Edge Magazine February 2016 (Volume 41)

Edge Magazine February 2016

(Volume 41) FREE EDITION

Warwickshire, Worcestershire, West Midlands and North Cotswolds

Food & Drink | Culture | Business | Fashion | Lifestyle

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ƚ >ŽǁĞ͛Ɛ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ŵĂŬĞ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĂƩĞŵƉƚ ƚŽ ŵŝŶŝŵŝƐĞ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ ƚŽ ĚĞĂů ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ŐŽ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĞdžƚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ŐƵŝĚŝŶŐ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚ LJŽƵ ŝŶ ŐƵĂƌĚŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ ŽŌĞŶ ďĞLJŽŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐĂůů ŽĨ ĚƵƚLJ ĂŶĚ ŝĨ LJŽƵƌ ĚŝƐƉƵƚĞ ĐĂŶŶŽƚ ďĞ ĂǀŽŝĚĞĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ͕ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ĞŶĚĞĂǀŽƵƌ ƚŽ ƌĞƐŽůǀĞ ƚŚĞŵ ƋƵŝĐŬůLJ ĂŶĚ ĞĸĐŝĞŶƚůLJ ĂŶĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ ŽĨ &Žƌ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌƚLJ ǁŝƚŚ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ ƚŚĞLJ ĐŽŶŇŝĐƚ͘ tĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞƐŽůǀŝŶŐ ĂƌĞ ŐĞŶƵŝŶĞůLJ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶĞĚ ŚŽǁ ƚŚĞLJ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĐĂŶ ŽŌĞŶ ďĞ ĐŽŵƉůĞdž͖ ǁŝůů ƉĂLJ ƚŚĞ ďŝůůƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ŝĨ ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞ Ă ĨĂŵŝůLJ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ Ă ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƌƚLJ ŵŽǀĞƐ ŽƵƚ ĂŶĚ ƐƚŽƉƐ ĨĂƌŵ͕ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ƟĞĚ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƉĂLJŵĞŶƚƐ͘ ^ŽŵĞƟŵĞƐ ŝƚ ƵƉ ĨŽƌ ƐŽŵĞƟŵĞ͕ ŝŶŚĞƌŝƚĞĚ ǁĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌLJ ĨŽƌ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŵ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŝƚ ŝƐ ŽŌĞŶ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ǁĂLJ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ͘ tĞ ǁŝůů ƚŽ ďĞ ƉƵƚ ŝŶ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ͕ Ăƚ ĂĚǀŝƐĞ LJŽƵ ŽĨ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƌLJ ůĞĂƐƚ͖ Ă ͞ŚŽůĚŝŶŐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ͟ ŝƐ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƚŐŽŝŶŐƐ LJŽƵ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ͕ ďƵƚ LJŽƵ ǁŝůů ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚĞ ƵůƟŵĂƚĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŽ ŚŽǁ LJŽƵ ǁŝƐŚ ƚŽ ĂƌĞ ŵĞƚ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ƵŶƟů ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƉƌŽĐĞĞĚ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ LJŽƵ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƌĞƐŽůǀĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ƟŵĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞƌĞĂŌĞƌ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ƚĞƌŵ ͘DĂŶLJ ƉĂƌƟĞƐ ǁŽƌƌLJ ĂďŽƵƚ ǁŚĂƚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚ LJŽƵ ŝŶ ƌĞƐŽůǀŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĚŝƐƉƵƚĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ǁŝůů ŚĂƉƉĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŚŽƵƐĞ͕ ĐĂŶ ƚŚĞLJ ƐƚĂLJ ĚŝƐĐƌĞƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐĞŶƐŝƟǀŝƚLJ͘ ƚŚĞƌĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͕ ǁŝůů ƚŚĞLJ ďĞ ĨŽƌĐĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞůů Žƌ ǁŝůů ƚŚĞLJ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů tĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ǁŝƚŚ LJŽƵ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƐƚĞƉ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂƌĞ ŽůĚĞƌ͘ ǁĂLJ͘ &Žƌ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ dƌĂĐLJ >ŽǁĞ Ăƚ >ŽǁĞ͛Ɛ ^ŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌƐ͘ WĞŶƐŝŽŶƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ĚŝǀŽƌĐĞ ĐĂŶ ĂůƐŽ ďĞ Ă ŵŝŶĞĮĞůĚ͘ dŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ ŚĂƐ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ ƉŽǁĞƌƐ

Lucie Abu-Zalaf Editor-in-Chief

I

Editor’s Note

often think that similar to January, February is one of those months with not a lot going on. Apart from Valentine’s Day of course. The weather is still cold and damp with dark evenings and I often think it always seems that the last throes of winter are the worst; but that just could be because it’s almost spring time and I’ve well and truly had enough of it!

painting, how he began and where he gets his inspiration from and Gail shares with us some top tips from the inside on how to choose your wedding photographer.

So, while everything is still rather dreary, we’ve done our best to find out all of the good things that are going on this month, should you fancy getting out and about, if not we have brought you some interesting reads for when you just don’t fancy it.

As well as Valentine’s Day, this year we have Pancake Day- or should I say Shrove Tuesday on February 9th, Chinese New Year celebrations on February 8th and of course 2016 is a leap year too so not only do we have an extra day, it’s also traditionally when the ladies can get down on one knee, rather than the other way around.

We also have some great nutritional advice for growing kids from Mel Taffs, Dr Louise Newton discusses how important it is to keep an eye on your body. With love in the air Laura Clay discusses the best of the sparkling pinks around, Karl Strawbridge brings us the low down on the first flowers of spring, Hatton and Harding talk interiors at Soho Farmhouse, the coolest destination around at the moment, Tom Ware talks tax planning and Mike Stafford reviews ‘Grandpa’s Great Escape’ by David Walliams.

We’ve also been out and about sampling some of the fine food establishments that our area has to offer, this month we headed to the Wood Norton, near Evesham and the St Andrew’s Town Hotel in Droitwich; both are places where you can enjoy a lovely meal and also stay over if you fancy having a drink and making a night of it.

Charlie gives us some tips on how to keep your skin looking and feeling its best after taking a battering all winter and make sure you check out our new column from Claire at pHd Hair, she will be joining us monthly to share her organic hair and beauty knowledge. Gail spoke with our ‘Artist in Residence’ Bob Barker about his love of

I got behind the wheel of the brand new Audi A4, absolutely jam packed with technology to make your life easier perfect.

All in all, another busy month here at Edge Magazine. Many thanks for reading from all of us here, have a great February, I look forward to seeing you again next month.

Please do get in contact with any feedback, or anything that you think you would like to see us cover in future editions, drop me a line…lucie@edgemagazine.org

Lucie x February 2016

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Contents Bob Barker – Interview

10

PRODUCTION

Living in the heart of the City

14

A Very Special Journey

16

Editorial

Picture Perfect 18 Proposing to your Man

20

Love in Royal Leamington Spa

22

Soho House Style

24

Tom Cook Carpets

26

The art of decluttering

28

Detox your skin

30

Organic Intelligence

31

Alex Dudley - Editorial Assistant

Moisturiser Management

32

Alex@edgemagazine.org

New Year, New You?

34

NCS – The Challenge

35

Chinese New Year

36

Sans Oriental Restaurant

38

Lucie Abu-Zalaf - Editor in Chief @LucieLincolnLew lucie@edgemagazine.org Tel:07714 490 943 Gail Braznell - Content Editor gail@edgemagazine.org

Sales Michael Abu-Zalaf - Sales Director @ZalafAbu michael@edgemagazine.org Tel:07809 702 992

Mother’s Day 40 Last Throes of Winter

42

The Forest at Feckenham

45

Starting a vegetable Garden

46

The Wood Norton

48

Charlie O’Neill - West Midlands Sales @EdgeMag_Charlie charlie@edgemagazine.org Tel: 07834 538 284

Olive Oil 50

Steve Picker - Worcestershire Sales @EdgeMag_Steve steve@edgemagazine.org Tel:07515 493 703

Rosé Fizz 58

Pancake Day 52 The Life and Soul

54

The Local Kitchen

56

Delectable Dining 60 Healthy Eating 62 Be clear on Cancer

65

Autism West Midlands

66

Hallfield School 68

CONTRIBUTORS Laura Clay Tom Ware Mel Taffs David Hatton Bernard Bale Mike Stafford Alex Dudley Adrian Barrows Karl Strawbridge Dr Louise R. Newson

WRITE TO US MLP Publishing Ltd 3 Warwick Court Saxon Business Park Stoke Prior Bromsgrove B60 4AD

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www.edgemagazine.org

info@edgemagazine.org

Grandpas Great Escape

69

Brummy Boys are Back

71

The Ultimate Giveaway

73

Loan Trusts 74 New Audi A4

76

Battle of the Proms 2016

78

Mothers Day Gift Guide

79

What’s on this February

80

Shakespeare Lives On

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I n s p i r e d m e n u a n d a w a r m a t m o s p h e r e.

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Bob Barker To The Mill And Back Gail Braznell

B

ob Barker has been painting since he received a set of oil paints at the age of 12 as a Christmas gift.

He was immediately captivated by what could be achieved with a brush, paint and a few small squares of hardboard.

This was the start of a life long obsession, involvement and love of art.

parent with help from my grandma, who was a proper old fashioned stand for nothing Yorkshire woman. So those two women pepper my memories constantly.

As a Yorkshire man born and bred, nostalgia spurs him to paint by looking back to childhood memories with adult eyes. Memories of the mill his mother worked at as a weaver form a big influence in the images he paints now, as does the industrial footprint left in the Yorkshire mill towns. Bob has always maintained that where most people see soot-blackened stone and polluted skies, he sees colour. Bob views Yorkshire in the subtle blended hues of his paint box, and through his art, he invites the viewer to do the same.

Being the youngest of four boys my two older brothers artistic efforts always looked better than mine. David who was one up from me signed his work DB so I nicked his drawings of Snaglepuss and Yogi Bear and altered the DB to RB and passed it off as mine, thus, being accepted into the art club. To this day he reminds me that this appropriation of his work played a large part in me becoming an artist, (wishful thinking on his part).

Bob Barker's artwork is powerful and intriguing and for this reason I've been proud to hear his amazing and moving stories. His painting style is unique, mysterious and provokes strong feelings of nostalgia and select memories, creating a vast variety of powerful works.

Can you tell me where it all began for you?

I come from a proper working class family, my mum was a weaver who looked after eight looms, my grandma who lived with us was the char lady, serving tea from a big urn every break and lunch at the mill where my mum worked. Once my mother realised this painting lark wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a fad or phase I was going through, she allowed me to join the local art club in the Yorkshire town of Farsley, they wanted to see what I had been up to (painting wise) and asked me to take some pieces in for review.

Do you have any childhood memories?

Oh there are so many, I had a really good childhood, poor but good.

My mum brought up four boys as a single 10

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So growing up there were four boys in your family, did any of them share your artistic talents?

A day in your shoes....

To get up each day and love going to work is a wonderful thing; this is what being an artist is to me. I spend hours lost in my work; time just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to exist when immersed in painting. Although I do like my cups of tea and somehow always seem to have one to hand. This could have something to do with the tea and biscuit fairy or more likely, Sue, my long suffering wife.

She always puts up with my unorganised way of working, with no set regime. I tend to paint when the mood takes me, I do paint or sketch just about everyday, sometimes all day, sometimes in short intense bursts, sometimes at night or very early hours of the morning.

You work from home then?

Not any more, I did for many years but I now have a small studio in my local village, Eccleshill. There are about four shops and a pub at either end, 20 seconds and you have driven through it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, it's a lovely community.

Would you give new artists any advice?

Be bold, be brave, with your work but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too precious about it, your work is like children, you create, nurture and then send it off to have its own life elsewhere.

for many years. He showed galleries, publishing companies and anybody who was interested CD's of my work. He was with me when I was approached by Washington Green Fine Art Publishers and practically pushed me to a meeting.

He encouraged me to let them publish my work and I haven't looked back.

Do you think you have a role in society?

He was diagnosed with cancer shortly after and died before my first limited edition print on canvas was I would like to think so. I suppose it's the in the galleries, this was "Goodnight people who buy my paintings for a myriad Yes funny enough, this is where I found Sweetheart". He suggested the content, an of reasons who define my role within their the inspiration for "The New Sketches" old red telephone box, sadly he never saw lives, ergo society. collection. the piece or my success. So to this day it What has been your most innovative has a very special place in my heart.

Every now and then my wife and I visit experience; is that experience the local pub for a quick half.

Describe a real-life situation that linked to your artwork? inspired you?

What usually happens is, whilst chatting, I start pulling beer mats apart and doing I created a business and ran it for "Sod this for a game of soldiers" small doodles on them (the landlady now eighteen years, this was a media filming company which built a living history has quite a collection).

