21 minute read
Crossword
Our Crossword
CROSSWORD
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Across
1 5 8 9 10 11 13 16 17 20 21 22 23 South North American republic (6) Warning (3-3) Version still being developed (4) Boss (8) Packages (7) Literary work (4) Donkey (5,2,6) Close (4) Commander in chief of a fleet (7) Parasol (8) Wicked (4) Gorge (6) Loftier (6)
Down
2 3 4 5 6 7 12 14 15 16 18 19 Lift up (7) Hebrew patriarch (5) Fail to notice (8) Class (4) Flourish (7) Eats (5) Submissive to authority (8) Soft and moist (7) Scrutinise (7) Sweatbox (5) Standard of perfection (5) Futile (4)
Answers for SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 20 Across: 7 Sombrero, 8 Rack, 9 Falsetto, 10 Aids, 11 Siesta, 14 Ice cap, 15 Gas, 16 Gemini, 18 Tubing, 20 Plan, 21 Alphabet, 24 Czar, 25 Electric. Down: 1 Rota, 2 Abuses, 3 Teat, 4 Motorist, 5 Grease, 6 Acid rain, 12 Idealize, 13 Agitated, 17 Ignore, 19 Blasts, 22 Peek, 23 Exit.
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Celebrate Christmas with Country Baskets
Christmas, to us isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling, a celebration and it’s a huge passion of ours here at Country Baskets.
Since Christmas only comes around once a year, we want to help you turn your home into a welcoming and comforting winter wonderland… you deserve nothing less! Here at our Stourbridge store we have a great Christmas range, from brilliant baubles to wonderful wreaths.
Your home during the winter months is your sanctuary and we welcome Christmas with lighted candles and nostalgic scents. We have a great selection of scent-infused candles, dried fruits, cinnamon sticks and abundance of pillar candles that will create the most magical atmosphere. Not to mention lots of lovely candle holders, ranging from rustic reindeer lanterns to ones adorned with glitter. Nothing spreads Christmas cheer like the moment you decorate your Christmas tree. We all love to see one wonderfully decorated and brightly illuminated. We have lots of tree decorations to choose from at our Stourbridge store and online. You’ll find, glittering baubles featuring twinkling sequins, adorable robins, glittery penguins, rattan stars, traditional angels, wooden sleighs and glitzy bows. The list goes on and on… longer than Santa’s naughty list in fact! Here at Country Baskets we have all the essentials you need to set the perfect scene with our Christmas collections available in-stores now. Whether you want to create a traditional winter wonderland or a modern snowy escape, there is so much to choose from.
Discover inspiration across... Artificial Flowers & Greenery Floral Supplies | Baskets | Dried Vases & Glassware | Foam | Craft Wedding | Seasonal & MORE!
Visit your local store; Country Baskets, Gibbs Road, Stourbridge, Birmingham, DY9 8SY
Alternatively, shop online at...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Country Baskets
What Does Your Christmas Tree Say About You?
This year, it’s estimated that about 10.6 million Christmas trees, both farmed and artificial, will be sold in the UK.
Artificial Christmas tree sales hot up on October 30, with sales peaking in the first week of December. Most Christmas trees are up and fully decorated by December 4.
Robert Dyas has its best selection of Christmas trees this year both in-store and online, including an impressive 7-ft LED pre-lit tree, a variety of ‘real feel’ trees, plus fibre optic wonders.
Jodie Harris, known as the Robert Dyas Head Elf, has looked into its best-selling Christmas trees and identified what a person’s Christmas tree says about them. The Head Elf says: “Christmas trees are the focal point of virtually every home. We’ve listened to our shoppers and have noted some frequently recurring traits.”
THE NATURAL WHOLESOME TREE LOVER
With abundant dark green foliage and often decorated in traditional red, green and gold, the ‘natural wholesome Christmas tree’ – like its owner – represents solid family values and the true generous spirit of Christmas. This tree is the heart of the home and is a timeless classic. Many of the decorations will hold great sentimental value to the owner, evoking memories of family days gone by, and decorating the tree is always an annual family affair, with great value placed on input from family members, both young and old.
