Your Lifestyle Magazine Sept/Oct 16

September / October 2016

Weddings Tips for planning a marquee wedding

Interiors Ideas for warming up your conservatory

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Your Lifestyle Magazine

Welcome to

Contents

Autumn!

Home Style

2 - 28

Property

29 - 36

Food & Drink

37 - 45

As the nights start to drawn in and the summer starts to fade.

When the leaves start to fall we turn to home comforts

Rising Star

46 - 47

Music

48 - 49

September and October are the perfect months to get creative with your home.

What’s On

50 - 56

Weddings

57 - 59

Hair & Beauty

60 - 61

Fashion

62 - 63

Why I Love My Job

64 - 65

Horoscopes

66

Get out and about-every year Belbroughton has the scarecrow festival check out our what’s on for days and evenings out.

Its back to school for the children which gives us a little more time to relax or to go shopping.

Health

67 - 76

Meet Isla Rowntree and why she loves her job.

Pets & Gardens

77 - 85

If you are getting married then check out our wedding feature with helpful tips

Diary of a Country Lady

86 - 87

Finance & Legal

88 - 91

Funerals

92 -93

Travel

94 - 95

Classified

96

Motoring

97 - 99

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

Ring Graham on 07969 884247 for details.

Linda Farren

Christine Arnold

Marketing Director

Sales Director

07841 431446

07970 681004

linda@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

christine@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

Danielle Farren Design & Production Manager info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

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

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

3

Dreamland Divans

Mattresses

Electric beds

Headboards

40 CELEBRATING

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

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

YEARS EST. 1976

business that is proud to serve the Black Country and the wider Midlands region.

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

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

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

“We pride ourselves on supplying only the best quality and we know that each handmade bed we sell provides pressure relief, comfort and

Founded by Mike Brown, Dreamland is a family

20% Off all Somnus products + FREE luxury mattress protector

4

Bed frames

Ottomans

Children’s beds

E F O AL D S EN MER M SU

comfort suppliers since 1976

FREE Dunlopillo latex pillows with any Dunlopillo mattress support exactly where your body needs it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

01384 74166

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

Your Home

Treat Yourself

With so much planning having gone into keeping the family entertained and organised this summer, it is important to remember that you need and deserve a break too! Treating and spoiling yourself can in fact be an essential part of keeping you balanced in every aspect. Why do even the smallest treats matter? When we feel depleted and drained, and when we have no time or energy left to devote to little activities that give us pleasure, we start to feel exhausted, resentful, and angry. Indulging in a small treat helps refresh and energise us. It’s easier to be patient with your children in the afternoon if you had coffee with a friend that morning. It’s easier to tackle a big project when you’re more rested, relaxed and ultimately feel ‘happier’.

• • • • • • • • • •

MOLLY MAID, the professional domestic cleaning experts say that you don’t have to spend a fortune, or devote a large amount of time to treating yourself. If you can’t squeeze them into your busy schedule, even the smallest of treats can go some way to making you feel like you’ve done something for yourself. Here are some ideas to kick-start you:

Do a gym class with a friend.

Start a new hobby to do on a regular basis – preferably not at home.

Make time to read your favourite magazine or book.

Organise a hair appointment.

Book a spa day with a friend.

Soak in a luxurious bath at home and shut the world out!

Give yourself a manicure and pedicure at home in peace and quiet.

Clear out your underwear drawer and indulge in some new underwear.

Organise some retail therapy with a friend for a couple of hours.

Give yourself the ‘gift of time’ and instead of cleaning, ask the professionals, MOLLY MAID, to come in and wave their magic wand!

So as you can see, spoiling yourself doesn’t have to involve spending much money or time and the best way is to start off with the smaller ideas and then pop something like a day at the spa in the diary to look forward to. Have fun!

Trust the domestic cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID • Uniformed and professionally trained staff • 100% guaranteed and insured • Free in-home estimate • No contracts • All materials supplied • Regular or occasional cleans • More affordable than you think

01384 839144 karly-coates@mollymaid.co.uk www.mollymaid.co.uk/stourbridge 6

Your Home

Your

How your mirror

Home

2* +RPH

can make not break your room

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The right mirror in the correct position can transform even the darkest of rooms into a more bright and airy space. Choosing a new mirror is an exciting prospect as there are so many beautifully designed mirrors to choose from. At OG Home, we are have a variety of beautifully framed mirrors that suit both contemporary and traditional settings.

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Many of us have in fact found mirrors over the years that fit a space to perfection. Yet as styles have changed the look and colour of the mirror may no longer be suitable. Thanks to Chalk PaintTM, a decorative paint by Annie Sloan, the problem of replacing a dark wood or perhaps bright, gilt mirror, can now be solved.

Chalk PaintTM can be painted straight on to the shiniest of gilt or silver-finish surfaces and the darkest of woods...it can even be painted on to mirror glass, enabling you to transform any mirror frame to suit the style and tone of a room.

The wonderful texture of Chalk PaintTM enables you to create a coastal white wash look, a smooth painted finish, a distressed look or even a crackle finish, all for £6.45.

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For information on painting your mirror, contact us at OG Home on 01384 395577 or pop in to see us at Oldswinford Galleries, 106 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge DY81QU.

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7

Your Home

Living Area

The social hub of the home; living rooms are where we head to relax, entertain and truly our lives. As one of the most used rooms in the house, the ideal designs for living areas are not only welcoming, comfortable and practical, but also should offer a reflection of your personal style. When considering a living room design, you should not only consider the kinds of activities that will take place in the space but also the kind of feel you want from the room.

The key to a fully functional and aesthetically bold living room is a strong underfoot.

Depending on the material and overall design, the floor covering can either play the main role in the room or act as a diminished backdrop.

Although, we must admit choosing the right tile for the living room is not an easy decision, but however if you have your priorities right and the right inspiration, you will work through the process easily.

Whether you want a relaxed, cosy living room or home cinema, a fun family room for the kids or a more formal living room, you will need to start by making some practical choices about the flooring before looking at furniture, decoration and accessories.

Floor tiles can totally change the entire look and feel of a living room. As well as needing to be able to withstand the hustle and bustle, floor tiles are a fantastic way to add texture and style to the room. Whether you prefer modern designs or classically inspired shapes,

8

Your

Home

Tile Choice’s collection of floor tiles features a comprehensive range of finishes, sizes, colours and styles to complement each and every living room.

If you want to create a rustic look in your home then wood effect tiles are the perfect choice. In the last few years wood effect tiles have become increasingly popular for use in the living room and unlike most natural wood, they are suitable for use with underfloor heating. The real beauty of purchasing wood effect tiles is that you will not come up against any of the problems you may experience with real wood such as bowing, rotting, warping or colour fading. You’ll never have to spend time or money on intensive maintenance again.

If you like the sleek and contemporary look, polished porcelain floor tiles may have caught your eye. Polished porcelain tiles have always been popular but recently they are taking centre stage when it comes to the interior

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Inc 20sq m tiles RRP

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Your Home

every carpet tells a story . . .

alternative ďŹ&#x201A;ooring

Green Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1JF

T: 01562 820821 F: 01562 825069 www.rowecarpets.com

10

Sherborne •

Strongbow

design. And there’s a reason that they’re stealing the limelight: their high sheen and modern look means that they can instantly give any living room a smart, polished look. Polished porcelain tiles have an extremely impressive sheen to them and this highly reflective surface can help to add depth and dimension to a room.

Wills Gambier •

Natural stone is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to stick to natural materials and want to achieve the traditional effect in the interior. Natural stone floor tiles give a specific bold and rustic feel as well as creating a cool open and visual appearance. Natural stone can vary from travertine through to slate; however, any form of natural stone can create a rustic and vibrant feel in the living room.

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Overall, using tiles as a floor covering in the living room is practical, easy to maintain and to top it off they can give you the look you want to achieve, whether that be modern or traditional.

SALE

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FREE customer car park at rear

11

Cintique • Collins & Hayes • Duresta • Ercol • G-Plan • Old Charm • Parker Knoll • Stuart Jones

Your Home Your Home • Bradley • Bridgcraft •

Your Home

Warming up your conservatory

MASSIVE

Rug Stock Sale Now On

at

• Family Run Business • Over 25 years in business • 20% Off all our Rugs • Massive warehouse with roll stock comprising of over 90 rolls in stock

CARPETS & CURTAINS

• Very competitive prices • Our showroom is bigger than it looks

12

128 Trysull Road, Bradmore, Wolverhampton WV3 7JF Telephone: 01902 335599 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 5pm www.sandfordcarpetsandcurtains.co.uk

Your

Home

15% off Curtains and Blinds

For a limited period only, terms & conditions apply.

9.30am - 5pm

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

How Can Underfloor Heating Save Me Money On Energy Bills?

As the nights are drawing in and the chilling air is beginning to make an appearance, homeowners all over the country are struggling to stay warm in their conservatories. Many people use conservatories as summer spaces, as areas to enjoy the rays of sunshine and the sights of a garden. A space that is between indoors and outdoors, a conservatory often gives extra space and light to homes and even though many homeowners use conservatories mostly during the summer months, you can use them all year round as long as you have chosen the correct heating system.

The running cost depends on the room size and the running time, as well as how well the room is insulated. The better the insulation, the better the heating system will perform for you. As an example, if you have the system on for 2 hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon over the winter period, it can cost just ÂŁ22.75 for the heating for the winter (6 months, 182 days). This is based on a 4m2 heated floor area and using a system installed on 10mm insulation boards.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used 12p/KWH as the energy price in this calculation.

Underfloor Heating is a relatively new alternative that is becoming extremely popular within homes because of its energy efficiency, luxury feel and the long term reliability. The main culprits in heat loss when using radiators are brick walls absorbing the much needed heat and windows allowing heat to escape. Heat loss is heightened when radiators are especially situated on an external wall and underneath windows.

With Underfloor heating, the main heat source is spread out over the floors surface, therefore there is not one area where the heat is generated which causes loss. Underfloor heating systems gently warm the air evenly and the coldest source within the room is exchanged for a warm base to circulate heated air throughout the room.

13

Your Home

SALE NOW ON

QUALITY INSTALLATIONS

NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED FULL PAYMENT ON COMPLETION

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• • • •

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ONLY £1995

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Including VAT

What About The Flooring?

Tiles are ideal for use with underfloor heating.

Their thermal mass and high thermal conductivity result in a floor that delivers radiant heat quickly and retains heat well, making the system highly reactive and efficient.

The room will be gently and evenly heated while transforming normally cold tiles into a cosy and comfortable surface for your feet. The radiant heat from underfloor heating will not dry out the air like many conventional systems and won’t move dust around and promote allergic reactions.

Including VAT

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Underfloor heating aside, your conservatory should match your personality and since tiles are so versatile there are no barriers when it comes to the design. But when it comes to the material, make sure that you choose tiles that will stand up to heavy through traffic from your garden, such as porcelain or natural stone.

SAT 8.00am - 5.30pm Bank Holiday 10.00am - 5.00pm

7 Millfields Road Bilston WV14 0QJ

Tel: 01902 401020

14

Your

15

Home

will look fabulous on a dark wooden ï¬&#x201A;oor teamed with an eclectic mix of heritage and more exotic fabrics. As well as introducing more warmth, colour and texture to your room, rugs are invaluable to interior designers as Your they Home create a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a room, around

Vintage Red Paisley Wool Rug, 230 x 160cm, £499 www.artisanti.com

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r YYY YCNNJGCVJDCVJTQQOU EQ WM r KPHQ"YCNNJGCVJDCVJTQQOU EQ WM

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.CTIG GPQWIJ VQ EQRG UOCNN GPQWIJ VQ ECTG

9GV TQQOU NWZWT[ DCVJTQQOU HQT VJG NGUU CDNGF CTG QWT URGEKCNKV[ Wood effect tiles are a very common choice in conservatories and not just on floors but also as wall tiles. They offer durability along with versatility and feature all the intricate details and unique characteristics youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect to see in real wood. Perfect for use with underfloor heating.

Ϯϭ

Natural stone tiles are beautiful and will add a stunning feature to any conservatory. Natural stone is the only material that improves with age, it lasts a lifetime and its natural variation helps add character to the room. It is also very hardwearing, very practical and gains its own patina over time.