Inspiration for paintings sometimes comes Viking village which created role play from the simplest of things, at other times This formed the idea behind the sketches, for primary school children (over 36,000 it is a rather more complex and poignant creating them beer mat size and putting films) during my ownership. process that affects you on a totally them in a mount and extending the different level. Painting "sod this for a Over time has your artwork drawing outwards over the mount, it game of soldiers" was one of those times. changed at all, if so how? draws the viewer into the picture.

A village with four shops and two pubs?

Some of the sketches have gone on to become original oil paintings and then to limited edition prints.

My art has changed and developed constantly for nearly 50 years and I hope it continues to do so for many more.

The kids in them are my grandchildren, there is now a competition going on between them as to how many sketches or paintings they each appear in.

What art or artist do you most identify with?

It must be fun to play all the time.

When do you actually work?

That's a funny question, I never work, because what I do is an absolute pleasure all the time.

My favourite artist of all time and most inspired by is John Atkinson Grimshaw So many collections and so many pieces which is your favourite?

My favourite piece is titled "Goodnight Sweetheart" and not because of the brush work, technique or palette. The reason being, my older brother Colin championed me as an artist relentlessly

I recently called for a cuppa with my older brother Dave and we got to reminiscing, (which seems to happen more often the older we get). This amble down memory lane led on to talking about our grandad, William Barker and how and where he served in WW1. We still had one of his medals, it was the Great War Medal, the type that had an angel on it with his name printed around the edge. My brothers grandson is also called William Barker, so to keep memories alive it has been passed on to him.

Doing a bit of research into my grandad's military history got me reading numerous accounts and stories about WW1.

February 2016

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I contacted a very dear friend of mine, Dave Thirlwall who runs a living history project at Murton Park just outside York.

He is the most knowledgeable man on history I have ever known, the one you would want as phone a friend.

I went to see him and we sat down to talk and he brought Christmas Eve 1914 to life for me, he removed all the glory and set my imagination racing, making me see in my minds eye what things were like, from the bomb pitted no mans land, to the freezing cold with men who were starved not just of food but of humanity.

And how on this particular night the guns fell silent and men began to talk.

Shouting across the lines all along the Western Front singing Christmas songs for each other, tentatively approaching the opposite sides sharing what meagre festive cheer they had, looking at photographs of home, wives, girlfriends, children and sharing cigarettes and fashioning an impromptu game of football.

On this night some very remarkable men brought about an end to the war. Yet in the days that followed the Generals and politicians had to bring in fresh troops because the ones in my painting had lost the will to fight each other.

But after only a few days of sanity once again the Christmas guns began to bark.

From a spark of an idea whilst talking with my brother, researching so much over a period of five months, imagining so many different emotions, all of this poured out into the piece "Sod this for a game of soldiers".

For my grandad William Barker through the decades to his great, great grandson William Barker and on into the future we shouldn't forget.

Inspiration can be quite unfathomable, sometimes profound, sometimes disturbing but as an artist always needed.

Do you recall an embarrassing moment?

I’m a gabby, bolshie, say it as it is, egotistical, love being the centre of everything, thrive in the limelight, opinionated Yorkshire man, I don’t get embarrassed (I’m also a likeable chap).

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What moves you most in life, either to inspire or upset you?

Unjustified suffering can do it, music can do it, my family can do it, Just living a life as an artist can do it.

Name something you love, and why?

My wife, our souls must be made of the same stuff.

Are you are addicted to painting?

I have to paint, its an obsession, a passion, It's something inside, a need.

Even if I didn’t do it for a living I would still have to paint. Art must have some unknowable power. From the embryo of an idea forming, and growing through the artist into a mature piece of work, then leaving home to have a life of its own, being presented to the world in galleries and exhibitions and eventually finding a place to live with collectors, it seems each piece of art has a pampered existence.

Help us understand this force of art then? Where does it come from?

Who knows? I certainly don’t. And I don’t have the words to describe it.

Albeit, ideas for new work are always running around my head and these images prod and nudge, drive and urge me to bring to life the next painting.

The safe, warm feeling of nostalgia and looking at childhood memories through adult eyes is what keeps me in front of

the canvas. This is not just something I love, or what I want to do, I have to paint, there is a need to paint, So yes you could say I am addicted to painting.

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?

A lot of the time it is a very insular life, just you and the canvas. I love it. Where I live it is impossible to walk a dozen yards from home without seeing old weavers' cottages, cotton and wool mills, Yorkshire stone flags or cobbled streets that have been there for decades settling in and maturing, watching the landscape change around them. I can’t help but be inspired. Every day I get to see and paint this history and people get to share it with me through my paintings. How wonderful is that!

What's the most indispensable item in your studio?

The kettle, tea is a must!

Do you have much family time?

Yes, I'm an extremely proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, that keeps me reasonably busy and extremely grounded but I do get time to paint in between.

What’s your scariest experience?

The birth of my children, scariest and best at the same time.

What jobs have you done other

than being an artist?

Whilst trying to be a professional artist I have been, a butcher, a bread salesman, a taxi driver, a videographer and a viking, Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?

The one Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dreaming of at the moment is a solo exhibition in Leeds city museum scheduled for July 15th 2016.

What's the last piece of work from another artist that surprised you and why?

When I saw the original Picasso â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Guernicaâ&#x20AC;? it moved me to tears, maybe it was knowing why he painted it or how I was feeling at the time, I can't say, who knows why something touches you.

What's your art-world pet peeve?

Artistically maladroit so called, celebrity artists!

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I have had so many reasons told to me why a piece has been bought, it is so humbling.

I have laughed with people, cried with people, and have been inspired by peoples reactions to my work.

And the best piece of advice youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been given?

A proper Yorkshire artist once told me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paint what thaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowsâ&#x20AC;?.

Bob Barker's collections are available to buy from Castle Fine Art, ICC, Broad Street, B1 2EA. Pieces can also be bought from Castle Galleriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; network of high street stores across the UK or online.

Bob also has his own website which is dedicated to showcasing his artistic talents of Yorkshire.

www.bobbarkerart.co.uk

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Living in the Heart of the City

T

here’s a tangible buzz around Birmingham at the moment.

High-profile development projects, big name retailers and a thriving arts and leisure scene have combined to transform the centre of the city into the nation’s most exciting and forward-looking place to live and work.

In fact, Birmingham reportedly has the 10th highest quality of life in the UK, so it’s little wonder more and more people are choosing to make it their home.

The city’s iconic mixture of historic buildings and cutting-edge architectural design means there is something for every taste.

At the heart of the city, just minutes from the £750m refurbished New Street station is The Cube, a sparking 25-storey jewel in Birmingham’s crown. Designed by award-winning architect Ken Shuttleworth, the building delivers independent eateries, a boutique hotel and sumptuous spa, prime offices and luxury apartments.

One of the most sought-after addresses in Birmingham, The Cube provides a haven of calm and sense of community amongst the energy of Birmingham’s canal side bars and restaurants. Residents enjoy spectacular views across the city and secure parking in the UK’s largest automated car park.

The iconic building – shimmering in gold and bronze – plays host to an exclusive portfolio of art pieces by contemporary artist Temper. Dedicated to and influenced by locals, The Lovely People sculptures are beloved by art enthusiasts.

Relaxation comes in the form of the Club and Spa, a state-of-the-art leisure club with swimming pool, sauna, high-tech gymnasium and pampering treatments. And of course, the culinary delights of Rodizio Rico, Shogun Teppan-yaki and Marco Pierre White’s fabulous rooftop restaurant are all on the doorstep!

Just three apartments, priced from £199,950 to £360,000, remain to be occupied at The Cube, each cleverly planned to create an elegant city lifestyle.

The homes feature Poggenpohl kitchens and Bosch appliances, infrared controlled mood lighting, underfloor hearing and video access to monitor visitors.

For more information about living at The Cube, or to arrange a viewing, visit

www.thecube.co.uk/residential/contact

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Five fabulous reasons to live in Birmingham Fantastic food – Birmingham boasts some of the finest places to eat in Britain, including four Michelin starred restaurants, but also offers the best street food, bespoke burgers and a worldwide reputation for quality curry houses. And it’s the birthplace of Cadbury’s chocolate of course!

Culture – whether your preference is for movies, music, ballet, theatre, arts or literature, Birmingham has it covered. The city attracts big name acts and encourages its own home-grown talent in a wide range of venues, as well as playing host to the UK’s premier touring ballet company.

Learning – from league table topping schools to popular universities, Birmingham is highly rated as one of the country’s best student cities. There is also the brilliant National Sea Life Centre and the iconic Library of Birmingham, the largest public library in the United Kingdom.

Super shopping – from the department store delights of Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Selfridges, House of Fraser and Debenhams, to quirky arcades, unique independents and the Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres, Birmingham offers the very best retail therapy.

Transport – smack in the middle of the country, you can get anywhere from Birmingham. An international airport, comprehensive road and rail networks, and the Midland Metro tram service all mean you can reach the rest of the West Midlands, London or even New York with ease.

February 2016

15

A Very Special Journey!

Tina Nason (MD Carrick Travel)

I

am someone who is often seen along the North Norfolk coast, wrapped up against the elements walking our Springer Spaniel, so a long haul flight and the heat of the South African sun is not something I am used to. However, after our recent adventure to celebrate my “special” birthday I will definitely return. South Africa is a country full of friendly people who are keen to tell you about their heritage and produce, beautiful and varied scenery just waiting to be discovered, a temperate climate ideal for touring and of course the Big Five – it should be on your list.

There is now a huge choice of airlines flying in and out of either Johannesburg or Cape Town, because of our itinerary we chose Etihad who flew into Johannesburg via Abu Dhabi. A very busy route and if the purse allows the extra comfort that business class ensures, it is well worth it. After a long journey we stopped just one night before flying to Skukuza and the Kruger National Park, the smallest airport I have ever seen with the baggage handlers taking your bag straight off the plane and putting it into the Land Rover for you. From here it was just over an hours drive to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Leopard Hills where we had chosen to take our game drives. As a small girl I used to watch the wildlife programmes on TV and wonder if I would ever be lucky enough to see anything even remotely similar. This fulfilled a lifelong ambition and had I flown home four days later I would not have been disappointed – it was the best experience I have ever had and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience quite a few. We saw the big five including the elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino and much, much more. Our ranger and tracker were full of information and ensured we got right up close for some breath taking photos (the charging rhino almost ended up in the truck with us). The accommodation was superb, food excellent and the team were there at every moment to help with whatever we needed.

The drives were around 4 hours, each one very early in the morning and another around 4pm, in between time there was plenty of food and drink, a gym, library and of course, your own private plunge pool in your luxury suite.

All too soon our safari was over, fortunately for us we still had another 17 days of exploring to do, our itinerary included Paarl (wine tasting), Franschoek, Oudshoorn (ostriches), Plettenburg Bay, George, Knysna, Stellenbosch, Hermanus (whale watching), Bettys Point (penguins), Cape Town, Blue Train to Pretoria and then 4 nights relaxing in the Seychelles.

What a fabulous experience and a superb winter destination, lovely weather and great value for money - for all you wine drinkers around £4 for a decent bottle! For more information on South Africa and beyond why not let CARRICK take care of it.

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Picture Perfect

Looking for a photographer for your special day and photos you can treasure for a lifetime. With so many photographers it’s tough out there, so here’s my guide to help you get started.

By Gail Braznell

F

or most of us getting married is a once in a life time event and it may be the first time you have needed to hire a photographer. We are different to other people you hire on the day because of how we get involved. The cake, the flowers and the venue may all be gone at the end of the day but the photos will last a lifetime. When you look for a photographer you are looking for social skills, creativity, professionalism and quality.

Start looking early, booking your wedding photographer should be one of the first things you do, after you’ve booked your venue of course. Many photographers will be booked up well in advance. The best wedding photographers usually develop a reputation, and may be known locally to your friends and family. Ask

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them if they have any recommendations, either through personal experience, or word of mouth.

their big day almost as much as they do.

Then they can relax and feel comfortable with me in the driving seat.

Create a shortlist once you have been through enough profiles, then arrange to meet each photographer and view their portfolios. Don’t just judge somebody from a website, try to get a picture of their personality. Photographers love to talk about portfolios, gear, albums and packages so it can all get a bit confusing.

I consider myself a people’s person and I love to be asked lots of questions about my work but equally I love hearing the planning arrangements for the big day.

Colour schemes, how many bridesmaids you have chosen, who’s giving you away, what the cake looks like, the first dance and every little detail you can think of.

I need my couple to know I care about

Think about what style of photographs you like, it could be traditional posed pictures, a more contemporary style or even a documentary style. Discuss your needs with the photographer before you make a decision, each photographer has their own style. If you are drawn to a particular photographer, make sure you ask to view all of their images and check the quality is consistent.

