Our Lifestyle Magazine - May/June 2024

L

Our

ifestyle Magazine

May/June 2024

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Our Lifestyle Magazine

Contents

Welcome

Home

2 - 17

Gardens

18 - 21

Pets

22 - 23

Health

24 - 33

Our interiors feature by Jennifer Suzanne Interiors provides inspiring trends to infuse your home with the latest in fabric styles for 2024

Hair & Beauty

34 - 37

Weddings

38 - 39

Check out our summer fashion feature which is full of inspiration for putting on your gladrags, ready for a day at the races, a glorious Wedding or a Summer Garden Party.

Fashion

40 - 43

Food & Drink

44 - 47

Travel

48 - 49

We always welcome input from our readers and advertisers, so if you have a story or event that you think would make interesting reading then please get in touch and tell us about it.

Leisure

50 - 51

What’s On

42 - 57

Showbiz

58 - 59

Horoscopes

60

Crosswords

61

Summer is upon us!

This issue is packed with everything you need to enjoy the next few summer months!

WE ARE RECRUITING - GET FIT & GET PAID Our Lifestyle are looking for more people to hand deliver our magazine 6 times a year through letterboxes in the local areas of Halesowen, Kidderminster, Hagley, Pedmore & surrounding areas in Stourbridge.

If you are interested please give Linda a call on 07841 431446.

Motoring

62 - 63

Funerals

64

Finance & Legal

65 - 67

Danielle Scandrett

Linda Farren

Marketing & Design Manager

Managing Director 07841 431446

daniellescandrett@outlook.com

linda@ourlifestylemag.co.uk

Feature Writers: Bob Hickman, Jennifer Suzanne, Mike Whitehurst, Rebecca Underwood, Sally Mansell, Steve Thomas.

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 the winner will be notified by 15th April. 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 the competition will run until 10th April. Details of the winner available on request by emailing info@ourlifestylemag.co.uk 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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Welcome to Woodrobes Investing in a new bedroom is a significant decision, one that you will have to live with for many years, so getting it right is essential.

A bedroom you are happy with and comfortable in takes considerable thought and excellent planning.

Many of our customers find it hard to visualise just how their new bedroom will look when finished, if it will have the ‘WOW’ factor and the feel they are looking for.

This is where Woodrobes excels.

Our knowledgeable showroom staff will use their expertise to assist you in choosing the style and colour of your bespoke fitted furniture.

Our vast and varied range of products provides our customers with combinations of textures, styles, colours and finishes. To give our customers the best possible choice, we are constantly updating our product range with innovative new styles while embracing and including new colours and finishes when they come onto the market.

Our designer will visit your home to plan your ideas and make a working design you are happy with.

Once colours and layout are finalised, your bespoke bedroom furniture is manufactured locally, and when complete, our fitters turn your design into reality.

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Jennifer Suzanne Interiors

Fabric styles 2024 www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk 07977330011

jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk @jennifersuzanneinteriors 8

Our Home Window treatments play a pivotal role in defining the aesthetics of a space, and what better time than 2024 to infuse your home with the latest in fabric styles.

welcoming feel, especially around windows.

Linen curtains, in particular, are enjoying the spotlight. With its natural elegance and lightweight qualities, linen is perfect for curtains that allow natural light to filter through, creating a warm and inviting ambiance year-round. Soft hues like eggshell white, sandy beige, and gentle greige complement various spaces, especially bedrooms and living rooms, exuding laidback elegance.

They not only add a finishing touch to a room but also possess the transformative ability to elevate interiors, whether it's by creating the illusion of height, drawing focus across a space, or framing windows to showcase a beautiful view. Here are my top picks for curtain styles that are set to grace my clients' homes in 2024.

Stripes:

Organic Textures and Natural Fabrics:

Stripes are making a stylish comeback in 2024, and what better way to incorporate them than in your window treatments. Thin, vertical stripes elongate windows, creating the illusion of taller ceilings, ideal for smaller rooms. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, widen the visual space, accentuating the view outside. Their uniform pattern blends seamlessly with diverse decor styles, from contemporary to playful, making them versatile choices.

Embracing nature and drawing inspiration from the great outdoors, this trend is one of my personal favourites for 2024. Earthy, organic textures such as linen, cotton, wool, and silk take centre stage, celebrated for their durability and eco-friendliness. These materials not only appeal visually but also harmonize with the natural elements of a space, imbuing it with a grounded and

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Our Home

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Our Home Curtain-Wall Colour Matching:

Layering curtains remains an enduring trend in 2024, offering both functionality and style.

This design approach involves combining multiple types of window coverings, such as sheer curtains and thicker drapes, to control light and privacy levels effectively. Layering adds texture and interest to a room, providing ample opportunity for creative expression with a mix of patterns, textures, and colours to suit any interior theme.

Continuing from previous years, 2024 sees the trend of curtain-wall colour matching persisting. This approach involves selecting curtain fabrics that closely match or complement the wall colour, resulting in a harmonious and unified look. Ideal for minimalist interiors, this sophisticated technique enhances the perceived size of a room, making it feel larger and more open.

Trimmings:

Sheer and Light Fabrics:

Tassels, fringing and boarder's trims have been, quite literally, edging their way back into interiors for the past couple of years. I love to add pretty patterned trims down the edges of curtains and blinds, and it's a great way of adding more detail and layers to any room.

Sheer curtains remain a perennial favourite, providing the perfect balance of filtering daylight while maintaining privacy. In 2024, the use of sheer and light fabrics continues to trend, imparting a cool and airy ambiance wherever they're used. These curtains diffuse light, adding spaciousness to rooms without darkening them, creating a delicate and romantic atmosphere, particularly in bedrooms and living rooms.

Adding piping, fringing on cushions and throws or adding colourful pom poms to the edge of a roman blind - it may be a small detail, but it can help to bring a new, fresh feel to your home for 2024.

Layered Window Treatments:

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Our Home

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Our Home Latest Colours in Curtain Design:

find the perfect fabric solutions to realize your dream home or business aesthetics.

From made-to-measure curtains to blinds, my interior services ensure a tailored approach from concept to installation. Let's turn your curtain trends for 2024 into a reality!

The latest colour trends in curtain design strike a balance between tranquillity and vibrancy. Organic shades dominate, evoking a sense of peace and connection with nature.

However, bold hues such as deep blues, rich greens, and vibrant pinks are emerging as focal points, injecting energy and vitality into spaces. These colours are often paired with neutral wall tones to achieve a harmonious blend of excitement and calm.

Instagram: @jennifersuzanneinteriors Facebook: jennifersuzanneinteriors

Contact me with your enquires Email: Jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk

If you're considering updating your curtains, I'm here to help. Let's schedule a consultation to discuss your window dressing ideas and

Mobile: 07977 330011 Website: www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk

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At 5 Star we understand the importance of trust. It is gained, never expected, and never taken for granted. We believe it is earned through hard work, honesty, transparency and putting the customer first.

