of Inspire2Dance, opened her very own dance studio on Saturday 10th October, just one year on from graduating from The University of Wolverhampton with a BA Hons in Dance. Emma has been dancing since the age of three and has always had a passion for dance and performing. The new studio is a dream come true for Emma who has been building Inspire2Dance for nearly 3 years with the help of her assistant teacher Michelle Churm. A special mention for her dad, Gary Bate, who has devoted all of his time to refurbish the premises which was previously a van parts storage unit. The open evening was a huge success with around 120 people attending to show their support! The studio will be offering a variety of dance and fitness classes, which will be open to all ages and abilities. For more information contact Emma on 07888 654908. Address: Unit C, Dock Meadow Industrial Estate, Lanesfield Drive, WV4 6LB www.facebook.com/inspire2dance

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Newbridge Preparatory School The Mayor, Councillor Ian Brookfield, his wife Mrs Paula Brookfield, The Mayoress, receiving a presentation from Jessica Luckett (Nursery - aged three) and Lyba Umar (Deputy Head Girl - Aged 10) and Abi Hathaway (Head Girl - aged 10) – left to right at back.

The Mayor, Councillor Ian Brookfield, and his Lady Consort, the Mayoress, visited Newbridge Preparatory School on Tuesday 29th September 2015 to officially open the newly renovated Nursery building. The whole school sang the school song for the Mayor who made a short address followed by the cutting of a ribbon. The Mayor and Mayoress, Directors and parents of the school were invited to view the Nursery. The Nursery, which has had a significant £30,000 renovation, has 24 places for Rising Four-yearolds (pre-school age) and follows on from the school’s Tots (Rising Three-year-olds) room. The renovation of the Nursery building, which was built 25 years ago, demonstrates the school’s on-going commitment to being a modern preparatory school. Newbridge is a school which offers an excellent standard of education to pupils across the city, balancing traditional values with cutting edge teaching and learning.

The Mayor praised the pupils of the school for their achievements: • Being rated an outstanding provision by the Independent School Inspectorate in 2013 • Being ranked the 10th highest performing girls only school in the country at key stage 2 SATs by The Times - putting Wolverhampton firmly on the map Parents interested in their child joining our Nursery class in September 2016 should contact Miss J. Taylor (Registrar) on 01902 751088 This recent development follows the continuing development of Newbridge Preparatory School. In 2007 the Directors led by the Chair, Her Honour Judge Helen Hughes, commissioned the building of the purpose built lower school. Three years ago, following the appointment of Mrs Sarah Fisher (Headmistress) the school embarked on a complete refurbishment programme of the Upper School – a late Edwardian house.

Mrs Fisher (Headmistress): “Working closely with Beech-Cole, our school architects, and Community Playthings, (Early Years specialists) we have achieved an outstanding, high quality Early Years learning environment. Children, parents and members of staff alike are thrilled by the development.” Newbridge is an independent school for girls (Aged three to aged eleven) and boys (Aged three to aged seven). Newbridge Preparatory School has been providing education in Wolverhampton for 78 years; since 1937. 134

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An independent school for girls aged 2 to 11 and boys aged 2 to 7

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Social Scene 2

South Staffs Golf Club A charity lunch was held on Wednesday September 30th in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The charity was chosen by South Staffs lady Captain Susan Hewitt and the event was organised by treasurer of the ladies section Ann Kibble and club member Barbara Lewis. The fashion show was organised by Carol Billingsley, owner of Aristocats ladies fashion boutique based in Coalway Road, Penn. A team of professional models were hired to showcase their latest seasonal styles with a fabulous catwalk show. The sell-out event was enjoyed by all and raised ÂŁ1,840! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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Jeanne Frith, Angie Hogarth, Alexandra Watts (Models). Denise Johnson, Wendy Cotterill. Joyce Smith, Denise Davis. Barbara Lewis, Susan Hewitt, Ann Kibble. Carol Billingsley, Kim Serrell-Archer. Back row: Roz Hall, Pam Jones, Judith Jones, Ann Kibble. Front row: Val Tupper, Elizabeth Watson, Debbie Varnish, Carol Aston.

