Your Lifestyle Magazine Jul/Aug 17

July / August 2017

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Your Lifestyle Magazine

Enjoy the

Contents

Summer!

The Summer months are upon us, now is the time to enjoy those warmer days and lighter nights.

It’s time to get out and about so why not check out our 'What’s On' guide for something fun near you.

However you choose to welcome in the new season - have fun and enjoy it!

Congratulations to Mr Malcolm Ingamells from Blakedown, the lucky winner of our May/June competition who won a stay at The Windmill Suffolk. We hope you enjoy!

Don’t forget if you would like us to feature your social event, or maybe you know a rising star we should write about contact us with the details.

EARN MONEY & KEEP FIT Our magazine wants distributors in Wolverhampton, Pattingham, Seisdon, Claverley, West Hagley, Stourbridge.

Good rates of pay. Ring Graham on 07969 884247 for details.

Home Style

2 - 30

Property

30 - 35

Food & Drink

36 - 45

Travel

46 - 49

What’s On

50 - 53

Why I Love My Job

54 - 55

Rising Star

56 - 57

Fashion

58 - 59

Weddings

60 - 61

Hair & Beauty

62 - 69

Health

70 - 73

Pets and Garden

76 - 83

Music

84 - 86

Horoscopes

88

Finance & Legal

89 - 90

Funerals

91

Classified

92 - 93

Motoring

94 - 99

Linda Farren

Christine Arnold

Andy Wright

Marketing Director

Sales Director

Design & Production Manager

07841 431446

linda@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

07970 681004

christine@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

Feature Writers and Editor; Emma Russel, Kate Oliver, Jane de Weijer info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

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

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Your Home

Summer Shades Summer is here and hopefully we are basking in sunshine as is normal for us here in the UK.

Be it pastels or florals, velvets or chintz, it’s all been used before, what does change is how we combine the colours and textures to create a contemporary feel to your room design.

With great fortitude of spirit, even if the sun does only come out on brief occasions, along with the BBQ and the Factor 30, we can still enjoy all that Summer has to offer in the way of these long days and the great outdoors.

The trend for blush pinks, pale greys used with deeper shades and soft sheens, luxe fabrics and textures produces an elegant timeless sophistication to a room.

The latest pastels include cool blues, (think of the sea), rose pinks, clear mint greens and lemons, but when using the colours also think sparkle.

Add a metallic sheen wallpaper, glass accessories, and mirror. Emphasising the 2017 pastel room includes adding a weighty neutral shade to provide that contrast.

This month I am Inspired by those Ice Cream shades looking at how the new pastels are being used in rooms this season. Also the hand-made look is definitely the trend to watch over the next year and styling up your home, how to take your room and finish ‘the look’ through the use of accessories. I will be sharing some tricks of the trade.

OLIVER BONAS SUMMER PASTELS AS SHOWN Pastels for 2017. 1, 2, 4, 5: Oliver Bonas, www. oliverbonas.com 3: Chair: Spring Pastel Milano available from www.notonthehighstreet.com, Pastel paint shades from selection by Dulux Paints.

Ice Cream Pastels Using the new pastel shades

‘What goes around, comes around.’

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Point of inspiration Working with a point of inspiration is a great way to start that colour scheme. Using this original Still Life Oil Painting and the Pantone range of pastels www.pantone.com (available at B&Q), I have created a pallet of colours that will tone well and give a great base for the room colour scheme.

Pastel colours by Pantone for Valspar, stockists B & Q , www.diy.com 1: Violet Ice 2: Rose Dust 3: Pristine 4: Bleached Sand 5: Green Tint 6: Vintage Satchel

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Your Home

7: Current trends for metallic extends to the drawer fronts here. using burnished metals will be a big trend over 2017/18 introduce them onto the drawer fronts, on back fittings or tiles. Look at www.amuneal.com for this example and more inspiration.

In the Kitchen The Kitchen/Dining Room is the ideal space to showcase this look. With a combination of functions and finishes you can really enjoy pulling a great scheme together.

1: Low diner lamp, Martineau available in silver or brass: Habitat www.habitat.com

8: Contrast with vintage french style floor tiles, www.firedearth.com

2: Pastel shades: Textiles for drapes or Blinds: Harlequin: Poetica plains www.harlequinfabrics. co.uk

9: Dining chairs: Go contemporary Ice Cream pastels with long white table will look the business: www.wharfside.co.uk

3: Wallpaper to Dining zone: Cranes in Flight, colour: Pebble, www.harlequinfafbrics.co.uk Birds, foliage and all things natural are top trends for 2017/2018.

Moroccan Mood board When choosing your new Kitchen your mood board it is a vital tool in your collection.

Pin together your sample board of the style that you are aiming to achieve. A mood board does not have to include images of favourite kitchens and worktops from all four corners of Ikea, B&Q, or your local preferred supplier, it’s about feel and your personal style.

4: Quartz worktop: White marble finish 5: Paint colour: Green Mist: Pantone colours for Valspar, www.diy.com 6: Yes all things gold are back. Look out for gold taps in the bathrooms and gold cutlery on dining tables. I love this one from Linea, House of Fraser.

For example I have put together here a Moroccan board combining colours and textures. Translating this into my final choice for the kitchen unit I will be

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Your Home

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Your

Home

Dixons

taking my lead from the board, looking at finishes, handmade handles, maybe small ceramic ones as I have illustrated on my ideas Board of finishes.

Your visit to your local Kitchen showroom will now mean making a bee-line for the door that compliments your style rather than being waylaid by the wide choice on offer. You will steer clear of the high gloss contemporary door and shiny granite top if you are recreating the warmth and exotic colours of Marrakesh.

QRZ RSHQ DW

&OHYHODQG 5G :ROYHUKDPSWRQ The mechanics including layout and how the

On the Board 1: Open shelving to showcase your display of crockery.

2: Ceramic handles (see selection on-line) 3: Bespoke finish to existing kitchen door using unfinished wood, contemporary vibe Michael Roche Napa Valley Kitchen Remodelist: Trimma Kitchen cabinet Frank Guille for Kandya, Ltd. 4: Vibrant range of colours for textiles/ furniture/ crockery inspiration.

5: Cotswold Chapel Kitchen - Sustainable Kitchens www.sustainablekitchens.co.uk

kitchen works for you will then be a straightforward exercise of design and planning.

Enjoy it! collate those images on your mood board, this will give you all the answers to your questions when you are making choices.

Moroccan Ideas board Choosing the Kitchen door and handles to ‘work’ with that Moroccan theme . you can go rustic or contemporary and still create your scheme.

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Your Home 6: Intricate and multi-coloured ceramic door knobs for a different feel.

2017 Style Up Designing your home and creating the ambience that you want depends not only on the choices made regarding your colours, textures, fabrics and finishes, its also how you style up and combine accessories to enhance focal points and layer the textures.

On completing the refurbishment and redecoration of a Georgian country house, with stunning views and elegant rooms I made a recent visit to style the rooms.

Country Living Room Mix but you don't always have to match, your new mantra.

For an informal living room which includes a combination of stone floors, warm colours and wood. For the room accessories are bold. Using a combination of brass lanterns, mohair throws and vintage bird prints to add to the theme.

Keep lighting low and using warm materials with plenty of texture to keep it cosy. The checked rug adds warmth and the lampshades, using a contemporary dogtooth check, takes the theme throughout the room. As long as there is a common theme /style/colour it will work.

Ideas board for Country themed living room Using Vintage Hurricane lamp, Serendipity, Codsall www.serendipitystore.co.uk burnished brass lanterns and glass to enhance the scheme.

Dining In Period homes never be afraid to contrast contemporary with vintage. You are living in a period home but it is not a museum. Add to the layers of time that those four walls have seen with your own style.

Finishes in this room are detailed and the emphasis is on delicacy to enhance the scale and features in the room. Soft shades help to emphasis the architectural details and colour is bought in with the rich mahogany furniture, re-covered silk chairs and traditional still life paintings. The proportions

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Hallway and Landing A feature wall painted deep teal blue is complimented with an arrangement of prints and brass period lights. The window seat frames the window and includes a collection of country themed cushions. I recommend linking themes throughout the house. Using textures, combining colours emphasises the design. Rich silks are used

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Your Home textiles, anything that recognises the talent of the individual designer is high on the agenda, and rightly so.

Places to go? Summer includes the Graduation of new designers. Degree shows at local universities are there to showcase their talent and what better place to start looking? Locally contact Wolverhampton University, Birmingham City University, for information regarding the promotion of their new student talent.

On-line, websites such as www.Etsy.com, a platform which allows anyone to upload and sell their work, have been popular for some time.

Lookout for up and coming design talent and working our Summer pastel theme I love these handmade items, ideal for summer interiors.

Start a collection, support a new designer, find them at the beginning of their career and you may end up with real investment pieces.

in curtains in the hall and also used on the chairs in the dining room. www.makespaceinteriors.org for further information and enquiries.

Trend Watch 2017 : Handmade wallpaper from selection at B & Q The current hot trend is handmade. Not only by your own fair hand (think The Great British Sewing Bee, The Great Pottery Throw down which encourages us all to get creative), but the celebration of Artisan craftsmen. In an era when we can develop, create and deliver anything to perfection, and dispose of it equally quickly, bringing handmade into the home including hand blown glass, ceramics and

On The Board All available to order from www.etsy.com 1: Handmade glass chandeliers, ultra feminine: Original chandeliers.

2 & 3 Ceramic planters, delicate and perfect for succulent collections: Cats Ceramics.

4: Bowls and vases with delicate relief work: Luminart.

5: Hand printed fabrics : Martha and hepsie John Derian a New York based designer creates plates with intricate designs, highly collectable

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Handmade wallpaper from selection at B & Q

and sought after. His work takes inspiration from nature and I recommend looking at his website www. johnderian.com for information on his work and UK stockists should you wish to start your collection.

Three top tips: Whats nicer than getting out into the sunshine? We have that extra room to use in the summertime, that 'outdoor’ one, and we all hope that it will be open this summer.

Put up the lighting: Loving these lights in tune with a Moroccan vibe that can be strung around the patio on a cool summer evening. Add a fire pit to keep warm and bring on the night. www.crocus.co.uk

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Your Home

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Add a Rocker Update with some new pieces for the patio. I love this Cuba Rattan Rocking chair by Blooma, B&Q. www.diy.com Build a pond 14 summer pond Okay I agree that this isn't a quick tip but, if its a viable option, I recommend it. There is nothing nicer than water and a few fish, water lilies and pond plants in our land locked Midlands gardens. Your local Garden Centre is your port of call. Enjoy the summer ! Please have a look at my Instagram feed for ideas and interiors.

Thank you to Serendipity, Codsall for supplying accessories for our Style Up feature.

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Wet rooms & luxury bathrooms for the less abled are our speciality 17

Your Home

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Home

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Your Home

Serendipity

Paint effects Workshops

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

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

The shop’s owner Dee O’Hara has embraced the concept of selling quality second hand furniture, Antiques and household items. Serendipity is unique in that it sells on behalf of its customers as well as brand new high quality products to help make your home and garden a stylish and comfy retreat Specialising in shabby-chic make-overs Dee restores old and tired furniture, which she sells in the shop, as well as offering a bespoke service to her customers. Using various paints and finishing techniques. Dee renovates each and every item with a caring hand to a high quality finish.

Serendipity holds unique painting workshops in the cosy upstairs studio. Students learn many different painting techniques using chalk paints, waxes, acrylics, crackle glazes and distressing and ageing tricks used to achieve a professional finish to their own furniture projects.

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

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YOUR LIFESTYLE MAY JUNE 2017:Devilishly Good

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Your

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Your Home

Bobby Rabbit Down at the bottom of The Deep Blue Sea – this underwater adventure room is the latest ‘Bedtime Story’ from children’s toy and interiors specialist Bobby Rabbit. With a focus on the depths of the ocean, this room offers inspiration for the parents of underwater explorers from scuba divers to rock pool adventurers. Along with whales, narwhals, crocs and toucans, this rooms offers lighting ideas, storage solutions and a bed frame perfect for at home customisation.

Founder of Bobby Rabbit, Nicky King comments: “This is one of our favourite Bedtime Stories, perfect for children with a fascination of the outdoors, the seaside and ocean adventures. With narwhal bedding, beautiful wall hangings and even an indoor swing, The Deep Blue Sea is a place for learning as well as nurturing little imaginations. We love the colour combination of blues with sunshine yellow – bright, bold and summery!” www.bobbyrabbit.co.uk

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Your Home

Looking for a quality fitted kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office?

Then look no further than Ironbridge Interiors.

We are a family run business, and we think of ourselves as “Big enough to cope, yet small enough to care!�

We aim to give our customers the best possible service, so much so that they will recommend our services to family and friends, as has been the case for 80% of our new business conversions.

We enjoy our picturesque manufacturing location at the historic Merrythought village in the Ironbridge gorge, where we have produced our own bespoke cabinetry since 2010.

Over the last couple of years we seem to have gained more and more customers from Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas, so when some premises became vacant next to the landmark Crown Inn on Wergs Road, we decided to open a showroom there to better service the area.

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"We aim to give our customers the best possible service" Although we can make similar articles to others, we’d like to give your project a flavour that no one else can, or is willing to effect.

Why not pay us a visit, or give us a call to attend your home or premises, and we will provide you with a free design and quote. Indeed if you wish you can drop off, fax or email your basic measurements and requirements and we will liaise with you in that way.

You will find our quotes completely itemised, not written on the back of an envelope. This enables you to do a proper like for like comparison with any other quotes you may get, which we guarantee to beat on a like for like basis.

For those who have not used our services before, we have an abundance of previous customers, who will be only too happy to talk to you, or indeed allow you to visit them, in order to give you extra confidence.