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If you choose 5 Star, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you are working with a professional team that puts quality and customer service first. We are so confident in the quality of our products and workmanship that we offer a 20 year guarantee on our products which is twice the industry average and insurance backed by the Consumer Protection Association.

For the real try before you buy experience our customers can visit 2 market leading showrooms which are the largest of their kind in the west midlands. You can wander between full sized, fully furnished Conservatories, beautiful Orangeries and stunning Lemonaries. View a variety of glass roofs, lanterns, tiled roofs, Headguard polycarbonate roofs, over 200 Windows & Doors and lots more. Our 3000 sq. ft Kidderminster showroom is situated on the Worcester Road and the Worcester Showroom is just three and a half minutes walk from the main High Street in the centre of Worcester.

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Our Pets

Sidney's Second Chance foot, Sidney’s owner was understandably concerned. Following examination of Sidney and his new growth we were able to take samples and perform a laboratory analysis using our new virtual laboratory system that allows us to access specialist review and reporting of lab samples within 24 hours.

The results brought great relief, the mass was benign. Armed with this knowledge and taking into consideration the potentially difficult location of the lump we were able to swiftly remove the new growth. We were all able to breathe a sigh of relief for Sidney and he’s now back to his best.

In the second of our series of articles highlighting the day to day work of our dedicated team at PowisVets and featuring some of our very special patients we want to introduce you to the journey of Sidney. He is a spirited 9-year-old Boxer whose resilience has combined with the expertise of our vets and nurses to overcome a number of health hurdles.

Sidney's story began with the appearance of a small lump on his side at the age of 5, which led to the diagnosis of a mast cell tumour - a type of cancerous growth originating from cells in the immune system. This required an operation to remove the growth. However, thanks to spotting the change quickly and intervening early, the surgery was successful and no further treatment was required.

Although Sidney needed some help in the intervening years to repair damaged knee ligaments, he had remained free of trouble from his lump.

At PowisVets, we’re committed to empowering pets and their owners to embrace life's journey with confidence. Sidney's story is an example of overcoming obstacles and how we can use advances in technology that we have at our fingertips to lead us to the right treatments more quickly, helping to improve the outcome for our companions.

However, when a new lump surfaced on his 22

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Our Health

I think I need a hearing aid…

It can take people a while to admit they need a hearing aid so reaching out is a huge step.

Chances are, you're here because: • You’ve become part of the “Ay?” team • People seem to mumble a lot • You crank up the volume or use subtitles on TV • You’re relying on lip-reading • You have a ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) with your hearing loss

in a choice of colours), custom made and completely invisible.

• Connectivity – many modern hearing devices have direct connectivity to your phone, tv or tablet. This allows you to makes phone calls or listen to your favourite music or tv programs directly through your hearing aids and so much clearer!

• Apps – most hearing aids now have a free app to download to your smartphone.

You can control volume, tone and even background noise at the touch of a button.

Your lifestyle and listening needs are unique to you. A tailored, individualised approach to hearing health care is crucial to achieving your hearing goals. That’s exactly what we provide at Hear In. Clients often say, ‘I’m coping fine, I hear what I need to hear’. Their hearing may feel dull or muffled and assume it’s just wax when in fact their ears are perfectly clear. If ‘things are loud enough but not clear’ it’s a sign that it’s time to have your hearing tested. With hearing aids things become clear, the ‘fog’ is lifted! Don’t settle for coping, enjoy the fullness of life.

During your hearing consultation, our expert audiologists will look at your listening needs and test results and ask about your personal and lifestyle needs. Our excellent aftercare service ensures that we are with you every step of the way to get the very best from your new hearing aids.

So who do you turn to and trust - NHS or private?

We are lucky to have a NHS hearing aid service in the UK. Why choose to go privately for your hearing healthcare? The biggest difference between the NHS and private sector is choice.

NHS are often limited to 2-3 hearing aids using technology up to 4 years old.

If you would like to find out how we can help with your hearing issues, please call us on;

Hagley/RUBERY Clinic

As an independent hearing care service, we can choose from 80 - 120 hearing aids using the latest technology from leading manufacturers.

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Ramsay Health Care People Caring for People.

Our day case unit Stourside Hospital, opened its doors in 2020 and provides additional capacity of health care services working in partnership with West Midlands Hospital and local GP Practices.

As one of the leading independent providers in the UK, Ramsay Health Care offers fast access to the highest standard of care.

Our patient pathways are consultant led from the most well qualified and experienced specialists in their field of expertise.

In December 2023, we began extensive renovations at West Midlands Hospital which include a brand new physiotherapy department and a state of the art laminar flow theatre.

Both West Midlands Hospital and Stourside Hospital provide access to high quality, patient centred health care services for self-funding, insured and NHS patients.

Investing in a second laminar flow theatre has given us the opportunity to help more patients within the community who require orthopaedic services.

West Midlands Hospital is one of the West Midland’s leading private hospitals operating since 1988 the hospital has 34 private bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities.

To enquire about the services we provide at our hospitals please call 01384 560 123.

We provide a wide and comprehensive range of specialised clinical services from routine to complex surgery, day case procedures including endoscopy, diagnostic services and physiotherapy.

Patient Choice As the NHS Long Term Plan challenges the healthcare sector for patients to have more options, better support and properly joined up care at the right time in the optimal care setting, Ramsay is ready to play a central role in ensuring this takes place and work within our local health networks collaboratively to see this happen. As the leading provider of the e-Referral Service and considered best in class for our comprehensive slot management, Ramsay is at the forefront of proactively assisting patients to have rapid access to the care they need, when they need it.

Patients can ask their GP for a referral into our services at Stourside Hospital.

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West Midlands Hospital & Stourside Hospital Our patients, at the heart of all we do.

Friendly hospitals

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NHS and Private appointments available

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Urology

Experience the

Difference Rediscover dentistry at Dentique Dentistry, a brand-new start-of-the-art dental practice directed by Paul Worskett in the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, where the patient gets the treatment and quality of service they deserve.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, and a passion for excellence, Paul Worskett built a strong reputation for quality of service and technical expertise at his previous practice in the Stourbridge area; providing guidance and specialised clinical excellence to his patients, and ensuring their dental journey was comfortable and successful, with an empathy for any concerns they felt.

Principal dentist, Dr Paul Worskett.

At Paul’s brand-new practice, Dentique Dentistry, he aims to continue that legacy and take it to new heights, driven by a desire to provide and care for his patients, and restore their oral health, function, and appearance, to improve their confidence and quality of life.

Dentique embodies Paul’s philosophy, providing a warm, caring, and reassuring environment, where you can put your confidence in dentists that you can trust, to provide personalised treatments and care to help you lead a happier and healthier lifestyle with the smile to go with it!

