Your Lifestyle Magazine Nov/Dec 16

November / December 2016

Tom Ross

The Voice of midlands football

Tinsel & Texture Fashion Feature

Esteem Competition Win a FREE course of CACI Non-Surgical treatments

Delivered to 25,000 Selected Households and Businesses Pattingham, Burnhill Green, Ackleton, Chesterton, Seisdon, Claverley, Trysull, Sandford, Worfield, Hilton, Wightwick, Compton, Perton, Perton Ridge, Finchfield, Codsall, Codsall Wood, Oaken, Lower Penn, Tettenhall, Stockwell End, Lower Street, Claregate, Wombourne, Wall Heath, Kingswinford, Swindon, Himley, Stourbridge, Kinver, Enville, Stourton, Norton, Bobbington, Old Swinford, Pedmore, Hagley, Blakedown, Hackman’s Gate, Belbroughton.

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Your Lifestyle Magazine

Welcome to

Contents

Winter

Home Style

2 - 24

Horoscopes

26

The temperature has dropped and the leaves are falling, warm up your home with our Christmas winter ideas.

Community

27

Property

28 - 37

Food & Drink

38 - 45

Music

46 - 47

Rising Star

48 - 49

What’s On

50 - 55

Weddings

56 - 59

Fashion

60 - 61

Hair & Beauty

62 - 65

Health

66 - 77

Why I Love My Job

78 - 78

Pets & Gardens

80 - 87

Finance & Legal

88 - 90

Funerals

91

Travel

92 - 93

Classified

94

Motoring

95 - 100

We’ve packed this edition with something for everyone, so relax with a cuppa and enjoy your read from Christmas ideas for the home, to looking good this Winter with our Tinsel and texture fashion feature. Have a look at our tempting winter recipes. Help your aches and pains with our health and beauty section, informative information in our pets and garden section, finance and motoring.

This is our last edition for 2016, we would like to thank all our readers and advertisers for your support in 2016 and wish all of you a very Happy Christmas and Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Let 2017 be the year of living your dreams…....

EARN MONEY & KEEP FIT Our magazine wants distributors in Wolverhampton, Stourbridge and Codsall. Good rates of pay.

Ring Graham on 07969 884247 for details.

Linda Farren

Christine Arnold

Andy Wright

Marketing Director

Sales Director

Design & Production Manager

07841 431446

linda@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

07970 681004

christine@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

Feature Writers and Editor; Emma Russel, Kate Oliver, Jayne Howarth info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

www.yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk Competition Terms & Conditions There is no cash alternative to the prize. The competition is free to enter. Entrants must supply their contact details and in doing so agree that Your Lifestyle Magazine can use them for their own marketing purposes. Details supplied by entrants will not be passed on to any third party. All applications will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be selected at random by the prize supplier. Winners will be notified by telephone and/or e-mail by the 15th of the second month in the issue date e.g. issue March/April 2014 the winner will be notified by 15th April 2014. Entry will assume acceptance of these terms and conditions. Competition start date is the start of the month of the magazine issue and will run until 10th of the second month in the issue date e.g. issue March/April 2014 the competition will run until 10th April 2014 Details of the winner available on request by writing to: Your Lifestyle Magazine Limited, Dominique House 1 Church Road, Netherton. DY2 0LY. Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Your Lifestyle Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage, or omission in an advert. Your Lifestyle Magazine does not officially endorse advertising material which is printed on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All rights are reserved.

3

Dreamland Divans

Mattresses

Dreamland has been helping the people across the Midlands to get a good night’s sleep since 1976 – and now Dreamland Bedding Centre is marking its 40th anniversary with their summer sale.

Located in Mill Street, Brierley Hill – just a few minutes’ walk from the Merry Hill Centre – you’ll find friendly and knowledgeable staff, all of whom understand the importance of getting the right bed for you. You’ll receive impartial advice and a tailor-made solution to meet your needs from the firmer to softer beds upon which to rest your head.

Public demand for Dreamland’s superlative customer service and premium products has seen the business expand four times in as many decades. Now, with the most extensive range they’ve ever had means all styles and budgets are catered for; it’s no surprise that there have been thousands of satisfied customers.

Free Storage plus Free size up-grade on a selection of handmade beds

Electric beds

Headboards

40 CELEBRATING

YEARS EST. 1976

Founded by Mike Brown, Dreamland is a family business that is proud to serve the Black Country and the wider Midlands region.

Mike says: “We’re very excited to have reached this milestone of 40 years and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve our customers, old and new, for the next 40 and beyond.”

“We spend a third of our lives asleep, so there can be no better investment than a quality handmade mattress and bed.”

Bed frames

Ottomans

Children’s beds

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Dreamland has come a long way since it first opened its doors in Mill Street, Brierley Hill, in the spring of 1976 with just 12 beds on show, it has now become renowned for quality and service, Dreamland stocks only manufacturers that are approved by the National Bed Federation, and offers premium handmade beds, with mattresses filled with natural fillings such as wool, cashmere, alpaca and silk help to regulate your body temperature. But whatever you choose, you’ll be delighted at Dreamland’s summer sale.

There are more than 100 bed models in stock at Dreamland – including Somnos, Relyon, Dunlopillo and Hypnos – and you’ll also find other leading brands such as Sealy, Myers, Silent Night, Mammoth, and electric bed specialists Mi beds.

Instead of a delivery charge, customers are asked to make a donation, all of which goes to charity.

Over the past few years, it has raised more than £125,000 for the Mary Stevens Hospice, thanks to the generosity of customers who give in lieu of delivery charge. Dreamland will even collect your old bed and assemble your divan – more reasons why you’ll sleep soundly in your new bed!

If you’re looking to replace your tired, old bed with a new model, look no further – Dreamland Bedding Centre, with its large, free customer car park, is open seven days a week. Opening times are Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm; Sundays 11am-4.30pm.

Visit Dreamland Bedding Centre today at 23 Mill Street, Brierley Hill, or telephone 01384 74166. www.dreamlandbedding.co.uk

01384 74166 Dreamland Bedding Centre, 23 Mill Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RG

Your Home

Christmas is on its Way! Décor Art – the perfect present How exciting, looking forward to finish the year off with friends, family and the perfect Christmas present for loved ones!

Why not treat them with some amazing décor art?

Impress with good taste, style and a lot of thought. We at Weiser Art stock beautifully framed prints from various artists, in various styles, sizes and prices and for absolute all ages.

Many of them are hand finished, enhanced with liquid glass, Swarovski crystals and glitter.

Prices vary currently from £10 for the small give away, to around £1100 for the statement piece of interior wall art.

You think you can’t paint at all, and wouldn’t really consider yourself an artist, but love to try something new, just for fun? Who cares - You are perfect!

Weiser Art is now regular holding wine and paint events in local venues. Paint your own piece of art with the help of Weiser Art. Bring your friends along, enjoy a glass (or two) of wine and some food while having an evening filled with fun, friends and, laughter. Lets get sipping and dipping! Please contact the shop for details.

Tickets selling quick!

Looking forward hearing from you!

Weiser Art also has £50 and £20 Gift vouchers available for every occasion; let your loved ones choose their own décor art favourite!

Got something to frame?

Do you have a piece of art, photograph, picture or mirror, and want it to be framed to match your current interior design? We can help you with your bespoke picture framing requirements.

Please get in touch!

Please come in, have a browse in our beautiful shop and get inspired!

Mob: 01562 227 007 GALLERY & BESPOKE PICTURE FRAMING

Shop: 07973 493 522

Opening Hours:

E: info@weiserart.co.uk

Mon - Sat: 10am-5pm Thu: Open till 8pm

W. www.weiserart.co.uk

149a Worcester Road, Hagley DY9 ONW 6

Weiserart

Your

Home

Your Decorations and Gifts for Christmas The most wonderful time of the year...

OG Home www.oghome.co.uk

Christmas-time at OG Home sees our shelves full with the most delightful Christmas decorations, festive candle holders and special gifts. This year our main themes include antique glass for an elegant vintage look, silvers and whites for a clean and bright feel and heavenly white-washed, wooden decorations, which create a Nordic Christmas look.

Oldswinford Galleries (OG Home) lovingly selects the very finest accessories, decorations and gifts for Christmas.

The shop is filled with the scents of the loveliest candles from Marmalade of London Candles and St Eval Candle Company. Precious Spice and Cassis and White Cedar are best sellers while Orange and Cinnamon and Inspiritus conjure up the traditional Spirit of Christmas..

Great British brands at OG Home include Emma Bridgewater, Sophie Allport, East Of India, Marmalade Of London, St Eval Candle Company, Branche D’Olive and Susie Watson Designs.

Festive fresh flowers and plants provide delightful gifts and home decoration at Christmas and any other time. Our winter wreaths are filled with an abundance of fresh foliage and decorated with beautiful ribbon and customers can make their own by joining one of our wreath making courses.

All gifts are packaged beautifully with East Of India ribbon, sticker seal and stylish gift tags.

Throughout December, OG Home will be helping you get i to the festive spirit with wreath-making courses. Spend the day being mulled wined and dined whilst creating your own Christmas door wreath and table or mantle piece decoration using an abundance of evergreen foliage, dried fruit, pine cones and ribbons.

The run up to Christmas is an ideal time for customers to rejuvenate tired furniture with our Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. For our creative customers we offer Annie Sloan Chalk Paint gift packages including paint, wax and brushes and we also offer Annie Sloan Essential Techniques Workshop vouchers.

Wreath-Making Courses Tuesday 29th November 2016 Saturday 3rd December 2016 Tuesday 6th December 2016 Saturday 10th December 2016 Tuesday 13th December 2016 Saturday 17th December 2016 Tuesday 20th December 2016

01384 395577

info@oghome.co.uk OG Home, 106 Hagley Rd, Oldswinford, Stourbridge, DY8 1QU

7

Your Home

Ding, dong, merrily on high ...

What’s your Christmas decorating routine? Is it hurriedly retrieving the tried and tested decorations from the attic that have adorned the tree and mantelpiece foe more years that you care to mention?

Or do you like to set out to the shops in November and start building a new collection so that your themes are new for every festive season?

Whether you prefer to go for a more minimal look or enjoy turning your home into a veritable Santa’s grotto, the festive season is a great time for having some fun with decorations.

Now is the time to begin investing in some new decorative pieces – but what’s big this year in the world of Christmas decorations?

Jessica Walton at Country Baskets – one of UK’s largest suppliers of Christmas decorations, which supplies all of the major garden centres – says there are a number of key trends that are dominating the stores this year.

Inspired by Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, this traditional trend brings together red, antique gold and green. Full of festive poinsettia and holly, it includes baubles shaped like musical instruments, classic garlands and beautiful dressed wreaths.

The first big theme for 2016 is the warm, woodland trend.

For a sophisticated and unapologetic feminine theme, Jessica recommends its Serene Dream theme, a beautiful collection of glitter covered baubles, crowns created with pearls, and artificial flowers in pretty pastel tones. Classic silver is combined with on-trend rose gold and crisp white to create a subtle and serene colour palette that is perfect for introducing into your home this Christmas.

“Burnt oranges and reds fuse with forest greens to create a rustic and relaxed feel,” she said. “With gorgeous wooden decorations, candle holders entwined with berries and twigs, sweet plush characters and a hint of festive tartan, this trend is perfect for creating a cosy Cabin Living inspired Christmas.”

8

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Geraldine James, Selfridges Christmas Home & Decorations Buyer says it has five main themes for Christmas lovers this year.

The Gem theme pays homage to the 70s-disco era, with multi-coloured glitter-ball style baubles, iridescent hues and lots of gemstones and glitter. Think also 70s style tinsel trees, lasercut Perspex origami reindeer’s and wreaths made entirely from baubles.

The warm metallics theme celebrates copper, white and muted silver decorations, providing a modern festive look. It includes embellished snowdrops, crisp white geometric shapes, and silver and copper baubles in variety of shades and sizes.

Nordic continues to be big news in the Christmas style stakes. Candy striped red and white colours appear across this Nordic inspired range as well as small woodland creatures, white washed wood, berries and branches and snowy baubles.

And nostalgia lovers will adore the Toy Chest theme, with hand-painted figurines of Santa, candy coloured cars, fairy-tale characters like Humpty-Dumpty and magical carousel animals.

Bright colours and delightfully kitsch designs make for a riot of colour and a truly magical tree full of characters.

Traditional reds of the festive season aren’t forgotten, thanks to the Manor House theme, which has deep reds and gold, gilded fruits, pheasant and stag tree decorations and glittering foliage. It’s perfect for the traditionalists among us.

9

Your Home

Colour Trends for Christmas At the Flower School we’re getting ready for the busy Christmas season and have our designs planned out for a variety of festive themed workshops. With arrangements in both traditional colours and styles and contemporary designs in this year’s trending looks, there is something to inspire everyone to have a go this Christmas.

Lustre metallics in gold, copper, rose quartz and silver are big this year and we pair them with frosty textures and natural fabric in muted tones to achieve designs with a Nordic influence.

For another hot on-trend look this year use a bold, bright pallet when wrapping your gifts and combine cerise with silver or white or go for a monochromatic look with black and white using geometric prints.

Embellishments should be tactile – think about using bright coloured wool, homemade pom poms or glittery ribbon. In our gift wrapping workshop we’ll be joining different papers together to give texture, showing you simple skills in Japanese pleating and making contemporary 3D gift tags.

Door wreaths can be as natural or opulent as you like, embellished with fruit, nuts, cones and masses of sumptuous greenery or glitzed up with baubles and finished off with a large resplendent velvet bow.

We would love to see you at a workshop, so book early and come along to have a fun filled few hours being creative and inspired. Full details available on our website www.hagleyflowerschool.co.uk

10

Your

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LED trees are also expected to be a major trend this Christmas. Twilight Trees is the UK market leader for both rental and sales of LED trees and its Mini LED Cherry Tree (ÂŁ72) makes a stunning Christmas feature either as a decoration or to replace a real tree if space is tight. For details, visit twilight-trees.com

15% off Curtains and Blinds

For a limited period only, terms & conditions apply.

9.30am - 5pm

Please come and browse our fabulous showrooms at: 26 Finchfield Road West, Finchfield, Wolverhampton

11

Your Home

Decorate your home in style While Christmas brings out the inner child in most of us, we don’t want our homes to look like they’ve been decorated by an over-enthusiastic five-year-old! Don’t throw everything you’ve got at the tree, mantelpiece and cabinets. Instead, review your choices with a critical eye and follow these simple tips to ensure your home is a festive delight.

1. Choose a theme Traditional, 70s disco, Scandi – it’s best to stick to one theme (at least in a single room), rather than having a mish-mash of collections that lack co-ordination. Echo your home’s style with the decorations. If you live in a very modern home with contemporary furnishings, throwing traditional style decorations might look at bit odd. It might also look out of place to adorn your traditional, chintzy cottage with modern metallics and ultra-modern black tinsel trees.

some fairy lights in a large glass jar on the fireplace add real warmth, while wrapping strings of lights on your banister adds a festive touch. Think less is more and aim for the romantic, homely and cosy look, not the Blackpool Illuminations one.