We look forward to seeing you, and being of service to you!

Ironbridge Interiors 81 Wergs Road Wolverhampton WV6 9BP 01902 903836 sales@ironbridgeinteriors.co.uk www.ironbridgeinteriors.co.uk Ironbridge Interiors

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Ironbridge Interiors Unti 3 Merrythought Village Ironbridge Telford TF8 7NJ 01952 433 664

Your Home

Projects from PAINT IT by Peta Green of Paint It Bright and Beautiful.................

The Brief Peta received an enquiry to paint a kitchen, including all the dining room furniture which included a Large Pine Dresser a Dining Table and four chairs. A new ceiling and lighting had been fitted due to a bathroom flood, the customer quoted "we thought we would bite bullet and renovate the kitchen and dining room". Peta’s brief was to brighten the kitchen and the dining room as the existing wood was dark oak and over 30 years old and required anew look. The difficulty was the vision of the project for the customer!

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

BEFORE The Solution Peta arranged to meet the customer and provided a Free of Charge consultation which included a port folio of work done previously and helping the customer to visualise the kitchen makeover, and how it would be achieved. By assisting in the colour choice of paint and the style of the new door and drawer pulls, helped the customer feel confident with their choices made. Paint It using their 7 coat paint system delivered the customers vision who was to say the least very impressed with the results, and to that end has commissioned Paint It to hand paint her Bedroom furniture.

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

Your

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Witley Direct @witleydirect @witleydirect

provide you with detailed 2D and 3D drawings (and a quotation) for you to see how your ideas will look. With your approval, a home survey will take place where every detail is double checked before their highly skilled manufacturing team (based in Worcestershire) proceed.

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

After an initial enquiry, a free non-obligation home consultation with one of the design team takes place at a time to suit you. They will work with you to establish your vision for your home and decipher the best storage solutions to cater for your lifestyle. Following the visit, Witley Direct’s design team then runs with the idea to

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

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Your Home

LIGHTNG R US: BACK BETTER THAN EVER Exciting things have been sparking up at Lighting R Us recently and we are ecstatic to finally share with you, what it is we’ve been up to. We have totally transformed ourselves and we are back, better than ever. Perhaps you are wondering what we are on about?

Well, firstly we have re-branded. Secondly, we now offer an admirable collection of home-ware. So you can refresh your living space with simple decorative accessories or furniture. Lastly and the best of them all we have a BRAND-NEW WEBSITE! This means you can transform any room at the flick of a switch with our vast array of products.

Allowing you to choose from more styles and better quality products.

product for that art deco feel. Perhaps go fora traditional ceiling light for a touch of class and character, or on the other hand a glamorous crystal chandelier. Not to mention ultra-modern spotlights to make your home look sleek and stylish. However if you want to go all out and impress, as well as showing you know a thing or two about interior design, go for one of our feature pendants that have the definite wowfactor.

Don’t let our name fool you into thinking that lights are all we do, because it certainly is not.

Not only do we offer stunning lights, but we also offer an equally stunning collection of home-ware and accessories too. Our popular range includes products such as mirrors, bespoke shades, accessories, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture. All from top brands like Pacific Lifestyle, Dar, and Endon. Be sure to check out our outstanding pieces, that will go perfectly in your home no matter what design and décor you have. Add the finishing touch and look online or in store today, because we guarantee something will catch your eye.

The days of 500 products from 3 different brands are over. We now offer an extensive range of over 10,000 stunning products for you to choose from; all made up of the 10 brands we now stock online. Any lighting product you can think of, we certainly have it. Not to mention our gorgeous range of home-ware and accessories.

We would say we offer the full package when it comes to upgrading your décor.

Our brand-new website is now live at www.lightingrus.co.uk. Browse through our large range of quality and stylish products online today, or alternatively, visit us in store at our Aldersley showroom, in Wolverhampton.

At Lighting R Us, we pride ourselves on offering a quality selection of stunning and unique lighting online that will certainly illuminate your home and garden. Our new products cater to both modern and traditional homes.

So there is something to suit every style, décor, and personality. From industrial styled lights for a modern yet rustic approach, to a Tiffany

www.lightingrus.co.uk 01902757825 sales@lightingrus.co.uk

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IN STORE

Present this voucher at the ll to redeem your discount.

Only valid in store. Expires end of August 2017. Excludes shades and bulbs. For online discounts, visit www.lighhngrus.co.uk

Your Home

Create a statement with tiles When summer hits, our moods brighten, our excitement heightens and we’re more inclined to make changes andtransform our homes. And the best way to do this is by introducing both colour and pattern – using encaustic tiles. They have enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent years, but their fundamental qualities remain the same; hardwearing tiles combined with impeccable designs.

of different styles, designs and colours to choose from, so you can really go to town with pattern and bring an interior space alive.

Pattern is ideal for creating any style, from the modern to the classic – it is the fast track to a decorative element that doesn’t overwhelm.

From modern lined form, zig-zags, art deco style and optically challenging tiles to the beautiful Moroccan-inspired floral creation; pattern has the tendency to create a statement.

Encaustic tiles were first made in Europe in the late 19th century. They were used to decorate the floors of palaces in St. Petersburg, Gaudi’s distinctive houses in Barcelona, and grand hallways from Paris to Saigon. Today they are found in countless chic bars, restaurants and designer-homes in London, Paris and New York.

Ca’ Pietra’s collection of hand-made decorative tiles are made using the ‘encaustic’ technique with cement where the pattern is inlaid into the body of the tile, so that the design and colour remain, even as the tile wears. These differ from ceramic tiles, where the surface pattern is the product of the finishing glaze printed on the surface.

By being more creative and original with our décor, it can help to give a room a sense of individuality and we can reflect our personalities by introducing pattern. There is an abundance

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THINKING OF SELLING?

Free Online Valuation

Please visit our website for a free accurate market appraisal

www.austinsestateagents.co.uk Our team of sales and lettings negotiators pride themselves in their expertise of current trends in the market and the personal service we offer.

We are able to provide free valuations based on our in-depth knowledge of the area, the property and finance market.

CONTACT US

FOLLOW US ON

WE ADVERTISE ON

INFO@AUSTINSESTATEAGENTS.CO.UK

CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON 01902 244200

SELL YOUR HOUSE FOR ÂŁ750 INCLUSIVE

For Sales & Lettings Personal Service with a local office in Kingswinford and Wolverhampton High visibility on UKs leading property websites Rightmove and Zoopla Detailed marketing package High resolution photographic package Accompanied viewings and objective feedback Call the team on: 01902 420112/ 01384 294114 Email us at: wolverhamptonholmes@gmail.com kingswinfordholmes@gmail.com Or Visit www.wolverhamptonholmes.com www.kingswinfordholmes.com

Email:- kingswinfordholmes@gmail.com

Your

Featured Property

Property

WOW FACTOR OF “LITTLE” HOUSE PUTS IT IN RUNNING FOR TOP DESIGN AWARD

It may be small – but “Little Lodge”, a bijou residence designed by Wolverley architect Andrea Millner, is packing a mighty punch by winning its way on to the shortlist for a top design award.

The result of the teamwork is a grand design with a vaulted ceiling, flooded with light, that delivers such a “wow factor” it has been shortlisted for the West Midlands Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards in the “best individual new home” section.

The two-bedroomed house – tucked away off Kinver High Street in the Chenevare Mews shopping mall – is now the home of local marketing and advertising agency boss Samantha Parr, who commissioned Andrea to design it.

It is the second time that Andrea, aged 52, has been selected as a contender for the award – she won it in 2014 for her work on a sevenbedroomed house in Alvechurch, near Redditch, with another of her designs in Redditch also making it on to the shortlist.

“I’m bowled over to have been shortlisted again – this time for a small, two-bedroomed house which still manages to produce the wow factor, thanks to the way we overcame the restrictions imposed by the site,” said Andrea.

Samantha herself managed the project, which proved tricky as the compact site – measuring just 10m by 14m and formerly housing a double garage – was in a flood zone, with shallow sewers, in a conservation area and next to the Grade II listed old Midland Bank premises, originally built in the late 17th century.

“The challenge was to create a private house, on a compact site, without a sense of overlooking

33

Your Property

or being overlooked, whilst protecting the conservation area and the setting of a Grade II listed building. The result is a home full of light and warmth, with controlled views out over the trees bordering the flood plain of the River Stour, with multiple views of the sky.

Due to the constriction of surrounding buildings, the house has been “flipped” so that the main, open plan living spaces are upstairs, where the vaulted ceiling allows light to flood down the stair case even to the bedrooms on the lower level. A raised floor downstairs was incorporated to overcome the flood plain issue.

“It is a home that sits comfortably in its environment, was completed on budget and within 14 weeks. And it’s all because of the great working relationship between the construction team members, the client, architect, specialist contractors and the local authority building inspector for South Staffordshire.”

Samantha said: “I have spent most of my life in Kinver and love the village. I had always wanted to build my own home and had a small piece of land off the High Street which threw up many challenges, including access.

Samantha chose the building materials of French oak, supplied by Prime Oak, a company based in Swindon, near Kinver, and the specialist bricks and reclaimed roof tiles. The building was manufactured off site and transported to Chenevare Mews piece by piece.

“Wherever possible I have tried to play an active part in the community. I developed the old doctor’s surgery, which was awarded best frontage in the Kinver Best Kept Village award and I am thrilled my new venture Little Lodge is on the shortlist of the LABC Building Excellence Awards.

The energy-efficient building used the latest construction techniques but, because of the restricted access to the site, the foundations had to be laid through hand digging, alongside the use of a mini digger.

“It was a steep learning curve for me but consulting and engaging with the parish council and local council helped enormously. The local authority building inspector was brilliant and said it was the nicest building he had worked on

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Your

Property

in a 40-year career.”

Samantha added: “Andrea was great at flooding light into the property with the use of glass and the design maximises space as it has a vaulted ceiling. I used local builders and sourced materials locally, from the concrete to the conservation approved bricks. I also work as an interior designer and delighted in finding unusual pieces locally and commissioning work including the stairs from the company that did the staircase at Banks’s Brewery.”

Andrea and Samantha will find out if their little gem of a project has won at the West Midlands LABC Building Excellence awards event, to be held at Telford International Centre on July 7. If successful, “Little Lodge” will go on to compete at the national grand finals in London on November 10.

indication of the ground conditions, and we were able to be accessible and flexible throughout the whole build process of an unusual and high quality build.

Ged Cooper, manager of the Southern Staffordshire Building Control Partnership, said: “As a local authority building control services we were pleased to be able to assist with the project from pre application site meetings to completion. We were able to use our records from previous adjacent works to give a clear

“We carried out many inspections and were very impressed with the attention to detail. There was a high standard of sustainable construction and a great example of building excellence.

35

Your Food & Drink

The Oakley Arms

COMPETITION Win a meal for 4 with a 4 drinks of your choice and a bottle of house wine with your meal.

Question what do you look over when sitting on The Oakley Arms Terrace?

To enter email your answer along with your contact details to:info@yourlifestyle magazine.co.uk

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Your

Food & Drink

John Duncan and his team welcome your to the Oakley Arms at Brewood

Menus Our passion lies in finding quality fresh ingredients and preparing, cooking and presenting them in a modern but unpretentious way. Our menus have a spine of classic British dishes complemented by more exotic influences from other parts of the world.

We upload them to our web site each day before 12 noon so that you may peruse them at your leisure.

The Oakley Arms sits on the outskirts of Brewood but is a pub well within the hearts of the locals who drop by on horseback or bicycle or along with their dogs during country rambles.

Love pubs? Like walking? Read on... iFootpath have kindly created a circular walk from the pub to help you work up that thirst/ appetite. You can view the walk details via any of the routes on our website.

We are lucky enough to have the most fabulous lake which can be seen from many rooms within the pub and is flanked by our stone terrace which is the most wonderful place to have a drink or dine on sunny days.

We like to think of ourselves as a charming pub with well-spaced rooms with wooden floors and roaring fires, a well-stocked bar at the centre of all things and a beautiful garden room filled with light.

The Oakley Arms Kiddemore Green Road Brewood Staffordshire ST19 9BQ Tel: 01902 859 800 Email: oakley@brunningandprice.co.uk Web: www.oakleyarms.co.uk

Our menus have their roots in modern British cooking, with a hint of the more exotic about them. They change often to reflect the seasons and are supported by a well-balanced wine list offering a good quality but affordable range that we have enjoyed researching (very much).

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Your Food & Drink

Delicious Recipes By Mike Whitehurst METHOD Boil the potatoes until soft in salted water first.

Pre-heat your oven to 190oC and place the salmon skin side down on some parchment paper on the baking tray. Season the salmon with Maldon sea salt and roast for 16 minutes.

Once cooked allow to cool then flip over and peel off the skin. You can put the skin back in the oven for 12 minutes to crisp up if you like. I like!

Chop the garlic and shallot finely and soften in the pan on a low heat in a glug of rapeseed oil. Add the peas and stir for a few minutes adding a little cream at a time until the peas are half submerged in cream. Simmer this for about 15 minutes and add the chopped gem lettuce to allow to wilt. Put back on the heat once the fish cakes are almost ready to serve.

Baked Salmon and Basil Fishcake with Petit Pois a La Francaise Serves 4 INGREDIENTS Fishcakes 300g of Organic Salmon Fillet - boned - skin on de-scaled.