“It’s been something of a passion project for me and I am overjoyed with our patients’ satisfaction. I have a great team working with me and we are in the process of recruiting more dental staff to accommodate the growing demand.”

Dentique is pleased to invite new patients to experience comfortable, private dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Experience the difference and rediscover your smile!

Visit www.dentiquedentistry.co.uk or scan the QR code to find out more, or call 01562 341066, to book an appointment.

Paul has a special interest in implantology and full-arch immediate replacement, which enables a full set of teeth to be fitted on several implants, all on the same day. Paul is also experienced in advanced restorative treatments and cosmetic dentistry, which can give you renewed confidence and the smile you’ve always wished for.

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6 Mill Pool Nash Lane Belbroughton Stourbridge DY9 9AF

Our Health

myths and misconceptions 12. To build your body, you have to use weights. Except in the case of advanced bodybuilding, this simply isn’t correct.

‘Building’ your body requires quality, variety and consistency of controlled muscular fatigue, and there are many other options other than weights that can achieve this.

The unregulated fitness industry has complicated, confused and even misled every one of us. The relentless pursuit of the onesystem-fits-all approach of the last 40 years has served only to produce so much conflicting information and advice that most individuals don’t know which way to turn when deciding on exercise, and even the most basic of principles is misinterpreted or misunderstood.

This has led to an ever-growing number of myths and misconceptions existing in the exercise world, muddying the waters, preventing scientific progress and holding us back.

13. Sweating means you’re not fit. This needs to be defined correctly. Sweating is the body’s mechanism for regulating internal temperature. If your internal (core) temperature rises too high, the body diverts water to the skin surface to evaporate the heat out. An unfit, unhealthy and/or overweight individual may sweat simply as a response to having too much insulation in the form of fat, but the opposite may be true. As one gets fitter, the body’s thermoregulatory system becomes more efficient, recognising any heat build-up more quickly and acting quickly to remove it – sweating more, and sooner, to regulate body temperature. Indeed, individuals from opposite sides of the health/ fitness spectrum both sweat profusely, but for completely opposing reasons.

In the last edition we explored the first 10 most misunderstood issues.

Let’s now explore the next 10 most common, in a little more detail; 11. Rowing is good for the stomach. This is a commonly held belief that makes no sense at all. The musculature in the stomach/ abdominal area should be engaged during the rowing movement, but this applies to numerous other exercises, movements and activities and is not specific to the rowing action. Good use of rowing exercise, as part of a comprehensive, varied and balanced cardiovascular exercise routine, is of course beneficial to the body’s overall fat consumption, but not directly from the stomach region.

14. Stretching prevents injury. It really isn’t as simple as this. As I’ve said, stretching generally is highly beneficial to the human body, especially as a tool to aid injury prevention, but it must be done correctly, be well balanced and be highly targeted to individuals. It certainly does not come with any guarantee.

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Our Health 15. Cardiovascular exercise should always come first. This simply isn’t true. Every exercising individual needs good quality, progressive cardiovascular exercise, and traditional gym exercise programmes usually schedule the cardiovascular component at the start of every workout. However, my 100,000 exercise system has variety at its heart, especially because the best results are gained with a variety of movements and exercises and continued variety of routines.

There is no definitive scientific evidence that cardiovascular exercise must come first.

there are some scientifically contraindicated (controversial) movements and positions in yoga, but there are also some highly effective and beneficial movements and positions.

Every individual should include them in their workouts.

16. You should go to the gym daily. Once again, this simply isn’t accurate. Doing any amount of exercise daily isn’t recommended.

It should also be remembered that even regular gym-goers do not always have to go to the gym to carry out effective exercise sessions. Over-training is in fact one of the most common problems for regular exercisers. It must be remembered that, to progress, the body needs rest from exercise.

In fact many adaptations from exercise come during the body’s rest periods and not during the workout itself.

20. Exercise is dangerous. This is a sweeping statement that is obviously incorrect. In reality, injury does happen during gym exercise but it’s far less common than most people realise. However, this does not change the fact that all exercise should be performed slowly, correctly and in a well thought-out, considered manner. This not only ensures that exercising is safe, it also ensures it is efficient and effective.

19. Pilates isn’t a proper workout. This again is completely incorrect. Pilates is currently in vogue, and although it clearly isn’t the total answer to everyone’s exercise needs, there are many important Pilates exercises that we should all incorporate into our workouts.

All of these myths and misconceptions have served to misrepresent exercise, to cloud opinion and understanding. They have led to exercise becoming a guessing game with individuals simply following others, not really knowing if they are doing things correctly.

It has been a major contributing factor to explain why exercise has been, and still is, so confusing to so many.

17. You should never work out with an empty stomach. This is false. Good health and fitness depend on good nutrition, and that covers what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat. Elite athletes experiment extensively in order to establish what, how much and when to eat before training. Scientifically speaking, exercising with a full stomach isn’t clever. The human body requires a significant amount of blood and energy to digest food efficiently. If there is a physiological competition for blood supply between your digestive system and your exercising muscles, your muscles will win out every time. That may sound good for your exercise, but it’s a disaster for your digestive system. If it were a choice between full or empty, then empty should be the choice.

I really hope that this helps to answer some of the most common questions that I receive every day. In the next article I will address more of these really important myths and misconceptions. For more details and further information about my ‘secret’ exercise programmes, that I have used with all my celebrity clients, please visit; thefatherfigureoffitness.com, or to purchase my new book; The Father Figure of Fitness, please visit amazon UK. If you have any specific questions, or would like me to cover a certain topic in subsequent editions, please contact me at; info@thefatherfigureoffitness.com.

18. Yoga isn’t a proper workout. This is untrue. I believe that an individual shouldn’t just practise yoga or only practise yoga, and 31

Our Hair

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Our Hair

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Our Health

Mental Ill Health Seasonal Blues Hilary Sims - Life Balance

As a counsellor, I see a pattern in the problems clients present to me, throughout the year, that could almost be looked at as being seasonal.

workforce, even more will see counselling as a social norm.

That being said, the importance of counselling should not ever be underestimated. While it’s becoming increasingly socially acceptable to seek personal help that shouldn’t lessen the impact of counselling or make conditions that counselling or therapy treat, any less important.

It’s not quite as black and white as people suffering from depression in the winter months, anxiety in the spring, couples’ issues in the summer and teenager problems in the autumn, but there does appear to be trends associated with seasons.

The differing array of symptoms and conditions require different methods of counselling. These methods used are more down to the individual needs of the patient rather than the condition they present with.

Some patients might respond better to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) others, SFT (Solution Focused Therapy) or Humanistic Counselling.

