Our Lifestyle Magazine March/April 20

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Our

ifestyle Magazine

March / April 2020

WHAT’S ON PLENTY OF IDEAS ON HOW TO SPEND THE EASTER HOLIDAYS

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Our Lifestyle Magazine

Contents

Welcome I don’t know about you, but it always gladdens my heart to see the daylight hours stretch out because it means one thing: spring is here! It’s time to get into the garden and prepare it for the floral displays that make your outdoor space so inviting; it’s also lovely to get out and about, exploring our fabulous region and enjoying great hospitality of our cafes, restaurants and pubs.

This season is full of celebrations, too, with Mother’s Day and Easter, so have fun celebrating with the family.

This March/April issue is packed with everything you need to give your home a spring 2020 makeover, seasonal dishes that you can rustle up at home, holiday ideas for when you need to get away from it all, and tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle. It also focuses on great, local businesses that work every day to make a positive difference to our lives.

I hope you enjoy the edition – I look forward to seeing you in May! (ps: Don’t forget to put your clocks forward on Sunday, March 29.)

EARN MONEY & KEEP FIT Our magazine requires distributors in Kidderminster, Halesowen & Sedgley. Good rates of pay. Ring Graham on 07969 884247 for details.

Home

2 - 21

Travel

22 - 27

Fashion

28 - 31

Weddings

32 - 34

Mother's Day

35 - 38

Health & Beauty

39 - 49

Showbiz News

50 - 51

What’s On

52 - 55

Education

56 - 57

Horoscopes

58 - 59

Food & Drink

60 - 63

Why I Love My Job

64 - 66

Pets

67 - 69

Gardens

70 - 71

Motoring

72 - 73

Crossword

74

Classified

75

B2B

76

Funerals

77

Finance & Legal

78 - 84

Danielle Scandrett

Linda Farren

Marketing & Design Manager

Managing Director 07841 431446

daniellescandrett@outlook.com

linda@ourlifestylemag.co.uk

Feature Writers: Bob Hickman, Jane de Weijer, Mike Whitehurst, Rebecca Underwood, Sally Mansell.

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 Our 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 2020 the winner will be notified by 15th April 2020. 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 2020 the competition will run until 10th April 2020.

Details of the winner available on request by writing to: Our Lifestyle Magazine Limited, Dominique House 1 Church Road, Netherton. DY2 0LY. Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Our Lifestyle Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage, or omission in an advert. Our 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.

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Our Home

A new decade brings exciting new trends into our home interiors: rich textures, strong colours and all things artisan and hand-crafted still remain popular themes, along with materials such as metallics and stone. If you are looking for wallpapers, you’ll find plenty of geometric patterns and intricate florals alongside textured metallics. It really is the year to shine!

WINTER WARM UP Warming up your winter home? Looking forward to the summer months? Bring the outdoors in by including textures and finishes that you’d normally find on the patio or in the garden – it’ll help to recreate those sunny days. It’s not just a perfect look for your conservatory, if combined with rich shades, it’s also ideal for your new 2020 room refurbishment.

It is important to think naturals and textures for this trend.

Combine textures and motifs on rugs and cushions: (5) the Amina Pom Pom Cushion, John Lewis. www.johnlewis.co.uk, (6) Tamia Chunky Textured Cushion, www. notonthehighstreet.com, and (7) the Aztec cushion, www.trouve.com, can be layered and styled to create the right vibe.

On my Rattan board I have combined chunky textured cushions with rattan accessories, woven baskets and Moroccan patterns. It’s on-trend for 2020 and also is a lovely reminder of summer.

As we are indoors, add ‘weight’ to the room by going for rich colours on furniture and upholstery. The Sofa Tulum, Swoon Editions (8), www.swooneditions.com, has a rich gold velvet, still very on-trend and a perfect complement to the rattan textures.

Accessories are key: (1) The Loully Raffia Fringe Round Mirror www.laredoute.co.uk, and the (2) Rattan Bowl Pendant will add texture and style to the room. This trend is all about texture and layering.

For contrast, paint colour on the walls. Try terracottas and teal blues and combine with crisp white woodwork. To really conjure up memories of the sunshine, I have added this Moroccan Trellis wallpaper (9), www. ilovewallpaper.com – a traditional pattern on a feature wall will provide a perfect backdrop to your indoor summer space.

This floor lamp (3), from www. maisonsdumonde.com, is also a fantastic addition to a room.

Looking for storage? To keep the Rattan style, look for ‘hand-made’ items. This sideboard by Swoon Editions (4) also has the 2020 metallic finish.

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Our Home

Rattan Vibes Warming up your winter home 2 1

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Our Home

WORKING A TREND Whatever your personal choice, when it comes to designing your home and how you combine materials/style, paying attention to the detail is key. It reflects you and your personality.

FLORAL THEMES Heavy and dramatic floral wallpapers are in every top wallpaper design catalogue this season.

without being too obvious, as well as keep the space calm and structured, even if you have strong colour combinations and details.

Here the herringbone pattern in the carpet is replicated in the tile layout, which could be on the fireplace, for or the kitchen splash back.

If you are looking to recreate this look in your home try this beautiful Delft Flower Grande wallpaper (1) by Designers Guild and keep the colour palette deep and muted (2). Match up the pinks and stones for walls and woodwork – warm pinks are still a popular colour choice for your 2020 room.

If this is a space that needs a tile, go artisan: handmade textures will offer a good contrast.

The landscape tile by Fired Earth (5) will look perfect. Use gold grout to add the luxe and glamour that current interiors are incorporating.

Sulking Room Pink and Old School Room White by Farrow and Ball keep the look contemporary and enhance the deep tones in the wallpaper. Be careful not to go too pale and stark because you will not complement the patterns and tones. For curtains, blinds and footstool upholsteries, keep it natural and simple with linens in a range of greys and stone shades (3). These will serve to complement the strong colours in the paper.

Finally, add rich velvets to the cushions (6).

Jewel colours in teal blues, fuchsia pinks and emerald greens will add a pop of colour.

Stockists: Wallpaper and velvets: www. designersguild.com; paint: www.farrowball.com; tiles: www.firedearth.com; carpet, www.nakedflooring.com; linens, www.

Raystich.co.uk.

To the floor: this rug (4) not only adds texture to the space but also has the chevron pattern, which is very current for the 2020 room.

You can also hang it on your walls. Replicate patterns to add a subtle visual reference in the room. It will create cohesion to the scheme 10

Our Home

Work the trend,

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Stockists: Wallpaper and velvets,www.designersguild.com; Paint, www.farrow-ball.com, Tiles, www.ďŹ redearth.com; carpet, www.nakedooring.com; Linens, www.Raystich.co.uk.

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Our Home

LUXE LIVING 2020 All things that shine will continue to play a crucial part in our interiors.

Go bold with the light fittings. This chandelier (1) in crystal glass and gold, suits the trend perfectly. It’s from a selection at Maison Du Monde, www.maisondumonde.com.

Alongside the Art Deco inspired luxe interior trend, look for burnished golds, brass and coppers – the go-to metallics. Luxurious fabrics, including embellished silks and velvets, add to the glamour. Enjoy all this trend has to offer – you can fully embrace it or just add additions to your room for decadent glamour.

(2) The go-to 2020 interior colour palette of rich muted hues works well with metallics.

This scalloped-back velvet chair (3) is a perfect choice and absolutely on-trend – this one is from Cult Furniture. The Safavieh Eleni Brass Sideboard (4), also from Cult Furniture, adds opulence. Use metallics on cupboard fronts to update furniture.

The Stripy Stripe Wallpaper in Pink Gold is a rich rose pink paper with a wide metallic stripe (5) and it perfectly complements the luxe room.

Rich woods add contrast to the colours (6). Source fluted timber panels for below the dado, add a dado rail and paint with a burnished gold finish. A good DIY store should help to source the right materials.

The motif on this furnishing fabric (7) will really suit the mood. Look for large emblems, iconic Art Deco motifs, either on accessories or furnishings, for a gorgeous addition to your room. This is the Genevieve Gorder Flock Velvet Oro Fabric from www.fabric.com.

Find similar at John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Stockists: wallpaper: www.ilovewallpaper. co.uk; light fitting: www.maisonsdumonde. com; furnishing fabric, www.fabric.com; chair, www.cultfurniture.co.uk; sideboard: www. houzz.co.uk.

Happy decorating! Remember be positive in your colour choices this year and don’t forget to add some sparkle to your 2020 home.

Kits Balsam Sofa - www.casone.com

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Our Home

Luxe living 1

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2 Stockists: Wallpaper, www.ilovewallpaper.co.uk ; Light ďŹ tting, www.maisonsdumonde.com ; Furnishing fabric, www.fabric.com; Chair, www.cultfurniture.co.uk; Sideboard, www..houzz.co.uk

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Our Home

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Our Home

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Once installed, Garolla roller garage doors are operated with a wireless remote control, meaning you can access your garage from the comfort of your car.

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Vienna: a city of art, culture and music

by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist

Vienna, Austria’s glorious capital city, is rich with cultural heritage and has an impressive musical legacy. It’s no wonder more than 6.8 million tourists visit every year.

in 1602; the Imperial Cross; the Holy Lance; and an extensive collection of elaborate coronation vestments.

Also on display is one of the world’s largest emeralds and, of course, it is absolutely mesmerising.

Located on the banks of the mighty River Danube, it is close to the borders of Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and its historic centre features imposing castles, opulent buildings that reflect Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, beautiful verdant parks, and the late 19th century Ringstraße.

Keen to develop a deeper understanding of the Habsburgs, I headed for the Imperial Apartments, which served as the residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, who was affectionately known as Sisi.

The centre of Vienna was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, and in 2018 a study undertaken by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked the city as the best in the world for its quality of life.

The 24 rooms offer the visitor an opportunity to take a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and as all are crammed with twinkling crystal chandeliers, beautiful furniture, statues and works of art, there is much to admire. The Sisi Museum, also within the Hofburg complex, celebrates the life of Empress Elisabeth and exhibits include many of her personal possessions and portraits, which capture her beauty.

My explorations of Vienna’s cultural heritage began at the dazzling Hofburg Palace, which was the centre of the Habsburg monarchy from 1273 to 1918 and is now the principal venue for the world-famous Silvesterball, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 31 December 2020.