300g of New Potatoes 3 Sprigs of Basil A Bunch Chives A pinch of Maldon Sea Salt 2 Egg Yolks 50g of Unsalted Butter Peas 400g of Petit Pois - Defrosted 200g of Double Cream A pinch of Maldon Sea alt A few leaves of cos of Gem Lettuce 2 Garlic Cloves 1 Banana Shallot A few sprigs of Watercress to serve Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Parmesan

Drain the cooked potatoes and put back in the pan, off the heat with the butter and crush with a fork. Now tear off the basil leaves and finely chop the chives and add to the potatoes folding in. Break up the salmon into flecks and add to the potatoes with the egg yolks carefully folding in. You want to have a chunky consistency not a puree. The mix will be a little wet but wont worry, just place the pastry ring on to the parchment lined baking tray then push the mix into the ring to fill. Pull the ring off and do it with the remaining fish cake mix. Once ready place in the oven for about 25 minutes until browned off.

If you have a pasta bowl put a spoon of the peas in the bottom, top with a fish cake, grate some parmesan over and garnish with a sprig of watercress. Serve with a wedge of lemon if you like, I don’t think it needs lemon because the parmesan gives a posh fish pie feel to the dish.

EQUIPMENT 8cm Pastry Ring Mixing Bowl Baking Tray Small Pan for Peas Medium Pan for Potatoes Chopping Board and Cooks Knife

Serve with an ice cold glass of prosseco.

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Your

Food & Drink

METHOD

Banana and Chocolate Ganache

Firstly get some water simmering on the stove and place the chocolate and cream into a bowl and place on top of the pan.

Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water and don't let the water start to boil otherwise it ill split the chocolate and cream. Keep an eye on it and start weighing out your ingredients for your sponge. Stir the ganache to bring it all together into a nice glossy chocolate sauce. Put into a piping bag and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Pipe some blobs of ganache onto the tray or plate about the size of hazelnut. Put the tray in the freezer and make your sponge.

Makes 16 INGREDIENTS

Sponge 225g Softened unsalted butter or Stork 225g Caster Sugar 225g Self Raising Four 2 tsp of Baking Powder 4 Free Range Eggs 2 Over Ripe Bananas 2 tsp of Vanilla Extract Cocoa Powder and Icing Sugar to dust

Pre heat the oven to 175oC. Peel and mash the bananas then place into the bowl of the mixer with all the other sponge ingredients minus the cocoa and icing sugar. Turn the beater on slowly to combine the flour without it flying all over your kitchen and then once its safe turn the beater up to full and beat for 30 seconds or until the mixture looks well combined and switch off.

Ganache 100g Dark Chocolate Pellets 100g of Double Cream

Spray the inserts of the friand mould with oil and spoon in sponge batter to 1/3 the way up the insert then take a semi frozen blob of ganache and pop on top of the sponge mix inside the mould. Top with more sponge batter 2/3rds the way up the insert. Repeat this with the rest of the mixture.

EQUIPMENT 2 Silicone Friand Moulds (email: chef@takefood.co.uk for advice on where to buy) 1 Kitchen Aid food mixer or similar with K Beater attachment Spatula Dessert Spoon Piping Bag Pan Heatproof Bowl Small Tray or Plate Spray Oil

Bake on the middle shelf of your oven for 25 minutes. Once baked allow to cool in moulds before pushing them carefully out of the mould on to a wire cooling rack. Once cool you can dust them with cocoa powder and then icing sugar and serve with a good strong cup of tea.

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

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NEW LARGE OUTDOOR

TERRACE OPENING

SOON NEWLY REFURBISHED RESTAURANT INTERNATIONALLY INFLUENCED MENU PRIVATE FUNCTION ROOM Telephone: 01562 883260 Email: enquiries@thefourstones.co.uk The Four Stones Restaurant · Adams Hill · Clent · DY9 9PS

www.thefourstones.co.uk

The Four Stones is back in the game!

After a full refubishment at the top of Adams Hill at the edge of the Clent Hills, The Four Stones Restaurant is a delightful venue for a special occasion, romantic evening or lunchtime treat.

Over the years, we have gained a superior reputation for our highest quality food, pleasant ambience and warm and friendly service.

What a transformation!!! Food is unbelievable (the lamb especially) and the offer of a set menu too is amazing value! Fantastic staff, awesome food, beautiful place what more could you want! Well worth a visit, definitely recommend over and over!

Claire Leddington relaxing after all the hard work project managing the refurbishment

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Your Food & Drink

The Cowshed a meal to remember

Set in the backdrop of the beautiful South Staffordshire countryside, the family-run Cowshed restaurant is a charming little barn conversion, nestled away within a quaint farmhouse courtyard at the heart of Pattingham. The Cowshed prides itself on rustling up the very finest of traditional British-farmed food, cooked fresh to order and with a modern twist. Every dish is made with a pinch of finesse, a splash of innovation and a big dollop of seasonal charm.

Favourite light bites include pan-seared black pearl scallops presented on a bed of crispy ginger beer-braised pork belly and a serving of butternut squash puree; garlic mushrooms served on toasted brioche, topped with green leaves and parmesan shavings; and chilli infused tiger prawns served in garlic butter and a side of warm baked ciabatta.

For mains, there’s fillet Rossini, served with homemade chicken liver parfait and chunky hand-cut chips, topped with a rich madeira sauce; parma ham wrapped monkfish with king prawns prepared in lime, accompanied by The Cowshed’s signature chips and a delicious homemade garlic mayonnaise; beer-braised

pork belly, complimented with wholegrain mustard mash and creamed savoy cabbage, finished with a sweet sticky cider reduction; and last but not least, a selection of prime cut steaks, cooked to preference and served with bespoke sauces.

These are just some of the delights on offer this summer. Whatever your culinary persuasion, The Cowshed offers a taste sensation fit for every palate and promises you and your loved ones a truly delicious experience.

Diners are advised to book in advance as reservations are limited. Book today on 01902 701888.

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Lunch Wed-Sat 2 Courses £14.99, 3 Courses £19.99 Evening A la Carte Menu Sunday Lunch 12-5pm 2 Courses £19.95, 3 Courses £24.95

20% OFF YOUR BILL with this advert

(Wed - Fri Evenings ONLY) July/August 2017

01902 701 888 thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk info@thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk Clive Farm, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, 43 WV6 7EN

Cowshed Pattingham @TheCowshed1 Cowshed Pattingham

25% off tHe main menU monDaY-tHUrsDaY 4pm-7pm excludes carvery & Bank Holiday mondays

174 Thorns road | Brierley hill | dy5 2Jy www.koylakitchen.co.uk Check out our reviews on

serveD everY tHUrs, fri & sat

KiDs eat free

mon-sat

only

ÂŁ1.95 on sUnDaYs

every friday

function room available T&Cs applies on all offers. Not to be combined with any other promotion. Management reserve the right to change or remove any offers without notice. For Afternoon Tea Offer - Bookings required by phone 24 hours prior to reservation. Minimum 2 persons bookings for groups of 8 or more will require a non refundable ÂŁ5 each deposit. Valid Mon-Fri 2pm-5pm last sitting 4.30pm in bar area. Valid for eat in only.

for reservations call 01384 424 045

Your Travel

West Midlands travel agency Mercian Travel rebrands as Destina and appoints new Agency Manager

Mercian Travel, a leading retail travel agency in Hagley, West Midlands, has announced a full rebrand, unveiling its new name, fresh website and new look store. Now known as Destina

by Good Travel, the luxury travel agency on Worcester Road, Hagley, has undergone a complete refurbishment to provide a bright, modern and inviting space for its customers.

the newly rebranded business. Abi has over 15 years’ experience in the travel industry including previous roles at British Airways, Good Travel (Destina’s parent company) and most recently Pure Destinations in Edgbaston as Head of Operations and weddings and honeymoon specialist.

Abi commented, “I’m delighted to be joining Destina at such an exciting time for the business and thrilled to be re-joining such a wellestablished and respected family business. Being from the area, I can’t wait to meet our customers and share with them all that Destina has to offer.

Our team has been with the business for years, their friendly and knowledgeable approach and willingness to go the extra mile in creating the perfect holiday, delivers a brilliant customer experience that keeps customers coming back year after year."

Kevin Harrison, Managing Director of Good Travel and Destina commented: “I am delighted to announce Mercian Travel is now rebranded as Destina. We’ve taken a lot of time to create the new brand that celebrates our values, our vision and the customers we serve but also upholds our hard-won reputation for delivering the best in luxury travel.”

Destina’s logo includes a series of interlocking ‘D’ shapes, reminiscent of the Celtic five-fold symbol meaning North / East / South / West / Centre (forming a compass), also representing the four seasons and elements, and the colour scheme reflects the aspects of luxury travel. The business was keen to include the Good Travel name in some way, as a reminder of the family ownership and heritage of the John Good Group, which dates back to 1833.

On Abi’s appointment, Kevin commented, “Abi brings extensive experience to Destina and will be a real asset to the team. Her focus on customer experience will only enhance the great service we’re already so well known for; I know our customers will be delighted with the positive changes we’re making to ensure we continue to delight our customers from the first time they speak to us to their arrival back home at the end of their holiday.”

To coincide with the rebrand, Destina has appointed a new Manager, Abi Hyslop, to lead

46

YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALIST Formerly Mercian Travel, Destina has been organising extraordinary holidays for over 40 years.

We’re dedicated to upholding our hard-won reputation for delivering the best in luxury travel while embracing our exciting re-brand as Destina Travel.

From our welcoming store in Hagley in the West Midlands, our dedicated travel experts can plan a completely bespoke experience or find the perfect package holiday for you.

Our collection of holiday types includes everything from relaxing all-inclusive beach holidays and cruises to safari adventures, city breaks and escorted tours.

The only limit at Destina is your imagination!

OUR FRIENDLY TEAM WOULD LOVE TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR NEWLY REFURBISHED STORE. 109 Worcester Rd, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands - DY9 0NG

01562 883795 enquiry@destinatravel.co.uk www.destinatravel.co.uk

OVER 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Your Travel

An Arabian Adventure in Abu Dhabi

by Rebecca Underwood BA Hons Travel Journalist for Jersey Life

The United Arab Emirates, a unification of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, was formed in 1971.

the late Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger. The highly respected explorer and author embarked on the most arduous journey imaginable in 1945, crossing the 650,000 square kilometre Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest desert in the world, on foot and by camel.

Ruled by HM, the Emir Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a modern, prosperous city that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the colourful tapestry of Arabian history and culture.

Mingle with the locals and visit one of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular landmarks, the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which features 80 towering domes, sparkling 24 carat gold chandeliers, more than a thousand columns, and the world’s largest hand woven carpet.

Popular attractions include the AL Ain Oasis; recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Featuring ruins of circular stone tombs, a number of wells, palaces and towers; the site provides a fascinating insight into desert life dating back to 2500 BC.

For weary travellers keen to reside in similarly lavish surroundings, the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal Hotel is directly opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and provides the highest standards of comfort and service. This ultra stylish, Venetian-inspired property is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and features

For those yearning for a true Arabian adventure, consider a thrilling desert safari on board a robust four wheel drive vehicle. The Liwa Oasis, located on the edges of the Empty Quarter, is where you will find 300 metre high sand dunes; ideal for a spot of what is known as 'wadi bashing'.

Immerse deeper into local culture and wander around the Al Jahili fort, also located in the Al Ain area. Built in 1891 to defend the mountain passes and palm groves, it really is a special spot. Take a leisurely stroll around the west wing of the fort, which is now used to house a permanent exhibition of photographs taken by

48

Your Travel and service. We relaxed in a stylishly furnished two bedroom apartment and the spacious lounge with plump sofas and a huge flat screen television provided the perfect retreat after a busy day exploring the city. And we took advantage of the fully equipped kitchen with every appliance including an oven, hob, refrigerator, dish washer and washer/dryer.

a gorgeous private beach and an impressive outdoor pool covering 1600 square metres.

Plump sun loungers ensure that occupants may dine in-situ and the hotel’s Al Fresco restaurant offers a wide range of lunch boxes which are promptly delivered by bicycle.

Accommodations include spacious deluxe rooms and suites, elegantly furnished with comfortable beds swathed in crisp white Egyptian linens. The chic bathrooms feature a spacious bath tub with a separate rejuvenating rain-forest shower and a generous supply of Asprey bathing products.

Facilities at the Marriott Executive Apartments include outdoor adult and children’s swimming pools and a fully equipped gymnasium.

For an Arabian adventure of your very own explore Abu Dhabi, experience Emirati hospitality at its best and reflect on the words of Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger, the author of Arabian Sands; ‘I tasted freedom and a way of life from which there could be no recall.'

Top Tip Gulf Air, the national carrier for the Kingdom of Bahrain offers reliable and punctual daily flights from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi via Bahrain, and provides an efficient check-in service, a generous baggage allowance, and the highest levels of comfort and on-board service.

Relax in style in the Falcon Gold Lounge prior to departure from London and Bahrain. For more information visit gulfair.com

Ardent sailors will be eager to experience an exhilarating boat ride and to savour the spectacular water side view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. Hop on board the 60 or 90 minute Yellow Boat Tour, which departs from gate number three at the Emirates Palace Marina.

More Top Tips For more information on featured accommodations visit ritzcarlton.com and marriott.com and for Yellow Boats info visit the yellowboats.com

For those seeking a true home from home living experience, the Marriott Executive Apartments, located right in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s downtown area, features fully serviced apartments with one, two or three bedrooms and provides the highest standards of comfort

Abu Dhabi images courtesy of visit abudhabi.ae

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Your What’s On

What’s on JULY / AUGUST JULY

Camper Jam

Western Park, Shifnal, Shropshire July 7th to 9th For lovers of WV Camper vans, a familyfriendly festival with a chilled out, take it easy vibe with live bands, traders and food village.