For example, the new school year in September and the following few months, particularly for 14 to 18 year olds, seems to bring a larger concentration of stress and anxiety related conditions.

Christmas particularly and just after, family and relationship concerns.

April, and we see a trend forming around depression illnesses (this also coincides with the highest numbers in a month, for suicide)*

If you have any questions or would like to book an initial consultation, please either email me on hilary@lifebalancecounselling.net or call me on 07850 447585.

Seeing a counsellor doesn't hold the stigma it used to, thankfully. When I was growing up, if someone saw a counsellor, it was a sign of weakness, particularly if you were a man and while there is still a stigma attached to seeking mental health help, it’s much less that it was.

Website: www.lifebalancecounselling.net *Data from the ONS

Thankfully, we have seen a change in that way of thinking as generations come and go, meaning that for some, in fact, probably for most, counselling is now seen as a form of selfdevelopment, and in many social settings, it's encouraged. As our next generation hits the 36

Our Health

Determined to be the Difference – Exceptional Residential Care Exceptional Facilities

Sister homes Parkfield Grange and The Gables, part of the award winning Cinnamon Care Collection, provide unrivalled care in the West Midlands. Parkfield Grange, on the Hagley Road in Stourbridge, is a purpose built, luxury care home providing personalised residential and dementia care. The Gables is a brand-new care home in Hagley, with an exceptionally equipped, compassionate and caring environment.

Facilities at Parkfield Grange and The Gables are outstanding, including restaurants, bars, hair and beauty salons, cinema rooms, luxury lounges, libraries and private dining rooms.

We pride ourselves on bringing the latest innovation in senior living to our residents, to ensure they thrive. For the sixth consecutive year, Cinnamon has been named a Top 20 Care Home Group by carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care home reviews website, testament to our fabulous care teams and award winning care home environments.

Outstanding Care People need care at different stages. Many start with some additional help at home, but as needs increase, can find this option expensive, sometimes lonely and insufficient in providing the level of care they require.

Parkfield Grange and The Gables provide outstanding residential care, in built for purpose accommodation, with 24 hour care teams, with fellow residents to befriend, new hobbies and social activities to enjoy.

Happy Senior Living Cinnamon homes are designed by award winning architects to specifically cater for varied needs of older people, to ensure the very best care possible is delivered. The aim is to offer something special, the difference between good care and great care. We help older people live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives and give peace of mind to their families who entrust us with their wellbeing.

We are determined to be the difference, both in the expert care we provide and the luxurious quality of our homes.

For those who need specialist dementia care, the homes provide friendly environments with themed spaces, such as art rooms, retro kitchen and music areas to stimulate resident engagement and to aid reminiscence. Both homes also offer short stay or respite for convalescence - maybe after an operation or hospital stay or to give a carer an opportunity for a rest or to go on holiday.

For more information please visit https:// www.cinnamoncc.com

37

Our Weddings

Relaxed Wedding Affair It’s All About The Hen Do!

seems to be no rulebook about what or how you feed your guests. The only thing that you must assure is that there is enough food to go around and that it is easily accessible.

The great thing about weddings today is that anything goes! Gone are the days when you were tied to tradition and had to have the seated wedding breakfast followed by speeches, toasts and cake cutting. Of course you can still do all this and done correctly this produces a beautiful and classical structure for your wedding day. However, what with the ever swelling guest lists and attendees from a varied mix of race and culture now all too common at weddings, Brides and Grooms across the country are opting for a more relaxed affair rather than struggling against the confinements of tradition.

If you are considering a non-traditional style of wedding food then here are a few tips and considerations which hopefully will help you find the right style for you and your budget!

Anyone for Cocktails?

This style of affair can be very glamorous and classy however not necessarily a cheaper option, so don’t forgo the three course meal thinking you’ll save money. One of the main factors here is the venue you have chosen. A cocktail wedding requires a certain style of furniture which the venue you have booked many not have. Poseur tables, bar stools and indeed more bars may need to be hired to style the space and create the right atmosphere which will heavily impact on your budget.

Over the last few years communal feasting is now considered a perfectly acceptable, and let’s face it, novel way of feeding your guests, with big shared platters of food served on tables for friends and family to tuck into together. There has also been an increase in the “grazing style” of receptions such a cocktail & canapes, picnics or even gourmet BBQs all delivering non-fussy yet scrumptious food while your guests can mingle to their hearts delight!

Make sure there is enough staff to make and supply the cocktails as it will take some time for them to get around to everyone. Make it easy for people to help themselves with trays of cocktails or simple flutes of fizz positioned at various points in the room so that people don’t have to queue.

So in reality, what with the acceptance of such a relaxed style of food service there now 38

Our Weddings Keep in mind your guest list size. With a sitdown meal you will be restricted to numbers simply due to the number of tables and chairs the venue can hold. Stand up receptions such as cocktail-style weddings will allow for a larger numbers in the venue but you’ll consequently need to feed more people, so it might just cost the same as a seated meal in the end.

Occasional Seating

Canapes & Finger Food

If you have elderly guests attending, they will be looking for comfortable seating options to mingle quietly rather than standing up all evening. A selection of comfortable chairs and even sofas would be perfect especially when the disco is in full swing as people will need a breather!

Cocktail style weddings are great for mingling but remember to supply occasional seating for the elderly and ladies in heels. Standing up in high heels for 8 hours will result in people kicking off their shoes (never good for wedding photography) or even going home early as they are in too much pain.

Pricing will vary depending on your caterer of course. You have to consider the time of day your reception is being held as this will determine the quantity of food you will need to supply to your guests. Think about portions, if you were to put all the canapés allocated per guest on a plate, would it be enough to make a meal?

Prepare Your Guests Some guests may not have attended a cocktail style wedding before and therefore might be confused about what food will be served. It is always a good idea to make sure there is a note of this on your invites so your guests aren’t left wondering if they should be fasting or loading up their bellies before the event.

It may be an idea to have food points scattered around the venue for the guest’s arrival to avoid people pouncing on the first tray of canapes that appear. Create food stations for guests such as a charcuterie, or cheese plate here and there to enhance the supply of nibbles being circulated.

Best of Both Worlds If you like the idea of a more relaxed format but think that canapes and cocktails wouldn’t quite deliver enough pomp & ceremony on the day then you could always merge the two styles. Have drinks and canapés served after your ceremony, giving your guests the opportunity to mingle, while you’re getting photos taken with your bridal party.

Then invite guests to a sit-down meal which can allow you to schedule in certain speeches, cutting of the cake etc. Why not try sharing platters if you want to keep it less formal.

Then have a roaming dessert with different buffet stations situated throughout the venue or even go back to served canapes for sweet nibbles. You can always have your cake served at one of these stations with tea and coffee available.