Seeking a place to relax, I headed for another popular attraction, a short stroll away and still within the Hofburg Palace complex. The Imperial Butterfly House, which was once a retreat for Emperor Franz Josef I and Sisi, is a tropical oasis, housed within a beautiful Art Nouveau palm house. It provides the ideal spot to take a seat when a busy itinerary

It is where you can see the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which dates back to the 10th century, in the Imperial Treasury, while other glittering treasures include the Imperial Austrian Crown, which was made for the Emperor Rudolf II 24

Our Travel affects the feet. Inside are 400 free-flying, colourful butterflies, which flutter around past waterfalls, settling on exotic plants and enticing all visitors.

Charles VI. It is a spectacular sight. The High Altar, which has undergone renovation, has regained its original colourful grandeur and is stunning.

Due to its impressive musical legacy, which stretches from the era of Viennese Classicism, which began in the 1750s, to the beginning of the 20th century, Vienna is known as the city of music. It has been home to many celebrated composers of international renown, including Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mahler and Mozart, and it was also the birthplace of Schubert, Strauss, Schoenberg and Berg.

Following the concert, I headed for the Café Motto am Fluss, on Franz Josefs Kai, beside the Danube, where I enjoyed a delicious asparagus risotto, accompanied by a glass of 2017 Gruner Veltliner Belle Naturelle. It was a first class dish and I was also able to admire the view and watch the various vessels sailing sedately by.

For a more formal affair, the Restaurant Motto am Fluss, on the floor below, serves an outstanding dish of crispy pork, glazed in Tong Hao, chilli, honey and served with spicy carrot – a glass of 2017 Chardonnay Juris takes the flavours to another level.

To appreciate Vienna’s musical heritage, I attended an exceptional performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche on Argentinierstraße. Vivaldi died in Vienna in 1741 and was buried a few metres away from Karlskirche. The church is the ideal venue for such a stirring concert, expertly performed by the Orchestra 1756 on period instruments.

For a city that can accommodate millions of visitors a year, it is not surprising that there is a wide selection of hotels, but if you seek space, peace and privacy, the Aparthotel Adagio is ideal. Located on Uraniastrasse beside the Danube, there are tram stops right outside and the historic city centre is within walking distance.

Karlskirche, one of Vienna’s many architectural gems, was completed in 1739 and features the most beautiful cupola, whose frescoes represent the glory of Saint Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of the Habsburg Emperor

The Silvesterball Vienna courtesy of HOFBURG Vienna 25

Our Travel

Adagio Vienna Facilities include a fitness centre, sauna, private indoor parking, complimentary wifi and a self-service laundry room. My spacious, one bedroom, air-conditioned apartment featured a huge balcony that overlooked the Danube and it was the ideal spot to relax with a tipple after a full day of explorations. The lounge was well furnished and came with a huge television/radio, while the kitchen had all the gadgets required to rustle up a breakfast.

A supermarket with an excellent deli is just a short hop away, but as my cooking skills are rather lacking I succumbed to a late lie-in and opted for the hot and cold buffet breakfast.

of the cathedral is a mosaic of the doubleheaded eagle, which represents the empire that was once ruled by the Habsburgs.

St Stephen’s Cathedral is also the resting place of Frederick III, the first Emperor of the House of Habsburg. His tomb is adorned with 240 statues and is a fine example of medieval workmanship.

Strolling back towards my hotel, and feeling peckish, I spotted the Hard Rock Café on Rotenturmstraße. The café has a spellbinding collection of memorabilia, which includes Mick Jagger’s military style coat that he wore during the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour; Ian Anderson’s (of Jethro Tull) flute convair; John Entwistle’s (of The Who) bass guitar; the Moody Blue’s Minimoog synthesizer; signed photographs of the Beatles; the piccolo trumpet played on Penny Lane; and Sgt Pepper’s horn arrangement, signed by the Fab Four.

Another of Vienna’s major attractions is St Stephen’s Cathedral and I took a leisurely stroll beside the Danube before making my way to Stephensplatz. Founded in 1137, the cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

It was constructed from limestone and soars 446 feet high and the south bell tower is a principal feature in Vienna’s skyline. It is said that the composer Beethoven realised the extent of his deafness when he noticed birds flying out of the bell tower and did not hear the bells ringing.

As I sat at a table in the British section, I devoured delicious baby back ribs and sipped on a sparkling blackberry sangria, raising my glass to the wonderful city of Vienna and to the music and lyrics of Lennon and McCartney ...

The cathedral features a multi-coloured roof, consisting of 230,000 glazed, patterned tiles.

When these are flooded in golden sunlight, it is a magnificent spectacle. On the south side

‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make’

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Our Travel

Hofburg - courtesy WienTourismus + Peter Rigaud

'Top tip'- Flights to Vienna Rebecca travelled with British Airways, direct from London Heathrow to Vienna. Opt for business class, which includes a guaranteed aisle or window seat, 2 x 32 kilos checked baggage, a dedicated checkin area and access to the BA lounge. For more information visit britishairways.com. Birmingham International Airport also has direct flights to Vienna. For details, visit: www.birminghamairport. co.uk

'Top tip' - airport transfers and local transportation Rebecca had private airport transfers for London Heathrow and Vienna, taking advantage of a reliable and punctual first class service from Blacklane, which offers UK-wide and international services. Prices are all inclusive and guaranteed in advance. Visit blacklane.com

'Top tip' – attractions and getting around Purchase a Vienna Pass, which includes entrance fees to more than 60 attractions. For more information visit viennapass.com and for getting around a Vienna City Card valid for 24, 48 or 72 hrs includes access to all public transport and discounts on a wide variety of attractions and more.

Visit viennacitycard.at

'Top tip': The Vivaldi Four Seasons concert and the Imperial Butterfly House For more information and tickets visit www.concert-vienna.info/ and schmetterlinghaus.at

'Top tip' accommodation For more information on the featured property visit adagio-city.com 27

I hope you are all enjoying the new spring trends, for the March/April fashion edit I have chosen all the easy soft shades, coral pinks, denim blues, olives and vanilla.

This season, choose fine crocheted knitwear, woven leather handbags, square necklines, flared jeans and oversized shades.

Enjoy my spring fashion edit and get inspired to add gorgeous items to your spring/summer wardrobe.

CORAL PINK 1 1 – Kate Spade - Bag 2 – Mango - Shorts 3 – River Island - Espadrille 4 – Zara - Earrings 5 – Stories.com - Blouse 6 – Reiss - Trouser Suit 7 – Mango - Bag 8 - Reiss - Jacket

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Look out for the soft coral/pink shades this season. I’m going to a wedding in April and I’m seriously considering a trouser suit. This one from Reiss is a fabulous shape. Add the beaded tote bag from Mango and make a statement with your jewellery - floral earrings will be a trend moving forward.

Platforms are back to wear with your flares and there is also a nod to the peplum, which is great for creating a waistline.

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BLUE HEAVEN 9 – Topshop - Bag 10 – Free People - Next – Denim Dress 11 – Zara - Olive Denim 12 – bimbaylola.com - Denim Shirt 13 – theremormation.com – Square Neck Top

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14 – Zara - White Shirt 15 – River Island - Blue Shirt 16 – Mango - Western Boot 17 – uterque.com - Tweed Jacket

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Denim blue could well be the colour of the season and there's bound to be a shade that suits you.

High waisted jeans are definitely the way forward, whether you wear skinny tapered or flares. There are so many great shirts: patchwork, laser cut or over-sized. It's worth investing in one. Denim isn’t just blue, look out for fabulous olive shades and add statement belts, as the Uterque image, a multi chain belt to go with the tweed jacket.

The leather woven bag will be the must have bag29this season.

Every spring there is a nod to the Prairie trend. I love this fringe jacket from River Island, add the new season square neck top and tiered skirt for a complete fashion reboot. Over-sized knitwear is still on the High St, wear classic shapes to suit your figure. Try these soft pull on trainers from River Island, they are so comfortable and come in a few colours. New season clutch bags are soft and gathered, while mules are still going strong: these from Mango would be fantastic for the spring/ summer season.

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VANILLA CREAM 23 – River Island – Frill Skirt 24 – stories.com – White Flares 25 – Mango – Mule 26 – uterque.com - Bag

18 – Stories.com - Polo 19 – River Island – Fringe Jacket 20 – Zara - Cardigan 21 – River Island - Trainer 22 – thereformation.com – Square Neck Top 30

26

SUIT YOURSELF 31 – Reiss – Short Suit 32 – massimodutti.com – Tote Bag 33 - stories.com – Shades 34 - thereformation.com - Loafer

27 – Reiss - Blouse 28 – uterque.com - Slingback 29 – Topshop – Trouser Suit 30 – Zara – Leather Skirt

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Soft suiting is so fabulous at the moment whether you wear it for work in blues and greys or gorgeous spring shades for weddings or parties. This olive blouse from Reiss has so many key season trends, sleeve detail, frills & a peplum, what’s not to like! How gorgeous is this faux leather A line skirt from Zara, it comes with the snake belt, such a classy look which you could keep in your wardrobe and utilize from one season to the next, the oversized tote bag is key plus loafers and oversized shades.

Sling backs with ankle ties are new for spring 2020.

I can’t wait to get out there and update my wardrobe. Happy Shopping!

Sally x www.shecanstyle.co.uk 31

Our Weddings

MUM'S THE WORD What is the next best thing to your own wedding day? The wedding day of your son or daughter, of course! But what should mums do to ensure they do their children proud on this happiest of days? We find out ...

But there are two other special women on the female cast list who will also start planning their outfits just as carefully – the mothers of the bride and groom.

There aren’t many rules governing their outfits but as they are centre stage (almost!) for most of the day they can afford to dress up.

From the moment a couple announce their engagement, brides-to-be go into overdrive as they start thinking about what she will wear on the big day.

The main consideration is choosing an outfit that is practical, comfortable and smart that 32

Our Weddings can withstand a long day of ceremonies, speeches and evening celebrations ahead.

Hats can sometimes make or break an outfit.

We suggest the following:

It’s best if the mothers avoid wearing white and only choose a cream outfit if the bride is in something more unconventional, such as red or gold.

•

Your hat should not cast shadows on the face – it doesn’t look good on the photographs – so pick something that lets light through or the brim is turned outwards.

•

Try to keep the brim of the hat within the width of the shoulders if you don’t want to look top heavy

•

Avoid heavy brims and high-collared jackets or you may find on the photographs that your face disappears into the neck.