For more details visit: www.camperjam.com

Hue & Cry

Full band show Sunday 16th July 2017

Lee Aaron with her band

Advance £24.50, on door 26.50 One of only two UK shows Robin 2 - Bilston, Wolverhampton

Monday 17th July 2017

Advance £20.00, on door £22.00 + support Iconic Eye

Administration: 01902 405511 Box Office: 01902 401211 Online Ordering: www.therobin.co.uk www.seetickets.com www.ticketweb.co.uk www.gigantic.com

Administration: 01902 405511 Box Office: 01902 401211 Online Ordering: www.therobin.co.uk www.seetickets.com www.ticketweb.co.uk www.gigantic.com

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Your

What’s On

Cosford Food Festival at RAF Museum 22nd and 23rd July

The very best food and drink the Midlands has to offer.

Tickets are now available in advance via the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

Tickets: £5 adult / £2 child (5-15 years / under 5's free) / £14 family (2 adults and up to 4 children)

ADVICE & GUIDANCE EVENT WEDNESDAY 30TH AUGUST 4PM - 8PM

Wolverhampton Fiesta 2017

Aspire (Nr Burford), Oswestry Campus, Shipley Campus (Next to Gardenlands) & Walford Campus (Nr Shrewsbury)

15 July - 16 July - 12:00 - 19:00 Organised by Harry Jones Fun Fairs for the ultimate city show!

Already confirmed for this year: • Giant Fun Fair • Monster Truck displays • Moving T-Rex Dinosaur • Classic cars and quad bikes and more

• Tutors will be available to provide advice throughout the evening • View the facilities and sign up on the night!

• School leavers and Adults welcome • No need to book just drop in between 4pm & 8pm

Whatever your GCSE results, NSC has a course for you!

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO COME & DISCUSS YOUR FUTURE WITH US

Entry: Adults £3 / Children £2 West Park Wolverhampton, Park Road West, WV1 4PS

01691 688080 WWW.NSC.AC.UK

AUGUST

51

Your What’s On

Your

What’s On

Learn to Dance Spirits in one night! of the Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Yes, one night is all it takes to learn a few basic moves to get you dancing. If you have two left feet but have always dreamed of gracing the dance floor, perhaps it is time you tried the new dance craze?

no need to come with a partner. Each routine is broken down so the class rotates every few moves, meaning you dance with a new person about every 3 minutes!

Saturday 12th August

Every week, Ceroc Addiction classes attract hundreds of people. Some go with friends looking to have a good laugh, others go on their own looking to meet new friends, and some go withSat a partner because want to learn 19 orjust Sun 20ththey Aug 2017 to dance. Everyone is welcome at a Ceroc dance 16:30-17:30 night.

Enjoy an open-air production of a play written about the history of the Rock There’s no need to book, just turn up one of Houses, in the gardens of the houses Ceroc Addiction’sthemselves. venues across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and the North West.

Adults £5.00 Child £2.00 Booking details Call 01384 For more information please call877746 07983 Ticketsemail can be bought from Omnipresent, or 703166, dance@cerocaddiction.com on the High Street in Kinver village visit www.cerocaddiction.com.

Rock - a play

Tens of thousands of people across the globe Sunday August have already got the 13th Ceroc bug as it can provide a great way to meet people and stay shape.

OVER 40 LIVE BANDS | 3 STAGES OFinMUSIC FOOD & BEER STALLS This dynamic blend of Jive and Salsa moves has FUNFAIR ATTRACTIONS become so popular it is the largest and fastest A GREAT FORinALL growing partnerDAY dance theTHE UK. FAMILY Learning to dance with CEROC is very easy, there’s no complicated footwork to worry about.

After just 45 minutes you will have a routine of 3 or 4 moves that you will be able to dance in the freestyle.

One of the great things about Ceroc is there’s

45 52

Your

What’s On

Learn to Swim this Summer for Health, Safety and FUN With Award Winning South Staffordshire Swim Academy South Staffordshire Swim Academy operates at all four of South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres and provides swimming lessons for children aged 4+, catering for complete beginners through to advanced standards. Here’s why you should choose South Staffordshire Swim Academy: Qualified and experienced swimming teachers • Additional support in the water for beginners to help build confidence • Good teacher/child ratios

Good quality tuition at affordable prices! For more information visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/ leisure or contact your local South Staffordshire leisure centre.

• Lessons run both term time and in school holidays to ensure continual progression • Badges available to achieve at every level • FREE public swimming at any time for Swim Academy members • Plus you can track your child’s progress using our new online Home Portal

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE’S

f

SWIM ACADEMY

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure

OFFERS HIGH QUALITY SWIMMING TUITION AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

CHESLYN HAY LEISURE CENTRE CODSALL LEISURE CENTRE PENKRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE WOMBOURNE LEISURE CENTRE

| 01922 417790 | 01902 844032 | 01785 714152 | 01902 898202

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Lessons from 18 months to adults Beginners and non-swimmers to advanced standards Badge schemes to provide continual encouragement and rewards Lessons run throughout the year to ensure continual progression One to one lessons available on request Prices are from as little as £16.80 per month Good teacher/child ratios with assistants in the water to support weaker swimmers FREE public swimming included if you pay by Direct Debit

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Your Jobs

Why I Love My Job Sue Corlett, GSL, Hagley Rambler Scouts voluntary. As well as increasing the numbers in an already great team and setting up new sections we’ve also set ourselves the ambitious task of building a new Headquarters. It’s not the easiest thing I’ve ever done but it is definitely rewarding. It’s great to see the group grow, get new members and I think the new hut will inspire the group to take on even more great activities and help us keep recruiting new leaders. I’m also really pleased we’ve got more female leaders and girls in each section.

2) What does Scouting offer? 3) What is unique about Scouting?

A lot of children don’t get the opportunity to go outdoors and gain the necessary skills to be independent and self-reliant. It’s a key part of the development process. We also place a great importance on helping to look after each other and being part of a wider community.

Most importantly it offers a sense of adventure and helps them try new things which they might not get as part of their normal family life. It might seems nuts to some people to go camping in the rain, going up Clent in the dark, taking part in epic hikes across mountains but these are things that help the children to push themselves out of their comfort zone and learn a lot about themselves and others.

Sue Corlett 1) Why did you start being a Scout Leader/ GSL? (Was it a career change?)

I started in the summer of 2013 as a group secretary when the opportunity arose. I’d just finished my job at Birmingham City Council as an office manager and was looking for something a bit different that would put something back into the community.

It’s also unique because it’s part of a wider framework which we can count on for support, guidance, training for our leaders and is respected and known worldwide.

The previous Group Scout Leader stepped down in 2014 and I could see that the role of GSL was important in ensuring the Group continued to thrive and move forwards. My top priorities when taking on the role were to reduce the waiting list by increasing the number of Sections.

4) What were the difficult hurdles you had to overcome in the early days to make the group a success?

It was a bit daunting at first being a female in mostly male group especially due to the fact that I had no scouting background. They must have wondered what they were letting themselves in for! But I did the full training and my previous

This meant increasing the leadership team which is always quite difficult due to the fact that the majority of leaders have full time jobs and their contributions to scouting are entirely

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Your Jobs abilities and could translate their new skills to every day life, being happier and feeling more secure in their own abilities. It was fantastic to see how scouting had contributed to their futures.

experience at the Council helped. After all it’s a manager role so people management and organisation and strategy are the main strengths which were required.

5) What are the best parts of the job?

I love being part of a great team and achieving things as a group. I’m really proud of what we do, helping children develop skills and putting on events for the community which help to bring it together. For example the Bonfire team has been going since the 1970s on and off and we’ve managed to get bigger and better each year.

Also the Six Summit 3 days expedition is a huge feat for our Scouts who take part. It’s 12 miles each day, map reading and navigating over 6 peaks. They also have to greenfield camp each night and it’s a real team effort. It’s such a mega challenge that they wouldn’t get the chance to do this in every day life and they learn a lot about their own limitations and how to push through fatigue and discomfort and most importantly working as a team and helping each other get through it. It can have a big effect on those that take part and I’m really glad we can offer this, despite the fact it’s not the easiest challenge to co-ordinate!

6) Do you have any favourite stories about children you have helped or things you have achieved?

I don't directly work with the children and it is the leaders working with the children who can take all the credit for what is achieved within the Group and through into Explorers. One example of where young people have grown and which I’ve felt Scouting has helped is the Scott Explorer Belt Expedition 2015 undertaken by a team of 16/17 yr olds – they had to plan, train and fundraise for a 2 week expedition to a different Country. They did a presentation to our Executive Committee before they did set off and were quite shy, could barely speak out load and present their ideas.

After the expedition it was as if they had all transformed! They were much more confident, vocal and a stronger team who knew their

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Your Rising Star

Sky’s the limit for local teenager Just a few weeks ago in early April, what seemed like a little fun has now blossomed into something quite serious.

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Your Rising Star

For Evie Azzopardi, aged 18 from Wolverhampton her dreams have become a reality since winning the coveted prize of Miss Black Country 2017.

12 months Evie will actively be fundraising including a sky dive for the worldwide children’s charity foundation Beauty with a Purpose so be sure to look out for an event near you.

Initially filling in the entry forms not really thinking for one moment she would be selected, round by round the contestants were whittled down to the final 17 which were recently held at the Copthorne Hotel in Merry Hill.

This charity was created by Julia Morley in 1972 and supports various children’s organisations like Variety, The Children’s Charity, Nelson Mandela Foundation and other projects in over 100 countries globally .

There was a serious of 7 individual rounds the girls had to participate in for example Miss Modelesque, Miss Popularity,Miss Social Media to name but a few . Evie was fortunate to win two of the 7 categories and quite honestly was more than happy to come this far. But the best was yet to come.

To help support this worthwhile charity and support our very own Miss Black Country please go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/evieazzopardi

On receiving the title Evie said “ I couldn’t quite believe it when my name was called out at the end of the evening announcing I was the overall winner and announced as Miss Black Country 2017. My friend Imogen who was also participating said Evie they mean you ! I was in complete shock .

The reward for winning means an automatic place in the finals of Miss England taking place from the 12th to 14th July in Birmingham Now the hard work really begins. For the next

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Your Fashion

The Perfect Summer Wardrobe

by Emma Russell –Stylissimo Image Consultancy - www.stylissimo.co.uk Take the stress out of holiday packing this season with my Stylissimo essential guide to the perfect summer wardrobe. Create a capsule wardrobe which works perfectly together offering you a multitude of looks, saving you money in the long run and space when packing, while still ensuring you look chic all summer long.

The Essential Items When choosing your essential items for your capsule holiday wardrobe one thing is key, your colour palette! Think in terms of layering the colours together and what colours work best for your skin tone. Start with a base colour and then add accents of colour through pattern or accessories like jewellery, bags, scarves or even shoes. My favourite base colours for summer include khaki and grey, easier to wear and less harsh on your skin tone than black, and they suit many more ladies. Their muted base will reflect much better off pale skin which is eager to be sun kissed, but if stepping away from black is too scary opt more for a navy or a blue which will be much more flattering and feel much more summery. Accent colours are the secondary colour, they layer and mix well with your base colour. For example, khaki is a great base colour for blondes with a pale muted skin tone. Style this base colour with elements of pale denim (Chambray), white, greens, mid to dark blues, greys and if feeling bold blush pink or coral. Obviously, you don’t wear all the colours at the same time, instead choosing the colours which work best together and styling your looks accordingly. Look for the colour characteristics in the colours you prefer, are they muted as with the example above or are they bold, or bright. Look at the colours you prefer in terms of volume, is the volume low or high, it’s important to stick to these colour characteristics throughout your palette. But with that said the odd accent of bold fuchsia with a more muted grey and white isn’t off limits.

Marks & Spencer Autograph Dress £59

Marks & Spencer Trousers £39

the back bone of your summer wardrobe, these will be your work horse pieces so need to be suitable for different occasions from the office to the bar, here consider the fabrics that you choose as well as style and pattern.

To ensure that you can mix and match these pieces together they need to be as plain as possible, I’d personally avoid too much pattern here as this will allow you to mix and match these pieces in several ways for differing occasions. You can add detail, pattern, texture and interest to your look by adding a fun pair of tribal wedge shoes, tote bag or sandals.

Next choose your staple pieces that will form

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Your Fashion My staple pieces include: A crisp white shirt or denim shirt – traditional styling with a collar is great and can be dressed up and made more on trend by adding accessories such as a statement necklace. Or if you prefer to be edgy with your look why not try one of this seasons on trend ruffle blouses like this one from Nine by Savannah Miller. Your shirt of choice is a multi-use piece that can be worn smartly with your statement trouser/skirt for the office, or as a layer with your ‘everywhere’ dress if the evening turns chilly or even as a beach cover up.

Debenhams Nine by Savannah Miller Blouse £35

A Statement wearable trouser or skirt, which ever your preference, or both. Choose lightweight fabrics that don’t crease so that they can be both work and holiday appropriate. I love these paper bag waist trousers and skirts that are on trend right now. Styled with the crisp white shirt for work or with a plain t-shirt or vest with the statement wedges which will add colour, texture and detail to the look. To create even more looks, choose a blouse or top that will work with both the trouser and skirt a like, look for tonal / matching colours within the pattern.

Dune Lacer Rose Gold Sandal £40

An ‘Everywhere’ dress or in my case jumpsuit, is an excellent piece to have as your outfit is complete. Look for plain or uncomplicated patterns like this season’s statement beach stripes to ensure that this piece can be styled in different ways. My favourite is this dress by Autograph at M&S, add a denim shirt as a layer for a cool evening by the beach or a smart heeled sandal and potentially crisp white shirt underneath for a work appropriate look. For a fun beach bar look add a statement coloured sandal and bag in either a burnt orange or bold pink.