This tree owner loves Christmas tradition and thrives on the chaos associated with the festive season. Christmas allows them to shine as brightly as the star on top of their tree. With their exceptional organisational skills, they produce superb Christmas fare, enough to feed an army, all executed with military precision, of course. Their natural warmth and flair for entertaining comes to the fore at Christmas time.
THE ALPINIST
Christmas is an all-round sensory experience for the sensual ‘alpinist tree’ lover. This snowdusted Christmas creation inspires thoughts of cosy log cabins, snow-covered slopes and the heavenly aroma of pinecones burning on an open fire. Alpinists are excited by the ‘real feel’ technology of this exquisite tree.
The ‘alpinist tree’ owner loves the great outdoors and seeks to recreate their alpine fantasy indoors. They dream of spending the festive season skiing across glistening snowcovered slopes before returning to their luxurious ski chalet with cheeks aglow. Their
Our Christmas
idea of heaven is wearing a chunky jumper and sinking into the sofa whilst sipping on mulled wine and feasting on roasted chestnuts with their loved ones gathered all around. For the Alpinist, Christmas is like living in a winter wonderland Christmas card. It is all about immersing themselves in the pictureperfect magical atmosphere of the season.
CHRISTMAS PARTY PEOPLE
A tall, slim, striking ice-white Christmas tree makes a bold statement. Like their owners, these splendid trees display total design confidence with their ultra-modern take on the festive season.
A pure white tree makes for a stunning centrepiece at any Christmas party and these trees are ideally suited to someone who enjoys being the star of the show. Christmas party people are vibrant and fun loving, especially around the festive season and this fantastically coloured tree expresses their blithe spirit.
But be warned: do not attempt to offer any décor advice! ‘Party people tree lovers’ are notoriously possessive about their trees and decorating rights are strictly exclusive to the owner. Baubles are always colour coordinated and precision in placement is key to the creation of this masterpiece.
White Christmas trees are very much on trend, appealing mostly to a younger generation of Instgrammers and Snapchatters setting up home for the first time.
MINIMALIST
The most understated, yet stunningly stylish tree belongs to the minimalists. Like their owners, their appearance is elegant, streamlined and super-sleek.
There is no clutter and chaos associated with the high-gloss experience of a minimalist
Christmas. The ‘minimalist tree’ will typically be found in a pristine home environment, such as an uber-cool urban apartment. Christmas is a chic monochromatic affair run with clockwork efficiency and the sheer simplicity is representative of the smooth running and fuss-free existence of the ‘minimalist tree’ lover.
Christmas dinner might comprise a sophisticated tray of sushi rather than a traditional Christmas turkey with all its trimmings and paraphernalia. The ‘minimalist Christmas tree’ deliberately lacks any adornment with not a bauble in sight! This tree is all about restraint in design and is perhaps the preferred choice of individuals who work in the fields of architecture or interior design.
This tree is also favoured by people with very little time on their hands to spend decorating and those who might be going away over Christmas but want to demonstrate their Christmas spirit.
WHICH BEAR WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
TRADITIONAL DESIGNS OR SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE QUIRKY ... OUR FESTIVE FRIENDS MAKE THE PERFECT PRESENT
Who are we …
Canterbury Bears was founded in 1979 by my father, British painter John Blackburn and almost 40 years later, my mother Maude and I head up our business. Together with a truly dedicated team we design and create beautiful hand-made English bears.
The company was originally created in response to a friend searching for a traditional bear for his grandmother, and he commissioned John to design and make one … the rest is history. Our unique bears continue to occupy a special place in the hearts of children and adults around the world. Bears are our passion, but other animals also add to the magic of what we do.
In 2016 John Blackburn was awarded an MBE for services to manufacturing and export in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
Where are we …
All our creations are designed and made in our workshops, situated in a small village close to the historic Cathedral City of Canterbury in Kent. The unwavering ethos of our family business is that we are 100% designed and handmade in England. the City of Canterbury coat of arms as our logo; this ancient marque is registered by the Garter King of Arms and dates from the 11th Century.