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Now the Winter is over, we are getting into party season, so let’s start looking! Enjoy the fabulous colour palette whether you are looking for pretty pastels or your skin tone suits more vibrant shades, anything is possible. Look out for applique, maximal jewellery, feathers or metallics, if you love black this is your season, the kitten heel is having a revival, so is the peplum.

By Sally Mansell

Maximum Volume 1

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1 – revolve.com – Bustier gown 2 – revolve.com – Nia clutch 3 – Swarovski.com 4 – next.co.uk – Lipsy V neck midi 5 – next.co.uk – V&A love & roses midi 6 – reiss.com – Hewey blazer/short

7 – guess.eu – Axen sandal 8 – kurtgeiger.com – XS vinyl Southbank tote 9 – revolve.com – Rosalind dress 10 – sharpermillinery.co.uk – Raspberry Ruffle 11 – marksandspencer.com – Kitten heel

Glamour is definitely on the agenda, frothy skirts are a trend, keep everything else simple & let the froth do the talking. Look on next.co.uk if you need a dress, so many brands on one website, there is also a good choice for petite & curves. Check out revolve.com for something different, I love the Rosalind dress, bang on trend, add the hatinator by sharpermillinary.co.uk perfect for any stylish event.

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12 – mintvelvet.com – Block midi 13 – rosecollinsmillinery.com – Sinamay Sidesweep 14 – anthropologie.com – halter neck embroidered midi 15 – mintvelvet.com – Cream wedge 16 – michaelkors.co.uk – Slater XS sling bag 17 – zara.com – Leaf cuff

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18 – reiss.com – Harriet knot leather mule 19 – meandem.com – one shoulder peplum knit 20 – reiss.com – Millie trouser suit 21 – revolve.com – Mia clutch 22 – getaheadhats.co.uk – Vivien Sheriff 23 – phase-eight.com – Isla maxi

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Light & Shade As Serious black is a season trend there are some fabulous pieces on the High St, the dress from mintvelvet.com is stunning add the wedge plus the Sinamay Sidesweep from rosecollinsmillinary. com & Mia clutch from revolve.com for a striking look. The embroidered dress from anthropologie. com is perfect to dress up or down, add the hatinator from getaheadhats.co.uk & you are ready for the races then take it on holiday adding the cuff from zara.com.

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24 – next.co.uk – Lipsy 3D lace 30 – next.co.uk – lipsy sweetheart feather hem 25 – katespade.co.uk – Knott croc mini tote 31 – zara.com – seashell minimaudiere 26 – kurtgeiger.com – Pierra platform 32 – swarovski.com – Idyllia earring 27 – revolve.com – Astrid dress 33 – mintvelvet.com – pink feather mini 28 – rosecollinsmillinery.com - Lulu 34 – mintvelvet.com – feather jumpsuit 29 – aquazzula.com – velvet powder puff sling back

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Make an Entrance If you want to make an entrance add feathery touches, I’ve chosen 3 fabulous pieces for you to accessorize, from Lipsy & Mint Velvet, add seashell accessories for a delicate touch. The applique dress from Lipsy is stunning & also comes in pink, it’s a fabulous occasion wear dress, but perfect to wear afterwards . I love this wide brimmed hat by Rose Collins, totally feminine & very versatile.

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Metallics have been around for a while now, super stylish with full on glamour, both dresses are super flattering, I love the peplum silhouette on the Reiss dress, the orchid headband by Rare Find is so unusual, add the Halo jewellery collection by Swarovski.com & metallic accessories to create a spectacular outfit!

Sally x

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37 35 – reiss.com – Atholton peplum pleat midi 36 – modainpelle.com – Livelia silver 37 – zara.com – mini bucket bag

38 – meandem.com – Metallic midi 39 – Swarovski.com - Halo 40 – etsy.com – Rare Find metal orchid headband

BOX BOUTIQUE UK Box Boutique UK A fabulous collection of women's fashion and accessories, plus styling advice - personal shopping and New Season Trends.

Come and see us or host your own party.

Get 10% Discount with this code Lifestyle M24 Follow us on Instagram@boxboutiqueuk facebook.com/boxboutiqueuk join our WhatsApp group Email julie@boxboutiqueuk.com sally@boxboutiqueuk.com 43

Our Food & Drink

Recipes

By Mike Whitehurst

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Our Food & Drink

ASPARAGUS FRITTATA WITH CHIVES AND PETIT POIS

Serves: 4

METHOD

Useful Info

Get water boiling in your steamer pan. If you don’t have one just blanch the asparagus in salted water. Bend the asparagus towards the end of the stalk to find the natural break point and snap off then discard the woody ends.

Chop into 2cm slices but leave the tips whole and steam for 45 seconds. Steam the petit pois for 3 minutes to soften.

Prep time = 5 minutes Cooking time = 30 minutes

Ingredients 8 FREE RANGE EGGS 3 PINCHES OF MALDON SEA SALT CRACKED BLACK OR WHITE PEPPER 2 PACKETS OF 125G ASPARAGUS 100G OF PETIT POIS 1 MEDIUM SIZE ONION OR 2 BANANA SHALLOTS A BUNCH OF CHIVES 75G OF CHEDDAR 1 PACKET OF WATERCRESS FRENCH DRESSING

Dice the onion and sweat off in olive oil on a low heat until soft and caramelised (about 20 minutes).

Chop the chives finely and grate the cheese.

Beat the eggs together with 3 pinches of salt and a few twists of pepper. Now mix all the above ingredients together.

Scrunch up a sheet of parchment paper and push into baking dish. Grease the baking dish with butter to help the paper stick to the sides.

EQUIPMENT

Pour in the egg mix and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 170ºc.

8” OVEN PROOF DISH STEAMER PAN CHOPPING BOARD COOKS KNIFE MIXING BOWLS FORK PARCHMENT PAPER

Put the watercress in a bowl and pour over some of the dressing, I like to use quite alot but that’s my personal taste. You can also add rocket, parsley and steamed green beans to the salad if you like to bulk it out. Serve the frittata once it has cooled a little or leave to go cold if you prefer.

Your Private Chef and Caterer Catering for business and social events or celebrating with family and friends e: events@takefood.co.uk m: 07939907371 www.takefood.co.uk 45

CHERRY CHOCOLATE POT

WITH WHIPPED CREAM AND SOUR DRIED CHERRY Serves: 4

MIXER PIPING BAG AND NOZZLE

Useful Info

METHOD

Prep time = 10 minutes Cooking - 10 minutes

Bring 300ml of double cream to the boil then turn down the heat and allow to simmer. Add the dark brown sugar and milk chocolate and stir until smooth.

Ingredients 450ML OF DOUBLE CREAM 150G OF MILK CHOCOLATE 100G OF SOFT DARK BROWN SUGAR 200G OF CHERRY JAM 25G CASTER SUGAR VANILLA EXTRACT SOUR CHERRY POWDER SPECULOOS BISCUITS (LOTUS)

Pour into the pots/dessert glasses and allow to set in the fridge for at least an hour. Gently melt the cherry jam in a pan and then carefully pour on top of the part set chocolate.