3. Use candles Candles add an atmospheric glow to a winter home and choosing one with a festive smell creates an evocative scent to the air. Yankee Candles have a lovely selection of Christmas candles, with scents including festive cocktail and star anise and orange . You can also treat yourself to an advent calendar and enjoy a difference scent every day!

2. Use lights Fairy lights are a wonderful sight this time of year, whether they are inside or outside the home. Think the Danish concept of hygge (cosiness) and place

12

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4. Homemade decorations The vintage look is an enduring trend, so if you like to adorn your home with items from yesteryear, how about a vintage festive feel and create your own Christmas decorations – it’s a great way to keep the children occupied for a while, too.

Pom-poms made from wool and paper chains fashioned out of old books or wrapping paper look lovely, while making stained glass window biscuit decorations look amazing on the tree (Go online and look for Mary Berry’s recipe).

Forget those plastic gifts and corny jokes that come in Christmas crackers - how about making your own? Buy a kit (with the snaps, of course) and add your own gifts to put inside.

Make your own table centrepiece with evergreens, pine cones, and holly– leave them au naturel or buy some silver or gold spray and jazz them up.

13

Your Home

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5. Buy or make a wreath There’s something very welcoming about a wreath on the front door at Christmas time. Most florists sell them or, if you’re handy with wire and have plenty of evergreens to hand, you can easily make your own and add your own festive touches such as cinnamon sticks, baubles and a festive ribbon. We love this feather wreath from Plucking Fabulous. Designed by Venetia Phipps, each one is painstakingly handmade using the plumes of French partridge, grouse, pheasants and other game. Designs range in size from ten inches in diameter up to 2.5m, with prices starting from £49.99. For details, visit pluckingfabulous.co.uk

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14

Your Home

The dining table We go to so much effort to make a fabulous Christmas lunch that it would be a real shame to let the side down by not going to town with the table decorations.

Why it may seem rather decadent to have crockery and tableware that is solely for use at the festive season, it does make the occasion rather more special. It doesn’t have to be expensive, either.

Tesco has a super selection of tableware this year. We love the Raine collection with its plain white enhanced with subtle silver lines (items from £3.50) and the platinum band dinner set (£30). Team it with a faux silk embroidery runner (£12) glass cake stand (£10) and silver napkin rings (£4).

Matalan also has an affordable dinnerware – with its white Stag dinner plates, side plates and bowls costing just £3 each, while tumblers and wine glasses are £4.

16

Your

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Your Home Emma Bridgewaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas range features Mulberry, is well known for mixing heritage new hand-decorated as wellstyle as prints with paisley and patterns, striking eastern classic collections.

Christmas Joy & Robin has weaves in cosy, earthy coloured palettes. a traditional spongeware pattern mixed classic Linwood fabrics have also recently launched Christmas reds and greens, and includes mugs, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sporting Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a fabulous collection of fabrics candles, two sizes plates, bowls, cake and wallpapers in of andinner exciting mix of luxurious stands and jugs (from printed velvets, linen ÂŁ12.95).

Kilim designs, jacquard weaves, wools and quirky prints featuring nostalgic sporting imagery.

Villeroy and Boch have also brought out some lovely festive-themed products. Its Winter Rugs Bakery Delight is ÂŁ17.90, while its small A traditional rugplate will always help to create a holly tray stand is ÂŁ44.90 and will add any warm, heritage feel to a room and is to a real Christmas â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for table. our cosy Autumnal scheme. From heavy Gabbehâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to Kazaks, Bokaras and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;zig-zaggyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kilims there is a world of choice.

Reds and golds are easy to ďŹ nd within the ranges of middle-eastern style rugs and they will look fabulous on a dark wooden ďŹ&#x201A;oor teamed with an eclectic mix of heritage and more exotic fabrics. As well as introducing more warmth, colour and texture to your room, rugs are invaluable to interior designers as they create a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a room, around

Vintage Red Paisley Wool Rug, 230 x 160cm, ÂŁ499 www.artisanti.com

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Your

Home

Something old, Something new Specialising in shabby-chic make-overs Dee restores old and tired furniture, which she sells in the shop, as well as offering a bespoke service to her customers. Using Annie Sloan chalk paints and various distressing and waxing techniques Dee renovates each and every item with a caring hand to a high quality finish.

Serendipity also buys second hand furniture and offers a house clearance service at very reasonable rates. There is also a free valuation service for antiques, jewellery and Objet D’art

Within the village of Codsall, there is a hidden gem called Serendipity...a charming Aladdin’s cave where you’ll find bespoke furniture, lamps, mirrors, clocks, cushions, throws, scented candles, beautiful and unusual gifts and so much more!!

The friendly village shop welcomes customers old and new to pop by and say hello, browse at their leisure and enjoy the eclectic mix of beautiful treasures and trinkets.

The shop’s owner Dee O’Hara has embraced the concept of selling quality second hand furniture, Antiques and household items. Serendipity is unique in that it sells on behalf of its customers as well as brand new high quality products to help make your home and garden a stylish and comfy retreat

Christmas is around the corner and the shop will be transformed into a beautiful festive treasure trove of unique gifts, decorations and ideas for you and your home Dee and Gilly Bowers (previously of Village Interiors, Tettenhall), look forward to your visit.

For further information on Serendipity please call Dee or Gilly on 01902 842289 or email: deeoharawishart@yahoo.co.uk Address: 5 Chapel Lane, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2EH (by Codsall train station) Find us on https://www.facebook.com/ serendipitycodsall?fref=ts Twitter: @serendcodsall

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Your Home

NEW SEASON TRENDS

With Winter now upon us indoor lighting once again becomes a priority. To perfectly coincide with any interior changes you make to your home this time of the year also marks the beginning of the new lighting season. Alongside returning old favourites and new additions to much loved collections all of our lighting suppliers have brought out fantastic new fittings signalling the start of a new season.

Listed below are some of the latest trends coming in for the new season to provide inspiration for your decorating endeavours.

Bronze, Brass and Copper

Bright Colours

An incredibly popular trend in lighting design has been the industrial rustic look. Rather than design fittings around polished sleek looks designers have opted for more earthy designs to bring edgy style to your home. The new lighting season has seen this look capitalized on and developed to produce a wide selection of fittings that can add an industrial chic to your home. As such Bronzes, Coppers, and Antique Brass finishes are heavy favourites among many of our supplier’s new products. A great example of this is the Heston pendant by Endon lighting.

This cage effect fitting looks and feels bespoke, with a gritty finish and wire design. If you want to add a touch more glamour to your home, you might want to try the Volcano wall light by Dar. This fitting has a leaf design and an aged gold finish, perfect for adding a touch of edge to your bedroom or living room spaces.

With the 2016/17 lighting season it would appear that 2015’s trend for brightly coloured light fittings has no sign of disappearing, with a wide range of colourful fittings becoming available. Choosing bright light fittings may seems daunting at first but they can add a much needed splash of life and colour to any room in your home. An already established popular collection by Searchlight, the Vibrant range, has expanded their quirky collection of colours to include a dark blue.

Another leading supplier that has taken steps to branch out with colour is Dar Lighting. Among many things Dar are known for their collection of bespoke silk shades, which already come in a fantastic range of colours. Three new additions to this range; Peony, Citron, and Olive Green take their place amongst Dar’s current extensive range.

All fittings mentioned in this article are available to view in our Aldersley showroom. If you’re coming for a returning visit you may have noticed that we have expanded our showroom to add even more light fittings, furniture, and home accessories!

Vibrant Pendant, RRP £94

The Heston RRP £60

The Volcano RRP £82

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Home

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21

Your Home

Projects from PAINT IT by Peta Green of Paint It Shabby Chic to Pristine The Brief Paint it have been transforming existing fitted kitchen cupboards many years, and their latest kitchen project was an existing kitchen over 25years old which had been hand painted previously, and was in desperate need of a repaint. The customer needed some assistance to choose a suitable colour as the existing finish had taken on a old and shabby and look due to the materials used to age the finish.

AFTER If you would like speak to Peta about your painting requirements contact her on 01952 670805 to arrange a FREE of CHARGE home consultation, or visit www.paintitfurniture.com

BEFORE

The Solution Peta arranged to visit the Customers home to discuss how Paint It could transform the look and feel to the kitchen with a fresh new look.

The customer decided on a shade that matched existing wall and floor tiles, also, needed to work with the exiting curtains and dining room furniture. Peta provided several samples of colours on card swatches to make easier for the customer to make the all important colour choice.

Back in the workshop Paint it using their 7 coat hand painted paint system, as a part of the normal preparation removed the existing painted finish from all the doors and drawer fronts and made repairs to any dented wood, and re-polished the existing door and drawer pulls.

Paint It returned to paint the fixed joinery on site and finally re-fitted doors and drawer fronts. The customer who was totally overjoyed with the new look and finish of the kitchen, and remarked on the perfection and time Paint It had provided them.

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Using Witley Direct To Transform Your Home With over 35 years experience in manufacturing educational and office furniture, Witley Jones brings you an innovative and exciting new dimension for home office and fitted bedroom furniture – Witley Direct. Drawing on highly skilled in-house manufacturing and design teams, Witley Direct offers you the chance to liven up your home – from a new bright and vibrant bedside cabinet, to a luxurious fitted home office.

take place where every detail is double checked before their highly skilled manufacturing team (based in Worcestershire) proceed.

At a time to suit you, the Witley Direct installation team will visit you with your new furniture and, with precision and care, help turn your ideas in to reality and transform your bedroom, home office or an awkward, neglected space.

Contact now, for an informal discussion or to proceed with a home visit from one of the design team on: W.www.witleydirect.co.uk, E.enquiries@witleydirect.co.uk, T. 01299 828888.

After an initial enquiry, a free non-obligation home consultation with one of the design team takes place at a time to suit you. They will work with you to establish your vision for your home and decipher the best storage solutions to cater for your lifestyle. Following the visit, Witley Direct’s design team then runs with the idea to provide you with detailed 2D and 3D drawings (and a quotation) for you to see how your ideas will look. With your approval, a home survey will

Witley Direct @witleydirect @witleydirect

LIVEN UP YOUR HOME Witley Jones brings you an innovative and exciting new dimension for home office and fitted bedroom furniture.

• • • • •

Free Delivery and a Luxury Hamper With every order placed before Christmas

Offering stylish storage solutions to neglected and awkward spaces Over 35 years experience Locally manufactured Buy direct from the manufacturer Call now to book your free non-obligation home consultation from one of our design team

01299 828888 / 07785 613366

enquiries@witleydirect.co.uk www.witleydirect.co.uk 23

Your Business

South Staffordshire Business Hub Welcomes digitalROAR

The South Staffordshire Business Hub which is located at the district council offices in Codsall, first launched in June 2015 and is a unique business venture created, managed and delivered by South Staffordshire Council.

unrivalled; excellent transport links, our own Wi-Fi flooded throughout the building, a first-class restaurant, a delightful coffee bar, meeting spaces, private parking and professional reception facilities. But what elevates the Business Hub above its competitors is the staff - who are helpful, flexible, thoughtful, bright and full of fresh inventive ideas that cultivate an environment focused on business success

Tapping into the relationships they already have with thousands of businesses from across the district, they have created clever, bespoke customer packages to offer businesses exactly what they need to access new customers, reduce overheads and thrive for years to come.

Services offered by the hub include flexible hot desking facilities, affordable office accommodation, virtual office, meeting room hire,award winning call management services, and lots more.

There is no doubt that they have embraced innovation and in doing so created a suite of services ideally tailored to the private sector.”

At the moment, you can virtually base your business at the Business Hub from just £15 a month. Also, by quoting this article all new businesses can use the hot desk facility unlimited for just £30 over one month (includes free Wi-Fi).

So, why did digitalROAR decide to move his business to this new location? Jed Wylie, Web Design Director, had this to say about his time so far at the South Staffordshire Business Hub.

If you would like to find out more about the Business Hub or join over 20 businesses now using the site, email the hub at businesshub@sstaffs.gov.uk, telephone 01902 696124, or pop in for a cuppa and ask for Imre or Karen.

“What impressed us about the Business Hub were the additional business support services; the brilliant customer care team who now handle some of our incoming calls, the opportunities to promote digitalROAR, as well as the networking and event opportunities.

In addition the facilities and amenities are

We have more information online at: www.sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk

24

South Staffordshire BUSINESS HUB

f Business Accommodation To Let

Meeting Rooms • Serviced Accommodation Virtual Office • Hot Desking Call today for more information or visit

www.sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk Tel: 01902 696124 • Email: businesshub@sstaffs.gov.uk South Staffordshire Business Hub, Council Offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, South Staffordshire WV8 1PX

25

Your

Horoscopes

Horoscopes with John Starkey Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

T: 01902334224 W: www.john-starkey.co.uk E: johnstarkey123@outlook.com

Cancer (June 21-July 21)

It looks like you are becoming a real social animal, it is party time and a good opportunity to let your hair down, have a knees up and let it all hang out. New friends and influences are all around you.

This could be one of the most exciting and lively periods of your existence. Getting out and about and meeting new people are both very well starred. This could be the beginning of some really lasting friendships.

Leo ( July 22- August 21)

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Staying cool and keeping calm is just what the doctor ordered to keep you out of other peoples problems. You do not need to take on the stress created by others. Nice and easy will fit the bill.

You seem now to take control of a relationship that may have been erratic for a little while. Cupid’s arrow is pointing in your direction as love and romance fire up your life.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Virgo (August 22- September 22)

It’s time to weigh up your options, as you enter into a wonderful phase of your life. Try to use your abilities to charm the birds off the trees, as a little bit of sugar goes a long, long way.

Try to stay open minded in whatever decisions you make. Your judgement is of paramount importance, and to deal with things in an even handed way will give you the wisdom of Soloman and oodles of respect from others.

Aries ( March 21- April 20) It is worth remembering that life is not a race, the position of the planets on your chart suggest that you should take your time and do things one step at a time. You may not realise it yet but it looks as if you are in the driving seat and can achieve whatever you wish.

Libra ( September 21-October 22) A major celebration could bring close and family relationships a lot more bonded together. Perhaps understanding where others are coming from could put a lot of balm on those angry waves of misunderstanding.

Taurus ( April 21 - May 20)

Scorpio (October 23-November 22)

You may find yourself having to arrange things at the last moment, but in this context‘inpromptu’ is a not a bad thing as it steers you towards a windfall which financially could alter things in a positive way.

There could be lots of noise going on about nothing, that soothing planet Neptune should prove to bring you to a more peaceful phase of your life. Where others will listen to your advice and take heed of your words of wisdom.

Sagittarius (November 23- December 20)

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

It is all a matter of sorting the wheat from the chaff during the weeks ahead. Perhaps a couple of days of contemplation will help you to select what is right for you.

Take no notice of criticism from other people and keep your cards close to your chest.