4 7. Ann Needham, Jenifer Woodward, Julia Oakey. 8. Eve Berrow, Yvonne Buckham, Phyllis Loach. 9. Pat Sherwood, Eileen Young, Olwen Thomson. 10. Alvine Walker, Diana Patrick, Jean Flewellen, Rosemary Whitehouse, Iris Davis. 11. Geraldine Davies, Julia Thompson, Hilary Fardoe, Sue Bromley. 12. Ann Hadley, Elsie Wright, Marian Hyde, Hazel Evans. 13. Pat Wood, Janet Reading, Sylvia Heywood, Heather Lycett, Josie Tennant. 14. Joan Rogers, Marjorie Leece, Pat Wood.

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Social Scene

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Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene 2

Park Hall Hotel Wolverhampton A themed 'Ladies of Bond' charity ball was organised by the Tettenhall Round Table on 17th October at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel. A James Bond double was hired and entertainment included a pianist, live band and casino tables. The nominated charities to benefit from the proceeds were Trudys Trust, Tettenhall first responders, Central Youth Theatre, Promise Dreams and Compton Hospice. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 138

Michael Brooks, Emma Shaw. James Martindale, Debera Wharton. Sophie Ruggles, Gemma Steinert. Dan Davies, John Allen, Helen Staddon, Charlotte Bevington-King, Iwona Plachta, Russell Willington. Alison Gorton, Sarah Curran. Heather Wood, Melvin Wood. (Promise Dreams) Lisa Needham, Beverley Bird. Wendy Flavell, Diane Hazeldine, Phillippa Hazeldine.

9. Steve Walker, Sue Walker, Ben Walker, Isabelle Timmins, Andrew Timmins, Jane Timmins, Richard Taylor, Maxine Taylor. 10. Adrian Azzopardi, Peter Cole, Neil Egan, Paul Hammond, Richard Unwin. 11. Mark Jeavons, Jenny Owen, Lynne Jeavons, Colin Jeavons 12. (Tettenhall Round Table) Chris Harris (Honorary President) Shiv Passap (Chairman) Rob Buka (Vice Chairman). 13. Steve Wright (AKA 007 Bond) with Bond Girls. 14. James Hewitt, Suzanne Hewitt. 15. Alisa Mcketterick, Tom Mcketterick. 16. Helen Williams, Zabina Latif.

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Social Scene

2 1

Shrewsbury Arms Albrighton Word of Mouth held another successful event at The Shrewsbury Arms, Albrighton on Saturday 3rd October. The format was different to previous events with live singers and musicians followed by a DJ set. A packed out audience of around 350 enjoyed dancing into the early hours. 1. Charles Head, Lan Singh, Richard Thomas, Ben Head, Struan Malcolm. 2. Kellie Jones, Jessica Parker. 3. Hannah Marandola, Jennifer Bull. 4. Samantha Dye, Natalie Osman, Samsha Dye. 140

9 5. Ben Brevitt, Clare Brevitt. 6. Dawn Lawrence-Harish, Arun Harish, Jenny Chapman, Ian Chapman. 7. Tamsin Mulloy, Rob Scott. 8. Staff from the Shrewsbury Arms. 9. Katie Wigley, Stephanie Cook, Sophie Boyce.

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Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

The Chris Jewkes Fitness Garden Party Tettenhall 1. Craig Taylor, Chloe Taylor.

Over 160 people attended and enjoyed the gorgeous grounds of the club, the wonderful weather, great food and outstanding entertainment, a most memorable day was shared by all. There was also fundraising for Promise Dreams and The Steve Bull Foundation, two local and well respected charities. So a huge thank you to everyone who worked on the event, and to all those who chose to be a part of it! Here's to the next one in 2016! www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

2. (organising committee) Karen Price, Taje Gill, Sadie Simpson, Vickie Jones, Chris Jewkes, Terri Jewkes. 3. Suresh Bawa, Jez Moxey, Frank Green, Don Goodman, Chris Jewkes. 4. Group Photo.

5. Steve Bull, Kirsty Bull, Donna Wood, Don Goodman. 6. Ben Stancombe. 7. Jo Jefferies, Kerry Collins. 141

Social Scene

Molineux WV1 Summer ball held in aid of Whizz Kidz. On Saturday 12th September Wolverhampton and Halesowen Audi held their second Summer Ball at Molineux to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Whizz Kidz.