Porcelain tiles are becoming increasingly prevalent in conservatories as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re incredibly dense and subsequently a very hard wearing option. Large format porcelain tiles are quintessential in smaller conservatories as they will make the space appear larger than it actually is.

16

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS If you are looking for an up to the minute design for your kitchen, bathroom or en-suite, traditional style or a modern and contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory. Tile Choice can meet your every requirement at exceptional prices. Our fully trained and experienced staff will assist you in planning your room layout, how to prepare the surfaces to be tiled, and advise you on the correct tiles and tools to complete the project, with the minimum disruption

ANNIVERSARY 1991-2016

BILSTON

WOLVERHAMPTON

01902 405526

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7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

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Unit 6 Easter Park Worcester Road Kidderminster DY11 7AR

01562 825720

for you nearest store - www.tilechoice.co.uk

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18

Your

Home

The future is now with

01902 761 555

Chancery Contracts Ltd

www.chancerycontracts.co.uk

Remotely manage all functions within your home: lighting, heating, security, blinds, sound, energy and much more from your phone or tablet

19

Your Home

Hallway Lighting hallway lighting on ceilings that are low as they tend to blend into the structure, offering high quality understated lighting. ENDON lighting offer a great down light called the CLASSIC. As the name suggests this light offers a simple clean design, available in either a chrome or white finish. You also have the choice to order the light fixed or enabling a tilt function. If you want a hallway light that offers a bit more by way of design, while still remaining suitable to a smaller space you may want to consider the Cool Ice flush fitting by Searchlight. As it is a 5 light you’ll be getting lots of light coverage in a size that is compact enough not to overwhelm the space.

4 LIGHT LUTHER LUT0475 - £98.50 Once you’ve chosen the perfect lighting for all the main rooms in your home you might want to turn your attention to illuminating your hallways. Below are some ideas for the types of fittings to have in your hallway based on the size and style of your home.

Like with all lighting the type of fittings that you choose for your hall spaces will be dependent on the design of your home. You’ve got to take into consideration the space available and what fitting type will work best to get the desired lighting technique you require. A highly recommended light fitting is the 4 light Luther

by Dar lighting. Compact in size and available in four different finish options you’ll get great light coverage from this fitting. An added benefit of having a Luther 4 light in your hall is that it is part of a collection which includes matching wall light options. The inclusion of wall lights in your hallways can provide extra illumination, although you can bypass ceiling lights altogether and just have wall fittings as your main light source.

CLASSIC DOWNLIGHT 52339 - £4.50 OPEN PLAN For homes that are based around an ‘open plan’ design, or for those in possession of larger than average halls, a great option is pendant fittings.

While normally too large for hallways in more traditionally designed homes or apartments, we have two great options available from our suppliers that suit larger hall spaces perfectly.

Both collections are ideal as they provide the design and targeted lighting of pendants in a much more compact size. The first option comes from the aptly named VIBRANT collection

by Searchlight. The VIBRANT pendants come in quirky gold, green, copper, and red finishes and crucially offer two size options. The smaller of the two is the ideal size for larger halls as it won’t overwhelm the space or hang too low.

APARTMENTS AND FLATS If you live in a flat or apartment, or have hallways that are more restricted with regards to space, you may want to think smaller when it comes to lighting. Avoid extravagant wall lights and give non-flushes a miss. Down lights make for great

20

VIBRANT PENDANTS 6461-12 - £36.00

BLACK BAR PENDANT 8613BK - £58.00

Similarly the second choice, the BAR LED range

by Firstlight, has the same benefits. The BAR pendant’s are available in black, white, and aluminium finishes and come provided with built in LED’s. Slightly smaller than pendants from the VIBRANT range these will suit homes with more simple, modernist designs.

All lights mentioned in the article and many more are available to order through Lighting R Us. Visit us at our Aldersley showroom on Macrome road or go online to www.lightingrus. co.uk and take a look at all the fittings and accessories we have available.

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT W W W. L I G H T I N G R U S .C O. U K

Lighting R Us

UNIT 1A WALTON WORKS IND EST, MACROME ROAD, ALDERSLEY, W’TON, WV6 9HD sales@lightingrus.co.uk

|

01902 757825

21

Your Home

South Staffordshire Business Hub - your local trusted business growth centre The South Staffordshire Business Hub, located in Codsall, is a partnership with South Staffordshire Council that assists local businesses with the challenges they face. The hub offers practical services to help businesses grow, access new customers, reduce overheads and thrive for years to come.

facilities. The business connectivity element offers you an award winning call management service, meaning you will never miss a call again when out of the office or on holiday, whilst the Good Life Deals App and website gives you the opportunity to connect with a potential customer reach of almost 648,000.

For businesses wanting to grow, we’ve teamed up with Icon Business Solutions, PGS Team and Closer to the Edge to offer you a high level of expertise to help you achieve your business goals. For more information on the South Staffordshire Business Hub, visit:

The South Staffordshire Business Hub helps local businesses in three ways – Business Accommodation, Business Connectivity and Business Growth Services.

Our business accommodation offers you a range of meeting rooms, virtual office, serviced accommodation and hot desking

www.sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk.

Are you a local business in need of South Staffordshire

BUSINESS HUB

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flexible or long term work space, confidential meeting rooms, a professional business-like address?

South Staffordshire Business Hub can offer you spacious, modern and affordable accommodation.

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

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

Connect | Accommodate | Grow 22

Your

Home

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Witley Direct @witleydirect @witleydirect

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

• • • • •

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

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

01299 828888 / 07785 613366

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

Your Home

Modern style fireplaces

Modern style and innovation of fireplaces can certainly help transform the look of any home, from traditional designs to the more contemporary feel.

Adrian, who oversees this side of the business says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; I feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important customers know whom they are dealing with even before the time of fitting. So even on the on site survey it is ourselves who will be installing as we are measuring for the work required. Therefore we do not believe in sub contracting any of our work to a third party, although we are well aware that this is quite common with most other retailers.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Tettenhall Fireplace Co is a family run business in the heart of Compton with a wealth of experience. Their commitment to all their clients is to provide the highest level of service, from the initial browse, on site survey and through to final installation.

On your visit to the showroom you will discover exclusive designs such as Drugasar, Dik Geurts, Newmans and Focus Fireplaces to name but a few. These exclusive ranges portray the true beauty of natural limestone, marble, solid wood together with some innovative contemporary gas fireplaces.

The two storey showroom offers a wide range of fires and stoves in gas, electric or solid fuel. The aim is to stay ahead offering original and stylish designs that are individually selected ensuring a quality fireplace at a very affordable price every time.

So why not take the time to visit this homely showroom for a no obligation chat about your individual requirements and help create the fireplace of your dreams.

Owners Adrian and Wendy a husband and wife team alongside two additional family members of staff have proved that free impartial advice, friendly atmosphere and exclusive designs have been some of the contributing factors in their ongoing growth over the last 12 years.

Tettenhall Fireplace Co are located at 43 Bridgnorth Road, Compton WV6 8AF Tel 01902 745777

IMPORTANT

Or visit the website at: www.tettenhallfireplacecompany.co.uk

All work is undertaken by its own in house installation team with over 30 years combined experience in both gas and solid fuel installations with Gas Safe and HETAS accreditation.

24

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We aim to give you a feeling of everlasting warmth in your home 43 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, Wolverhampton WV6 8AF

T: 01902 745777 www. tettenhallfireplacecompany.co.uk E: info@tettenhallfireplacecompany.co.uk Our installers are qualified for both Gas Safe and Hetas

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Your Home

Projects from PAINT IT by Peta Green of Paint It Colour Perfect The Brief Paint it have been transforming pieces of furniture from Old to New for 5 years and their latest piece was a large Sideboard, which was in need of some TLC. The customer had a colour in mind, from a pair of Laura Ashley candle sticks which were a pale cream and matched the rooms dĂŠcorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

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

BEFORE The Solution Peta arranged to visit the Customers home to discuss the requirements and help the customer choose a colour suitable for Sideboard, which takes pride of place in the couples bungalow.

Paint It had previously painted small occasional tables for the customer which were light in colour with a greyish tone. The customer decided not to use the same colour as the tables and wanted a creamier tone on the Sideboard.. Back in Lilleshall Paint it had photos of the room which helped to choose the right paint colour, added Patina to edges and carved areas of the sideboard enhancing the beauty of this very loved piece of furniture. Using their 7 coat hand painted paint system, Paint It as a part of the normal preparation removed the existing finish and made repairs to any heavily dented wood, and drop handles.Paint It delivered the Sideboard back to the customer who was thrilled with the new look and finish of the Sideboard, and remarked on the care and attention Paint It had given to the painting and choice of colour, unbelievable job satisfaction...

26

Your

Home

Warm up for winter with our simple energy saving tips to keep cosy in your home Northern Gas Heating has over 15 year’s experience in central heating care. Our DIY guide will help keep your home nice and warm this winter.

It seems that not a day goes by without some kind of warning into rising energy costs and the cost of living requiring more of our precious pennies. So in a bid to cut your bills, and have a little bit of extra cash to spend on yourself, here’s a few surprisingly simple ways of cutting down your energy costs.

Energy Efficient Lighting

If you have thermostatic radiator valves, be sure to turn them down or off in rooms that are not being used regularly.

Lighting accounts for 18 per cent of a typical household’s electricity bill. You can cut your lighting bill and energy use by changing which bulbs you use and how you use them. Using energy-saving light bulbs can save around £60 a year if used throughout your home and they tend to last longer than traditional light bulbs.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, reducing it by one degree can save approximately £65 a year, while this figure could be increased by turning off radiators in empty or rarely used rooms.

Houses typically use a mixture of standard light fittings and downlighters or spotlight fittings. Energy efficient bulbs are available from Northern Gas Heating for both types of fittings.

The key thing to remember here is that wasted heat costs money, so the more of this you can prevent, the more money you are likely to save.

Upgrade and look after your boiler

Think windows and doors

Another way to save in the long run is to upgrade your boiler, which could save more than £340 a year in energy bills.

The obvious places to try and prevent heat loss are through the doors and windows, which have less insulating properties than the walls of your home.

If you already have an energy efficient boiler, getting your boiler serviced annually is essential for keeping it in top condition. This means it works more efficiently and is less likely to break down. Most guarantees will also be invalid without regular servicing.

Checking for draughts such as those coming under doors and through window cracks, using draught excluder sealant, can make a large difference without the need for a major outlay.

For further information on how you can reduce your energy bills this winter, speak to a member of our friendly team who can offer a range of services and advise to keep your home warm and well. T: 0800 083 1000 www. northerngasheating.com

Central Heating Savers Keeping warm during winter doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Reducing your room temperature by just 1°C could help to reduce your heating bills.

27

Your Home

Planning your dream kitchen Storage is an area which should be given careful consideration and it is important to take advantage of every centimetre of space.

Our kitchen design team can work wonders and can ensure you get the most out of the space you have available.

Creating the right ambience in your kitchen can be achieved with mood lighting and using a variety of light sources, i.e dimmer switches, cabinet lighting or even lighting under a breakfast bar or worktop can create a really nice glow.

Our kitchen design team will help you every step of the way to achieving your dream kitchen, but planning a new kitchen is an exciting task so it is well worth knowing some of the basic principles and tips on how to get the right space for you.

You might also want to illuminate different areas for different tasks, ie food preparation or over an island or bar. LEDs serve this purpose perfectly and are easy to clean.

In recent years we’ve seen a move towards more multi-purpose kitchens, where the kitchen becomes the real heart of the home, where people can eat, cook, entertain, work and achieve a perfect family space.

However, its often the tiles, flooring, accessories and other all-important finishing touches that really bring the dream to life and makes the kitchen feel complete. Carvers stock a wide range of tiles, flooring, paint and lighting solutions which will add unique touches to your kitchen.

To make best use of your available space, think carefully about how you’ll use your kitchen.

What will you do in there? How much time will you spend in there? Who else will use it?

How much kitchen storage do you need? The answers to these questions will give you a good idea of how you’ll use your new kitchen.

Our design centre studios have a complete range of modern, contemporary and traditional kitchens (and bathrooms) with accessories to suit every budget. A full design and installation service is available and we also offer flexible finance packages that can help make your new kitchen more affordable.

The three main working areas in a kitchen are the hob/ cooker, sink and fridge. The planning of these is known as the working triangle as it’s these three areas that are used the most. The idea is to place these three areas in the most efficient layout possible so they are convenient and close to each other.