Put back in the fridge for a further 3 hours at least or until ready to serve.

EQUIPMENT

When you are ready to serve the pots whisk the remaining 150ml of double cream with 25g of caster sugar and 1tsp of vanilla extract until firm. Fill the piping bag with the cream then swirl on top of each chocolate pot then sprinkle with sour cherry powder and serve with speculoos biscuits.

HEAVY BASED PAN MEASURING JUG WEIGHING SCALES 4 POTS OR DESSERT GLASSES MIXING BOWL AND WHISK OR ELECTRIC 46

hot sandwiches & jacket potatoes Available in Hagley Everyday - 7.30am-14.30pm

147 Worcester Ln, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 0NW

01562 882211 47

HONG KONG

by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist For those of us longing to experience a pulsating explosion of culture, Hong Kong excites all the senses and far exceeded my expectations.

antique coins and watches and beautiful stone carvings. I then jostled politely with the maelstrom of crowds at the frantic Ladies Market in Tung Choi Street and used my persuasive haggling skills for bags, costume jewellery, and casual clothing. Temple Street Night Market is another delight for shoppers as it is crammed with rows of stalls offering electronic gadgets, CD’s, more costume jewellery, trinkets galore and a never ending stream of food stalls creating the most delicious array of aromas wafting through the air.

Located on the south coast of China and enclosed by the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong is famous for its natural harbour and stunning skyline. With seven million people jostling for position on 426 square miles, Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated areas and therefore the constant hustle and bustle of local life will enthral the most ardent traveller.

I spent quite some time wandering around Yau Ma Tei known for its martial arts dens, busy tea rooms, mah-jong parlours and so much more and, of course, I had my fortune told by a bird! Stanley Market is the place to view Chinese artwork, silks and an abundance of treasures. I am not ashamed to say that I parted with a substantial sum of Hong Kong dollars in exchange for some real bargains.

On arrival, I checked in at the Mandarin Oriental, located on Connaught Road Central.

The private check-in procedure was swift and ultra efficient, my luggage was dealt with in a jiffy and I was escorted to a plush harbour view suite, measuring 72 square metres and with spectacular views over Victoria Harbour.

Sumptuously furnished with soft carpeting, a plump comfortable couch and a king size bed swathed in cool white linens I succumbed to a deep slumber with ease.

I needed a breather after such a splurge and made my way to Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street where I sampled the ginseng, which, used in Chinese medicine for centuries, is believed to be essential for a fair complexion, longevity and energy. I then made my way to the harbour where I embarked on a mini voyage, sailing on the Star Ferry, which is one of Hong

Up with the larks and following my morning feast I emerged onto the street, bathed in the warm glow of the sunshine, and headed for some retail therapy at Cat Street in Sheung Wan, the ideal spot to browse through 48

Our Travel Kong’s most popular attractions. Each evening at 8pm the Symphony of Lights, a mesmerising multimedia extravaganza unfolds. The world’s largest sound and light show, as recorded in the Guinness World Records, features over 40 skyscrapers illuminated on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Whilst the laser beams dance across the inky black Hong Kong skyline me and my fellow passengers sipped on chilled wine and admired the show. I joined in with the spontaneous applause with gusto and it was absolutely thrilling.

Mandarin Oriental Entrance Courtesy Diego Lapasini

All too soon my trip came to an end and back at my hotel I headed for the Captain’s Bar, ordered a zingy cocktail and reflected on my explorations. I held my glass high in the air and made a toast to Hong Kong, a true explosion of culture and history and a simply unforgettable experience.

Images, excluding accommodation, courtesy of the Hong KongTourism Board.

Mandarin Oriental View Suite Courtesy Virgile Simon Bertrand

Courtesy Frazer Hall 49

THE PANTHERS I have been surrounded by rugby my whole life, from years of six nations always on the telly, to cheering my dad on from the sidelines playing for the mighty Stourbridge Grasshoppers. I still remember how his face lit up when I came home from a school P.E lesson to tell him we’d tried rugby for the first time today, and I’d actually really enjoyed myself.

experience has been the people I have met along the way. It is an absolute pleasure to play alongside so many delightful women, some whom I have known for years, other only months. Whether they have played for years, are completely new to the sport, or are making return after many years out, all of our players make for an extremely inclusive and uplifting group of ladies. The particular bonds I feel you make through rugby are ones very difficult to emulate elsewhere, there is a level of vulnerability and trust that is so integral to the sport and is such an honour to experience.

Two weeks later, little 14-year-old me was stood in the middle of a wet field with a girl double my size hurling herself at me, while various other voices screamed strange and unfamiliar words. What on earth had I gotten myself into!

The supportive environment of The Panthers is also massively thanks to our wonderful coaching team, the time and effort they put into our training and match days never goes unnoticed and their passion for our success makes me only want for us to improve even further as a team.

Session by session, those words began to gain meaning, and the girls hurling themselves at me brought with them a rush of adrenaline.

From then on, every Sunday was spent living and breathing rugby, forging friendships with my teammates, learning new positions and skills and most importantly, indulging in a sugar rush of canned pop and sweets as an after-training treat.

We look forward to having many of our girl’s section, The Stourbridge Pumas, join us in the future, as well as any aspiring players (experienced or not!) to help us continue to grow our Stourbridge Ladies section and continue to prove that women’s rugby has a rightful place at every rugby club across the country.

Shortly after my 17th birthday, teenage angst and an unclear view of progression made me partly lose my passion for the sport.

I’ve always felt a strong sense of loyalty to Stourbridge Rugby Club and the people there, so moving clubs was never an option for me, so consequently a few of my teammates and myself found ourselves at a dead-end of our rugby journey.

And so came the birth of the Stourbridge Panthers, started up by my dad and the dad of another fellow Panther player, I was given the opportunity to throw myself into senior rugby. With increased recognition for women’s rugby at this time, larger training numbers and increased game opportunities, reignited my love for rugby. I was able to improve my technical knowledge of the game, as well as my physical ability. But by far to me the best

Millie Bassett Flanker / Second row.

If you’re interested in playing contact adult rugby contact Stourbridge Panthers Team Manager Darren via email: darrenbassett@ icloud.com.

50

Ladies Golf Academy GET IN

GOL

Have you ever wondered what golf is all about?

Our next ladies golf academy is now starting...

Group lessons by one of our professionals All equipment provided Opportunities to progress to academy membership

want to Know more?Stourbridge Call us On

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Taster Days, Gro more opportu

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Worcester Lane, Pedmore, 51 Stourbridge DY8 2RB

Our What’s On

What's on - MAY-JUNE 2024

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Our What’s On

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Our What’s On

MAY-JUNE

2024

Find the funny characters on the Scarecrow Trail! Learn about our farm machinery - we will be displaying Tractors, Mowers, Balers.