•

Big hats suit lower neckline outfits and they also balance well with three-quarter length jackets or longer dresses.

•

Summery prints often go better with feathered or netted headdresses.

Gone are the days of mothers wearing clashing outfits on the day. It’s common sense for them to consult with the couple and with each other about colour and style choices so that the wedding party’s attire tones into an overall scheme that is both visually pleasing and complementary.

But while the mothers agree a plan, there is one other danger to consider - another relative wearing the same outfit. This might happen if family and guests come from the same area and could buy their outfits from similar specialist stores.

In this case, it’s probably best to resort to the grapevine of family and friends and make it known early which colours you are wearing and the shades chosen for accessories. In that way, other female guests can steer clear!

Mothers will obviously want to look their best on this very special day, but one final piece of advice: please ensure that you do not upstage the bride!

33

Your first choice for mother of the bride and groom, cruise and evening wear. Stocking stunning outfits and matching accessories from British and international designers. Jan and her team are always on hand to ensure you look your best for any occasion.

SELECTED ITEMS HALF PRICE

Main shop open: Mon - Sat 9.45am - 4.45pm Hawkswood Lodge, Old High Street, Quarry Bank, West Midlands. DY5 2JR

Tel: 01384 565443 www.jantino.co.uk Sale shop open: Quarry Bank High St, opposite the main shop and is open: Mon - Thurs, 10 - 4.30pm, Friday 10-2pm Sat 10 - 4.30pm Huge savings on a stunning range of designer wear. Many wedding suits reduced by 70%.

22b High Street, Quarry Bank, West Midlands DY5 2JW

Tel: 07914 687630

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Kinver Jewellers Bespoke handmade jewellery the perfect gift for Mother's Day In house workshop Watch & clock repairs Service and repair high end branded watches e.g Omega, Rolex, Cartier Remodelling & restorations Repairs & cleaning Quality diamond & gem set jewellery Valuations We buy in old & broken jewellery

Turn your dreams into jewellery...

01384 877 881

Opening Hours Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat: 9.30am - 4.30pm Wed: 9.30am - 1pm

KinverJewellers

www.kinverjewellers.com 3 Chenevare Mews, DY7 6HB

KinverJewellers 35

Our Mother's Day

MOTHER’S DAY INSPIRATION WITH COUNTRY BASKETS After the dark cold days of winter we are all so ready to embrace the arrival of Spring, and with that come numerous reasons to celebrate (say hello to lighter mornings and longer days). There is also the wonderful tradition of Mother’s Day. The most popular token of appreciation is, of course, a beautiful Floral Arrangement, thanks to the guaranteed smile they conjure. It’s this reaction that inspires our buyers when selecting new items ready for Mother’s Day.

to make Mum feel special and loved! Watch the surprise on her face when she opens not just one present but lots and lots. Spoil her with scented candles, cute wall hangings and photo frames so she can display her most cherished memories.

With 8 stores nationwide there is no excuse not to come and explore this Aladdin’s cave.

Selling a huge range of great value products including artificial flowers & greenery, homeware, wedding, glassware, pottery, baskets, craft and seasonal products.

From delightful dahlias to pretty peonies we have an abundance of artificial flowers that will work wonderfully to create a beautiful personalised Mother’s Day arrangement. The joy of using Artificial Flowers is that you can indulge your creative side without limitations; mixing and matching colours and varieties in a way that would be impossible to achieve using fresh flowers. Plus... Artificial Flowers will last a lifetime, making them the most perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

Did you know that we are also online? Our website has a lovely inspirational area, featuring blog posts, in-store event dates and all the latest trend information! Visit www. countrybaskets.co.uk VISIT YOUR LOCAL STORE NOW: Country Baskets, Gibbs Road, Lye, Stourbridge, Birmingham DY9 8SY

As well as artificial flowers we also have many other items that are perfect for Mother’s Day. A hamper is guaranteed

www.countrybaskets.co.uk 36

Homeware Wedding Seasonal

In-stor e & On line

Find us in Stourbridge!

Gibbs Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 8SY

20%OF F Everyt

CODE :

hing

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Shop in-store or online | www.countrybaskets.co.uk Country Baskets cannot accept responsibility for lost or misplaced vouchers. Voucher can be used in-store & online.

Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion. Original voucher must be present at the point of purchase in-store and cannot be used in part transactions. Please note you must be logged in online to receive 20% off your shop. Single use only.

Offer valid until 31st May 2020

37

Our Mother's Day

MOTHERING SUNDAY AN ANCIENT CELEBRATION The origin of Mother’s Day go back to the ancient Greek and Romans.

Historically, churchgoers worshipped on Sundays at their nearest parish, known as their ‘daughter’ church. Centuries ago it was deemed important for people to return to their home or ‘mother’ church once a year.

The Greeks held an annual spring festival and used the occasion to honour Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology.

The return to the ‘mother’ church became an occasion for family reunions. Its a popular belief that this return is what led to the tradition of Mothering Sunday.

Ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. The celebration lasted for three days and included parades and games.

The custom of celebrating Mothering Sunday died out almost completely by the 19th century. However, was celebrated again after World War II, when American servicemen brought the custom and commercial enterprises used it as an occasion for sales.

Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent and this year falls on 22nd March. Its often referred to as Mothers’ Day, but that is in fact, a completely different American festival celebrated at a different time of year.

Today this special day, commercial or not, is a chance to reflect and give thanks to our mothers and is a particularly poignant time to remember loved ones no longer with us.

Traditionally, it was a day when employees, who were staying away from home, such as domestic servants, were given a day off and encouraged to visit their mother and family.

38

Our

What’s On

PHYSIO POWER - THE MIRACLE CURE

Shockwave is Sound Wave therapy that really works for old and new soft muscle tissue injuries on all parts of the body – it’s safe, with no down time, and brings to you quick and effective results! Computerised technology at its best.

Plantar Fasciitis. Achilles Tendon. Golfers Elbow. Carpal tunnel and more Also offering foot scanning and bespoke orthotics. We can address any foot-related issue and offer a customised price to suit the individual.

Give your physiotherapist the elbow today and feel real results instantly at ifoothealthcare this New Year!

Call now for a Consultation:

01299 400111

www.ifoothealthcare.com 62 Load Street, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 2AP

39

Our Health & Beauty

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S GOT THE BEST SKIN HEALTH OF ALL? When you look in the mirror, who's looking back? Is it the face you once knew or someone else you don't recognise under the dull, flat, flaky, spotty, oily, ageing skin? Do you plaster your face with make-up and concealer, hoping for the best? Or layer it with the latest agedefying moisturisers in desperation?

Lisa Evans Reid Clinical Director at Reflect

potion is where all the magic happens. It’s not that simple! Most products will not penetrate to the deep layers of the skin where the real strengthen and support is really needed for skin health and rejuvenation Why? Wrong products for skin type or wrong skin routine.

Well, I am sorry to disappoint you, but Great Skin with a Healthy Youthful Glow isn't going to happen by hiding it away or smothering it in gunk! All you are doing is accelerating the age of your skin and sacrificing your skin health.

Well, NO MORE. If you want Great Skin Health, get your skin clean and protected. Outside of the skincare industry, most people rarely know how to clean their skin thoroughly because of a lack of knowledge of the skin’s structure. I’m not trying to patronise you; it’s a fact.

Don't get me wrong, I wear make-up, as do most of my clients, but if you want skin health, less make-up makes sense.

Healthy skin doesn't mean high maintenance.

However, if you have poor skin, it's time to think differently about skincare and recognise that make-up is designed to enhance your already amazing eyes and lips – not to cover up lousy skin! Regardless of the marketing hype, the answer is not to hide behind a mask of makeup. Instead, seek better solutions for HEALTHY, FLAWLESS SKIN.

The first step is the deep clean. STOP using facial wipes because this just pushes dirt around the face and into your pores: facial wipes are good for removing makeup, but that’s it!

Second, avoid wonder creams - please!

Instead, focus on a good quality cleanser and spend a good two minutes cleaning your face thoroughly every night, just like you would your teeth.

You only have to look in the media to see the abundance of lotions and potions to choose from; it's mind-boggling! Where do you start?

Finally, think protection! Protect your skin from environmental pollutions – it’s surprising how our skin is affected by car exhaust fumes that irritate our skin daily and from a lifetime of the sun's harmful UV rays. Choose antioxidant base serums that will support your skin and will mop up nasty free radical pollutants, as well

How many times have you bought a product and religiously used it day and night, only to see basic results? Then, inevitably, you leave it on the dresser, along with all the other halfempty pots of promise.

Sadly, people think that the pot of wonder 40

Our Health & Beauty appearance, while slowing the ageing process.

Understanding your skin, working with it, hydrating it and ensuring you eat a healthy diet, all are essential parts of great Skin Health.

as a good quality sunscreen that will act as a barrier from the sun.

Sun protection is an absolute must for everyone, rain or shine, because once the sun is out, these UV rays penetrate the heaviest of rain clouds and even glass.

If you are keen to understand your skin more, then have a skin analysis and start with an aesthetic "Skin Health for Life Facial", such as Hydrafacial, or Dynamic Trio Facial. Both lift dead skin cells and extract blackheads, and the dirt that's embedded deep in the pores.

Both are a perfect starting point for Great Skin Health.

Don't believe me... Check the back of your hands, your right hand will be darker and will have more wrinkles than your left due to the UVA rays penetrating through your car window when you drive. Now, look at the right-hand side of your face. More sun damage? Deeper crow’s feet?

Once the skin is clean and healthy, you can address any underlying skin issues such as, acne, Rosacea, saggy skin, age spots, thread veins etc! Then your aesthetician can recommend suitable treatments and corrective products for your skin.

Don't forget your lifestyle.

Too much alcohol will play havoc with your skin and if you smoke here is another reason to quit!

Smoking is adding to that dull, sallow look.

So Mirror Mirror on the wall, who has the healthiest skin of all?