For a complete one stop shop contact Carvers on : 01902 577090. Littles Lane, Wolverhampton, WV1 1JY www.carvers.co.uk

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ME O H EN

OW P SH W O

NO

50% SOLD

LOWER L ANES MEADOW FOX ROAD, SEISDON WV5 7HD

A UNIQUE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH QUALITY 2, 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOUSES FROM £215,000 to £835,000

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A HIGH QUALITY HOME WITHIN THE MUCH SOUGHT AFTER VILLAGE LOCATION OF SEISDON

01902 894141 www.lowerlanesmeadow.co.uk A DEVELOPMENT BY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

29

POOL HOUSE WATLING STREET, GAILEY

Offers Around ÂŁ1,100,000 A beautifully appointed Victorian house with elevations typical of its period and a contemporary twist to the accommodation, a two bed, two storey annex, planning permission for a substantial detached fishing lodge all in a large plot of approx 2.75 acres enjoying open views over the Upper and Lower Gailey reservoirs with convenient motor communications. Hall, cloakroom, vast open-plan living area with lounge, dining area and kitchen, conservatory, laundry, three bedroom suites with bathrooms or shower ensuite. Annex with lounge, kitchen area and shower room, and two double bedrooms to the first floor. Sweeping, gravelled driveway. Stunning grounds and sublime views over the reservoirs. The Plans passed provide for a substantial detached house with open-plan living to the ground floor and six en-suite bedrooms. (EPC: E). TETTENHALL OFFICE.

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

Tel: 01902 747744

Email: tettenhall@berrimaneaton.co.uk

High Street, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 9DP 22/23 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4QN

Tel: 01902 326366 Tel: 01746 766499

Email: wombourne@berrimaneaton.co.uk Email: bridgnorth@berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk www.berrimaneaton.tv

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Every care has been taken with the preparation of these Particulars but they are for general guidance only and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Areas, measurements and distances are approximate and the text, photographs and plans are for guidance only. If there is any point which is of particular importance please contact us to discuss the matter and seek professional

FAIRLAWNS

BEARNETT DRIVE, LOWER PENN

Offers Around ÂŁ895,000 Built by renowned builders Banner Homes with their high attention to excellent specification this stunning detached with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, set within a small gated community in a Lower Penn backwater enclave. Immaculately and extremely well presented throughout with spacious ultra-modern breakfast kitchen with integrated appliances and an impressive principal reception room and dining room. Three of the five bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. There is ample parking, double garaging and fully matured landscaped garden. (EPC: C). WOMBOURNE OFFICE.

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

Tel: 01902 747744

Email: tettenhall@berrimaneaton.co.uk

High Street, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 9DP 22/23 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4QN

Tel: 01902 326366 Tel: 01746 766499

Email: wombourne@berrimaneaton.co.uk Email: bridgnorth@berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk www.berrimaneaton.tv

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Every care has been taken with the preparation of these Particulars but they are for general guidance only and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Areas, measurements and distances are approximate and the text, photographs and plans are for guidance only. If there is any point which is of particular importance please contact us to discuss the matter and seek professional

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

‘Winchester’ 16a Yew Tree Lane, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8UF Purchase Price: £559,000

Impressive Modern Four Bedroom bathroom detached residence situated in premium location and enjoying a good size landscaped private garden being extended and restyled to create spacious well appointed family accommodation the gas centrally heated and mainly double glazed interior further comprises: Reception Porch * Spacious Entrance Hall *Fitted Cloakroom * Study * Good Size Living Room * Feature Double Glazed Conservatory with Shower Room Off * Dining Room * Separate Sitting Room * Feature Breakfast Kitchen * Utility Off * Inner Hall * Double Width Garage * First Floor Galleried Landing * Master Bedroom with Spacious Ensuite * Three Further Double Bedrooms * Good Size Family Bathroom * Mature Enclosed Rear Garden * Gas Central Heating & Double Glazing * EPC Rating D

1 THE ARCADE • HIGH STREET • TETTENHALL • WOLVERHAMPTON • WV6 8QS 32

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

64a York Avenue, Finchfield, Wolverhampton, WV3 9BU Purchase Price: £459,000

Occupying a choice position in a favoured residential location convenient for the majority of amenities including excellent schools and shops and within walking distance of Bantock Park this property is a suburb example of a spacious family home.

*Reception Porch * Entrance Hall * Utility *Study * Downstairs Bathroom * Bespoke Luxury Kitchen * Double Glazed Conservatory * Rear Living Room * Front Sitting Room/Dining Room * Tandem Garage * First Floor Landing * Five Bedrooms With The Master Having Dressing Room And Ensuite * Family Bathroom * Picturesque Private Rear Garden * Gas Centrally Heated and Double Glazing *EPC Rating D

1 THE ARCADE • HIGH STREET • TETTENHALL • WOLVERHAMPTON • WV6 8QS 33

Your Property

Featured Property 7 Woodthorne Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8TU Price Guide: £469,950

RECEPTION PORCH: Double glazed door and window with access to:

FRONT SITTING/ DINING ROOM: 14’3’’ (4.35m) x 12ft (3.65m) Marble hearth with ‘hole in the wall’ open fire place, double radiator, parquet flooring, double glazed side window and double glazed leaded bay window to front.

horne Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8TU GARAGE: 15ft (4.57m) x 8’5’’ (2.57m)

ce: £469,950 Power and lighting.

ENTRANCE HALL: Glazed front door, cupboard under stairs, parquet flooring, radiator and stairs off.

REAR LIVING ROOM: 14’6’’ (4.42m) x 12ft (3.65m) Minster fire place with gas coal fire, radiator, plaque shelf, parquet flooring, stained glass leaded side windows and double glazed picture window with walk out door to rear garden.

FITTED CLOAKROOM: White suite with wash hand basin, recessed WC, radiator and tiled flooring.

34

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

Your

Property

FEATURE OPEN PLAN DINING KITCHEN WITH FLOOR GALLERIED LANDING: REFITTED BATHROOM: Contemporary white suiteFIRST comprising free standing bath, walk inStained FAMILY AREA: 23ft (7.00m) x 17’4’’ (5.29m) glass feature picture window, walk cupboard, double shower cubicle, vanity unit, chrome radiator, recessed ceiling lighting, woodin flooring, Superior suite of matching units including radiator and staircase to second floor. double glazing to rear. stainless steel sink unit, range of cupboards BEDROOM ONE: 14’2’’ (4.33m) x 12’2’’ (3.70m) with corner pull out cupboards, suspended wall SEPARATE WC Radiator, dado rail, wood flooring and double cupboards, floor to ceiling cupboards, matching tairs glazed leaded bay window to front. There is also granite work tops, integrated appliances SECOND FLOOR LANDING: the benefit of walk in stores with plumbing for including Mercury dual fuel range style cooker potential ensuite. with two ovens and stainless steel extractor hood ooring. over, BEDROOM 14’2’’ (4.33m)style x 12’5’’ (3.77m) warmingFOUR: drawer, American fridge BEDROOM TWO: 12ft (3.66m) x 9’6’’ (2.89m) Radiator and double glazed skylight. freezer, microwave, coffee machine, dishwasher, Radiator, dado rail, wood flooring and double washing machine & dryer, spice rack, central ble BEDROOM (4.33m) xcupboards 10’7’’ (3.24m) glazing to rear. island with a FIVE: range14’2’’ of drawers, in cupboards intounder eaves floor and doubleENSUITE glazed skylight. andRadiator, gas hob,built granite flooring with SHOWER ROOM: White suite with heating, vaulted ceiling with recessed ceiling pedestal wash hand basin, walk in shower, ENCLOSED LANDSCAPED REAR GARDEN: Full width paved part patiotiled withwalls dwarf wall overlooking spot lights, feature brick chimney breast with radiator, and double glazing to aded Potbelly large lawn, flowering borders withunit a variety Oregon stove burner, corner with of shrubs rear.and trees, additional paved patio with brick barbeque surrounding wine cupboard andand display shelvinghedging. over, two BEDROOM THREE: 11’2’’ (3.40m) x 8’5’’ (2.57m) stainless steel vertical radiators, oak stripped Radiator, dado rail, wood flooring and double flooring, double glazed window and French glazed leaded window. corner doors to rear garden. work nd ave, ge of with , ors,

,

lso the

ator,

PROPERTY MISDESCRIPTION ACT 1991 The Agent has not tested any apparatus, equipment, fixtures and fittings or services and so cannot verify that they are in working order or fit for the purpose. A buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor or surveyor.

MISDESCRIPTIONS ACT 1967 – CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE ATTACHED PARTICLUARS ARE ISSUED. Thomas G Harvey for themselves and for the vendors of this property whose agents they are, give notice that:1.

The particulars do not constitute any part of an offer or contract.

2.

All statements contained in these particulars as to this property are made without responsibility on the part of Thomas G Harvey & Company or the vendor.

3.

None of the statements contained in these particulars as to this property are to be relied on as statements of representations of fact.

4.

Any intending purchaser must satisfy himself by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of the statements contained in these particulars.

5.

The vendor does not make or give, and neither Thomas G Harvey & Company, nor any person in their employment has any authority to make or give representation or warranty in relation to this

35

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

Tettenhall Office: 01902

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W: www.thomasharve Tettenhall Office: 01902 758111

36

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

Your

Food & Drink

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

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

Every Wednesday is our quiz night which has a top prize of a gallon of beer Come and have a go if you think you’re clever enough.

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

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

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

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

the Island Pool CARVERY

welcome to ...

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

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

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

from £4.99

(booking advisable) ALL YOU CAN EAT

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

EXTENSIVE MAIN MENU

Available all day every day (excludes Sundays)

QUIZ NIGHT

Every Wednesday 8.30pm start

For bookings or further details please call 01562 850311

37

Pumpkin Pie

A drink that truly matches the flavour of this North American fall-time desert. But with alcohol so it’s better.

Ingredients (makes two) 37.5ml vanilla vodka 37.5ml creme de cacao Two table spoons pumpkin purée 50ml milk Honey (garnish) Crushed Digestive biscuits (garnish) A pinch of Mixed spice (garnish) Whipped cream (garnish) First rim a martini glass with honey and then crushed digestive biscuits. Add purée and milk to a shaker and shake without ice. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice.

Double strain into the digestive rimmed martini glass add a blob of whipped cream to the centre and sprinkle with a pinch of mixed spice.

Maple Old Fashioned

A autumnal spin on the original cocktail. Personally how I’m going to be spending may Autumn evenings.

Ingredients 50ml Woodford Reserve bourbon 12.5ml maple syrup dashes angostura bitters 2 large orange peals (one for garnish) luxardo cherry (garnish) Add all ingredients including one of the orange peals to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until you achieve appropriate dilution (to taste). Single strain into a rocks glass. Add a large ice cube. Garnish with a orange peal and cherry.

Autumn Leaves

A crisp new spin on the negroni. This cocktail brings all the fresh and crisp flavoured of Autumn.

Ingredients 25ml high proof gin 25ml aparol 25ml sweet vermouth Lime wheels (garnish) orange peal (garnish) lime peal (garnish) Add all ingredients to a mixing glass add ice and stir to achieve required levels of dilution (to taste) strain into a glass coffee cup and garnish with lime wheels and orange and lime twist.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Martini

A luxurious spin on the chocolate martini. Using the classic combo of sea salt and caramel.

Ingredients 25ml creme de cacao 25ml vodka 25ml baileys 12.5ml salted caramel syrup sea salt (garnish) salted caramel dark chocolate (garnish) caramel sauce (garnish) lister dust (garnish) coco powder (garnish) Add all ingredients to shaker and shake with ice strain through a fine sieve into a chilled coupe or martini glass. garnish with a pear fan made by thinly slicing pear and skewering them together and fanning them out.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook the_all_chemists.

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We know it’s very early but we’re already getting excited for Christmas at The Lyttelton Arms.

Seasonal dishes, perfect puddings and a range of mouth-watering winter drinks - what’s not to love!

Our beautiful country pub is the ideal place to find a cosy corner and take time out whilst enjoying some of our Chefs winter warming specials, our favourite seasonal sippers and that all important quality time with loved ones.

