Edge Magazine - August September Edition by MLP Publishing Ltd

EdgeMagazine Your essential guide to Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands

August / September 2013 FREE EDITION

An independent choice The homegrown wedding Do your own thing

Making the right academic decision

The Big Feastival Alex James talks food and music

Discover Craycombe And all its wonders

Food from around the world Taste something new this summer

Food & Drink • Culture • Business • Fashion • Lifestyle

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ͻ DŽƚŚĞƌ ǁŚŽ ĨĞĞůƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƐŚĞ ŝƐ ŝŶƟŵŝĚĂƚĞĚ Žƌ ďƵůůŝĞĚ ďǇ ŚĞƌ ĨŽƌŵĞƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌͬŚƵƐďĂŶĚ͛Ɛ ďĞŚĂǀŝŽƵƌ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝŵƉĂĐƚƐ ƵƉŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͖ ͻ KŶĞ Žƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ŝŶǀŽůǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŝŶ ĂĚƵůƚ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĞǆƉĞĐƟŶŐ dƌĂĐǇ >ŽǁĞ͘ >> ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ƚŽ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ͖ ͻ >ŝƐƚĞŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͛Ɛ ǁŝƐŚĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĂďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ĞǆƉƌĞƐƐ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁŝƐŚĞƐ ŽƉĞŶůǇ ǁŝƚŚ ĞŝƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ͖ ͻ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ǁŚŽ ƐŝŵƉůǇ ĚŽĞƐ ͞ĂƐ ŚĞ Žƌ ƐŚĞ ůŝŬĞƐ͟ ǁŝƚŚ ŶŽ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ͖ ͻ dŚĞ ŝŶĂďŝůŝƚǇ ŽĨ ŽŶĞ Žƌ ďŽƚŚ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ͻ dŚĞ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ǁŚŽ ŝƐ ƵŶĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĂĐĐĞƉƚ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ͛Ɛ ŶĞǁ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌͬƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ǁŚŽ ĨĞĞůƐ ƚŚƌĞĂƚĞŶĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ͖ dŚĞƐĞ ĂƌĞ Ăůů ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ĂƌĞĂƐ͕ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚĂďůǇ͕ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďƌĞĂŬĚŽǁŶ ŽĨ ĂŶǇ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ǁŚĞŶ ĞŵŽƟŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ƌŝĚŝŶŐ ŚŝŐŚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĂů ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶƐ ĂůƐŽ ƚŽ ďĞ ĚĞĂůƚ ǁŝƚŚ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ ŚĂƌĚůǇ ƐƵƌƉƌŝƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ͘ tŚĂƚ ŝƐ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ŝƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ ƚŽ ĚĞĂů ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ ǁĂǇ͘ tŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ŚĞůƉ͕ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĚŽ ƚŚŝƐ͘

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www.edgemagazine.org

EDITOR’S BIT W

elcome to the August/September edition of Edge Magazine. We’re excited to present our big, bumper edition. This time, we’re in wedding wonderland with everything you need to know coming up to the big day. Of course, we’ve also covered news and views from the area, some fantastic events and all the foodie hotspots to try out this summer. In the midst of wedding season, we’re swooning over florals and tailored jackets. We have some alternative ideas for hen dos and interesting wedding gift ideas. If you’re thinking natural bridal beauty or growing your own wedding flowers, we have all the hints and tips you need to make the best of your big day. Our Escape the Chains feature showcases beautiful wedding cakes from The Cake Studio and we have all the inside info from Armstrongs on menswear trends. Food is big news this edition. We have been scouring the three counties for some favourite cuisines from around the world. We also have a big interview with Alex James in the run up to The Big Feastival. We’re also excited to announce the opening of The Forest at Feckenham which will be opening in September.

Michael Abu-Zalaf Editor-in-Chief

We’d like to take this opportunity to unveil our new website! We have had a much overdue online makeover and we’re looking forward to bringing you daily stories, features and exciting events. On behalf of the team at Edge, have a great August and September and we hope to see you all again in October. If you would like what you see in Edge Magazine, please show your support by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter, as well as checking out our new website at:

www.edgemagazine.org

FEATURES The homegrown wedding............................36

Food from around the world.........................70

Discover Craycombe...................….............40

The Big Feastival...........................................79

Do your own thing

And all its wonders

Taste something new this summer

Alex James talks food and music

An independent choice................................56 Making the right academic decision

EdgeMagazine

A helping hand with Bovis Homes Making 2013 the year you buy a brand new home could be the best move you’ve ever made.

some of the higher deposits sometimes required by lenders recently,” said Bovis Homes Group Marketing Director Kevin Wilkins. “Since its launch the message is getting out that this really does make 2013 a great year to make that move into a brand new home.” Bovis Homes are building a range of high quality new homes across the region and are reporting even more interest at their developments following the launch of Help to Buy.

This summer promises to be a great time to buy a home, with hundreds of house hunters across the Midlands already taking advantage of a Government-backed initiative that has opened up the property market for first-timers and existing owners alike.

The equity loan is interest-free for the first five years and is repayable within 25 years or when the home is sold.

Under the shared equity part of this new scheme, the purchaser receives a 20% equity loan from the Government and needs just a 5% deposit and a 75% loan to value mortgage to move into a new-build house. “Help to Buy is proving to be excellent news for homebuyers, especially those who have been struggling to raise

“We wouldn’t have been able to get our dream home without this scheme”

If it wasn’t for Help to Buy, primary school teacher Laura Farr and boyfriend Daniel Shotton say they couldn’t have bought their brand new Bovis Home. The 23-year-old first-time buyers from the Midlands were both still living at home and although they had saved for a deposit they had no success obtaining a mortgage for the balance. But after falling for a three-bedroom Bradbury home they took a look at the new Government-backed shared equity scheme launched this year to help both first-timers and existing homeowners. Laura said: “If it wasn’t for Help to Buy we just wouldn’t have been in a position to buy our new home. Despite us both being in full-time work we were unable to secure a mortgage. “The Bovis Homes advisor was really helpful. She told us all about the scheme and offered us the necessary application forms. We had to fulfil various criteria to prove we were eligible and that we could maintain the mortgage payments.” Once their Help to Buy application was approved, Bovis Homes put the couple in touch with an independent mortgage broker, who secured them a mortgage for 75% of the value of their new home, and their dream move was on.

www.edgemagazine.org

Your search ends here... You’ll find a superb range of Bovis Homes in Central England If the idea of a beautiful home in a great location is what you’re looking for then your search ends here. Oldbury

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New 95% mortgage scheme backed by the Government and provided by major high-street lenders*

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We pay your estate agents fees*

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With a 5% deposit and only 75% * mortgage required

Coming soon: Bromsgrove - Church Lane Stratford-upon-Avon - Bishopton Lane Register your interest today

0845 260 4823

www.bovishomes.co.uk

*The Help to Buy scheme has specific terms and conditions and is subject to affordability criteria as prescribed by the homes and communities agency. Not to be used in conjunction with another purchase assistance scheme. Purchase assistance schemes are subject to terms, conditions and availability, are not available in conjunction with any other offer and are on selected plots and developments. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Please see sales advisor for further details.

EdgeMagazine

CONTENTS Aesthetics Nominated Salon of the Year

An Independent Choice

CoolSculpting Countdown

50:50

The Changing Face of Cosmetics

St George’s School

The Nordic Way

Old Swinford Hosptial

Make the Best of Yourself

Academic Achievement

The Spice of Life

Hallfield School

Four Steps to Happiness

Gaudet Luce Golf Club

The Wedding Planner

Fuelling Minds

Be the Best Dressed Guest

Independent Girls

Made to Measure

Picking Up the Pieces

Wedding Look

Food From Around the World

Wine for a Wedding

The Fittle on the Green

Hen Party Ideas

The Stag at Offchurch

The Homegrown Wedding

The Local Kitchen

Escape the Chains

The Forest at Feckenham

Discover Craycombe

The Big Feastival

Modern Living

Pop of Culture

Come Inside the Showroom

Sketching the Landscape

Switching Funds

Get Crafty

Mission Accomplished

What’s On

The Library of Birmingham

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YOUR HEARING IS OUR CONCERN Worcester Hearing Centre specialise in custom made hearing protection for shooting, industry, motorsport and swimming, ear products for musicians and in-ear devices to deliver customised Tinnitus relief. Whatever you need. Your Hearing is our Concern.

CALL 01905 617803 FOR YOUR FREE FULL HEARING ASSESSMENT

Worcester Hearing Centre, 5, The Cornmarket, Worcester, WR1 2DR

visit: www.worcesterhearingcentre.co.uk 13.989

EDITORIAL Michael Abu-Zalaf - Editor in Chief

CONTRIBUTORS Tom Carroll

Rose Brown

Selwyn Rowley

Brian Tallis

Tel:07809 702 992

Alec Fernihough

Hilary Collins

Lucinda Bunn - Deputy Editor

Tim Ware

Meg Hanlon

Tracy Cook

Laura Clay

Lucie Abu-Zalaf

Heather Suffield

Andrew Rankin

Anita Champaneri

Liam Bird

Sarah Rees

SALES

Vikram Vijh

Tania Outwin-Flinders

Alice Perrey - Sales Executive

Georgios Therodorou

Jane Horton

@ZalafAbu -

michael@edgemagazine.org

@lucindabunn -

lucinda@edgemagazine.org

Hannah Griffiths - Editorial Assistant @EdgeMag_Hannah-

@alice_perrey -

hannah@edgemagazine.org

alice@edgemagazine.org

Tel:07714 490 943 Steve Picker - Sales Executive @EdgeMag_Steve -

steve@edgemagazine.org

Tel:07515 493 703

Mel Taffs Steve Duggan

INFO@EDGEMAGAZINE.ORG Write to us at: MLP Publishing Ltd 20 Droitwich Road Feckenham Worcestershire B96 6HX

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EdgeMagazine

AESTHETICS NOMINATED SALON OF THE YEAR 2013 British Hairdressing Business Awards Lucinda Bunn

he finalists of HJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Hairdressers' Journal) 2013 British Hairdressing Business Awards have been announced. Following two days of judging by a prestigious panel, including representatives of major manufacturers and industry experts, it has been revealed that Aesthetics, Solihull, is nominated for Salon of the Year. The titles are awarded to the best salons in the country so the nomination is a great honour. The British Hairdressing Business Awards recognise individuals and salons that excel in the business of professional hairdressing. From the front of house teams, salon assistants and managers through to the business directors and the teams that epitomise all that is good about the hairdressing industry, the BHBAs acknowledge all aspects of professionalism and skill. The Salon of the Year nomination is particularly meaningful to Aesthetics as, alongside already being crowned Midlands Hairdresser of the Year, it demonstrates their expertise and quality across the board, not only for beautiful hair, precision cutting and innovative colouring, but also their inspirational commitment to customer care, their staff training, career opportunities and all round excellence. Aesthetics staff training is crucial to the growth of a happy and talented team. At Aesthetics this is rigorous, with a weekly model night, where their particular way of precision cutting is

taught, as well as practising new styles, updating skills and training in colouring techniques, hairup and seasonal trends. The team is briefed on new trends for the season, which are previously researched with the creative team and this is then backed up with a newsletter, social media promotions and relevant pictures to excite and involve clients. Aesthetics is renowned for its exceptional customer care. The aim is to emulate the larger, global brands on consistency and quality, whilst making the most of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique vantage of keeping it personal. Clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferences are noted on the Aesthetics database and no request is too much trouble. A personalised concierge approach is tailormade for each client, so that everything, from the ratio of colours to mix for that perfect tone, to how many sugars you like in your cappuccino is covered. Each client receives the same high level of service, from the moment they walk through the door, to their first step outside with salon-finished hair. Thirteen years after opening its doors, Aesthetics has 18 team members, a commercially successful salon, a loyal clientele and yet another amazing nomination. The finalists will go on to discover if they are the ultimate winners at the 2013 British Hairdressing Business Awards on Monday 9 September.

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www.aesthetics-solihull.com

AESTHETICS

MIDLANDS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR 347 Warwick Road, Solihull B91 1BQ TEL: 0121 707 8866 Visit our website at www.aesthetics-solihull.com for the latest offers and news.

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THE COOLSCULPTING COUNTDOWN 5 steps to shape up Lucinda Bunn

5....Choosing CoolSculpting If you struggle with stubborn fat bulges that your healthy diet and exercise regime just can’t shift, then CoolSculpting can help. CoolSculpting is the only non-surgical alternative to liposuction, which is clinically approved by the FDA*.

4....Your consultation CoolSculpting is available at Air Aesthetics of Henley-in-Arden and it’s only performed by trained medical professionals. Dr Claire Oliver is an experienced and highly skilled aesthetic practitioner and she begins the treatment with a consultation. Dr Oliver assesses your complaint areas, your expectations and decides on the best course of action.

3....The treatment The cooling device is positioned on your body and using a suction action, it draws your fat bulges into the applicator where two cooling plates are situated. The revolutionary technology targets and crystallises fat cells with controlled cooling. The cells die and are naturally eliminated from your body. There’s no needles, no scars, no scalpel.

2....Aftercare CoolSculpting is right for you if you already eat healthily and keep fit. CoolSculpting isn’t about getting to your goal weight, it’s for those of us who want to sculpt our shape, for a toned and smooth silhouette. Unlike the pain and gruelling recovery period involved with liposuction surgery, there is no downtime with CoolScultping. You can get back to your busy day straight after the treatment and all you need to do is maintain your healthy lifestyle.

1....See the results You’ll see the initial results from your CoolSculpting treatment after 30 days, with the final results after 90 days. CoolSculpting can reduce your stubborn fat by up to 40% in one single treatment. The results are permanent too, so once treated, the frozen fat cells are gone for good.

*US Food & Drug Administration which requires stringent clinical evidence as to the safety and effectiveness of products.

www.airaesthetics.co.uk 12

121 High Street Henley-in-Arden Warwickshire B95 5AU 0845 519 5377 hello@airaesthetics.co.uk

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THE CHANGING FACE OF COSMETICS The future of the aesthetic industry

treatment efficacy are paramount. I endeavour to pass on these principles to future practitioners, including nurses, physicians, surgeons and dentists whom I regularly train at the the KT training institute in Harley street, London’. Finally Mr Rankin offers this piece of advice to anyone considering anti-ageing procedures: ‘Be wary of establishments offering “CHEAP” and highly discounted treatments to entice clients through the door, it is likely in the future that advertising prescription only medicines and procedures in this manner will have to stop when the aesthetic industry becomes properly regulated. Research your chosen practitioner before even considering booking a consultation, if they are highly experienced their background in aesthetic medicine should be transparent’.

r Andrew Rankin, aesthetic practitioner and Harley Street trainer talks about the future of the aesthetic industry in the UK and the predicted forthcoming changes.