You seem to be a wonderful mother/father confessor figure and at last others will listen to your good advice. So say what you feel.

26

Your

Community

Dudley Building Society launches Community Fund for 2016 year running shows a continuous relationship to ensure the local communities are at the core of everything we do. Whether it is through education, fundraising or volunteering, we want to ensure we add value and really make a difference!”

The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Friday 4th November 2016. Anyone wishing to apply for the fund can request an application form from one of the local branches or download an application by visiting www.dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk/ community-support-fund-2016.

Dudley Building Society launches their Community Support Fund this month for the third consecutive year; the fund is aimed at helping small projects and communities within the Black Country.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Community Support Fund in recent years, the Society is offering two donations of £500 and five additional opportunities to receive £100.

The chosen applicants will also receive support from the Society via joint Press and Social Media Support.

The Fund is aimed at supporting the local areas around the Society’s branches in Dudley, Gornal, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge, Kingswinford and Perton as part of the Society’s larger Community Strategy. This will see increased support of community events and volunteering opportunities within the next twelve months.

Jeremy Wood, Chief Executive of Dudley Building Society said “The communities around our branches and Head Office are extremely important to everyone here at Dudley Building Society. As a mutual organisation it is imperative we support others, the launch of this year’s fund for the third

Editors’ Notes In 1858 Dudley Building Society was established as a mutual building society and has been providing mortgages and savings accounts for the Black Country ever since. Dudley Building Society currently has six branches in the region, four of which have recently undergone significant refurbishment to further improve the Society’s high street presence. The Society currently has approximately 4,000 borrowing members and 30,000 investing members as well as £353.7million of assets.

The Society has announced a pleasing year end result, as of 31st March 2016 of £1,335,000 pre tax profit, new lending of £57.4 million and new savings inflow of £22.2million.

For more information please contact: Leigh White Marketing& Communications Manager Dudley Building Society Direct Dial: 01384 489169 Mobile: 07811 143871 Web: www.dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk Twitter: @DudleyBS

27

Choosing a Christmas Tree Buying the right Christmas tree can be a long process. You set off determinedly, certain of what you want to buy then faced with a huge selection you lose all your resolve and end up buying one that’s far too big.

Those are the words of Pete Hommer whose family have been in the bulb, plant and garden centre business since the 1940’s. And he could be described as an expert on Christmas trees.

He’ll have hundreds of them for sale at the Codsall and Wergs garden centre on the Wergs Hall Road.

There will be seven or eight different varieties on sale but, Pete says, the majority of us will buy a Nordmann fir. “It’s the traditional shaped Christmas tree and the needles are soft,” said Pete. It can take 12 years to grow to six foot and with Pete’s stock up to 15 years. “Our trees are grown in Denmark. It may sound strange but the conditions there aren’t as good so the trees grow and mature slowly. In Britain they grow too fast and are weak,” he added.

The second most popular tree is the Norway Spruce. “That’s the one where the needles stick in you and they end up stuck in your socks until the summer,” said Pete. The needles are really modified leaves and treating the tree well is the key to keeping them on the tree and not ingrained in the carpet.

“All the root system does is hold up the tree, the water goes through the needles so spray them,” said the expert. Apparently Christmas trees don’t like standing in water, which is why all of the Hornmer trees at the Codsall and Wergs garden centre are sold in wood blocks. “Put them in a tray of water and the block absorbs the water and not the tree directly,” added Pete who is a fan of Christmas trees. He has five at home every year for the festive season.

28

T H E

P R O P E R T Y

P E O P L E

MANESTY

PATTINGHAM ROAD, PERTON RIDGE, WOLVERHAMPTON

Offers Around ÂŁ1,475,000 A stunning modern residence with extensive and sumptuously appointed contemporary accommodation of the highest calibre, standing in a prestigious address with magnificent views to the rear. Stylishly finished with effective use of glass, subtle lighting effects, bespoke joinery, Duravit Sanitaryware, underfloor heating, Cat 5 wiring, oak and walnut flooring, a particularly fine Dayrooms kitchen and a heat-recovery air recirculation system.

Reception hall, cloakroom, sitting room, breakfast kitchen / family room, laundry, vast dining / reception room, drawing room, office, steam room and sauna, cinema / gym, five bedrooms and five bath / shower rooms. Extensive upper storey room with potential for a variety of uses. Double garage, gated drive, terraced garden, swimming pool, summerhouse and patios / terraces. (EPC: D). TETTENHALL OFFICE.

13/15 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8QS

Tel: 01902 747744

Email: tettenhall@berrimaneaton.co.uk

High Street, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 9DP

Tel: 01902 326366

Email: wombourne@berrimaneaton.co.uk

22/23 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4QN

Tel: 01746 766499

Email: bridgnorth@berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.tv

NORTHWOOD

86 WROTTESLEY ROAD, TETTENHALL

Offers Around ÂŁ1,275,0000 A magnificent and attractive residence providing stunning and well proportioned accommodation over three storeys with a total area in excess of 4,200 sq.ft, standing in a large plot within one of the most highly regarded addresses in the locality. Appointed to the highest of standards with high-end technology and a particularly notable kitchen / living room. Reception hall, cloakroom, through drawing room, dining room, living dining / kitchen, butlers kitchen, five bedrooms, four bath / shower rooms and a study area. Large driveway, garage and double garage which is currently used as a leisure room and a superb rear garden. (EPC: D). NO UPWARD CHAIN. TETTENHALL OFFICE.

13/15 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8QS

Tel: 01902 747744

Email: tettenhall@berrimaneaton.co.uk

High Street, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 9DP

Tel: 01902 326366

Email: wombourne@berrimaneaton.co.uk

22/23 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4QN

Tel: 01746 766499

Email: bridgnorth@berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.tv

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

19 Keepers Lane, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8UA Purchase Price: £850,000

Situated in one of the most sought after locations in Tettenhall and set well back from the road this charming period detached property has been extensively extended and restyled by the present owners to create a most impressive and spacious family home.

Thoughtfully redesigned to retain the charm and appeal of a period property whilst creating tastefully appointed accommodation, the interior further includes: Entrance Hall * Fitted Cloakroom * 20ft Living Room * Separate Good Size Dining Room * Sitting Room with wood burner * Most Impressive and Luxury Fitted Open Plan Kitchen with striking suite * 30ft Open Family Room with bespoke lantern roof light * Utility * Garden Stores/ Single Garage * First Floor Galleried Landing * Five Double Bedrooms * Spacious Master Ensuite with Jacuzzi bath * Family Modern Shower Room * Separate WC * Through Tandem Garage * Gated Driveway * Large Landscaped Attractive Rear Garden * EPC Rating C

1 THE ARCADE • HIGH STREET • TETTENHALL • WOLVERHAMPTON • WV6 8QS

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

72 Springhill Park, Lower Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 4TP Purchase Price: £550,000

A most desirable house with the benefit of a self-contained annexe having its own entrance hall, open plan living room, kitchen, bedroom with built in wardrobes and ensuite shower room, ideal for a family requiring additional accommodation for aged relative or independent teenager. Situated in one of the most sought after residential areas in Lower Penn, this desirable house has been extended and restyled to create extremely spacious and versatile living accommodation.

Entrance Hall * Fitted Cloakroom * Open Plan Living Room with Dining Area featuring minster fireplace * Magnificent Open Plan Kitchen with matching suite of units including AGA cooker * Dining Room * Family Room * First Floor Landing * Bedroom One with Dressing Room & Ensuite * Three Further Bedrooms * Well Appointed Family Bathroom * Tandem Garage with Utility at Rear * Self Contained Annexe with Open Plan Living Room & Kitchen, Bedroom & Ensuite Shower Room * Mature Landscaped Private Rear Garden * EPC Rating House: D/ Annexe C

1 THE ARCADE • HIGH STREET • TETTENHALL • WOLVERHAMPTON • WV6 8QS

Your Property

Featured Property Pattingham Road, Perton Ridge, Wolverhampton, WV6 7HD Price Guide: £2,000,000

SPACIOUS RECEPTION PORCH: Full width

double glazed picture windows, radiator, wall light point, stone flooring and double doors to front.

ENTRANCE HALL: Covered radiator, coved ceiling, double glazed to front and feature spiral staircase to first floor.

SITTING/ RECEPTION AREA: Open

stone fire place, panelled walls with concealed cupboards, covered radiator, plate rack and double glazed patio window to rear.

CLOAK ROOM: Built in cloaks cupboard, vanity unit, radiator, coved ceiling, recessed ceiling spot lights and double glazing to front.

WC OFF.

LOBBY: Radiator, built in stores and double glazing to front. WC OFF.

STUDY/ SITTING ROOM: 10’3’’ (3.12m) x

9’10’’ (3.00m) Built in cupboards with overhead stores, recessed ceiling spot lights, double glazed side window and double glazed patio doors to rear.

There is also access to the Sauna.

L-SHAPED DRAWING ROOM: 28’6’’ (8.68m)

x 22’5’’ (6.82m) Impressive marble fire place and hearth with decorative surround and gas coal fire, four radiators, coved ceiling, wall light points, recessed ceiling spot lights, double glazed side window, large double glazed bay window to rear and patio window to patio.

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

Your DINING ROOM: 22’5’’ (6.82m) x 15’7’’ (4.75m)

Property

REAR LOBBY: Access to front and rear,

Feature fire place with full width marble fire place and hearth with gas coal fire and display niches, two radiators, period style coved ceiling, recessed ceiling spot lights, double glazed side window and picture window with sliding door to rear.

radiator, panelled ceiling with recessed ceiling spot lights, tiled flooring and double glazing.

Access to garages.

OPEN BREAKFAST KITCHEN: 17’5’’ (5.30m)

WORKSHOP/ HOBBIES ROOM: Built in

x 14’4’’ (4.38m) An extensive suite of matching oak units with a range of cupboards and drawers, granite worktops with sunken stainless steel 1½ drainer sink unit, ‘Falcon’ Deluxe Range cooker with tiled recess, extractor hood and matching surround.

A range of built in appliances including dishwasher, fridge, freezer and microwave, period style coved ceiling, tiled splash backs, wood flooring, and double glazed side window.

FAMILY ROOM: 17’5’’ (5.30m) x 9’10’’ (3.00m) Brick fire place with matching surround and hearth with electric coal effect fire, two radiators, period style coved ceiling, double glazed side window and double glazed patio door to rear.

INNER HALL: Covered radiator, panelled

ceiling with recessed ceiling spot lights and wood flooring.

LARDER: Built in cupboards with matching

worktops, suspended wall cupboards, tiled flooring, double glazing and staircase to: CELLAR: 474.9sq ft (44.1sq meters)

CLOAKROOM: Close coupled WC, sink unit,

chrome radiator, panelled ceiling with recessed ceiling spot lights and double glazing.

UTILITY: Built in cupboards with matching work tops, 1½ drainer sink unit, suspended wall cupboards, radiator, concealed washing machine and dryer, tiled walls and flooring, double glazed window to front.

STORES ROOM: Built in shelving , wood flooring and double glazing to front.

shelving , suspended wall cupboards, wood flooring and double glazing to front.

FIRST FLOOR LANDING: Two covered radiators, wall light points, coved ceiling and double glazing. The spiral staircase leads to the second floor with large stores loft space.

BEDROOM ONE: 21’1’’ (6.43m into wardrobes) x 17ft (5.18m) A range of floor to ceiling built in wardrobes, bedside tables and corner dressing table, wall light points, recessed ceiling spotlights, coved ceiling, air conditioning unit and double glazed picture window to rear.

MAGNIFICENT ENSUITE: 17’5’’ (5.30m) x

11’3’’ (3.46m) Refitted to include frees standing cast iron bath, walk in shower, low level WC, recessed sink unit with mirror and lighting, radiator, chrome heated towel rail, tiled walls and flooring, panelled ceiling with recessed ceiling spot lighting and double glazed to rear and side.

BEDROOM TWO: 17’4’’ (5.28m) x 16’1’’ (4.89m) A range of floor to ceiling built in wardrobes, vanity unit, two radiators, coved ceiling and double glazed picture window to rear.

BEDROOM THREE: 17’4’’ (5.28m) x 14’11’’

(4.55m)

Full width built in wardrobes with overhead stores, dressing table, vanity unit, radiator,

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

Your Property coved ceiling and double glazed picture window to rear.

DOUBLE WIDTH GARAGE ONE: 20ft

BEDROOM FOUR:

Automatic garage door, built in cupboard, power, lighting and double glazing to rear.

15’4’’ (4.67m) x 11’6’’

(3.50m) Built in wardrobes, radiator and double glazed picture window to rear.

BEDROOM FIVE: 17’5’’ (5.30m) x 12ft (3.66m) A range of floor to ceiling built in wardrobes, vanity unit, two radiators, coved ceiling and double glazed window to side.

BEDROOM SIX: 15’1’’ (4.59m) x 12’10’’ (3.90m)

(6.10m) x 18ft (5.49m)

DOUBLE WIDTH GARAGE TWO: 20ft (6.10m) x 16’5’’ (5.00m) Automatic garage door, built in cupboard, power, lighting and double glazing to rear.

GARDENERS GARAGE: Tall double doors to side, power and lighting.

A range of floor to ceiling built in wardrobes, vanity unit, two radiators, coved ceiling and double glazed window to side.

WORKSHOP AND GARDEN STORES:

HOME OFFICE: 13ft (3.95m) x 11’7’’ (3.54m) Two radiators, coved ceiling and double glazed windows to side and front.

MATURE GARDENS:

LAUNDRY ROOM: 9’3’’ (2.81m) x 5’8’’ (1.74m) Built in cupboards with worktops, stainless steel circular sink unit, built in shelving and double glazing.

SHOWER ROOM: 9’3’’ (2.81m) x 5’8’’ (1.74m) Walk in double shower, full width vanity unit with recessed WC, radiator, tiled walls, recessed ceiling spot lights and double glazing to front.

BATHROOM: 11’6’’ (3.50m) x 5’6’’ (1.74m) White suite comprising bath with shower spray, pedestal wash hand basin, low level WC, radiator, tiled walls, recessed ceiling spot lights and double glazing to front.

Double doors to rear, power, lighting and WC off.

The front drive way is approached via remote control electric double gates with shaped lawns, flowering borders and central fountain.

Adjacent is the tennis court with fencing and lighting. Off the rear lobby is an enclosed courtyard with stairs providing access to the pump room housing central heating boilers. The gardens have been landscaped to provide a host of beautiful features with full width slabbed patio and additional seating areas, vast lawns, a variety of shrubs and trees, concealed feature shaped pools, additional patio with summer house, flower beds and ornamental pool, surrounding hedging and paddock at rear.

DRESSING ROOM: Floor to ceiling built in airing cupboard, built in wardrobe and double glazing to front.