Inside you will find roaring log fires, comfy armchairs to while away the afternoon and an open bar with a unique dining room. As a festive treat, we are giving a complimentary bottle of Prosecco to all parties of six or more who book to dine between the 24th of November and 14th of December.

So, whether it be a festive meal with friends, a Christmas Day celebration with family or an after work tipple with colleagues we are happy to help you arrange the perfect occasion this season, just give us a call on 01562 882213 or pop in and speak to one of the team.

We look forward to welcoming you soon...

Festive Menu 3 Courses £25.95

Christmas Day Menu 3 Courses £75.95

New Years Eve Menu 4 Courses for £59.95 (Available from 7pm)

01562 882213 www.thelytteltonarms.co.uk 39 Bromsgrove Road, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 9LJ

Your Food & Drink

New Autumn menus

Set in the idyllic backdrop of the South Staffordshire countryside, The Cowshed is a charming little barn conversion, tucked away within one of Pattinghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many quaint farmhouse courtyards. With a relatively small but mouth-watering choice of entirely fresh dishes bursting with flavour and rich aromas, The Cowshed Restaurant promises a truly delicious experience. True to its traditional roots, the Autumn menu boasts a selection of local favourites, including ginger beer braised pork belly with creamed savoy, baby carrots and caramelised apple.

The Cowshed, with its delightful combination of rustic charm and modern sophistication, is the perfect place for any occasion. Spend a lazy afternoon with a friend; romance a loved one; celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a good old fashioned Sunday roast with all the trimmings. With thoughts turning towards the festive season the Cowshed is already busy planning their Winter menus. Book today or request menus on 01902 701888.

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Lunch Wed-Sat 2 Courses £11.99, 3 Courses £16.99 Evening A la Carte Menu Sunday Lunch 12-5pm 2 Courses £16.95, 3 Courses £21.95

New Autumn Menus

01902 701 888 thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk info@thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk Clive Farm, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, 41 WV6 7EN

Cowshed Pattingham @TheCowshed1 Cowshed Pattingham

Your Food & Drink

Mouth-watering Autumn Recipes October is mushroom month, so why not try this super easy recipe from Knorr? The deep, earthy flavour of the wild mushrooms perfectly complements the chicken. If you can’t find wild mushrooms, use regular mushrooms and add a dash of truffle oil.

Creamy wild mushroom chicken with white wine

Miso Soup A simple but tasty recipe idea with an authentic Japanese flavour.

Ingredients • • • • • • •

350g chicken breast 150g wild mushrooms 100ml single cream 150ml water 50g grated cheese 1 sachet Knorr Gourmet Wild Mushroom Chicken

Method • • • • •

Cut chicken into thin slices.

Clean mushrooms and if large cut in half.

Place chicken and mushrooms together in a suitable casserole dish.

Blend the powder with the cream and water and pour it evenly over the ingredients.

Sprinkle with the cheese and bake in the oven at 180°C fan, Gas mark 6 for 30 minutes.

42

Your Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

250g Cauldron Tofu, cut into small cubes 4 tbsp tamari (Japanese) soy sauce 4 tbsp rice wine 2 litres vegetable stock 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4cm piece fresh ginger, finely chopped ½-1 red chilli, finely chopped 50g Sharwood’s dried fine egg noodles 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin matchsticks 1 medium courgette, sliced into fine matchsticks.

4 spring onions, sliced into fine matchsticks, 2 level tsp miso paste.

Food & Drink

300g (10oz) easy-cook long grain rice 1tsp dried coriander 1tsp cumin seeds 1tsp cinnamon 2tsp turmeric Pinch chilli flakes 25g (1oz) toasted flaked almonds 2tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

Method •

•

•

Drain the tofu and cut into small cubes.

Mix the soy sauce and rice wine and pour over the cubed tofu. Leave to marinate for 10 minutes.

Put the stock, garlic, ginger and chilli into a large saucepan and simmer for 2-3 minutes then add the tofu with the remaining marinade to the saucepan and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes.

Add the dried noodles and simmer for 5 minutes then stir in the carrot, courgette, spring onion and miso paste and heat for a final 2-3 minutes without allowing the soup to boil.

Method • • •

For added minerals, serve garnished with shredded Japanese seaweed such as Hijiki or Nori.

• •

Leg of PGI Welsh lamb with harissa and almond pilau rice

• • •

Ingredients • • • • •

1 leg of PGI Welsh Lamb 2tbsp olive oil 2tbsp harissa paste 2 cloves garlic, crushed 10 baby carrots, scrubbed

•

43

Pre-heat oven to Gas 4, 180ºC, 350ºF. Weigh the joint and work out the cooking time using timings above.

Place leg of lamb in roasting pan. Spread the harissa paste all over the lamb and drizzle with oil. Roast, basting occasionally.

If the harissa starts to catch fire – lightly cover the lamb with foil.

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking add the carrots & place around the joint – coat in any of the juices.

Place all the ingredients (except the almonds & fresh coriander) for the pilau in a large saucepan of boiling water.

Cook according to pack instructions until rice is tender.

Drain the rice and stir through almonds and fresh coriander.

Allow the joint to rest before carving – Serve thickly sliced with carrots and almond pilau rice. It’s a taste of North Africa, reared in Wales.

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for reservations call

01384 424 045

45

Your Rising Stars

Rising Star - Debbie Nutting It’s ‘on your marks, get set – BAKE!’ for a Wolverhampton-based cake maker with her eye on winning a national competition.

Debbie decided to enhance her natural skills by working towards a City and Guilds certificate, and she also began work in a local bakery, which led to the creation of more and more elaborate cakes. She moved back from West Sussex to her former home of Wolverhampton and found people were taking a real interest in her cakes.

For Shuga Budz founder Debbie Nutting, it was a friend’s admiration that put her on the path to her profession.

“I made my son’s first birthday cake in 1988, having no experience of cake making,” recalls Debbie. “When my friend saw it, she asked if I could make one for her. From there, more friends and family asked for cakes and I was happy to oblige. It soon became apparent I’d uncovered a talent I didn’t know I had!”

“It was then that I made the decision to go full time and set up my own business,” explains Debbie. After initially running a ‘kitchen table’ business, Debbie found demand was overtaking her, and she began the search for the perfect premises – it was a search that took a year to bear fruit but, in 2007 Debbie found her base and Shuga Budz was born.

It’s become a family affair, too, as Debbie’s daughter Amelia discovered that she too has a natural flair for creating decorative cakes.

“Although staff numbers had doubled and orders were coming in thick and fast, we were still trying to increase publicity and get our name out there,” says Debbie.”So Amelia entered Celebration Cake Maker of the Year and to our utter delight, she won. This led to a tremendous amount of publicity for us!”

Fast forward to 2013 and Debbie and Amelia once again found themselves needing a larger work space, and they were also considering opening their own coffee shop “…and that’s when Shuga Bunz was born!” smiles Debbie.

New staff members who fitted the Shuga Budz ethos were selected, and the team as it is today was established. Despite having Shuga Budz, Shuga Bunz and six staff under one roof, the space is more than enough to allow for a relaxed working environment. “It’s great for us and for the customers, as they’re

46

Your Rising Stars able to see us working hard on the cakes we produce daily,” explains Debbie.

The team have their sights set on further business growth, with new flavour combinations constantly on trial, both in the coffee shop and with cake orders. Debbie says, “We’re always keeping an eye out for the latest trends in flavours and designs, as well as offering seasonal flavours. We pride ourselves on being able to offer anything our customers want. Our own desire is to create more elaborate cakes and push ourselves to make the impossible possible.”

Shuga Budz’ cakes come in a tastebudtickling range of flavours, including chocolate and mint, rhubarb and custard, coconut and lime, and banana and caramel as well as more conventional varieties. The team cater for specific dietary requirements and offer a range of gluten-free, egg-free and dairy-free cakes.

But the main focus of Shuga Bunz will always be their customers. Debbie says, “We encourage people to challenge us – the more unusual the design, the more fun we can have. No request is too large… we’ve made cakes of up to six tiers, but we won’t limit ourselves to that!”

Debbie, Amelia and their cake artists have been attending a plethora of wedding fayres and fetes over summer, and they’re now looking into a loyalty card scheme to reward their faithful customers and encourage repeat trade.

To get a flavour of the cakes created by this talented team, pop by Shuga Bunz and take a peek in the window. Each window is themed to the time of year or to seasonal occasions, and the Queen’s birthday proved a delight for Debbie and co.

And the big news is that the company have been selected as finalists in Celebration Cake Business of the Year, one of the categories in the prestigious Baking Industry Awards.

The awards take place in London and are sponsored by Renshaw, who make the popular icing used by professionals and amateurs alike.

So whatever you dream up, talk to Debbie and the Shuga Budz team and watch them turn your ideas into delicious reality… Visit shugabudz on Facebook or visit their shop to find out more.

47

<RXU Your0XVLF Music

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WANT TO LISTEN AND HEAR InDO thisYOU issue I thought it appropriate to THE show you the variety of compact audio devices PASSION? available due the current increasing demand.

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I am sure you all have a great many more questions, Call us now to get answers or to book an appointment to build the system you have dreamt of.

Established in 1979 we provide the answers to questions such as:1. Can I Bluetooth sound around my home 2. How do I use music stored on my computer 3. How do I clean Vinyl records 4. What is a mediaserver 5. Do I need a DAC 6. Are valves still used in hifi equipment and if so what are the advantages.

7. How wireless is wireless 8. How much do I have to spend to achieve good sound in my home.

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Your What’s On

Whats on September / October Adults £5, OAPs £4, children £2

SEPTEMBER

www.classicshowsuk.co.uk

Black Country Boating Festival, Parkhead Canal Festival 2016 - the Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, Windmill End, Netherton Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 September, 10am – 5pm A boat gathering and community festival.. The event, which is now in its 30th year, is organised and run totally by volunteers. Attracting over 10,000 visitors a year, the event has helped raise over £100,000 for local and national charities.

With more than 200 boat, trade and charity stalls to browse, canal side entertainment, boaters’ competitions, a funfair, real ale bar and regular boat trips along the Dudley No 2 canal, there is

Classic & Retro Show - Himley Hall Dudley Sunday 4 September - 10am - 5pm.

Over 800 vintage and classic cars on show as well as trade and autojumble stands Admission

FREE caR paRk

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Christmas bookings now being taken LunCh & evening party bookings taken for festive season

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50

Your

What’s On

always something for everyone in the family.

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Following the incredible success of their 30th Anniversary ‘Steeltown’ Tour, BIG COUNTRY now celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the album that followed that release – ‘The Seer’.

Ray Quinn – No Man’s Land Tour 2016 - Robin 2 - Bilston, Wolverhampton Wednesday 14 September Ray Quinn is a multi talented singer / dancer / actor who first came to our attention in 2000 playing Anthony Murray on Channel 4’s Brookside going on to play roles in many other TV shows before finally turning his attention to his true passion and entering The X factor, appearing in the 2006 series seen by 12.6 million viewers. See Ray and hear his new music this Autumn on his ‘No Man’s Land’ tour.

The 2016 Midland Game Fair - Weston Park in Shropshire Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 September For anyone interested in country pursuits. The show has something for everyone from world class clay pigeon shooting to game and coarse fishing demonstrations; gun dog competitions, falconry displays, ferret racing, fine arts and

Big Country - ‘The Seer’ – 30th Anniversary Tour (LS) - Robin 2 - Bilston, Wolverhampton Friday 16 September

51

Your What’s On rural crafts plus over 600 stands for all your countryside shopping needs.

For more detail visit:- www.midlandgamefair. co.uk

OCTOBER OPEN EVENTS

Cosmetic Surgery open evening at Nuffield Wolverhampton Hospital.

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Friday 19 September, 6pm onwards Ring to book for a free mini 1:1 with Mr Moiemen on :- 01902 793269.

Apply on-line or come and visit us on one of the following days: Shipley Campus Sat 8th October 10am-2pm Walford Campus Sat 15th October 10am-2pm Aspire Campus Wed 19th October 3.30pm-7pm Oswestry Campus Wed 19th October 5pm-8pm

Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival 2016 – Belbroughton Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th September

Everyone is welcome!

Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival 2016 raises money for the local organisations.