If you get the basic skincare routine right for your skin, you will improve its health and

Skin Health for Life Dynamic Trio Facial

Great for all skin types, the HydraFacial MD Treatment is not only highly effective improving overall skin health, but also excellent for remedying:

Dermal Planning - Facial Peel - LED light Therapy Removes Vellus hair (peach fuzz) Removes superficial layer of dead skin Evens out skin tone, reducing age/sun spots Evens out skin texture Increases the absorption of topical products Increases Hydration Instantly smoother brighter complexion

10% OFF

DURING APRIL & MAY

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Unevens skin tone, from sun/age spots and general sun damage Uneven Skin texture, such as dead skin cells and dry scaly patches Reducing vascular redness and calming irritated, sensitive skin Balancing Oily, congested and acne prone skin Clears debris and blackheads from the pores leaving skin instantly clean and Hydrated

FREE Define Eyes TREATMENT WITH

1st treatment

01384 889 938

www.reflectskinandbodyclinic.co.uk

Reflect Skin and Body Clinic No 8 · Victoria Passage · Stourbridge · DY8 1DP

41

Our Health & Beauty

DEMENTIA WARRIORS BACK TO NATURE WITH NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING About 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia. While there’s no cure on the horizon, research is proving that keeping active and connecting with nature can reduce symptoms – and Dementia Adventure is helping to make a difference.

Dementia Adventure has trained individuals from organisations across the country, which has resulted in hundreds of activities being delivered throughout the UK at some stunning locations for people to re-engage with nature.

Thanks to the project, more people living with dementia are experiencing the benefits of getting outside than ever, while feedback from those delivering activities – as well as those taking part – has shown the positive impact it has.

The charity, which delivers outdoor activities, adventures and holidays for people living with dementia and their carers, was awarded National Lottery funding in 2017 to make activities accessible for people living with dementia.

Paula Nelson, who leads the project, said “It’s been brilliant, a real privilege to be part of a journey and part of Dementia Adventure making a difference to people to get the message about being outdoors to more people.” To find out more about Dementia Adventure visit dementiaadventure.co.uk

The three-year project was to challenge stereotypes of what people with dementia can achieve and enable them to get outdoors and reduce isolation. In its final year, the project has proved to be a triumph.

Helped by people living with dementia, 42

Our Health & Beauty

Life at Field House Visits from the community

At Field House, our staff work closely with our activities coordinator to manage and improve our residents' health and wellbeing. We are passionate about keeping our residents active, happy and healthy, and work hard to ensure that their lives are as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. All activities are tailored to residents' choice with a range of specialist activities for those living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Our residents are visited by entertainers, volunteers, animal therapy, musical workshops, organisations from the local community and beauty therapists, offering manicures and hairdressing.

Excursions and day trips For our residents who enjoy day trips, we have a variety of easily accessible attractions nearby. We were recently invited to West Midlands Safari Park to visit the animals and enjoyed lunch in the cafe.

In-home activities All residents at Field House enjoy a daily programme of activities that include singing, board games, flower arranging, crafts, baking, music and gardening. Throughout the year, we arrange a number of events such as firework shows, birthday parties, anniversaries, and open days, to which family and friends are welcome to join us.

If you would like to come and see for yourself what life is like here then please call 01562 227002 or email manager@ fieldhousecarehome.com.

Field House Residential Home Off Western Rd, Hagley

Because we care...

Family-run care home with family values Types of care available

Also available at Field House are respite breaks

• Residential care

and day care, suitable for people who require

• Specialist dementia care • Couples care

assistance with personal care on a short-term basis, or those who want to see if residential care meets their needs and wishes.

For more information, please contact us: Call 01562 227 002 | Visit www.fieldhousecarehome.com 43

Our Health & Beauty

ACHIEVE BETTER HEARING THROUGH PERSONALISED CARE Remote microphones

We have coupled our extensive audiological expertise with real life, human experience, enabling us to devise a unique way of approaching hearing care in the private sector.

These can be used to bring the sound closer to you so that it does not deteriorate in quality over distance, great for meetings and group situations.

The result? A real difference in the way our customers their lives every single day.

Mobile phone/tablet connectivity

Your hearing can be crucial to your quality of life. When it has deteriorated over time, you may start to notice that you aren’t hearing as well as you used to and that can affect the way you live.

Your hearing aids can connect directly to your mobile phone or tablet, so that calls can be answered easily. Enjoy music, talking books or even films from your tablet. No wires, no fuss!

Everyone’s hearing is unique and no two people’s hearing or hearing loss is the same.

That means we, as highly qualified audiologists, work with clients to look carefully at their lifestyles, personal choices and select the best hearing technology.

If you would like to start your personalised hearing journey, receive a FREE hearing test, or would like advice about your current hearing aids, speak to the experts at Hear at Hagley.

Contact Cath or Diane at our Hagley branch on 01562 884400, book online at: www.lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk or email: ears@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

If you wear hearing aids, or you are thinking of wearing them, it’s worth knowing that you have every single option available to you: there is no “one size fits all” - everything has to be tailored for the individual. However, not all professional hearing support approaches hearing care in this way.

There are three elements of advanced hearing technology that can support you in your everyday life alongside your hearing aids:

TV Streamers These devices work in harmony with your hearing aids to provide further clarity of sound coming directly from the television.

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BE AT YOUR BEST IN 2020

HEARING SPECIALISTS FREE HEARING TEST HEARING AIDS FREE AFTER CARE FREE SERVICING 60-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE 6-MONTH HEARING REVIEWS UP TO 5 YEAR WARRANTY

WAX REMOVAL AVAILABLE HOW WELL ARE YOU HEARING? CALL US TODAY Hagley Clinic – 01562 884400 Mobile – 07483 157011 www.lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk 125 Worcester Road, Hagley, West Midlands, DY9 0NW

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BETTER HEARING MADE SIMPLE

HALF PRICE CUT AND BLOW DRY WITH ALL COLOUR SERVICES GIFT VOUCHERS ALSO AVAILABLE IN STORE

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Are you considering any of the above?

Mr. Guy Sterne is a consultant plastic & cosmetic surgeon with busy surgical practises at The West Midlands Private Hospital in Halesowen, Spire Southbank Private Hospital in Worcester and at Nuffield Health in Wolverhampton.

A former Hunterian Professor and National Tutor for Plastic Surgery at The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Mr. Sterne has a national reputation. He has made consultative appearances on Embarrassing Bodies, the BBC and was featured in Tatler magazine’s Cosmetic Guide, as one of the country’s leading plastic surgeons.

Appointments: Call Jude on 07908 008895 Email: jude@guysterne.co.uk

West Midlands Private Hospital Halesowen

Spire Southbank Hospital Worcester

Lion Dental Centre Stourbridge

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

General cosmetic surgery website: www.consultantplasticsurgeon.co.uk Cosmetic breast surgery website: www.guysterne.co.uk

47

Our Health & Beauty

YOUR HEALTH IS WEALTH IT IS PROBABLY THE MOST SACRED THING THAT YOU COULD HAVE Acquire strength so that you KNOW you can put your mind to something and achieve things you never thought possible, such as:

It’s not all about losing weight when it comes to your health!

Although, this CAN be a by-product of your training and nutrition that we support you through, it’s about building in life-long habits that WILL benefit you.

• • •

And that is exactly what we help you with.

Through our proven methods we help you get from where you are now to beyond where you thought possible.

That feeling of feeling tired in the middle of the day.

Those aches and pains that are irritating and hinder things you want to do.

HOW?

Just a general lack of confidence all round that what you do and how you do it.

First, we find out more about you and your specifics goals and needs.

Exercise is so much more than about losing weight.

Second, we take you through a session, focusing on you and your movements and making you feel as comfortable as possible.

With the right guidance, exercise will bring many benefits such as: • • •

Lifting a barbell for the first time; Enjoying exercise; Improving your confidence at work!

We then welcome you to the FHIIT family!

Increasing your confidence; Learning new skills that will help with movement, that stretch you both physically and mentally; Helping you become more and more functional in everything you do so that you can keep with the kids/grandkids.

We monitor, progressing.

re-assess

and

keep

you

We cater for all fitness levels – EVEN if you’ve never exercised before. We all have to start somewhere.

Life is too short to feel sluggish throughout the day.

So if you feel that this is your time, feel free to head to our Facebook page or call us and we can get you started!

IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION FOR YOURSELF! 48

"GREAT PLACE TO EXERCISE AND A LOVELY WAY TO MEET NEW PEOPLE, ALL MEMBERS ARE FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING. GREAT WORKOUTS AND AN INFORMATIVE, FUN COACH WHICH HELPS."

"GREAT PLACE TO WORK OUT. TOP QUALITY COACH WHO IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE. VARIED SESSIONS. FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING MEMBERS."

"FAB PLACE TO WORK OUT GREAT ATMOSPHERE AND QUALITY SUPPORT FROM GREAT TRAINER, LOVING IT!" 49

Our Showbiz News

Nick and Royston's Diary CHRISTMAS The Christmas period is always busy, so, when the big day arrives Nick and Royston love to enjoy a very special Christmas Day. Close friends and their families were invited into their home and it was a day to remember. Father Christmas had visited during the night and four very happy children were delighted with their presents and were wowed by the entertainer, while the adults enjoyed Champagne and canapés, and a fabulous singer got everyone dancing!

After a scrumptious lunch, the kids headed off into the garden for a treasure hunt with Nick and Royston, while more guests joined the party for the evening fun. It really was the perfect Christmas day, spent with very special friends.

NEW YEAR’S EVE After hosting Christmas Day, getting away for New Year was going to be a real treat. Nick and Royston were invited to join Tori & Dave Blythe Richards at the unique The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton. This eclectic and crazy hotel was a fabulous setting for a Burlesque New Year’s Party with best friends Robbie, Cat and the rest of the Hubble family. It was an evening that turned into a truly magical night, full of wonderful food, copious amounts of alcohol and loads of fun and laughter. What a way to welcome 2020!

50

Our Showbiz News CLAIRE CAUDWELL`S BIRTHDAY PARTY Claire Caudwell is a lady who loves a party and her birthday parties are always events to look forward to! This year’s party was an intimate dinner for 50 close friends at an amazing restaurant in Staffordshire.

With a Champagne reception on arrival, followed by a delicious dinner, everyone ended the evening partying at the infamous Stoke nightclub Pink. Owners of Pink, Steve and Adam, who are old friends of Claire, Nick and Royston, invited everyone back for bubbles and bubbles until the early hours.

Happy Birthday, Claire!

ANNUAL STAFF PARTY 2019 was big year for the salon: Nick’s 60th, the salon’s 30th anniversary and Nick and Royston celebrating being together for 35 years!