To book your free consultation with Mr. Rankin, please call on 01684 566789 or email angela@regenix.co.uk Anti wrinkle injections

Since the emergence of last year’s PIP implant scandal, the cosmetic industry and its professionals (both surgical and non-surgical) have come under scrutiny for the way in which they operate and how things can be improved. The Government and DOH (Department of Health) via Sir Bruce Keogh’s review have set up a number of calls for evidence to investigate the ways in which the industry is operating to ensure the health and safety of the general public. Mr Andrew Rankin, aesthetic practitioner, nurse prescriber, Harley Street trainer and board member of the BACN (British Association of Aesthetic Nurses), has throughout his career in the industry championed the need to have stronger regulations put in place in the UK. Most recently, he has led the working party for issuing prescribing guidelines for nurse prescribers working alongside non-prescribing nurses. He comments, ‘I am fortunate to be part of a very experienced team of aesthetic nurses who feel it is of fundamental importance to address the challenges and issues surrounding the industry at this time’. ‘At my clinic, Regenix, based in Malvern, I have performed thousands of aesthetic procedures over the last 7 years and I’m fortunate to have an extremely loyal client base. All of these principles apply to the day to day running of my clinic, where client safety, health and

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73 Church Road. Malvern Link. Worcester. WR14 1NQ. email: info@regenix.co.uk web: www.regenix.co.uk

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THE NORDIC WAY Unique gems now in the UK

tratford-upon-Avon based mother of two, Jette Cowan, has turned her passion for elegant and affordable jewellery and watches into a business, Nordic Gems. Jette, originally from Denmark, has achieved a first by securing an exclusivity deal to bring Scandinavian designed and manufactured jewellery to the UK. Jette Cowan said, ‘My aim is to provide exclusive affordable luxury jewellery that is unique and stylish for ladies to wear at every occasion. I am committed to donating a percentage of my profits to cancer research which is very close to my heart having survived aggressive bowel cancer 5 years ago’.

In addition the ‘On Wire’ collection’s silver and 18-carat gold plated interchangeable locks can be used on any of the single or multicoloured gem stone or culture pearl necklaces. Nordic Gems has gem stones in all the colours of the rainbow and in any desired length to suit individual preferences; no other jewellery range offers such flexibility.

Nordic Gems also provides a bespoke service for weddings, or to improve/restyle your jewellery collection where they can mix and match jewellery with your existing collection to provide you with options to wear with every outfit, day and evening. Per Bredgaard from Stenform, the Danish supplier, travelled from Denmark to support Jette’s launch on the 14 June 2013 at The Warwick Boat Club. The range of jewellery comprises natural gem stones, culture pearls and precious metals which are extremely versatile and unique as the ‘Dream On’ collection’s charms can be worn on either a necklace as earrings or on a leather bracelet.

The jewellery has created tremendous excitement amongst clients, friends and colleagues, ‘I’m absolutely delighted with the wedding jewellery. I had looked everywhere and not found anything special enough until I met Jette and she showed me the beautiful pearls and gems from Denmark. I love the simplicity, beauty and elegance of my necklace which will perfectly match my dress together with the earrings and I can’t wait to wear them on my big day. I was so pleased with the value for money that I also purchased Rose Quartz stone necklaces and earrings for my bridesmaids to match the pale pink of the groomsmen. Thank you for a truly lovely shopping experience’ Roseanne B Warwickshire

Photographer Paul Sanders

www.edgemagazine.org â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For the man who desires to discover that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;perfectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gift for a wife, lover or grown up daughter, the challenge can be onerous. Discovering Nordic Gems with their new modern, attractive and good value collections of jewellery, brings a new perspective to reinforcing relationships with loved ones.

Nordic Gems will be present at the Luxury Wedding show at the Concorde Centre in Manchester on the 20th October, where the jewellery is part of the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing campaign together with the bridal dress designer of the year 2012(nominated 2013) Ritva Westenius and Nordic Gems will be an integral part of the two catwalk shows on the day. Nordic Gems plans to introduce unique gift sets this autumn specifically aimed at assisting gentlemen with that special purchase for birthdays and Christmas and the Nordic Gems bespoke shopping service is also available with this in mind...

The only remaining challenge becomes one of choice but Jette guides the less-informed man through this last hurdle to make an easy and confident choice and suddenly, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;moment of givingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; becomes a much anticipated event with ensuing compliments and rewards for the caring maleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Steve C Warwickshire Nordic Gems is looking for agents, either full or part time to fit in with their lifestyle. Please contact Jette at jettecowan@nordic-gems.com or 0207 060 4644 for further information. WWW.NORDIC-GEMS.COM

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0207 060 4644 www.nordic-gems.com info@nordic-gems.com

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MAKE THE BEST OF YOURSELF Trust in The Beauty Gurus Vikram Vijh

he Beauty Gurus specialise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments to help people look and feel better. We believe it is essential to be able to offer all options as only then can you give an unbiased opinion on what the best treatment will be. The old adage ‘if the only tool in your toolbox is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail’ holds true in cosmetic surgery and a non-surgical treatment, as it does in every profession. Our cosmetic surgery service is world renowned as a result of many TV shows such as Ten Years Younger, Embarrassing Bodies and most recently the TV series Last Chance Salon, as the founder of The Beauty Gurus, I repaired poor cosmetic surgeries performed by other surgeons. With patients coming from many parts of the globe we have a wealth of experience and regularly train and lecture at international plastic surgery meetings. Though many people are fully aware of our surgical expertise, they are often not aware of our non-surgical services and how we can help them to look better without an operation. Botulinum toxin (often called Botox) is an excellent way of reducing or removing lines that appear when you frown or smile such as the lines between your eyebrows, on your forehead or around your eyes. Its uses do not, however, end there. Many clients have problems with excessive sweating in their armpits or on their hands, which fails to respond to traditional treatments such as antiperspirant. Botox is an excellent way of removing this problem. Botox itself lasts

four to six months on average and then the treatment has to be repeated. For static wrinkles and creases, such as the deep grooves running from the nose to corner of mouth, or running down from the corner of the mouth, or to plump up those cheekbones or lips in a subtle way, a different treatment is needed. The treatment is filler. This works by raising the wrinkle or crease to remove the shadow so that it is less visible, or adding volume to, for example, deflated cheeks. We use temporary fillers such as Juvederm, but for a more permanent result we can graft a person’s own fat into those same grooves to give a younger, fresher look. We don’t just use fat grafting to augment breasts and bottoms. The skin itself often needs help to hold off the ravages of time. Many creams exist that you can buy over the counter that we believe make no significant difference to your skin. At The Beauty Gurus, we only use treatments that we believe have proven results. We offer six week skin care regimes (prescription only), which take away some of the uneven pigmentations and leave the skin looking clear and refreshed. For a deeper treatment, a skin peel can help tone and refresh the skin as well as improve the fine lines. Why not visit our website at

www.thebeautygurus.com

0800 612 5919

or call us on to see how we can help you, make the best of yourself.

Mr Vik Vijh specialises in and performs cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Mr Vijh is Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Clinical Lead at the NHS Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Birmingham covering the City of Birmingham and the West Midlands region including Herefordshire.

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THE SPICE OF LIFE Super spices for super health Mel Taffs

he word antioxidants conjures up thoughts of fruits and vegetables, tea and dark chocolate, but did you know that spices and herbs are also full to the brim with antioxidant power? Health conscious chefs and nutritionists have long recommended including spices and herbs in dishes to add flavour without the fat, salt and sugar. Research has shown that antioxidants are substances found in things like fruit and vegetables and that may help protect you against free radicals; the molecules produced when your body breaks down food or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Antioxidants can protect you from heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Anti-inflammatory properties Researchers are investigating the unique protective properties of spices and herbs and their role in possibly reducing inflammation which is related to many chronic diseases such as heart disease, allergies and Alzheimer’s. Weight loss Spices are also great at boosting your metabolism and aiding in weight management. The capsaicin in peppers is believed to have metabolic properties and in addition to that if the food that you eat is flavourful and satisfying there is a good chance you will eat less and consume fewer calories. What are spices? Spices and herbs are botanically classified as fruit and vegetables and since they contain no water that makes up a significant part of the fresh produce spices and herbs offer an even higher level of antioxidants. In addition to this they are rich in phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids.

Oregano I would consider this a mini salad because just 1 teaspoon has the same quantity of antioxidants as 3 cups of chopped broccoli. Don’t ditch the broccoli, just have both. Oregano is amongst the highest in antioxidant-containing dried herbs and goes well with pasta, pizza, and on grilled cheese. Rosemary The compounds in rosemary help reduce inflammation in the body and it’s best used in a marinade or rub for meat. Turmeric The bright yellow spice is commonly found in curry powder. Researchers are looking into the role of its connection with brain health and protecting against ageing. Very tasty used with different poultry. Thyme It’s high in antioxidants and very helpful when used for respiratory function. To get more in your diet, whisk into salad dressings, creamy dips or sprinkle on vegetables and fish. Ginger One teaspoon of ginger has the equivalent of one cup of spinach as far as antioxidants go. This spice can be added to sweet dishes such as baked apples, stirred into frozen yogurt or ice cream and for savoury foods can be added to marinades, sauces and fish. Dried red peppers Spices derived from red peppers include cayenne, crushed red pepper and paprika. In addition to adding fiery flavour, these spices may be a tasty friend to dieters too. They’ll boost metabolism and stimulate fat burning. Spice up your hummus, guacamole, cottage cheese and even mashed potatoes.

Had enough of crash dieting? Want to lose weight and keep it off? If so, call Absolutely Flab u Less on 07792421080. Alternatively, email melanietaffs7@gmail.com.

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4 STEPS TO HAPPINESS Georgios Therodorou

ith the news that 1 in 5 people in the UK suffers from depression, Georgios Theodorou of the Birmingham Hypnotherapy Clinic offers his top 4 steps to ‘think yourself happy’. Drop the stigma First of all you must be able to seek help without feeling the stigma of depression. Normally, if we have a problem we share it with friends because we find it’s an acceptable to discuss. But people often hesitate when it comes to talking to a professional. The journey to recovery starts with simple cognitive lessons and professionals can actually teach you to be happy by giving you back more control of your thought processes. Find the cause There are many things in life which can influence mild to moderate depression which is characterised by constantly feeling ‘low’. A depressing situation often has a trigger. For example, you feel sad because you have no partner, but where did it start? Comfort eating junk food is a big culprit. When you feel low and lonely you might be more inclined to eat junk food. This can lead to an even lower mood and a hunger for more junk food. Then you may gain weight and feel depressed because of your

Friendly & helpful advice Free relaxation mp3 with every consultation, quote "The Edge"

weight which prevents you from finding a partner. Once you’ve tackled the cause you can find ways to lift yourself up whether it is by eating healthier, getting some mood uplifting sunshine or looking for the beautiful good things in life. Break the negative thinking cycle For some people even being diagnosed with depression can cause the symptoms to worsen. It is easy to develop the habit of negative talking, becoming convinced that we are not worthy and that we can’t help ourselves. Simple changes such as improving your posture by looking up instead of down, can improve your outlook on life. A focus on positive thoughts, complimenting yourself and being grateful for what you have can all combine to break the cycle of negative thinking. Smile and laugh Thinking positively and being happy takes practice. Watch some silly movies, laugh for no reason and remember a time when you were happy. The more you imagine being happy, the more your body will respond to it and will feel happy. If it seems possible to cry about everything, it must be possible to laugh about everything. Quite often it is attitude which makes the difference between happy people and sad people.

Guildhall Buildings 12 Navigation St, Birmingham, West Midlands B2 4BT Tel: 0121 - 241 8227 www.birminghamhypnotherapyclinic.com

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Hillscourt is set in the beautiful Lickey Hills, just on the outskirts of Birmingham, offering a unique wedding/function venue.

HILLSCOURT Hillscourt has become an increasingly popular wedding venue in recent years and offers a warm and friendly environment. We pride ourselves on quality service at affordable prices. The centre has been refurbished to a high standard over recent years.

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catering licensed bar Complimentary bridal suite 55 en-suite bedrooms Attractive grounds and gardens Secure car parking Friendly and helpful staff Good value for money Fully

ALSO LICENSED FOR CIVIL CEREMONIES Hillscourt, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8RS. Tel: 0121 457 6100 Fax: 0121 457 6111 Website: www.hillscourt.co.uk

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THE WEDDING PLANNER Inspirational ideas Steve Duggan

ost brides will request the traditional white wedding but we do get challenged to create something seasonal like a summer garden theme. Floral would probably top the list in the consultation process, making sure each bouquet and plinth is relevant and beautiful. A plush carnival theme of pale tones, soft furnishings and delicate settings has been most bridesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favourite recently, bringing a bit of fun and variety to the table. A wedding must feature pastel colours, fresh scents, light dĂŠcor and catering at its very best. This year we are thankfully having a hot dry summer with brides and grooms all around the country praying for the same. There are many trends this summer season which would work for an indoor or outdoor wedding. Bold colour palettes such as lemon, jade, emerald and poppy are topping the list with the idea of a more rustic setting. Although the classic white wedding remains popular, people are trying new things and appreciating the simple things that surround us such as wildflowers, earthy tones and old vintage tin can candles.Â

www.edgemagazine.org Kitsch furniture and ornaments are great décor features for sideboards, table centres and place name tables. The idea of a bright, well lit venue gives a sense of space and a fresh surrounding for guests to enjoy and feel content. You could also combine your service with the reception at the same venue to keep guests in the same area for the entire day. Dining concludes with drinks and dancing under the stars. Floral motifs remain a vital element to an event planner’s design with a range of brightly coloured flowers and a wild flower selection for plinths and mixed urns around the venue. Peony roses, hydrangeas and calla lilies are loved by all and very popular, especially when tying a colour scheme together. The cake must be tastefully designed and delicate, obviously relating to the general colour scheme and theme of the wedding. I think wedding cakes can be displayed more as a focal point by placing it in a prominent area with a dessert space or canapé sideboard surrounding. It also must depict your personality and possibly include something fun relating to the bride and groom. Wedding stationary, signage and branding are what guests see first when planning to attend the big day. Invitations and any table literature must be displayed correctly and have a direct correspondence to the setting on which they are placed. I always suggest that the bride and groom to design a specific logo which will be the recognisable image or text. This will also radiate elegance and showcase the super organisational skills of the couple.

Tips and tricks: The guests come first... Decide on the approximate number of guests you’ll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there’s ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow 25 to 30 square feet per guest. Listen to Mother Nature... Heed the weather and other potential annoyances. If it’s too hot or too cold, you’ve got to keep your guests comfortable. So prepare. Pay it forward... Let one lead to another. If you’ve found the perfect wedding photographer, they might suggest a florist or a band. Tend to the bar... Typically, you need one bartender per 50 guests to keep the line at the minimum. But if you’re serving a signature cocktail that cannot be made ahead of time, consider adding an extra server designated to this task.

www.stevedugganevents.com

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BE THE BEST DRESSED GUEST Stylish wedding wear Meg Hanlon

uch as I love weddings, I am periodically reminded, mainly by my darling husband, of my own wedding outfit nightmare. This goes back to thirteen years ago, almost to the day, long before I’d had my colours ‘done’ I hasten to add. The three contributing factors being that I was eight and a half months pregnant, that I had an unwillingness to invest in decent maternity clothes and that we were in the midst of a heatwave. I’d borrowed what can only be described as a tent from my sister and teamed it with a wide-brimmed hat. Both of which were black. My efforts to redeem this incredibly unflattering look by wrapping a green silk scarf around the hat failed miserably. Needless to say there is no photographic evidence of my epic style disaster remaining from that day. Anyway, moving on, thankfully there’s no need for either you or me to repeat any of those mistakes. Alternatives for wedding attire increase every season, in line with the variety of celebratory options. This leads me to the first step before you start thinking about what to wear, finding out what the day entails - will it be a traditional church do, registry office or maybe a Scottish treehouse? Apparently you can even get married at a theme park. Wedding photos on a rollercoaster, anybody?! The venue will be the biggest deciding factor and for me, outfit planning usually starts with the shoes, which need to be both stylish and practical. My favourite choice for feet is wedge sandals. You get the lengthening and slimming effect of high

Meg Hanlon Leading Stylist, Colour Me Beautiful www.changeyourlook.co.uk 01684 773166 Twitter: @CMBStylistMeg Facebook: Colour Me Beautiful - Meg Hanlon Change Your Look, Change Your Life

heels and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. Plus you’ll be able to stroll elegantly across the lawns without spilling your champagne as your stilettos sink into the ground. It’s also worth putting some music on at home and checking the danceability of your footwear and consider taking a second pair to change into for the evening. Onto the dress then. It’s a generally accepted rule that guests don’t wear white to weddings, unless of course the bride has specifically requested it. I’d like to add the avoidance of head-to-toe black too. Not just based on my own experience you understand, it’s more that black is so closely associated with funerals and personally I think it’s inappropriate. Besides, there are so many other fabulous colours to choose from it seems a shame to miss out, particularly on such a joyful occasion. If you’re not sure which colours suit you then try purple or teal as they’re universal and suit everyone. Or, ahem, come and have a colour analysis and then you’ll know exactly what works best for you. Enjoy shopping for your wedding outfit, I have to admit it’s one of my favourite parts of this job! There are so many fabulous possibilities to choose from and it’s worth having a look in the independent boutiques too, not just on the high street. I’d hope that the black tent dress is no longer available in the shops, not even in the maternity department. But just in case you do see anything resembling the offending item while you’re browsing the rails, please give it a wide berth.