Most photographers shoot lots of images, don’t expect every image they shoot to make the final cut. Let them curate their own work and trust that you will see all the best images after editing. Find out how long post processing takes so you are

not seemingly waiting forever. Countless hours can be spent perfecting your photographs with image enhancement software such as Photoshop.

An engagement shoot is a great idea, you’ll get relaxed fun shots and the chance of working and relaxing in front of both the camera and your photographer. Lots of people are nervous about this kind of shoot scenario, but it’s best to lose the nerves ahead of your wedding day.

Make sure your photographer has spare equipment, a cheap photographer may not have invested in a back up camera.

This lack of professionalism is unlikely to happen away from the cheaper end of the market, but ask the question anyway. It’s too big a gamble to book a photographer who only has one camera.

I simply can’t stress enough the importance of asking for a contract. In most cases it doesn’t have to be anything more than what you have discussed and agreed. Personally, I prefer to write all the details down for my couples to browse through. Then I can answer any further questions they may have forgotten to ask me. A contract will genuinely improve the situation for everyone and offers protection for all parties involved.

Check your photographer is covered by professional liability insurance. In my experience nothing has ever gone wrong, but if something was to go wrong with the camera or it was to get lost or damaged then the photographers insurance would cover the entire cost of re-staging the event (This is highly unlikely, but it makes everyone feel much more comfortable).

Getting amazing images from start to finish, creating the expected, capturing the unexpected and having a true connection with your photographer whilst feeling relaxed is the least you should expect from any professional photographer.

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Proposing To Your Man Ladies Take A Leap This Year Gail Braznell leap year has 366 days instead of the usual 365 days and therefore a leap day in 2016 will fall on Monday, February 29th.

According to tradition, on the last day in February in a leap year, the ‘normal’ order of proposals can be reversed and a woman can pop the question to her man.

So any ladies out there who think they have found "The One" should seize this opportunity.

A

Waiting for some men to propose is like waiting until the cows come home. Even if they’re ready to take the next leap in love, they may not be able to take the initiative themselves. In this case, there’s nothing wrong with a girl letting her guy know that she’s ready to make the commitment too.

When planning your proposal, it’s particularly important to bear in mind that place and time are very influential.

Some guys will know you’re serious when you ask them over the washing up or in front of the TV after a curry, whilst others need to be in front of the big screen at a sports stadium. When choosing your moment, remember this is his proposal. In the same way that he would take you to your favourite restaurant or send you the roses you love most, you need to pick a proposal scenario that will appeal to him. So if he is happiest on the terraces at Anfield, then that’s where you will have to seize the moment.

The question is do you get him a ring or a similar gift? If he normally wears rings, then it would probably be appropriate. Or you might like to buy him something significant like a watch or a pair of cufflinks. However, it’s the question (and answer!) that’s really important, so don’t worry about this too much.

There are a few downsides to think about though. For instance you don’t get an engagement ring – unless you come up with a plan to send him to the 20

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jewellers after your proposal. Also, your boyfriend won’t get the chance to ask your father’s permission for marriage.

Everyone wants their proposal to be unique, memorable and thoughtful.

Here are six ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

1. Show some attention to detail by personalising the proposal with his favourite hobby or game. Whether it be playing the guitar or a game of scrabble, tailor it for him.

2. How about an extra special date night at his favourite restaurant. After a feast of fabulous food and wine, your proposal will be the perfect way to top off the night.

3. Arrange a romantic picnic especially designed with your partner’s perfect treats in mind. After all they do say good food is the way to a man’s heart!

4. Book a special weekend away; if your other half loves nothing more than a relaxing break away, this will be the ideal setting for your proposal.

5. Keep it simple. If you’re nervous about popping the question, the best way to do it will be around all your home comforts where the emphasis is just on the two of you together.

6. If you’re keen to organise something spectacular, why not get some help from the experts? You can now hire the help of proposal planners, who will be sure to think of something suitable for your man.

However you decide to propose, enjoy the moment and laugh about it. If he doesn’t yell ‘Yes!’ straight away don’t get despondent, you may have caught him by surprise and it‘s quite possible you might have stolen his thunder. Humour goes a long way in making a more lighthearted and enjoyable moment for the both of you.

February 2016

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Love in Royal Leamington Spa

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ove is in the air in Royal Leamington Spa this Valentine’s Day so why not treat that someone special in your life.

If you’re looking for that perfect Valentine’s present, then you’re bound to find it in Royal Leamington Spa. With its truly unique combination of independent boutiques and high street stores brimming with inspiration, there’s an eclectic mix of unique and romantic gifts that will delight your loved one.

Roses are red, violets are blue….with stunning Valentine’s flowers from our exquisite florists you are sure to sweep a loved one off their feet. Why not be pampered like you have never pampered before at one of our award winning beauty and hair salons. If you are looking for a love token with a difference, a stunning gem or handmade treasure from one of our specialist jewellers, can’t fail to impress.

Take a stroll around our beautiful town taking in the magnificent gardens, beautiful Regency buildings and array of fantastic art galleries and museum.

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Nestled in-between the town centre’s shops are no less than 60 scrumptious restaurants and inviting bars, offering a wealth of gastronomic delights. Whether you’re seeking a cosy candlelit dinner with vintage champagne or sophisticated fine dining, the town is bursting with flavoursome cuisine for that romantic evening out.

If you want to keep Valentine’s Day a family affair then why not treat the whole family to a Valentine’s outing to see a show at the Spa Centre or take in a movie at the cinema followed by afternoon tea or ice cream and crepes.

Don’t forget to take the Love Leam challenge and you’ll soon discover your own reason to Love Leamington, this Valentine’s Day. For a chance to WIN one of many charming treats as we approach Valentine’s Day, join in the fun on our Facebook page - Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre - and tell us why you Love Leamington!

Join in our #loveleam challenge!

FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING & try something new

TREAT YOURSELF make someone smile today

Visit the butcher, baker, grocer and café!

Relax with dinner and a movie

STROLL AROUND THE TOWN CENTRE

& explore BREATHE IN BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACES

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE shout out why you

TWEET, TWEET, TWEET ~ #loveleam & have a fantastic year!

www.loveleamington.com

February 2016

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Soho House Style At Hatton and Harding Interiors David Hatton

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t's no secret we're huge fans of Soho House. Largely down to their discerning and understated interiors.

Oh and of course our love of Cowshed Spa products. So when Soho Farmhouse opened its doors last year we couldn't wait to push past the A-listers and see what gorgeousness awaited us on this sprawling 100-acre country estate. A members club style resort with rustic charm and the right amount of urban cool.

Imagine a place where you leave your car key at the gatehouse while you hop on a foffa bike or are whisked away to your cabin in a 1950's milk float - both mint coloured, obviously! Across a green and pleasant land to sleep in your own log cabin hideaway. Wooden, blackened or corrugated iron, typical of upstate New York. Everything is perfect albeit in a slightly imperfect way...think Little House on the Prairie with a Cocktail Waiter!

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Set around the 18th century farm buildings you can opt to stay in one of the seven bed farmhouses, four bed cottages or one of their 40 log cabins

of various proportions. If you need inspiration for your home look no further, the interiors are sublime. What we love about the style of all of the Soho House properties is that warm feeling of familiarity and relaxed comfort. You feel at home. That's their idea. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfectly acceptable to curl up on one of their many huge sofas and just flick through a magazine.

All the accommodation is executed beautifully. Design Director Vicky Charles always works to bring out the history of their properties and source pieces with integrity. Lighting is low but functional (we particularly love the many lampshades dotted around made from vintage saris) you have your own wood burning stove, a well stocked kitchen (where bread and cheese is left for you to make your own cheese toastie) and there's an avalanche of cushions in ticking fabric. Your time can be split between a comfy armchair, luscious Chesterfield sofa and divine emperor size

bed, fittings are pared back perfectly.

This is not glitzy. This is timeless, elegant and effortless.

With windows for walls you can wake up surrounded by lush green countryside - the ultimate in calm.

Cabins are truly beautiful outside too with verandas dressed with rocking chairs and outside tubs with yet more indulgent Cowshed products.

Away from your room the decor continues to inspire. The main barn is a vast space with exposed brick walls and comfy armchairs in stunning fabrics.

(You'll spot lots of Zoffany, Mulberry Home, GP&J Baker and Andrew Martin Kilim). Discreetly the space has been zoned between informal and more formal areas. Throughout, flooring is attractive, though hardwearing and softened by layered, well-trodden rugs and the beautiful wooden bar in the Mill Room pub has been brought over from Chicago.

Now I'm at the stage in life where I'm happy to admit that I score a Hotel room based on how much I want to steal, here it's the lot! However, the clever team have even addressed that with their book 'Eat, Drink, Napâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; helping you create the desirable look yourself and their first 'Soho Home' store on sight enables you to 'take the House home'.

No thievery required!

Hatton & Harding Interiors 13a Old Square Warwick CV34 4RV 01926 408892 www.hattonandharding.co.uk Follow us on Twiter @ HattonHarding5 Facebook Hatton&Harding, Instagram Hatton_Harding and Pinterest@hattonharding February 2016

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Tom Cook Carpets New showroom opens

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om Cook Carpets has recently relocated their showroom and office into a prominent location on the Blackminster business park based in Evesham, Worcestershire. With Tom Cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first class reputation covering the UK and further, this leading carpet company supplies and fits carpets and flooring of all types with their vast selection of carpets, vinylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, laminates and engineered flooring.

This family run business has excelled and grown with Tom Cook personally, supplying and fitting carpets and flooring since 1979. After completing his apprenticeship with a Cheltenham Carpet Company, Tom Cook now runs his firm with wife Linda, his son Ashley and four fitters. Between them all, they have 100 years of experience.

years Tom Cook has worked on many projects in public areas including offices, schools, food preparation areas, factories, pubs and clubs.

Not only does Tom Cook provide domestic carpets and flooring, but they also provide to commercial businesses, using their extensive flooring range including top quality leading brands, such as, Amtico flooring and Quickstep laminates. Tom Cook can provide a full fitting and measuring service as well as a full written quotation without any obligations and are happy to call into your home or business and show you the vast selection of carpets and other materials to suit any budget. Over the

Opening Hours: Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri 9.30am to 5pm and Sat 9.30am to 2pm

If you are looking for an excellent service and a broad range of products then Tom Cook Carpets would be the perfect choice for your home or business.

Blackminster Business Park, Blackminster, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7RE 01386 833766 www.tomcookcarpets.co.uk

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The Art of Decluttering Get organised and sort that clutter Charlie O’Neill

I

t’s the time of year when we feel the need to start afresh, to declutter our homes and organise our lives. It’s amazing how much this changes the way in which we think, how we are motivated and how we can reorganise our lives to help towards a prosperous year ahead.

I thought it would be perfect this month to put together a few tips and ideas on how to get yourself organised this year.

De-cluttering successfully takes time, patience and most importantly the ability to adopt a ruthless mentality as it can be rather overwhelming. So let’s get started whether it be a drawer, cupboard or entire room.

Decide on what to de-clutter Identify the areas in which you want to tackle. If you have a cluttered space, then start small with drawers or a cupboard.

You will then begin to see progression and your momentum will build. If not a complete mess, then de-clutter the whole room. Set yourself a time deadline and work at a speed to suit you. I use my spare room as a bit of a dumping ground from time to time with the shopping bags, paperwork, washing and ironing piles.

All of this clutter becomes unmanageable as it builds up.

Assess the space in need of decluttering

Get your de-cluttering tools at the ready You don’t need that much to de-clutter.

The only things you will require are bin bags, boxes or baskets, which can come in handy when you begin to sort through the clutter. I suggest getting some post-it notes, which will act as your category labels and a marker pen. Example categories to use are words such as: keep, mend, recycle, rubbish, shred, sell and different room. The next step will be to give each category a space within your working area so that you can glance and see what’s what. The trick is to make life as easy as possible for yourself. I feel it is always best to use black bin liners for when getting rid of rubbish so that you don’t change your mind and once it’s in the rubbish bag, it will stay there for good.

Mark the territory Avoid starting to de-clutter randomly as you will end up confused. A great way to do this is to mark out a 3x3 grid in your first room, numbered in segments one to nine, working your way through each segment so that you can make sure that the area is cleared, working your way out of the room. Again, you can use post it’s for the segments.

Time to de-clutter

You need to know what clutter really is before you start to de-clutter and assessing the space in a room is crucial.

Ask yourself “do you need to organise the space as well?” In my case, most definitely! Everything needs to find a home but stick to the de-cluttering for now or else this will take longer than just a day.

As you go though each segment, one major tip is to avoid using a ‘maybe’ category. If you want to go down this route then the best thing to do is to seal up a box containing the items and review in 6 months. If you haven’t had any need for the items in this time then you can throw out the box whilst it remains sealed.