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

Your

Property

Get your home winter ready

Winter is on its way – we want to help you get your home ready to tackle the cold weather

Look out for these common signs: • Cold spots on radiators • Boiler or pump noise or failure • Sludge or rust in the system • Poor or non-existing hot water • Most other thing caused by circulation • System is slow to heat up

When it starts getting colder the first thing you want to do is get out your woolly socks, blankets and relax by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. It’s vital to make sure your home is safe and ready to take on the cold weather, here a few simple steps to make sure your home is winter proof:

4. Inspect for any leaks and damages – look out for warning signs, such as noises, leaks etc.

The earlier you catch this the better.

1. Get your boiler checked – having access to instant heating is a must during the winter period. A boiler should be serviced every 12 months, this is to make sure the boiler is safe to use and ready for the winter. Always use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer – www.gassafe. co.uk.

5. Draft proofing - To prevent losing heat, seal areas where draft is being released. This includes windows, doors or any gaps you may find, this is a cheap and easy way to warm up your home.

6. Insulate your pipes – to keep you pipes protected during the cold weather, make sure your pipes are insulated in other words lagged. This will help prevent them freezing and bursting.

2. Bleed the radiators - Bleed the radiators – it’s quite common for air to get trapped in the system, you will notice this will happen when the radiators are colder at the bottom than the top. To take strain off your boiler, release the air by bleeding the radiators, our step by step guide will show you how www. northerngasbrochure.com.

Call us today on: 0800 083 1000 Email us: contact@northerngas.net Northern Gas Heating Limited 267 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV6 0DE

3. Power flush - A power flush is an efficient way of removing the sludge and dirt that builds up inside central heating radiators and pipe work over time.

37

Your Food & Drink

Mouth-watering winter warmers For the outer filling: 400g mixed mushrooms, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tsp soy sauce 200g frozen spinach 1 lemon, juice and ½ zest only To glaze: 2 tbsp soya milk Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle measuring 40cm x 30cm. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

2. To make the inner filling, heat a little of the sun-dried tomato oil (save some for later) in your largest frying pan and gently fry the onion for 5 minutes. Add the remaining inner filling ingredients, except the seasoning, and cook for another 10 minutes over a low heat, stirring often. The mixture should be fairly dry and hold together. Season to taste and set aside to cool.

Chestnut and butter bean Wellington Don’t panic if you have vegetarian guests this Christmas – this vegan bake from The Vegetarian Society is packed with flavour and can be made and frozen now. Defrost thoroughly before cooking on Christmas Day.

3. To make the outer filling, use the rest of the tomato oil to fry the mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce, spinach, the lemon zest and juice. Cook for 10 minutes, or until all of the moisture has evaporated. Allow to cool.

Serves: 4-6 Preparation: 25 mins Cooking: 1 hour 15 mins

4. To assemble the Wellington, line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper and transfer the pastry to it. With the long edge facing you, use the back of a table knife to lightly mark the pastry in half horizontally, giving two long rectangles.

Place the inner filling in the top rectangle, leaving a 3cm border around the edges, and form it into a sausage shape. Pat the mushroom and spinach layer all over the filling to form the outer filling.

Ingredients For the pastry: 500g vegan puff or shortcrust pastry, in a block For the inner filling: 50g sun-dried tomatoes (oil reserved), drained and chopped 1 onion, chopped 300g cooked chestnuts, mashed 400g tin butter beans, drained and mashed 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped 50g ready-to-eat prunes, chopped 1 tsp mild curry powder 100g chopped mixed nuts Salt and pepper

5. Brush the pastry borders with a little water. Fold the lower half of the pastry over to enclose the fillings and press all around to seal, then crimp the ends with a fork. Brush with the soya milk and bake for 45 minutes or until golden.

For more vegetarian recipes for the festive season, visit www.vegsoc.org/christmas

38

Your

Food & Drink

For the Sherry gravy: 1tbsp plain flour 450ml/¾pint good, hot lamb stock 150ml/¼pint sweet sherry or Port Method 1. Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F. 2. Scatter the rosemary on a large tray. Unroll the joint (reserving any elasticated meat bands) and coat each side with the rosemary. Leave skin side down and season.

3. Prepare the Christmas pudding stuffing: in a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together and spread evenly over the lamb. Roll up and secure with butcher’s string or reserved elasticated meat bands. Weigh the joint and calculate the cooking time - medium: 25 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 25 minutes; well: 30 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 30 minutes.

4. Place on a metal rack in a large non-stick roasting tin, drizzle with the oil and roast in a preheated oven for the preferred, calculated cooking time. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Rolled shoulder of lamb with Christmas pudding stuffing If you’re not keen on Christmas pudding after your meal – why not include it in the main attraction? This recipe from Simply Beef and Lamb combines delicious lamb with a fruity stuffing that would grace any festive table.

5. Remove the joint from the oven, transfer to a large plate, cover and leave to rest for 15-20 minutes.

6. Prepare the gravy: spoon off any excess fat from the roasting tin and discard. Place the roasting tin over a medium heat and sprinkle over the flour.

Stir well with a small whisk or spoon, add a little stock and stir again, scraping the base of the pan to release any rich, sediment.

Serves: 8 Preparation: 25 mins Cooking: 1 hour 15 mins Ingredients 1.3kg/3lb lean boned and rolled lamb shoulder joint 2tbsp freshly chopped rosemary leaves Salt and freshly milled black pepper 1tbsp rapeseed or olive oil For the Christmas Pudding Stuffing: 100g/4oz prepared Christmas pudding, crumbled 50g/2oz cooked white rice, cooled Grated zest of 1 large lemon or 2 small clementines or satsumas 15ml/1tbsp freshly chopped chives

8. Add the remaining stock, sherry or Port and any meat juices, adjust the seasoning, if required and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until reduced to a well-flavoured gravy. Strain before serving.

9. Serve with seasonal vegetables and the sherry gravy.

Image and recipe courtesy of AHDB from Simplybeefandlamb.co.uk

39

Your Food & Drink

WARMING WINTER MENUS

flavoured beef gravy; roasted Christmas turkey, cooked to perfection and served with all the trimmings; scrumptious pork with a sweet honey and mustard just; pan-seared duck breast accompanied by dauphinoise potatoes and smothered in a rich port reduction; seabass fillets served with a creamy champagne sauce and smooth wild mushroom risotto, all served with oven-roasted winter root vegetables. Whatever your culinary persuasion, The Cowshed promises you truly delicious experience.

Christmas is just around the corner and true to tradition, The Cowshed restaurant promises you and all the family a feast of festive delights.

The Cowshed is a small family-run restaurant on the outskirts of Pattingham, set in the backdrop of the picturesque South Staffordshire countryside and nestled away within an old farmhouse courtyard. In December when The Cowshed is dressed for Christmas, the restaurant exudes all the charm and rusticity of a quaint ski chalet and wouldn’t look out of place on the slopes of Val D’isere. Priding itself on serving the very best of local produce, with just the right blend of tradition and vision, The Cowshed offers a sumptuous range of hearty dishes which are sure to warm you up on even the coldest of winter nights.

With its cosy surroundings and its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, it really is a home from home – without the effort and all the washing up. So come join The Cowshed over the festive period and make it a Christmas to remember.

During this busy period, to avoid disappointment customers are recommended to book in advance. thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk info@thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk Clive Farm, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, WV6 7EN

Nothing rouses the Christmas spirit like a good old fashioned Sunday roast. True to tradition, delights include hearty roast beef, with home-made Yorkshire pudding and a full-

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Lunch Wed-Sat 2 Courses £12.95, 3 Courses £17.95 Evening A la Carte Menu Sunday Lunch 12-5pm 2 Courses £17.95, 3 Courses £22.95 Boxing Day - 3 Courses £25.95 News Years Day - 3 Courses £25.95

01902 701 888 thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk info@thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk Clive Farm, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, WV6 7EN

Cowshed Pattingham @TheCowshed1 Cowshed Pattingham

Your Food & Drink

Welcome to... The Island Pool Monday nights from 5pm are our very popular half price night from our main menu known as ‘Monday Madness’ yes steaks mixed grills ,burgers and pies are all half price ! Booking is advisable.

Every Wednesday is our quiz night which has a top prize of a gallon of beer.

Come and have a go if you think you’re clever enough.

Not forgetting the beer drinkers…. we offer 4 locally sourced real ales which we vary all the time plus and extensive choice of ciders and lagers.

The Island Pool, pub and carvery is a family run free house situated on the Wolverhampton road on the outskirts of Kidderminster near to the village of Cookley. It has been well known for a number of years for offering an outstanding Carvery and Main Menu.

So with all of the above going on why not pop in and see us for a relaxing meal, or to just take time out with a drink in our beautiful beer garden and watch the world pass by.

On Fridays/Saturdays and Sunday mornings we also offer a very popular: as much as you can eat buffet style breakfast; from 8.30am till 11am.

The carvery is served fresh every day of the week from 12pm and we are open all day.

Every Wednesday is our quiz night which has a top prize of a gallon of beer.

the Island Pool CARVERY

welcome to ...

The Island Pool, Wolverhampton Road,Arms) y Kidderminster DY10 3RX (formerly Cookle

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK

A classic country pub serving a high standard of food and great traditional ales

1/2 price off main menu every Monday between 5pm - 8pm

from £4.99

(booking advisable) ALL YOU CAN EAT

BUFFET STYLE BREAKFAST 8.30am - 11am Friday, Saturday and Sunday Come and start the weekend the right way

EXTENSIVE MAIN MENU

Available all day every day (excludes Sundays)

QUIZ NIGHT

Every Wednesday 8.30pm start

For bookings or further details please call 01562 850311

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QUAD Trade-in Promotion Selected products only.

Available to UK customers

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To this end, Quad enlisted the help of Rodney Mead, the man responsible for the styling of many classic Quad products in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, to brainstorm design concepts that would lead to Artera – a Quad component range fit for 2016 and beyond.

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Filters To Suit Every Ear

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Four digital filter options enable users to tailor the Artera Play’s sound, with both CDs and external digital sources, to suit personal taste and the nature of the source material.

The Artera Play’s preamp section boasts a balanced Class A output stage. Two coaxial and two optical inputs cater for external digital sources alongside the USB input, with a pair of RCA phono inputs handling analogue sources. Analogue outputs are supplied in both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR varieties; a pair of digital outputs (optical and coaxial) and a 12V trigger output complete a comprehensive array of connectivity options.

Midland HiFi Studios 9 Finchfield Road West Finchfield Wolverhampton WV3 8AY www.midlandhifistudio.co.uk Telephone: 01902 380083

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Tom Ross Your Rising Star

Tom Ross spent 35 years as Head of Sport at BRMB, Xtra AM, Capital Gold, Free Radio and Free radio 80s. Called the voice of Midland’s football, not by himself but by respected names in the radio and football industries.

Following his leaving Free Radio in June Tom was quick to point out that he had not retired in fact far from it. Tom still reports on games for national station talkSPORT and hosts a weekly banter chat and phone in on the local television station Big Centre TV soon to be re-branded Made in Birmingham.

Tom was persuaded to write his autobiography aptly named after one of his sayings “the Games Gone”. It was published in August and has remained in the best sellers charts ever since.

Tom says the main inspiration to write the book was because he wanted to show children that you can still get on in life without having been to university. “I wanted to show them that enthusiasm, hard work, desire and passion can make you successful in almost anything you set your mind to”. He is an ambassador for the South and City College and uses this to get his message across about hard work being the platform for success.

His former Boss David Lloyd had this to say; “Tom Ross is a one-off. A thoroughly honourable, humble, character proudly of the old school-yet someone who has not only lived through but adapted to the huge changes in his beloved radio medium over the last few decades.

He is a hugely entertaining personality, with an enviable command of the true art of commentary. Turn Tom on and you can smell the game. As he always says it’s about the passion and Tom has that in spades.

His story is a fascinating one-from the tenements to leading sports coverage on huge radio stations and a friend to some of the biggest names in the game.

British Radio owes a lot to Tom-and he is one of the reasons our Nations radio commentary sounds the way it does”

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Your Rising Star His life story is not all showbiz but he speaks frankly about some very dark moments and his failed marriages as his good friend Jasper Carrott said “Only the Pope has gone to the Altar more than Tom” From making records, to hosting kick boxing shows on SKY TV to appearing in the world famous “Mrs Browns Boys” show with Brendan O’Carroll at Birmingham’s Alexander Theatre Tom has done just about everything some things he is proud of and some he is not so proud of and has won more awards than most in the radio business.

A host of famous people from the world of football, Sport and show business have contributed a few words about Tom including Jasper Carrott, Barry Fry, David Gold, Brendan O’Carroll, Robbie Savage, Richard Park, Ian Taylor, Matt Murray, Ron Atkinson, John Gregory, Jim Troughton, Paul Falkner, Tony Butler, Gary Rowett, Alex McLeish, and Harry Potter actors James and Oliver Phelps to name a few.

Tom writes candidly about his upbringing in the inner city back street slums of the 50’s and 60s and his cross-roads moment that put him back on the right track. His Dad teaching him to live his life by his own standards and not anyone else’s and much more.

Tom also writes with an obvious delight about hosting the Xtra AM/Capital Gold breakfast shows for many years and the people he got to interview who became friends.

Tom does so much for charity and has raised fortunes. In 2004 he single-handedly raised £147’000 pounds doing a 27 hour Radiothon in aid of the Tsunami fund. He has fought former world boxing champions to raise thousands for Acorns. And the Blues All Stars charity football team has helped to raise 1.5 million pounds for local causes since being formed in 1992. His passion now is as an ambassador and trustee for the Birmingham Charity Help Harry Help Others raising money to help those affected by cancer and in particular brain cancer that took Harrys life at the age of 11.

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Your What’s On

Christmas in Kinver

Traders to turn back the clocks

Traders, restaurateurs, cafe owners and businesses in Kinver are to turn back the clocks this Christmas.

problems and possible road closures. Shops will remain open until 9.00 p.m.

Eight days later, on December 3,the traders, supported by Kinver Parish Council, will be taking part in the nationwide Small Business Saturday when they will be organising entertainment throughout the day. This will include two choirs, Irish dancers, children’s competition with prizes, an Elvis Presley tribute and a return visit by Santa who will welcome children from his sleigh within a specially built grotto.

On Friday November 25 they are to stage a late-night shopping event with a ceremonial switch-on of the lights on the big tree outside the library (given by the Kinver Country Fayre committee) by none other than Santa himself who will arrive in the village at 7.00 p.m. on his Rotary Club sleigh.

Efforts are to be made to arrange for maximum parking to be available in and around the village for both events.

As in years gone by many of the foodrelated businesses will serve food and drink for visitors on the pavements outside their premises but there will be no “outsider” stalls whose presence in the past has led to traffic

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Your

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

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07580 377728

Your What’s On

Whats on November / December Bonfire and fireworks display at West Midlands Safari Park

Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 Bonfire and fireworks display at West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley. There will also be late-night rides and themed music, plus Land of the Living Dinosaurs, Mark O’Shea’s Reptile World, Twilight Cave, SeaQuarium, Creepy Crawlies, a sea lion show and a disco/refreshments in Tree Tops pavilion.