Faith Tribal Sandal £42

Debenhams Faith Wedge £55

Monsoon Georgia Tote £29

Topshop Cross Body Bag £22

Book a Personal Shopper experience with Stylissimo using the reader offer below and we can source and create the perfect capsule wardrobe based on your individual characteristics and budget ensuring that the clothing you wear is perfectly suited to you.

Stylissimo Reader Offer All personal styling services when you quote Your Lifestyle For details go to www.stylissimo.co.uk or call 07712 048652

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10% OFF

Your Wedding

Planning a

Marquee Wedding There is nothing nicer than a marquee wedding on a glorious English summer’s day and many couples are choosing this option as it certainly offers flexibility both in terms of design and theme.

Here’s our tips to help you along the way.

Use professionals Use a reputable marquee company and ensure that they are MUTA or CHAS accredited. Ian Fews, the founder and Managing Director of Few Marquees www.fewsmarquees.co.uk has some top tips for couples sourcing a suitable marquee company which include looking at the company stores, operation and offices to ensure it is a professional outfit. He also advises that you choose a company with a strong design team that will be capable of realising your design.

When selecting a marquee company, don’t just go from the pretty images on the website; ask to visit a site where they are currently working so that you can see the finished article. Budget permitting, you ought to think about having a wedding planner to assist with the planning and project manage for you. A good event

Marquee weddings can, however, be a challenge. It’s is important to consider cost, many couples assume that arranging a marquee rather than hiring a venue is a cheaper option, this isn’t always the case.

Its also important not to underestimate the amount of work involved in the set up as you will need to organise everything from scratch without the help of venue staff to guide you along the way.

Once you’ve done your research and decided a marquee wedding is for you, then you can look forward to having some fun with it!

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Your Wedding

<S`f[`a Ladies Designer Wear

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.

4agf[cgW eZabb[`Y Sf [fe X[`Wef e[`UW #+**

planner can be on site to oversee decor and take delivery of goods. They will also be on hand to manage the day itself leaving you to relax and enjoy the day.

Location You need to think about the location for your marquee. Make sure that the ground is suitable (obviously the more level the better) and that there is suitable access for both guests and suppliers. The suppliers and caterers will often arrive with large lorries and refrigeration vans so its important to think about the entry and turning. Notify your suppliers in advance if the access is narrow or tricky.

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

Tel: 01384 565443 www.jantino.co.uk

Think also about your guests. If parking is in a field, then warn your guests in case the ladies want to bring a pair of flats to get them across the grass. Or you may want to provide a hard standing drop off point adjacent to the marquee or a walkway from the parking area, just in case it is raining. It may be that you can use a nearby village hall car park

Our sale shop has moved to Quarry Bank High St, opposite the main shop and is open: Mon - Thurs, 10 - 4.30pm, Friday 10-2pm and Sat 10 - 4.30pm Huge savings on a stunning range of designer wear 22b High Street, Quarry Bank, West Midlands DY52JW Tel: 07914 687630

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Your Hair & Beauty

Royston and Nick’s Diary Summer Diary

the perfect blend of amazing weather, designer shops and exclusive bars and nightclubs.

However, the highlight of the weekend was the vast number of new friends they made from fans of the” Real Housewives of Cheshire.”

Our Wolverhampton boys became a magnet for every hen party that they passed and spent most of the weekend have selfies. They loved Marbella and are back again in the summer.

With the massive success of this season`s`” Real Housewives of Cheshire”, Nick & Royston`s Wedding Blessing was the show`s finale and pulled in the largest viewers ratings this year. Sworn to secrecy, everyone was asked to keep hush until the episode was aired on ITV BE, but now all can be revelled.

Julie Bates Birthday Bash

Owner of the hugely successful Peony Flowers, this beautiful lady has been a fantastic friend of Nick and Royston`s for many years. Celebrating her 50th birthday, Julie invited guests to her home at Ruckley for an evening of great musicians and singers, followed by a delicious dinner. It was a wonderful night for a wonderful lady. Happy Birthday Julie!

Held at Dawn Ward`s home Warford Hall, Alderley Edge, they invited 150 friends, including the salon team, clients and celebs to enjoy their big day and a joint celebration of Royston`s 60 birthday.

The Hall had been decorated by Peony with the most beautiful white flowers everywhere including the butlers and the famous `Globe girls`. Guests were greeted with a champagne reception,fabulous entertainment and singers to get everyone in the mood to party. With the Cocktail bar mixing up true delights, what a party it turned out to be. Not only was it a magical day including tears and laughter as they confirmed their love for each other (Well Nick did!), but the day was a true reflection of Royston`s life. Full of glamorous people, fabulous surroundings and fun and naughtiness well into the night, we all cannot wait for his 70TH!!!!!!

The Loreal Colour Trophy 2017

One of the biggest events in the hairdressing world, this national award recognises the country`s most talented stylists and colour technicians .Judged

by Hairdressing Icons like Trevor Sorbie, five salons are chosen from each region, as the crème de la crème of the industry.

Both Royston Blythe salons won their places in the Final, held at The Evolution, Battersea. Hosted by Radio one`s Nick Grimshaw, with spectacular hair shows, the pinnacle of the evening was taking home the North West Regional Winners Award, for the second year in a row!

Marbella

Nick & Royston were very touched with so many amazing wedding gifts from their friends and especially close friends Joanne and Malcolm Bridgwood, who treated them to a weekend in the glitzy Spanish resort Marbella. Staying at the luxury Hotel Puente Romano, they enjoyed

Congratulations to Welsh Nick and Jade from the Shrewsbury salon and Boo and Lauren from The Wolverhampton Salon, you guys are amazing!!!!

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Celebrating our

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY We have an exclusive offer to all new customers...

Colour and Cut packages from £65 and £25 for Cut and Blow Dry All new customers please quote 'lifestylemag' to claim your introductory discount

Your Hair & Beauty

Experience fabulous hair this summer Enjoy reading what we believe is a homecare hair routine everyone should try and see how it will leave your hair, healthy, strong, shiny and silky at all times.

Holiday season is upon us and we love the summer, but one thing that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t is our hair, so now is the time to think about your summer hair care regime to make sure your hair always looks fabulous during the summer months and on your holidays.

We have some great advice to help you on your way.

So to begin with make sure you have these items with you on hair washing day.

Hand Towel Wide tooth comb or tangle teeser Along with Shampoo, Conditioner & Masque suited to your hair. We can offer you a complimentary consultation on what will be best for your hair type.

Step 1 - Shampoo hair twice, the first shampoo is to lift any impurities off the scalp. The second shampoo is to deeply cleanse the hair, scalp and to encourage blood flow to the follicles improving hair growth.

Step 2 - Here is where the hand towel comes in.

Towel dry hair enough to remove any dripping water, water dilutes conditioner and treatment masques making them slide off the hair instead of the product penetrating the cuticles to do its job.

There is a massive variety of hair care products available on the market but at Nina Capelli we only use products that we believe truely work and of course us stylists have the task of trying and testing them out, its a tough job but someone has to do it. Our brands include Moroccanoil, Schwarzkopf Professional, GHD, Rapture Extensions and the Goldwell Kerasilk Straightening System. In salon we have a solution for all hair types from weak & damaged hair, thick, corse & frizzy and colour treated.

Step 3 - Once the conditioner or treatment masque is applied comb through your hair thoroughly starting from the ends up to the roots to prevent breakage and discomfort. The conditioner/masque will enter the cuticles working its magic.

Step 4 - Wrap the hair in the towel for 3-5mins, 5-10 if using a masque.

Step 5 - Rinse well and feel an instant silky difference.

Step 6 - Apply moroccanoil to towel dried hair and dry.

Try changing your routine just once and your'll be amazed.

A collection of in salon treatments are available to combat and reduce the effects of environmental, heat, humidity and chemical influences. So let the hair care technologies in our salon exclusive products pamper your hair and give it the care it needs. These are perfect for after a holiday to repair any sun damage and don't forget your Moroccanoil mini, just the right size to pop into your suitcase.

Nina Capelli 01902 761197

11 Finchfield Road West, Finchfield, Wolverhampton, WV3 8AY e: ninacapelli@outlook.com

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20% discount to all new clients trying us for the first time

Your Hair & Beauty

The most exciting anti-age treatment yet!

FREE CRYSTAL CLEAR SKINCARE PACK

Nicholas Davis Hair and Beauty has teamed up with one of the UK’s leading anti ageing skincare brands, Crystal Clear to offer Crystal Clear’s fabulous facials and skincare to Tettenhall.

Nicholas Davis Hair and Beauty which opened in Tettenhall 42 years ago, is offering Crystal Clear COMCIT elite facials.

‘We are so excited about our new treatment launch. Crystal Clear is a very results driven brand and works perfectly alongside our current treatment offerings " comments Lyndsey Naughton Celebrities’ and A-lister’s favourite, Crystal Clear fans include the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow and Colin Firth – it’s the

TO ANY GUEST WHO BOOKS THEIR COURSE OF TREATMENTS ON THE NIGHT

ultimate star choice for silky smooth, younger looking skin.

To celebrate, Nicholas Davis Hair and Beauty is holding a launch event on Wednesday 12th July at their salon in Tettenhall High Street from 6pm. There will be demonstrations of their new COMCIT ELITE and canapés and bubbly will be served to all the guests. Call to book a place.

Come along and see the results for yourself, and ask any questions you have about Crystal Clear or the Crystal Clear COMCIT and Oxygen facials.

Nicholas Davis Hair and Beauty are excited to offer Crystal Clear facials from 12th July. To book your appointment, please call 01902 756533 or visit www.ndhairandbeauty.co.uk

NEW LAUNCH! The most exciting anti-age treatment yet Taking Skin Rejuvenation to the next level..

Discover a new you...

NICHOLAS DAVIS HAIR • BEAUTY • SHOP 17 -19 HIGH STREET TETTENHALL WOLVERHAMPTON WV6 8QS T: 01902 756 533 / 756 519 www.ndhairandbeauty.com

Tummy Tucks With summer approaching, our thoughts happily turn to summer holidays, bikinis and beaches. But for some women this causes deep anxiety due to the ravages of pregnancy on their bodies. The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty) can restore that flat, pre-pregnancy abdomen and alleviate this annual anxiety; as well as allowing women to once again wear their choice of clothes.

We asked Plastic Surgeon Mr Guy Sterne the 5 most commonly posed questions about tummy tucks.

good 6-12 months for the tummy to fully settle down and soften before the final result is seen.

3. What can I do to prepare for a tummy tuck?

GS –a little preparation can make all the difference. Smoking is an absolute no-no and no reputable surgeon would contemplate doing a tummy tuck on a patient who is still smoking.

I also advise patients to try to be within the normal weight range for their height. This is for 2 reasons – the best possible cosmetic outcome is achieved, and the risks of complications are minimised. Furthermore, the fitter a patient is, the easier they find the recovery period, so it is a good idea to improve cardio-vascular fitness at the same time as optimising weight.

1. Where will my tummy tuck scar be and when can I wear a bikini?

GS - Wherever possible, the scar is designed very low on the abdomen so that it is hidden in the ‘bikini line’. This can be customised according to the type of underwear/swimwear a patient prefers. There is usually a second small scar around the belly button. By carefully sculpting the fat and tacking down the skin, I can create a pleasing, youthful belly button with a well concealed scar. Most patients feel able to wear a bikini within 6 to 8 weeks. It is important to avoid excess sun exposure for 6 to 12 months, but this doesn't mean you can't go to the beach - the specific areas should simply be protected with an SPF50 suncream.

4. Can I have another baby after having a tummy tuck?

GS –Generally, it is best to wait until after you have completed your family so that the benefit of the tummy tuck is not ‘undone’. However, lives are rarely straight forward and there is no danger associated with becoming pregnant again after a tummy tuck. I do a lot of these operations in my practice, and several of my patients have had problem - free pregnancies afterwards.

5. How much does a tummy tuck cost?

GS – A tummy tuck costs £5,790. This ‘fixed cost price’ covers all aspects – surgery, hospital fee, anaesthetic & all follow up consultations.

2. What is the tummy tuck recovery generally like?

GS –Most patients spend one night in hospital after surgery. I generally tell my patients to take 2-3 weeks off work depending on how physical their job is. The first two weeks is limited to a week of rest, followed by gentle activities of daily living at home. By Week 3 most patients start to drive, walk the dog, do some gentle shopping, and eventually return to lightwork.

Most are ready to commence light gym activities by about 6 weeks. Exercise tolerance can then be gently increased, so that by 3 months post operative they feel relatively normal. It takes a

Be careful in terms of "shopping around" for plastic surgery based on price alone. Be sure you're dealing with an experienced plastic surgeon who is a member of BAAPS and BAPRAS. If you are interested in further information about a mummy makeover, or if you would like either a free mini-consultation or a full consultation with Mr Sterne, please contact Jude on 0121 361 8008.

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Safety - Experience - Expertise Spotlight on: ‘Tummy tuck’

Before & after photos of a tummy tuck procedure - note the flatter tummy and absent overhang and low scar hidden in the bikini line.