Free up your working space

The ‘Keep it’ Category

The fact is that when you de-clutter you should make less clutter. In most cases it does have to get to a bad point before it gets any better so make things easy by finding a workspace. Great spaces to use are either an adjacent room, dining table, sheet on the floor or bed.

If you're keeping your items then ask yourself, “Is it in the right room?”, if no put the item in the ‘different room’ category. The second question to ask is, “does the item need anything doing to it?”, if so put this item into the ‘mend’ category. If none of these questions relate

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to the item then continue to leave this in the ‘Keep’ category.

Get rid of the clutter Now you must ask yourself, “is the item in good condition?”, if so then add it in to its most preferable category including, ‘sell, charity or recycle’. If none of these categories relate to the item, then move the item to ‘rubbish’. De-cluttering can be boring, so turn on some music or watch some TV whilst going through old paperwork, though make sure the TV doesn’t become a distraction. By now your space will be full of items with the ‘keep’ pile being the largest.

Double check the ‘keep’ category Have one final review of your ‘keep’ pile, just in case anything unnecessary has managed to creep its way back into your life.

Find new homes for items you wish to keep This should be the easy part, start by putting back all the things you wish to keep. I always vacuum and clean the space first to avoid the build-up of dust.

Next, get rid of anything that needs to leave the house. If you do not have time to go to the tip or charity shop then you can always label some clear containers and put them into your boot ready for when you next have available time.

Finally, everything that is in the ‘different room’ category can now be

placed in its new home. Now you should have a clear working space. Things are where they should be and your mind should feel refreshed. You may now want to move on to organising but I would suggest you do this on an alternative day. For now, sit back and enjoy the new space you’re in and have a read through some of our organising tips for the home below: Tips on how to organise your home Disguise a storage box as a book Store food in glass containers for space saving, visibility and airtight storage Take advantage of unused hall space with floor to ceiling shelving

Need extra bedtime storage, then consider a mini filing cabinet Bookshelves can be great for storing your firewood Use drawer dividers to tackle that sock drawer. You can purchase these from Lakeland limited.

Purchase a key dish or key hook to save you losing those precious house keys Use apothecary jars to store those unsightly beauty essentials, such as cotton wool or earbuds Colour code your books to create a feature piece on your bookshelf

Keep all of your stationary tools together in a small storage box February 2016

29

Detox your Skin How to look after your skin for the year ahead?

Charlie O'Neill

T

he skin is a complex system made up from nerves, cell layers and glands and most importantly protecting us from temperatures and what enters our bodies. Our skin is one of our main organs and most of us find that we do not look after our skin well enough and in actual fact our skin is really sensitive, what with all the makeup, chemicals, fake tans and sun rays that pass through our skin on a daily basis.

I felt it might be a good time of the year with resolutions in full force from January, to take things to the next level and to start looking after your skin for the year ahead. With the cold grim weather and the feeling of hibernating under a warm cosy duvet or sitting in front of the TV eating all the comfort foods or the wrong foods to be more precise and grabbing for that glass of wine after a hard day at work, we do not realise how much harm we are actually causing our skin so here are some pointers on how to detox your skin for 2016.

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Don’t over experiment with products - We all love a new skincare product but sometimes it can cause more harm than good and using too many products can be too harsh even for the most perfect of skin types.

Cut down on your cleansing routine Invest in products that work for you.

Use a simple skin cleanser, morning and night. Skip using toner or serum, this isn’t for everyone. Move straight on to moisturising cream. Having a good moisturiser is the hidden key to beautiful skin.

Sun Protection - Apply a tsp. of sun cream to your face daily to prevent your skin from sun damage.

Watch out for the chemical nasties I am a huge believer in using products that are paraben, petroleum and mineral oil free. A great range to try is Jason Natural Care, which caters to a wide audience with products for anti-ageing, kids and even the home. Their products are available online through many reputable sellers including www.feelunique.com Drink a Litre of Water a Day Most importantly keep hydrated and drink up to one litre of water a day. Not only will this improve the appearance of your skin over time but, it will also make you feel re-energised and motivated.

Dry Brushing - Most people would think ‘why bother it seems like too much hassle?’, but believe me it works, helping to reduce cellulite, increase circulation and to get rid of those dead skin cells. It

Excellence in organic Hairdressing just takes a bit of patience and consistency and the results will show in no time. It is so simple. For best results you should body brush twice a day, before having a shower in the morning and at night time before going to bed. Dry brushing is so easy, for effective results use your body brush to brush up towards your heart, starting at the feet and moving up towards the back and arms. You can purchase a body brush from as little as £8 from the Bodyshop. Pevonia do a fantastic body brush which has been tried and tested by myself, costing only £12 and is used in spas across the UK. Oil Pulling - This has been one of the latest crazes in the beauty world that actually works really well. Oil Pulling, also known as “Kavala” or “Gundush” is an ancient technique where all you have to do is swish 1 tbsp. of coconut oil around in your mouth for around 20 minutes on an empty stomach.

Please ensure to not swallow the oil. Once your 20 minutes is up, swish your mouth with warm salt water and finally brush and floss your teeth as normal. Oil Pulling helps to draw out the toxins in your body, improving your overall health, including whiter teeth, improving sleep, sinuses, headaches, hangovers and most importantly skin issues, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Drink Lemon Water - It has been proven that lemon water benefits our skin in many ways, helping to decrease blemishes and wrinkles. When applied to scars or age spots the appearance is also reduced. You will notice that your skin will maintain its radiance as lemon water detoxifies your body and cleanses the system.

Always Exfoliate - Having a good body exfoliator is essential to remove dead skin cells and to keep our skin feeling smooth.

However, be sure not to over-do exfoliation as skin can be sensitive to scrubs. Twice weekly should be sufficient to obtain good results.

Use Epsom Bath Salts – Some of us prefer showers and some of us prefer a soak in the bath. Using Epsom Bath Salts in your bath flushes toxins, soothes the body, mind and soul, whilst relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, healing cuts and dislodging blackheads. All that you will require is two cups of Epsom Bath Salts to be added to your bath, once a week to enjoy a relaxing soak for around ten minutes.

Organic Intelligence At pHd we strive to achieve the very best in customer care and for us it is a very important part of the business ethos and certainly not an old fashioned idea.

Last week I walked into a high street shop and, not quite knowing where to go, made eye contact with one of the staff at the till. She looked at me, sighed, and turned back to her friend and continued chatting, not even acknowledging if I wanted any help. I turned around and walked right out of there. Manners cost nothing, but lack of them can cost customers.

Our main purpose at pHd is to provide the very best in customer care. It’s (quite literally) built into our business ethos because we believe that personal, considerate and tailored attention can really set a small business apart from larger competitors.

There seems to be a body of thought that customer care is an old fashioned, unnecessary concept. Clients expect to be ‘processed’ with indifferent detachment.

In our experience that couldn't be more wrong. You can be assured that you will be happily greeted and asked if you would like a drink, all drinks are organic including the milk and sugar and they are complimentary!

Getting to know a customer is one of the joys of the job and that we’re able to build up a good relationship over time.

This means we can give them the hair a beauty experience they really want.

You are also guaranteed a five minute luxury head massage with any treatment that requires a basin service.

But its not just how we behave, the environment matters too.

There are so many chemicals used in everyday life these days that we need to be more aware and make changes where we can.

Our products contain certified organic ingredients that really do make a difference to the environment we work in and also how your hair and skin feels after using them, which is what our clients notice most.

We’ve designed the salon to promote relaxation, calm and wellbeing. The relaxing music and positive mood within the salon really does create a relaxing atmosphere and experience.

Customer care is anything but out moded, its like a good haircut, it will never go out of fashion!

265 Worcester Road, Malvern Link WR141AA 01684 899044 www.purehairdesignmalvern.co.uk /Pure Hair Design Malvern Ltd

Moisturiser Management Stay hydrated this winter

W

Charlie O'Neill

ith the cold weather and long days at work our skin takes a real hit and loses some of the moisture and tone we worked so hard in 2015 to achieve. In lower temperatures our skin naturally decreases the amount of sebum it releases, so the sebum barrier that minimises the evaporation of moisture from our skin is not as effective and will allow that cold weather to wreak havoc. Giving your skin some TLC and adding moisture back is key so here are some of the top releases that will help your skin stay hydrated: Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum (£66) - Launched late January last year this is now a must have for any skincare worshipper looking for a luxury product that actually works. The newly formulated microfluidic serum instantly absorbs into the skin leaving it feeling like you have a freshly washed face that is deeply moisturised. This is a great quick fix for under makeup in the morning or as the final step in your evening skincare routine.

For those who suffer with breakouts the new launch from Avene will become your new best friend. The Avene Eau Thermale Cleanance Expert (£15) claims to attack and alter those nasty bacteria that causes acne and cultivate healthy pores. Throw in their sebum regulating formula and thermal spring waters and you have a real go-to acne tackler at an amazing price.

A night cream by Clinique in their infamous Repair collection is a definite addition to anyone’s nightly moisturising routine. Called the Sculpting Night Cream (£42) this thick moisturiser absorbs into the skin leaving a fuller, even texture and throughout the night uses its eight anti-ageing ingredients to help stop the passing of time.

The last addition to any skincare collection should be a facial oil and this release by Laura Mercier’s Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil (£43.50) is the most deeply hydrating for those who's skin has been ravaged by the cold. A great way to enjoy this product is to use it whilst giving yourself a small facial massage before bed. This little massage can help prevent congestion and wrinkles alongside leaving you in a better, more relaxed mood – it’s a little treat for your face.

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New Year, New You? Trends in men’s tailoring for 2016?

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es, I know you’ve heard it all before and if your social media feed is anything like mine, it’s still full of the latest get fit fads and new year diets etc. Every year it’s the same New Year, New You bunkum and it all gets a bit tiresome so here’s something that you don’t need to run a marathon for or live on an uninspiring diet of rabbit food and that is sharpening up your wardrobe.

Of course it helps if you want to get into shape and I wouldn’t discourage that but the benefit of working with a tailor is that they know how to make you look good whatever your shape or size.

Elegant tailoring isn’t just for the young, fit and body perfect male. It’s for every man who cares about style, creating the right impression and making a positive impact. So, whether you’ve got a big celebration coming up this year, going to a wedding, looking to get a promotion or simply want to update and improve your wardrobe, then start as you mean to go on and make sure that you look the part.

So what’s going to be big in men’s tailoring in 2016?

Well, there is likely to be a bit more relaxation in the styling of suits, giving a bit more room for the wearer. 2015 was a big year for tight, figure-hugging suits – think Daniel Craig. This year will see slightly looser fits where the silhouette still remains taut but the overall look will be less restrictive. Double-breasted suits are making a welcome return in

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popularity and there will be more focus on texture and less on pattern when it comes to fabrics.

As far as colours are concerned, when it comes to suits we are talking about navy blue and grey being a must for any man’s wardrobe. And a degree of flamboyancy will be making more of an appearance when it comes to evening wear. Fabrics such as velvet, satin and brocade will be making their presence felt, adding a bit of theatre to the occasion.

So there you have it. Treat yourself to some tailored garments and sharpen up your wardrobe for 2016. They will create the right impression, help you feel good about yourself and put you in the right mood to face the year.

Have a sartorially inclined 2016 and always dress to impress!

For more information about being a well dressed man please see www.thebespoketailor.co.uk or call Adrian Barrows on 07968 438717

Adrian Barrows

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February 2016

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Chinese New Year The Year of the Monkey Gail Braznell

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n 8th February 2016 we welcome in a new Chinese Year, the year of the Monkey!

Chinese New Year is the most important of the Chinese holidays, and is a time of feasting with the family, celebration, fireworks and gift-giving. It is a 15-day holiday, beginning on the first day of a new moon and ending with the full moon on the day of the Lantern Festival.

The Chinese calendar is based on the lunar year, so the date of Chinese New Year changes every year. The Chinese 36

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calendar follows a 12-year pattern with each year named after an animal.

There are various stories which explain this. The simplest is that Buddha (or the Jade Emperor) invited all of the animals to join him for a New Year celebration, but only 12 animals turned up. To reward the animals that did come, Buddha named a year after each of them in the order that they arrived, starting with the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The

Monkey is ninth of the 12 animals.

If you’re born in a year of the Monkey, you’re a Monkey! Depending on the year you are born, you are believed to have the various character traits of that year’s animal.

Monkey years are ...1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028...

Some Lucky and Unlucky Things for “Monkeys” Lucky numbers: 4 and 9 Lucky days: the 14th and 28th of any Chinese lunar calendar month Lucky colors: white, blue, gold Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, crapemyrtle Lucky directions: north, northwest, west Lucky months: Chinese lunar months 8 and 12 People born under this sign are usually successful in any field they choose, good at making deals and skilled in business diplomacy. Decisions are easy, they have plenty of common sense. Monkey people read extensively, remember everything they read, and consequently are unusually well informed. However, monkeys tend to talk too much, driving friends away with their overlong explanations and endless chatter. They are said to be intelligent and well-liked,

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extremely versatile and inventive. They are never at a loss for ideas and are also known for their mischievous nature.