All outfits available from Pamela Boutique, Henley-in-Arden www.pamelaboutique.co.uk

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MADE TO MEASURE Wedding ensembles at Armstrongs Lucinda Bunn

To hire or buy If you go to Armstrongs to get kitted out for your wedding, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find everything you need; from tops and tails to braces and shoes. The hiring service makes everything easy. From three-piece country tweeds to navy, grey and black tails, Armstrongs has an impressive collection. The team at Armstrongs work with you and the style of your wedding to determine the right suit for the occasion. It comes down to personal choice of course. Those opting for the works; a full kit including cravat, shirt and waistcoat with tails (top hat is optional), usually hire their ensemble. But plenty of grooms are going for three-piece tweed county suits, adding accents of colour to match the theme of the wedding. When grooms buy the more casual suits, they can wear them time and time again. www.armstrongs.co.uk

13 Sansome Walk Worcester WR1 1LU 01905 22814

ith decades of experience dressing grooms and groomsmen, Armstrongs in Worcester, has all the menswear trends, style points and hire info you need to look dapper on your big day.

Classic to contemporary For those who value quality, style and service, Armstrongs is the place. The considerable range features traditional best of British to famous continental houses. Brands are selected at Armstrongs for their longstanding commitment to modern menswear. Meyer produces beautiful suits with a slim fit range, Without Prejudice is famous for sartorial elegance and Eton Shirts, which are stylish, 100% cotton and wrinkle-free. Armstrongs has a fantastic range of ready-to-wear suits and accessories.

Micro trends Wedding menswear has always been about classic tailoring. More recently, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about vintage fashion. Double-breasted jackets have enjoyed a revival, with Ryan Gosling, David Beckham and Jamie Hince trailblazing the look. At Armstrongs, the team see young guys coming in to pair tweed jackets with jeans as often as they see the same jackets on older gentlemen in burgundy cords. Finding a suit is the perfect opportunity to reinvent your style with classic tailoring and individual flourishes. A bespoke Dormeuil suit is the perfect place to start. Build your new formal wardrobe at Armstrongs, tailor-made to make you feel suave.

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WEDDING LOOK Become a naturally beautiful bride Rose Brown

ll brides want to look their best on their big day. Rose Brown, founder of PHB Ethical Beauty at Pavilions Birmingham, takes us through her top beauty tips for brides-to-be. Discover how you can achieve fabulous and flawless skin using natural and ethical cosmetics.

Prepare Although it is said time and time again, preparation really is key. Making the right diet and beauty regime choices in the lead up to your big day will make all the difference. If you don’t already, make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturise daily and start doing so at least three months before your wedding day. PHB’s Brightening skincare range is formulated to brighten skin for an even and radiant complexion. It contains high doses of vitamins, antioxidants and the finest botanical oils too. PHB Brightening Collection from £11.80

Step up Make sure you intensify your skincare regime at least one month before your wedding day by introducing a serum and eye-gel into your routine. The PHB Brightening serum will help to plump and firm skin whilst the eye gel is fantastic for getting rid of dark circles and puffiness and is a best-selling product. Why not combine with the use of a face mask too? Apply twice a week to ensure bright, fresh and dewy skin on your big day. PHB Brightening Serum £16.95 PHB Brightening Eye Treatment £13.80

Spot on No one wants to wake up and find a face full of pimples on the morning of their wedding. If you suffer from spots and blemishes use soothing and natural skincare products and avoid any that contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. Apply a spot treatment gel directly to the problem area to kill bacteria and reduce swelling and scarring. PHB Spot Treatment Gel £16.95

Natural beauty Make sure you enhance, not mask your natural beauty. PHB Mineral Foundation gives a flawless finish whilst leaving your skin feeling au natural. There is no talc or fillers in PHB Minerals. Our cosmetics are 100% pure. Most importantly, make sure you match your skin tone correctly to your foundation, and don’t be shy to ask a beauty sales assistant or make-up artist for advice. PHB Mineral Miracles Foundation £18.95

Rose’s key make-up trend tip A key trend this season is to emphasise and enhance your eyes for a modern twist on the ‘classic bride’ look. Eyeliner takes centre stage, with bold, thick lines giving maximum impact. To create this look I use PHB Mineral Miracles Eye shadow in Chocolate or Midnight Sky. These versatile gems turn into great liquid eyeliners when mixed with water, giving you more intensity and staying power than a traditional liner. They are also delicate enough for sensitive eyes. Dip the tip of your brush into water, then mix with the powder to create a thick paste. Paint on a thick line to accentuate the eyes, with an extra flick out at the end to add a subtle hint of glamour. PHB Mineral Miracles Eye Shadow £11.95 Visit phbethicalbeauty.co.uk to discover more... www.pavilionsshopping.com

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DON’T MISS BERT & GERT’S VINTAGE CRAFT MARKETS EVERY LAST FRIDAY AND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH!

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WINE FOR A WEDDING A toast to good choices Laura Clay

asting my mind back more than 25 years, I seem to remember that organising a wedding involved a whole lot of making ‘to do’ lists, check lists and budget planning. Here’s one which may offer more appeal than, say, arranging the seating plan…the wine list.

Aperitifs Are you going to have sparkling wine or a cocktail? If sparkling wine, will it be Champagne or something easier on the overstretched budget? Any of the following would please your guests.

Sparkling wines Champagne: something as wonderful as the day itself, as memorable as the happy couple, and could range from say Dom Pérignon at £110 a bottle, to Tesco Finest Premier Cru at £19.99 and often only £15 when on offer.

Cava: Spain makes great sparkling wine in the same way as Champagne with bubbles that zing and a taste that pleases everyone. Prosecco: seemingly everyone’s favourite at the moment - light, easy, soft and fun. English sparkling wines: so many good examples to choose from and it’s becoming increasingly recognised for being top quality fizz. Anything from Ridgeview, Chapel Down or Camel Valley will not disappoint. Cocktails (perhaps think about matching your cocktail to the colour scheme you have chosen) Pimms: terribly English and it can be made to suit depending on how alcoholic or how sweet or how fruity you want it. Kir: white wine with a spoonful of Cassis or for a Kir Royale use Champagne or sparkling wine instead.

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Bucks Fizz: use any sparkling wine but make sure the orange juice is really good. Bellini: Prosecco and peach juice, particularly good if you are serving the aperitif mid-afternoon. Mint Julep: Bourbon, water, mint and sugar. Bring out your southern belle.

The wedding breakfast You need to consider the menu before selecting the wines to try and match with the dishes as well as you can, whilst also taking into account that the wine should suit everyone from your greatgrandmother to your 18-year-old cousin. You’ll probably need a white for the starter, a red with the main and a glass of bubbly for the toast. The white should be neither too sweet nor too dry. Make sure if the white is oak-aged that it does not come across as too overpowering. Mâcon-Villages and Bordeaux Blanc from France or Pinot Gris from New Zealand tick the boxes. For the red, try to find a wine which is not too heavy, too tannic nor too young (or old!). Good value easy-drinking fruity reds to consider include Chilean Cabernet and Merlots and Riojas from Spain.

How much do you need? Work on 6 glasses from a bottle of wine and 8 for the sparkling wine. Half a bottle per person is usually enough but if you can buy on sale or return, you may want to estimate for ¾ of a bottle to be on the safe side.

Where to buy? Majestic, The Wine Society (a lifetime membership to which you might also consider putting on your present list – it has just won the IWC Wine Merchant of the Year award for the 3rd time), Marks & Spencer and local merchants will offer an advisory and glass hire service and most will have a sale or return policy. Costco has a good selection of well-priced wine from around the world. You might think about a booze-cruise to Calais or The Wine Society has a shop in Montreuil-sur-Mer.

How much to spend? Obviously the amount you spend per bottle will depend on your budget and how many guests you are inviting. You can get good quality wines at reasonable prices so there is no need to go over the top. If you plan to supply your own wine, check first that the venue will allow you to do this and expect to pay corkage of between £10 and £20 per bottle.

Help and advice Ask the venue to allow you to try a few of the wines you are thinking about and ask for their advice with matching the food to the wines. For independent advice, contact a consultant such as us, at BYWine. We’ll be able to negotiate advantageous prices on your behalf. You and your partner are the most important people at your wedding so it is crucial that you like the wine. Enjoy sampling wines in the run up to the wedding and make sure you have a very large glass to hand when you tackle that seating plan. www.bywine.co.uk

EdgeMagazine

HEN PARTY IDEAS For the imaginative bride-to-be Lucinda Bunn

The wedding season can be a total nightmare, particularly at the announcement of a hen do you have to go to or worst case scenario, organise yourself. Maybe it’s the idea of organised fun that gives you the heebie jeebies, or the expense of a weekend away but probably it’s the fact that L-plates, feather boas and tiaras just aren’t your thing. Here are a few ideas that hopefully won’t cause a long, collective groan.

SUSHI SCHOOL A day making sushi and drinking sake. Sounds fun. The Woktastic Sushi School in Birmingham offers a master class for a party of up to 5. You’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast, followed by a preparation demo and then the chance to try it yourself. The preparation of sushi is a creative skill that you can try at home time and time again. Each dish is crafted like a work of art using raw ingredients and you and your friends will learn how to arrange nigiri, sashimi and maki. www.woktastic.co.uk

TIPI CAMPING Nothing quite says ‘bonding time’ like a camping trip and the outdoorsy ones amongst you will enjoy a chance to get away, explore the countryside and sleep under the stars. Tipis provide the perfect ‘party tent’ to eat your favourite food, drink champagne and celebrate. Umberslade Farm Park, in Tanworth in Arden, offers tipis to hire by the night or by the week, going up to 26ft tipis for bigger parties. They’re spacious, stylish and mystical. Wyre Forest Tipis in Bewdley is in perfect location to get your adrenaline going and get back to nature, with local hotspots and attractions less than a mile away. You might even want to go back for your honeymoon. www.umberlsade.com

www.wyreforesttipis.com

VINTAGE TEA PARTY It’s certainly a popular theme of the moment. If your guests are the type of gals who like to get glammed up 40’s style, then a vintage tea party is for you. A swipe of red lipstick, pinned victory rolls and cake do a good party make. What about hiring a jukebox so everyone can choose the music? Constance Wallace offers a selection of services and handcrafted items for the quintessentially English tea party. From China hire and vintage linen to catering and delivery, Constance Wallace does the lot. www.constancewallace.co.uk

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WEDDING OPEN DAY AT SIXWAYS Sunday 22nd September 2013 11am – 3pm

IVE CLUS N I L L A

ING D D E W KAGE PACONLY

£3000

Sixways Stadium is a memorable alternative to the traditional wedding venue and the perfect place to host one of the most exciting days of your life. Why not visit us on Sunday 22nd September to see for yourself on a tour of what could be your perfect day! Speak to our dedicated wedding co-ordinator for more information:

01905 459322 Or email EVENTS@WARRIORS.CO.UK

Find us M5 JUNCTION 6

EdgeMagazine

THE HOMEGROWN WEDDING Do your own thing Hilary Collins

e’re returning to our time-honoured traditions: dress making, home baking and so too, homegrowing wedding flowers. If you’re trying to watch your pennies, growing your own wedding flowers is economical, more eco-friendly. You may be daunted by the task and admittedly winter and spring weddings are more challenging; with a heavy reliance on seasonal foliage and a mix of shop-bought flowers and spring flowering bulbs, such as white jonquils or tulips. But a summer wedding is not as difficult. The key lies in simplicity and planning. If you are putting on the show within the next twelve months, there is insufficient growing time for you to harvest enough blooms from newly planted roses or perennials for your event. It may be that you elect to do everything; venue, bouquets, corsages and reception or keep it minimalist by decorating your marquee with large hanging globe-arrangements of flowers and table decorations and then purchase florist-made bridal bouquets.

One way forward is to grow your own annuals from seed, which will yield thousands of blooms (a single packet of Love-in-a-mist could have as many as 600 seeds and cost only a couple of pounds). Then supplement your annuals either with roses from your own garden or the beautiful David Austin Wedding collection.

The annual seed plan Colour is obviously one of the largest deciding factors and I advise flicking through a few seed catalogues to see what is available, before setting your heart on wild colour combinations. Keep things simple. Choose maybe six or so varieties and aim to grow them well. Ensure a good yield by improving your soil. Add 10 litres of organic soil conditioner and 50g of Vitax Q4 fertiliser per square metre. Sow your annuals in rows and do multiple sowings with staggered dates, so there is a good selection, when you come to harvest them for the big day. Once your plants are of a good size, mulch with bark chips to help conserve moisture and keep the weeds down. Cut your flowers regularly to encourage more to form and remove any dead heads. Water well in periods of drought and give a weekly liquid feed of Phostrogen as soon as the flower buds begin to form, to ensure continuous blooming. Finally, be vigilant for leaf-munching pests. Greenfly, slugs and earwigs can cause havoc, so treat accordingly the minute an invasion is spotted.

Varieties to choose Love-In-A-Mist: Nigella damascena ‘Moody Blues’ in a delightful range of blue shades or Nigella ‘Mulberry Rose’ producing beautiful blooms of rose, pink and white bicolour, both followed by amazing seed pods. Sow the two above in the previous autumn or spring for flowers June-August Pincushion Flower: Scabious ‘Oxford Blue’ tall stems covered in masses of stunning, mid-blue, pin cushion flowers. Sow April-May for flowers July-October. Not forgetting Sweetpeas: The heady scent of summer and a must for any summer wedding. Seek out varieties such as Sir Jimmy Shand strongly scented lilac-rippled blooms on long stems, with a vase life of 4 days or the equally fantastic ‘Queen of Hearts’, large, white, frilly flowers

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Millinery Creations by Caroline

MILLINERY BOUTIQUE NOW OPEN DROITWICH HIGH STREET

Hats and Fascinators for weddings and social events Stunning handmade headwear from a professional milliner. Visit my shop to view over 300 designs, plus exquisite handbags and jewellery to accessorise your millinery item. Or arrange a one-to-one consultation for a bespoke creation. Hire service also available.

For more details: 01905 412 162 Why not treat someone special to a gift voucher? Creations by Caroline 59a High Street, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8EP www.creationsbycaroline.co.uk

moving to palest of rose pinks with a deep pink margin. You can always add a few easy bulbs into the mix too: choose sweetly scented Allium â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Violet Beautyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (May-June) Acidanthera murielae fragrant spikes for August.