1. Joseph Whelan. 2. Chris Coss. 3. Malachi Forsyth / Neesha Forsyth. 4. Louise Botwood / Alison Fowler. 5. Top left – Jon Clegg, Helen Hammond, Louise Botwood, Bottom Left – Perry Spiller, Malachi Forsyth, Joseph Whelan, Jordan Jarrett Bryan. 6. Sabrina Dennis / Nathan Dennis. 7. Natalie Kemp / Paul kemp.

The event was attended by Wolverhampton and Halesowen Audi Customers, local businesses and staff.

8. Brian Macintosh / Scott Bernard.

Helen Hammond and Louise Botwood coordinated the event for the second year and raised a total amount of £9520.08.

10. Jon Clegg (BGT Finalist).

Malachi Forsyth a child who has been helped by the Charity Whizz Kidz also attended the event with his family.

9. Alex Page / Richard Hammond. 11. Richard Cooper / Kim Southall. 12. Nina Metson / Rob Taylor.

The evening consisted of a 3 course meal, raffle, auction, silent auction and entertainment by BBC Radio Presenter Perry Spiller, Jon Clegg (Finalist from Britain’s Got Talent) and Joseph Whelan (Finalist from X Factor).

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The date for next year’s Ball has been set – Saturday September 10th 2016 – Tickets on sale NOW! 142

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Social Scene

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John Cheetham Senior Instructor

3 Hammers Golf Complex

Over a round of golf putting typically constitutes 30-40% of your total amount of shots taken, so your performance with the putter will have a huge influence on your scoring. Here’s a very quick tip to help you hole more putts when you’re inside 3 feet.



On these 'shorter' putts our mindset changes to now expecting to get the ball in the hole instead of a longer putt perhaps where we are more relaxed simply trying to get the ball close. Because of the raised expectation level & consequently the pressure we put ourselves under, I see a lot of amateur golfers moving their head too early as they hit the putt to check if the ball has gone in. When the head moves early this directly influences the putter face causing us to push or pull the ball to either side of the hole (see photo 1). To improve your putting inside 3 feet we need to keep our heads absolutely stationary & resist the temptation to look too early. Try to get in the habit of listening for the ball going in the hole & keep your eyes looking down at the green after the ball is struck. (see photo 2) Keeping the head stationary will help deliver the putter into impact in a much squarer position resulting in improved accuracy & lower scores! (instruction for right handed players)

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Wrottesley Golf Club

professional golf shootout On Friday 11th September, Wrottesley golf club hosted their third annual competition for professional golfers.

The afternoon session provided somewhat of a shock result as it was won by 17 year old Matt Jacques, assistant professional from South Staffs golf club playing in his first professional competition. This year the club welcomed their first female entrant who

added a certain amount of glamour to the proceedings. For club members watching the pros it was reassuring to note that they found the course challenging and living up to the comment from one of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitors that Wrottesley has one of the two best par three courses in the country.

This year the club sponsors for the event were Evans Halshaw, the local Ford dealership. Andrew Qualters, dealership manager was on hand to present the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trophy. As in previous years the morning format took the shape of an 18 stroke play to decide the champion, with an elimination round in the afternoon to provide further competition. Play started following a substantial breakfast in glorious late summer sunshine with Mark Sparrow from Halfpenny Green golf club being crowned the 2015 winner by a slim margin.

WROTTESLEY GOLF | CLUB 146

For information on membership details please visit our website:

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Rare behind the scenes look into

AiRCRAfT

ConSER vATion This November, the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be opening its doors, allowing museum visitors behind the scenes access to aircraft conservation projects and the chance to speak with the team who make them happen. This rare and exclusive opportunity is for one week only and based on the overwhelming success of previous events, organisers are expecting thousands of visitors to attend. It’s been almost twelve months since visitors last passed through the doors of the Conservation Centre and what a busy year it’s been…