Why our bears are so special …
We know that every bear occupies a special place in the heart of their owner. We ensure that each and every one of our bears, and other animal friends, is truly individual. Each is hand jointed, the joints manufactured in our workshop on a traditional Victorian press using sustainable English wood. We use English hand-blown glass eyes crafted in the Midlands. We source the best fabrics from all over the world including wool, tweed and tartans from the mills of Yorkshire and Scotland, kimono silks from Japan, and mohair from Germany. Our bears are filled with 100% pure recycled white polyester; 100% pure cotton fibre ; or uniquely can be filled with 100% wood wool.
Our makers love what they do and between us we have over 200 years of bear-making experience. When you buy from Canterbury Bears, we guarantee your purchase has been made with love by an experienced and dedicated team here in the heart of the English countryside. Our bears will last a life time and beyond.
Our Education
CYCLE RIDE TO COMMEMORATE SCHOOL OPENING
Group at the start of the ride (Gareth Jones is centre holding the Welsh Flag)
In this year when nothing has been able to be celebrated as might have been planned, Bromsgrove School had hoped to come together with the town of Llanwrtyd Wells to celebrate their combined history, 80 years on. At the start of the Second World War the Senior School was evacuated to this small welsh town and on September 20th 1940, Bromsgrove Junior School opened its doors with just 16 pupils. From these small foundations the Junior School flourished and it now has over 500 pupils. Sadly the celebrations that were planned have had to be postponed, but some of the School’s intrepid staff decided to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Bromsgrove Prep School in their own way.
Organised by Gareth Jones, the Prep School’s Head of Boys PE, 14 cyclists, all members of school staff, took on the challenge of riding from Llanwrtyd Wells to Bromsgrove, with four riders even completing a round trip of 180 miles.
Gareth commented, “This is a day that will stay long in the memory. To cycle from where we were based in Llanwrtyd Wells back to Bromsgrove was a symbolic thing to do and I first thought about the idea during lockdown as it was reported that 1.3 million people bought bikes and it also coincided with the founding of the Prep School in Wales, my home country. The team of riders set out a glorious sunny day from Llanwrtyd to Bromsgrove. Cycling through the countryside either side of the border was beautiful and this certainly helped to ensure that the day ran smoothly.”
More detail of the School’s evacuation to Wales follows:
81 years ago Bromsgrove School moved to Llanwrtyd Wells after the School buildings were requisitioned by the Ministry of War on 7th September 1939. By 30th September, 240 boys were in their temporary home and Llanwrtyd Wells became Bromsgrove School’s main home for four years during World War Two. As the War intensified and the threat of invasion grew, parents of younger boys asked for their sons to be taken under Bromsgrove School care. Bombing raids on major towns and cities across the country led Headmaster Walters to believe that a Prep School was needed to accommodate the growing need. On September 20th 1940, Bromsgrove Junior School opened its doors with just 16 pupils.
Our Education
AWARD WINNING EDUCATION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.
Wolverhampton Grammar School is an extraordinary school. Founded in 1512, it's one of the oldest schools in the country, within easy access of the wider West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire thanks to flexible school bus links. The independent day School educates children from Year 3 to Upper Sixth.
If you’ve never visited the stunning 25 acre campus, you can register at any time for a virtual open event or personal tour. Simply visit www.wgs.org.uk to register for events that are taking place across the Autumn.
First priority is the happiness of your child
Children at Wolverhampton Grammar School receive pastoral care like nowhere else – that’s because happy children do well, thrive, and leave the school with excellent exam results and the confidence to embrace whatever opportunities come their way.
Your child will never feel alone at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Assistant Head of Pastoral Care, Claudine Jones leads a team of staff to support and work with families. Support includes a dedicated, expert pastoral team, School Counsellor and annual adolescent mental health tracking using the latest digital tools.
Academic excellence
The academic achievements of the students speak for themselves. This year was no exception with stellar results at GCSE and A Level. Including a 100% pass rate at A Level and a full house of Cambridge Technical Distinction grades. Sixth Form students achieved the highest number of A*- A grades for over 10 years, with 56% of entries receiving nothing but the top two grades.
The School offers a tailored and individual approach to UCAS and Careers support and students can expect the very best preparation possible when it comes to life after school. The Class of 2020 have gone on to study at Cambridge, Oxford and a wide range of prestigious universities.