Breast Enlargement • Breast Reduction Breast Uplift • Eyelid Surgery Facelift • Nose Re-shaping • Tummy Tuck Liposuction • Male Breast Tissue Reduction

Wrinkle treatments using Botox & facial filler Obagi medical grade skin care system

Now also consulting at Nuffield Hospital, Wolverhampton

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Permanently Beautiful

Fibroblast Lifts and tightens the eye area, Upper and lower lift for eyelids, Results last up to 2 years, Gives as good as a blepharoplasty result but without the surgery, Shortens and tightens the fibres in the skin, Can't over tighten the area like surgery Down time minimal FREE consultations for FIBROBLAST

LIFTING WITHOUT SURGERY

Before and After

Professional Semi-permanent Brows Defines the face shape Lots of colours to suit everyone's skin tone and hair colour Aftercare packages available

Chloe Hannah Mcmaster Beautician of 6 years Semi-permanent and Fibroblast qualified

Before and After

Before and After

07817 793474 hello@chloehannah.com

Esteem Cosmetic Clinic · First Floor · Sterling House · 158 Hagley Road · Stourbridge · DY8 2JL

Experts in Non-Surgical Treatments, Beauty and Wellbeing Tel: 01384 444261 www.esteemcosmeticclinic.co.uk

New to Esteem - Non-Surgical Thread Lift

Elionce is a premium thread treatment which uses polydioxanone to create a natural, fresher and you to as the ’20 minute lift’ due to its simplicity and minimal downtime.

Elionce is a premium thread treatment which uses polydioxanone to create a natural, fresher and younger looking face. It is often referred to as the ’20 minute lift’ due to its simplicity and minimal downtime.

What is the process of a Thread Lift Procedure

Why choose an Elionce Thread Lift Premium biodegradable threads • Non Surgical Face-lift • Simple and safe • Minimal downtime • Imm A local anaesthetic is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable.

The procedure involves the insertion of thread under the skin via very fine needles or a specially designed cannula.

Why choose an Elionce Thread Lift

Premium biodegradable • Non Surgical Face-lift • Simple and The threads work in threads three ways Thread anchor points •hold the tissue and provide lifting when tensioned safe • Minimal downtime Immediate and long lasting results.

Mechanical stimulation of the cells in the skin following the thread insertion into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue

What is the process of a Thread Lift Procedure

As the threads dissolve, the polydioxanone property promotes the generation of collagen to maintain the lifting effect improve the skin tone.

A local anaesthetic is administered to ensure theand patient is

comfortable. The procedure involves the insertion of thread under the skin via very fine needles or a specially designed cannula.

The threads work in three ways Thread anchor points hold the tissue and provide lifting when tensioned Mechanical stimulation of the cells in the skin following the thread insertion into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. As the threads dissolve, the polydioxanone property promotes the generation of collagen to maintain the lifting effect and improve the skin tone.

Before and After Lower Face

Book your free consultation today Tel 01384 444261 Email info@esteemcosmeticclinic.co.uk

Before

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION Our Principal Dentist

Jonathon Pugh BDS MSc Implant Dentistry has over 25 years experience in implantology

Renew Your Smile With Dental Implants At Parkdale Clinic we offer quality patient-focused dental care in a modern and supportive environment.

Our satisfied patients have found a renewed confidence after undergoing treatment with us and it is our privilege to find a solution to many problems traditional dentistry has failed to remedy.

Call us today and discover what we could do for you:

01902 420654

Parkdale Dental & Implant Clinic | 82 Tettenhall Road | Wolverhampton WV1 4TF www.parkdaledentalandimplantclinic.co.uk | parkdale@portmanhealthcare.co.uk

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Your Health

Getting the

balance back into your life

Hilary Sims firmly believes that if you have a problem in life, it’s always good to talk about the issue rather than bottle it up inside.

any other issue causing unnecessary suffering.

Working from Stourbridge, Hilary can provide a safe confidential space to explore these issues but she points out: “I am not here to offer advice or to tell you what to do.”

That’s one of the reasons why the Stourbridge wife and mother became a counsellor.

“I have always been the one in the group that people talk to, so it was a natural progression to move into counselling. I have always enjoyed working with people to solve problems and issues.”

“I will listen and offer non-judgemental support and let you explore different ways of dealing with the situation. If a problem is left unsolved, it can manifest into something bigger.”

Hilary uses the Humanistic, Person Centered Approach which allows the client to achieve their full potential. She uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which is a collaborative intervention which involves looking at our own thoughts and feelings about an issue.

Hilary’s counselling business is called “Life Balance - Counselling Just For You.” She works with young people and adults on a variety of issues. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society and adheres to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling in order to ensure client safety.

“We will discuss things in the therapy room, which you can practice between sessions,” said Hilary. “We can then measure the changes that this practice has bought about. I can also offer Solution Focus Based Therapy, which is a short term therapy focussing on the solution to a specific problem.”

She has an Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Skills and a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). “I am currently working on a Certificate in Couples and Family Counselling Skills, which will give me the opportunity to continue to offer couples counselling in my private practice,” said Hilary.

Hilary is also able to offer counselling as part of an Employee Assistance Programme.

To contact Hilary: call 07850 447585 Or email lifebalance.hs@gmail.com

Her counselling work covers problems with anger, anxiety, bullying, family breakdown, stress, low self esteem, bereavement, depression or

www.lifebalancecounselling.net

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Your Health YourYour Health & Beauty Health

Are you commuting comfortably?

Mind your posture: Helping hands for back pain - On Holiday Thousands of us commute each week,

active ageing

Often, when people on motorbike, holiday andcycle out whether by train, car,are bus, of their normal routine, they can end or foot - and the daily commute can not up only causing themselves unnecessary discomfort beare anliving unwelcome ofcant stress but can We in an erasource of signifi population and by injuring themselves, taking alsostress take on backs. ageing and itits is toll time toour pay attention tosothe role note of these holiday tips from the British posture plays in keeping us fit and active into The British Chiropractic Association advises Chiropractic and Tettenhall our later years. Association Consumer research carried commuters to beware of the problems thatto Road Chiropractic Clinic is a good place out by the British Chiropractic Association their daily travels can cause to their posture. start. highlighted the need for attention and action, noDriving. matter what age you be. by some as Travelling by might car is seen Suitcase selection….Choose wisely with the the most convenient commuting option, take but lightest wheeled case possible. If possible Whilst ourremains bodies astart to slow of down naturally, driving key trigger back pain, two lighter cases rather than one heavy one. there are some simple everyday steps ofthat contributing significantly to the amount time Push the wheeled case rather than pulland to can be taken to help preserve your spent sitting inactive each day bothback at work prevent twisting the upper body/back.

Use a posture into your older years. and home.

Sitting down can put twice as trolley if possible.

Travelling when tired increases muchchance pressure on theso spine asa standing. your good nights’ Henryk Kulynaof injury, and thehave Chiropractors at sleep the night before.

The Tettenhall Road Chiropractic Clinic

If driving, make sure you adjust your car seats,

recommend: headrests many and steering wheels to your Driving… back problems aremeet caused or individual requirements.

This will improve aggravated by poor driving posture.

Ensure your the • comfort Stay as active as you within your in the car and your can safety. seat position is slightly backwards so that it feels physical limitations.

Transport.

Many rely active. on public •Public Walking is a great waywho to stay It is natural are a comfortable transport toelbows commute suffer the stress ofother lessand strenuous on atjoints than manyrelaxed angle.

Relax at theand wheel reducebearing stress on fighting forofaexercise seat only sitting forms but istooccasionally weight so the spine and allow your seat to take the weight. down. can help maintain bone density too.

Stop and stretch arms and legs at least every •If you A moving joint is be less make painful mainly stand onlikely your to commute, two than hours. a static one, so even simple sure you wear comfortable shoes and loose movement , alcohol stretchesbefore or gentle Flying….Avoid and exercise during clothing.

Stand with your feet shoulder width could help relieve pain. the flight as this will cause dehydration and apart and hold onto a rail comfortably without •exaggerate Promoting core strength and good muscle pain.

Exercise-shoulder over stretching. posture byclenches doing and StraightenUpUkshrugs, buttock foot circles alonga series of simple and exercises.

If you do get awalks seat,stretches relax stretches when sitting your with regular and willinto limit seat, making sure you have and your bottom •stiffness.

Increase levels of activity in simple ways Avoid “travelators” walk briskly against seat aback your shoulder blades e.g. the walking little and faster, using the stairs. instead. are touching the backrest.

Avoid stiffness by • Keep fluid levels topped up; muscles and Relaxing…On sun loungers try not to lie on doing shoulder shrugs, buttock clenches and joints work more efficiently and fatigue your tummy with your back and neck arched footless circles. when well hydrated. Drinking water is when reading Put thefor reading matter better thanyour teabook. and coffee hydration.

Don’t - muscles are designed on the forget floor and view it and over joints the edge of the •for movement, Always consult where your Doctor or Chiropractor possible walk as itorwill sun bed. Bed toosohard?

– put a spare duvet embarking on new exercises to helpbefore improve muscle tone, blanket between you and theimprove mattress.circulation are posture. compatible with any andmake benefitsure yourthey overall of your medical conditions.

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Clinic est. 1982 GCC Registered and BCA Members

Chiropractic Treatment...

T: 01902 772446 www.wolveschiro.co.uk

84 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 4TF

73 75

so often the answer

Your Travel comfortable, making it is easy for everyone to spend more a lot more time on two wheels.

Townie Commute Go! (MSRP: £2,500) Utility meets comfort in the new Townie Commute Go!. Electra has taken the best-selling Townie Go! and given it the upgrades needed to ride like the wind without breaking a sweat.

Featuring their patented Flat Foot Technology® , 700c Schwalbe puncture-resistant tyres, and swept back handlebars, riders can sit comfortably and upright. This bike is perfect for daily use, especially in hilly areas or for longer distances where more capability is needed. With a variety of colour options including Black Satin and Stone Grey in a step-over frame and Black, White and Mineral Blue for the step-thru frame, this e-bike is sure to turn heads. For those who have places to Go!, this is just the bike to get them there.

Electra welcomes the Townie Electra Bicycle Company Rounds Out Electric Bike Offering with the Addition of Two New Go! Bikes

Specifications include: • Bosch Performance System 250W Mid-frame motor with four modes of support (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), lithium ion battery that lasts for 20-100 miles depending on the mode/terrain, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour

Electra welcomes the Townie® Commute Go! and Loft™ Go! to its collection of stylish and comfortable lifestyle e-bikes

• Shimano 8-speed internal gear hub • Tektro T-290F hydraulic front and rear disc brakes • 6061-T6 Aluminum Technology®

The electric bike market is on the rise around the globe and Electra, who is never late to a party, announces the addition of two new e-bikes to their product offering, tripling the company’s current e-bike line-up. The Townie Commute Go! and Loft Go! will round out Electra’s e-bike collection, which began with the Townie Go!, the best-selling* e-bike in North America. Go! to the beach. Go! to work. Go! to the market. Go! to town. Go! to the next town over. Wherever it is, Electra’s Bosch-powered Go! e-bikes make it easier, faster and way more fun to get there.

frame

with

Flat

Foot

• Schwalbe Fat Frank 700 X 2.0” tyres with Kevlar guard casing for flat tyre protection • Colour-matched mudguards and chain guard • Front rack weight capacity 9.1kg (20 lbs) and rear rack weight capacity 25kg (55 lbs) • ABUS lock integrated into the frame • Front and rear Dynamo LED lights with internal cable routing for a clean silhouette

"Perfect for the urban commuter" 74

Your Travel Loft Go! (MSRP: £2,400): The Loft Go! is perfect for the urban commuter who wants to get around town or to and from work in style with amazing ease. This pedal-assist e-bike is powered by the Bosch Active System and built to handle the rigors of city streets. The clean lines and chic design means riders don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function. Standard features include capable 700c Schwalbe puncture-resistant tyres, colour-matched mudguards, front and rear heavy-duty racks and lighting, and hydraulic disc brakes allowing the rider to stop on a dime. The intuitive ride comes in a step-through frame for easy on and off maneuverability, and comes in Black, Cream and Aqua.

Silver, Azure, Lime, and Army Grey, to name a few. This e-bike is great for the rider who wants to cruise longer distances and flatten hills with the utmost comfort on their electric bike. 26” Schwalbe puncture-resistant balloon tyres glide over any surface with unlimited traction and multi-gear functionality allows the rider to control output and battery life. The Townie’s Flat Food Technology® frame combined with a lower centre of gravity provides an upright, comfortable ride. It’s impossible not to smile when riding a Townie Go!.

Specifications include: • Bosch Performance System 250W Mid-frame motor with four modes of support (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), lithium ion battery that lasts for 20-100 miles depending on the mode/terrain, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour

Specifications include:

• Shimano 8-speed internal gear hub

• Bosch Active System 250W Mid-frame motor with four modes of support (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), lithium ion battery that lasts for 20-100 miles depending on the mode/terrain, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 miles per hour

• Tektro T-290F hydraulic front and rear disc brakes • 6061-T6 Alloy frame with Flat Foot Technology® • Schwalbe Fat Frank 26” x 2.35” Balloon tyres with Kevlar guard casing for flat tyre protection

• Shimano 8-speed internal gear hub • Tektro T-290F hydraulic front and rear disc brakes

• Colour-matched mudguards, chain guard and rear rack

• 6061-T6 Aluminum frame

• ABUS lock integrated into the frame

• Schwalbe Fat Frank 700 X 2.0” tyres with Kevlar guard casing for flat tyre protection

• Front and rear LED lights with internal cable routing

• Colour-matched mudguards and chain guard

For 24 years we have created bikes that are inspired by art, music, fashion, the California sunshine, the ease of a perfect day and amazing people around the world. Known for superior craftsmanship and retro styling, Electra once again offers functional yet fashionable bikes!

• Front rack weight capacity 9.1kg (20 lbs) and rear rack weight capacity 25kg (55 lbs) • ABUS lock integrated into the frame • Front and rear Dynamo LED lights with internal cable routing for clean silhouette

Townie Go! (MSRP: £1,950) Electra’s Townie Go! offers the best smileage in its class and is the best-selling e-bike* in the U.S. The Townie Go! is an easy-to-use, pedal assist bike with surprising power and comes in a variety of stylish colours including Polished

Way to roll…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ ElectraBicycleCompany Instagram: https://instagram.com/electra_bicycle Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/118342551

75

Your Pets & Garden

New puppy, kitten or rabbit?