Significant progress has been made to one of the centre’s longest running conservation projects, the Handley Page Hampden, and regular visitors are sure to be astounded by the developments being made. The Hampden’s tailplane, fin and rudder have been fully restored, with new fabric and new paint work. Technicians have incorporated as much of the original parts and materials as possible and work is now underway on the rear fuselage repairing damage caused during its crash landing. Aviation fans and intrigued members of the public who have followed the story of the world’s last surviving Dornier Do 17 will be able to get up close to the aircraft and learn more about this ground breaking project. Finally clear of the marine crustacean that has coated the aircraft for 73 years underwater, bullet holes are now visible on the propellers and

shrapnel damage can be seen on the fuselage and undercarriage. Repeat visitors will be able to view the on-going refurbishments of the Vickers Wellington and the Range Safety Launch. Admission to the Conservation Centre Open Week is £5.00 per person (Children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult). The Conservation Centre will open to the public from the 9-14 November 2015 between 10.15am to 1.00pm. www.rafmuseum.org 01902 376200

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

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

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View current projects including the Wellington and Dornier Do 17

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All I want for Christmas is a good book… from my library As those long, dark winter nights start to become familiar, it is all too tempting to want to hibernate indoors!

Ashmore Park Library Griffiths Drive WV11 2LH 01902 556296 Bilston Library Mount Pleasant WV14 7LU 01902 556253 Blakenhall Library Bromley Street WV2 3AS 01902 555460 Central Library Snow Hill WV1 3AX 01902 552025

But wrap up warm and force yourself to get out and visit your local Wolverhampton library as they’ve got plenty on offer this festive season.

Collingwood Library, Broadway Gardens WV10 8EA 01902 552025

Many libraries will be hosting Christmas-themed storytime sessions – perfect for getting little ones (and their parents and carers) into the holiday mood.

East Park Library Hurstbourne Crescent WV1 2EE 01902 556257

If you’d prefer to do your storytelling at home, there are plenty of books to select and take away – on a range of topics to inspire and entertain.

Finchfield Library White Oak Drive WV3 9AF 01902 556260

Why not revisit some old favourites with your youngsters this Christmas? Classics such as The Gruffalo’s Child or The Snowman are as popular as ever – and are also likely to be on television over the Christmas period. Older children might be interested to learn how our Christmas traditions started - and how Christmas is celebrated across the world.

Long Knowle Library Wood End Road WV11 1YG 01902 556290

If you need inspiration to make your Christmas even more special, there are a range of books with decorating ideas and craft making to keep everyone entertained and your home looking fantastic.

Pendeford Library Whitburn Close WV9 5NJ 01902 556250

Food plays an important part in the season’s festivities and Wolverhampton’s libraries have a wide range of books to borrow that include recipes for Christmas biscuits, cakes, sweets and party foods – ideal if you’re entertaining – or to make as gifts! If all this sounds like too much hard work, why not get away from it all and curl up by the fireside with a good read instead? There are many Christmas-themed novels to choose from – along with a wide range of bestsellers. The best place to start is to have a look at Wolverhampton libraries’ online catalogue - www. wolverhampton.gov.uk/catalogue where all books, CD and DVDs are listed. Search for the theme or specific book that you would like and have it sent to your nearest library for collection from any Wolverhampton library, free of charge. Find out more about Wolverhampton’s libraries by visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries Wishing all our library users a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 150

Where's my library?

Low Hill Library Showell Circus WV10 9JJ 01902 556293

Penn Library Coalway Avenue WV3 7LT 01902 556281 Spring Vale Library Bevan Avenue WV4 6SG 01902 556284 Tettenhall Library Upper Street WV6 8QF 01902 556308 Warstones Library Pinfold Grove WV4 9PT 01902 556275 Wednesfield Library Well Lane WV11 1XT 01902 556278 Whitmore Reans Library Bargate Drive WV6 0QW 01902 556269

wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries wolverhampton west magazine

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moToRInG Graphic design that gets your motor running

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Winter tyres what you need to know Winter tyres are not just effective in extreme snow conditions, they provide a decreased braking distance on icy roads, improved braking in wet conditions and provide better emergency braking on wet, icy and snow-covered roads.

latest Winter tyre, the UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 is an exceptional tyre and has proved this by winning first place in the Auto Express winter tyre test. The Goodyear tyre performed particularly well in Snow traction, Circle and Handling as well as Curved Aquaplaning, The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is the newest addition to the Dunlop range and has proved to be another outstanding winter tyre by winning second place in the Auto Express winter tyre test. The Dunlop tyre was described as particularly strong in Snow Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, and Wet Braking. It even took first place in the Rolling Resistance test. For more information on winter tyres please contact HiQ Wolverhampton on 01902 420234.