Interested to learn more? Simply visit the website to register www.wgs.org.uk for an open event or to book a school tour, alternatively please contact the Admissions team at Wolverhampton Grammar School telephone 01902 422939.
WALKING RUGBY ARRIVES AT STOURBRIDGE RFC
This Autumn, Stourbridge RFC is introducing a new format of the game, Walking Rugby, to help encourage wider participation in sport and fitness.
Walking Rugby is a slower, non-contact version of the game, and is particularly suited to retired players, those recovering from injury and illness, and over-50s wishing to stay fit and active. It can be played by all ages and sexes together on the same pitch.
The new format is competitive and good fun, but no previous rugby experience is required, so it’s open to all levels of fitness and skill. On top of that, it’s a great way to meet new people and socialise whilst having fun. It is hoped that the inclusive nature of Walking Rugby will help to keep people involved at Stourbridge and even bring new members to the Club.
If you are interested in participating in Walking Rugby, give the Club a call on 01384 395000
Our Travel
ALL ABOARD FOR A CITYBREAK IN BRUNEL’S BRISTOL. by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist
Bristol, one of the UK’s most popular destinations, offers a glimpse into its intriguing heritage and rich maritime history, and the opportunity to view the engineering masterpieces of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Born in Portsmouth in 1806, Brunel is revered as one of Britain’s greatest civil, structural and marine engineers. As chief engineer of the Great Western Railway he surveyed the entire route from London to Bristol on horseback, and developed the Great Western Steam Ship Company's first propeller-driven iron-hulled ship carrying passengers from Bristol to North America.
London Paddington station, designed by Brunel, opened in 1854, and I decided to hop on the Great Western Railway train, direct to Bristol, to find out more.
Bristol Temple Meads station, which opened in 1878, was also designed by Brunel. Outside, I boarded a local bus, bound for the Premier Suites Bristol Cabot Circus, located on Quarker’s Friars, in the centre of the city.
Premier Suites Bristol Cabot Circus offers modern, serviced, one or two bedroom apartments and features include an open plan lounge with comfy sofas, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. My airy apartment featured two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en-suite) and the ultra-comfortable double bed, resulted in a long leisurely lie-in.
After breakfast, I hopped on a bus headed for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s first project at the age of only 23. Construction lasted for 33 years and the bridge opened in 1864. Traversing the Avon Gorge and the River Avon with a length of 412 metres and a width of 9.45 metres it is magnificent.
After admiring the splendid views I took another local bus and made my way to the Great Western Dockyard to explore yet another of Brunel’s masterpieces.
The SS Great Britain, launched in 1843, was the longest purpose-built passenger ship in the world combining an iron hull with screw propulsion. The three decks provided accommodation for 360 passengers and 120 crew and the vessel’s maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York in 1845 took only 14 days. In 1852 the ship was sold and adapted and set sail for Australia carrying emigrants. Later, the vessel carried cargo from England to the west coast of America and in 1886 she suffered damage whilst sailing off Cape Horn and her captain steered her to the Falkland Islands where she was sold. Abandoned until she was rescued in 1970, she returned to Bristol on a huge floating pontoon, pulled by tugs, and having sailed around the world 32 times her arduous restoration began.
With my city-break coming to an end I reluctantly left the Great Western Dockyard but my spirits were lifted when I reflected on the wise words of Isambard Kingdom Brunel 'Nil desperandum has always been my motto'.
Accommodation: Premier Suites, known for ‘bringing home a little closer’, offers the perfect alternative to a traditional hotel stay. For more information on the featured property and more around the UK and Europe
Our Travel
visit premiersuiteseurope.com
Transport: Avoid the roads and travel in style and comfort with Great Western Railway direct from London Paddington to Bristol in 94 minutes. For more information visit gwr. com * Be sure of safe travel by wearing a face covering (unless exempt), maintaining social distance, washing hands throughout the journey, and using e tickets and contactless payment.