Give your newest addition the very best start!

Summer is here and for some of us, it’s an ideal time to introduce a new family member to the household. The holiday period provides a great opportunity to spend more time with a young pet and warmer weather means it’s easier to spend time outdoors with your new addition, which can help with both training and socialisation. So, if you’re considering welcoming a puppy, kitten or rabbit into your home, we have some great advice and tips to make the process as easy and comfortable for both you and your pet!

Brian Hogan, Partner, Blacks Vets, MVB Cert SAS MRCVS

Keep it familiar For puppies and kittens, providing the breeder with an old piece of clothing that you have worn means that your smell can be introduced to the new arrival before you bring them home and may help combat anxiety on arrival. With rabbits, consider asking the breeder for a little of their bedding to bring back with you so that you can add it to their new hutch or pen. Don’t be tempted to give your pet the run of your whole house to begin with, instead concentrate on just one room at a time so that confidence builds up gradually.

Making time Preparing to bring a new pet home is very much like preparing to bring a baby home, with the same careful considerations applying regarding care and routine. Above all, choosing a time when you are freely available should be at the top of your list so that you can be there for your pet as much as possible in the early days. If possible, book time off work and try to ensure that other people who will be involved in your pet’s care can be around too. This helps familiarity and trust to build quickly and can make for a more harmonious journey in the long run.

Vital early care It’s important to register your new pet with a reputable vet as soon as possible in order to administer necessary vaccinations and check the overall health of your new four-legged friend. Here at Blacks, we understand that a new pet at home can be an expensive time and so created our fantastic Pet Starter Pack, designed to deliver first class care and peace of mind, all for an incredible £50! This allows our clients to potentially save over £200!

Available for puppies, kittens and rabbits, the offer includes:

Slowly does it It can be an overwhelming experience for a new pet to arrive at their new home, particularly for a young animal that has only just left its mother and litter mates. Although it can be tempting to bubble over with excitement, try to keep calm and quiet for the first few days as your pet adjusts to their new surroundings and family.

Keep music and TV noise low and ask children to be considerate when playing near to their pet. Younger children may benefit from having another distraction, such as a new toy, so that they do not focus solely on their animal and unintentionally cause distress.

•

Full veterinary health check

•

Primary vaccination course (2 injections, 1 for rabbits) *

•

4 weeks of Pet Plan insurance

•

Initial flea, mite and worm treatment

•

Microchip and lifetime registration

•

Voucher for bag of Royal Canin food for puppies and kittens Free 6 month nurse check

• •

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10% discount on neutering, or 1 month free if you join our Protect My Pet Club

Your Pets & Garden •

usually 7 days after their second set of injections at 10 weeks old. Bunnies generally receive their first vaccination at 10 weeks old with immunity developing within 3 weeks.

Voucher to cover the cost of one emergency call out to Hospital if your pet needs Out of Hours attention in the 3 months after first vaccination. (Can be used towards your Excess if pet is insured). This has no transferable value and can only be used with a genuine emergency.**

For puppy owners, we offer monthly Puppy Parties where dogs under 16 weeks old can meet with other puppies to play games and have fun learning to socialise with other canines.

Visit www.blacksvets.co.uk and click on What’s On to find out more. Our Puppy Party page also features a useful socialisation tick sheet with suggestions for people, places and situations to introduce pups to before they are 20 weeks old.

* Does not include Kennel Cough vaccine or 3rd Parvo virus vaccine at 5 months. ** Does not include the consultation fee or the cost of any treatments.

Getting out and about As the weeks progress, you should start to see your new pet’s confidence grow and will be able to introduce more new experiences to them. Once your puppy or kitten has been microchipped, vaccinated and treated for worms and fleas, you can start to plan to take them outdoors. For kittens this generally happens at around 6 months old, but for puppies this is

At Blacks, our vets and veterinary nurses are mines of information when it comes to advising on all aspects of pet care and are delighted to help you with any queries you may have along your pet parenting journey. We look forward to welcoming you and your new addition to one of our five Black Country branches very soon!

NEW PET?

Give your pet the best start in life

Pet Starter Package Primary vaccinations Microchip for life Flea, Worm & Mite treatment includes cover for lungworm Full veterinary health check 1 FREE emergency call out within first 3 months 4 weeks FREE Pet Plan insurance Blacks Vets www.blacksvets.co.uk

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Rated 5* by our clients on Vet Help Direct

77

Your Pets & Garden

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

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

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

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

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Your Pets & Garden

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Your Pets & Garden

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Your Pets & Garden

Get the perfect match Mismatching bricks are a surefire way of telling the world you’ve had an extension. They can make your house look incomplete and untidy, like your extension is an addition, rather than part of your home. If you look at the pictures in the advert below they have been darkened to match the rest of the house, adding value and appeal.

doing some work, this clever technique is the final finishing touch to complete the job. As well as extensions, brick tinting gives the final finish after garage conversions, conservatory bases and boundary walls. It’s a method often used on Grand Designs projects, and it adds value if you are a property developer or builder.

Colour matching is an art with each job being individually assessed and applied.

Whether you own a period property or a relatively new one, it’s almost impossible to get bricks that are perfectly matched. They change colour through weathering, so new ones are unlikely to look exactly the same, even if you have managed to find expensive replicas of your bricks.

At Colour Bricks Cosmetics, we have over 14 years’ experience in brick tinting. It all starts with taking photographs of the existing bricks and producing digital mock-ups of what it will look will look like after the tinting. Get in touch to chat to our professionals for advice on getting a seamless finish visit:

That’s where brick tinting comes in.

colourbrickcosmetics.co.uk

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Your Pets & Garden

Keep your garden blooming There’s still time to fill in any gaps in the garden with some instant colour. You can buy established plants of geraniums, cosmos, New Guinea impatiens and other flowering plants throughout the summer months. Dead head your baskets, tubs and herbaceous borders regularly to keep plants producing new flowers all summer.

Tubs and baskets need watering daily if the weather is dry, do it first thing in the morning or in the evening to avoid scorching leaves.

Remember to liquid feed weekly.

Once bedding plants in the garden become established, they should only need watering occasionally. There’s no need to water a lawn during dry weather – it’ll soon colour up again once we have some rain. If we do get a damp spell and you’ve still got moss or weeds in the lawn, then use Evergreen Complete or MO Bacter for moss.

For new potatoes in October,or at Christmas, plant seed potatoes in tubs in July and August. Growth will finish in October, but leave the tubers in their pots until required for cooking. Remember they’ll need frost protection once the winter frosts appear in November and December.

To complete another gardening cycle or start a new one depending on how you look at it the spring flowering bulbs will be appearing in Garden Centre’s from the end of August! If you want Hyacinths in flower for Christmas, they must be planted and put into a dark cool place in September. Most varieties require an 8-10 week cool period followed by 2-3 weeks of warmer conditions to bring them into flower. Use a compost specifically for bulbs as it will contain charcoal to keep the soil sweet.

Hanging Baskets now being accepted for summer refilling We’ve got everything you need to make your garden beautiful!

•

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Your Pets & Garden

HOW MUSIC CAN IMPROVE OUR WELLBEING By music therapist Dr Stella Compton Dickinson

Music is all around us, made up of vibrations of different frequencies, heard in the sounds of nature,the sea, even the electrical sound of the fridge has a frequency that hums.

Music can affect us positively and negatively â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it has the power to change how we feel in a given moment. But it has much more than that. Here are six ways music can improve our overall wellbeing:

cry, feel warm and loving or uncomfortable and full of regret.

When we work therapeutically with recorded music it is important to understand the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste and let him choose music that has significant meaning to him, rather than imposing a personal choice that may mean nothing to him, this may otherwise simply be perceived as controlling.

1. Music Listening: Music is an art form available to almost every human being. Anyone can explore safe and appropriate ways in which music can lift their mood. In public places,such as certain London Underground Stations, classical music is played to enhance a calm mood across a busy, crowded environment where people might otherwise get stressed and then become more aggressive. Healthcare practitioners frequently use music to stimulate a better ambient mood, for example in a secure hospital unit, however the same piece of music will affect individuals in different ways.

When working with elderly people, if they hear a favourite old song this can bring back happier times and they can then often recall the lyrics which may not have been thought about in ages- then the individual can enjoy sharing their memories. This is important in helping the individual to have a sense of continuity across their life-span and then to orientate them to all that they have done decade by decade.

2. Music to promote memory and life review: Pre-recorded music has associations to times and places in our lives. If we hear a song from a different time in our life it can bring back all those old feelings. It may be very romantic, sad, happy or funny. Music can make us feel nostalgic and it can therefore make us laugh or

3. Music and Movement to reduce anxiety: Whether music is played on a hospital ward, in a Zumba class, a Pilates class, a religious ceremony, or a military cavalcade with men and horses- music underpins the movements and pace of events through the tempo, rhythms, mood and harmonies.

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bond together such as at a football match,when part of the crowd may start to act as one in chanting for their team.

4. Learning a Musical Instrument for global mental improvements: Practising a musical instrument is associated with enhanced verbal ability, the ability to work things out and improved motor co-ordination. This is because a lot of components and hours of discipline are involved in becoming accomplished on an instrument. The degree of success depends on many factors including the teaching techniques, the levels of parental support for the child,or for an adult learner to have both a witness to his efforts as well as undisturbed practice time.

I have taught my instrument, the oboe, all my adult life and I apply some neuro-scientific therapeutic principles to this teaching.

Running and exercise releases endorphins that are known as ‘happy’ hormones.

A play list of suitable tracks can energize and then calm people, for example during physical exercise classes followed by relaxation and meditative music to finish.

I always encourage my clients to develop a varied exercise routine because using our bodies can calm our minds, improve co-ordination and balance and reduce the symptoms of anxiety.

Without physical activity one’s thoughts and worried feelings may get caught up and these can start to fester inside us. These experiences need an appropriate outlet or otherwise they can make one feel sick or wobbly.

Often this sort of mental difficulty of anxiously avoiding difficult social events for example, can be misunderstood as simply a digestive or eating problem. This sort of anxiety is unprocessed energy, which can be expended in music therapy because clients move about the room to play drums or tuned percussion or smaller instruments, rather than just sitting in a chair.

Moving and being creative can help people to extend themselves and to be more spontaneous in having fun, and then they frequently want to start to understand themselves better.

Let me tell you the story of Irvine (not his real name). Irvine was eleven and had just scraped into the school where I taught. He had tried the drums at primary school and this had done nothing for him. A child needs to find the right quality of tone in choosing his instrument. Irvine was an unusual and sensitive child, he didn’t seem to have a sense of rhythm, and so I worked to instil a steady pace demonstrating firstly so that he could copy me. As a music therapist I knew how to find his inner rhythm and pace.

Even when he had learnt only two notes we could play a duet together as I created harmony around his two long notes. So, he learnt to read music whilst feeling safe and supported, at the same time as blowing and moving his fingers.

There is a lot to think about. By the end of his first year he had moved academically from the bottom of the lowest set of kids in his year into the top set. Individual instrumental lessons gave him the confidence he needed to be better coordinated physically, with improved attention

Music Therapy is used to help people who suffer with Parkinson Disease. Try singing a gentle tune if you need to help a person with Parkinson’s to walk. The chances are that their shuffling gaitmay extend towards becoming proper steps if you find a suitable mood, tempo and tune.

Music can also be used in a manipulative and negative way to whip up a fanatical group consciousness in a crowd, as if they have lost their individual will to choose. Alternatively, to

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span and greater ability of mental processing.

music that fits the mood, time and place. The music therapist is a skilled musician but she does not show off, she is there to help the natural creative abilities of any individual start to come through. This is wonderful because all patients can have a go-even if they have never seen a real musical instrument. This experience can be exciting rather than frightening when it is offered sensitively and with respect.

5. Music Making with others for improved sociability: Irvine was an unusual child that had difficulties socialising but then he found that he was needed in the school band, so he started to make new friends and this helped build his selfesteem. He had a new hobby and could play in the local amateur orchestra and go on tours with the youth orchestra; music helped him to learn to bond with his peers in a shared activity and goal. Irvine used to struggle with his academic work but he got into a good university to train in an unrelated subject and instead of being the odd one out, he became the admired super-star when playing his English Horn (Tenor Oboe) in the University Orchestra.

Music Therapy is particularly effective for people who live with schizophrenia; it helps with mental organization because music alone can cross the bridge between the two hemispheres of the brain, thereby integrating emotional responses and cognitive thinking processing. Once a person has expressed their inner feelings nonverbally through jointly-creating music within a trusting therapeutic relationship –then they may be able to more easily recognize what they are feeling and start to find the right words to be able to talk about their problems and there by receive help from others.

When I was travelling to Canada via Newark New Jersey airport back in 2004 I met a man who said his daughter was learning the oboe because it is almost ‘an automatic ticket to an ivy league university’ (Harvard or Yale). I don’t know if that is true but one of my first ever pupils is now a famous scientist and he went on to work at Harvard after Cambridge University.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr Stella Compton-Dickinson is a London-based Health and Care Profession council registered music therapist, accredited supervisor, professional oboist and lecturer, UK Council for Psychotherapy registered Cognitive Analytic Therapist and Supervisor. She is author of The Clinician’s Guide to Forensic Music Therapy (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), and has her own private practice and twenty years' experience in the National Health Service as a Clinician, Head of Arts Therapies and Clinical Research Lead her research was awarded the 2016 Ruskin Medal for the most impactful doctoral research.