Admission – (on the night) All (over 3s) £14 16+ wristband - £13 3-15 wristband - £12 For details, visit www.wmsp.co.uk/firework-festival/

November

Bonfire and fireworks display at Wolverhampton Racecourse

Saturday, November 5 Bonfire and fireworks display at Wolverhampton Racecourse, in conjunction with the City of Wolverhampton Council. Gates open at 5pm and the children’s firework display starts at 7pm.

The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and the main fireworks display will begin at 8.30pm.

Advance prices – adults/over 13s - £14 Under 12s - £2 Under 2s – free For details, telephone 01902 390000

Bonfire and fireworks display at Himley Hall

Saturday, November 5 Himley Hall, Dudley – it promises to be the largest local authority fireworks display in the country and will also feature a funfair. Gates open at 4.30pm. Bonfire will be lit at 7.45pm and fireworks begin at 8.30pm.

For details, telephone 01384 817817

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2016 at the Nec

S THIS CHRISTMA U N S JO I at

Friday 11 November 2016 Sunday 13 November 2016 From: £20.00 Halls 1 - 5 & Pavilion 2,000 classic cars, 300 motorcycles, 600 trade stands, and the biggest indoor Autojumble plus incredible motoring features, it’s the UK’s biggest and best classic motoring celebration of the year.

Codsall Garden Centre

Christmas Shop and Trees

Restaurant

Plants and Shrubs

Lawnmower Sales and Servicing

Visit Santa and Reindeer Winter Fuel

Aquatics

Wild Bird Range

Outdoor Clothing

Oak Furniture

Sheds and Garden Buildings

Pet Products and Do It Yourself Dog Wash

Camping Equipment

Cards and Books

Landscaping and Building Supplies

Gifts and Homeware Kids Toys

Worcester Lights Switch-On

Thursday, November 17 The countdown to Christmas begins in Worcester, with the switching on of the Christmas lights in the city centre. Event starts at 4pm.

Of StOckiStS

Open 7 days a week!

calor gas

www.codsallandwergs.co.uk t: 01902 842461 f: 01902 846666 e: enquiries@codsallandwergs.co.uk Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre Ltd., Wergs Hall Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2HJ Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre Ltd

@Codsall_Wergs

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Your Motorcycle Live 2016 at the NEC

What’s On

Severn Valley Railway Santa special

Saturday, December 3 – Saturday, December 24 Every Saturday and Sunday, until December 24, Severn Valley Railway will host its Santa specials from Kidderminster, so that excited youngsters can see Santa in his grotto.

The train rides begin at 9am and only advance bookings will be allowed.

Tickets – children aged 1-15 - £14-£17 (include gift from Santa) Babies under 12 months - £6 (to include gift); free without gift Adults - £14-£17 For details, visit www.svr.co.uk

Saturday 19 November 2016 Sunday 27 November 2016 Whether you’re in the market for leathers, helmets, boots, heated clothing, travel ideas, merchandise or products to keep your pride and joy safe – Motorcycle Live is the perfect place to research, compare & get advice on what’s best for you.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Thursday, November 24 – Sunday, November 27 Get your Christmas shopping off to a great start at Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. Among the 100-plus stalls will be local arts and crafts makers, gift sellers, home decorations and more, plus there will be sideshows. Wonderfully atmospheric, many stallholders will don traditional 19th dress and there will be roast chestnuts and warming mulled wine to enjoy.

For details, visit www.visitworcestershire.org/ christmasfayre

Shifnal Christmas Fayre

Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 Weston Park, Shifnal, Christmas fayre. Explore the house, which will be decorated for the festive season, learn about some of the Christmas traditions from years gone by, and pick up some great gifts at the indoor and outdoor stalls. Youngsters can also enjoy a ride on the miniature railway.

Tickets - £1 entry to the Christmas fayre

£2 entry to the house

£2 miniature railway ride For more details, visit www.weston-park.com

December

Josh Widdicombe

Thursday, December 8 Josh Widdicombe at Wolverhampton Civic Hall Devonian comedian Josh Widdicombe brings his observational humour to Wolverhampton.

The award-winning stand-up comedian is a TV favourite, starring in The Last Leg and shows such as Mock the Week and QI. Tickets - £20.25 For details, telephone 0870 320 7000 or visit boxoffice@wolvescivic.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

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Your What’s On Christmas Tree Festival

9th, 10th and 11th December St Nicholas’ Church in Codsall is holding their 5th Christmas Tree Festival this year. Over 30 trees lavishly decorated by different groups from the village and we can expect a wide range of styles.

There will also be a Tree of Remembrance where special messages for loved ones can be written and hung on the tree.

Opening times: Friday 2pm-7pm, Saturday Noon-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm

Ultimate eagles

Saturday, 10 December 2016 Building on the phenomenal success of their 2015 European Tour, the internationally acclaimed Ultimate Eagles celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary album “Hotel California”.

On stage 8.40pm

Bay City Rollers

Thursday, December 15

Bay City Rollers at Wolverhampton Civic Hall Get those tartan scarves ready – the Scottish boy band from the 1970s is back and will be bringing their hits, including Bye Bye Baby and Shanga-Lang, to the Civic. The band, who include three of the original five – Les McKeown, Alan Longmuir and Stuart Wood, will be supported by 1970s’ glam rockers The Sweet.

Tickets – from £36.56 For details, telephone 0870 320 7000 or visit boxoffice@wolvescivic.co.uk

Lindisfarne

Thursday, 15 December 2016 Legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers LINDISFARNE return to form with a classic six-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original foundermember Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, LINDISFARNE’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.

Peter Walker and Luxmaralis

Monday, December 19 - Friday December 23 Acclaimed local artist Peter Walker and Luxmaralis combine to create stunning projections on Lichfield Cathedral. It’s a free spectacular and takes place between 6.30-8.30pm.

For details, visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org

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Your

Join us this Christmas for a little indulgence with friends or family, celebrate a special occasion or just get together for a delicious Afternoon Tea in the magnificent State rooms.

We are offering: Sunday 11th December Saturday 17th December Sunday 18th December Service from 2pm, last booking time 3.30pm Open between 2pm & 5pm

What’s On

Menu A selection of hand cut finger sandwiches to include: Roast turkey and cranberry Free range egg and cress Smoked salmon, rocket and lemon mayonnaise Honey roast ham and tomato Cheddar and festive chutney A range of homemade cakes: Plain scone offered with whipped fresh cream and jam Crumble topped mince pie Salted caramel eclair filled with creme patissiere Lemon drizzle loaf White chocolate and orange bauble Selection of tea, coffee, fruit infusions £25.50 per person or £29.50 with a glass of Prosecco Prosecco and Henri Chauvet Champagne are also available to purchase by the bottle

Payment in full is required in full to secure the booking Debit card, cheque or cash Please contact the Hagley Hall Events team on 01562 887 290 or info@hagleyhall.com

Christmas

CRAFT FAIR Enginuity 19 & 20 Nov 2016

Designer arts & crafts, from magnificent one-off pieces to affordable small gifts

Open Sat 10am - 5pm & Sun 10am - 4.30pm. Entry £2.50pp (all ages), includes admission to Enginuity. Annual Passport ticket holders and under 5’s free. Info at www.ironbridge.org.uk Tel 01952 433424

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Your Wedding

Wedding Wheels

A few tips to arriving in style and in time for your wedding!

A beautiful ceremony, sumptuous wedding suppers with sentimental speeches, sparkling champagne and a great party makes for a fantastic wedding. But the one thing that has to happen to make your wedding a success is for you to actually get married. So getting the important people, namely the bride, groom and wedding party, to the ceremony on time (and in style) takes a little bit of forward planning and know-how.

need to book your transportation even earlier.

Around nine months is a sensible timescale. If you are going for something more specialist that is possibly in shorter supply than your typical town wedding car or limo, then it might be worth booking earlier.

Take a look before you book

Research companies online and chat with a few you like the look of over the phone. Also look at reviews to see who has used them and what recommendations are out there. Make sure that you have seen the vehicle in question (or at least a very similar one) before you put down your

Transportation hiccups get your special day off to an awkward start and can leave you feeling stressed and anxious before the wedding has even started. Your guest’s wont thank you for keeping them waiting especially as they have all made the effort to be there on time! Hopefully, these pointers will help you to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable journey to your ceremony destination and beyond!

Think outside the box-car

A limousine works well with a glam wedding just as a vintage car sits comfortably with a traditional church wedding, but if that’s not your style, get creative and match your transportation to your wedding theme. Nowadays anything goes and brides arrive in camper vans, horse & carts and even in trailers hitched to tractors. If budget is a bit tight then ask a family member or friend if you can borrow their car for the day and dress it with ribbons. Offer to get the car valeted and they may even offer to drive you!

Book your transport well in advance

You should hire your transportation company as far in advance as possible once you’ve settled on your date, ceremony, reception venue and of course your guest list. If you’re getting married in late spring early summer you will be competing with the prom parties and therefore occasion cars will be highly sort after, so you’ll

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Your Wedding

deposit. Just don’t look at the website as the images may be out of date or even borrowed from another site. It is worth requesting to see an example of what your driver will be wearing so you can make sure that it meets your expectations. After all, the driver will be in some of the photos that you have taken of the car so he or she needs to be smart and respectable.

then return for the bride. After the ceremony the bride and groom will of course travel together to their photo location in the wedding car so the bridal party, parents and groomsmen should arrange for alternative transport to take them to the venue.

If the budget allows for more than one car then two would accommodate the bride and the person who will give her away travelling in one car preceded by her bridesmaids and mother travelling in another. After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in one car, and the bridesmaids and groom’s-men travel in the second car together.

Hitch a ride

So, who goes with whom? Of course, it’s your wedding and you can arrange it in whatever way makes you happy. However there is a rather simple format that is quite easy to plan for.

The bridal party, bridesmaids and the bride’s mother should travel together and arrive at the church 15 minutes before the ceremony is due to start in order to arrange themselves accordingly and to allow the photographer to take pictures. The bride travels to the ceremony with the person who is giving her away and should arrive five minutes before the ceremony to take pictures before entering the service.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom travel in the same car together.

The second and third car may be for the groom’s party and the bridesmaids, depending on numbers.

Finishing Touches

Wedding transportation is supposed to be luxurious and traditionally decorated with flowers and ribbons. But before you get too attached to a particular theme or design do ask the company in question what they will allow.

You may have some special requests such as a glass of fizz for the post ceremony journey to the venue or a certain song played on the stereo. Most companies are only too happy to be accommodating but asking well in advance for unique additions to the company’s package will ensure that you are not disappointed.

How many to book

This all depends on how far the wedding party is from the venue, and of course the budget for the wedding. If everyone is only a short distance away, one car could take the bridal party, and

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Your Wedding

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Your Wedding

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Your Fashion

Tinsel and Texture

by Emma Russell –Stylissimo, Image Consultancy, www.stylissimo.co.uk

This winter I challenge you to step away from head to toe black!

While black feels like such a safe place to be when it comes to dressing for winter occasions and Christmas parties there are so many beautiful alternatives which embrace colour and give you the opportunity to feel super glam while challenging your style comfort zones.

This autumn winter it’s all about texture. Trend wise velvet, lace, ruffles, embroidery, sequins, tinsel, sheer fabrics with metallic threads, full on metallic are ALL ways that you can step out of the black and into equally stunning glamourous pieces.

And why not embrace the indulgent, it is Christmas after all!

The Alexander McQueen Autumn Winter 2016 collection featured beautiful embroidered sheer dresses with the most ornate embroidery of suns, moons and stars in metallic threads or birds and flowers in vibrant autumnal colours.

The high street was quick to emulate this in their own ready to wear collections. Much less sheer you’ll be glad to know, making these beautiful dresses something that you and I could wear to our own special occasions and not just wow factor red carpet attire.

If stepping away from black instills fear why not use it as your base and add colour through embroidery like this stunning Butterfly by Julian Macdonald dress £250 from Debenhams.

This is as close to the Alexander McQueen version as you’ll get for this price point. The sheer collar and sleeves give coverage for those looking to keep upper arms covered, with stunning embroidery this is a real show stopper.

If you prefer something more sheer, preferring your fabrics to be floaty and feminine, then this knee length dress from Monsoon £169 will suit those ladies with curves and a narrow waist as it will complement and enhance your curves beautifully.

Butterfly

by Julian Macdonald Dress £250

Monsoon Dress £169

This velvet floral dress from Topshop is £55, the style will suit those girls with curves accentuating their narrow waist and skimming over their hips. I love the dresses playful nature and again see this giving you both the option as a party dress or even a Christmas dinner outfit.

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Topshop Floral Velvet Dress £55

Your Fashion This New Look dress is only £39.99, I love the mirrored detailing on the fabric and the high collar gives this dress a 1960’s vibe. I’d style this with opaque tights, killer heeled ankle boots and a sleek bob.

New Look Dress £39.99

“The metallic trend is an alternative to the more feminine feel of embroidery, toughen it up with a biker jacket or leather waterfall jacket and this will ensure you shine at the Christmas or New Year parties”.

Marks & Spencer are not the normal go to place for party wear but I can assure you this season they are on top form and worth a look. With some gorgeous velvet smoking jackets and top quality leather dresses it was hard to narrow down a choice but this Per Una outfit is my Stylist Top Pick from their collection.

I love that this could be styled in a number of different ways. Style the embellished sweater with the sequined skirt for a twist on a glamourous party look, or with jeans for cocktails with the girls. The sequinned skirt could be worn during the day with a slouchy cable knit jumper or for full high octane glamour style with a black silk cami and heels.

If texture and feel ability is what you look for in your fabrics, then the velvet trend will be your occasion wear choice for the party season. There are so many good pieces on the high street, in great quality velvets featuring sumptuous deep autumnal colour palettes from the rich burgundies in Hobbs to the spicy mustards in Marks & Spencer’s.

I loved this deep red velvet smoking jacket from Marks & Spencer at £119. If you feel the need to stay with your black staple dress this is one way to lift the colour palette and embrace the velvet trend with a classic piece which will stand the test of time.

If stepping out of the black comfort zone is just too much, why not bring in texture to your look with the inclusion of lace or embellishment? My favourite jumpsuit of the season must be this River Island velvet and lace jumpsuit a snip at £50, it will look fabulous styled with a metallic sequined clutch bag to increase the sparkle factor.

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Per Una Jumper £45

Per Una Sequin Skirt £49.50

Marks & Spencer Velvet Jacket £119

River Island Jumpsuit £50

Debenhams Star

by Julian Macdonald £29

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Your Hair & Beauty

Royston and Nick’s Diary The Autumn months are always busy, with planning Christmas Diary and Award Ceremonies including the British Hairdresser Awards. Nominated again for Midland Hairdressers of the Year, both salons are Finalists with Nick and Sophie Beattie representing The Wolverhampton salon and Royston and Charles Duoek for the Shrewsbury salon, fingers crossed for 21stNovember.