It comes as no surprise to us, here in the office then, that the founder and Managing Director of Edge Magazine, Michael Abu-Zalaf is a Monkey. Let’s hope I keep my job for pointing this out about the man at the top, but I’m certain Lucie, his wife and Editor-in-Chief will share my humour. 新年快乐 xin nián kuài lè Happy New Year What’s your animal star sign on our Chinese Zodiac Chinese New Year Celebrations in Birmingham On this Chinese New Year Eve 2016, if you are looking for magical markets and spell binding theatres to sensational shopping and charming Chinese New Year events, then Birmingham is definitely your destination. It is a city of world cultures, where excitement

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and joys are around every corner.

Birmingham has been named as one of the top 10 cities in the world by travel handbook company Rough Guide.

Each year, Birmingham welcomes in the Chinese New Year with an afternoon of free entertainment at the Arcadian Centre. Dragon dances, acrobatic performances and Kung Fu demonstrations are just some of the cultural entertainment. Plus traditional firecrackers, market stalls, food and children’s rides can also be relished.

If you are looking for yearly midnight firework displays and music concerts, then be at Centenary Square at midnight, where skies will be lit up by the digitally fired display. For the most spectacular views of the cityscape, you need to get on the Birmingham Wheel. An outdoor concert follows the fireworks, attracting thousands of people. For those who start the New Year with a party, Birmingham’s night-clubs host some of the best live music in the country.

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February 2016

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Sans Oriental Restaurant

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ans Oriental is a unique and stylish restaurant, located in the idyllic market Town of Henley in Arden, providing quality food, excellent hospitality and a tranquil atmosphere. This popular restaurant plays host to a range of dining options including the lunchtime two course eat in menu, priced at ÂŁ9.95 per person, an excellent choice for personal or business lunches. Alternatively, you may wish to opt for the Sans special take away lunchBox menu at ÂŁ6 for two courses.

Not only can you experience an evening of relaxing and dining but Sans also offers an array of Jazz and music nights for those of you that want to make that evening that little bit extra special. As valentines night approaches why not treat your loved one to a romantic evening of traditional Chinese cuisine and Asian fusion style dishes. Also, be sure not to miss out on the Chinese New Year celebrations which will be held from the 7th-9th of February, with a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve dragon dance taking place on each night, starting at 7.30pm.

For more information on future events and the latest offers at Sans Oriental you can visit their website and Facebook page and when you get the chance head over to this outstanding restaurant and enjoy the essence of this oriental gem.

Opening Hours: Tues to Sun 12pm until 2:00pm and 5:30pm until 11:00 pm.

Closed on Monday (apart from Bank Holidays) 71A High St, Henley-in-Arden B95 5AT 01564 792104 sansrestaurants@gmail.com www.sansrestaurants.co.uk

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Mother’s Day A Brief History

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Alex Dudley

he origin of Mother’s Day can be traced back to the era of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

However, the roots can also be traced back to the UK. Here it was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of the day compared to the USA. Nowadays the day is celebrated in over 46 countries. However, all countries have different days in which it is celebrated.

The day has always been used to celebrate and honour their mothers and to thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant supporter.

Earliest memory of Mother’s Day The Ancient Greeks used to celebrate maternal goddesses during their spring festival. Rhea, the wife of Cronus and mother of many deities was the first to be honoured during these occasions. The Romans also celebrated spring festival called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. Both of these occasions are recognised as the first mothering celebrations, over 250 years before Christ. Early Christians celebrated a Mother’s Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of lent to honour the Virgin Mary. The UK has expanded to celebrate all mothers on this day since.

More recent Mothers Day dates back to the 1600’s in England. After prayers to mourn the Virgin Mary, children brought flowers and gifts to give to their mothers. On these occasions’ servants, apprentices and other employees who worked away from home were encouraged to return home to spend the day with their mothers. Traditionally, the gifts that children gave to their mothers included special fruitcakes and fruit-filled pastry called simnel. However, the celebration of Mother’s Day had died out by 19th century. It rose to prominence again following the Second World War.

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Julia Ward Howe Julia Ward Howe was an American activist, writer and poet who shot to fame with her famous civil war song ‘Battle hymn of the Republic.’ She had the idea to celebrate mother’s day in 1872. She had suggested that the day be named Mothers Peace Day and was to be celebrated on 2nd June. Her idea had spread by the time she passed away but the name was replaced and the date in which it was celebrated also changed.

Anna Jarvis Anna Jarvis is recognised as the mother of Mother’s Day in America, this despite the fact that she had no husband or children. She got the idea from her own mother who was an activist and her desire to one day celebrate all mothers living and dead. With the growing negligent attitude of adult Americans towards their mothers and a desire to honour them, Anna’s wishes to bring the day to fruition only gained momentum. Over the next year she sent letters to people in power of lobbying to make mothers day official.

In 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in almost every state in the United States and on the 8th May 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution to celebrate Mother’s Day every second Sunday in May. Present day Mother’s Day is now celebrated all over the world in countries such as the UK, USA and Australia. The main traditional gift is to send flowers and cards, while simnel cake is still a hugely popular gift in the UK. The day is also known as Refreshment Sunday and Pudding Pie Sunday in Surrey. The date of mothers day varies in the UK but is still celebrated on the fourth Sunday of lent, the same date that it was celebrated during the 16th century.

February 2016

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Last Throes of Winter Karl Strawbridge

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ebruary can seem like a month that nothing is happening or going on in the garden but actually that is not the case and a lot has been going on.

Snowdrops that have been sleeping over the summer months are now busting into life with their delicate nodding bells of winter beauty.

Tete-A-Tete daffodils, one of the earliest of spring bulbs are putting up their showy display of vibrant spring yellow, Crocus opening up widely to soak up the warm spring rays of sunshine to attract pollination and the Eranthis or winter aconite with its rich green leaves and a delicate yellow cup shaped almost buttercup like flowers, they can form massed carpets and are often seen in churchyards where they are left undisturbed.

A lot has happened over the winter, new roots have grown, bulbs nourished and swollen and now in February, it’s all about to burst into life.

There are numerous spring bulbs to give us a colourful display but one of the most flamboyant of all the plants for heralding the spring garden is the delightful Hellebore. They are so easy to grow and care for and although some do like a moist dappled shady spot many will grow quite happily in full sunshine and for those with a clay soil, well the

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Hellebore will love it. Totally hardy your Hellebore will not be harmed with any harsh weather that may be thrown at it and although they can droop with a severe frost they quickly recover with a bit of warmth.

they are definitely a very fashionable plant to have in the garden. Many of the recent developments in the breeding of Hellebores have resulted in a much more upright flower-head so that the speckled flowers can be much more visible.

Hellebores cover a wide spectrum of colour shades from pinks, creams, yellow, black, red and many shades in between with both single and double flowers. Although I refer to them as flowers, they are technically a bract. The Christmas Rose; a white variety is one of the earliest to flower as its name suggests flowering around Christmas time. When February comes the Hellebore puts up its stunning show and unlike many other spring flowers that have a relatively short flowering time, the Hellebore can go on for a long-while easily flowering for a month or more they just gradually fade in colour as the seed head develops.

Wagon House gardens at the Jinney Ring craft center will be holding a special Hellebore event showcasing these up-right varieties from February 14th; this has become a popular annual event in the calendar. Easy to look after, your Hellebore will benefit from a feed with a liquid fertiliser such as a tomato feed, this will, encourage more flowers. Remove last years leaves prior to flowering as they can become blackened this is quite normal, the added benefit is that the flowers then become much more exposed.

Large clumps can be dug up after flowering and divided into smaller clumps and replanted, this way you know what you have and although they are vigorous in their production of seeds and plant-lets the resulting plant could be of any colour and it’s not the ideal way of growing your Hellebores.

There has, over the years been much work done in developing new varieties and colours by specialist growers and

Perfect planted into a pot or container your Hellebore will give you years of pleasure and with the added benefit of being able to move it to brighten up any dull corner. They truly are one of my favourite garden plants for the season and I think that they might become yours too.

Wagon House Gardens, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury Road B60 4BU 01527 821421

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Local pub recognised for outstanding achievement

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The Forest at Feckenham is Crowned Best Pub Of The Year!

he Forest at Feckenham has clinched its first major national award by being crowned with the coveted Les Routiers Best Pub of the Year 2016.

Its success follows in the footsteps of its two award winning sister pubs in Warwickshire and now puts Worcestershire on the map with a reputation for outstanding quality food and drink.

This latest accolade for CD Pub Co, a family owned and managed gastro pub business, reinforces the hallmark of its success with menus reflecting a favoured Anglo-French cuisine, delivering great value for money.

Winning the Les Routier’s Best Pub of the Year Awards means that The Forest at Feckenham has constantly excelled the standards required for Les Routiers’

membership since it opened just over two years ago in 2013.

In celebratory mood, Charles Harris, operations director for CD Pub Co said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won national recognition for The Forest, which underlines the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team of chefs, restaurant and bar staff. Our thanks go to all of them and of course to our customers, who have continued to support us since we launched and became a vital part of the local community.

“Striving for excellence is at the heart of everything we do and has become our recipe for success by sourcing fresh seasonal produce and only using the finest ingredients to provide authentic home-prepared food.

“Winning this prestigious award also comes at an exciting time for CD Pub Co as it provides the perfect springboard for our expansion into Worcestershire with the forthcoming opening of The Chequers at Crowle in March”, he added.

CD Pub Co also runs The Stag at Offchurch and The Moorings at Myton near Leamington Spa – both of which have won numerous industry awards for their outstanding cuisine.

Pictured left to right is Charles Harris with Tina Griffiths (Les Routiers) presenting the award, with Anthony Lys (Deputy Manager), Tom Robinson (Head Chef), Karen Healey (General Manager), and Stephen Massey (Sous Chef).

For further information please call 01527 894422, email info@theforestatfeckenham.com or visit www.theforestatfeckenham.com February 2016

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Starting a Vegetable Garden

Lucie Abu-Zalaf tidy, there are no stones hiding in the soil aving recently moved house and and weed free. This is going to be much with our new garden possessing a easier if you start right, rather than trying to large patch of soil I thought I would weed around your seedlings and with them dabble in growing some vegetables for the competing for resources with the weeds. first time. Every month, I will be looking at Obviously the greenest way to do this is to and sharing what to be doing and when to dig over the patch and pull out any weeds get some tasty, home grown veg from your and roots as you go. If there are perennial own garden. I am looking to spend a couple weeds with spreading wiry or deep roots, of hours a week outside, nothing too testing, such as docks and couch grass, then cover with Sophia to take in the fresh air and the soil with card or doubled-up sheets of make the most of our garden. If you have a newspaper topped with a 2in (5cm) mulch spare bit of lawn that is no longer needed of compost. This is sufficient to stop even or a space that could easily be utilised for persistent weeds re-growing, but is soft a vegetable patch, why not join me? It’ll enough to cut through with a trowel when you save you a few quid at the supermarket over are ready to plant pot-grown veg and fruit. the course of the next year, get you out in the fresh air and help little ones learn and The top 10 easiest vegetables to grow, from understand where food comes from. Not to what I can find on google seem to be… mention making sure the food that you eat is free from pesticides and any other nasties Salad Leaves hiding away.

Spring onions and Radishes

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Firstly, you need to choose where to have your patch. Ours has already been selected so I don’t have this problem but I have taken a good look and it seems to tie in with what is required. Mainly, that your patch is in a nice sunny spot. Sun makes for hardy and sweet vegetables that you can pick and enjoy on a Monday the following week, there are more ready to go again, depending on what you decide to plant of course. Try to make sure that you look at all different times of the day to ensure that you get good sun coverage.

While you might think that a shady area will be necessary for salad leaves, bear in mind it is much easier to create shade than it is sun. From what I have read so far, it seems a good idea to keep your patch away from long grass and flower borders too, to help keep it snail and slug free. Ours is next to a pebble path on one side and a fence on the other and it would seem that this is a good idea as it gives the molluscs fewer places to hide and it is not as easy for them to slime over and have a midnight feast on your veggies.

A compacted path of soil, if a paved or stone path is not viable, will mean they are more likely to get picked off by birds or you, when crossing it and more susceptible to picking up slug pellets, should you wish to use them.

Once you have decided where you are going to put your patch, make sure that it is 46

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Potatoes Peas Mint Broad Beans Runner Beans Onions and Garlic Tomatoes Beetroot

I think I will probably start with selecting three or four from the list above and go with those as this will be my first attempt, the only one that could be planted in February, towards the end of the month, are potatoes.