6. Musical Improvisation in music therapy for improving and sustaining mental health: The greatest form of improvised music is Jazz, and we can learn a lot about the structure of improvised music from great musicians such as Miles Davis. Music Therapy in the United Kingdom is a masters level training and central in this model is jointly creating improvised

Web: http://www.stellacompton.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ NorthLondonPsychotherapy Twitter: https://twitter.com/ StellaCompton12 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstella-compton-dickinson-4a475311/

86

Royal Visit

His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO visited The Royal School Wolverhampton on Wednesday, 14 June, to officially open the school as a Free School.

As Patron of the School, His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque and also spent time speaking to the School’s combined Cadet Forces and a large number of pupils and staff from the Primary and Secondary phases.

On his previous visit to the School in September, 2012, The Earl of Wessex celebrated the 80th anniversary of the primary school. On this occasion, HRH spent a great deal of time speaking to students and witnessing the developments from a fee paying to a free school. As The Earl unveiled the plaque, he joked how funny it was to ‘Open’ a school that had been here for so long with him as the Patron!

On arrival, The Earl of Wessex was greeted by Primary students and dignitaries, including Dr Keith Bradshaw, Deputy Lieutenant representing Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands; the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, John Hudson OBE DL; and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Elias Mattu, before meeting Secondary students.

He then headed to the CCF field to meet The Royal School’s air force and army cadets and to inaugurate the partnership between The Royal School and Colton Hills Community School, who will be forming their own contingent in due course. The CCF is an important element in providing outstanding personal development opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum.

The Royal School was founded in 1850 originally as an orphanage, and is now a free, co-educational, independent day and boarding school serving more than 1000 students across the Primary and Senior Schools. It is a unique school where students from the West Midlands, Great Britain and the world meet, learn, and achieve both academically and personally. It is a community in which each individual’s strengths are identified, nurtured, and celebrated in order to exceed each child’s expectations and to fully prepare them for a successful life beyond the school.

87

Your

Horoscopes

Horoscopes with John Starkey

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

Cancer (June 21-July 21)

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

This is no time to back over old ground.

You can look to the future with confidence if you do not allow past experiences to cloud your judgement. Keep going in this new direction and you'll be as energetic as a spring chicken.

Try not to be too attached to your work, there is a lot of fun just around the corner, and you could find yourself enjoying new experiences, letting your hair down and breaking the old routine.

Leo ( July 22- August 21)

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Sometimes you do not fully understand where others are coming from. Now is the time for you to put your point of view without fear or favour. As others lend you a listening ear, you can use your charm to get what you want, in almost any situation.

Double check everything you commit yourself to in writing. It looks like there could be 'sharks' swimming close by. With a bit of luck your shrewd common sense will see through them like glass.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Virgo (August 22- September 22)

What a good time to ease off the cream cakes. As the planet Neptune runs rings around your birth chart, over indulgence could come forward. keep on eye on the fridge and North eye on the waistline.

Wow! cool down, two fiery planets are in close proximity to you sign, so it's a good idea to keep a padlock on your temper and watchful eye on others as you play out this game of chess, called life. You could be pleasantly surprised, at just how much you can achieve.

Aries ( March 21- April 20) Do not be put off what you want to do, by prophets of doom and jobs comforters who seem ready to pour cold water on your best made plans. Its time to think of yourself, and let the others get on with.

Libra (September 21- October 22) Take no notice of Chinese whispers and ridiculous rumours. Maybe you should follow your gut instincts and take no notice of others who seem to be all around you at the moment. By the next moon all will be well.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20) It looks as if you could be line for a spot of promotion. Where work and business things are involved, things are looking up. In turn this has a very good effect on the day to day finance accounts.

Scorpio (October 23- November 22) At last the moon is in a supportive position to your sign. This means that you could be running around like a rocket, as the pace of your life increases. You will definitely be first to deck the chairs.

Gemini (May 21- June 20) Though others may think you are on another planet, your new ideas seem to be sound, if you are thinking of embarking on a new project maybe this would be great time to start.

Don't just think but act.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 20) That adventurous but nice side of your personality may show through very soon. As you become the life and soul of the party others will probably see you as the joker of the pack, and why not indeed. You have the ability to inspire others.

88

BINGO Roll up, roll up for tax free income Gambling winnings are tax free!

Read on for more tips on how to maximise your tax free income.

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Use your personal allowance of £11,500 for 2017/18.

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Consider arranging your affairs so that all family members use their allowance.

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If you are married or in a civil partnership check if you can transfer any unused personal allowance. Also make sure you claim for earlier years.

F R E

T A X

If your company has sufficient reserves and profits use your dividend allowance.

Make use of the Micro entrepreneurs allowance

Check if you can claim the £1,000 property allowance

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Rental income of £7,500 can be received tax free under the Rent-aroom relief provisions. Check if you qualify.

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Spread your investments and split your income to retain your child benefit and your personal allowance.

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If your Company owes you money charge interest - make use of your £1,000 personal savings allowance. Be mindful however to only charge interest at a commercial rate.

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If you have more than one source of income and have trade losses look at how you can off-set your losses.

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Claim your tax credits and benefits.

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Open a childcare account and receive a tax free top up - now available to the self-employed.

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If you are age 18 – 40 open a lifetime ISA; receive a 25% top up on your savings.

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Your Finance & Legal

Planning for your longest holiday

Anita Gatehouse Your Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

New research from Liverpool Victoria (L.V.) finds that the over 45's are spending longer planning a holiday then their retirement.

51% of respondents aged between 45 and 54 didn't think about their retirement at all last year and out of those that did, they spent on average two hours more planning their holiday. People even spend longer planning on redecorating a room than their retirement!

Worryingly, the research also found that 62% of 45 to 54-year-olds, don't know how much they have saved towards their retirement. Liverpool Victoria concluded that of those aged 50 and over, the average expectation was to need around £1,360 a month to live comfortably.

Assuming they qualify for the full state pension, Liverpool Victoria calculated that would mean having to build up a pot of £311,000, very different from the actual amounts people had in place.

In my experience, people often think they have plenty of time to do something about retirement, for example someone aged 55 might assume that age 65 is way off in the future and they can wait to think about retirement planning.

However, if we cast back 10 years to 2007 and think that's when Northern Rock was bailed out, the last Harry Potter book was published and the new Wembley Stadium was completed, it just shows how time flies!

Average pot size

£71,342 (of those surveyed)

62%

39%

13%

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security, make sure you plan ahead.

Don’t know how much they have saved for their retirement

If you would like a free 30 minute meeting to discuss your own position, telephone Jo on 01562 745730 to book an appointment.

Have less than

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

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90

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

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Lookers drives forward its IT revolution with award win National motor retailer Lookers PLC has further strengthened its reputation as a modern, forward thinking business by winning a prestigious IT award.

The integration of Fastrack forms part of a much larger investment by Lookers into its IT infrastructure, including updating its current telephony and enquiry management systems and the development of a brand new website.

The dealer group was awarded the Business Process Mobility award at the Real IT Awards 2017 for the roll out of Fastrack Mobile, which puts tablets into the hands of its sales team to create a modern and fluid retail experience.

Attiq Qureshi, Technology Director at Lookers, said: “It was great to be recognised at the Real IT Awards and in particular in the Business Process Mobility category as it’s an area that we have placed a lot of focus on. Our IT infrastructure has been through some immense changes, so to receive an award for the work the team has put in is fantastic.

It was the company’s first project-led change initiative of this scale and actively engaged and consulted with colleagues across the business.

The Real IT Awards, which this year were held at the Hilton South Bank Hotel, London, celebrate the contribution that IT makes to the business community, as well as the people behind its successful integration.

“It confirms that we’re moving in the right direction and are realising the potential that technology has to revolutionise the customer experience.”

The judging panel we’re impressed by Lookers’ ability to integrate Fastrack from business requirement, right through to delivery, saying: “The main benefits of increasing customer engagement and improving customer experience have clearly been the main focus throughout this entire project.”

Fastrack Mobile works with any mobile device and has enabled sales professionals at Lookers to meet with customers in the showroom without the barrier of a desk.

Customers can watch presentations, design a bespoke vehicle and enter their details so that further information can be sent to their own personal mobile device.

www.lookersplc.com

94

Your Motoring

New Tech Edition model joins updated Mazda2 range The recently updated Mazda2 range has been enhanced with the new Mazda2 Tech Edition. On sale from the 1st July, the Tech Edition is limited to just 750 cars, and as the name suggests, it focuses on delivering extra technology.

Based on the £14,695 1.5 90ps SE-L Nav, the Tech Edition benefits from the addition of 16inch alloy wheels, Rear parking sensors, Privacy glass, Climate control, Auto lights and rainsensing wipers – all for a price premium of just £300 over the SE-L Nav. Further enhancing the value proposition is the free-of-charge choice of Dynamic Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearlescent or Jet Black Mica paint.

auto power-folding mirrors and passenger seat height adjustment, while Sport Nav models benefit from subtle visual enhancements including new 16-inch alloy wheels and a shark fin antenna.

Highlights across all models in the updated Mazda2 range include the introduction of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology and detailed improvements to the suspension and steering to deliver improved ride comfort and steering response. In addition, interior upgrades include new seat fabrics, a new steering wheel and enhanced sound insulation.

As before, the Mazda2 features excellent active safety equipment with all 90ps and 115ps powered cars featuring Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning System.

All cars outside of the entry-level 75ps engine models come with Mazda’s 7” Colour touchscreen display with MZD-Connect infotainment system, integrated navigation, DAB radio and cruise control, while Sport Nav and GT/GT Sport models feature high-end equipment like privacy glass, rear parking sensors, climate control airconditioning and smart keyless entry.

Now exclusively offered with Mazda’s 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, the simplified ninemodel Mazda2 range starts at just £12,695 for the 75ps SE, while the 75ps engine is also offered in SE-L trim. Making up the bulk of the range the 90ps version of the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine is offered in SE-L Nav, Tech Edition, Sport Nav and GT trim, while the 115ps output engine is exclusively matched to the flagship GT Sport and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Commenting on the revisions to the Mazda2 Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda Motors UK said, “with annual UK sales of over 10,000 cars, the Mazda2 is a really important car in our line up. It may be the smallest car we produce, but it has at its heart the same values of style, driving involvement and quality that mark out all our products. These updates come just two years after the current Mazda2’s launch but they are designed to ensure the Mazda2 remains a class-leading contender in what remains the biggest selling segment in the UK car market.”

The upgraded Mazda2’s dynamic enhancements also see the introduction of G-Vectoring Control (GVC). Having made its debut on the 2017 Mazda3, GVC is now standard across the Mazda2 range, the first of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies it varies engine torque to optimise loading on the wheels when cornering to indiscernibly provide more precise handling and improve comfort.

Visit your local dealer for more information at Stourbridge Mazda, 94-96 Kidderminster Road, Hagley DY9 0QL or call 01562 215113 to book a test drive.

Across the key trim levels the upgraded Mazda2 now features additional equipment: SE-L and SE-L Nav cars now feature LED front fog lamps,

95

Your Motoring

All-New Ford Fiesta 2017: The Evolution of an Icon

Introducing the latest generation All-New Ford Fiesta, "The most technologically advanced small car in the world" hoping to continue its impressive consecutive success as the UK's best selling car, featuring a number of enhancements to bring the Fiesta right up to date offering an all-round complete driving package.

All-New Fiesta Features

Enhanced Safety You'll find safety is strong as standard. The AllNew Fiesta unveils a sophisticated range of safety and assistance features for a compact car, including Traffic Sign Recognition.

New 5 & 6 Speed Gearboxes With all engine variants featuring new transmissions, the All-New Fiesta makes smooth gear changes, its lighter, quieter and fun to drive.

Enjoy more refinement, efficiency and power.

8" Touchscreen You'll experience ultimate entertainment and connectivity on the move with the addition of the ultra crisp and intuitive 8" colour touchscreen. Enjoy an infotainment system built with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Sophisticated Touches Discover an improved and more modern interior complete with premium features, including a heated steering wheel, so you can always travel in comfort.

96

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Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Fiesta range are: urban 40.9-80.7 (6.9-3.5), extra urban 67.3-94.2 (4.2-3.0), combined 54.3-88.3 (5.2-3.2). Official CO2 emissions 118-82g/km.

All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice. Vehicles available whilst stock lasts. Finance is subject to status. Retail Customers only. Credit provided by Ford Credit/FCE Eagle Way, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3AR. Deposit Allowance only available when financed with Ford Credit. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. All figures include VAT unless otherwise stated. For full details on this offer, please visit Evans Halshaw Ford. Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. Stripestar Limited, Loxley House, 2 Oakwood Court, Little Oak Drive, Annesley, Nottingham, NG15 0DR. Company number 3786959. Stripestar Limited is a credit broker/intermediary that can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. They may incentivise us for introducing you to them.

97

Your Motoring

The New Volvo XC60 The new Volvo XC60 is the SUV with a unique Scandinavian attitude, where bold design meets a beautiful interior, technology is intuitive and every drive is a pleasure.

Every version of the XC60 is luxuriously equipped.

As standard, even entry-level Momentum variants come with leather-faced upholstery, Volvo’s distinctive T-shaped LED headlights with active beam, 9” portrait-style touch screen, two-zone climate control with ‘Clean Zone’ airfiltration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and 18” alloy wheels.

Crafted from natural, luxurious materials, the Volvo XC60 is the epitome of modern Swedish design. Real wood, genuine metal and beautiful details combine to create a sense of grace and power.

The Volvo XC60 will also help to steer you out of harm’s way with the world-first application of Steer Assist. As part of Volvo’s City Safety system, this feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle.

The stunning new XC60 is available to order now at Brindley Wolverhampton, with on-theroad prices starting at £37,205 for the D4 AWD Momentum version, with the first customer deliveries to coincide with the new 77 plate release.

98

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