Say hello to our farm animals...donkeys, piglets, chickens, lambs, calves and ducks. www.ticketsource/bodenhamarboretum Normal Arboretum Admission fees - Adults £8.00, Children (3+) £5.00 Family £26 (2 Adults, 3 Children)

Wolverhampton Racecourse 55

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Our What’s On

Ready to ignite your passion for singing?

Experience the thrill of harmonizing with a diverse group of voices, in a warm and friendly environment. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just starting out, there's a place for you at Got 2 Sing. Come be a part of something extraordinary!

Secondary School, 7:30pm - 9:00pm Why not come along for a free taster session. It could be the best decision you make all year!

www.got2sing.co.uk info@got2sing.co.uk

Got 2 Sing Choir Stourbridge meets every Thursday during term time at Hagley RC

0330 146 164 (freephone)

57

Our Showbiz

nick &

royston

A DIARY OF EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES SPRING DIARY 2024 Spring brings new life and new adventures for this dynamic duo. With the addition of their new puppy, Tuppence and many filming commitments, let’s find out what Nick & Royston have been up to.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF CHESHIRE Filming for the latest season of The Real Housewives of Cheshire has been in full swing, with Nick and Royston making their mark as regular fixtures on the show. This season saw the introduction of a new wife and the return of some beloved originals, creating a bustling atmosphere in Manchester’s entertainment scene.

Nick and Royston seized the opportunity to forge new friendships and rekindle old ones, adding a layer of charm and charisma to the series.

Out celebrating the end of filming Nick, Royston, and the Housewives indulged in a night of partying at Menagerie, a renowned cocktail club in Manchester frequented by Cheshire’s elite. Newcomer Elle has quickly become a firm favourite, promising viewers an exciting dose of gossip and drama in the upcoming episodes.

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Our Showbiz BIG BROTHER The first Housewife to appear on Celebrity Big Brother, Lauren Simon, was a hit with ITV viewers and Housewives colleagues. To show their support, Nick & Royston appeared on Big Brother Late & Live with AJ Odudu to help boost Lauren`s votes. Nick and Royston have been friends with her for many years and expressed their love and pride for Lauren. They also showed support and gave reasons why she should go all the way!! Unfortunately, she did not go all the way to the final, but I am sure she will share all the gossip when they next meet up.

ROYSTON`S BIRTHDAY To celebrate Royston`s birthday, he and Nick joined friends Emily and Jason for a night out in Birmingham. The evening kicked off in Tattu for drinks. This was followed by a visit to Royston`s favourite restaurant, San Carlo, and then champagne and cocktails at Marco Pierre White`s. It was a great night catching up, with fun and laughter culminating in a wonderful birthday.

COMIC RELIEF Always keen to support charities and worthy causes, Nick & Royston were thrilled to be asked to take part in producing a comical clip for Comic Relief. Filming with a local choir helped to build their profile and raise money for this important cause.

Rock Choir is a charity with over 30,000 members with four-hundred contemporary choirs nationwide. It’s all about building friendships, self-confidence and being embraced by a community who love to sing - with performances, events and life-changing experiences that offers new opportunities to all.

Nick and Royston were welcomed with open arms, where they added their unique fun and frolics to the day. To watch the antics, it’s available on their Instagram @nickandroyston69.

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Our Horoscopes

Capricorn December 21 - January 19

Cancer June 21 - July 21

You are now sowing the seeds of success for the future. Make sure that you cross all the t’s and dot all your i’s, precision is vital.

That wonderful planet Jupiter seems to be hyping up your sign and you are now capable of achieving anything that may lie within your wildest dreams.

Think lucky and you’ll be lucky.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Leo July 22 - August 21 It is important to keep a padlock to your temper.

There is so much you can achieve if you can just keep calm. Expect the financial side of your life to take a turn for the better the money stakes look good.

Carry on regardless, others may not agree with your decisions but you need to be like the horse with blinkers on, who just keeps going, you will win in the end.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

Virgo August 22 - September 22 Long term travel plans look very well aspected, so do not be put off by anyone. Treading on strange ground could give you a new insight into your life and help you make important plans.

The airy fairy actions of others could make you look like the leader of the pack. Exert your authority as much as you can and others could be like putty in your hands.

Aries March 21 - April 20

Libra September 21 - October 22 At last you seem to be making progress after many untimely setbacks. You are heading for a financial bonanza, which could give you the freedom that you need to do what you wish.

A positive new direction could be just what the doctor ordered to perk up your life and enable you to bring out your true talent and ability.

Taurus April 21 - May 20

Scorpio October 23 - November 22 As the moon energies your sign you may need to slow down and be a little more patient in order to avoid the appearance of that famous scorpion sting, you have a kind heart, so take it steady.

Getting out and about is of vital importance, spread your knowledge around and enjoy a new circle of friends, who just seem to appear out of nowhere. You are becoming a magnet of love to those close to you.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 20

Gemini May 21 - June 20

A chance meeting could liven up your life and allow Cupid’s arrow to point in your direction, Venus, the planet of love is creating a powerful influence.

Time is on your side so you can afford to be very choosy about what you want and what you buy.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate and do yourself a deal. Control money before it controls you.

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Our Crossword

CrOSSWORD

Across

Down

1 South North American republic (6) 5 Warning (3-3) 8 Version still being developed (4) 9 Boss (8) 10 Packages (7) 11 Literary work (4) 13 Donkey (5,2,6) 16 Close (4) 17 Commander in chief of a fleet (7) 20 Parasol (8) 21 Wicked (4) 22 Gorge (6) 23 Loftier (6)

2 3 4 5 6 7 12 14 15 16 18 19

Lift up (7) Hebrew patriarch (5) Fail to notice (8) Class (4) Flourish (7) Eats (5) Submissive to authority (8) Soft and moist (7) Scrutinise (7) Sweatbox (5) Standard of perfection (5) Futile (4)

Answers for MAR/APR 24 Across: 7 Sombrero, 8 Rack, 9 Falsetto, 10 Aids, 11 Siesta, 14 Ice cap, 15 Gas, 16 Gemini, 18 Tubing, 20 Plan, 21 Alphabet, 24 Czar, 25 Electric.

Down: 1 Rota, 2 Abuses, 3 Teat, 4 Motorist, 5 Grease, 6 Acid rain, 12 Idealize, 13 Agitated, 17 Ignore, 19 Blasts, 22 Peek, 23 Exit.

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Subaru Forester e-Boxster For many people the name Subaru will always be associated with the incredible Subaru Impreza Rally cars, writes Bob Hickman.

derivative is the Lineartronic, a hybrid of sorts, the small electric motor gives you additional punch assisted by a lithium-ion battery.