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52

Your

What’s On

OCTOBER

•

Learn about the pests that once plagued the Black Country

Guided Autumn Walk - Chillington Hall, Codsall Wood, Wolverhampton,WV8 1RE

•

Get hands on with some creepy crafts

Discover the delights of playtime in the last century, banish boredom with traditional street games including hopscotch and skipping. Take up the challenge to see how long you can keep the hoop rolling in the hoop and stick game and test your skill with a cup and ball and the whip and top.

Sunday 9 October, 2pm Start Autumn is a time of wonder when the ancient trees from our gardens and woodlands turn into a kaleidoscope of colour. Walk is approximately 2-3 miles long. £5 per adult & £2.50 per child, Dogs on leads are welcome to come too.

www.bclm.co.uk/events/creepy-critters Creepy Critters – Black Country Living Museum Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 October Go on the hunt for all things gruesome as we disgust and delight you over half term.

•

Take on our revolting trail where you’ll encounter putrid props, scary spiders and repulsive rats!

53

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Your

www.jftpbusinessfairy.com/Kellyevans Kelly.evans@jftpbusinessfairy.com www.facbook.com/JFTPKellyEvans

What’s On

Hello my name is Kelly and I am a business fairy for Just for tiny people. I decided to become a business fairy because I adore the JFTP products which are all handmade in the UK by our very skilled sewing fairies.

Another reason is because I have a 4 year old daughter who’s imagination takes me to places I have never dreamed of, I watch her play and I can’t believe how quick she is growing up and this business opportunity has given me more family time at home to create more special moments with her. Just for tiny people products which range from tepees, fairy wands and doors to dressing up and many more beautiful handmade products have helped both me and my daughter create many more precious moments to last a lifetime. With Christmas just around the corner take a peek at the gorgeous Christmas gifts such as elves, magical Santa book and the naughty or nice bundle which works wonders in our household.

I hope that by sharing my wonderful business with you I can sprinkle a little fairy dust into your lives and help create your very own special moments for you and your tiny person.

Love and sparkles kelly xxx

55

Your What’s On

Royston and Nick’s Diary The summer months bring a time of fun in the sun! After years of only taking working holidays Nick and Royston have decided this year to travel more and they have certainly been living it up! Forget no carbs before marbs, they spray before ST Tropez all ready for Wolverhampton`s one and only June Barnett`s birthday party.

Guests were invited to join the family in St Tropez for the weekend, where her daughter Yvette organised a fabulous beach party. The dress code was French chic, with a dazzling cabaret and band who really got the party started. It was a very special day for a very special lady, who always knows how to enjoy life. Happy Birthday June. xxx

Close friend and founder of Peony Flowers Julie Bates from Ruckley Grange organised a wonderful garden party in aid of Tong Church.

Nick and Royston joined friends Marita Morrison and Karen Price to help raise funds for the community while enjoying a great catch up with clients and a few glasses of fizz! To finish off a perfect evening was Julie`s son Cameron who brought the house down with his magical voice, enjoyed by everyone and thankfully even the rain held off.

Nick and Royston joined the Hollywood A-listers like Gerard Butler, Lyndsey Lohan and Tamara Ecclestone at their favourite summer hotspot Mykonos. Staying at the St Marina Hotel, a luxury collection resort, soaking up the sun on their private beach with friends Joanne and Malcolm Bridgewood and partied all night at the infamous Buddha Bar Beach. Jam packed of beautiful people, this is just what they needed to recharge their batteries.

The weekend celebrations didn`t end there. The next evening was at the spectacular restaurant L`Opera. This unique experience provided not only amazing food, but everyone was captivated with the outstanding dancers and artists who performed from the central podium tables. Another fabulous evening.

The last highlight of the summer months was the l`oreal Colour Trophy Final 2016. Both salons in Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury had been voted finalists in their region and got through to the Grand Final. The whole RB Team were treated by Nick and Royston to tickets to this impressive event. Four course dinner and a breath taking hair show hosted by X Factor Judge Nick Grimshaw, they were delighted when Shrewsbury brought home the trophy for Regional Winner 2016. Congratulations to Welsh Nick and Jade.

Back on home soil to another fantastic event at the International Cheshire Polo. Held at Nunsmere Hall, Tarporley, Nick and Royston joined the “Housewivies” at Ladies Day. They enjoyed a scrumptious four course lunch and more champagne than you could shake a stick out!!! The afternoon was one of great fun with Dawn Ward, Claire Caudwell, Tanya Bardsley and Misse Bequiri, these girls really know how to party and there were definitely a few sore heads in the morning.

56

Your Wedding

Planning a marquee wedding 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

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.

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.

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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.

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

57

Your Wedding

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planning and project manage for you. A good event 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.

Ladies Designer Wear

Location

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.

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.

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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 or pub parking by prior arrangement. Make sure that you provide clear directions to the marquee from the designated parking area and again, do make your guests aware of the arrangements.

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With a marquee there is plenty of opportunity for adventurous designs as you are effectively starting with a blank canvas. Marquees come in all types of styles and sizes nowadays from traditional garden party style to rustic yurts so the style of your reception will affect the type of marquee you choose.

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Make sure the interior can house all the elements such as the bar area, dance floor and reception area. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on the outside space as if the

58

Your <RXU Wedding :HGGLQJ weather is bad you will need to accommodate Invites all your guests inside.

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Facilities This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the most exciting part of the planning but crucial all the same. You will need to arrange mobile toilets, generators, a fresh water supply and even heaters for the evening.

Check with all your suppliers what power they need so you can inform the marquee company who will assess what size generator to supply.

Last but not least, hard flooring is a must. Do not be tempted to save money by using board and canvas. Firstly, it is very uneven and undulating and you risk trips and spills and secondly if it is wet underfoot then the water will simply seep up through the boards as they are walked on leaving you with dirty puddles and soggy canvas.

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61

Your Fashion

Shades of the Season

by Emma Russell –Stylissimo, Image Consultancy, www.stylissimo.co.uk For some the thought of the colder dark nights of Autumn is depressing as the summer comes to a conclusion, but for me it’s the most exciting season of the year fashion wise.

This Autumn there are some beautiful colour palettes coming through on the high street which mix and match beautifully, so when you come to consider your investment pieces for the season such as your coats and boots why not try something different and go for a striking colour rather than the same old safe black.

Dusty Cedar is a muted, warm, dusty pink continuing a similar colour palette from the pink we saw in the spring summer collections. This shade of pink tends to suit those with a muted or warm skin tones, those with blonde, light to medium brown hair suit such muted tones. Those who suit the warmer versions of this shade of pink will have golden blonde, red, golden brown right through to chestnut brown hair.

Topshop Checked Bomber

River Island Chloe Coat

The bomber trend continues and is best suited to those with little or no definition at their waist, perfect for those who have a straighter body shape.

This muted pink Chloe Coat is perfect for those blonde and light brown haired girls, the style is best suited to those who are taller with little or no waist definition as this will flatter and compliment your shape perfectly.

Marks & Spencer Per Una Skirt £55

There are deeper versions of this colour trend which tip towards more burgundy, aubergine shades which will suit ladies with deeper skin tones and hair colours. These deeper shades will best suit those who have a strong contrast between their skin tone and hair colouring, often having dark brown or black hair and deep brown, hazel, green or even dark blue eyes.

This is my piece for the season, without question.

I love this faux leather skirt from M&S the colour is sumptuous the style elegant, a piece you will wear again and again. Style it with over the knee sharkskin grey boots and a roll neck sweater.

62

Your Fashion Two of my favourite coats in shades of grey feature two of this season’s top trends.

Hobbs Tatiana Cape £249

Hobbs Rosemary Coat £329

Pimlico Cross Body Bag £169 Hobbs have some beautiful pieces featuring these darker shades, the cape returns as an alternative to the more traditional coat shapes.

The Tatiana is stunning in this rich purple, style this shade with muted pinks and or reds. As the style of the cape is quite long it best suits those who are taller.

J by Jasper Conran Grey Coat £159

If wearing such a bold colour head to toe isn’t for you why not add a hint of the shade to your look with a chic accessory like this Pimlico bag also from Hobbs.

The Hobbs Rosemary blanket coat features the check trend, a perfect shape coat for those with curves as the belt draws you in at the waist complimenting and enhancing your narrow waist.

Grey is such a huge colour trend right now, sharkskin grey is the official shade of the season, a versatile shade that can be used as your base. When choosing your outfit your base colour should be your key clothing piece, i.e. your dress/jacket/coat, you then bring in other shades of complimenting colours with your blouse/top/accessories/shoes. This shade of grey works really well with the dusty cedar pinks, rich purples and even the spicy mustard shades that will also be popular this season.

Grey as a colour is one that everyone can wear no matter what your skin tone and colouring as there is a shade of grey to suit everyone. My rule of thumb with this colour is, hold the item under your chin in normal day light. Look at the impact the shade has on your skin tone. Does it create shading or darker areas on your skin or does it blend? The aim is for the shade of colour to blend harmoniously with your skin tone, avoid any shades of colour that create shadows as this will make you look dark and dowdy your aim is for the clothes to blend and compliment your skin tone.

The J by Jasper Conran coat is also perfect for curvy girls for the same reason but as it has a little more structure it could also be worn by girls with less pronounced curves.

This coat is more on the military/nautical trend so will appeal to those looking for a coat to suit a more professional work environment or who prefer the structure of this style of coat.

Debenhams £45

Dune Tooting £160

If you’re investing in new winter boots, my suggestion is to go grey here too! Keep it ankle length or over the knee it’s got to be one extreme or the other.

63

Your Jobs

Why I Love My Job

Kate Arul interviewed Isla Rowntree to discover “Why she loves her job.”

When you’re out and about and a child confidently whizzes past you on two wheels, the chances are that they’re riding an ‘Isla Bike.’ Isla has made it her life’s work to provide bikes for children that are remarkably light and ergonomically sound.

I had the pleasure of going to Haybridge High School, Hagley with Isla. Looking back, I feel I knew then that she danced to a different tune and would do something special with her life.

Isla never seemed to take the usual path which was hugely alluring and entertaining to me. She was also extremely good at maths which was a bonus as I was not! Isla would complete her page of numerical problems and then patiently apply herself to solving mine. In between times, we would laugh a lot and get into a fair number of scrapes and tellings off - for which we are now sorry Mr. Brown (1984-1985.)

As soon as Isla’s friends started to produce children of ‘cyclable’ age, she noticed that the bikes available were universally heavy and unwieldy. On one occasion, she tried to apply the brakes on one of these and was unable to do so due to the distance of the brake from the handlebars and the sheer strength required.

How then was a child to slow down if adult hands were not up to the job on a junior bike?

This was Isla’s spur to manufacture bikes that would fit children perfectly, be safe and give confidence. Granted, some children are so robust that riding a bike made from disused tractor parts is achievable but for many, the inefficiency of the bikes available pre-2006 made learning disheartening and difficult. Isla wanted to provide such a positive experience at the outset that life-long enjoyment of this pasttime would naturally follow.

Isla is aware that her childhood was advanced and wonderful in its lack of gender-stereotyping.

Yes, there were dolls and prams aplenty but there was also den-making, Meccano and ‘garage-time’ whereby she was encouraged to experiment and create. Building a sledge was successful as was making a flute from copperpiping. Producing a tune from a hollowedout log with interwoven inner-tubing was not a melodic triumph she recalls – however the process was still a valuable one.

64

Your Jobs Similarly, Isla’s father, an industrial designer, would take her to work and show her the drawings, models, prototypes and products.

Over the dinner table, there would be much talk of design. Isla feels that she was not conscious of learning the craft but that her exposure to it was such that it became natural to her; by the time she reached her early teens, she knew what to do. Hence, when she joined a cycling club and needed suitable clothing, she set about making herself a one- piece skin suit. Remarkably, given the fact that the internet did not exist she sourced a company in Yorkshire that sold lycra and designed and made an outfit that she then raced in.

regard it as her degree. The only company that Isla felt she could talk her way into was Halfords which she infact, did. It was here that she worked in the product team and gained the education that she had sought. She requested that she be handed Halford’s unglamourous, undynamic ‘Town and Country” bikes which were a white elephant in terms of sales. From these, she designed an urban mountain bike range which looked as good as it performed and ‘the sales went nuts’!

It was at this time that Isla’s awareness of the poor ergonomic quality of children’s bikes became acute. It seemed ridiculous that a friend’s son’s bike was heavier than the adult one that she used. Her design head said ‘I can fix these’ and so she left Halfords and set about this mission.