And last but by no means least... Roses: the most romantic of flowers. If you have two years to grow them in your garden the blooms will be most abundant, but if pressed for time, I strongly recommend you acquire the catalogue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wedding Rosesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by David Austin. Visit Wedding roses are bred for their long stems whilst the David Austin garden rose has a more typical shrubby habit, both are modern roses bred for that old fashioned full form and glorious fragrance. David Austin can provide ready-made bouquets and arrangements in the most gorgeous colours or you can purchase cut stems to do your own thing.

Hilary Collins BSc. (Hons)hort., M.I.Hort. Envisage...gardens by design Horticultural Consultant, Garden Writer, Designer and Grower Grafton Nursery, Grafton Flyford, Worcester WR7 4PW For advice on garden design, landscape construction and planting contact: email: hilary@envisage-gardens.co.uk www.envisage-gardens.co.uk & www.grafton-nursery.co.uk

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ESCAPE THE CHAINS The Cake Studio Lucinda Bunn

he Cake Studio at The Fold, Worcester, makes spectacular cakes for all occasions. But we’re talking weddings this month and after delving into The Cake Studio archives, it seems this bespoke bakery should be top of your list. Su Savage is the creative designer and Chris Morgan is the master baker behind The Cake Studio. Together they believe in a tailored approach so that you can create and order your dream cake. It’s no surprise that The Cake Studio has amazing ideas already on offer for showstopping wedding cakes, but when it’s such a personal day, Su works with you to add the themed flourishes to your iced centrepiece. Floral motifs are still the favoured choice for weddings and with edible and non-edible sugar flowers and models, The Cake Studio can make mementos from your wedding cake that you can keep forever. You might like to go one step further with edible favours and gifts, handmade sugar models and edible place names. The choices are endless. Sponge flavours are also a specialty

at The Cake Studio, with traditional fruit cakes, rich chocolate and elegant vanilla sponge among the most popular. The Fold is an inspirational space which was set up in 2005 to encourage sustainable living through food, crafts and complementary therapies. The Cake Studio is part of that initiative of specialist designers, artists and makers. And with that The Cake Studio uses the finest organic, Fairtrade and free-range ingredients. Every cake at The Cake Studio tastes as delicious as it looks and with the added commitment to ethical living, you can’t go wrong. The consultations are free at The Cake Studio so you can discuss your wedding concept and your cake ideas with Su before she comes up with a design. So whether you opt for an elaborate three-tiered white cake with spiralling fondant flowers or a modern monochrome cake with a personalised topper, the team at The Cake Studio will make cutting the cake the highlight of your day.

The Fold New House Farm Bransford Worcester WR6 5JB 01886 833112 www.thefold.org.uk

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THE WAGON HOUSE Wedding gifts

he Wagon House Gardens is not just about plants and shrubs, although in the shop at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, there is a colourful and wide selection of the more unusual perennials and shrubs, not always found in other garden centres. Fat Bird Crafts are a new concept in garden products, producing a fantastic range of unusual bird tables and nest boxes. These tables bring something special to the garden, they are more than just a table. Instead, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a piece of garden art, with a function. Made from pressure-treated sustainable woods and reclaimed materials, they are built to last, making them ideal for a special memorable gift, perfect as a wedding or retirement gift. All of our bird tables are handcrafted by a local artisan in Worcestershire and standing over 2m high, they bring a strong statement to any garden. The range also includes smaller tables, feeders and wall-mounted tables and nest boxes, which can be made bespoke to your own requirements. A simple message or date can also be incorporated into the design of your special piece to add a personal touch.

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EdgeMagazine

DISCOVER CRAYCOMBE

This long-established creative hub continues to draw the best local talent. Each artisan producer and maker creates bespoke designs for customers, provides specialist services and celebrates the stuff you won’t find on the high street. Welcome to Craycombe Farm, near Evesham. Lucinda Bunn

Craycombe Pianos Dawn and Neville at Craycombe Farm Antiques also offer a fine selection of grand and upright pianos with names such as Steinway and Bechstein. There are pianos and prices to suit beginners and concert pianists. Dawn and Neville also offer a full restoration service including polishing, tuning and mechanical maintenance. 01386 860555 www.craycombefarmantiques.co.uk

Craycombe Farm Antiques At Craycombe Farm Antiques and Pianos, you’ll find Victorian and Georgian furniture restored to a fine standard in Dawn and Neville’s own workshop. They also offer a full re-upholstery service. You’ll be amazed by the furniture and their stock is always changing so it’s worth going again. You might find a Victorian desk chair, an oak bureau, stools and early 20th century longcase clocks. 01386 860555

Guitar Studio Lance at the Guitar Studio offers full repairs and servicing for all makes and models. If you’ve got a new guitar, he’ll set up your instrument to improve the sound quality and playability. Guitars need upkeep and servicing; they’re complicated pieces of machinery. Lance also works with you on customised design concepts to create what you want. There are 70 top quality guitars on display at the Guitar Studio including Gibsons, Waldens and Epiphones. You can try before you buy in the studio. Lance also has a range of amps, mics, stands, cases, strings and cables. www.guitarstudio.co.uk 01386 861873

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Jessica Ley Brides At Jessica Ley Brides, the belief is that a bride deserves a truly enjoyable and memorable experience when choosing her wedding gown, along with impartial, truthful and practical advice. You can view a carefully selected range of dresses, chosen from the catalogues of some of the best contemporary designers such as Ella Rosa, Kenneth Winston, Alexia Bridals and Phoenix gowns. The spacious shop is the perfect picturesque setting for you to choose the gown of your dreams, together with matching accessories, for your special day. www.jessicaleybrides.com 01386 861044

Tracy Harper Curtain Design Tracy Harper Curtain Design was originally established as Tie Backs & Tails in 1992 in the Vale of Evesham. Having outgrown her home workroom, Tracy decided to relocate to larger premises. The aim is to provide a tailor-made service to suit your requirements from initial consultation through to fitting. All work is hand finished and you are welcome to visit Tracy’s workroom to see what she does. With a selection of fabric books, Tracy will advise you on the best choices. She specialises in bespoke painted poles too, adding the finishing touch to complement your colour scheme. Look up Tracy Harper Curtain Design on Facebook 01386 861774

The Antique Restoration Company Established in 1982 The Antique Restoration Company, an accredited member of BAFRA, has been restoring antique furniture to the highest standards for appreciative clients ever since. The team has highly skilled and dedicated apprentice-trained craftsmen, who have many years of experience that enables them to deal with the most difficult problems associated with antique and contemporary furniture. The Antique Restoration Company offers a complete package of restoration services for private, commercial and insurance work. The team specialises in restoration of all types of wood panelling, flooring and staircases. 01386 861816 www.antiquerestorationcompany.co.uk

EdgeMagazine The Fisherman’s Emporium The Fisherman’s Emporium is not just a shop; it’s also a museum and gallery. You’ll be amazed by this impassioned shrine to all things fishing. Packed full of wonderful rods and rarities, The Fisherman’s Emporium holds taxidermy wildlife, cased fish, exquisite artwork and author-signed specialist books. The range is perfect for serious collectors and those interesting in unique finds. The rods include some early examples of split cane and early fibre glass as well as big names like James and Sons, Hardys and Chapman. www.fishermansemporium.co.uk

The Combe Shed

01386 861 336

Edge Magazine is thrilled to announce a newcomer to Craycombe Farm this summer. The brand new hair boutique, The Combe Shed, is the latest venture of master colourist Graham West. The Combe Shed offers expert cuts, innovative colour and a range of botanical therapies. As an Aveda-exclusive salon, The Combe Shed is the premier location to experience the Aveda products in their entirety, with complimentary rituals to revitalise and replenish. Aveda connects beauty, the environment and wellbeing with naturally derived ingredients so at The Combe Shed, you’ll be treated to mood-changing aromas, beautiful products and cleanse, condition and salon-style perfection. 01386 860361

Lottie’s Creative Living Every piece at Lottie’s Creative Living is totally unique and made, or made over by Lottie herself. You’ll find an eclectic mix of lampshades, painted furniture, mirrors and handmade tea cosies. Lottie also stocks Annie Sloan paint. If you don’t know about Annie Sloan paint, listen up. It adheres to anything, whether it’s brass, pine or mahogany. You can create fantastic effects, demonstrated by Lottie in the shop. Lottie has more recently expanded her space, to showcase her work, for inspiration and for purchase. www.lottiescreativeliving.co.uk 01386 861896

Ali at Craycombe Carpets Craycombe Carpets Ltd has established an impressive reputation for the supply and fitting of high quality carpets, vinyls and rugs to many happy customers. The warehouse provides a large and varied selection of products from off-the-roll carpets and vinyl flooring to fine quality oriental rugs. Because Craycombe Carpets is a carpet warehouse and not a high street store, the team can offer you the best prices, knowledge and experience to ensure you choose a product tailored to your individual needs. www.craycombecarpets.co.uk 01386 861444

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MODERN LIVING

Country conservatories from Homestyle Lucinda Bunn

he summer’s spotlight always falls on conservatories and orangeries. These glass extensions bring the outside in, allowing you to make the most of your garden and redefine the realms of your modern home. Homestyle puts quality above all else in creating bespoke, traditional and contemporary designs; the possibilities really are endless. Conservatories and orangeries have come a long way; in fact, they’ve had a complete revival. They’re no longer the room at the back you neglect in the winter, nor are they stuffed with wicker furniture and the kids’ rejected toys. Homestyle conservatories and orangeries are stylish rooms for all seasons. With built-in heating systems, sound systems and a space you can decorate as you wish, Homestyle conservatories and orangeries bring your extension to life. With decades of experience, the Homestyle team begin with a consultation. They’ll head out to your home and discuss your ideas, options and a budget quote. Next up is the architectural impression, outlining the design of your extension and putting your dream to paper. Homestyle use the same team of architects and contractors for every conservatory they build, so you know you’re in trusted hands. It’s the workmanship and expertise at Homestyle that you won’t find elsewhere.

The styles of conservatory and orangery at Homestyle can be tailored to your home. Homestyle works with some of the leading manufacturers in the conservatory industry, bringing you innovative designs and cutting edge technology. Think Ultraframe, Bereco, Deceuninck and Pilkington. All the conservatories and orangeries are secured by design, under the UK authority’s initiative to ‘design out crime’. That means all the doors have anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill cylinders. If maintenance is a concern, all windows are selfcleaning and UV reflective. You can opt for timber, with a 30 year guarantee, aluminium in any colour or a PVC structure with a lifetime guarantee. A conservatory or orangery can create light and space in your home. If you want a bigger dining room to entertain, a home office or a place to unwind and take in the garden, you’ll be amazed by the possibilities. From structure and performance to design and style, Homestyle has it covered. Homestyle UK Unit 10, Blackminster Business Park Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7RE Tel: 01386 833 189 www.homestyle-group.co.uk

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EdgeMagazine

COME INSIDE THE SHOWROOM Dreams Doors grand opening

he Dream Doors showroom on The Tything celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, with the Mayor of Worcester there to cut the ribbon. Its owners, Dionne and Mark, were cooking up something special to mark the occasion too. They weren’t personally wearing the aprons though, but they held cooking demonstrations – with free food and bubbly to boot – throughout the day. Founded in the late ‘90s, Dream Doors has grown into a network of more than 40 locally-owned franchised showrooms. Dionne and Mark own the Worcester franchise, bringing the brand’s time and money-saving kitchen makeovers to the area for the very first time. While they employ their own fitting teams to handle the installations, the Battins meet customers in their showroom, or visit them at home to help them plan their kitchen refurbishment. With hundreds of door combinations to choose from, as well as worktops, sinks and state-of-the-art appliances, Dionne is confident there isn’t a home in the region that wouldn’t benefit from a makeover of some sort. ‘We can swap the doors

or the worktops in a day, or both in two. We can add new units, or sinks and taps, and we supply everything from coffee machines to carousels that give easy access to corner cupboards. The possibilities are endless – we even sell bespoke bedroom doors!’ ‘Anyone interested in a new kitchen, who doesn’t want to spend ridiculous sums and live on a building site for weeks on end, should pop into the showroom or contact us today’, adds Mark. Dream Doors managing director, Troy Tappenden, who sold the company’s first kitchen makeover in Hampshire more than 14 years ago, rates the Battin’s showroom above any other, including his own. ‘I might have to overhaul my own showroom now, as this one is absolutely stunning’, he says. ‘Every time I see a new Dream Doors showroom open it is better than the last, but the attention to detail and the efforts Dionne and Mark have put in are astounding. They will do incredibly well in this area. Kitchens in Worcester will never be the same again!’

Contact Dionne or Mark on 01905 887548, visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk or call into the showroom at 42 The Tything on your next visit to the city.

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EdgeMagazine

SWITCHING FUNDS Should you stick or twist? Tom Ware

n March, one of the fund management industry’s most recognisable names - Richard Buxton at Schroders - made a surprise move to Old Mutual. Buxton, who ran the £3.6bn Schroder UK Alpha Plus fund, among a number of other mandates, will join Ashton Bradbury and other recognisable names to shore up a major push into UK equities for the group. This is good news for Old Mutual, less so for those who held his funds at Schroders as Buxton had been a consistently strong manager. He will be replaced by the capable Philip Matthews from Jupiter, but his departure raises the perennial question of whether investors should stick or twist when a fund manager leaves. The situation is further complicated by Schroders’ subsequent announcement of a bid for Cazenove Capital Management. Cazenove has a raft of top-performing managers and investors will be keen to ensure that there is no disruption as a result of the deal. When a fund manager moves or there is other disruption at a corporate level, we usually suggest that our clients do not commit any new money to the fund, but do not immediately sell out of their existing holdings. We suggest that they wait for

news on the replacement manager. For example, Schroders is a well-capitalised group with deep pockets and was always likely to pay up for a strong replacement to Buxton. Funds do not instantly go wrong when a fund manager leaves and sometimes an incoming manager will bring some renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Often fund holdings are bought for the long-term and therefore the portfolio will retain its basic shape and performance long after a manager has left. The Schroder Income fund, for example, has had a number of changes of management, and has retained strong performance throughout. In this type of situation, investors can avoid the expense of switching. That said there are exceptions: When a fund manager leaves, there is always a danger of a ‘run’ on a fund. This can have a significant effect on performance, particularly if the fund is invested in less liquid parts of the market such as smaller companies. The fund manager has to sell holdings to meet redemptions, possible at an unfavourable price. He may be forced to sell his strongest holdings, where there is still liquidity.

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whatever life throws at you we’ve got it covered 0845 55 55 321 www.mfgsolicitors.com

164 Blackminster Welcome M&M

This was seen a number of years ago with certain property funds, where companies were forced to suspend redemptions to protect existing investors as investors rushed for the door at once. Perhaps the most extreme example was the New Star Heart of Africa fund, which was hit by redemptions as New Star encountered problems and struggled to liquidate its holdings in Africa’s poorly developed capital markets. However, this is not the case in this instance. Buxton’s UK Alpha Plus fund has lost around £250m in assets, which is negligible in a fund of this size. Schroders has speedily secured a capable replacement and, separately, has promised that the Cazenove funds will be unaffected by the takeover. For the time being, we would suggest holding firm. Churchill Investments 01934 844444 info@churchillinvestment.co.uk www.churchill.uk.net

IMPORTANT NOTICE Past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future and the value of investments can go down as well as up. You might not get back the full amount invested particularly if an encashment is made in the early years.

18/03/2013

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A warm welcome to...

M& M

PERSONAL VINTNERS Fine quality wines from around the world Mike Oldfield and his wife Maria offer a totally customer focussed service, supplying a range of high quality wines that are not part of the-runof-the-mill supermarket fare, but sourced from small independent growers.With their taste and try before you buy principle, you can choose from over 300 quality wines from around the world, along with a nice selection of award winning national and local ales & specialist Belgium beers all available to purchase by the bottle or by the case if your prefer. A delivery service is also available.