It was only right, therefore, that the 2019 annual staff party was even more special than usual. It was held at The Park House, Shifnal, and everyone threw themselves into the theme of Feather, Leather, Flesh and Whiplash. The team all looked Absolutely Fabulous!

Guests were greeted in the foyer by a half naked man who was hand cuffed to a double bed (a fabulous photo opportunity to start off the night)!

This set the tone of the evening: it was fun, fun, FUN. All the acts during the evening were from the world famous, exclusive nightclub The Box London & New York and were a complete feast for the eyes and the mind. What else would you expect?

The rest of the evening went off with a real bang: you needed to be open minded, but our lips are sealed!

Can`t wait for this year!

51

Our What’s On

WHAT'S ON - MARCH / APRIL 2020

HAGLEY RESOLUTION RUN 2020 SUNDAY 19TH APRIL 11AM - 3PM Join us for our Resolution Run in the beautiful Hagley Hall Estate taking on the 5 km, 10 km or 15 km distance and help us raise much needed funds for Stroke Association.

resolutionrun.org.uk

NEC, BIRMINGHAM 1ST MARCH 2020 weddingshow.seetickets.com

52

Our

What’s On

THE 2020 ANNIVERSARY ‘HOLD THAT THOUGHT’

Ticket From: £31.75 arenabham.co.uk/whats-on/craigdavid/

Stourbridge Gin Festival

Kinver Edge and The Rock Houses

Friday 24th - Sunday 26th April

4th April - 13th April 11am - 2.30pm

Bigger. Better. Bolder. Stourbridge Gin Festival 8 is coming YOUR way April 2020

Go on a woodland adventure to learn all about the animals that call Kinver Edge home.. and solve the puzzles to win a chocolatey prize!

Building on the insane success of our previous festivals, this event will bring more gins than ever before, more gin vendors, more everything!

The hunt follows woodland footpaths, which are at times steep and may be muddy underfoot.

Ticket Price: £20 Green Duck Beer Co. Rufford Road, Stourbridge, DY9 7ND

www.nationaltrustorg.uk/events

W: www.eventbrite.co.uk

ADULTS: £9 CHILDREN GO FREE

WOLVERHAMPTON-RACECOURSE.CO.UK/WHATS-ON/DINOSAUR-FAMILY-THEMED-RACEDAY 53

Our What’s On

BOOST FOR GIRLS’ & WOMEN’S RUGBY AT STOURBRIDGE Girls’ and women’s rugby is becoming ever more popular at Stourbridge RFC. In January and February, England Rugby hosted five women’s rugby events, called Inner Warrior Camps, at the club.

These were held on Friday nights under the floodlights on Stourbridge’s artificial grass pitch and more than 30 women turned up to each of the camps to be coached by England Rugby staff, aided by volunteers from the club.

They’ve been a huge success and have helped us to attract new members to the Women’s Rugby Fit sessions on Monday nights.

The number of women rugby players at the club is at a level now that we’re almost ready to field a full Women’s XV, which will be called the Panthers.

Before the second of these camps, Stourbridge Girls (The Pumas) hosted a Pitch Up & Play event. More than 90 girls across four age groups turned up and the night was an even greater success, thanks to the support of Lydia Thompson, who plays for Worcester Warriors Women and England’s Red Roses, but started her rugby career with Stourbridge Minis & Juniors.

1st Inner Warrior Camp

The future is looking bright for girls’ and women’s rugby at Stourbridge. If you’d like to get involved, contact Mark Denison on markjpd@icloud.com

Pumas Under 18s - Taz (left) Issy (centre) and Lydia (right)

54

Our What’s On

BLACK COUNTRY CHALLENGED TO 10,000 MILES IN 2020 TO SUPPORT THE BLIND Participants can join online for a fee of £10 from which £9.50 will be donated to Beacon.

You can link your Strava account, log your progress and see how many miles you and fellow participants have clocked up. There are even useful tips to help support your fitness plan.

times, but 2020 is your chance to show your support for a local cause and love your local charity. Sign up now and get your friends, family and colleagues involved to help us smash 10,000 miles and make a real difference to your local charity.”

To sign up, visit www.beaconvision.org/10k and complete the online form. Registration costs £10, plus a booking fee, and money raised will go towards supporting the sigh loss community. Beacon is a well-established West Midlands charity which was founded in the Black Country and has since expanded.

The charity makes a visible difference to people living with sight loss and helps raise awareness of the importance of eye health.

Harry Bhatoa, Beacon Physical Wellbeing Officer, added: “We all know the benefits of exercise. While physical activity may not directly affect your eyesight, it could affect other health issues like diabetes which can lead to diabetic retinopathy and threaten your sight. Our specialist health and wellbeing centre can help those living with diabetes and other long-term conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, with a health and wellbeing program.”

The charity is also using the opportunity help create awareness around its 10-year anniversary in its new building.

Lisa added: “As a charity a lot has changed over the last 10 years. However, one thing remains constant, the cost of running Beacon and supporting the sight loss community.

Like most charities we are facing challenging 55

Our

Education

GOLDSMITHS' COMMUNITY AWARD Congratulations to the Bromsgrove School Service team, who have made it through to the third round of the Goldsmiths’ Award for Community Engagement.

communicate in sign language. Elsewhere, they have recently started a relationship with The Basement Project, a food bank in Bromsgrove.

The award celebrates the positive impact schools have within their local communities, via their charitable and voluntary initiatives.

The Award recognises, publicises and provides financial support to outstanding initiatives at schools that have community engagement at their heart.

A group of the School’s pupils have also launched an eco-club, to help improve its sustainability. They have begun by completing tasks such as litter picking in the local community, but they are looking at ways of increasing recycling and reducing energy consumption.

Finalists will be invited to the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, where they will have the chance to showcase their community engagement activities. Prizes of at least £1,000 will be given to the successful schools and colleges invited to the Final, which will facilitate the continuation and expansion of their programmes.

Conservation is important to our pupils and last year, we obtained our first bee colony, with the aim of aiding the conservation of the local bee populations. Pupils have worked hard to build and maintain the hives, as well as campaign to increase local biodiversity. They are looking forward to selling their first batch of honey and have already made candles from the wax, the profits of which went to Primrose Hospice.

Every week, the Bromsgrove Service team visits one of five local residential homes, where the pupils organise games and activities for the residents. The team members also attend a local nursery once a week, where they support the staff with activities and even give the children Mandarin lessons.

“Service is at the heart of what we do at Bromsgrove; our motto is Deo, regi, vicino (For God, for King, for Neighbour),” said Miss Phoebe Woolley, Head of Bromsgrove Service.

“It is very easy for me to write about all of the wonderful initiatives that we have at Bromsgrove School, because our students work hard to contribute to their local community in a positive way and it is lovely to have the opportunity to showcase this.”

Many Bromsgrove pupils are learning British Sign Language and they have enjoyed great success with their BSL Café, where students from a local school for the hearing impaired are invited for a coffee morning and together they 56

Our

Education

THE BEGINNING OF LEARNING facilities sit alongside sympathetically restored period features of the original stately home.

Each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard and there is a purpose-built ICT suite, which is used by all children from the Nursery to Year 2.

Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory and Nursery is set in the beautiful grounds of a small mansion, on the edge of Bromsgrove town just a mile away from the main site of Bromsgrove prep and senior schools, to which the majority of pupils continue. Bromsgrove School prides itself on the continuity of education it provides for all pupils from the age of just 3 up to 18.

The beautiful School grounds provide unique outside learning opportunities for all children in the School. There is an accredited Forest School, a wildlife pond and bog garden, an outdoor theatre, an adventure trail and an allweather play lawn, as well as large gardens for play and PE lessons.

The Nursery at Bromsgrove Pre-Prep provides a safe, secure, happy and stimulating environment and is set in its own building, within the grounds of the larger PrePreparatory School. With full access to PrePrep's amazing facilities and extensive play areas the youngest children enjoy being part of the wider Bromsgrove School community.

The School is always delighted to show prospective parents and their children around, either at a formal open morning or on an individually organised visit.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are based in the main part of the old house, where the modern

Open Mornings REGI

Founded 1553

FLAIR DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC RIGOUR

Pre-Preparatory and Nursery Saturday 16th May 10.00am For entry into Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

Please contact Admissions for details or book online 01527 579679 bromsgrove-school.co.uk 57

“An outstanding range of extra-curricular activities is available to suit all tastes, which range from fife and ballet in the pre-prep to cookery and computing in the prep” ISI Inspection

950 pupils aged 13-18 720 pupils aged 3 - 13

+RURVFRSHV

oroscopes Horoscopes Our

Horoscopes

ohn Starkey

2334224 50/02 - 40/12 suruaT .john-starkey.co.uk a efil gnikat tuoba gnikniht htrow si tI arkey123@outlook.com nevdCapricorn a eht sa ,ecapAquarius rewols ylthgilsPisces a oy taht tseggus dluoc ,retipuJ tenalp eht fo oScorpio keew a ts23/10 uj rof- 22/11 kcab flesruoy dloh ot deen Itnois padlock itpoimportant tnatropmitoehtkeep pu hgaiew uoy tslihw ,o tw upon aeh ylyour lanoistemper seforp and eb yaallow m uoyourself y .uoy fo tnorf in before .rof gnyou itiawact. htroIndecision w llew eb dnow luoc could hcihw detnuh ntimely delays. The next few weeks ver look very promising for 60/02 - 60particularly /12 inimeG snin a love. edutitta dicalp yllufrednow ruoY December 21 - January 19

January 20 - February 18

February 19 - March 20

A wonderful constellation will appear in your stars very soon, so you should experience new heights of good luck. You won't need heather or a rabbit’s foot now.

Be bold and think big.

This is not a time to be half-hearted or a shrinking violet – stand up and be counted now and you won't go far wrong.

Don’t be afraid to express your opinion. Now is the time to speak out and let others know exactly where you are coming from.

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

March 21- April 20

April 21 - May 20

May 21 - June 20

Communication is the key – do it well and it will be your chance to shine and demonstrate your talents.

Self belief is essential.

Partnerships and teamwork are essential now.

Others will warm to your enigmatic nature and loving approach to life.

New friends are an added bonus.

You are approaching a time of milk and honey.