Crème De La Crème Ball

The most prestigious event in the Cheshire calendar is the Crème de la crème Ball. Held in the grounds of Dawn and Ashley Ward`s home, this is their seventh year raising money for the Caudwell Children Charity and this year`s theme

Stacey`s Art Exhibition

Real House wife Stacey Forsey is not only known for her hospitality skills but is also a talented artist. So combining the two, she organised a charity art exhibition at the Manchester Warehouses for Raising Awareness for Young Homeless People. Manchester`s royalty came out to support this worthy cause and the event was a tremendous success.

Wrekin School Ball

In aid of Wrekin School Foundation and United World school charity, Nancy Sykes-Waller hosted the school`s annual ball in the grounds of her breathtaking home Cound Hall in Shrewsbury.

Her and husband Richard welcomed guests with a magnificent fire work display, divine dinner and great music that got everyone out of their seats. They were the perfect hosts of a wonderful night, that continued into the early hours.

was the Midas Touch. This star- stubbed evening was attended by a list of TV personalities, famous faces and sporting stars, hosted by X- Factors Kate Thornton and 90`s Soul singer Gabrielle was the highlight of the evening entertainment.

Nick and Royston partied away with friends Claire Caudwell and their co -stars from their ITVBe show. The party is always wonderful however, everyone agreed that this year`s was the best yet!!!

Bollywood Nights

Fashion queen Seema Malhotra celebrated her birthday in style with a Bollywood Bash. Nick and Royston renowned for their style and flair, threw themselves into the spirit of things and out dressed them all! These Bollywood princesses stole the show with their new glamorous look and were very much The Real Housewives of Wolverhampton. The girl`s parties are never a quiet affair and the evening was full of dramas all can be seen of the latest series, so keep watching!!!

An Evening with Brian Connolly

As avid supporters of The Grand Theatre, Nick and Royston were delighted to be invited to an evening with Brian Connolly at Nailcote Hall.

They were treated to a delicious dinner followed by an in depth interview with ITV`s News reader Nick Owen about Brian`s early years and spectacular career. With many colourful life stories themselves, it was a very funny and interesting evening.

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Your Health

Seasonal Flu is approaching All of this is only possible with the reliable and expert team of staff at Swinford Pharmacy who remain dedicated to providing exemplary care to the community.

Over the years, pharmacy has changed to adapt to the needs of the community and we at Swinford Pharmacy have endeavored to keep up with those changes. As always we provide a high standard of care for our local community and it is shown in the services we provide.

With winter approaching seasonal Flu is one of the biggest causes of short term illness. It is highly contagious and can affect people of all ages, so we at Swinford Pharmacy are now offering Flu Vaccination Service.

A new service that has been launched by the NHS is the Electronic Prescription Service or EPS. This simple yet incredibly useful program cuts down on time between ordering and receiving a patient’s prescription. We are encouraging our patients to sign up for this service with us so that we can receive and dispense your monthly items. In addition to these services we also provide a delivery and collection system, free of charge. Using this high speed system, we can dispatch your items as soon as we receive them.

The next time you or a family member needs healthcare advice or information, don’t forget that you can pop into Swinford pharmacy to access a range of services and checks. Our Managing pharmacist Indy Virdee with over 25 years’ experience in community pharmacy can guide you through treatments available for common ailments.

Free Collection and Delivery Prescription Service Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) 01384 440030

Flu Vaccinations Blood Pressure Checks Diabetes Testing Smoking Cessation Weight Management Healthy Life Checks Alcohol Advice Chlamydia Testing Medication Usage Review

Open Hours

www.swinfordpharmacy.co.uk swinfordpharmacy 90 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge, DY8 1QU

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Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri - 9am-7pm Thu - 9am-6pm Sat - 9am-1pm Sun - Closed

Your Health

Total Implant Solutions Health data tells us that oral health in the UK is increasing and television advertising is now heralding the possibility of a cavity-free generation.

There was the case of a sales director who confessed to bullying his dentist to extract all of his teeth to end years of misery, but then suffered decades of problems with ill-fitting dentures.

But although figures are encouraging the fact is that millions of adults throughout the country will suffer tooth loss.

Following the clever use of implants ,Total Implant Solutions lead clinician, Jon Pugh BDS MSc (implant dentistry) GDC 62663 secured his over-dentures and he was able to indulge again in his favourite pork crackling and enjoy social encounters with a renewed confidence.

As well as being unattractive and embarrassing it can also be painful and have a have a hugely corrosive effect on lifestyles and self-esteem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for too many, a silent taboo that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get resolved.

Total Implant Solutions offer a free, no obligation consultation to assess your suitability for dental implants. For more information visit www.mytis.co.uk or call 01902 420654

A catalogue of often heart-rending stories have emerged as patients have arrived at Total Implant Solutions in Tettenhall Toad, Wolverhampton, seeking help.

If you struggle to bite and chew with your dentures, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to discover more about our amazing solution.

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Most children have excellent sight and do not need to wear glasses.

Some children may have vision screening done at school (between the ages of 4and 5). However, the earlier any problems are picked up, the better the outcome. If there are any problems and they are not picked up at an early age, the child may have permanently reduced vision in one or both childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes, or if there is a history of squint or laze eye in the family, do not wait for the vision screening at school. Make an appointment at Sheward Opticians for a sight test. This is free under the NHS for children under 16.

The child does not have to be able to read or talk to have a sight test.

By one pair of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spectacles and get one pair FREE of charge Call into

Sheward Opticians for terms and conditions.

S..& M..Sheward Opticians

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Your Health

Mind Your Posture: Buying a bed How do I know which is the right mattress for me?

If you are lying on your side, your spine should be parallel to the mattress and your spine should not sag (bed too soft) or bow (bed too hard).

The longer you can spend lying on a mattress before you buy it, the more accurate this feeling will be. Your pillow should be an extension of this i.e. your neck should be a continuation of the straight spine and not too high or too low.

Chiropractors are often asked for advice on the selection of beds and mattresses and, in truth, there is no one solution that suits all.

Choosing the right bed can minimise those factors that may lead to, or aggravate back pain We come in different weights, shapes and sizes, but have one thing in common; we spend more than a third of our lives in bed, so should choose our beds carefully.

Always shop with your partner as your respective ideal mattress tensions could be very different. If this is the case, buy beds from a range that allow two single mattresses to be zipped together, so that you both get the support you need.

Which is better, a hard or soft mattress?

The best mattress is a ’supportive one‘. A 16 stone person sleeping on a mattress may not get the same support as a 10 stone person sleeping on the same mattress.

“Choosing the right bed can minimise those factors that may lead to, or aggravate back pain”

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Your Health

Expert advice from the Anti- Ageing Gurus other biological substance can retain as much water as Hyaluronic Acid resulting in increased smoothness, softening and decreased wrinkles.

Peptides: Matrixyl, Trylagen and Synthe are super smart complexes. Their unique combinations work in synergy with your skin which will help your skin look younger for longer.

QUESTIONS My skin seems lacklustre and dull. What can I do to give it some life back? Sarah, Clent To brighten up your skin I would exfoliate twice a week on an evening after cleansing, then once a week after exfoliation apply a moisturising mask.

I love the CACI hydro mask; it has hyaluronic acid and Rose water in which will hydrate and brighten!

I’m looking for make-up that doesn’t sit in my lines; some foundations make me look older.

Marie, Stourbridge

What a busy summer at Rejuvenate, making all our customers’ look and feel wonderful!

We pride ourselves on being the best in the business for anti-ageing and wellbeing. We are always getting asked what the best antiaging cream is?! Everyone has different skin concerns whether it be fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation or hormonal acne.

These are the BEST ingredients to look out for when purchasing your cream:

Jane Iredale products are a mineral makeup and have no nasty’s in! I would try the Liquid Mineral foundation, as it’s not heavy and gives a nice dewy glow. If you are looking for a bit more coverage I would try their BB cream.

Vitamin A is in my opinion the BEST anti-ageing ingredient to look out for. It stimulates fibroblasts which create new collagen and elastin, locks in moisture, repairs pigmentation, is a natural exfoliator and balances oil production.

Vitamin C is great if you suffer with any breakouts, it reduces redness,is anti – inflammatory and heals the skin. It also has great anti-ageing properties; hydrates, a natural SPF and lightens and brightens.

Hyaluronic acid helps to retain over a 1000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturiser. No

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Your Health

A Pain in the ……back!!!

Did you know 80% of us will experience back pain at some stage of our lives? The back is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves and joints, often making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of pain. With appropriate management and treatment, it doesn’t have to stop us in our tracks, here are some simple changes we can make to prevent back pain.

(Always consult your physician before attempting new exercise and/or diet.)

If you’re suffering from back pain, seeing a physiotherapist can not only speed up recovery but also prevent the problem happening again.

Meet Manisha…… …..our resident spinal specialist at Harmony physiotherapy. Manisha works alongside nationally recognised spinal consultants at the specialist Orthopaedic hospital in Oswestry. Manisha, and all our team, offer a range of treatments proven to be effective with back pain. Not only can we assist you with back pain relief, we can also help you on your way to long-term selfmanagement and prevention.

Tips for a healthy back 1. Exercise regularly – simply walking, can be great to strengthen your back.

2. Lift heavy objects using the correct lifting technique.

3. Maintain a good posture – avoid slumping in your chair or hunching your shoulders.

4. Take a short break from sitting every 30 minutes.

5. Try to quit smoking – smoking reduces the blood supply to the spinal discs.

6. Stay at a healthy weight, this reduces load on the spine.

With over 15 years of expertise in providing effective pain management solutions The results you want, the care you deserve

We offer expert help and advice with a wide range of problems including: • Neck and back pain/ sciatica • Joint and muscle aches and pains • Tendonitis • Post orthopaedic surgery • Sports Injuries • Pregnancy-related pain

Call today for your free telephone consultation on 07779 610 402

Physiotherapy treatment can include one or a combination of the following: • Joint and spinal mobilisation and manipulation

Harmony Physiotherapy Rock House Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8QB Email: info@harmonyphysio.co.uk Tel: 07779 610 402

www.harmonyphysio.co.uk

• Soft tissue massage and facial release techniques • Taping • Acupuncture/ cupping • Pilates/ yoga • Personalised advice and education – because we believe selfFacebook: harmonyphysio

management is essential to recovery

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Your Health

Keep your feet happy this Christmas It’s all so easy to forget about your feet as the winter months approach, hidden away in socks and boots until the flip flop season rolls around again.

We want to keep our feet healthy and happy for the cold season ahead and here are some tips on how: • Many people suffer from cold feet in the winter and nothing is worse than spending the day walking around with cold toes. Ensure that before you dress your feet with your socks or putting them into shoes that are lined with materials such as lamb’s wool, that your feet are warm beforehand. This is because the socks and the lamb’s wool acts as an insulator, so if your feet are cold, it will only insulate the cold when you put them in your shoes.

• We want to keep our feet warm, but this can cause our feet to sweat. Damp, sweaty feet can chill more easily and are more prone to bacterial infections. To keep feet clean and dry, consider using foot powder inside socks and soaking your feet in warm soapy water when you get home.

• Choose footwear that will keep your feet warm, dry and well supported. We all like to have fashionable footwear but ensure they are practical and waterproof to get you through the autumn and winter.

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We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support throughout the year.

Wishing you a happy Christmas and New Year from the team at Foot Therapy.

Your Health

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Your Health

Be treated well with a healthcare provider you can trust. cosmetic procedures, breast screening, ophthalmic and sports injury treatment.

Procedures are performed in ultra-clean environments using the latest state-of-the-art clinical equipment, and all our ensuite bedrooms are luxury standard to ensure your stay with us is made as comfortable as possible.

When you choose Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital you can be confident you are choosing the highest standards of treatment and aftercare available to you from an established private healthcare provider with hospitals all around the UK. Our experienced team of expert consultants, surgeons and nursing staff are totally dedicated to returning you to the highest levels of health and fitness possible, as quickly as possible. We offer a wide range of treatments, including hip & knee replacement, spinal surgery,

If you would like to know more about our superior treatment and aftercare as a patient paying for yourself, get in touch with us today by calling 01902 793 269.

WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

Rapid access scans.

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We are pleased to annouce that Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has recently installed the latest technology in MRI Imaging equipment.

This high-tech addition to the Radiography Department at our hospital in Tettenhall is just part of a ÂŁ1.7 million investment by Nuffield Health to ensure we are providing our patients with the latest equipment resulting in a faster, more efficient service. Our new MRI scanner is available 6 days a week to patients paying for themsleves. There are no waiting lists, and appointments can be arranged at very short notice. Please remember that you will need a referral from your GP first before arriving at the hospital. Call us for more information or to make an appointment.

01902 793 269

@nuffwolvhosp

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

Your Health

Float through Christmas stress!

It’s fast approaching when we all start to worry about presents, producing fabulous meals, and how many hours there are to get it all done. We know at Float World about stress and how it can negatively affect you and your loved ones so we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help have a stress free holiday.

Accept that it might not always be perfect – we all want everyone to have a great time but sometimes things do get forgotten. Chances are you can work around it and no-one will even notice so try not to be so hard on yourself if it isn’t quite as you wanted.

Accept help offered – if friends or family offer to share the load or bring a dish to the table then take the offer, it means they feel more involved and you have one less thing to worry over plus it makes it more fun sharing the experience.

Make lists – it might seem a bit boring but it does really help and keep you on track of what you wanted to achieve, and again if someone offers to take on a list for you then let them.

And if you’re struggling for that hard to buy for person at Christmas why not treat them to a float session voucher? They are a great way of giving people the gift of time and a bit of pampering that they may not take for themselves. Floating helps rejuvenate the mind and body and leaves you with a wonderful sense of wellbeing plus reducing stress and anxieties so it’s a wonderful treat for just about everyone. The vouchers are available on the website at www.floatworld. co.uk or you can pop in to see us and buy one in person.

Stick to your budget – regardless of the size of your budget it’s far too easy to get a little carried away and not even realise until the statements arrive in January. Time is a greater gift than the most expensive presents.

Take some time to relax – you can’t enjoy friends and family if you’re too tired or stressed and taking a little me time out each day with a book or a walk isn’t selfish, it’s incredibly beneficial as we know.

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Your Jobs

Why I Love My Job From Aston to Sydney – erg is just the job for IT recruitment

When John Morse launched his own recruitment business in 2003, he never dreamed how it would grow. Now, with an office due to open in Sydney, Australia, he tells Jayne Howarth why finding the right person for the right job remains his passion. the time and he took a small office to begin his journey.

Now, erg has more than 35 staff running more than 200 contractors and recruits high-value IT staff into both the private and public sectors, and counts globally recognised blue chip companies such as Goldman Sachs and IBM as clients.

From a tiny, rented office in Aston Science Park, Birmingham, to global growth – erg Global Recruitment has come a long way in 13 years.

In 2015, John, who lives in Blakedown where he transformed a derelict building into his family home, decided to buy his own office and he moved his staff to 8 Fleet Street, on the edge of Birmingham’s trendy Jewellery Quarter district.