For these reasons, winter tyres are highly recommended for use in temperatures below 7°C, which in the UK is around 150 days of the year. Advantages of using Winter Tyres: • Shorter stopping distances – with braking distance significantly reduced in snow, ice and wet conditions • Improved performance and safety – more control in winter conditions due to innovative winter tyre technology • Resistance to aquaplaning – The specific tread pattern design of winter tyres can disperse more water which reduces the amount of water between the road and your tyres. • Increased tyre life Goodyear’s Winter tyre range has been developed specifically with your safety in mind. Goodyear’s

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Tyres • Exhausts • Brakes • Batteries • Servicing • MOTs www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Last Tango

in Yaris

By Rob Taylor

The Toyota Yaris will forever occupy a special place in my heart or, rather more accurately, a very specific V Reg 1 litre Yaris in red with discoloured beige interior and a tricky clutch will. For it was this very vehicle that became my first car and as such represented my freedom, as well as all other attendant privileges within the reach of a 17-year-old bloke, hungry for a passport to fun. Many long years have passed since those heady days in 2002 and in that time much change has taken place, to both Toyota’s Yaris and I: today we are both heavier; better dressed; tougher and more resilient to harm; and much more intelligent. Sitting at the console of this latest iteration I am at a loss to make comparison between old and new, so I won’t bother. Look at this Yaris and you’ll see strong styling cues pinched from its younger, trendier brother, the Aygo. The cross-shaped front end with new light clusters sharpen its nose and point to revisions that go far deeper than the average mid-life refresh. At the rear there is a new bumper and diffuser to create a lower, more purposeful stance and to imply improved sporting credentials. Nothing does this better, of course, than adding to the trim levels an option entitled ‘Sport’, which is exactly what Toyota has done; or adding a black and red colour scheme to the seats, which Toyota has also done. With it comes no improvement in performance – this 1.33 litre 98 bhp petrol four pot will do 0-60mph in 11.7 seconds and is still good for 109 mph – but instead there are plenty of funky add-ons like front and rear LED lights, 16” alloys, privacy glass and a rear spoiler.

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The overall sense of roominess has improved in the cabin– especially if you spec a panoramic Skyview sunroof – and so too has the quality of the materials employed in making the dashboard. A symphony of ergonomic sense and reason, the Yaris savvily sets out its gauges and displays in most intuitive fashion. The switchgear is wellmade and more of the cabin than ever is nice to touch - particularly the Yaris’s classic sculpted central dashboard panel, which has gained thick soft padding and a surface now finished in PVC. There is also wider equipment and colour choice than ever before. Toyota’s user-friendly ‘Touch 2 with Go’ multimedia system is a pleasant companion on every journey; so too is the rear-view camera, whenever you find yourself in a tight spot. In and around the city is where this car really shines with its direct, accurate and light steering allowing you to zip your way through the chaos with only minimal cost to you – since it’ll average 57.6 mpg and is priced at £14,995 – or the environment: the Yaris releases just 119 g/km of C02. Toyota has modified the Yaris’s platform expressly to improve road-holding, driving pleasure and

comfort and anyone familiar with past models will really be able to feel the improvements, especially when it comes to having fun. Although not quite as footloose and fancy free as my first Yaris, this one runs it close. The newly stiffened bodyshell, new rear torsion beam and suspension parts and a new set-up for the electric power steering, when allied to this perky petrol powerplant, make for an impressive driving package. The Yaris handles itself well on twisty stretches of road, cornering with considerable aplomb for a little hatchback, providing a ride that is well suspended and well judged for UK roads. Equally it’ll cruise with relative composure on motorways without too much cabin noise creeping in; it’s actually quiet enough to think inside, which can’t be said of many B-segment hatchbacks - certainly not my Yaris of yore. You see, not even the mist of nostalgia can forgive all of the drawbacks of motoring in a different time and place. The new Yaris is a far superior car in every single way, but I’d still buy back my old one in a heartbeat. wolverhampton west magazine

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

w w w. r s f o u r a s h e s . c o. u k NOW OPEN ROAD & RACE REPAIRS LTD ALL IN-HOUSE FACILITY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BODYSHOP SERVICES

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62 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.