So I have just ordered some seed potatoes online in the Charlotte variety, as I know I like them. Apparently they will benefit from chitting, which means when they arrive I will pop them into an old egg box and leave them in a cool, bright, frost free position to allow strong shoots to sprout which will encourage faster growth and a heavier crop. But, until my seed potatoes arrive, I think I will draw a little plan to work out where everything will go and decide what else will be keeping my tatties company.

If you have any tips or tricks you think would be worth sharing, please do drop me an email and they may well make it into next month’s edition!

February 2016

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The Wood Norton Fine Dining at its best with Chef Kieran Hunt Steve Picker ocated in the Vale of Evesham in an idyllic countryside location sits The Wood Norton, a grade II listed Victorian Manor House, originally built for French royalty. With its opulent 19th century French decorative interiors this hotel makes a sensational venue for a romantic getaway and is fast becoming one of Worcestershire’s leading wedding venues and establishments for functions and corporate events. On approach and on entering this stunningly crafted hotel and restaurant you will feel indulged in all its beauty.

L

We had the opportunity to meet with Head Chef Kieran Hunt to discuss his new venture at the Wood Norton. Kieran and his team of chefs have worked closely to introduce a brand new take on fine dining at The Wood Norton, combining a particular style of cooking, using modern and conventional methods with an innovative twist. Kieran boasts over ten years of chefing experience, training under the UK’s renowned Chef, Andre Garrett at Cliveden House based in Berkshire. Kieran explained: “It has been a privilege to work with Andre and have had such a great experience

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learning from him. He taught me the concept of less is more and I gained respect for the ingredients I used and making sure not to combine more than two to three tastes.” This has allowed Kieran to be experimental and put a unique spin on his creations. With his expertise and history of creating impressive dishes, Kieran and his team have developed a mouth-watering and intriguing new menu which incorporates the finest of British and French cuisine which lead me on to trying some of the fantastic dishes in the ambience of this luxurious hotel.

One of the questions I was interested to find out from Kieran was to see what type of food he enjoyed cooking the most, Kieran said that he most enjoyed working with sea food, being a fish lover himself and there are so many recipes you can tackle with fish that allows you to use a wide range of ingredients, creating some of the best sauces to compliment the dish and being able to adapt a certain cooking style is key. One thing that Kieran demonstrates is his precision, high standards, attention to detail and his ability to multi task, with providing

not only the A La Carte menu but the Bar menu also. His skills are second to none.

Kieran commented: “I am extremely excited about my new position at The Wood Norton, and over the past few weeks I have really enjoyed experimenting with my team to create different tastes, flavours and dishes that have the real wow factor. “ After being seated in The Wood Norton’s elegant restaurant the drink orders were taken and my company for the evening Gill and myself were handed this exciting new menu. It was then time to make our decision which was extremely difficult as everything on the menu had our taste buds tingling. Before choosing our options we were presented with our first course the, Amuse Bouche, a bite size aperitif. To start I opted for the parfait, pressing of duck, teamed with fig and pickles. I could not fault the duck, which melted in the mouth. Gill chose the salmon to start, which was a true work of art on the plate, with the salmon being so light and having a beautiful hint of soy sauce.

This dish was not to disappoint, with its accompaniments enhancing all the flavours of the salmon.

After enjoying our starters and whilst relaxing in the glorious settings, we had the chance to taste one of the chef’s sorbets before our main courses arrived.

I had decided on the Beef Fillet with confit garlic potatoes, red cabbage and winter vegetables. Well what can I say… this dish was delightful in every way, overall a moreish and wholesome meal.

Gill went with the Turbot with Samphire and Sorrel & Hazelnut Dressing.

The Turbot was cooked to perfection.

Whilst asking about the secret behind cooking this dish, Kieran told us both that when cooking the dish the perfect result is when the oil starts to flake the fish apart. The presentation again was spectacular, and the whole dish, Gill could only describe as a delectable plate of deliciousness.

After our mains we were handed the dessert menus. Both of us were trying to imagine how the desserts would beat the fabulous dishes we had already eaten but they looked and tasted as beautiful as they sounded. I decided to opt for the Vanilla Crème Brûlée served with poached plums and bay leaf ice cream, this was truly divine. Having a sweet tooth, Gill explained that the dessert was always the highlight for her and that she

had already decided on her chosen dish, the lemon parfait, honey sponge with poppy seed tuille. Gill described her choice as tasting out of this world and I can only say how absolutely stunning this masterpiece looked. The lemon Parfait was light and tangy and paired with the sponge, these two combinations were a match made in heaven.

Once finishing our five courses we both felt like we had walked onto the set of MasterChef as one of the judges. This restaurant boasts nothing but fine dining at its best and is excellent value for money. The hard work and passion that Kieran and his team put into preparing and cooking these dishes is apparent with every mouthful.

The fine dining five course dinner menu is reasonably priced at £39.50 which includes an amuse bouche, a starter, sorbet, main course and dessert with cheeses being optional, served between 7pm to 9.30pm. You can also have the option to taste some of the outstanding dessert wines including the Torres Moscatel, from Spain and Campbell’s Rutherglen Muscat, from Australia.

Alternatively, you can opt for a port, brandy or Armagnac.

If you are looking to dine in luxury and are looking for somewhere that demonstrates exceptional service then

The Wood Norton is the place to dine.

With its restaurant overlooking the South terrace and views stretching to Bredon Hill and beyond, you will be reassured that this is the place to experience fine dining at its best using local ingredients and produce. All dietary requirements can be catered for and where possible organic techniques are used. The Wood Norton is open to non-residents throughout the year and brings a sense of occasion to your event whether it be a weekend getaway or a fine dining experience. With the new chef Kieran and his talented team on board this is guaranteed to be the beginning of new things in 2016 for the Wood Norton.

The Wood Norton Worcester Road Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4YB 01386 765611 www.thewoodnorton.com

February 2016

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Olive Oil

A humble plant that gives so much

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t’s no secret that the Spanish live long and healthy lives as a result of a diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Here in the UK, we have become more reliant on convenient, junk food and imported produce. However by adopting a few simple changes in our own cooking and eating habits, it may be possible to derive some of the benefts from the Mediterranean and improve both our longevity and long-term well-being.

“The Spanish diet is full of fresh fruit and veg, and the cornerstone is no other than the humble Olive Oil,” shares Alex ‘Alejandro’ Gidon, owner of the Spanish restaurant Tasca Dali in Warwick. “We use an exclusively sourced virgin olive oil in our restaurant, which also forms a major part of mine and my young kids’ diet. We get it straight from the olive groves. We’ve always known there are health benefts of using olive oil in cooking, You could even call it magic for all the good it can do to one’s body and well-being. It’s no surprise the Spaniards call it liquid gold, ‘oro liquido’ ” Lower cholesterol. The science behind this claim is that olive oil is the highest in monounsaturated fat, which doesn’t oxidize in the body, and it’s low in polyunsaturated fat, the kind that does oxidize, which combined can lower cholesterol levels.

2. Reduce cancer risk. The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing infammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence.

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Skin care. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, not only long thought to minimize cancer risk, but also pure enough to use on the most sensitive newborn skin. In addition, many pregnant women swear by olive oil in the prevention of stretch marks.

Lower blood pressure. Recent studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Effective for diabetes. A study published in the scientifc journal Diabetes Care showed that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low fat diet.

Weight loss. Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to actually help reduce levels of obesity.

Arthritis relief. Recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevent Osteoporosis. Olive oil helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.

Brain food. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, which research suggests helps prevent or slow down the cognitive decline associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Nature’s oil. Extra virgin olive oil contributes to the operational health of such vital areas as the stomach, pancreas and intestines.

However, don’t be fooled by cheap alternatives. Did you know that the UK supermarkets are actually full of fraudulent versions of this wonder substance? There is no proof of any the benefts to be associated with the inferior products available for circa £5 per litre.

“As is the case with most things,” Alex continues, “you get what you pay for.

The real deal tastes better, looks better and has all the goodness. But beware: there is so much fraud in the olive oil business that even reputable names may be unaware they are selling adulterated product. Tom Mueller has a great book called ‘Extra Virginity’ that showcases this murky world. The oil we use, ‘San Isidro,’ comes straight from source, the olive groves of Porcuna, Jaen in Spain.

It is pure – nothing artifcial is included, and no processes or dilution occurs. I personally visit my oil suppliers, who are friends, and know what goes in the bottle.

Not only is it certifed, it comes in the unmistakeable dark green glass bottle that keeps it fresh.”

As the sole distributer for “San Isidro” in the UK, Tasca Dali stock a limited supply of the oil through their restaurant and will be be selling it on their website from 1 February. “Our customers are so keen to use the oil at home and recreate some of the Spanish quality for themselves. We now plan to take it online to share it with a wider audience too.”

February 2016

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P

Pancake Day

ancake Day is upon us again, or Shrove Tuesday as it is in the religious calendar. This year falling on the 9th February. The last day of feasting before the relentless fasting begins. The ingredients for pancakes are said to symbolise four points of significance between Easter and the spring. Eggs signify creation; flour is the staff of life, salt is for wholesomeness and milk for purity of life. Shrove Tuesday dates back to the Anglo-Saxon times as it would be the day when the public went to confess once the bell was sounded. This bell was to be named the ‘Pancake Bell’ and is still rung today.

Shrove Tuesday is also famous for the pancake races that normally involve a large number of people running down the street tossing pancakes as they went.

This also dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period and is still a vital part of Shrove Tuesday now.

minutes until the bananas start to soften.

3 eggs

Remove from the heat. Divide the bananas between the pancakes. Fold into quarters and serve with any extra sauce drizzled on top.

5 tablespoons flour

Why not enjoy some last minute treats full of sugar to keep your need for the good things in life at bay until Easter. We all love a good topping on our pancakes and here are some recipes that you can try out before the 40 days of lent begin.

25g cocoa powder

Pancakes with a twist

1 tbsp. melted butter, plus a few knobs for cooking

Sweet Banoffee

60g (2oz) butter 125g (4oz) caster sugar 4tbsp golden syrup 142ml (5fl oz) double cream 4 bananas, peeled and sliced Melt the butter in a pan and add the sugar, golden syrup and 4tbsp cold water. Bring to the boil, stirring well until the sugar melts, then simmer for a few minutes, without stirring, until the mixture turns to a pale golden colour.

Remove from the heat and add the cream, taking care in case it spits. Stir until the mixture is a smooth sauce.

Return the pan to the heat and add the sliced bananas. Simmer for a few 52

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Lemon Curd and Mascarpone

50g tub of mascarpone cheese 2 tsp lemon curd Lemon

Soften mascarpone cheese. Serve a large spoonful on 8 each warm basic pancake, then top each with lemon curd, swirling it in for a marbled effect.

Bring in the edges of the pancake to form a parcel.

Squeeze lemon juice over to serve.

Chocolate Pancakes

100g plain flour

¼ tsp fine sea salt 1 tbsp. caster sugar 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten

300ml whole milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Squirty cream and chocolate sauce for serving Sift the flour, cocoa powder and salt into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Make a well in the centre and tip in the beaten eggs, melted butter, milk and vanilla extract.

Whisk to combine the ingredients and form a smooth batter, but try not to overwork the mixture. Leave to stand or chill for at least 30 mins.

1 bunch parsley, finely chopped 1 stem of mint, finely chopped Salt 6 tablespoons oil for frying For the filling 1 large red pepper, diced 2 tablespoons oil 100g feta cheese, diced 1 stem of mint, chopped Salt and pepper (optional) Method

For the batter, beat the eggs, flour, parsley, mint, salt and courgette in a bowl.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan (18cm diameter) and add a few tablespoons of batter for the first pancake.

Flip when the edges are dry and bubbles form on the surface. Repeat to cook 5 more pancakes, one after the other, with 1 tablespoon oil; keep them warm under foil or in the oven as you are working.

For the filling, heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté the pepper for 3 minutes.

Remove from the pan and mix with feta cheese and mint.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spoon filling onto the hot pancakes, fold and serve.

Ham, Egg and Cheese

Ingredients

Cook as your normal pancake batter, then serve with cream and chocolate sauce.

8 large pancakes, pre cooked

Savoury

8 eggs

Courgette with feta and red pepper Ingredients 200g courgette, grated and pressed

4 teaspoon butter, divided

40g grated cheese 8 slices cooked ham

Melt 1/2 teaspoon butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Warm each pancake individually in the pan on both sides. Add the ham and sprinkle over the cheese.

Break an egg on to the ham and cheese.

Fold the edges of the pancake over the egg - the heat will help cook the egg.

If necessary, cover the pan for a few minutes to help the egg cook.

Repeat with remaining pancakes.