Wines start from ONLY £7.99 per bottle so why not call in and taste a fantastic range of wines and beers at their new premises on Blackminster Business Park, or for a small fee you are welcome to arrange a home visit.

ENQUIRIES - CONTACT MIKE ON

01386 244034

T: OR

07803 586604

EdgeMagazine

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED The life of Douglas J.Clark Sarah Rees

ouglas Clark is a ‘local legend’. Born into poverty, in a Worcestershire village, he progressed from mending lawnmowers as a child to developing and operating eleven motor dealerships with a turnover in excess of £60 million. He also established a property empire of considerable value. His incredible journey has been immortalised in his biography Belt and Braces, released in September. I met with him at the Clark’s Conference Centre, on the Silver Birches business park in Bromsgrove, where he told me about his rise to business fame and what’s been important in his life. Why Belt and Braces? It’s a well known British saying that comes from holding your trousers up with both a belt and braces. Double insurance against them falling down! It’s become a metaphor for having a

contingency plan. In business, I applied a belt and braces to everything I did. What inspired you to publish your life story? Customers and friends encouraged me to share my story. My success didn’t just happen. It was the result of hard work, recognising opportunities and the choices I made. Taking risks was essential but I always had a backup plan. I hope the book will inspire others to make brave decisions, to take control of their own destiny. Did you always want to work in the motor trade? When I was twenty I played in a rock band called The Suedes. We did an audition at the 2i’s Coffee Bar in Soho - where Adam Faith, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele had all started and where big agents looked for new talent. The

www.edgemagazine.org Suedes were given a contract and went off to conquer Europe. I don’t know if they did - I didn’t go with them. Music was my first love, and then business took over. Do you regret turning down a music career? No, not at all. It was my decision. That’s what’s important. I always knew I would return to music one day. In 2005 I sold a car to Pato Banton of UB40 fame and he offered me the use of his recording studio. I had played in a 60’s band called The Citizens. We reunited as The Senior Citizens and produced a CD, just for fun. I’m proud of it and play it in my car. I’ve just produced a new demo CD and will be giving it away with the first 1000 copies of the book. How important has family been to you? Crucial. Clark’s Motor Services was established with my brother Malc. We were in it together

from the start. My mother, who died aged just 43 was an inspiration; a remarkable woman. My wife, Jeanette, who put up with me for twenty nine years, gave me a wonderful daughter, Julia, born in 1970. In April 2002 my grandson Thomas was born and I have dedicated my book to him. What has been the highlight of your working life? There have been so many! Buying my first guitar in 1959; the real birth of Clark’s Motor Services in 1965, when we built our first new garage at Rednal; and winning the contract as an MG Rover car dealership in Bromsgrove, 1986, after years of negotiations. Clark’s went on to become the biggest MG Rover dealer in the world. But the main highlight? It has to be buying the ultimate boy’s toy in 2005 – a custom-built 80ft Hatteras yacht. Luxury beyond belief. I called her Mission Accomplished.

About the Book (RRP £11.99) Belt and Braces, written by well known writer Euan Rose, covers seven decades to 2010. It parallels what was happening in Doug’s life alongside national and international events. For those who know the area well, it provides a fascinating insight to the development of the regional business and property landscape. All readers will enjoy anecdotes from the life of a determined, amusing, inspirational and unique personality. Proceeds from the first 1000 books sold will be donated to the music department at Chaddesley Corbett Endowed First School. www.douglasclark.co

Book Release Events Douglas Clark will be selling signed copies of his book at the following venues: Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch – Saturday 14 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm. Webbs, Wychbold – Sunday 15 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm.

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2013 Christmas atThe Grill on Broad St. Celebrate in style this Christmas in our chic grill restaurantwhere you can watch our chefs create your festive meal in our open theatre kitchen. Available every evening from 6pm from 22nd November 2013, pre booking required. £29.95 per person Including a glass of prosecco on arrival and Christmas novelties

Sunday Lunch with Santa! Enjoy a festive 3 course Sunday lunch for all the family this Christmas with a special appearance from Santa Claus. £17.95 per adult £9.95 per child 8th, 15th, and 22nd December 12.30pm-4pm Advance booking necessary. Save 20% When pre-ordering wine before 31st August and 10% when pre-ordering before 31st October

Christmas Party nights Be entertained and dance the night away with our resident DJ at our festive Christmas Party nights.

Revel and Relax! Why not take advantage of our special party night accommodation rates 25% discount available

Available every Friday and Saturday from 22nd November 2013 to 11th January 2014. £24.95 per person

Don’t forget to book our New Years Eve package too!!

EXCEPTIONAL EVERYDAY CITY HOTELS

To provisionally book contact 0121 606 9000 or email birmingham_christmas@jurysinns.com

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THE LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM Refurbished and ready for action

his September the £188.8mn Library of Birmingham opens to the public. Located in Birmingham’s Centenary Square, the library is expected to attract millions of visitors a year, and will hold a four month Discovery Season of events, displays and activities to mark its opening. Designed by Dutch architects, Mecanoo, the iconic Library of Birmingham will transform the city’s library service, and become a major cultural destination, housing Birmingham’s world-class collections of archives, photography and rare books. With outstanding resources and access to expert help, the library will be a centre of excellence for literacy, research, study, skills development, health information, creative expression and entrepreneurship. The ten-level library is physically connected to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, sharing

a spacious entrance, foyer and flexible studio theatre seating 300 people. An outdoor amphitheatre in Centenary Square will provide a performance space for music, drama, poetry reading and storytelling. There are two outdoor garden terraces, children’s spaces and a panoramic viewing gallery at the summit, where visitors will be able to enjoy stunning views from one of the highest points in the city. Supported by Arts Council England and curated by Capsule, the Library of Birmingham Discovery Season runs until the end of December. Bringing the library’s stunning new spaces to life, it takes its inspiration from the library’s internationally important archives and special collections, with events, performances, photography, workshops, music and dance for every age and interest.

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A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;golden boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of secure archive storage occupies two levels of the building and will contain the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internationally important archives. Whilst the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s precious collections are kept safe in this protective environment, many of the most important artefacts will be made accessible to the public for the first time online. Above the golden box, visitors can explore the Shakespeare Memorial Room, an original feature from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victorian library. The library will provide access to information for everyone, in the building, online and in community libraries. Described by its architect Francine Houben as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s palaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the Library of Birmingham will provide a world class resource for people from all walks of life. www.libraryofbirmingham.com

EdgeMagazine

AN INDEPENDENT CHOICE Making the right academic decision Tracy Cook

cting Head of Press at the Independent Schools Council, Tracy Cook, discusses the best reasons to consider independent schools.

Why choose an independent school? Independent schools are at the forefront of educational achievement in every way. They are the most academically successful schools; they offer great facilities, excellent teaching and an astonishing breadth of extracurricular activities. There are over 1,200 independent schools with more than 500,000 pupils in the UK, which means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good choice of our schools in your area.

And choice is what independent schools really offer. There are schools to suit every requirement, whether you want a day school or a boarding school, single sex or co-education. Choice Some of our schools are selective and highly academic, offering a chance to stretch the bright child. Others have very strong drama or music departments full of creative opportunities in plays, orchestras and choirs. For children with special needs such as dyslexia or autism, there are many outstanding independent schools that offer the best provision in the country.

www.edgemagazine.org Sport And of course, our schools have very strong track records of high achievement in sport, offering great facilities, excellent coaches and a full fixture list. Independent schools excel at the traditional sports like football and rugby, but also offer more unusual sports like rowing, fencing and even rock climbing. So it is no surprise to learn that at last year’s Olympics, 45 out of the 114 medal-winning athletes in Team GB attended an independent school and independent school athletes won 24 out of the 65 Team GB medals. Extra-curricular opportunity

Hallfield School Edgbaston

A World Class Education An independent co-educational day school from 3 months - 11 years

There is also a wealth of extra-curricular opportunity available. Whether your child is into debating, sailing, the Model United Nations or they’re interested in army training in the Combined Cadet Force, most schools offer numerous clubs and activities. It all adds up to an exciting, broad and stimulating all-round education. Academic results But results are important too and independent schools have a lot to shout about. More than half of ISC pupils (51.39%) achieve A* or A grades at A-level (compared with a national average of 26.6%), and six out of ten (60.0%) GCSE and IGCSE entries achieve A* or A grades (compared with a national GCSE average of 22.4%). Our schools are also very strong at traditional subjects, like the three sciences and modern foreign languages, essential when it comes to applying and winning places at the best universities. How do independent schools achieve this? Our schools are free from government interference, which means they do not have to follow the National Curriculum and can organise themselves to best meet the needs of their pupils. They can spend more money on staff and smaller class sizes and they tend to have very good discipline. Your child is much more likely to be taught by someone with a good degree in the subject they are teaching than would be the case in other schools. ln demand Despite the recession, independent schools remain popular. A recent survey showed that nearly six out of ten people would send their child to an independent school if they could afford to. The average fee for a day pupil per term is £4,051, the average fee for a boarder per term is £9,204. But increasingly schools are able to help out with fee assistance. Last year over a third of pupils at independent schools received some form of fee assistance with ISC schools providing more than £620 million annually. If you think you might be eligible for fee assistance, contact the Bursar at the school you are interested in applying to. Independent schools are recognised by the OECD as being among the best academic schools in the world. Why not visit one and see for yourself?

Open Morning Saturday 19th October from 10.00 10.00— —12.00

0121 454 1496

www.hallfieldschool.co.uk admissions@hallfieldschool.co.uk

www.isc.co.uk

EdgeMagazine

50:50

Dividing your assets through divorce

any people believe that matrimonial assets are simply divided 50:50 in a divorce. However, it is a mistake to assume that this is always the case and there are several factors to consider when dividing a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assets. Following the landmark decision in White v White (2000), there can be no distinction between a breadwinner and a homemaker when a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assets are divided on divorce. The starting point is 50:50. There are however a number of reasons when a strict 50:50 division does not have to operate. Children The first consideration of the court is the welfare of any child of the family under the age of 18. If one spouse has the responsibility of caring for the children, their needs will be considered first, and their capital needs may be greater as they will require a larger property in order to house the children. However, the overriding objective is a 'fair outcome' and the court will not leave the parent without care destitute in order to maintain any children of the family. Short marriages A 50:50 division is unlikely to operate in cases of short marriages (normally less than five years in duration) particularly if one spouse brought substantially more assets to the marriage. Pre-marriage cohabitation will however be added to the length of the marriage and a distinction will have to be drawn between short marriages with children and short marriages without. Non-matrimonial property Non-matrimonial assets are those acquired pre-marriage, or post-separation or have been acquired during the marriage but not from the joint endeavours of the parties. Examples of non-matrimonial property would include a party owning an asset before the marriage and that asset had never become mingled with the family finances, or an inheritance or gift which had remained in the sole hands of the recipient. In such circumstances, the party with the financial advantage would seek to retain more than 50 per cent of the assets However, for non-matrimonial property, the length of the marriage may be of relevance. In the case of a short marriage, there may be a good reason for departing from equality. With a longer marriage, the

Anila Naeem, Family Solicitor at Thomas Horton LLP. contribution made by one party of bringing in the non-matrimonial property may diminish but this may depend on the case, the nature of the property and the circumstances. Pre-nuptial agreements A pre-nuptial agreement is not currently binding in English law. However, the decision of the Supreme Court in Radmacher v Granatino (2010) has meant that parties to a pre-nuptial agreement can expect to be held to its terms if the Court considers it to be 'fair'. Pre-nuptial agreements are extremely useful in identifying what assets are brought into a marriage and, as a result, reducing the argument as to what is, or is not, matrimonial property and the value of that contribution. Judges have a wide discretion to reach what they deem a fair outcome and whilst an equal division may be a reasonable starting point in some cases, there are relatively few where an exactly equal division is the end result. During the month of August 2013, we are offering a free initial appointment at any of our offices in Bromsgrove, Worcester and Barnt Green on Wednesday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm. To make an appointment, please contact Anila Naeem on 01527 839416 or send her an email: an@ thomashorton.co.uk.

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An individual approach to education

St George’s School

Edgbaston

Give your child the very best start in life with an education at St George’s School, Edgbaston. A fully co-educational independent day school and nursery, offering a caring and friendly community for children from 4 months of age to18 years.

Small classes with a creative and constructive learning ethos Outstanding support for children with dyslexia Speech therapy available within the school

St George’s presents a powerful force in education

t George’s School, Edgbaston, is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after schools in the region for parents choosing an independent education for their children. Sir Bob Dowling, Headmaster since spring 2010, retired at the end of the summer term, in July. Sir Bob has successfully established an important spirit of kinship amongst the school’s students and staff. He has created an environment where each individual feels supported and safe to develop at their own pace, to achieve their potential. Success rates in public examinations have never been higher. Sir Bob has been appointed Vice Chairman of the School Board of Trustees. Working closely with Professor Karl George MBE (Chairman), they will act as important custodians of the great legacy of this school.

11+ tuition Extensive extra-curricular and enrichment activities Wide choice of GCSE and A-level subjects Excellent exam results

“You’re not just a number... you’re someone at St George’s.” Dominic, Lower Sixth

A powerful force in education, they will uphold the moral values of St George’s and ensure it remains an environment where all children feel secure, where they will learn matters of importance beyond the formal curriculum. Sir Bob’s main focus as a trustee will be working with the new Headmaster and staff, to ensure the needs of students remain at the heart of the mission and journey of the school. The recently appointed new Headmaster, Mr Gary Neal, promises to take the school to the next level of its strategic development as a centre of educational and social excellence. With Gary’s passion for ensuring all students achieve their potential, he is ideally suited to address the demands and expectations of the new curriculum, the abandonment of coursework alongside an increased emphasis on extended end of year examinations.

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 5th October 10.00 am - 12 noon

Tel: 0121 625 0398 31, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RX Email: admissions@sgse.co.uk

www.sgse.co.uk

St George’s is a thriving co-educational school situated on the Calthorpe Estate, in Edgbaston. It offers continuity of education from its nursery facility at four months of age through the junior and senior schools and on to the sixth form. For more details please call 0121 625 0398.