11 Reg and 61 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.

Units S1 & S2 Station Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7BU www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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THE NEW C-CLASS COUPÉ: SEDUCTION OF THE HEART AND MIND Mercedes-Benz is adding a Coupé to its C-Class family. Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensual design of the new Coupé cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior raises elegance and style to a sporty level. A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension, forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tyre vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and high-performance yet efficient engines likewise contribute to this. New assistance systems provide safety of the very highest calibre. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C-Class Coupé sets new standards in its segment. “Our new C-Class Coupé continues the philosophy of our exciting coupés. It combines thrilling design with agile sportiness and modern luxury. The C-Class Coupé therefore clearly pledges itself to stylish driving enjoyment,” states Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. As the sportiest variant of the C-Class, the Coupé displays its driving enjoyment-oriented character in an emotive and at the same time formally distinct design. A sportily striking front section featuring diamond radiator grille and long bonnet – the new Coupé is 60 millimetres longer than its predecessor between the firewall and front axle alone – gives way

to a low greenhouse whose lines flow into a bold and powerfullooking rear end incorporating the Mercedes coupé genes. A high beltline and frameless doors with free-standing exterior mirrors underscore the sporty character. Clean lines and sensually arranged surfaces structure the side sections into vivid light and shadow effects. One particular highlight is the long drawn-out dropping line typical of a coupé. In contrast to the C-Class Saloon, the dropping line extends further past the rear wheel arch. To underscore the Coupé’s sporty disposition, the suspension is 15 millimetres lower than that of the Saloon, making it a very sporty proposition when combined with the standard 17-inch tyres.

Interior: generous, dynamic, exquisite The interior is likewise a statement of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy and combines emotion with intelligence. Although it exudes athletic and youthful charm, it has grown in maturity. Driver and passengers enjoy an ambience that leans toward the interior of the C-Class Saloon yet raises it to a new, sporty level. Flowing forms characterise the centre console as well as the door and rear side panelling, which smoothly merge into one another to emphasise the coupé character. The individually designed trim elements underscore the sporty character of the interior. A seating system including integral sports seats

designed specifically for the Coupé offers sporty comfort. Plus there is an automatic belt feeder for added convenience. The choice of materials and the finish have a hand-crafted feel with high-class appeal and deliver a new take on modern luxury: sportiness without compromising on comfort and exquisite style. With an 80 millimetre longer wheelbase, the C-Class Coupé is 95 millimetres longer and 40 millimetres wider. The increased vehicle volume above all creates more spaciousness for the driver and front passenger. There is more shoulder room, elbow room and headroom in all seats. The unique position of the new C-Class Coupé is emphasised by the special upholstery colour combinations: saddle brown, porcelain and – in the Edition 1 – nut brown/black with turquoise topstitching. Peter Smith, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, added “The new C-Class Coupé adds another sporty dimension to our range which we’re really excited about. It’s a thoroughly stylish model that will no doubt capture the hearts and minds of our customers when they see it sitting in our dealership. It’s due to arrive at the dealership soon, so you can look forward to its arrival. You can pre—book your test drive by calling us 01902 427897.”

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

wolverhampton west magazine

The all new C-Class CoupĂŠ. Athletic credentials.

Drayton

Coming soon to Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton.

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

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

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

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Christmas Arts and Crafts Fayre Saturday 28th November 4.30pm-7.30pm at St. Pauls Church and Oasis Cafe (Behind Morrisons), Pendeford