John Morse began his career in recruitment almost by accident. Although he graduated with a Sports degree, he began working at Austin Benn, progressing to the title of top biller in 10 months.

He was soon headhunted by the prestigious Computer Futures- a specialist IT recruitment company – and worked his way from trainee to director in ten years.

I.T was an environment he thrived in and he set, by his own admission, “some pretty cool records” and was the top biller nationally out of about 750 consultants.

While he loved the work and the company, there was still a niggle at the back of his mind: he knew he hadn’t yet reached his potential.

As you would expect for a company that focuses on IT, the erg offices are high-tech. There’s dual screen technology, blue tooth headsets and interactive boards, as well as more down-toearth comforts such as designer beanbags and even jukeboxes. There’s always time for fun and downtime.

But expansion is also on the cards. Not only is erg launching its new London office at the end of the year, it also planning to open an office in Manchester in early 2017.

But John is also going global: by the end of next year, erg will open in Sydney, Australia.

“I had a great career but I had a burning desire to emulate my dad, who I admire massively,” he says.

“I really wanted to set up my own business, as he did.”

“We are looking to expand into new markets and sectors and truly grow the brand with our existing passion to be the market leaders in IT delivery,” he says.

And with no more than a pad of paper and a pen, he launched his own recruitment business in 2003. He had no backing or funding, no database, no IT. He didn’t even have a company name at

With success at every turn, John is hugely proud of how erg has developed and he is as passionate – if not more – about the recruitment business.

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Your Jobs

“I still love coming to work, I really do,” he enthuses. “I get the same buzz now when other people get deals that I got back when I recruited.

The atmosphere created, the excitement, the bell being rung, hooters going off ... it makes me smile every day. Sharing success is very rewarding.

“Without doubt, this was the biggest hurdle for me to overcome, but I know Ivor would be proud of how the brand he loved and helped nurture has developed and grown to who we are today.”

The success of erg may be down to John’s vision, but he says the people who work with him are the vital components.

“I take a lot from seeing my young staff develop, not only as recruiters but as people. I have seen graduates grow into mature business people and when I see my guys earn well and progress, rewarding themselves and their families with the trappings their hard work, it fills me with great pride.”

“For me, erg is only as good as the people you employ. I have the upmost respect for the guys who work tirelessly for the brand,” he says.

“They all share the same passion, vision and ethos of erg and this is portrayed into the service levels they perform externally. As we grow and launch new offices, we will always maintain the family spirit that has been the corner stone to building the success of erg thus far.”

He’s proud his gamble to start up on his own has paid off, too.

“I am not going to pretend it has all been a bed of roses,” says John. “Leaving a blue chip company with a great salary and benefits to be paid zero takes its toll on you, pressure wise.

“I still love coming to work, I really do,”

“My first recruit at erg was a lovely lad called Ivor Davies, who worked for me at Computer Futures. He shared my dream and belief on how recruitment should be run and once I could afford to recruit he was my first guy to take the similar road of risk and join erg.”

Erg are recruiting, if you fancy joining the gang please visit the company website www.erg-uk.com

Unfortunately, Ivor was diagnosed with cancer and died within 12 months of joining John at the company – and it was a huge blow.

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Your Pets & Garden

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Your Pets & Garden

Heart of Stone, Stone at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best.

Heart of Stone is a local supplier of natural stone products. We provide a wide range of materials, bespoke manufacturing and expert advice. Set up as a part time venture in 2001, we have grown into one of the Midlands best known suppliers.

Our reputation for quality products and service at affordable prices is the result of many years of hard work. We also run an apprenticeship scheme to train Stone Masons.

The company imports, exports and manufactures natural stone. It also trades in many British stones. Fireplaces are regularly made from York, Ancaster and Portland stones. Our fireplaces are mostly bespoke to meet clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements for design, size and material. Several ranges of ready-made fireplaces are also available for those in a hurry or on a tighter budget.

Historically the company has supplied stone to many diverse and prestigious projects. These include Heathrow Terminal 5, restaurants, film studios and shops, including a recent order to supply the National Portrait Gallery with new granite table tops for their restaurant. Typically, the company has around 40 projects on the go at any one time.

stone is the paving of choice for those that want British and can afford a little extra expense.

Egyptian limestones offer a wide selection of colours, sizes and finishes at very competitive prices. Stocked in coordinated sizes are wall and floor tiles, mosaics, with matching skirtings and mouldings. To go with these, slabs of the same materials are stocked to make sills, vanity tops and fireplaces.

The workshop is at its busiest during the run up to Christmas. A steady flow of table tops are being produced for private clients and restaurants. We often commission local blacksmiths to produce iron bases for these. Marble and limestone swimming pool surrounds are also a steady part of the production.

The internet plays a big part in sales although the showroom is the engine room of sales at Heart of Stone. Clients like to see laid stone, feel it and discuss it with people that know their products, it is important to get the right stone for the job. Artificial stone products are also available. Quartz worktops and tiles are becoming increasingly popular. Ceramic tiles that resemble the appearance of stone have progressed enormously in recent times. Accurate knowledge and good advice is essential when deciding between a natural or artificial stone.

Promoting British stone is a passion for Heart of Stone although tiles and paving made from UK stones tend to be more expensive than their imported equivalents. Some Welsh slates are reasonably priced. In particular the purple slate is popular for paving and chippings. York

HEART OF STONE 07779 727283 or 01952 730231 E: heartofstone@btinternet.com

W: www.heartofstone.co.uk

Cotsbrook Farm Buildings, Higford, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ES

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Your Pets & Garden

Winter and Christmas As the sun shines at the end of September it doesn’t seem possible that within a few weeks our attention will be turned to winter and Christmas. While the weathers mild it’s time to get t he garden ready for winter. Make sure you’ve got fleece or fleece bags ready to put over tender plants such as Cordylines, Hebes, Tree Ferns and other semi hardy plants once the frosts arrive. Remove leaves from around roses and other deciduous plants and put onto on the compost heap. Borders can then be mulched with compost, well rotted manure or bark. Make sure hosepipes are drained and stored in the dry before we get frosts, cover outdoor taps over to prevent freezing.

For a cooler room the brightly coloured cyclamen is ideal. They require good light at all times. Only water just as the foliage begins to droop and make sure that any excess water is removed after 15 minutes. There’s also the Christmas Cherry with its shiny red-orange berries. Azaleas will flourish in either a warm or cool room and are very easy to keep.

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

Our spectacular Christmas display will be up and running from mid October. 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. Becoming more popular over the last few years are the lit ornaments – battery and mains powered and available for indoor and outdoor use – there’s animals, vases, santa and snowmen and a vast array of coloured lights.

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

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. 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.

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Your Pets & Garden

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Your Pets & Garden

The RSPCA needs YOU! Volunteer to help at the RSPCA and you may be surprised how rewarding you’ll find it. A recent survey of trustees who give their time to the animal charity showed how fulfilling, rewarding and interesting they find working with the RSPCA. “I love being part of a team that makes a real difference to the welfare of local animals”. “We all have particular skills and it’s a really good feeling when they are used to help animals who through no fault of their own need our assistance”. These are just two of the quotes from RSPCA branch trustees about why they are involved working with the charity on a voluntary basis. It really is all about the animals and working as a team to make a difference.

volunteers to become part of their team. If you would enjoy being challenged, fulfilled and rewarded by helping abandoned animals then RSPCA honorary chairman Janis Borley would love to hear from you.

Trustees are needed for all the RSPCA branches in the region and the Kidderminster and District branch are currently actively looking for

Email her at janis.rspca@btinternet.com or give Janis a call on 07715 201 239

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Your Pets & Garden

‘Tis the season….

by Dr Bart Nietrzeba MRCVS, MSc MedVet, Blacks Vets

We know, here at Blacks Vets we can hardly believe it’s nearly Christmas time either! 2016 seems to have flown by, but the nights are definitely getting longer, the air a little chillier and the shops are loaded up with festive goodies.

Dr Bart Nietrzeba MRCVS MScMedVet

The Christmas holidays are a great time to bring the whole family together and this of course extends to our pets, many of whom will relish the extra time spent with the people they love best. To make sure that this is truly the season of goodwill and happiness for everyone, here are some festive, pet-safety tips.

Beware of Jack Frost

make walkies more comfortable. And remember, icy fingers can easily lose their grip on a lead so please make sure your dog’s microchip has your up-to-date contact information. Find out more at www.blacksvets.co.uk

As the weather turns colder, we need to consider the implications for our pets. Now is the time to cover outdoor hutches for rabbits or guinea pigs with thermal layers. Old towels and blankets are perfect. If possible, bring hutches inside or to a sheltered area such as a garage or shed. rabbits and guinea pigs need to eat roughly their own body size in hay during the Winter and need roughly 4 times their size to provide sufficient warmth in their bedding areas. Keep an eye out for frozen water bottles and beware of dampness – wet bedding becomes cold and uncomfortable very quickly and can lead to illness.

Perilous Poisons

The festive period is rife with potential pet poisons, so please be extra vigilant when disposing of waste food and Christmas detritus.

Favourites such as mince pies and Christmas cake contain currants and raisins which can make dogs severely ill, as can alcohol and chocolate.

Ask Santa to leave any gifts containing these on a high shelf and not under the tree!

Bones are sometimes given as a tasty postChristmas dinner treat for dogs, though please resist the temptation to give in as they can cause a multitude of problems including blockages, choking, vomiting and bleeding. It’s also at this time of year that we bring Poinsettia plants into the home which are poisonous to both cats and dogs as are Lilies which can be highly toxic, so make sure they are placed completely out of reach.

Though we may wrinkle our noses up at the noxious smell of anti-freeze, it smells delicious to dogs and cats, so make sure you thoroughly clean up any spillages or stray drops.

Consumption can lead to fatal renal failure, so please, take your pet to a vet urgently if you suspect that this has happened. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, panting, drinking more or seeming unsteady and un-coordinated. The Blacks Veterinary Hospital in Dudley is open 24/7, 365 days a year so call 01384 252509 in an emergency.

With icy conditions comes slippery roads and unfortunately, road traffic accidents increase at this time of year. Remember to take extra care with breaking distances when in your car and try to walk your dog away from roads whenever you can. If your dog is older or short haired, it may be wise to invest in a warm pet jacket to

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Your Pets & Garden

Changing Habits

And finally, Christmas is usually an exciting time complete with new sights, smells and sounds for an animal, which can become overwhelming. Try to keep a safe, quiet space for your pet to retreat to if they become agitated or upset. Cats in particular may change their regular habits and look to take refuge in unusual spaces. In cold weather this can include under warm car bonnets so always check before starting your car. Cats may also venture into sheds and outhouses for warmth and can become trapped or may be vulnerable to dangerous substances such as petrol or chemicals in aerosol cans.

With a little extra care, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason why you and your pets shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy a happy and healthy festive period this year, but if you need us, Blacks Vets are always on hand to help. Wishing you all a very YLM Advert 144x106.pdf 05/10/2016 merry Christmas and happy new1 year from all of11:46 the Blacks Vets team!

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Your Finance & Legal

Talking Money A meeting this week with some new clients, a husband-and-wife who run a business together, brought home to me how talking money can throw up surprises.

Anita Gatehouse Your Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

create mistrust and make people secretive and this can stop families from being able to plan successfully.

The expectation is that the conversation will be rational as it’s all around calculators and spreadsheets. The reality is that it’s likely to be an emotional, irrational conversation if encouraged successfully. That’s because in planning your future you should be considering your dreams, passions and fears, not simply money for money’s sake. This couple voiced things they didn’t know about each other as the discussion developed and they were both surprised.

Adult children are often afraid to bring up subjects such as long term care costs and inheritance tax planning with parents as they are afraid they might be perceived as being greedy.

Families that are open with their children make planning much more straight forward.

My advice is to proverbially grasp the nettle!

Get things organised and reviewed as soon as possible – begin your journey to proper financial planning! Then forget about it. Get on with whatever it is you want to be doing and only think about it when you are set to review it again (which should be on a regular basis with your financial planner).

What came out of the meeting were really positive values around money that neither had really articulated before and that’s what I’m looking for as a financial planner.

Planning meetings are an opportunity to step outside of one’s normal day-to-day lives and enjoy thinking about what you want to do and what’s important to you as individuals. I’ve been sent great bucket lists that clients have put together on the journey back from my office with obvious “his” and “her” trade-offs! It never ceases to amaze me how many times I have to give clients a little nudge forwards almost giving them permission to seriously consider what they would like to do in their lives, not just what they think they have to do.

So make sure you talk money, share your dreams and concerns and the chances are it will make for a better future.

Places in the heart, not places on the chart.

Did you know we offer a free one hour consultation to see if what we do would be useful for you? Our clients are glad they did.

If you’re not sure, have a look at what our clients say about us on our website: www.cre8wm.co.uk

Growing up, most people have been influenced by their family’s attitudes and beliefs about money and that can be tricky when dealing with this topic as a couple or as a family. The idea that it’s “not nice” to talk about money can

Telephone Jo on 01562 745730 to arrange an appointment.

90

Your Funerals

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of mind from a company who cares

J.T. Brookes & Co. is part of the N.E. Downing (Blackheath) Ltd. The family business has been conducting funerals for over 100 years and is now run on a daily basis by brother and sister, William and Lucy Downing, supported by their father Stephen.

Backed by many long standing and loyal staff, the company continues to pride itsself on serving the local community by offering a caring and personal service, ensuring the highest of standards are maintained. This is overseen by their membership of the trading body, SAIF (National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors).

J.T. Brookes & Co. Hagley was opened in April 2006. In 2015 it moved to bigger premises,

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Your Travel

Prospect Coaches

now into 6th decade of business Prospect Coaches are a family run business based in Lye, Stourbridge and are now into their 6th decade of business with 52 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience operating coaches. 3 generations of the family are currently at the helm including our founder Geoff Watts (Managing Director) who is ably assisted by his Daughter Roslynd Hadley (Managing Director) and her two sons Nathan and Martin. Growing from operating taxis and a general store into the well-respected Coach Operator of today.

Our executive vehicles range from 31 to 57 seats with facilities including Toilet, Power sockets, DVD and Monitors.

All of our uniformed drivers are enhanced DBS checked by the local authority and all vehicles have Wi-Fi on board for your travelling comfort and peace of mind.

Prospect Coaches customers range from Schools to global companies and all in-between. A vast experience of working on large scale events including the 2012 Olympics, Commonwealth games and Scouting events. Also the provision of 1st team coaches to both Rugby and Football teams broadens our experience.

Large movements of passengers in a timely manner is our speciality with a dedicated team monitoring the operation. On site controllers are available to ensure your day runs as smoothly as expected. Prospect Coaches regularly go above and beyond to meet customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

With 50 vehicles in operation and approximately 3000 passenger seats available Prospect Coaches can meet your group requirements with ease.

Prospect Coaches can cater for all of your group transport needs from contracts of varying length to individual hires. Our dedicated and professional team will guide you each step of the way advising on times and destinations as required to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.