EdgeMagazine

OLD SWINFORD HOSPITAL A place to be stretched and succeed Brian Tallis

he start of the first academic term will see the completion of the refurbishment of Prospect House, Old Swinford Hospital’s dedicated boarding house for all Year 7 pupils. The traditional brick building has been sympathetically extended, reconfigured and refurbished throughout and will complement the existing mix of fine historical buildings and state of the art teaching, sporting and boarding facilities at the school. Prospect House is often the first boarding experience for pupils and with the additional levels of care and attention the school provides, Prospect House assists with the transition from home to boarding life. Founded in 1667, Old Swinford Hospital is a state maintained boarding school in Stourbridge for boys from 11-18. Almost two-thirds of the school’s 660 pupils are either full or weekly boarders, but day places (out boarders) are also available in Year 7 and Year 9. Both girls and boys are admitted as day students in the Sixth Form. The school’s reputation is based on high academic standards and a traditional ethos. Boarding at Old Swinford Hospital offers a practical and affordable solution to busy parents having to juggle the demands of family and work commitments, and their child’s educational needs. At just £3,575 per term, it also offers excellent value for money, as parents pay for accommodation and after-school care, whilst the education is funded by the local authority. With no long journeys to and from school each day, it is easy for pupils to join in with anything that happens after school. So whether it is sports practice, orchestra rehearsal, drama or art club, pupils are on site in the evenings to take part. For full-time boarders, the weekends are a time to join their friends in the many organised activities such as narrow boat expeditions, quad biking, paintballing and climbing. The benefits for weekly boarders are that weekends are free from homework and a time to enjoy with their families. Old Swinford Hospital - a place to have fun, work hard, be stretched and succeed.

www.oshsch.com Heath Lane Stourbridge West Midlands DY8 1QX 01384 817300

Old Swinford Hospital AN OUTSTANDING BOARDING SCHOOL EDUCATION

OPEN MORNINGS Sat 14th Sept & Sat 5th Oct Sat 9th Nov & Sat 16th Nov (6th Form) 9-11.30am

COME ON BOARD EVENING Thurs 10th October 5.30-8pm

6th FORM CHOICES EVENING Tues 26th November 5-8pm

t Academic excellence t Boarding fees just £3,575 per term t Strong pastoral care system t A stunning array of extra-curricular and weekend activities Registration forms for 2014 Year 7 Out Boarder places must be submitted by 18th September 2013

01384 817325

admissions@oshsch.com Heath Lane, Stourbridge, DY8 1QX

www.oshsch.com

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ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Entrance exam date finalised Jane Horton

ing’s High School has moved its entrance exam for September 2014 candidates to 28 September 2013 and will be accepting registrations until 10 September 2013. ‘The September exam is a pilot programme and aligns our entrance exam with the 11+ timetable’, said Mrs Elizabeth Surber, Headmistress. ‘Our results are to be issued by mid-October in response to parental wishes to have the peace of mind of an offer from our school earlier in their daughter’s Year 6’. Mrs Surber continued, ‘We have also improved our entrance procedures with an individual meeting for every entrant with the Headmistress and for a school tour’. Parents should contact the school to make these arrangements in advance of the September exam.

Girls can apply for Subject Scholarships in Music, Art and Design, Drama and PE. All girls who sit the entrance exam are entered for one of the school’s Overall Academic Scholarships and also the Subject Scholarships in English and Maths. Scholarship applications are due by 4 September 2013. Registrations are being taken for a Taster Mornings on 12 October 2013. Families are welcome to visit King’s High School to discover more about its outstanding opportunities on the 9 November Open Morning. More information is available on their website or by calling the school. www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Open our door to your daughter’s future LANDOR BORN 1775

WELCOME

BACK!

Key Events: Scholarship Application for 2014 Entry Deadline: 4 September Entrance Examination Registration for 2014 Entry Deadline: 10 September Taster Morning: 12 October For girls in Years 5 and 6 (Registration required)

Open Morning: 9 November For parents and pupils of all ages

For further information, please contact: The Registrar t: 01926 494485 e: registrar@kingshighwarwick.co.uk

www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Independent Day School for Girls 11 – 18 years

King’s High School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with Warwick Preparatory School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18

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HALLFIELD SCHOOL It just gets better and better Tania Outwin-Flinders

year on from taking over as Headmaster of Hallfield School Edgbaston, Roger OutwinFlinders confirms that he has enjoyed an amazing first year with outstanding successes. Hallfield School has celebrated a record of 30 scholarships at 11+, being national finalists at soccer and chess, and being crowned national U11’s chess champions. To top it off, Hallfield School will enjoy a record number of pupils inducting in September 2013. Hallfield has often been seen as three schools – Hallfieldfirst, (Nursery) Pre-Prep, (2+ to 7+) and Upper School, (7+ to 11+) but Roger’s ‘one school’ approach has given a sense of collegiality and belonging to everyone. One of the most memorable events of last year was having the whole school – 545pupils and 100+ staff- impeccably honouring ‘The Last Post’ on Remembrance Day. This year, grandparents will also be invited to attend the event. In February, the school was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and Hallfieldfirst (Nursery) was noted as ‘outstanding’. Clare Kimberley, Nursery Manager and the staff, work extremely hard to offer a happy, safe and secure setting for the youngest children on our site. This is evident the moment that you step through the door. The staff takes every opportunity to work with the children outside in their fabulous garden and also around the impressive and extensive Hallfield grounds. Transition (2+) to Year 2 (7+) classes are full for September 2013. Despite being in a recession, ‘parents are making huge sacrifices to give their children a Hallfield education and the best start in

life’ says Roger. This ‘makes me feel very humble’, he added. It is the excellent academic results, a broad curriculum and the impressive ‘wrap around care’ service offered at Hallfield that enables parents to make the commitment to this wonderful school. Roger was amazed with the incredible 11+ results last year with 29 scholarships and a 67% pass rate to LEA Selective Grammar Schools. However, incredibly, those results have been surpassed this year with 30 scholarships being awarded to 18 children at 11+ and 70% of the 50 Year 6 children being offered places to the Selective Grammar Schools. The weekly newsletter Hallfield Highlights and the glossy magazine – Hallfield Focus, which comes out each term, has been a wonderful medium for communicating the many and varied good news stories to busy parents. Word of mouth is a key marketing tool and for the school to open with 565 pupils on roll in September 2013 - over 30 pupils more than last September - the school is obviously hitting the right notes with discerning parents. Should you wish to visit the school, the next Open Morning is on Saturday 19th October 2013, from 10am-12pm with the Headmaster’s address at 10.15am, followed by tours of the School and the opportunity to meet the staff. Alternatively, you are welcome to make an appointment with Alison Gilmartin, Admissions Manager, to visit the school and see it in action. You can be assured of a very warm welcome, and the Headmaster will look forward to meeting you. www.hallfieldschool.co.uk

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GAUDET LUCE GOLF CLUB The Hadzor Course Alec Fernihough

et within the 120 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside that make up Gaudet Luce golf complex, the Hadzor course is a golfing delight. A nine-hole course of par three holes, the Hadzor is not designed for those who want to smack the ball three hundred yards, the driving range next door is for that. Instead, the Hadzor is a short course, ideal for golfers of all abilities. If you are a keen golfer looking to improve your short game, the Hadzor place is the ideal location to change a practice session into a great game of golf, with greens built to USGA standards as well as great bunkers and water hazards.

G A U D E T

On the other hand, if you are just a casual golfer or new to the game, the Hadzor provides fun for all ages. An all day ticket lets you play as much as you like and with a round only taking about an hour, you will have plenty of time to stop for lunch as well. So for a great golf experience this summer, come along and play the best par 3 course in Worcestershire.

www.gaudet-luce.co.uk

L U C E

GOLF AND LEISURE COMPLEX

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FUELLING MINDS Keeping kids’ brains active this summer Hannah Griffiths

hilst the summer holidays are a great time for your child to relax, play and have fun, studies have suggested that the time away from education can have a detrimental effect on a child’s brain. So this summer we’ve discovered some handy tips to help keep your child’s brain active whilst having fun. At home If the typical British weather forces you to take shelter indoors this summer, why not use the time to help your child learn? Pick a topic they love, whether it’s animals or transport, and explore as much as possible through library books, the internet, or fun DIY and craft ideas, allowing them to exercise their minds and imagination. If you get a chance to enjoy some sunshine and get out, then check out local museums and zoos as a fun day out letting your child be the tour guide taking you around attractions and filling you in on all the facts they know about different animals or objects. At the library Lots of local libraries have fun activities taking place over the summer holidays, so make sure you check out council websites for the most up to date information.

The Hive in Worcester will be hosting the Summer Reading Challenge until the 28th September, whilst the newly refurbished Library of Birmingham opens its doors with a variety of events, displays and activities as part of the four-month Discovery Season. In the kitchen Cooking together is not only fun but it also incorporates skills learnt in maths and science. Take the time to teach your child how to weigh and measure ingredients for some delicious cupcakes or whip up egg whites and see how they increase in volume to make meringue; a fun activity that also results in homemade tasty treats. Put pen to paper Writing is a great way to keep your child’s mind active. Whether it’s a letter to a pen pal from your summer holiday or an email to Grandma, writing is not only enjoyable but it also helps build English skills. Start small with little notes and once the reply arrives it should encourage your child to write more. www.thehiveworcester.org

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KEHS

Open morning

KING EDWARD VI

HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Saturday 28th September 2013

9.45 – 12 noon

Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2UB Telephone 0121 472 1834

www.kehs.org.uk

R EG

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IA SCHOLA

People

KING’S HAWFORD (2 to 11)

King’s is a thriving co-educational independent

Independent co-education for ages 2 to 18

KING’S ST. ALBAN’S (4 to 11)

KING’S WORCESTER (11 to 18)

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

day school that offers an outstanding educational Saturday 28 September King’s St Alban’s – Open Morning experience. Children join the King’s Foundation at a number of different stages. Kindergarten and Reception are common starting points at King’s Hawford; Reception, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 at King’s St. Alban’s, and 11+, 13+ or 16+ at King’s senior school.

Saturday 12 October Saturday 19 October Saturday 9 November Saturday 23 November Saturday 7 December Saturday 7 December

Confidence in a changing world

Senior School – General Open Morning King’s Hawford – Open Morning Sixth Form – Open Morning (16+) Senior School – Taster Morning for 11+ Senior School – Taster Morning (11+ & 16+) King’s St Alban’s – Taster Morning

Tel: 01905 354906 Tel: 01905 721742 Tel: 01905 451292 Tel: 01905 721742 Tel: 01905 721742 Tel: 01905 721742 Tel: 01905 354906

www.ksw.org.uk

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INDEPENDENT GIRLS Sending your daughter to a single-sex school

odderhill Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exam results speak for themselves about the benefits of an all-girls education. The Droitwich Spa based school is among the top of the leader boards in Worcestershire, yet some parents still worry that their daughters need to be mixing with boys at school to deal with gender difference in society. Dodderhill School has been an independent girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school for over 45 years and many of its girls have gone on to lead successful lives and have had no problems mixing with the opposite sex because of their education. An all-girls school gives your daughter the chance to have equal opportunities and be judged on her own merits. At Dodderhill, each girl is treated as an individual, allowing her to reach her full potential in whatever field she chooses.

Cate Mawston, Headmistress of Dodderhill School, says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Girls will perform better being taught away from boys because women think and operate differently. Knowing this means our lesson styles are designed so that the girls get the most from them and are stimulated. Girls tend to be more conscientious and settle quickly in to work. By not having boys in the classroom environment, they can focus on their work, rather than feeling embarrassed on what the opposite sex thinksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. To learn more about how your daughter can benefit from an all-girls education from age 8 -16 visit www.dodderhill.co.uk or call 01905 790623.

Without the presence of boys in the classroom many girls go on to excel at subjects such as maths and science, which are traditionally male dominated. In addition, sport plays a huge role as part of girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education, with many playing sport competitively, alongside the curriculum, enhancing their school life.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Tomorrow I will be even better than today.â&#x20AC;?

A St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Girl Leads the Way

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What could your daughter achieve tomorrow? Visit www.dodderhill.co.uk or call 01905 778290.

Developing in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young girls the curiosity, confidence and creativity they need to make their mark in tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world.

EXAM ENTRANCE

uary Thursday 31st Jan

Scholarships, bursaries & FREE places together with FREE transport and after-school care*

PEN DAY OP Thursday 17th January

*Terms & conditions apply

Inspiring academic and creative success

Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 0BE.

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4 to 18

Open Morning 28th September 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12.30pm Call 01905 357 786 or visit www.stmarys.org.uk

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Senior School Open Day Thursday 26th September 4:30 pm- 7:00pm Preparatory School Open Day Saturday 28th September 9:30am - 12:00 pm

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PICKING UP THE PIECES A doorway for young people Lucinda Bunn

t’s a sad truth that young people make up such a high proportion of the homeless people in Britain. It’s something that needs action. The single biggest cause for homelessness in the under-25s is a relationship breakdown between friends and family. It’s not easy for young people to live independently, with their own home and a job, facing rising rent payments and high unemployment rates. But for those without a family home or support network, the mountain becomes impossible to climb. And that’s where Doorway comes in. Doorway is a small, independent charity working in Warwickshire and enabling homeless, young people aged 16-25 to secure and maintain appropriate accommodation through crisis intervention, support and tenancy sustainment. If children are already in a vulnerable and disadvantaged position, they are far more likely to face difficulties later on. Many are not in education or employment and it’s fair to say that the longer a young person stays without a home, the deeper they fall into a destructive cycle that’s hard to break. Preventing homelessness is an important part of the service. Doorway works in wards which are some of the most deprived in Warwickshire and within the top 10% in the country. Sometimes when young people are living alone for the first time, they’re frightened and overwhelmed by the responsibility of having a tenancy. In these circumstances, the Doorway team finds out whether it’s possible to remain in the family home. Doorway offers a Pre-tenancy Workshop to help prepare young people for living alone; learning about budgeting, bills and tenancy agreements. The initial assessment allows the Housing Needs Advisor with Doorway to put into action the best plan for each individual. Young people will explore the underlying causes of their situation with their support worker and they can return for as many appointments as they need for reassurance and help gain confidence after the initial drop-in session. Doorway uses a ‘simple solution’ focused approach which guides young people through small, realistic and achievable steps. For anyone living alone for the first time with a host of new responsibilities, support is crucial, whether it’s emotional or practical. Doorway’s Young Person Support Service gives that support. At the moment, Doorway is seeking funding for a ‘crash pad’, providing emergency accommodation for a couple of nights at a time.

Ken Loach

Ken Loach has been a Doorway patron since the beginning. Ken has dedicated his life and works to supporting the vulnerable, particularly young people. Ken has directed films specifically about young people in poverty and those dealing with homelessness. He recently wrote to the Doorway team: ‘Congratulations to Doorway on getting the lottery grant. Well done! What is so sad is that everyone knows the problems will just get greater because of the failing economic system and people doing good work, as you do, are left to pick up the pieces. In the long term we have to ask bigger questions about how we organise things.’ – Ken Loach The good news is that this small, very hard-working charity has an 80+% success rate for their young people who go on to lead stable, independent lives. Having a home is so much more than having a roof over your head. Doorway gives young people a home, a doorway to a future.