Cycling was a means to independence and freedom. Isla enjoyed it competitively and socially. Medals were won in all disciplines – cyclo-cross, mountain-biking, track-racing and road-racing. By 16 years, she was ‘obsessed’ with bikes and enjoyed working at Halesowen cycles on Saturdays which allowed her to save up for the various ‘bits of bike’ she required. O’levels went smoothly (including ‘design’ which to this day is her only formal training in the subject.)

Dedication to A’levels however ‘wasn’t quite there’ which eventually came home to roost. She went off to a polytechnic to study engineering but had ‘a wondering/wandering spirit’ which meant that after one term she decided it wasn’t for her and left.

With a biro and A4 piece of paper, Isla wrote a business plan: within six months she would have designed a light-weight, ergonomicallycorrect child’s bike with good quality working parts, making maintenance easier and life-span longer. Her aim was to produce a bike which could be passed down from sibling to sibling and then on to other families to boot. Her passion for cycling was such that she wanted everyone to feel its joy from a young age.

Premises were a cow-shed in Claverly. The first bikes that Isla had designed arrived from the Far East on cue and started to sell on day one. Since then, word of mouth has been the mainstay of marketing. The business has grown to employing 40 people in the UK and 5 in the US. So many cycling clubs use Isla Bikes that it is conceivable that the Olympians of today were weaned on these wheels.

Cycling competitively continued alongside her development of a small manufacturing business for bike parts. At 27 years, Raleigh offered Isla the chance to race under their name. She accepted the offer, closed her business and threw herself into full-time training and racing. However, it turned out that her success was no greater than when she entered competitions whilst working – and infact she missed the creative challenge that her work provided.

When asked the inevitable ‘ why I love my job’ question, Isla is quick to reply.. ‘Hitherto children’s bikes hindered the attainment of one of childhood’s major milestones – learning to ride. Isla Bikes make the difference – particularly to the more cautious, less physically confident child. There is no greater thrill than seeing a child on one of our bikes – and that thrill never diminishes.’

So after two years with Raleigh, Isla decided that she needed a ‘proper job’. The stumbling block however was what she refers to as her ‘weird employment history.’ Hence she worked as a van sales rep for a while until her sister suggested that she gain experience of corporate life and

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Your

Horoscopes

Horoscopes with John Starkey Capricorn 21/12 - 19/01

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

Cancer 21/06 - 21/07

Try not to rely upon others too much, whatever they do you can probably do better.

If you are really the captain of your own ship, you will reap the rewards. so try to identify your areas of talent and exploit them to the full.

There is definitely and outcome to a long standing conundrum that has been bugging you for quite some time. The input of information from an unexpected source could reveal all and out the truth in a positive way.

Leo 22/07 - 21/08

Aquarius 20/01 - 18/02

Keeping a padlock on your temper could save you a lot of bother in the near future.

Though others may have opposing views, it may be a good time to remain silent whilst listening to everything and saying nothing.

A major planetary constellation is putting you in line for material gain, perhaps lady luck has decided to smile on you at last. Keep your lucky four leaf clover handy.

Pisces 19/02 - 20/03

Virgo 22/08 - 22/09

That strong entrepreneurial streak, is leading you to putting new ideas into practice.

What may have been buzzing around your head for some time should now form the basis for new ideas and adventures.

Family matters reign supreme, as you begin to pay a lot more attention to the important people in your life. Expect celebration, meetings and pow-wows which could string things together and heal past rifts.

Aries 21/03 - 20/04

Libra 23/09 - 22/10

Things seem to be very much in the balance and dependent upon what other people may do. Try to play life like a game of chess, weighing up the strategy of others before making your vital move. Follow your inclinations.

Hang on the bell before you jump in with both feet, there are people wanting to co-operate with you, so do not feel that you are walking a lone path. You may be surprised to learn about the respect and trust that others have in you. Prepare yourself for a time of socialising, partying and making new friends.

Lucky old you!

Taurus 21/04 - 20/05 Others seem to want to cooperate with your ideas and best laid schemes. Only take on board those who are compatible with your wishes, but tread carefully it looks as if love and romance could be very much in the air. Is there someone special carrying a candle for you?

Scorpio 23/10 - 22/11 Be as precise as you can about forthcoming plans, there seems little point in trying to plan what is after all your destiny. So it is vital that you make it clear what your intentions are and leave the rest to the universe.

Gemini 21/05 - 20/06 Moderation seems to be the key word, so try to take your time in whatever you intend to do. Gluttony and over indulgence may be tempting but will not give you the rewards that you are probably looking for. A great time lies ahead but softly is the way forward.

Sagittarius 23/11 - 20/12 With the activity of the planet Saturn being uppermost, you could find yourself in a blast of energy. Having to decide what is the best option to take, time is on your side so maybe cogitation, meditation and positivity are vital ingredients of the moment.

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Your Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Your Health

plastic surgery Breast Enlargement l Breast Reduction l Breast Uplift l Eyelid Surgery l Facelift l Nose Re-shaping l Tummy Tuck l Liposuction l Labiaplasty l Male Breast Reduction (gynaecomastia)...

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A former Hunterian Professor and National Tutor for Plastic Surgery at The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Mr. Sterne has a national reputation. He has made consultative appearances on Embarrassing Bodies, the BBC and was featured in Tatler magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cosmetic Guide, as one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading plastic surgeons.

Mr. Sterne has over 20 years experience in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Making an appointment to see him is the first step to ensuring you are in safe, capable hands.

Email: jude@guysterne.co.uk Website: www.guysterne.co.uk Always check out your surgeon

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Your Health

facial aesthetics Facial rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction using Botox and facial filler With his detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and the nuances of muscle balance, Mr. Sterne offers discreet, bespoke & tailored treatments for the effects of facial ageing.

Safety - Experience - Expertise Mr. Sterne holds a dedicated clinic in the award winning, superb setting of

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Your Health

01384Â 376336 www.liondentalcentre.co.uk 01384Â 376336 www.liondentalcentre.co.uk 70

Your Health

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

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

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71

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

Your Health

Helping hands for back pain The Tettenhall Road Chiropractic Clinic on the A41 about 1 mile from the centre of Wolverhampton, was established in 1982.

Traditionally, Chiropractors are well known for the effective treatment of back and neck pain (Nice Guidelines 2009). Today’s Chiropractors also diagnose and treat other musculoskeletal disorders.

will be asked for a great deal of information, not just about the pain or the condition that brought you to the clinic, but about your past health history. To ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, the Chiropractor will need to establish an overall health picture.

If chiropractic appears not to be suitable for you, you will be referred to your G.P. or relevant specialist.

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustments and other joint and soft tissue mobilisation.

The Clinic is patient centred and uses an evidence based approach to treatment with the three Chiropractors and staff providing a friendly, professional and ethical service to all patients.

“Our purpose is to help reduce your pain, get your body functioning efficiently and to help you lead a more active and healthier life.”

Normally your first visit will last 45 minutes to an hour. A full case history will be taken. You

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Your Health

Bringing clearer vision to Bridgnorth.

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has a well established reputation for delivering the highest standards of opthalmic treatment and aftercare.

Northgate Medical Centre, Old Smithfield, Bridgnorth.

If you are experiencing problems with your vision from cataracts, and can’t come to the hospital, then it will be useful to know you can make an appointment to see our consultant opthalmologists Mr Manoj and Mr Yang at the Northgate Medical Centre, Old Smithfield, Bridgnorth, who will be available on the following days:

It is important to remember that this is not a ‘walk-in’ clinic - you will first need to be referred to us by your GP or optician who will make an appointment for your initial examination. If surgery is required, this will take place at the Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital in Tettenhall.

28 Sept

30 Sept

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WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

Like our Facebook page for the latest news and free healthcare events

See more clearly.

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Having clear vision is important to us all.

But as we grow older, the chances of developing some form of visual impairment greatly increases. The most common eye condition worldwide is age-related cataracts - this is when the lens in the eye becomes opaque resulting in cloudy or misty vision.

If your GP or optician thinks you have cataracts, they may refer you to an opthalmic surgeon. Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has a team of eye specialists that are experts in cataract removal, and laser eye surgical procedures.

Call us today to make an appointment and start seeing a big difference.

01902 793 269

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Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms

Your Health

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Looking after our feet when exercising

The perfect sterile

Do we really understand the importance in ensuring we to look our feet when exercising?

We all love beafter pampered, whether it’s for a Like a fingerprint, everybody’s feet are different special occasion or just a feel good treat. in some way or another. Shoes fit people differently, on forms a variety of factors, One of thedepending most popular of pampering for the There’s width ofno your foot. Whether we is aexample pedicure. better feeling than walk, run, skipfeet or jump, our feel feet good take some kind having your look and and here at abuse Foot Therapy, that’s aim. of throughout theour years.

Aside from 30 minute Chiropody, we also Wearing thethecorrect footwear and ensuring provide a service called the Steri-Pedi (short our feet are well supported for the activity for sterile pedicure) which gives all the joy of a we are carrying out is really important to help pedicure with a few added extras. prevent any problems. Different sports require the appropriate footwear, due to the nature of As surface a medical it’s important to us that the andpractice the movements that are carried we avoid any risk to our patients, such as out. For example, a tennis player would not the spread of infection. This can happen by wear the same shoes as someone who is a long using polish that has previously been used distance runner, as the movements carried out on someone with fungal nail. There is also vary greatly in comparison to one another. a risk of damaging the nail plates if youThe go footwear is designed to support the feet for that for a treatment with someone who has had sport. inadequate training.

pedicure

Another factor with exercise which is important, is general maintenance and care of your feet.

Making sure toenails are cut correctly, changing your socks after exercise and ensuring your Nearly everything Foot Therapy use is used footwear is not(apart causing anythe paincuticle or discomfort only on you from pusher and cuticle which sterilised above are all thingsnipper to take into are consideration.

If you 130 degrees Celsius to kill any germs). We are unsure of anything or are experiencing any use nail brushes and a from smalla pain disposable when exercising, seeking advice separate forbe base top coatcourse to avoid Podiatrist dish would theand appropriate of contaminating the bottle. action. They can advise on how shoes should be fitting, give options to relieve any pain you may We also let you take the mini nail home be experiencing dependant on varnish the diagnosis so it is not used on anyone else and it’s perfect and general advice ensuring you are doing as for the odd touch up. much as you can to take care of those feet.

What makes a Foot Therapy Steri-Pedi stand The thing to remember is that prevention is out: better than cure. Ensuring you are well equipped •for the Noexercise cross contamination you are carrying out, will make •any journey Your feetyou look and feel more great comfortable. take much •

74ϴϳ

You get to take the nail polish file and buffer home!

Do you suffer from watery, uncomfortable or irritated eyes?

Your Health

This could be a condition known as Dry Eye. It will affect one in four of the population at sometime. This is because as we concentrate, especially in close vision, our blink rate reduces, aggravating the already present dryness.

There are many reasons for suffering the symptoms of dry eye, all of which can be helped by an optician.

We stock a range of drops to improve these symptoms including Thealoz Duo eye drops.

They are completely preservative-free and contain a special combination of ingredients to protect, hydrate and lubricate your eyes. Clinically proven to provide long lasting relief 1, Thealoz Duo remains sterile for up to 3 months, thanks to its unique, innovative bottle design.

Come in to see us or call to book an appointment for our DRY EYE CLINIC. 1 = Schmidl, D., et al. Cornea (2015); 34(4): 421-6.

10 High Street â&#x20AC;˘ Tettenhall Wolverhampton â&#x20AC;˘ WV6 8QT A state registered dispensing optician - est 1985

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01902 757454

Your Health

Coming Soon!

A new way to relax your mind and body Tired, stressed, too much to do—sound familiar?

With so many demands placed on us nowadays it’s easy to forget to take time out for yourself to recharge and rest. Floating is a great way to reenergise both your mind and body and put you back in control and at your best again. In a world where we rarely stand still these are just some of the things floating can help you achieve: • • • • • • • •

Improve your sleep patterns Reduce your stress and anxiety Relieve chronic pain such as arthritis or fibromyalgia Lower your blood pressure Improve your skin Boost your immune function Help support a weight loss programme Boost your creativity

You float for one hour in a pod filled with water and Epsom Salts at body temperature to allow you to fully relax. Our pods have been specially designed for us to allow you a larger float space to enjoy and with a filtration system that drains and sterilises the water after each float.