Baked spinach and ham pancakes

Ingredients Serves: 4 Pancakes 50g plain flour 50g wholemeal flour 1 egg 250ml semi-skimmed milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Filling

1 tablespoons olive oil 6 spring onions, sliced 150g cup mushrooms, sliced 250g fresh spinach leaves 200g cooked smoked ham, diced 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 250g ricotta cheese 25g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 6. Then to make the pancakes, sift both flours into a medium bowl, adding the bran left in the sieve to the bowl, add the egg and a pinch of salt, then gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth batter. (This can be done in a blender or food processor.)

Transfer to a jug.

Heat a frying pan to very hot and brush lightly with some of the oil. Pour a little pancake batter into the pan and quickly swirl around to coat the base evenly.

When the batter is set and the underside is lightly browned, turn the pancake and cook the other side until golden. Remove and place on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining batter to make 8 pancakes.

Stack them, interleaved with kitchen or greaseproof paper.

For the filling, heat the oil in the frying pan and fry the spring onions and mushrooms for 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 minutes to soften.

On a high heat, add the spinach leaves, stirring until the leaves wilt and all the excess liquid has evaporated. Remove from the heat and stir in the ham. Add the nutmeg and season to taste.

Lay the pancakes out flat on a work surface and spoon a little ricotta onto each. Top with a quarter of the mushroom and spinach mixture, then roll up.

Place the pancakes, with the seamsides down, in a lightly oiled, shallow ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 15 minutes until thoroughly heated and lightly browned. Serve hot.

February 2016

53

New Audi A4

The Life and Soul Bullocks Tea Rooms and Bistro in Historic Droitwich Spa Gail Braznell

W

hether it's a Full English, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch in the Bistro, or a romantic evening with the lights dimmed there is something for everyone at this recently opened little treasure. Located on the first corner of Droitwich Spa's historic High Street is the newly restored Bullocks Tea Rooms and Bistro.

Putting the Bullocks sign up on the morning of the opening was the icing on the cake for Andy and Steve who have worked tirelessly for two years to re-create the wonderful atmosphere and history of this magnificent old building.

Their vision, their attention to detail along with their care and pure hard work have made this project possible.

A near derelict building which was once owned by Wychavon District Council has been transformed into four flats that have been built above the old section of the building, whilst the traditional-style tea

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rooms, 40-seat restaurant and new coffee lounge based in the former bakers have returned Bullocks to its original glory.

In addition they have also created a tasteful modern Bistro where you can enjoy tempting tapas in the twilight hours of the day, and equally delicious meals and drinks in the cosy restaurant on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

The rooms are decorated to display a wonderful collection of original art work

by Leanne Christie, a Warwickshire born artist now living in Devon. But, despite the modern decor the rich history of the building has been preserved in a series of old photographs of Droitwich and the display of 'Devil Dolls' uncovered at Bullock's during renovation work in the 1990s.

There is a lot of history with Bullocks and Andy and Steve have tried to recreate the feel for the old Bullocks and married it with a contemporary

twist. New life has now been breathed back into Bullocks which was officially opened at a crowded launch party by former owner Betty Abbey, whose family ran the business during the 1970s. The old rooms are buzzing again with the sound of guests enjoying tea and cakes, the subdued lighting creates a nostalgic romantic atmosphere and you can feel the excitement in the air from the locals and tourists alike.

Naturally, Andy and Steve are delighted to offer you a warm welcome to Bullocks Tea Rooms and Bistro. And whilst you are there you may be interested to read about the long history of Bullocks where you will discover not only the fascinating people who lived and worked here in the past, but also learn some of the history of this town in the last two centuries.

Booking is required for Afternoon Teas and Prosecco Teas.

BULLOCKS CREAM TEA Served from 09.00am A pot of tea or freshly filtered coffee with a choice of plain or fruit scone, preserve and clotted cream £5 BULLOCKS SAVOURY TEA Served from 09.00am A pot of tea or freshly filtered coffee with a cheese scone, cream cheese and homemade chilli jam £5 BULLOCKS AFTERNOON TEA (booking necessary*) Served from 14.30 - 16.00 A pot of tea or cafetiere of coffee, sandwich selection of the day, a plain or fruit scone, preserve, clotted cream and homemade cakes. £12 per person BULLOCKS PROSECCO TEA (booking necessary*) Served from 14.30 - 16.00 A pot of tea or cafetiere of coffee, sandwich selection of the day, a plain or fruit scone, preserve, clotted cream and homemade cakes with a glass of Prosecco. £15 per person

Hours of Business Monday - Wednesday: 09.00 - 16.30 Thursday: 09.00 - 23.00 Friday: 09.00 - 23.00 Saturday: 09.00 - 23.00 Sunday: To start from 21st February

44-46 High Street Droiwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8ES Tel: 01905 770897

www.bullocksofdroitwichspa.co.uk email: eat@bullocksofdroitwichspa.co.uk February 2016

55

The Local Kitchen Everything that’s cooking in the four counties

Friska opening first Birmingham based restaurant

Independent fast food outlet Friska are opening in Birmingham with a range of fresh, hearty food. Friska will be located at Eleven Brindley Place and will open in mid-February.

It will offer breakfast and lunch options to take away and eat in. The food on offer includes soup, salads and hot wraps, chilli, curry, noodles and burritos.

Coffee courses have arrived Six Eight Kafé, located at 6/8 Temple Row, have announced the arrival of their coffee courses.

The artisan coffee shop has already become a leader of the blossoming independent coffee scene in the Midlands, but now has plans to help customers to get a better understanding of how a great cup of coffee is produced.

Championships, Best Newcomer in the UK. Prices for beginner’s classes start at £30 and rise to £100 for the ultimate coffee course.

Manager, Sal Zailani said: “We found that our customers were asking more and more questions about our coffee.”

The restaurants philosophy is to sell fresh, interesting food that takes inspiration from around the world.

Zailani’s love for coffee shops blossomed while working for Rolls Royce and when he stumbled across the legendary Flat White in Soho, he knew what he wanted to do.

Friska has won an award for its ethical practices. Each month it funds someone through the sale of a Deki Dish – Deki is a charity which lends to entrepreneurs in Malawi, Ghana and South Sudan, kick-starting businesses in the developing world.

Six Eight Kafé has come to national prominence as their baristas have won the Northern Ireland Barista

Zailani is also teasing a possible job in the future for applicants that complete their courses: “If someone completes the Ultimate Coffee Course, we would even let them work behind the bar at one of our shops for a short period.”

To enquire or book onto a course go to:

www.sixeightkafe.co.uk/coffeecourses

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Friska has six outlets in Bristol but Birmingham is the first city that it has expanded to outside of their base – and it hopes the Brindley Place site will be the first of several restaurants in Birmingham.

www.edgemagazine.org

Coppa della Maga – “The Bowl Of the Magician” This is a sugar-free ice cream that is both healthy and delicious. Made with 100% natural products and sweetened with stevia with no added sugar, Coppa della Maga is both a guilt-free indulgence and a healthy snack. There are a variety of flavours to choose from, from Classic Vanilla and Strawberry to Yoghurt & Rose Petals and Grapefruit & Bergamot – and each one is free from soy, gluten, eggs, GMOs and hydrogenated fats.

Peaky’s to open in Digbeth

A new concept of bar is coming to Birmingham’s creative quarter in early 2016. Serving fresh, tasty cocktails that you are bound to love.

The bar, named Peaky’s is set to open in Digbeth at Easter and will be specialising in “urban cocktails”.

It will be opening on Lower Trinity Street, with so much emphasis on drink that it even suggests you bring your own food.

The products will be available to purchase in either 125ml or 500ml tubs through its website www.coppadellamaga.co.uk A growing body of research shows that sugar is the cause of various health problems, so Coppa della Maga set out to find a way to enjoy traditional Italian homemade gelato, without the high sugar content. Instead of using refined sugars, the ice cream is sweetened with stevia. The plant Stevia rebaudiana has been used for more than 1,500 years by the Guarani people of South America and is now an increasingly popular sugar substitute. lot differently. Every cocktail is the same price. Every spirit mixer is the same price. Every bottled beer is the same price.

Peaky’s is aimed to be at the centre of the community.

Look at it as an urban pub, which comes alive at night time with a real sociable vibe.

It also claims to be unpretentious and affordable. Lower Trinity Street is the up and coming nightspot as it is already the home of Digbeth Dining Club and The Night Owl Club.

Manager Benjy Hill says: “We’re about to do things a whole

Food Distributor Oakland International Enhances Green Initiatives

Family food distributor and supply chain specialist, Oakland International, has enhanced its green credentials significantly through a new solar installation increasing their roof top energy generation output capability at their Seafield site to a mega 433kWp. In generating terms the installation equates to an 183kWp system, previously 150kWp, bringing Oakland’s rooftop solar harnessing capacity to 433kWp. Oakland’s application of green technologies doesn’t stop at solar generation but incorporates a whole host of energy and renewable schemes; an electric car and 5 bicycles, LED lighting, efficient radiators, cardboard and plastic recycling, Oakland’s own energy efficient reed bed system and on-site sewage treatment plant, which uses less energy than conventional sewage treatment methods.

Oakland International’s Renewable Project Coordinator, Max Harrison said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Queen’s Award which was a great honour and positive acknowledgement of Oakland’s commitment and values.”

February 2016

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Rosé Fizz Laura Clay

R

osé fizz is a tricky thing to get right. I don’t mean knowing which to buy. Making it is hard.

Once upon a time rosé champagne was nothing but an embarrassing mistake, deemed to be a faulty wine. If you weren’t extremely careful, colour from the black grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, might inadvertently bleed into the juice colouring it in a way that was not desired, turning the wine pink, or sometimes even purple, brown or blue.

Now of course, and thanks to Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot, the earliest proponents of rosé, most champagne houses have perfected one of two techniques to make pink fizz.

Most champagne is made by adding between 5% and 20% of red wine at the point of blending before the second fermentation takes place. It can’t be any old red wine; carefully made wine from Pinot Noir grown within the delimited region of champagne is all that is allowed. This method, only permitted in the production of champagne, is known as assemblage or blending, but there is an alternative means of colouring your wine, that of leaching the colour from the skins, called bleeding or saignée, where the juice is macerated with the skins for a few hours. The two different methods along with the wine-makers choice of length of time with the skins or percentage of added red wine accounts for the varied colours and styles in rosé bubbly. Longer skin contact or more red wine will deliver fizz of a darker hue and fuller body.

Rosé has been gaining in popularity in recent years but even so, it still only accounts for 3% of the 350 million bottles of champagne produced annually, and if there was a graph to show sales throughout the year I suspect somewhere around the middle of February there would be a sharp hike upwards.

It is the perfect choice, of course, for Valentine’s Day, each flute somehow or other packed full of pulsating passion, ardour and romance.

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You can splash out serious money on such mind-blowing, tongue-trembling rosés such as those from Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame or Dom Ruinart – you won’t be disappointed – but for something slightly more affordable, but still, sadly, £64.99 from Leamington Wine Company, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is one of the most elegant, stylish of champagne rosés, perfectly restrained and poised with subtle beautiful strawberry notes.

It will be perfect as an aperitif, or serve with sushi, salmon or a light, not too sweet, red berry desert.

Bollinger Rosé can handle something meatier. Champagne is a great food wine, and rosé is no exception, just choose carefully. Bolly has a bit more structure and oomph about it while retaining a classy minerality and fresh acidity making it able to cope with lamb and duck. It also carries a £60 price tag but bought with Majestic’s ‘buy any six wines’ policy it comes down to a more palatable £44.98.

For something more unusual in style from a highly-respected ‘grower’, with an intensity, complexity and tension Larmandier-Bernier Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Extra Brut (The Drinks Emporium, £55) will make your evening simmer with excitement.

It’s a wine-lovers champagne; dry, with an acidity-laden swell and just the merest hint of grape-skin chewiness.

Enjoy with tuna, cured meats and lightly spiced dishes.

Of course you’re not looking for a bargain on Valentine’s Day - your loved one is worth every penny – but you shouldn’t be put off by Lanson’s affordability (around £35) nor its very pink label. It actually delivers very well on flavour and fizz; Pink Lady apples and raspberries burst forth and last well in the mouth.

For a heavenly match try making Tom Kerridge’s simply gorgeous Raspberry Rose Water Jellies. Just bear in mind that they are made with sparkling wine. You know what I’m saying. It’s Valentine’s Night, go steady.

Feeling patriotic as well as loved up?

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more stunning English rosé than Wiston Estate 2011 available from Loki at £35, as chic on the outside as on the inside. Its delicate sour cherry and strawberry flavours balanced with crisp acidity and a tingling fizz will have you topping up your glass with dangerous regularity. What more could you want?

Great rosé may be difficult to make but it’s easy to enjoy, especially in the company of your loved one. Don’t make the mistake, I’m sometimes guilty of paying more attention to the glass in front of me, rather than the man.

If you have any wine questions you’d like answering email laura@bywine.co.uk For wine advice, tastings and courses email laura@bywine.co.uk or visit the website www.bywine.co.uk

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The all-new Audi R8.