Attractions: For a fun-filled family day out Bristol Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions. Residents include gorillas, sloths, Asiatic lions, African penguins, meerkats and much more. For more information visit bristolzoo.org.uk. And for more information on the SS Great Britain visit ssgreatbritain.org
Local transport: Purchase an 'mTicket' from the free First Bus app and get around with ease. Unlimited travel for 1, 7 or more consecutive days on First buses, including metrobus but excluding Airport Flyer services. For more information visit firstgroup.com/bristol
Horoscopes Our Horoscopes Horoscopes
With John Starkey 01902334224 21/04 - 20/05 Taurus
It is worth thinking about taking life at www.john-starkey.co.uk a slightly slower pace, as the advent johnstarkey123@outlook.com Capricorn PiscesAquarius December 21 - January 19 January 20 - February 18 February 19 - March 20 of the planet Jupiter, could suggest that you need to hold yourself back for just a week or two, whilst you weigh up the important options Scorpio 23/10 - 22/11 It is important to keep a padlock of the planet Jupiter, could suggest that you need to hold yourself back for just a week or two, whilst you weigh up the important options This is not the time to drag your feet .The door of opportunity is ajar for you now, but you need to grasp the nettle and act now. There are great rewards for Confusion seems to be disappearing into the mist as a major constellation blesses your sign with financial benefits and oodles of good luck. The position of the planet Venus indicates that this could be a catching up period when you can perhaps recoup losses or catch up in terms of time. in front of you. you may be professionally head upon your temper and allow yourself in front of you. you may be professionally head early risers. The ability to get ahead is in your hands. hunted which could be well worth waiting for.to think before you act. Indecision now could hunted which could be well worth waiting for. create untimely delays. The next few weeks
Gemini21/06 - 20/06 do however look very promising particularly for Your wonderfully placid attitude and gentle approach to others, could make you the ideal person to put balm on Scorpions in love. Sagittarius 23/11 - 20/12 make you the ideal person to put balm on Aries March 21- April 20 Partnerships and alliance’s look very well aspected. Taurus April 21 - May 20 lnformation and hot gossip could reveal the secrets Gemini May 21 - June 20 You become the sunshine in someone else’s troubled waters. There may be those who will thank you for your good advice and well Try to take a neutral view particularly in matters relating to others. Perhaps, troubled waters. There may be those who will thank you for your good advice and well Joining forces with another will strengthen business bonds and could add spice to your personal life. Love is in the air. that you may have wanted answers to for some time. The grapevine is working well so keep your ears to the ground. rainstorm. That intrepid planet Jupiter is bringing you optimism and confidence by the bucket full. You lead where others thought out and empathetic ideas.it is a good time to put up, shut up and bide thought out and empathetic ideas. follow. your time until you say your piece. Time is on your side.
Our Horoscopes
T: 01902334224 W: www.john-starkey.co.uk E: johnstarkey123@outlook.com
Taurus 21/04 - 20/05 It is worth thinking about taking life at a slightly slower pace, as the advent Cancer Leo Virgo June 21 - July 21 July 22 - August 21 August 22 - September 22 of the planet Jupiter, could suggest that you Though travel plans look Give yourself a fighting As the scales of justice fall very well aspected you may chance if you decide in your favour you could need to hold yourself back for just a week or find yourself hesitating about final decisions. to take an unexpected gamble. Try to use that find yourself having to sort out legal paperwork or two, whilst you weigh up the important options Follow your heart and you won’t go far wrong. cunning Leo shrewdness to mitigate any great risk. official documents of some kind . The outcome could in front of you. you may be professionally head be very good in terms of money and satisfaction.
hunted which could be well worth waiting for.
Gemini 21/06 - 20/06
Your wonderfully placid attitude and gentle approach to others, could Libra September 21 - October 22 Scorpio October 23 - November 22 Sagittarius November 23 - December 20 make you the ideal person to put balm on The more amazing you look the better the That slippery full moon having past us ,all should Love and romance reign supreme in your birth response you will get from become hunky dory once chart. This could be troubled waters. There may be those who others. So maybe it’s time to put on your best togs more. You are entering an exceptional period of your the right time to pop the question or even will thank you for your good advice and well scrub up well and expect lots of positive attention life which should bring you security strength and strengthen an existing relationship You are in from others. stability. At last you have favour with Cupid’s arrow. thought out and empathetic ideas. emerged smelling of roses.