WIN A FREE FLOAT! If you want to win a float voucher we have 2 to give away to readers!

We will be opening soon and you can find us at www.floatworld.co.uk, and if you want to be first to hear about opening offers be sure to sign up to the mailing list.

It’s free to enter, simply go to our website at www.floatworld.co.uk and click on ‘offers’.

It’s free to enter, simply enter a few details including the code COMPYL. *

Based in Tettenhall next to the Crown at Wergs with free parking on site why not try it and see what you could gain from floating?

Float World

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*T&Cs: Entrants must be over 18 and one entrant per person, cannot be exchanged for cash. Winners will be chosen on 31/10/16 and notified via email within one week of the draw date. Entrants’ data will not be shared with 3rd parties and will remain with Float World Ltd.

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Your Pets & Garden

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Your Pets & Garden

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Our first class reputation for high quality work and excellent customer service.

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Your Pets & Garden

Late summer early Autumn Flowering Writing this piece on a dull and damp July morning it does make you wonder if we’re ever going to get some of the hot sunny summer days that we’ve had in the past.

The one advantage of this damp weather of course is that it reduces the amount of hand watering needed in the garden, so every cloud has a silver lining!

In the veg patch, harvest onions and potatoes now – lift up onions and allow to dry out where they’ve been growing if the weather is fine, before storing. Potatoes should be stored in a cool but frost free environment. Hessian sacks that are available from garden centres are ideal for this purpose.

The range of perennial plants available from garden centre’s for late summer/early autumn flowering is increasing year on year. Heuchera have lovely coloured foliage all year round from lime green, through copper and bronze and the lovely purple shades many with prominent leaf veins which make a lovely contrast. They’re easy to grow – ideal in sun or semi shade and are not damaged by slugs and snails.

If you want Hyacinths in flower for Christmas, make sure the bulbs are planted in bowls by mid-September. Use a bulb compost as it contains charcoal to keep the compost ‘sweet’. Once planted moisten the compost and place in a cool, dark place, bringing gradually into the light and warmth once the shoots are 3cm high.

Garden Furniture Sale Now On! l

David Austin Roses now in stock

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Large selection of herbaceous plants now in stock

01902 700 209 E: enquiries@lealansgardencentre.co.uk W: www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk Bridgnorth Rd, Shipley, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7EZ

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Your Pets & Garden

Make the Most of your Garden with Outdoor Living Steve Tonks, General Manager at Boningale Garden Creations provides his top design tips We may live in a temperate climate, but that’s no reason for our gardens to be used only during the few weeks that we enjoy hot, sunny days.

get it, it will also provide some much-needed shelter when the heavens open!

You should also consider creating a seamless pathway from indoors to outdoors (make the garden an integral part of the home).

Use materials and hard landscaping in complementary colours. If you decide to use decking to complement a wooden floor, make sure the boards run in the same direction as the flooring in your home – this will ensure a better flow.

It’s easy to turn your garden into a room you can use all year round – all you need to do is take a little time to think carefully about the design, making sure it fits in with your needs.

The first thing to do is decide what your priorities are. If you want to use your outdoor space to cook and eat outside, then there are plenty of options to choose from, from barbecue to increasingly popular pizza oven.

The choice of paving can also make a real difference to the look and feel of your garden.

Get a few samples and see how they look in their intended space, particularly if they are right against your property. Pour some water on them, too; you may find the colours are completely different when they have been rained on!

Complement this cooking area with a cosy entertaining space, complete with a table, comfy outdoor sofas and chairs, so you can enjoy a relaxed meal in comfort.

Consider building a low wall around your seating area, and add some strategically placed lighting and heating. This will not only make it a more intimate, “room-like” space, it will also help you feel less exposed to the elements.

If you need any further information or want to seek professional advice from our awardwinning garden designers please visit www. boningale-garden-creations.co.uk or call me on 01902 376500.

A canopy is another great option: not only will it shade you from the height of the sun, when we

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@boningalegarden

Your Pets & Garden

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83

Your Pets & Garden

Caring for your pet 24/7 Hello again from the team at Blacks Vets! My name is Brian Hogan and I am one of the Clinical Partners here at the practice. We hope you and your pets have enjoyed a happy and healthy summer and are now raring to go as Autumn approaches.

at what a typical night involves at our flagship Accredited Veterinary Hospital in Dudley.

At around 7.15pm, last appointments from the day clinics finish and any incoming patients are now classed as medical emergencies. The day team hand over to the night team with a detailed briefing. Each night shift is staffed by experienced nurses and a Vet on call. Its always worth checking what provisions your veterinary surgery has for overnight care as it can be traumatic for an animal to be moved whilst trying to recover.

Our overnight patients are constantly monitored and made comfortable on the ward over night. A pet may need to stay with us for a variety of reasons; they may be recovering from an operation, or have become dehydrated through severe vomiting and diarrhoea. They may be presenting worrying symptoms which require close observation or they may have been admitted as an emergency case having been injured or through swallowing poisonous substances. Whatever the case, we have dedicated parts of the ward for dogs, cats and rabbits ensuring that pets can be treated calmly and safely.

Dr Brian Hogan MRCVS MVB Cert SAS, Partner, Blacks Vets Its been a very busy summer for us at Blacks Vets. You may have caught us on new prime time Channel 4 show, The Job Interview, where our MD and Practice Manager were filmed recruiting a new receptionist. We were delighted to welcome on board not only Emily who eventually won the role, but also David and Nicola who also featured in the program.

We administer medicines throughout the night, check temperatures and heart rates and ensure that our pet patients are at ease. If a pet needs to be kept at a particular temperature to optimise their healing, we have the facilities that enable us to regulate this. We have an intensive care unit for critically ill patients and also an isolation area where pets who may have contagious or dangerous illnesses may be treated without risk to other animals.

Its great to have extra team members join us, as this time of year is always full of activity and my colleagues and I have of course been working hard to offer the very best care for our patients.

The welfare of the animals that we treat is our highest priority and we know that in order to achieve this, our vigilance must extend roundthe-clock. That’s why we never outsource overnight care, meaning that at worrying times, owners can at least relax safe in the knowledge that the same high standard of day care is also being carried out at night.

We also undertake all of the routine parts of pet care such as feeding and walking if a patient’s condition allows this. A change of scenery and a little light exercise can be very beneficial in some cases and we ensure this happens throughout the night if this is so.

So what exactly does round–the-clock care mean for our patients? And how can it make a critical difference to some outcomes? Although of course every night is different, here is a look

84

Your Pets & Garden We understand that familiarity is very important to poorly pets so aim to keep as many parts of their care as consistent as possible. If a pet is fed a particular diet at home, we can ensure that this is replicated during their stay and we of course go out of our way to give our patients the same love and cuddles that they would receive at home! Our nurses always go the extra mile to help soothe an anxious pet and will sit and stroke your animal to help them sleep or simply to help them feel calm.

tests can be conducted within the practice.

In emergency or life-threatening situations, surgery can be carried out during the night rather than having to administer pain relief until morning.

We are fortunate to count several Advanced Veterinary Practitioners as part of our senior team, with additional expertise in Dermatology, Cardiology, Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery and Soft Tissue Surgery. We regularly accept referral patients or provide second opinions for clients from across the Midlands.

We also understand what a worrying time it is for owners when a pet is ill and clients can request a nurse to phone them before bedtime with an update on their pet’s condition. In the case of an emergency, such as a road traffic accident, there is a private and comfortable visiting room where family members can stay on site whilst their pet is treated.

If your pet has experienced a chronic or reoccurring condition, why not contact us to see how we can help? www.blacksvets.co.uk Until the next issue, wishing you and your pets a great Autumn.

Blacks Vets are currently recruiting Vets and Registered Veterinary Nurses. For more information please visit www.blacksvets.co.uk

If your pet is recovering from an orthopedic operation, we keep patients in overnight and administer pain relief medication every 4 hours rather than send patients home for owners to dispense, as may be the case with other practices.

Like any good hospital, excellent standards of housekeeping are vital to our efficiency and success, so the practice is cleaned throughout the night to the same high level that it is during the day. Bedding is refreshed to keep it soft and clean and patients of course have constant access to fresh clean water.

At 8am the day team arrives and a detailed briefing takes place between the two teams including a handover list with all the updates and notes from the night before. Routine checks are made on every patient and medicines administered where appropriate. The veterinary team review treatment plans and make adjustments where necessary and owners will receive a morning update.

UK Practice of the Year Winner The only Accredited Veterinary Hospital in Dudley Serving the local pet community since 1958 Price match promise* £50 Pet Start Package including vaccinations, microchip and free emergency call out voucher saving up to £200* Branches in Dudley, Lye, Sedgley, Oldbury & Quinton

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Blacks Vets

Your Diary of a Country Lady

Seasons of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness September always brings a frisson of excitement to our family courtesy of our local flower show. We have been tenaciously entering our plants and produce for the last eight years and have weathered a good few highs and lows along the way.

When I first started to take an interest in gardening, I collected bundles of trumpeting white flowers from the hedgerows and adorned the house with them. I expected my husband to be delighted with my artistry but to my surprise, his response went something like this: “Aaaaargghhh, get them out, get them out!”

I had unsuspectingly bedecked our home with bindweed which just happened to be my husband’s nemesis. (Something to bear in mind if ever a mild form of conjugal revenge is required!)

These blousy blooms are a metaphor for the archetypal low-maintenance wife – they cheerfully burst onto the scene every summer just when the rest of the garden is beginning to fade, having had diddly squat attention or input along the way. Without fail we snip off their heads on the morning of the show, stick them in a vase and win first prize. No doubt one day we will be rumbled but it has truly been a glorious run.

The children are not exempt from entering the competition. Over the years they have blown and decorated eggs (dropping them on the way being a low point), daubed fairy cakes, submitted paintings, photographs and collages.

On one occasion, Barnaby entered the category ‘hanging bird feeder made from any material.’ He carefully smeared fat into a large pine-cone and added feathers, walnut- eyes and broad-bean beak. We were all rather impressed with “Lard Owl” as we lovingly called him and trotted off to the show with hopes held high. It was then that the Taj Mahal of bird-feeders caught our eye. Not only was our rival spectacularly beautiful but it was also multi-layered with glittering roof tops and bespoke holes and perches for multifarious visitors. Lard Owl took up his position on the neighbouring branch with a weary expression – his beak having been put decidedly out of joint.

Things moved on apace and in 2009, we set off to the flower show with our hopeful runner beans.

Only when our crooked, misshapen legumes rubbed shoulders with 50 or so beans of military uprightness did it dawn on us that uniformity and straightness might be high on the judge’s list. Getting it so very wrong felt akin to those times that I have misinterpreted school dressing -up days: feeling remorse and humiliation on behalf of children and beans alike. There are no prizes for quirkiness, it turns out.

Each year we enter our hens’ eggs. No polishing or cleaning is permitted and one is required to display five of them ensuring uniformity of size, shape and colour. The judges crack one of each batch and score according to clarity of the white, size of air sac space, perfection of yolk.

Of course, this is always tantalizing as one can’t possibly know what lies within the shell and how the luck might fall. One year we flooded the market with each of our three children entering a batch of eggs from their own particular hen. No one had been allowed to eat

We do, however, do a good line in hydrangeas.

86

Your Diary of a Country Lady eggs in the fortnight running up to the event in order to secure 15 of the best specimens. On the day, it was Princess Leia (Layer) whose eggs won first prize. A veritable triumph. Just as we were celebrating, another competitor burst our bubble with these words: “Ah, but you didn’t win the Egg Cup, did you?”

mistake of sharing this news with friends whose kind commiseration means I now have enough doilies to last a lifetime.

My husband loves making bread so he thought his time had come when the show included a bread category. Curiously only bread-maker bread was invited. Seeing this as a travesty, he produced a home-made loaf and entered it willy-nilly. Of course, his vagary was discovered.

Undeterred, he resolved to make a hand-made loaf again the following year but to insert little paddle-shaped holes in its underbelly to give the appearance of a machine having been involved.

However, this turned out to be unnecessary: the next year the category ‘hand-made bread’ made its first appearance on the scene. My husband made a stunning loaf and victory was his. He just could not have been more chuffed (read incorrigibly smug.)