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 75 Perton & Bridgnorth Travel 75 Appliances Electrical & Gas Capital Appliances 55 Bathrooms Carvers Building Supplies 19 Eaton Kitchens 37 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 31 Roman Bathrooms 27 Wall Heath Bathrooms 35 Beauty Cleopatra’s 97 Beauty Clinics – Cosmetic Cosmetique Aesthetic Clinic 95 Ultra Slim 105 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Chasewood 47 Interiors Italia 48-51 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 31 Merridale Furnishers 13 Woodrobes 17 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Creative Interiors 27 Merridale Furnishers 13 Val Hever Blinds 38 Virgo 39 Building Services & Contractors Three Pines 41 Building Suppliers Wolverhampton Building Supplies 61 Butchers Allan Bennett 71 Poxons 71 R J Hipkiss & Sons 72/73 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Blyth Group 60 Touch Dry 56 Carpets & Flooring - Supply & Fit Virgo Carpets & Interiors 39 Car Sales & Service Church Road Motors 160 Guest Motors 163 Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton 159 Chiropody & Podiatry Tom Casey 118 Composite Doors Doorsmart 43 Computer Services Finchfield IT 58 Delicatessen Corbelli 70 Dentistry Parkside Dental Surgery 115 Simply Dentures 121 Total Implant Solutions 2 Debt Collection Services JB Credit Services 152 Design & Print Synexis 59 The Studio 154 Diet & Slimming Cambridge Diet 97 Dog Wash Facilities Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre 62 Education Newbridge School 135 Tettenhall College 131 The Royal School 133 Electricians & Electrical Contractors Chancery Contracts 33 Excel Electrical Contractors 153 Electrical Goods Suppliers Geo-E-Davies 56 Electrical Installation & Design Chancery Contracts 33 English & Maths Tuition Kumon 58

Entertainment & Leisure Christmas Lights Switch on 74 Compton Hospice 90/151 Patshull Park 89 RAF Museum Cosford 148 South Staffs Leisure 149 Wergs Golf Club 82 Estate Agents Berriman Eaton 9 Fashion & Retail Aristocats 137 Diffusion 102/103/144 Fencing & Gates Profence 62 Fireplaces & Stoves Flaming Fires 17 Wolverhampton Fireplaces 13 Fitness & Leisure Centres South Staffordshire Leisure 132/149 Florists Buds of Tettenhall 75 Funeral Directors M Jackson & Son 56 Furniture & Furnishings Blyth Group 21 Creative Interiors 27 Interiors Italia 48-51 Merridale Furnishers 13 Sofa Factory Outlet 25 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 39 Garage Services Church Road Motors 160 Four Ashes Renault 157 HiQ Tyres 155 Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations 63 Gardening & Landscaping Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre 67 Lealans Garden Centre 65 Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum System 45 Golf Clubs & Driving Ranges Wergs Golf Club 147 Wrottesley Golf Club 146 Hairdressers Ego 106/107 Salon 27 111 Health Care Cover Paycare 125 Homecare Care Support Health Care 1st Choice 57 Hospices Compton Hospice 90/151 Hospitals - Private Nuffield 109 House Builders Floreat Homes 11 Independent Financial Advisers Midland Financial Services 14/15 Interior Designers Blyth Group 21 Creative Interiors 27 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 39 Italian Deli Corbelli’s 70 I.T, Media & Communications Concero 129 Jewellers T.A.Henn 7 Kitchen Doors - Replacement Dream Doors 29 Kitchens - Supply, Design & Fit Carvers Building Supplies 19 Dream Doors 29 Eaton Kitchens 37 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 31 Roman Bathrooms 27

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Legal Services Manby Bowdler Solicitors 123 Sharratts Solicitors 127 Letting Agents Berriman Eaton 9 Libraries Wolverhampton Libraries 116 Locksmiths Cummings Brothers 152 Loft Ladders Lyndale 35 Log Supplies Manor Logs 62 Luxury Travel Image Luxury Travel 75 Mobility Equipment JR Wooddisse 119 Music Lessons Rick Hampton 58 Music Shops Music 2000 69 Opticians Taylor Biddle 117 Orthopaedic Surgery Wolverhampton Hip & Knee Clinic 123 Oven Cleaning Services OvenClean 60 Painters & Decorators Kevin Jackson 153 Photography Crescent Imaging 75 Plumbing & Heating JB Plumbing & Heating 153 Property Maintenance JC Property Maintenance 152 Removals Burke Bros 24 Restaurants/Pubs Bravaccios 83 Codsall Spice 86 Eden Brasserie 91 Halfpenny Green Vineyards 79 Kings Repose 82 Patshull Park 89 Shrewsbury Arms 81 Sir Jack’s 81 Wergs Golf Club 82/86 Wombourne Tandoori 87 Skip Hire Wolverhampton Skip Hire 152 Stairs & Stair Components Lyndale 35 Storage Burke Bros 24 Theatres The Grand Theatre 164 Tiles & Interiors Heart of Stone 34 Tile Choice 5 Toy Shops The Learning Ladder 68 Tyres Hi Q Tyres 155 Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards 79 Water Softener Specialists D A Baldwin & Son 93 Wedding Venues & Function Rooms Albrighton Hall 97 Windows & Conservatories Tettenhall Windows 23 161