The planet Jupiter may well bring untold goodies in your direction. Financially, it could be a bonanza.

luoc ,srehto ot hcaorppa eltneg Sagittarius o mlab tup ot23/11 nosr-e20/12 p laedi eht uoy eka m Try hw toestake oht aebneutral yam view erehTparticularly .sretaw delbuotr others. einwmatters dna ecrelating ivda dotoog ruoy Perhaps, rof uoy knaht lliw od time to .put saeup, di citshut ehtapup meand dnabide tuo thguo th e until you say your piece. Time is on .

58

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 Cancer Leo pace, asVirgo a slightly slower the advent of the planet Jupiter, could suggest that you need to hold yourself back for just a week or wo, whilst you weigh up the important options n front of you. you may be professionally head hunted which could be well worth waiting for.

June 21 - July 21

July 22 - August 21

August 22 - September 22

Stand your ground when you need to make important decisions. You seem to be on track, so do not be discouraged by anyone. Follow your heart and enjoy success.

Travel plans look very well aspected, so enjoy getting out and about as this could help to broaden your horizons.

Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere, expect things to change very soon. You are on a roll as far as personal achievement is involved.

Gemini 21/06 -

20/06

Your wonderfully placid attitude and Libra Scorpio Sagittarius gentle approach to others, could make you the ideal person to put balm on roubled waters. There may be those who will thank you for your good advice and wel hought out and empathetic ideas.

September 21 - October 22

October 23 - November 22

November 23 - December 20

Love is in the air and life changing meetings are on their way. This could be the start of something really big.

Be patient if you can. Now that Venus has established its influence on your sign, you should be able to make real progress – particularly in business.

The artistic and creative side of your personality is shining through – all you need now is to find your way and decide which avenue to follow.

59

Our Food & Drink

Recipes

By Mike Whitehurst ROOM IN MY LARDER CHAR-GRILLED LAMB CHOP With roasted garlic, anchovies and asparagus

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THIS RECIPE SERVES 6 Lamb is the traditional meal for Easter time, but here’s something a little different: lamb chops with wild garlic and pumpkin seed pesto potatoes.

•

Bake the garlic in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until soft and lightly browned.

•

When the potatoes are completely soft, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

•

Char-grill the asparagus for about 30 seconds turning over to get an even charring, then remove to the second baking tray.

•

Place the chops down on to the skillet and press down gently, grill for 2 minutes on each side and then place on the second baking tray with the asparagus. Repeat until all the lamb is charred.

•

Sprinkle the rosemary needles over the lamb and place in the oven for one more minute (maybe longer if you prefer the lamb less pink, but be careful not to overcook the asparagus)

•

Serve the chops and asparagus on a board, with mint leaves and garlic bulbs.

INGREDIENTS: 1kg trimmed rack of lamb 900g new potatoes 24 asparagus spears, trimmed Small handful of mint leaves 6g fresh rosemary needles 2 garlic bulbs, sliced down the middle 150ml of rapeseed oil 1 jar of ‘takefood preserves’ wild garlic and pumpkin seed pesto Maldon sea salt Black pepper

EQUIPMENT: Ribbed skillet pan or char-grill Chopping board and sharp knife Steamer Mixing bowl 2 baking trays

METHOD: •

Preheat the oven to 180C

•

•

Slice the lamb into chops and brush with rapeseed oil, then season with salt and pepper.

Toss the cooled potatoes in the wild garlic and pumpkin seed pesto and serve to the table in a bowl.

•

You can pop the garlic cloves out of their paper skins and spread on some sour dough bread or just add to your plate as a condiment.

•

•

•

•

Bend the asparagus spears at the ends where they will naturally break, discard the ends and brush the spears with rapeseed oil.

If you like gravy with lamb, simply reduce some white wine and add chicken stock with any remaining meat juices and reduce then whisk in cold unsalted butter. Reduce until you have the thickness you desire.

Put the potatoes on to steam, depending on their size they should take about 20 minutes (maybe longer - check with a skewer).

Serve with a bottle of crisp white wine, such as Sancerre.

Put the skillet on the hob on high heat and allow it to get really hot. (You may want to open the window.)

For help with any of the recipes please email mike@takefood.co.uk

Brush a little oil on the baking tray and slice the garlic bulbs down the middle then push around in the oil to coat.

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Our Food & Drink

APRIL’S FOOL GRILLED BANANA, DATE AND MAPLE SYRUP FOOL WITH COCONUT SUGAR 62

THIS RECIPE SERVES 6

1 heavy based roasting tin Chopping board and knife

The simplicity of making a fool is very appealing after cooking up a huge lunch on a Sunday or during the week. When you’re craving a sweet hit this recipe gives it you pretty quickly and sweet without refined sugars so you can feel a little less guilty about it. Bananas begin to plump up and ripen in April. The Windward banana, if still available, is the superior banana grown in the West Indies. There’s not much information on the availability of this type of banana so keep your eyes peeled.

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS: 6 very ripe large bananas 60g crushed walnuts 6 dates 600ml double cream 120ml Maple syrup 60g coconut sugar

EQUIPMENT:

•

Whisk the double cream to stiff peaks and then add in the coconut sugar and maple syrup and fold in.

•

Peel 3 bananas and blow torch them on a solid metal tray until caramelized all over then using a fork, mash the bananas and fold into the cream.

•

Spoon into sundae glasses.

•

Peel the other 3 bananas and slice into 1cm chunks. Layout on the baking tray and blow torch or grill until blackening.

Arrange on the top of the cream mix and then sprinkle walnuts on top.

•

Take the stone out of the dates and fine dice then put on top of the fools. Drizzle with a little more maple syrup and serve.

Serve with a few almond thin biscuits for extra crunch.

A grill or blow torch Glass bowl and whisk or Kitchen Aid 6 sundae glasses 6 long spoons

For help with any of the recipes please email mike@takefood.co.uk

63

Our Jobs

Why I Love My Job Sally and Karl Taylor - Buena Comida

Buena Comida Mexican Takeaway in Brierley Hill, was crowned the Best Takeaway In The West Midlands at the British Takeaway Awards in January. Chef Karl Taylor explains what keeps him motivated.

I persisted by becoming a grill chef in a local Harvester.

After learning the ropes, I was offered my first head chef position in 2009 and went on to rank third across the Mitchell & Butlers’ vast portfolio for food safety. Due to my success with M&B, I was soon offered a head chef position at the popular steak house Miller & Carter, where I remained for two and half years.

We’re committed and hard-working, and have pushed ourselves, our staff and our vision to have a sustainable, affordable and tasty takeaway option for our customers, with a twist of Mexican sunshine for good measure.

I then joined the Mexican Chiquito’s chain in 2013 in a head chef position in one of their biggest restaurants, which was challenging and tough. But my cheffing passion started to waiver and Sally searched for an alternative to keep me on the pathway that I was destined to tread.

I worked my way up the cheffing ranks from humble beginnings – right up through Jamie Oliver’s Kitchen, until I set up on my own with my wife, Sally, and took the plunge to open Buena Comida.

It was 1997 and a friend worked in a kitchen part time on a Saturday, and after several months of me trying to find work she offered me a pot wash job on a Saturday. I actually did this for two years in this particular pub and along that journey I was taught to cut, slice, prep, wash before finally being taught how to cook meat. I really enjoyed what I did, so

When the opportunity to join Jamie’s Italian presented itself, I was anxious and nervous, doubting my talents and my ability to work to this level. With the help and encouragement of my partner in crime, Sally, I decided to go for it.

64

Our Jobs In January 2019, it was suggested to me that I’d be great with my own restaurant. Due to my background with Mexican food and operating kitchens across multiple sites, Sally and I saw a gap in the market for Mexican takeaways and decided to take the plunge: Buena Comida was born.

After starting the interview rounds, it was highlighted that my experience wasn’t at the level that Jamie’s Italian were looking for and I was told: “It will be like feeding you to the lions, you are not ready”. Spurred on by this rejection and desire to do better, I begged them to take a chance on me and it paid off – I was awarded a trial shift in Cheltenham.

Not content with just opening a restaurant, I had standards I had to maintain: first, the food had to be as fresh as possible. I didn’t want to serve frozen foods renowned by so many other takeaway establishments. Second, I wanted everything to be sustainable, higher welfare, free range and local. This is something that Buena Comida practice, but our spices are imported from Delhi, India and the corn tortillas are imported from Mexico because these products that cannot be sourced locally from farms or companies sustainably.

After a disastrous trial, I realised my skillset wasn’t where they wanted it to be, but they were so impressed by my perseverance, determination and attitude that they offered me a second interview.

I was offered a junior sous chef position, two levels below the one I had applied for. A further four and a half years of the Jamie empire later and l had climbed the ladder to become a senior head chef – I’m really thankful that they took a chance on me.

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Our Jobs feel the grit and determination I have in me has pushed me, and given me this opportunity to prove how good Buena Comida is. We are family and we are so, so grateful.

Both Sally and I are advocates in giving back to our community, regularly working with our local church and local events, and we have built, in a little over a year, a massive and loyal following on our social media channels, and loyal, regular customers to Buena Comida.

We are also really excited to announce that we will be opening a brand new restaurant in Stourbridge, which will see us expand Buena Comida. Our new venture will offer more than just takeaway and will be open to dine inside, enjoying all of our takeaway favourite dishes, plus an exciting new evening and lunchtime menu, as well as beers & cocktails - hopefully from spring this year!

We were absolutely thrilled to have won The Best Takeaway In The West Midlands and to share a stage with Jimmy Carr! Buena Comida is our baby; we absolutely love our team and our customers. It’s just the best feeling to be recognised after all our hard work and dedication. We just can’t thank the British Takeaway Awards, friends and family and our lovely customers enough.

But for now, you can catch us back in the kitchen and on the phones, taking orders from our wonderful customers at Buena Comida.

It means so much to us, from my humble chef beginnings, lots of self-doubt and rejection, I

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HAPPY DAYS AHEAD WITH YOUR LOVELY ONES

By Libby Williams MHAO AHDip Animal Healer and Holistic Therapist www.libbywilliams.co.uk info@libbywilliams.co.uk 07966 639671 Finally, the light nights are with us, the flowers are starting to bloom and we can look forward to happy times ahead with our lovely ones.

With the sun making more of an appearance and the cold winter chill (almost) a thing of the past, our pets can enjoy happy times too. They can play in the garden, go for longer walks, day trips or simply bask in the sun and breath in the beautiful spring air.

souls who suffer terribly if they are alone and bored. Physical and mental stimulation is important for their health and mental wellbeing. With the spring now upon us, bunnies can enjoy the fresh air in large safe outdoor runs. This will enable them to explore, hop about and forage, as well as play with their bunny pals. Your rabbit will still need shelter as well as fresh water and their usual forage to be available, but add some extras in to the outdoor environment, too.