25/27 Dugdale Street Nuneaton Warwickshire CV11 5QJ 02476 345583 www.doorway.org.uk

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Stunning Fires & Stoves

...Trusted to deliver choice, service and value Volunteer fundraiser Kirstian Frost from Binton, Stratford-upon-Avon who recently raised ÂŁ2034 by hosting a pop-up dinner for 22 guests assisted by four of Doorwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young people including Adrian (right of Kirstian)

HOW YOU CAN HELP Donate. Find out more about how you can donate on the Doorway website Volunteer. Doorway is always looking for volunteers to provide support and supervision Give what you can. You can make donations of clothing, food and household items

734-738 Kingsbury Road, Erdington, B24 9PN 0121 382 4047 .PO 4BU r 4VO

Police Community Support Officers Adam Merriman and Ross Samra with Doorway Support Workers Adam Beales and Rachel Williams

Doorway CEO Carol Gallagher (centre) with Mayor of Nuneaton & Bedworth Bob Copland (left) and Mayor of North Warwickshire Cllr Dominic Ferro (right) plus Nikki, Chelsea, Amy, Adrian and Lauren just a few of the 77 young people receiving Doorwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support

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FOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Tapas at Byzantium Byzantium Tapas restaurant in Kings Heath doesn’t just do the classic Spanish tapas, but takes inspiration from across the Mediterranean, with Moroccan, Greek and southern Italian flavours featuring on their hugely popular evening tapas menu. For lunch, they’ve taken popular flavours, and included them in salads, pasta dishes, flatbread sandwiches and soup. And tapas favourites like hummus, zaalouk and patatas bravas. A small frontage on York Road, just off Kings Heath high street, belies a long and comfortable space inside. In the spirit of testing things out, you can try courgette, pepper and couscous salad with pimento dressing, a serrano ham and manchego cheese flatbread and pasta with prawns, garlic and chilli. www.byzantiumtapas.co.uk

Caribbean soul food Transport your taste buds to sunnier climes and enjoy the famous flavours from the white sand beaches and clear blue seas of the Caribbean at the Mount Pleasant Hotel. The Mount Pleasant’s head chef’s Caribbean routes offer strong expertise in serving up a delicate and delicious mix of exotic spices, marinades alongside coconut and rice dishes. Why not try the Caribbean Roti? A large white flour and split-pea wrap with a choice of three fillings. So whether you fancy the meat filling with the curried chicken or the fish filling with curried seafood or the vegetarian option of the curried vegetables, there’s plenty of choice to whisk you away to paradise. www.mountpleasanthotel.co.uk

A bite of China Take a trip to Henry Wong and you’re met with the contemporary style of Chinese cuisine. The à la carte Cantonese menu and delicious selection of signature dishes, each hand-crafted by the executive chef, Ricky Wu, displays Chinese cuisine at its finest. Whether you choose to sample the styling of the set menu or opt for your own dish, Henry Wong’s has it all. From a delicious dim sum platter for two to the exquisite aromatic duck, honey pepper chicken or the sizzling king prawn in satay sauce, the craftsmanship of each dish will have you heading back in no time. www.henrywongharborne.co.uk

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Global wine connoisseurs Wine connoisseurs and beer buffs will be delighted to know that M&M Vintners, the specialist wine and beer merchants, offer wine tasting tutorials in your home. With fine wines, ports, liqueurs and ales that aren’t available in the supermarkets, gracing the shelves of the M&M Vintners’ shop, the team provide an all-encompassing wine service. The wine experts at M&M Vintners believe that we should broaden our horizons when it comes to wine. The next day delivery service also offers a chance for wine lovers and beer enthusiasts to send gifts too. With selections sourced globally from small vineyards, M&M Vintners guarantees the finest quality and the freshest flavours. www.mikeoldfieldwines.co.uk

Island delights For an authentic taste of the tropics you need travel no further than the Wildmoor Oak pub and restaurant, near Bromsgrove. Award-winning chef and owner, Lorenzo Richards, will delight you will his Caribbean cuisine. Sample Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, or the popular Curried Goat. Choose West Indian Chicken served with rice and peas, or slow cooked Jerk Chicken or Pork. Vegetarians can enjoy Lorenzo’s Tobago Medley. Even the children’s menu features some Caribbean classics for younger diners to try. If you already love a taste of the Caribbean, or have yet to sample the food, why not book for Lorenzo’s Caribbean Night, held at the Wildmoor Oak on the last Thursday of every month? www.wildmooroak.com

A taste of India If your appetite can’t resist the hand-selected and internationally influenced dishes of India then treat yourself to an evening at the Indian treasure trove that is Pushkar. With an award-winning head chef at the helm, Pushkar reinvents the traditional culinary dishes for the experimental diner. Infused with exotic and eclectic spices, the menu at Pushkar delivers the finest Indian creations. A vision of technical prowess, each dish is ornate and delicious. The menu gives you traditional Indian cuisine with contemporary twists. www.pushkardining.com

Continental cuisine Situated on the Droitwich canal, The Gardeners Arms offers a taste of the continent with starters such as the crab bisque with a parmesan crisp and fig carpaccio, date purée and toasted brioche. Proprietors Simon and Edith have spent a lot of time in Greece and there are obvious influences in the menu with Cretan pizza and moussaka . And to give you a taste of the dessert menu too, you can dig in to the famous trio of desserts; Irish cream profiteroles with toffee sauce, compote of berries on a roulade shortbread and a classic tarte au citron. Beautiful continental cuisine, fine cask ales and a great beer garden make The Gardeners Arms a great getaway this summer. Incidentally, The Gardeners Arms has just been awarded CAMRA’s Seasonal Pub of the Year. www.gardeners-arms.com

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THE FITTLE ON THE GREEN By Ryan Edge Tom Carroll

t just 33, Ryan Edge has worked with some of the world’s most recognisable chefs. Now, he is stepping into the limelight with his first restaurant, the newly renamed, Fittle on the Green, near Stourbridge.

Having left his role as Executive Chef of the iconic Marco Pierre White restaurant at The Cube in Birmingham, the classically trained chef has begun work to renovate a disused pub and bring fine dining back to the area where he grew up. The Fittle on the Green, which was formerly known as The Woodman Inn in Kingswinford, was a shell when Ryan and his team purchased the property earlier this year and they have set about generously refurbishing the whole building, using local materials, skills and experience to craft a venue that will fit into the community in which it sits. ‘The whole region is tremendously foodie and I am very lucky to have grown up around here. It’s taught me so much. Within a 30 minutes drive, you can be dining in the Michelin star restaurants of Ludlow or Birmingham or enjoying real home cooked food in a Black Country pub. We have great local suppliers and industries and I want to be able to make the most of them and showcase the fabulous people who we have here whilst bringing tasty, local food back to the community’. In addition to renovating the pub and restaurant, the team have added a selection of guest bedrooms, all overlooking the soon to be refurbished bowling green and outdoor terrace area which had fallen into disrepair since the building closed a few years before. ‘I’m recycling as much of the old pub as I can. I’ve also trawled through local salvage yards and shops to get as much original furniture as possible. Pubs were always at the centre of the community and a lot of places have moved away from having that local feel. That’s what I am trying to restore here at the Fittle on the Green. We’ve got a great designer renovating all of the furniture with a modern twist. We’ve put a lot of consideration into everything we have done and we’re sure that people will appreciate the effort that everyone has put in’. That’s not all for Ryan though as he has already set his sights on his next site too with investors and hoteliers already showing interest in his style and creative yet homely idea. Ryan explains, ‘The interest that has been shown already is fantastic and I can’t wait to be able to announce a couple of other projects very soon. It’s an exciting and busy time but I am relishing the opening of the Fittle at the end of September’. The Fittle on the Green can be followed on Twitter @fittlegreen and also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fittleonthegreen www.fittleonthegreen.co.uk

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THE STAG AT OFFCHURCH The taste of summer Lucie Abu-Zalaf

eafy countryside rolls away on all sides from the historic, awardwinning pub, The Stag at Offchurch. I think it’s always a good sign when you go out to eat and you can’t rest on a decision. The summer menu at The Stag is full of flavour, a traditional menu with Mediterranean twists, French inspiration and local provenance. I opted for the lightly curried Brixham crab mayonnaise on toast, fennel and apple salad, which was divine. My dining partner, ever predictable, went for the bubble and squeak, poached duck egg, hollandaise and pancetta crisp from the specials menu, which he was happy to declare, was executed to perfection.

The 16th century thatched pub may look like the quintessential English pub on the outside but the modern interiors breathe fresh air into the Warwickshire countryside. Diners can eat in the glass dining room or take their summer dishes outside in the beautiful garden. It’s also a great outdoor space for weekend lunches, as The Stag welcomes walkers and dogs too. Moving on to the big question: caramelised onion, feta, fig and walnut tart or corn fed chicken breast stuffed with preserved lemon and tarragon mousse wrapped in Oxsprings ham? I went with the chicken in

the end. It was absolutely delicious; light, delicate and infused with the tarragon and lemon. My partner ordered a 28 dayaged Aubrey Allen rump steak with all of the trimmings. It was, by all accounts, beautifully tender, tasty and from a seasoned steak eater, that’s high praise. Now, I am not always a pudding fan and I’d often rather have two starters given the choice. But having seen the dessert menu at The Stag, I knew I had to indulge. Top of the list was the white chocolate mousse, lemon confit with vanilla doughnuts. I was sold, although I nearly traded for the peach tarte Tatin. We finished our meal with filter coffee and were impressed with the friendly and informative service at The Stag; a restaurant that loves fresh, local produce, good food and good company. We’re thrilled that the team behind The Stag at Offchurch will be giving the Lygon Arms, Feckenham, a makeover this summer. The newly named pub, The Forest at Feckenham, is set to open its doors in September and you’ll find updates for the big launch on our website. www.edgemagazine.org

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The Stag at Offchurch Welsh Road Offchurch Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV33 9AQ Tel: 01926 425801 www.thestagatoffchurch.com

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THE LOCAL KITCHEN Everything that's cooking in the three counties The Gardeners Arms awarded Best Local Pub 2013 Local village pub, The Gardeners Arms, has been awarded the Best Local Pub for Food and Drink at this year’s Droitwich Food and Drinks Festival, to go along with their other 9 awards. The Festival, which took place for the first time this year, exhibited over 60 stalls in a bid to promote local food and drinks producers. Boasting an impressive real ale bar and a widely anticipated sausage competition, the event attracted huge crowds despite the unseasonable weather. Situated on the Droitwich canal, The Gardeners Arms offers a taste of the country with a combination of local produce and fine cask real ales proving themselves as worthy winners of the Best Local Pub for Food and Drink Award. Following the success of this year’s festival, organisers are planning to make the food and drink festival an annual event as part of the Droitwich Spa Summer Festival. In the meantime The Gardeners Arms are hosting all types of food and drinks in-house theme events. To receive weekly updates from the food, drink and entertainment club, email Pubs@gardeners-arms.com www.gardeners-arms.com

Real Food, real cooking, real fun! At Beckett’s Farm, the team love real food and getting people back into real cooking. Whatever your age, Beckett’s have something for you from individuals who don’t know where to start in the kitchen to budding chefs who want to improve their culinary skills. Beckett’s Farm also offers a great range of team building events and private cookery parties for those who fancy a get together with a difference. A wide range of adult cookery classes are programmed, designed to cover all abilities. There are 6 workstations within the main kitchen which are fully equipped with fridges, gas hobs and utensils, so everything is provided for you during your course. The courses may be purchased as a single workstation, providing the chef with their own working area and ingredients or shared workstations are available where two people share the ingredients and the cooking challenges. www.beckettsfarm.co.uk

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Birmingham’s curry lovers raise money The city’s curry lovers have raised £500 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. The newly opened Punjabi Rasoi restaurant held a charity auction at their launch event and has carried on with fundraising efforts to raise money for the leading children’s charity. Acorns provides a network of care for life limited and life threatened children and young people and their families across the heart of England. Punjabi Rasoi will continue to raise money for Acorns with events planned throughout the year. Raman Bal, proprietor of Punjabi Rasoi says, ‘After opening our restaurant earlier on the in the year, we made a very important decision and decided to choose Acorns Hospice as our nominated charity for the year. Acorns is a local charity with a national profile, so we are delighted that our fantastic customers have already raised

so much. We look forward to continuing the partnership for the rest of the year’. www.thepunjabirasoi.co.uk

New business is full of beans Monsoon Estates, Stratford-upon-Avon’s local coffee roaster, had their official opening party at their new roastery in a converted 18th century barn in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside on the Alscot Estate. Local MP Nadhim Zahawi officially opened the roastery. An enthusiastic crowd of regular customers and friends listened to Nadhim talk about small businesses and the importance of passion for what you are doing over business plans, something Anne and Chris have in bucket loads. Anne said, ‘Nadhim has been really supportive of our business since we first met at Stratford market a couple of years ago. He even took coffee to David Cameron at number 10 for us, so we were delighted that he was able to come to officially declare our new premises open’. www.monsoonroasters.co.uk

New additions at Hogan’s Cider At Hogan’s Cider, the team believes that delicious cider and perry are born out of the combination of great raw ingredients and a traditional production process. Hogan’s Cider is fermented from 100% fresh pressed English cider apples from the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Using traditional methods to make the cider Hogan’s is always looking for new ways for customers to enjoy the products. Recent additions to the Hogan’s family include three varieties of traditional, still, cloudy cider, a delicious traditional Vintage Perry and a seasonal Mulled Cider. Visit the website to keep up-to-date with the latest Hogan’s Cider news and find your nearest stockist or buy online. www.hoganscider.co.uk

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THE FOREST AT FECKENHAM Village inn is revamped and renamed

n awardwinning Warwickshire based gastropub group has expanded its portfolio into Worcestershire by acquiring the freehold of The Lygon Arms in Feckenham near Droitwich.

we know the recipe for an award-winning gastro pub Our new pub The Forest (formerly known as The Lygon Arms) in the delightful village of Feckenham is going to have all the ingredients that have made our other two Warwickshire gastro pubs such a success. That means fantastic food prepared with dedication and passion, a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere and service that’s unobtrusively friendly and super-efficient. The Stag and The Moorings have together won multiple awards with a team managed by two protégés of Raymond Blanc. The team will be bringing the same gastronomic magic to Feckenham, so be sure to book as soon as you can.

Opens Sept 2013 Call: 01527 894 422 email: info@theforestatfeckenham.com Visit: 1 Droitwich Road, Feckenham, Redditch, Worcestershire B96 6JE www.theforestatfeckenham.com

The transformation is well underway and the new establishment, The Forest, is set to open its doors at the end of August. The name change reflects the significant historical connections to the village which date back to roman times and the middle ages, when Feckenham was the administration centre of the Royal Forest. Charles Harris, operations director of CD Pub Co says, ‘We’ve been looking for the right venue to complement our other two pubs for over a year now and the opportunity to introduce our hallmark Anglo-French cuisine to Feckenham and Worcestershire was just too good to miss. We are investing in a full scale stylish refurbishment of the pub, both inside and out, and the essence of the interior design will be to bring out its connections to the historical heritage of the Royal Forest, but with a contemporary twist.’ Behind the bar there’ll be a wide range of local beers and cask ales available to complement an eclectic range of spirits and wines from around the world, offered by the bottle, or by the glass. CD Pub Co also runs award-winning pubs, The Stag at Offchurch, which features in the Michelin Great Pubs Guide, and The Moorings at Myton, near Leamington Spa. For further information please call 01564 784322, visit www.theforestatfeckenham.co.uk or email charlesharris@cdpubs.co.uk

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THE BIG FEASTIVAL Alex James talks food, music and independent festivals Lucinda Bunn

lex James, Brit-pop bassist with Blur, famed cheesemaker and all-round family guy is hosting The Big Feastival this year at his farm in the Cotswolds. Along with everyone’s favourite chef, Jamie Oliver, he’s bringing some of the biggest names in food and music for a jam-packed weekend of fun from 31st August to 1st September. The Big Feastival. Tell us about it. It’s really about food, music and families. Jamie has 4 kids and I have 5, so we really wanted to make it a family event. Jamie brings the food, I bring the music. We’ve got some of the best chefs in the country coming to show us their skills on the cookery stage. We’ve got big screens, street food and great live music. We’ve also got Cotswold Farm Park coming so it’s going to be fun.