Coach travel is an extremely cost effective way to move large bodies of people in luxury to where you need to be and on time. From conferences to weddings or Businesses to Schools, coach travel is the preferred method of travel.

Our vehicles are regularly seen locally or travelling the national road network whilst taking groups to visitor attractions, sporting events or corporate days out. We can also be seen on the roads of Europe with Poland, Switzerland, Andorra, Germany, Austria, France and Belgium all recent destinations. No job is too big or too small for the Prospect team.

Planning a next trip or looking to set up regular transportation from Getting to School or work, to going abroad. Give our team a call and see how we can help on 01384 895436 or visit our website www.prospectcoaches.co.uk

Vehicles capable of carrying groups from 31 to 70 people in modern well equipped vehicles.

92

Corporate Coaches in Stourbridge and beyond including Kidderminster, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Prospect Coaches offer a full luxury coach hire service for parties of up to 70 passengers. Our trained, courteous members of staff are DBS checked to enhanced level for your peace of mind.

All vehicles include Wi-Fi, CD, Radio and PA systems with many air-conditioned for comfort. For safety we also provide Satellite tracking with driver analysis and Alcolock inhibitors to prevent the vehicle being started if alcohol is detected.

We provide reliable transport for: Schools and colleges, International trips, Day trips, Corporate events, Concerts and festivals, Sporting events, Sports teams with Stourbridge FC, Stourbridge RFC and Rushall Olympic FC Team coaches. ...and much more

93

Your Classifieds Accountants

Classified Advertising Your Classifieds Classified Advertising Aerials &&Satellites Accountants Reg. Auditors

Cleaners Car Valeting

A.B Aerials & Satellites

YOUR LOCAL CARPET & NCE WATERLESS VALETING UPHOLSTERY CLEANING MOBILE SERVICE SERVICE CAR VALET for a heavenly home

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To arrange your free, no obligation meeting call us today on 01902 755557 or visit us online at www.taxassist.co.uk/wolverhampton

Your Classifieds

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Car Valet starts from ÂŁ10 Interiors and exteriors Visiting your workplace or home

Local business with over 15 years experience

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COOKERS, LAUNDRY, FIRES, REFRIGERATION Put your name into

Full Colour Y now J A N U A R Sided Double the homes of 25,000 on eCards lbuyers a s Business discerning with Rangemaster Belling from +VAT ÂŁ20 Valor Kinder a classified ad in Zanussi Lec Stoves Bosch New World Dimplex Kohlangaz Falcon swinfordgraphics.co.uk

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95

Your Motoring

NEW LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP OPENS IN WOLVERHAMPTON “There is so much happening within Jaguar Land Rover at the moment and especially in its heartland of the West Midlands” Lancaster Land Rover Wolverhampton – shot of the newly refurbished site close to the town centre and on commuter belt routes

Land Rover at the moment and especially in its heartland of the West Midlands where they’ve recently opened their new engine plant in Wolverhampton. It’s a great brand to represent and I’m really looking forward to welcoming new customers to our dealership and offering them an experience they won’t find elsewhere.

We have a really passionate team who are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in helping customers find their perfect car.”

As the Jaguar Land Rover brand goes from strength to strength, motor retailer Jardine Motors Group has opened the doors to a new Land Rover dealership in Wolverhampton. In a prime location for customers, the new dealership is close to the town centre and will offer both new and Approved Used car sales as well as aftersales support.

With some of Land Rover’s most popular and newest models on display and stock readily available, customers will be able to view the new Evoque Convertible, Range Rover Sport and Discovery as well as more than 30 Approved Used cars.

The new site sees Jardine Motors Group portfolio in the brand increase to six Land Rover businesses. Niall Hooper, Divisional Director for Jaguar Land Rover commented: “We already have a Jaguar dealership in Wolverhampton so we’re looking forward to the opening of our Land Rover site to bring the full JLR portfolio to customers in the area. With a great location, desirable models and stock available, supported by a highly skilled team, customers in the area can now enjoy the Land Rover experience they’ve been looking for.”

Jardine Motors Group has expanded its presence in the region over the last few months with the acquisition of Colliers Group, as well as the opening of new sites. As a consequence, the company has been on a major recruitment drive with a range of career progressive positions at all levels including apprentices, technicians, sales advisors and service advisors. At the new Lancaster Land Rover Wolverhampton dealership, the company has recruited 48 new colleagues to ensure customers receive the very best service.

The new site is a temporary measure while a new combined Wolverhampton Jaguar Land Rover site is created, which is currently in planning stages but expected to be ready in approximately 18 months’ time.

The new team is being headed up by Head of Business, Richard Roberts, who has been working with the Jaguar Land Rover brand for more than 17 years through various retail roles. He comments: “There is so much happening within Jaguar

To view the latest models from Land Rover, visit the dealership on Stafford Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1NT or call 01902 393 200.

96

Your Motoring

HiQHiQ TurnsTurns to Davanti for Brand to Davanti forHouse House Brand

HiQ Wolverhampton is the complete Q Wolverhampton is the complete car care car care centre offering new tyres, wheel alignment, tre offering new tyres, wheel alignment, MOT’s & servicing to dealer standard for all T’s & servicing dealer standard fornearly all 20 years vehicles. to They’ve been around for icles. They’ve been around for nearly so their tyre expertise is second to20 none, which rs so their tyrethey’ve expertise is second none, is why decided to go to with Davanti as their new house brand range.Davanti ch is why they’ve decided to tyre go with heir new house brand tyre range.

Why Davanti?

Davanti tyres were designed with the British y Davanti? driver in mind - in fact a lot of the research vanti tyres were designed with the British and development team are British. The tyres er in mind in fact a lot of the and are - produced using the research latest manufacturing elopment team are British.

The tyres are technologies at a world leading autonomous duced using latest manufacturing plant.the Using an enhanced silica compound and innovative tread designs, Davanti tyres give hnologies at a world leading autonomous the performance, efficiency, and nt. Usingdrivers an enhanced silica compound andcomfort they want. ovative tread designs, Davanti tyres give ers the performance, efficiency, and comfort Performance Testing y want.

This quality is evident in their EU Tyre Label scores. In addition Davanti have done further formance Testing testing at IDIADA, one of Europe’s performance comprehensive grounds. The s qualitymost is evident in their EUproving Tyre Label DX240, DX390, DX640 and DX740 tyres, which res. In addition Davanti have done further cover most passenger cars from super-mini’s formance testing at IDIADA, one of Europe’s to SUV’s, all performed exceptionally well and came st comprehensive proving grounds. The second only to the premium brand beating out 240, DX390, DX640 andand DX740 tyres, various mid-range budget tyre which brands. er most passenger cars from super-mini’s to V’s, all performed exceptionally well and Tyre Life Guarantee me second only the to the premium brand Besides extensive testing, it’s a brand you trust.mid-range Each tyre and comes with tyre a Tyre Life ting out can various budget Guarantee meaning you get the full life out of nds. your tyre, even if it’s damaged from normal road use. e Life Guarantee sides the extensive testing, it’s a brand you trust. Each tyre comes with a Tyre Life APPROVED arantee meaning you get the full life out of r tyre, even ifWOLVERHAMPTON it’s damaged from normal d use.

Simon Bennett, Owner of HiQ Wolverhampton Simon Bennett, says “Like any Owner business,ofweHiQ wantWolverhampton our customers to happy and satisfied with their says leave “Likeasany business, we want our purchase as possible.

Now with Davanti as our house customers to leave as happy and satisfied with brand, we’re able to provide customers with their purchase as possible. Now with Davanti high quality performance tyres at a great price as our house brand, we’re able to provide and it comes with a great Tyre Life Guarantee. customers high qualitycomprehensive performance tyres Davantiwith offers a robust range at a great price and it comes a great Tyre that caters for our home UK with market”.

Life Guarantee. Davanti offers a robust So, if you need andhome visit comprehensive rangenew thattyres, caterscome for our Simon and the HiQ team in Chapel Ash and UK market”. they’ll get you sorted while you grab a coffee and a snack at their very own “Pit Stop” café.

So, ifHiQ you Wolverhampton need new tyres,also come and out visit work carry Simon and the HiQ team in Chapel Ash and on suspensions; brakes; air-conditioning; they’lldiagnostics; get you sorted whileexhausts; you graballoy a coffee cambelts; wheel andvery moreown to keep vehicle and arefurbishment snack at their “Pit your Stop” café.in tip top condition.

HiQ Wolverhampton also carry out work on suspensions; brakes; air-conditioning; STOCKISTS OF exhausts; alloy wheel diagnostics; cambelts; refurbishment and more to keep your vehicle in tip top condition.

CALL 01902 420234 OR EMAIL SALES@TYRESWOLVERHAMPTON.COM

97

Your Motoring

Space, Economy and Fun: meet the new Ford Ka+

Want a spacious compact car that delivers outstanding interior space and excellent fuel efficiency? The new Ford Ka+ - now available at Evans Halshaw Wolverhampton – is for you.

seats, and 21 stowage locations for small items throughout the cabin.

Stowage areas include MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel that enables occupants to store, mount and charge mobile devices and front door bins that can each hold a 1.0-litre bottle, a 0.6-litre bottle and a small umbrella. A hidden stowage bin within the end of the instrument panel is only accessible when the driver’s door is open, allowing valuables to be hidden out of sight. Driver and passengers can stow drinks easily with two cupholders for both the front and rear seat rows.

Offering superb value for money, the new, stylish Ford Ka+ is the latest high quality small car to wow car lovers.

The five-door hatchback has plenty of space for five passengers, with class-leading front headroom and rear legroom, plus 21 stowage locations, while the new 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine provides responsive performance with 114 g/km CO2 emissions and 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg) fuel efficiency.

Choose from two KA+ series options, with a standard 70 PS model, and an 85 PS model that also features manual air-conditioning, Ford’s SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with AppLink that enables voice-activation of a range of smartphone apps, and Ford MyKey, which allows owners to set maximum speed and audio volume limits – ideal for parents who are allowing young and inexperienced drivers to use their car.

All this from just £8,995.

And if you thought you were too tall to drive a compact car comfortably, think again: while the KA+ is slightly shorter than the Fiesta, it is 29 millimetres higher, with the interior features, seats, door panels and roof headliner being optimised to provide front headroom of 1002mm, rear legroom of 896 mm and rear hip room of 1335mm.

All KA+ models deliver a comprehensive standard specification including power front windows and door mirrors, remote central locking, electronic stability control with hill start assist, speed limiter, and Ford easy fuel.

It means the interior offers more than enough room for a two-metre (6’ 5”) tall passenger to sit behind a two-metre tall driver.

There’s no need to compromise on packing for holidays, either, thanks to the 270 litres of luggage space – enough to accommodate two large suitcases – plus 60/40 split-folding rear

For more details about the Ford Ka+ and to book a test drive, contact Evans Halshaw today on 01902 875400.

98

THE NEW KA+

Your Motoring

ZETEC 1.2

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: 36 Monthly Payments of Customer Deposit Term of Agreement On The Road Cash Price Total Amount of Credit Credit Arrangement Fee †

FordStore EVANS HALSHAW evanshalshaw.com

£79.00 £3,486.08 37 months £9975.00 £6,488.92 £10.00

Option to Purchase Fee †† GMFV Option to Purchase Payment Total Amount Payable Rate of Interest (Fixed) Representative 0.9% APR

£10.00 £3,768.00 £10,118.08 0.63%

Wolverhampton 57-73 Birmingham Road Wolverhampton WV2 3LS 01902 875400

Official Fuel Consumption figures in mpg (1/100km) for the Ford range: Urban 14.1-83.1 (3.4-20.1), ExtraUrban 28.8-94.2 (3.0-9.8), Combined 20.8-88.3 (3.2-13.6) Combined official CO2 emissions figures range from 82-306.0g/km All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. GMFV = Guaranteed Minimum Future Value. Offers end 31/12/2016. Representative Example is based on a personal contract purchase agreement from 01/10/2016. Contract mileage of 6,000 per annum and an excess mileage charge of 6.0p(exc VAT per mile). Further charges may apply subject to vehicle condition and mileage if you return the vehicle at the end of the agreement. †Payable with first monthly payment. ††Payable with Option to Purchase Payment. Vehicles available whilst stock lasts. Finance is subject to status. Retail Customers only. Credit provided by Ford Credit/FCE Eagle Way, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3AR. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. All figures include VAT unless otherwise stated. For full details on this offer, please visit Evans Halshaw Ford. Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. Stripestar Limited, Loxley House, 2 Oakwood Court, Little Oak Drive, Annesley, Nottingham, NG15 0DR. Company number 3786959. Stripestar Limited is a credit broker/intermediary that can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. They may incentivise us for introducing you to them.

99

DISCOVERY SPORT

ADVENTURE. IT’S IN OUR DNA.

LANCASTER LAND ROVER WOLVERHAMPTON Get behind the wheel of the Discovery Sport and discover our most versatile compact SUV to date. Intelligent technology including class-leading Terrain Response makes it perfect for the great outdoors. With a generous loadspace of up to 1,698 litres and the clever option of 5+2 seating, call us to book a test drive and experience the great indoors.

Lancaster Land Rover Wolverhampton Stafford Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 1NT 01902 915349

Representative Example Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 SE 180 5dr (Manual) On The Road Price Finance Deposit Allowance

£32,795.00 £0.00

Customer Deposit

£10,030.00

Total Amount of Credit

£22,765.00

Purchase Fee (included in final payment) 36 Monthly Payments

£10.00 £299.00

Final Payment

£16,016.00

Total Amount Payable

£36,810.00

Duration of Agreement

37 Months

Representative APR

6.9% APR

Interest Rate (Fixed)

6.69%

www.lancaster.wolverhampton.landrover.co.uk

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Discovery Sport range in mpg (I/100km): Urban 5.6-6.4 (50.4-44.1); Extra Urban 4.5-4.7 (62.8-61.4); Combined 4.9-5.3 (57.7-53.3). CO2 Emissions 139-129 g/km.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Representative Example relates to a Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 TD4 SE 180 (Manual). Representative 6.9% APR available on new Land Rover Discovery Sport registered between 1st October and 31st December 2016 at participating Retailers only. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) return the vehicle and not pay the Final Payment. If the vehicle has exceeded the allowed mileage a charge per excess mile will apply. In this example, 14p per excess mile up to 4,999, or for excess mileage of 5,000 or more, a charge of 28p will apply to each excess mile above the allowed mileage. If the vehicle is in good condition and has not exceeded the allowed mileage you will have nothing further to pay; (2) pay the Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part-exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing credit agreement; new credit agreements are subject to status. Representative example is based upon an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Credit is subject to status and only available to applicants aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N.Ireland. This credit offer is only available through Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. Vehicles shown for illustration purposes only. Jardine Motors Group includes Lancaster Motor Company Ltd, Lancaster Cars Ltd, Lancaster Luxury Vehicles Ltd, Lancaster plc, Lancaster Specialist Cars Ltd and Lancaster Sports Cars Ltd. All of whom are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.