Egg Cup? Egg Cup? We never knew there was such a thing. But that was all the impetus we needed. The next year, hen-pampering went up several gears. Short of dining on caviar, our brood lived in the lap of luxury. Consequently, Barnaby emerged victorious with Araminta’s eggs winning the coveted Egg Cup – he strode onto the podium to receive the miniature trophy – a silver egg cup on a plinth upon which his name is now immortalized.

A wizened crab-apple tree clings to life in our garden spurring my husband on to make crabapple jelly. Since the children were small, this has been a feature of autumn-the ritualistic descabbing of apples, the foamy, pink, pungent froth, the Heath-Robinson upturned stool with baby’s muslin attached for the purposes of filtering and purifying. From this abominably sticky process, crab-apple jelly is born. Each year, my husband submits his jelly into the preserves and curds section of the flower show. The entry card, where the judges write their remarks, is often too small to fit all of the comments that the jelly inspires. These usually revolve around its cloudy appearance, slack consistency and copious bubbles. Such feedback might be difficult to glean positivity from but my husband is nothing if not tenacious. When batch number 6 emerged from our kitchen sporting the familiar bubbles, his spirit was undinted. The fizzing, coral liquid was poured into sterilized jars and the label attached; “Crab apple jelly with champagne!”

The W.I are in charge of the baking section.

Oh how I have tried! Countless times I have succumbed to culinary mishaps and disqualifications. My victoria sandwich, when sandwiched between a dozen other entries actually looked quite good – more well-risen and symmetrical than some, I thought. However, the judge’s decision was final: no prize on account of it being “still warm!” Over the years marks have been lost owing to pastry being too short, pie filling too runny, butter cream too lavish, sponge too yellow. My favourite of all feedback though is this: “A handsome cake; presentation would have been enhanced with a doily!” I made the

The fact that champagne had not entered the concoction didn’t worry him one bit.

And what’s more, he won first prize. We celebrated in the only fitting way - with Champagne!

87

Your Finance & Legal

Let Thursfields take your stress awayâ&#x20AC;Ś Stress relief Thursfields have given some support to the Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, a local charity based in Meadow View Wharf Tettenhall. We were also invited to a preview at Float World on Wergs Road in Tettenhall, a brand new Floatation Tank Therapy Centre. We have brought the two together.

Floatation Therapy can help destress us all in our busy lives, and Angela Lewis from Float World has kindly offered to donate some Floatation Therapy sessions to the Centre.

Steve Allen, Business Development Manager Thursfields and Angela Lewis of Float World - see page 76 Thursfields are clearly committed to relieving stress in as many ways as possible!

Thursfields legal team are dedicated to making all of your legal dealings as simple and as stress Planning free as possible. We shall guide you through The same applies to planning for your financial every step; efficiently and smoothly and within future, for instance when considering Powers Of a clear budget.

Attorney. We can help you make sure that you are in control of that future. We have a dedicated Support Care Planning team, experienced in providing We also support you. When you are under advice on your future care needs, not just help pressure in your own life, we take away as much in planning it, but financing it, and minimising of the stress and strain as we can - making sure (or even avoiding) the cost. that you are looked after from start to finish.

Growth Our Wills and Estates team always treat each Thursfieldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ongoing success has meant further individual client according to their needs. You recruitment. We are pleased to announce may not find it easy to talk about your will, but that Deepa Patel has joined our Residential we shall discuss it with you sympathetically and Conveyancing team in our Sedgley Office. She positively , making sure that we tailor it to your has brought with her a wealth of experience and own individual needs. Also, if we are dealing local knowledge, and will advise support you with the proabte affairs of a family member we all the way. She has the support of a dedicated shall support you with much more than just the team and will make sure that you receive a first legal issues.

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Your Finance & Legal class conveyancing service – from start to finish.

She will be able to help in any property matter.

She and her team will ensure that your property work is dealt with smoothly and efficiently and within a clear budget.

Advice Deepa can advise on how to safely buy your property. Should you buy it on your own? With your spouse or children? Or even with family and friends? You will be advised what is the most financially efficient and secure way forwards in what is likely to be one of the most significant investments of your life.

As we have said, let us take away the stress…………….

Please contact Steve Allen, Thursfields, Sedgley 01902 904060.

Deepa Patel, Solicitor, Thursfields, Sedgley

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89

Your Finance & Legal

Tesco Bag Economics To me, the phrase ‘Tesco Bag Economics’ symbolises what is happening in society today. We live in a world where life is so fast and cluttered that we do not take the time to appreciate what we have and plan. We don’t appreciate what we have, nor take the time to pause and reflect. We simply do not plan enough for the future.

Anita Gatehouse Your Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

Think about how having the right people helping you with the right planning will ease the worry of product statements landing on your doorstep and cluttering your mind. A good financial planner will take the time to explain what you have and how well it fits in to your long term planning.

Think of the paperwork that comes through your letterbox or inbox on your computer in relation to all the plans and products that you may have –pension, investments, bank statements, life cover etc. How many of these are realistically pushed into a folder, a drawer, or even a Tesco bag, and then put in a safe place to be reviewed later? Be honest – how many of these plans are actually forgotten about?

If you are already on this path you should feel good about it! Think of the peace of mind you have, the reduced paper mountain – do your children, family and friends have this in their lives?

By investing some time to bite the bullet you will experience positive returns and peace of mind that will hopefully last your entire life.

And do you know what all of them are supposed to do for you?

The question now is – how often do you worry about these things and do nothing about them, except worry a little more? What you are doing is eating into your own quiet time and eroding your own mental wellbeing thus making it harder to appreciate life and what is going on around you. It can be a vicious cycle.

Remember that a lot of plans does not constitute a lot of planning. So empty that Tesco Bag now and remember – every little helps!

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

What can be done?

My advice is to proverbially grasp the nettle! Get it organised and reviewed as soon as possible – begin your journey to proper financial planning!

Then forget about it. Get on with whatever it is you want to be doing and only think about it when you are set to review it again (which should be on a regular basis with your financial planner).

If you’re not sure, have a look at what our clients say about us on our website: www.cre8wm.co.uk Is now the time to grasp that nettle?

Telephone Jo on 01562 745730 to arrange an appointment.

90

Your Finance & Legal

Taking the family home out of tax ….the million pound inheritance tax exemption Get your tax planning right to make sure you qualify stepchildren, adopted children, foster children plus lineal descendants and spouses or civil partners. It may also apply where the property is placed in trust.

What if I have sold or “downsized”?

The Government does not want this new allowance to deter people from selling, gifting or downsizing their home. Therefore your estate may still be able to take advantage of this allowance even if you ceased to own your own home or moved to a smaller residence, i.e. “downsized”.

No Tax Back in 2007, when George Osborne was Shadow Chancellor, the Conservatives promised that they would “take the family home out of tax”. To deliver on this an additional inheritance tax allowance, the residence nil rate band, will be phased in over a three year period commencing on 6 April 2017.

This will apply where: • •

Under this phased introduction the residence nil rate band will be £175,000 per person, so together with the normal £325,000 Inheritance Tax exemption, a couple potentially have a million pound tax exemption. Promise delivered.

• •

There are however detailed provisions and conditions relating to this new allowance. A few of these are outlined below.

the disposal of the property was on, or after, 8 July 2015; the property disposed of would have been eligible had it been retained; the estate includes a less valuable property, or other assets, of an equivalent value; this less valuable property, (or assets of an equivalent value), is inherited by direct descendants.

The taper threshold This enhancement is subject to withdrawal on estates with a value of £2 million or more.

With specialised tax planning advice you may be able to take measures to ensure your estate is below this level for the purpose of this allowance.

Who can I leave it to?

To qualify for this extra allowance the property must be closely inherited by direct descendants, this includes, children,

The Accountancy Firm 01902 906 906 info@theaccountancyfirm.co.uk The Coach House, Church Road, Oxley, Wolverhampton, WV10 6AB

91

Your Funerals

Motorcycle Funerals Ltd.

J. T. Brookes & Co, Funeral Directors have been trading for over 100 years now and is currently run by the fourth generation of the family, brother and sister, William and Lucy Downing.

While the vast majority of funerals that we undertake are traditional in nature, black hearse and limousines, veneered and solid oak coffins, there has been a change over the last 15 years in what families want in order to personalise the funeral of their loved one and make it special. This can be done in many ways. The choice of coffins available now range from cardboard to wicker or bamboo to very personal coffins with pictures of the deceased’s favourite football club or hobby.

This is followed through with the container the ashes are held in, which again can be wicker or personalised with pictures to even been fired up in fireworks. Another option is to take some remains and have them incorporated in a piece of jewellery or a glass paperweight or vase.

We run a modern fleet of Mercedes Benz E Class hearses and limousines but there are again many alternatives. These include Motorcycle hearses by Harley Davidson or Triumph to vintage Rolls Royce’s or even a vintage lorry or double decker bus. Funerals should be a memorable experience and a celebration of the person’s life and personalising the funeral to suit only adds to this.

Ray Hindley Transport

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Your Funerals

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

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

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

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Your Travel

Prospect Coaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Your Motoring

HiQHiQ TurnsTurns to Davanti for Brand to Davanti forHouse House Brand

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

Why Davanti?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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97

Your Motoring

The New Ford KA+... plus much more There’s a new kid on the block in the Ford line-up – the new KA+.

Set to arrive at Evans Halshaw Ford Wolverhampton this summer, the classic Ka’s new older brother provides a remarkably more spacious experience, loaded with upgraded specification and oodles of stowage space yet for a tiny price, starting at just £8,995.

Although you may have not associated space with the original Ka, this all changes in the KA+. Slightly shorter than the Ford Fiesta at less than 4 meters, the KA+ is 29mm taller, which helps provide class-leading front headroom and best-in-class legroom for rear passengers. Seating five occupants, luggage space reaches 270 litres – enough to accommodate two large suitcases – plus 60/40 split-folding rear seats for bulky items and a fantastic 21 stowage locations throughout the cabin.

power outputs. Combined with a standard five-speed manual transmission, the 1.2 litre engine has been tuned to deliver smooth and responsive performance, easy and fun to drive in inner cities and on longer journey.

Both engine options achieve great CO² emissions of 114g/km, making the most of every drop of fuel with superb combined fuel consumption of 56.5mpg.

Taking inspiration from Ford’s latest design language, the stylish exterior features the distinctive trapezoidal grille with large, swept-back headlamps. All KA+ models offer an integrated finish with chrome detailing for the front grille, alongside body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors.

Despite its minimal price, the KA+ goes maximum with its gadgets. Packed with a variety of clever technologies, the KA+ makes driving simple, comfortable and fun, whilst ensuring passengers are kept safe.

Advanced tools include rear parking sensors, cruise control, hill start assist, traction control, electronic power assisted steering and daytime running lights.

Inside, the KA+ sports a stylish grained finish on the instrument panel and hardwearing, contemporary trim materials in a dark charcoal colour scheme. The door release handles, centre console knobs and air vents are accentuated with chrome accents, adding a touch of luxury to this newest addition to the Ford family.

The new Ford KA+ will be arriving at Evans Halshaw Ford Wolverhampton this summer.

Register your interest to be amongst the first to find out more at http://bit.ly/2an5eSl, or pop in to meet the team at 57-73 Birmingham Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV2 3LS.Alternatively call 01902 875 400 or visit evanshalshaw.com/dealers/evans-halshawford-wolverhampton/.

Underneath the bonnet, the KA+ is economical, too. Featuring an efficient new 1.2 litre Duratec petrol engine, the KA+ is available with a choice of 70PS and 85PS

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The Ford KA+

Your Motoring

It’s New. It’s Economical. It’s Spacious

Available from only £8,995

Arriving Autumn this year Register your interest at Ford Wolverhampton or visit evanshalshaw.com FordStore EVANS HALSHAW evanshalshaw.com

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

Official Fuel Consumption figures in mpg (1/100km) for the Ford KA + 1.2 Studio: Urban 42.8 (6.6), ExtraUrban 70.6 (4.0), Combined 56.5 (5.0) official CO2 emissions 114g/km All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 31/12/2016. Image shown for illustration purposes only. All figures include VAT unless otherwise stated. For full details on this offer, please visit Evans Halshaw Ford Wolverhampton. Retail customers only. Some far reaching exclusions may apply. 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.

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