How do you hope to inspire healthier eating habits with an event like this? Well I always find that the simpler stuff is healthier. I think it’s important to prepare food yourself and I think that’s the key to eating healthily. The Big Feastival is a celebration of good food. Knowledge is power and we hope to spread the word on simple, healthy eating. There are independent festivals that haven’t been able to compete with the big sponsored weekenders this year, so why should we support festivals like The Big Feastival? There are a lot of festivals now. When we first started Blur, there were only two really, just Reading and Glastonbury. Now there are upwards of 200. I think the problem is that so many of these festivals are meaningless. The point of festivals has always been to have a

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message; it’s always been the coming together of people to stand for something. We really want The Big Feastival to be brilliant and to bring people together for food and music. Claire and I bought the farm after our honeymoon. It was a bit of a wreck and it has taken years of getting up early and putting the work in. It’s a labour of love and 15,000 smiling faces at The Big Feastival are what it’s all about. When you were touring with Blur in your twenties, were you dreaming of artisan cheese? Funnily enough I was, yeah. People used to throw cheese me at me when Blur was playing and would present it to me in hotel lobbies. It was sort of the one-word thing you used to describe me. Damon liked hairspray and I liked cheese (he laughs). Cheese is incredibly tasty stuff. When we were on the road, I just found it fascinating to find obscure cheeses around the world. I recently watched your debut film A Slice of Life. What was the process like? It was good to make a film, well, it’s a music video really. I like to try things from different

sides of the fence. So in that case, I got to be on the other side of the camera too, coming up with the concept. And it’s the same with The Big Feastival. It’s my farm and I suppose you could say I’m the poacher turned gamekeeper. Which performers are you looking forward to seeing at The Big Feastival this year? There’s so many. My kids are crazy about Rizzle Kicks. I think Lianne La Havas will be fantastic. I’m particularly excited to see Ashley PalmerWatts. He’s the former Head Chef of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck and now heads up Heston’s other Michelin starred restaurant, Dinner. Jamie Oliver and Alex James present The Big Feastival, a feel good festival of food and music for all the family on 31st August – 1st September. For more info and tickets, visit www.thebigfeastival.com

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POP OF CULTURE Lucinda Bunn

Apples and Snakes Apples and Snakes is a leading organisation for performance poetry, producing exciting and innovative participation and performance work in spoken word. There are events up and down the country nurturing emerging talent, championing marginalised voices and showcasing creative individuals. Get back into poetry or discover something new with events from Apples and Snakes. Coming up this September is Hit the Ode at The Victoria in Birmingham, bringing the most exciting poets from the region, the country and the world together. Hit the Ode: Thursday 19 September, 7.30pm www.applesandsnakes.co.uk www.thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk

Read all about it This September the Worcestershire riverside town of Bewdley plays host to an exciting and eclectic programme of speakers from the world of books. The Bewdley Book Week will see a host of famous authors descend upon the town sharing the stories over seven days. This year’s Book Week is strong on showbiz biographies. There’s Sheila Steafel whose long career on television (The Frost Report, Not Only But Also, Dr Who) and her marriage to Harry H Corbett provide the material for her autobiography and Paul Rees, former editor of Q and Kerrang!, who has written the authorised biography of music legend Robert Plant. In a similar vein, Deke Leonard will discuss his book about ‘guitarists that rocked the world’. A full programme of talks caters for all reading tastes. Genres represented include: Black Country romantic family saga, psychological horror, the paranormal, poetry and historical fact and fiction. The details of all the speakers and their talks can be found at www.bewdleybookweek.org.uk

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John Constable, Dedham from near Gun Hill, Langham

SKETCHING THE LANDSCAPE Turner and Constable at Compton Verney Lucinda Bunn

n our next adventure into the treasure troves of the Heart of England Galleries group, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at Compton Verney, Warwickshire. There is no better setting to explore the landscapes of Britain through the eyes of some of our most honoured artists. Compton Verney is premiering a major exhibition including approximately 60 works by Turner, Constable and their contemporaries. The works from the Tate collection provide a unique exploration of how the art of oil sketching in the landscape, rather than in the studio, became fashionable in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In fact, artists at the time would denounce works that were finished in the studio. The exhibition, Turner and Constable: Sketching from Nature at Compton Verney,

celebrates the contemporary fashion for oil sketching en plein air and bringing the public into the forefront of the British landscape. Curated by Emeritus Professor Michael Rosenthal from the University of Warwick, Anne Lyles, a leading authority on the art of Constable and Dr Steven Parissien Director of Compton Verney, the exhibition is a wonderful showcase representing themes of nature, closer view, water, shapes and rural nature; themes that run through the gallery this summer. Re-Viewing the Landscape provides a contemporary response to the Constable and Turner exhibition. Bringing together works by six diverse artists, curator Penelope Sexton has highlighted different creative processes, media and celebrations of spontaneity evoked

www.edgemagazine.org in the preparation for a final piece, leading the viewer through the journeys these artists have made in their individual work. Turner Prize 2011 nominee George Shaw is primarily known for his naturalist Humbrol landscape paintings of his childhood in Coventry. But here, Compton Verney displays, for the first time, his sketch series. Sarah Woodfine discovers the mystical elements of the natural world with her 3D pencil drawings. Recipe for the Kiss of Shame is inspired by Tatton Park Mansion’s botanical collection, using motifs for their symbolic meaning. Paul Ryan was commissioned by Compton Verney to create a sketchbook collection featuring sketches of Compton Verney itself. His new work, Tableau Vivant: Draws, is a living picture, where Ryan’s sketchbooks take on the attributes of a physical space and role of the performer. In this way, his work is the antithesis to Turner and Constable’s.

Turner and Constable: Sketching from Nature, Works from the Tate collection Until 22 September 2013 Re-Viewing the Landscape: A Contemporary Response Until Sunday 22 September 2013 Empty Nest by Hilary Jack Until Sunday 15 December 2013 Compton Verney Warwickshire CV35 9HZ 01926 645500

Sarah Woodfine, Recipe for kiss of shame, (toad detail).

For the rest of the year, Compton Verney is also exhibiting an interesting piece in the grounds which is open to the public. Hilary Jack’s Empty Nest construction is inspired by the way rooks build their nests. In the woods, a giant bird’s nest has been created by Hilary and her team, allowing visitors to find a hidden, secret place which refers to themes of abandonment, migration and the families who once inhabited Compton Verney. Jack has used natural materials from

the Compton Verney grounds as the base of her piece, adding waste products as symbol for repurposing and recycling; much like the way rooks stuff their nests with plastic and debris. Hilary says, ‘Nests are surely one of the marvels of animal life: fashioned without tools and made with great efficiency, enterprise, skill and economy of scale’. The nest provides a bird’s eye view of Compton Verney, a landscape you’ll be inspired to capture yourself.

Julian Julian Opie, Summer, 2012

John Constable, The Grove, Hampstead

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GET CRAFTY At Evesham Country Park

ollowing the huge success of their Spring Fair, Evesham Country Park is once again hosting a fantastic Craft & Gift Fair. Located just 5 minutes drive from Evesham town centre, the fair will take place on the 28th and 29th September from 10am – 5pm. With over 70 stalls exhibiting at the fair, it’s sure to be bigger and even better than ever before. With an array of wares on offer from jewellery and jigsaws to hand bags and knits, woodcraft and paintings to bunting and cards, soaps and ceramics to fashions and food, there’ll be stalls to suit all interests and ages. Be inspired to get crafty, pick up some tips and even produce your own handmade creations as you browse the stalls. Many individuals are turning their much loved hobbies into a business and showcasing their wares across the country at these types of events. Combining skills and passion to create bespoke products adds a new dimension to what’s on offer along the high street. As well as discovering the craft fair, you can enjoy a great day out in the countryside setting which hosts an extensive garden centre, farm shop, courtyard of shops, restaurants and miniature railway. The craft fair will be held in a large marquee located on the showground, behind the train station with admission to the fair priced £1 per person whilst under 16’s are free. For more information and to download a voucher for free entry, visit the Evesham Country Park website. www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON part in a traditional school lesson with our school ma’am. Watch the entertaining magic lantern show as well as lace making demonstrations. What: Bon Jovi UK

www.avoncroft.org.uk

Where: The Swan Theatre When: 10th August 2013 Bon Jovi UK are back, bigger and better than before, with a full throttle, anthem-blasting Bon Jovi show. It’s all here; the look, the sound, the hits, the energy, the party atmosphere, and, most importantly, the warmth with the audiences. The band has worked very hard to capture what the audiences want and give it to them, only performing the major hits. www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Enter the world of stories, rhythm and rhyme this summer at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery as it plays host to an exhibition of the books of beloved author and 2013 Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson. ‘A Squash and a Squeeze – Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson’ brings the author’s captivating stories to life. www.bmag.org.uk

What: WMSP Fun Days Where: West Midlands Safari Park When: 17th and 18th August 2013 This is the perfect opportunity to treat your family or employees to a fun day out - with a difference! This ‘elephantastic’ day includes entrance into the 4 mile self-drive Safari, full use of park and attractions, VIP Wristbands for the Amusement Area Rides, Meet & Greet with Animal Characters, a private animal encounter, access to Tree Tops Pavilion and a BBQ Lunch Menu served between 12 noon and 2pm.   www.wmsp.co.uk

What: Victorian Fair Where: Avoncroft Museum

Where: Forge Mill Needle Museum When: 21st-22nd August 2013 Come and meet a whole host of scarecrow characters. Have a go at building one yourself, and enter our competition to be judged by the Mayor of Redditch. Throughout the day you can enjoy Scarecrows on display, children’s activities, face painting, pony rides, scarecrow dancers, music, and more. www.forgemill.org.uk

What: A Squash and a Squeeze Where: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery When: Until 3rd November 2013

Why not head on over to Birmingham Hippodrome this August to enjoy extraordinary free outdoor performances throughout the Bank Holiday weekend? Two days of outstanding live events are taking place in areas surrounding the Hippodrome including, astonishing stunts, dance, aerial performers, acrobatics and much more.

What: Scarecrow Making

Get a feel for Victorian life and experience how the Victorians really lived. Meet our Victorian characters and enjoy living history demonstrations. Immerse yourself in Victorian life by taking

When: 24th-25th August 2013

www.birminghamhippodrome.co.uk

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Where: Birmingham Hippodrome

What: Summer in Southside

What: Battle Proms Concert Where: Ragley Hall When: 31st August 2013 The Battle Proms at Ragley takes place in the picturesque setting overlooking the lake, providing a dramatic backdrop and making for breath-taking effects during the pyrotechnic displays. Relax with your hampers and champers, win a prize at the traditional fairground stalls,visit the Napoleonic re-enactors at their encampment and get in the party spirit as warm-up act The Rockabellas take to the stage www.ragley.co.uk

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Where: Hanbury Hall When: 5th September 2013 Matthew Barley, one of the finest cellists of his generation, brings a concert celebrating Benjamin Britten to Hanbury Hall as part of his ‘Around Britten’ tour. Taking place this September, gates open at 7pm and tickets are priced at £20.

What:: People Where: The REP When: 3rd-21st September 2013 Following a sell-out run at the National Theatre, Alan Bennett’s acclaimed new comedy People begins its UK tour in Birmingham. People spoil things; there are so many of them and the last thing one wants is them traipsing through one’s house. But with the park a jungle and a bath on the billiard table, what is Dorothy to do? www.birmingham-rep. co.uk

What: Lucy PorterNorthern Soul Where: Artrix When: 19th September 2013 Lucy Porter returns to the UK tour circuit with her best show yet. Does geography shape our destiny? Born in Croydon to a Northern Irish dad and a Midlander (who met in Africa), Lucy never felt that she belonged down South. She tried moving to Manchester, marrying a Welshman and travelling the world, but she’s still- like the littlest hobo-seeking her spiritual home. www.artrix.co.uk

What: Potato Shindig

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Where: Hatton Country World

Where: Warwick Arts Centre When: 30th August-5th September 2013 Steve Coogan reprises his much-loved character, Alan Partridge in this film about a “siege at a radio station”. In a career that’s had its fair share of ups and downs (including killing a guest on live TV), Norfolk’s most famous local radio broadcaster tries to salvage his public career but things take a potentially violent turn at North Norfolk Digital Radio. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

When: 17th September 2013 Help the children learn where their food comes from by harvesting potatoes from our Potato Patch as part of their visit to the Adventure Farm and then take them home to cook. Dates dependent on crop so please call 01926 843411 to check before you visit. One bag of potatoes per paying child/child member per day. www.hattonworld.co.uk

What: Tangomotion Where: Artrix When: 21st September 2013

What: An evening with Frank Bruno

From virtuoso displays of traditional Tango dance in stunning costume to the exquisite tango songs of 1930’s Buenos Aires and the powerful Nuevo Tango music of Astor Piazzolla, Tangomotion is a breathtaking journey into the heart of Tango Argentino.

Where: Sixways Stadium

www.artrix.co.uk

What: Matthew Barley Cello Concert-‘Around Britten’

What: Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa

When: 6th September 2013 Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Frank Brunoone of the country’s most cherished and loved sporting stars- will be appearing at Sixways this September. The home of the Warriors will be hosting this special sporting dinner which will also include an auction and photo opportunities with Frank. Tickets are priced at just £49 per person. www.warriors.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON classic show trucks in the UK, including manufacturers Volvo, Scania and Daf. www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

What: An Evening of Folk Music Where: Avoncroft Museum When: 6th September 2013 Head on over to Avoncroft this September and enjoy an Evening of folk music. Bask in a night of music, dance and theatre, featuring BarkerBarlett as a main act. Tickets cost £15.00 call 07930 557 493 to book or e-mail: tob@nailtown. co.uk www.avoncroft.org

What: Nicola Benedetti Where: Symphony Hall When: 17th September 2013 Nicola Benedetti, one of the world’s most sought-after violinists, makes a welcome return to Symphony Hall this autumn.Winner of the Classic BRIT Award for Best Female Artist in 2012, Nicola Benedetti is right at the top of the classical music world and regularly captivates audiences and critics alike with her musicality and poise. www.thsh.co.uk

What: Retro Truck Show Where: Heritage Motor Centre When: 15th September 2013 2013 sees the third year of this fantastic show of modern classic trucks manufactured between 1960 and 2000 arranged by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. This year’s show will have an expected display of over 350 of the best modern

What's on at The Heart of England Galleries The Barber Institute of Fine Arts – Function IV 6th September-24th November 2013 Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - George Catlin: American Indian Portraits until 13th October 2013 Compton Verney - ReViewing the Landscape: A Contemporary Response until 22nd September Herbert Art Gallery Quentin Blake: As Large as Life until 3rd November Ikon Gallery - Gillian Wearing: A Real Birmingham Family until 8th September 2013 mac - Family Textiles until 29th October RBSA - Mark Fennell RBSA until 21st September Shire Hall Gallery - RPS International Print 156 until 8th September The Public - People’s Palaces until 29th September Wolverhampton Art Gallery - Stuart Layton: You’ll never work in this town again until 14th September The New Art Gallery Walsall - The Hecklers until 22nd September

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Home of the Famous Droitwich Sausage Real Ales Vines Lane Wood Fired Oven Droitwich WR9 8LU Food Theme Menu 01905 772 936 Party Hire email: pubs@gardeners-arms.com

www.gardeners-arms.com

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The School Yard

Plot to plate

Bringing together city life and village living

Artist Kate Farley draws on her inspiration

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery presents….

Setting the Scene

Metropolis: Reflections on the modern city

Hamlet at the RSC

Marriage

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Make a statement this summer

The Nature of the Beast

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Caught in the Crossfire

50 years young

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summer treats - an all-new menu and alfresco dining...

Whatever the weather you can always rely on our two great Warwickshire gastropubs - The Stag and The Moorings - to serve up a warm welcome. With summer well and truly here, it’s time to expose yourself to an all-new summer menu, an array of real ales and fine wines and take advantage of alfresco dining. With attentive service, from staff who are happy to help, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your visit.

book for Christmas With Christmas bookings already being taken it’s not as early as you think to book your Christmas party for work, family or friends. So call today to avoid disappointment.

lively contemporary two-storey canalside pub at Myton Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3NY. Tel: 01926 425043 www.themoorings.co.uk Publican Finalist 2011 Eagle Star Award winner 2011 Les Routiers Finalist 2012

Food Pub Of The Year 2012

Eagle Star Awards

intimate classic country pub at Welsh Road, Offchurch, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 9AQ. Tel: 01926 425801 www.thestagatoffchurch.com National Food Pub of the Year Les Routiers Newcomer of the Year 2011 Publican Finalist 2011 Les Routiers Finalist 2012