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

A cheeky smile plays upon my lips as I utter to my long-suffering girlfriend Nicola the wisecrack: “Renegade by name, Renegade by nature.” She will tell you that in addition to the above there was an accompanying wink, as well as a prefacing “baby”, but I will admit to no such thing. I merely answered as to why I have not yet – despite many visits now to the good people at Guest Motors in Willenhall – come away with the keys to one of the many delightfully cute Fiat 500 models, which she does so conspicuously covet. Charming as they are, the object of this review – the brand new Jeep Renegade – is a far more attractive choice to anyone like me who is concerned with standing out from the crowd. Looking like nothing else on UK roads, the Renegade is a chunky piece of fabulous fun; rugged and muscular but with just the right level of refinement. After all, few will take their Renegade – or any other compact cross-over vehicle for that matter – to truly forge a renegade path, over mountains and into the wilderness. However it’s nice to know that if civilisation should be destroyed and you are flung into an episode of The Walking Dead, you’ll have things covered, unless of course you go for the two-wheel drive variant that I’m testing; specifically the 1.6 litre 120 bhp Multijet II TDI Longitude variant, which is firmly built with the real world in mind. It’s priced for it too, at just £20,895 on the road. Designed and developed in the USA and built around the basic underpinnings of the Fiat 500X, the Renegade offers buyers a little bit of individually for not a lot 162

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

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

will the Renegade demand for you to change down through the wellweighted and precise 6-speed gearbox. Fuel consumption is helped no end by this, so you will routinely see numbers nudging close to the promised 61.4 mpg. I managed into the mid/high fifties. What you’ll also notice is a sensibly balanced steering set-up, a cabin with just the right amount of driver adjustments to keep you comfy and a ride that is well matched to UK roads. Inside there is good level of kit on offer in this, the second-tier Longitude spec. On top of what is an already generous as-standard bag of goodies, Longitude most notably gets you 17” alloys, black side roof rails, cruise control, DAB radio, Sat Nav and Bluetooth connectivity. The cabin is spacious, well-made and comfortable like a warm pillow. Immediately your eyes will point towards the ‘Since 1941’ slogan, which is emblazoned on the dash, referencing the manufacturers’ illustrious life and longevity. The ‘X’ icons found in the vehicle's tail lights are inspired by vintage gas cans and the front and rear light designs themselves hark back to traditions that began in the 1940s. At night the front lights can even see round corners. So in a world of upstart brands and one-hit wonders, Jeep is now making its presence felt on the UK stage and this Renegade shows exactly why it is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. The Renegade is bold and quite brilliant, but Nicola still prefers the 500. May be it’s a ‘man thing’?

To book a test drive or for further information please contact Guest Wolverhampton on 01902 544200. Armstrong Way, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QU. wolverhampton west magazine

Cruise Control, Sat Nav, 17" Alloy Wheels. You can’t have all that on a compact SUV, you just can’t. Can you? Think again, all standard on the most compact Jeep ever. Be Renegade.

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

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

new Renegade 1.6 E-torQ 110hp Longitude with special pastel paint at £500 registered between 7th October and 31st December 2015. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP or Jeep Hire Purchase. With Jeep Horizon you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Jeep Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work withwww.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC. 163

Great Theatre at the Grand! TUESDAY 10 - SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER

Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by JOHN WATERS Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan | Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.

TUESDAY 24 - SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER

TUESDAY 1 - SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER

SOUTH STAFFS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS

BA S ED U PON T HE PA RA MOU NT PICT UR ES F ILM WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY MORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN • BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH R&H THEATRICALS EUROPE

Box Office 01902

164

42 92 12

BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine

Wolverhampton West Magazine - November 2015