Dogs love sniffing about, so why not make up some fun games for your lovely one to enjoy outside. You could put down a scent trail for dogs using tasty treats, and then hide them around the garden under cups or bowls for your furry one to find. Make it even more exciting by setting up a few tunnels and jumps for them, too. You can get the kids involved: there are some wonderful recipes online, so why not bake some healthy, natural dog friendly treats? You could even do an Easter hunt for your dogs; now wouldn’t that be fun!

Rabbits love to dig, so you could easily make a sand pit filled with child friendly sand, put a large tray of earth for them or even make a digging box out of a cardboard box that’s big enough for bunny to jump in to and add lots of shredded paper. As rabbits’ teeth continuously grow, they need to have lots of good forage as well as things to chew, so add some bunny-friendly chewable toys to their home, and make an obstacle course for them to jump through and over. Most important of all, spend quality time with your little one every day, especially if they don’t have a bunny companion.

How about putting a little water feature in your garden. Cats love to play with trickling water and this would provide lots of entertainment for them. You will need clean water, very shallow and pet safe, of course. You could plant some herbs in your garden, too: catnip, valerian, cat mint, parsley, basil, lavender and rosemary are all non-toxic herbs for cats and dogs. Make sure they are organic and have not been sprayed with any chemicals. A lemon balm plant is also ideal because it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (rub the leaves between your fingers because the smell is divinely lemony.)

Whatever you decide to do enjoy the happy days ahead with your lovely ones!!!

Always check that your garden plants are non-toxic for your pet before they are planted.

Some may be toxic to animals and can make them seriously ill and even cause death. Always contact your veterinarian if you are ever concerned about your pet or think they may have ingested something toxic or something that has not agreed with them.

Rabbits are active, social and intelligent little 67

Our

Pets

Me & My Pet

Esther & Mickey

Some of the Blacks Vets’ Team introduce us to their gorgeous pets and share their top tips for pet care

Esther, part of our Student Veterinary Nurse team, tells us about her gorgeous Greyhound.

Rachael & Chunky Marketing Co-ordinator, Rachael, has this to say about her magnificent moggy: “Chunky is a big, beautiful, ginger fluffball and is 18 months old. We had him as a kitten from the local animal rescue. He’s a cross breed and the team here at Blacks think he may have some Norwegian Forest Cat in him. He is definitely king of his domain and within minutes of arriving had claimed his favourite spot for his bed.

His nickname is ‘Little Lion’ on account of his amazing coat and his ability to make his presence known! He loves a fuss and being the centre of attention.“

Rachael’s

TOP

TIP

Join ‘Protect My Pet Club’ for complete peace of mind.

I know he’ll never miss a vital vaccination, flea or worming treatment and I also receive discounts on essential treatments and services.

“I adopted Mickey a little over a year ago after sadly losing my previous Greyhound. He came to me not long after finishing his racing career and had to adjust to life off the track.

He has the typical personality of a Greyhound; around 90% of the time... lazy! The rest of his time is filled with plenty of ‘zoomies’ around the garden, very intense tail wags, and most importantly, the best and most enthusiastic kisses and cuddles in the world. When he’s not lounging around in his special doggy pyjamas, he spends his spare time saving the lives of other dogs by donating his blood with Pet Blood Bank. Greyhound blood can be transfused to any breed which makes him even more special.”

ESTHER’S TOP TIP Mickey’s favourite point of the day is when the toothbrush comes out. Who knew dog toothpaste could be such a high value treat! Greyhounds can be prone to dental issues but brushing a pet’s teeth regularly helps to keep any problems at bay. Ask one of our fantastic nursing team for advice and support.

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Lauren & Daisy

Matt & Gus

Client & Pet Care Advisor, Lauren, shares the story of her lovely Labrador, Daisy.

Client and Pet Care Advisor Manager, Matt, introduces us to his rescue cat, Gus.

“I’ve had Daisy since she was 10 weeks old and she is a typical crazy Lab! Wherever there are food packets rustling you can guarantee that when you turn around, she’s going to be behind you. She knows when it’s time for dinner and if I forget the time, she is sure to remind me by sitting right next to me and tapping me with her paw.

We love going on long walks together and she loves nothing more than being let off her lead to run about and play with her friends.”

“Gus is an ex-stud British Shorthair, which means that he spent the majority of his life in an outdoor stud-pen, passing his genes on by fathering numerous litters of equally adorable offspring.

However, Gus was not really suited to the playboy lifestyle, and desperately longed for an indoor home and to be shown some meaningful love and affection. He was a nervous wreck when he first came to live with us and for weeks, every little noise or movement would send him cowering; he used to bury his head in his kitty litter to hide! However, with careful planning by my partner Emma, Gus was introduced to his Siamese partner-in-crime, Jess and has really come out of his shell to become the most affectionate and playful puss.“

LAUREN’S TOP TIP Unfortunately, Daisy didn’t have the best start in life and when she came home and she suffered frequently with gastro-related illness. Thankfully, I have pet insurance, so I was able to provide her with the very best care without the worry of cost. The fabulous insurance team at Blacks Vets processed her claim quickly and efficiently, taking the worry away from me at a stressful time. I would always recommend pet owners take out insurance as you never know what’s around the corner.

MATT’S TOP TIP Calming products such as Feliway plug-ins can make an amazing difference to nervous cats and can be used in a variety of situations such as during fireworks season, after a house move or introducing a new member of the family. Chat to your vet if you feel your pet is overly anxious.

Blacks Vets has branches across the Black County in Dudley, Oldbury, Lye, Sedgley and Quinton.

Visit our website www.blacksvets.co.uk or call into branch to find out how we can help your four legged friend live a happy and healthy life.

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Our Gardens

IT’S TIME TO GET STUCK IN IN THE GARDEN! Here’s what to do in April:

March and April are busy months in the gardener’s calendar as the borders burst into life and the days get warmer – it’s certainly action stations for all of us working at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

March and April are all about sowing and growing; we’ll also be keeping on top of lawn maintenance to make sure they are strong and healthy. It’s likely you’ll start mowing the lawn now, so make sure you keep the lawnmower blades higher at first and gradually reduce them over the coming weeks.

Here are few things you could be doing in your own garden in March: •

Lift and split herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses. It increases your stock and allows you to fill up any bare areas in your garden.

•

Turn your compost heaps – mixing the layers of material helps the material to rot.

•

Start planting summer flowering bulbs such as lillies and gladioli.

•

If you didn’t get round to sowing hardy annuals, such as sweet peas, in the autumn, do it now as April will be too late.

Continue to sow all hardy and tender seeds under cover – take care not to expose them to frost.

•

If your greenhouse is heated, plant your summer hanging baskets with plug plants and keep them under cover until all risk of frost has passed.

•

Pinch out the tips of fuchsia shoots and sweet pea plants to encourage bushy plants.

•

Start to apply slow release fertiliser around beds and borders.

Did you know that we’ve launched a fundraising appeal to raise £75,000 towards the cost of restoring our historic bandstand, which dates back to 1874?

If your soil isn’t frozen, add a 5cm layer of well-rotted manure or compost to prepare for the coming growing season.

It’s also a good idea to add a generalpurpose fertiliser.

•

•

As a charity that receives no public funding, we’re hoping our Taking A Stand! campaign will enable us to carry out extensive restoration work, including roof repairs and reinstating some original features.

We’ve launched a JustGiving page, which you can access via our website – www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.

Any donation will make a huge difference.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR

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19/02/2020 16:14

Our Motoring

SUZUKI JIMNY luggage space.

If the vehicle you need has to be capable of off-road capabilities or driving in narrow, muddy roads in all conditions, then the Suzuki Jimny has to be on your list. This is the 4th generation of Jimny and Suzuki know what they are doing, writes Bob Hickman.

The Jimny is a vehicle that is chosen for the ability to just about cope with anything the elements can throw at it. The space for the driver and passenger is reasonably good, there is plenty of head room although being a narrow vehicle you do get quite comfortable with your fellow passengers. Passengers in the back would not want to do a long journey.

The new Jimny is smaller and lighter, has a traditional chassis, coiled sprung suspension, with a short wheel base. It is wider and higher than the previous model and it also has the benefit of selectable 4-wheel drive as standard.

All the new Jimny's come with the ALL-GRIP Pro 4-wheel drive as standard, there are 3 settings, 2-wheel high, 4-wheel high and 4-wheel low. In normal driving mode the Jimny is rear wheel drive.

The vehicle is an absolute wonder, off-road or in tricky conditions. Some of the larger alleged 4-wheel drive vehicles in the market today are really just pseudo, they look the part, they will not perform.

The engine in the Jimny is a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol, it produces 105ps and has quite high emissions at 154. The combined consumption is given as 35.8mpg. The top speed is quoted as 90-mph. The engine needed to be revved to get performance but that is not what this

Interior space is limited and boot space is nil unless you fold one or both of the rear seats, then you have a reasonable amount of 72

Our Motoring helps you stay alert, and a high beam system that automatically switches between high and low beam.

particular vehicle is about. The Jimny has a 5-speed gearbox, I would have liked a 6th gear for the odd times that I ventured on to motorway or dual carriageway. The Jimny is not really at home in that terrain, it is OK in and around town because of its short dimensions, it is easy to manoeuvre, easy to park, but take it out of that comfort zone or take it out of that off-road scenario and it is not really your first choice of vehicle.

The top specification is the S 5, which was my test vehicle, this equips the vehicle with 15� alloy wheels, privacy glass, climate control, and, importantly in those nasty cold winters, heated front seats.

Without doubt the ability to cope with serious off-road work has made the little Jimny a worldwide success. Over two and a half million have been sold and in the UK over 42,000 people have purchased one. If one is on your particular list and you fancy one, be prepared to get in a queue because all the initial Jimny allocation stock sold out before they even arrived in this country, such is the popularity of this vehicle.

I particularly liked one of the practical touches, and overlooked by a lot of manufacturers, the roof edges have a drip rail, so when you open the doors it prevents the water dripping on to you or on to your seat. Another useful feature are the wheel arches extensions and the sill covers, which protect the body from the stone chips or mud that is thrown up when you use the vehicle in the conditions that it was built for.