For people in the know the Subaru Forester range of vehicles have been the forte of the hunting, shooting, fishing brigade and the farmers who know a vehicle that has capabilities when they see one.

The interior has a roomy feel to it with very nice trim, the satellite navigation system is not difficult to understand, being clear and concise. The interior was not luxurious, more practical, and I believe when you consider where this vehicle is designed to spend a lot of its time, you need a vehicle that you can brush out the mud and rubbish.

The Forester has genuine off-road capabilities, dependability, and is also bomb proof. If you need to venture off-road or live in an out of the way place when the weather gets tough you will be able to counter those issues. It is a rugged work horse.

The drive was very smooth and quiet, the automatic gearbox worked a treat. A small circular knob on the transmission tunnel enabled you to select various terrains from normal, snow ice or muddy configurations’, all to assist you to altercate yourself in the event of difficulties.

The latest incarnation of the Forester is longer, wider, than the car it replaces and this translates to more interior space and more importantly luggage. My particular test vehicle was equipped with the infamous Subaru Boxster engine, It has a capacity of 1995cc producing power in the region of 150bhp, with lots of torque. This particular

The level of equipment on the Forester was quite extensive, in addition to the permanent all-wheel drive there was a plethora of other features, I particularly liked the powered 62

Our Motoring tailgate which is a useful feature when you are loading or unloading your luggage and the rear sill was not too high to lift in the awkward things and another useful feature was the one-touch reclining rear seat feature, at the click of a button the seats just folded up, thus transforming the Forester in to a huge load carrying capacity vehicle. The climate comfort features included heated front seats for both driver and passenger, and a heated steering wheel and in addition the door mirrors were heated and the dual cell automatic had an anti-dust feature for those who are susceptible to pollen when the spring arrives.

you when parking, after all this a quite large vehicle.

The driving dynamics were one of a vehicle that was a willing companion, the economics of it were not spectacular, during 250 miles of varied terrain the computer suggested that I had managed to achieve 34mpg, this is somewhat of an improvement on the last time I drove an earlier version then I only managed to achieve 27mpg.

The Forester e-Boxster 2.0i has an on the road price of £40,090, it has a 3-year or 60,000 miles warranty and the very nice people at Subaru had put a 8-year warranty on the lithium battery.

Another very useful feature on the vehicle is the reverse camera and front camera to assist

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Independent FUNERALFamily Funeral Directors DIRECTORS

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Independent family run business for over 100 years Home visits available by appointment Pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter 24hr service 365 days a year FOR IMMEDIATE HELP AND ADVICE CONTACT US ON

01562 888041 www.nedowning.co.uk J. T. Brookes & Co., Brierley Hill, Kingswinford & Hagley 64

Our Finance & Legal

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Siobhan Record Our Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

Your retirement income shortfall – the difference between what you will need and what your current expected retirement income is, possibly from a state pension or rental income. This is the number that your investment portfolio will need to provide.

The road to financial freedom is a journey of a thousand steps. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint and it will require patience, discipline, optimism, and regular reflection.

The management expert Peter Drucker once said, “What gets measured, gets managed.”

So, what are the metrics to keep track of?

What percentage of your income is protected – this is what disability and life insurance is for. We all think we’re invincible, but this is a serious topic. Too many people insure their phones but not their income.

Your wealth window – quite simply, how many months until you hit your financial independence day? This is when working becomes optional for you. Knowing this number in months rather than years makes it feel more motivating for most people.

The more you know about your finances, the faster you can progress towards financial freedom and what’s more, knowing the truth about your situation gives you greater agency over the course of your future.

Some people let life happen to them, and some shape their future to their desires. I encourage you to aspire to the latter.

Your saving percentage - what percentage of your take-home pay are you investing for the future? The more you can put away, the sooner you can retire. Additionally, by putting away more, you learn to live on less.

Successful investors routinely save more than 20% of their income.

If you are interested in knowing more about how I work and you have investments of over £200,000 why not give Jo a ring on 01562 745730 to arrange a no obligation 30-minute free meeting in our office.

Your retirement income needs - how much monthly income will you require in retirement to live comfortably? This will depend on your lifestyle and aspirations.

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.

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Our Finance & Legal

Navigating the New Tax Year: Key Changes and Their Impact on You and Your Business As the new tax year commences on April 6th, 2024, both individuals and businesses face a host of important tax changes. Here's a concise overview of these adjustments and their potential impacts:

£90,000 exempts smaller businesses from VAT duties, facilitating greater focus on business expansion rather than regulatory compliance.

Dividends, ISAs, and Child Benefits: Impact on Personal Finances

National Insurance Contributions: Reductions and Simplifications

Investors and directors receiving dividends will feel the impact of the dividend allowance reduction to £500, likely prompting a reassessment of investment strategies.

Updates to ISA regulations enhance flexibility and control for savers, potentially leading to better returns. The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) threshold adjustments and a more lenient taper rate may reduce the financial strain on middle-income families, offering a more favourable tax scenario.

A key change is the decrease in Class 1 National Insurance Contribution (NIC) rates for employees. Those earning between £12,570 and £50,270 now face an 8% rate, down from the previous rate, while the higher NIC rate of 2% above £50,270 remains unchanged.

This adjustment leads to a modest increase in take-home pay for many employees, though employer contributions remain steady at 13.8%. For sole traders, the abolition of Class 2 NICs removes a fixed expense for those with profits above £12,570, simplifying tax responsibilities and maintaining entitlement to contributory benefits. Additionally, the Class 4 NIC rate for the self-employed has been reduced to 6% at certain profit levels, supporting lower tax burdens for entrepreneurs.

Wages: Increases in Minimum and Living Wages The increase in both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage is beneficial for workers but necessitates budget adjustments for businesses. The extension of the National Living Wage to those aged 21 and over requires employers to update payroll systems to align with new wage standards.

Capital Gains and VAT: Strategic Adjustments

Overall Impact

The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Annual Exempt Amount has been reduced to £3,000, prompting individuals to adopt more strategic asset management. A CGT rate cut for higher rate taxpayers on residential property disposals to 24% offers new planning opportunities in real estate. The VAT registration threshold increase to

These changes are designed to reduce tax burdens, simplify compliance, and encourage economic activity across various sectors.

Businesses and individuals muststay informed and consider potential adjustments to their financial planning strategies to navigate these updates effectively.

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Early Bird Tax Service Complete your tax return now. Tax advantage of our no fuss, fixed fee tax return service.

Call us today on: 0121 794 4888 Visit us at 369 Hagley Rd West, Quinton, B32 2AL 90c Worcester Rd, Hagley, DY9 0NJ

taxassist.co.uk/birmingham 67

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