The S 5 as tested had an on the road price of ÂŁ19,149.

Jimnys are being sold in the UK with quite high specifications and trim levels: the SZ4 includes air conditioning, Blue Tooth connectivity, a lane departure warning which

The Jimny has a 3-year warranty or 60,000 miles.

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Our Crossword

CROSSWORD

Across

Down

1 4 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 20 21 22

1 Paid announcement (13) 2 Tanner's aid (7) 3 Depend (4) 4 Confine (8) 5 Unit of weight (5) 6 Relating to building design (13) 7 Born in early December, perhaps (11) 12 Affliction of cats and other fur-lickers (8) 14 Violently frenzied (7) 16 Small in number (5) 18 Home of Salt Lake City (4)

Utterly senseless (6) Dry red Spanish wine (5) Plain variety (7) Operated by sound waves (5) Wander (4) Galilee native (7) Unworkable (13) Largest penguin (7) Legal instrument (4) Minor actor in crowd scenes (5) Aardvark (3,4) Sum (5) Israeli currency (6)

Answers for JAN/FEB 20 Across: Europe, 8 Edison, 9 Odds, 10 Delicate, 11 Unite, 12 Twosome, 14 Old-time, 16 Adult, 19 All right, 20 Oath, 21 Lessen, 22 Shadow.

Down: Duodenal ulcer, 2 Dorset, 3 Tends, 4 Yellows, 5 Circus, 6 Contemplation, 13 Imagine, 15 Thrust, 17 Doodad, 18 Stash.

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Visiting your workplace or home For further information call Jamie

07940 286 846

Based in Wolverhampton jaymiecee@gmail.com

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Our Finance & Legal

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY REGISTRATIONS SOAR AS PUBLIC OPINION SHIFTS

BY MITRA MANN, WRIGHT HASSALL Risks faced without registering an LPA

According to recent figures, the number of registrations for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) agreements has more than doubled to 3.85 million in the last three years.

Whilst in good health and of sound mind, it can be hard to contemplate one’s own loss of mental capacity and consider there may be a time when it will be hard to make good decisions about the future.

With almost 800,000 applications made within a year to April 2019, it seems people are beginning to appreciate the importance of securing their finances, should they become too ill to handle them.

Without a registered LPA, there is no automatic right for anyone to start making decisions on behalf of someone who has lost capacity.

Why the increase?

If someone loses capacity to make decisions and there is no attorney appointed, they could end up in a vulnerable position, with no one having legal authority to pay bills, pay for care, maintain the property, etc., which could place them at risk from lack of appropriate care.

The figures from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) clearly show a change in public attitude, which appears largely due to an ageing population, combined with an increased awareness of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Securing your future…

Typically, family members now recognise that even though someone is physically well, they may be unable to make decisions because of an impairment of their mind or brain function.

In the eyes of the law, any such individual is said to lack capacity.

Before a spouse, family member or close friend can start managing the individual’s affairs or make decisions on their behalf, then an LPA must first be agreed.

If you need help with arranging an LPA, then consult an experienced team of lawyers who can guide you through the process effectively.

Despite this progress, there are still many people without an LPA, meaning families could find themselves locked out of a loved one’s accounts and assets should they fall ill.

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Introducing Siobhan Record…

Your financial planner When I look back to when I first started out as a financial adviser, I realise that what I did then and what I do now are completely different jobs – in every sense, from my day-to-day work right through to the relationships I am privileged to have with my clients.

product is right for you.

Back then, I was scavenging around, trying to make a living and to find the solutions that fitted. Now, I have the best job in the world, one where I really make a difference to the lives of my clients.

I also help you to understand what your goals are and together we work out the path to achieving them. Ultimately, it is about your life and how your money fits into it.

However, my role as your financial planner delves much deeper: I help you to work out what you have and what this means for your future.

If you have investments of over £100,000 and are interested in finding out how I can help you with your financial planning, why not give Jo a call on 01562 745730 to arrange a noobligation, free-of-charge, 30-minute meeting with me in the cre8 Wealth Management offices.

Despite these striking differences from my perspective, as far as most people are concerned, I was a financial adviser then and I am a financial adviser now.

Rightly or wrongly, the term ‘financial adviser’ can be associated with ‘product flogging’. I like to distance myself from that.

The information in this article does not constitute investment advice; you must not rely on the content when making investment decisions without taking advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results The value investments, and the income from them, may fall or rise and investors may get back less than they invested.

I am a financial planner. “That’s just a different way of saying you are a financial adviser,” you say, but there is a distinction.

A financial adviser will find you the right product for your money and will (hopefully!) also consider your tax status, to make sure the

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Our Finance & Legal

Accountants for Small Business accountant will then supply you with a quote to cover all the work required: an agreed fixed price with no hidden charges and option to pay monthly.

Customer Satisfaction - Business standards in place ensure agreed services are delivered as promised.

Melvyn Shephard is an experienced accountant who offers clients a professional yet friendly and jargon-free personal service.

Clients can benefit from the core accountancy and tax advisory services as well as specialist services when needed. Melvyn also holds an MBA enabling him to provide financial advice whilst understanding the wider needs of businesses to be profitable and competitive.

TaxAssist have over 280 locations across the UK and we are happy to meet you face-toface, visiting clients out of hours, at home or business premises.

Attend a meeting with your local TaxAssist Accountant who will determine exactly how we can help you and your business. Your

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Our Finance & Legal

WRITE OR UPDATE YOUR WILL THIS MARCH AND SUPPORT A LOCAL HOSPICE Local charity, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, has partnered with big-hearted solicitors across the West Midlands to offer you a cheaper way to sort your will – all whilst raising funds for the hospice.

solicitors will agree a donation in advance.

From Monday 2 to Tuesday 31 March, a number of solicitors and will writers will be taking part in the Hospice’s ‘Make a Will Month’, in which they’ll be waiving their usual fees and asking for a charitable donation to be made to the Hospice instead.

All donations will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care and support to local people and their loved ones who are living with life-limiting illness. The Hospice cares for and supports 500 people every day across Birmingham and Sandwell, providing care in people’s homes, in the community and at the Hospice itself.

You will be able to sort your will by arranging a home visit, completing it online, or even visiting the solicitor at their office.

The generous initiative will give you the opportunity to write or update this important document for a much cheaper price – for example, suggested donations are £100 for a single will which typically cost £185, or £125 for a joint will which costs £225 on average.

For wills requiring more specialist advice, the

It will cost £9 million to run the Hospice’s vital services this year, 64 per cent of which must be raised through voluntary donations. To take part in Make a Will Month, visit: www. birminghamhospice.org.uk/make-a-will

MAKE A WILL MONTH

2nd - 31st March 2020 Write or update your will for a suggested donation and help local people live well with life-limiting illness

For further information please visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/make-a-will or call 0121 752 8779 81

504156 Make a Will Our Lifestyle Magazine Advert 144 x 106mm v2.indd 1

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Our Finance & Legal

Make a Will this March and support a Birmingham Hospice

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER AS TALBOTS RECORD £14M FEES (l-r back row) Sanjeev Sunder, Holly Elphick, Aneesah Sheikh and Joe Foley (l-r front row) Liz Hulland, Yvonne Masters and Claire Cooper

A trio of promotions are set to help one of the West Midlands leading independent law firms capitalise on a £2m increase in fees.

people and companies. Our people are at the heart of our approach.”

Claire Cooper, who has a background in individual and corporate insolvency, deals with all aspects of commercial leases and buying and selling of commercial property, supporting the purchase of development sites across the West Midlands.

Talbots Law, which has six offices across the Black Country and Worcestershire, has appointed Claire Cooper, Liz Hulland and Yvonne Masters as Directors of the fastgrowing business that saw turnover hit £14m last year.

Heading up the property team in the Kidderminster office, Liz Hulland specialises in all areas of residential property, including higher value and barn conversion properties.

The three of them have extensive experience of residential and commercial property and have developed a strong client base across professional services, high profile developers and estate agents.

Yvonne Masters started her career as a local estate agent before moving into a Black Country legal practice, joining Talbots in January 2018.

They aren’t the only promotions being made by the firm, with Katie Wager and Sanjeev Sunder now Senior Associates and Aneesah Sheikh, Holly Elphick and Joe Foley moving into the position of Associates.

She concluded: “Promotion to Director is a fantastic opportunity and I’m delighted that I will be able to help shape the way we deliver outstanding legal advice to local individuals and businesses.”

“2019 was a very good year for us, with strong performances in all areas, but specifically across our property and business services teams,” explained Mary Morgan, CEO of Talbots Law.

Talbots, which has six offices in Codsall, Dudley, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Stourbridge and on Waterloo Road in Wolverhampton, is looking to create 15 new jobs in 2020.

“18% growth surpassed our initial projections and to support the expansion we have appointed Claire, Liz and Yvonne as Directors.

All of them are experts in their field and have shown a real passion for delivering high quality, cost effective legal advice for local

For further information, go to: www.talbotslaw.co.uk or follow @talbotslaw on twitter.

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“The service was excellent.

Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, from the reception staff to the law team.”

Last year, we helped over 12,000 people to move home worry-free. Why do so many choose Talbots over anyone else?

Well, maybe it is because we have the largest Residential Property team in the area. That means we’re always there when you need us.

And we understand your needs, no matter what your situation. Or perhaps people choose Talbots because we like to do things differently – no one-size fits all for us!

No matter if you’re downsizing, a first-time buyer or after your forever home, choose Talbots.

CODSALL • DUDLEY HALESOWEN • KIDDERMINSTER STOURBRIDGE • WOLVERHAMPTON 83

0800 118 1500

www.talbotslaw.co.uk

Our advisors are here to provide the essential business advice and support as your business develops and grows.

At Baldwins, we have many years of experience and commitment to accounting excellence. However our expertise doesn’t stop with accounting, our specialist advisory teams and personal service ethos means we are there to help you and your business thrive in today’s competitive environment.

With offices across the region, you can rely on us to provide up-to-the-minute knowledge and advice. So if you’d like to see what we can do for your business, please contact us for a free introductory meeting.

Ian Wilkins Director 1st Floor | Copthall House | 1 New Road | Stourbridge | West Midlands | DY8 1PH 01384 370060 | info@baldwinandco.co.uk | www.baldwinsaccountants.co.uk

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