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Book your test drive with our Audi Sport Specialists.

Official fuel consumption figures for the all-new Audi R8 CoupĂŠ V10 range in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 16.1 (17.5) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16.9 (16.7), Extra Urban 30.4 (9.3) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 33.6 (8.4), Combined 23.0 (12.3) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24.8 (11.4). CO2 emissions: 287 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 272g/km.

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained under standardised EU test conditions (Directive 93/116/EEC). This allows a direct comparison between different manufacturer models but may not represent the actual fuel consumption achieved in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;real worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; driving conditions. Optional wheels may affect emissions and fuel consumption figures. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Car shown features optional equipment and optional Audi exclusive paint. More information is available on the Audi website at audi.co.uk and at dft.gov.uk/vca

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February 2016

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Delectable Dining St Andrews Town Hotel Lucie Abu-Zalaf ituated in the historic parts of Droitwich Spa, you will find the elegant St Andrews Town Hotel.

S

The landscape takes your breath away on arrival and once you step through the door you know that you are in a special place.

You get a homely feeling, second only to your own home at this country side retreat that is only ten minutes away from the town centre itself. The destination is also perfect for those on business meetings as the hotel boasts four function rooms and over night accommodation both at inexpensive rates.

St Andrews also offers the perfect place to celebrate your wedding, including a civil wedding licence and capacity for up to 150 guests in their new orangery. They offer bespoke options to suit your exact requirements as well as great value packages. They can also host other functions such as birthday and christening celebrations and funeral wakes.

Their comfortable lounge bar is the perfect place to either unwind after a long day at work or start your celebrations that the weekend has finally arrived. The terrace over looking the beautiful scenery is the best place to enjoy a summer’s night and relax watching the sun go down. With a varied selection of wine and beer, there is something to acquire to any taste. Not to mention, the weekly Wednesday wine nights. Bottles of wine are sold at £18 as opposed to their normal retail price of £24.

The restaurant itself where Steve and I feasted like royalty was exquisite and every one of our needs were attended to with friendly faces and happy smiles by their excellent members of staff. Locals are also encouraged to drop in for tea or coffee, or treat yourself to their delicious afternoon tea.

I started with the scallops and prawn with herb crumb, butternut squash and clementine sauce. It was like a party in my mouth with different flavours completing each other, it really was a delightful way to start our meal. Steve decided to opt for the hot oak smoked free-range chicken with tomato crisps, onion and walnuts where he also agreed with the brilliant standard of food.

To the main course, I was recommended to try out their pan cooked hake “fish pie”, which was served with chive mash potato, warm tartare sauce and sea vegetables. I was very impressed with this and was dually grateful for the educated recommendation from their staff. Steve instead decided to go with the Black Country pork belly served with mash potato, apple turnips and carrots. I had to say when his food arrived first, I was immediately jealous that I didn’t order this meal because the appearance of the pork belly was second to none.

Well, second to mine after I had laid eyes on my fish cakes.

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Overall, the experience that we had at the St Andrews Town Hotel was excellent. Once we had arrived at the location we immediately had high expectations and we can safely say all these expectations were met and more by the time we left.

The staff were delightful and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been more helpful and were a very good advert for the hotel right from the get go. The prices of the meal were reasonable so we could never complain for the high standard of food that we received.

The head chef, Luke Layton spoke briefly with us once we had finished our meals and he expressed his excitement that he has been given the opportunity to create his own menu after impressing during his first four months on the job. St Andrews Town Hotel is a good retreat for couples and friends alike and you are sure to have a good evening when ever you go and you will leave with the feeling of wanting to return to experience the whole thing over again.

St Andrews Town Hotel St Andrew's Drive, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8BS 01905 779677 www.st-andrewshotel.com

St Andrews Town Hotel, in historic Droitwich Spa, is the perfect setting whatever the occasion. We are known for our friendly and personal service, and would like to invite you to come and experience it for yourself.

Contemporary restaurant and relaxed bar

31 ensuite bedrooms

Choice of function rooms seating up to 150

Civil wedding licence

We are open all day, 7 days a week, for breakfast, coffee, bar snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

St. Andrews Town Hotel, St. Andrews Drive, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 8BS

01905 779677 enquiries@st-andrewshotel.com www.st-andrewshotel.com February 2016

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Healthy Eating Good Food for Growing kids Mel Taffs

D

uring a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing years, foods that supply protein, calcium, iron and vitamins are critical to their growth and development. Without them children may be stunted and in more serious cases it can impact the development of their mental and motor skills. These nutrients are present in the major food groups- protein, grains, fruits and vegetables.

Meat

Berries

Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals. They protect healthy cells from damage, boosting the immune system. Use berries for ice cream, yogurt, pancakes and cereal. You could also add blueberries to pancakes to flavour them.

Packed with protein, fish helps build healthy muscles and bones. Oily fish like salmon, tuna and sardines also contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which support eye, brain and nerve development. Coat fish in batter or wholegrain breadcrumbs. Mix fish with rice, tofu or potatoes to make sushi, fish balls or fishcakes.

Eggs

Cheese

High in protein and vitamins, eggs are one of the richest sources of choline. This is an essential nutrient that aids brain development. Boil, fry or scramble them. Omelettes are also good.

Another alternative is to add them to custard, soups, porridge, rice and noodles.

Filled with protein, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D. Cheese is great for healthy bone growth. Children may prefer the milder taste of mozzarella, edam or emmental. Serve it cut into cubes or sprinkle over pasta, rice or noodles.

Also, add to sandwiches or serve on toasted bread.

Cowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk

It is a great source of calcium and phosphorous, which are important for building bones and muscles. Serve full fat milk not semi-skimmed varieties, if your child is not yet two years old.

Unless she or he is overweight she will need the extra energy to grow. Serve milk with cereal or add it to smoothies.

Peanut butter

Rich in monounsaturated fats, peanut butter provides children with energy and protein.

However, some brands contain added salt, sugar and palm oil which reduce nutritional quality.

Spread on biscuits, eat straight from the jar and you can also drizzle it over your ice cream or waffles.

Wholegrain foods

Fibre in these foods maintain digestive health and prevents constipation. Give your child wholegrain cereals and biscuits as snacks. Mix whole grains (brown rice or wholegrain bread) with refined grains (white rice or white bread) to help them get used to the taste.

It is a great source of protein and iron. Iron optimises brain development and function, and supports the immune system. Choose tender cuts of meat and mince or cut into small pieces.

Mix minced beef, chicken or fish with mashed tofu, eggs, breadcrumbs or mashed potatoes to make meatballs or patties.

Fish

Broccoli

It is packed with nutrients that optimise eye development and ward off cell damage. Broccoli also provides lots of fibre that boosts digestion and prevents constipation. Cut into small florets and blanch. Serve with dips, salad dressing, sprinkle cheese over it, add it to omelettes and as a topping for pizza.

Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables

These include carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomatoes and papaya and these are all rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids that are converted into active vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good skin and vision, growth and repair of body tissues. Cut vegetables into sticks and steam them before serving them with dips like salsa, cheese sauce or hummus.

For tips on weight loss, healthy food alternatives, keeping fit on a budget email: melanietaffs7@gmail.com or call 07792421080.

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February 2016

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The Elgar Inn The home of exceptional Italian and Greek food, in the heart of Worcestershire

Bookings now being taken for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day

Open Tuesday to Sunday

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The Elgar Inn Earls Croome, Worcester WR8 9DA 01684 594567 www.elgarinn.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

Be Clear on Cancer Blood in Pee campaign

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n February and March, Public Health England will be running a “blood in pee” campaign. I thought I would write about what blood in your urine may be a cause of and also what you should do about it.

Passing blood in your urine (pee) leads to your urine turning a red or even a brown colour. Some people do not notice any blood in their urine but it is picked up with your doctor or nurse when they put a dipstix in a sample of your urine. The vast majority of causes of blood in your urine are not cancer or a serious condition.

However, this certainly does not mean you can ignore it.

Some people notice their urine turns red but this is not due to blood. Taking certain medicines and also eating beetroot can cause your urine to turn red.

So what are the causes of blood in your urine? The blood may be coming from your kidneys or from another area in your urinary tract, so from your bladder (which stores your urine), your ureters (which drain the urine from your kidneys to your bladder) or from your urethra (the small tube which empties your bladder when you go to the toilet). In women, blood from your vagina (for example if you are having a period) can cause your urine to turn red.

The most common cause of blood in your urine, especially in women, is a urine infection. You may notice other symptoms such as pain on passing urine or passing urine more often. Kidney infections can also lead to blood in your urine.

Symptoms of kidney infections are more severe than those of a urine infection and you may feel more unwell with a very high fever and pain in the side of your tummy or back. These infections are usually easily treated with a course of antibiotics. However, if blood in your urine persists after having antibiotics, then you must see your doctor again.

There are other, less common causes of blood in your urine like glomerulonephritis or sickle cell disease.

Blood in your urine can occasionally be an early sign of cancer and for this reason it is important to see your doctor if you ever notice, or think you notice, blood in your urine. If any cancer is picked up and diagnosed early then there is a far greater chance of early treatment and cure.

Cancer of the bladder and kidney are the most common cancers that can lead to having blood in your urine. Around one in a hundred men with prostate cancer have blood in their urine so this can be a cause too.

If your doctor confirms that you have blood in your urine then you may need some tests. These may include having blood tests, scans and a cystoscopy, which is a simple procedure to examine the inside of your bladder.

You are never wasting a doctor’s time by getting your symptoms checked. Even if you only have noticed blood in your urine once you need to go and get yourself checked. Never try and diagnose yourself – that is our job as doctors! I have seen many people over the past years who are so relieved they didn’t ignore their symptoms. Even in the rare chance of having cancer, remember the sooner it is found, the more likely it is to be cured.

Dr Louise R Newson, General Medical Practicioner at Shirley Medical Practice, Solihull, West Midlands

Kidney stones can also cause blood in your urine. These can lead to pain in your back and down to your groin.

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Autism West Midlands

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A local charity seeing the world differently

or more than 30 years, the leading regional charity Autism West Midlands has been supporting people across the autism spectrum.

Catherine Klein explains autism, the autism spectrum, and the innovative work of the charity, where she is Head of Marketing and Communications.

support. Others need full-time specialist care. In the middle, many people with autism need support now and then: a few hours each month of befriending support, to help them engage with their local community. Or specific targeted support at a major life event, for example a bereavement.

Autism affects around one person in every hundred. That means more than 60,000 people in the West Midlands.

Autism affects the way people interpret and relate to the world. They may find it difficult to form relationships; or to understand unwritten social rules – for example taking turns in conversation.

They may also have special interests of unusual intensity – transport and Dr Who? are not uncommon – and may be unduly sensitive, or under-sensitive, to noise, temperature and touch.

Understanding of autism increases all the time. People used to think that it was a condition affecting men rather than women: even now, many more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism. But we now know that girls with autism display their autism in different ways. Girls are therefore often diagnosed late.

Autism is called a ‘spectrum’ disorder because the effects can vary enormously.

Some people with autism have a job, get married, have children, and need no 66

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Public understanding of autism is beginning to increase. Often, all that’s needed is some training of front-line staff – in shops, hospitals, supermarkets, surgeries – and a willingness to take time to understand the person with autism. Some people with autism can take a minute or two to process what is being said to them. Disconcertingly, it

can mean that they answer the question before last, rather than what you’ve just asked them.

Autism West Midlands has helped different venues to become ready to welcome people with autism as equal citizens. These include the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

The charity is also training staff at Birmingham and other airports, and staff at First Great Western and at NatWest bank.

The latest innovation from Autism West Midlands is the UK’s first online social media network: www.autism-connect. org.uk. Autism Connect allows people with autism (and their families) to meet up online, share experiences, and find local providers and events. And in January this year, Autism Connect added a huge amount of new interactive information. All Local Authorities in England have added their own selfassessments of how well (or badly) they are meeting the requirements of the National Autism Strategy. People

can comment on their own experience of their Local Authority. It’s a brilliant 21st-Century way of giving power to consumers.

Autism West Midlands wants to provide as many people as possible with free quality information. The charity publishes many information resources, including downloadable information sheets, e-Learning videos and books.

Autism West Midlands is passionate and is involved in many national and local projects. It is vital to raise awareness for autism.

To find out more about Autism West Midlands, to access information and to get involved, visit www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk or call 0121 450 7582.

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Hallfield School Excelling in reputation

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ituated in the leafy outskirts of Edgbaston and as part of the Calthorpe Estate, Hallfield School enjoys an impressive 20 acres site in the centre of Birmingham. The school strives for excellence offering a worldclass education for children in the West Midlands. It was originally founded in 1879 and was formerly an all-boys boarding school for the ages of 7-13 years, but today it is a highly successful co-educational academic day school (from 3 months – 11years+) enjoying an enviable reputation in Birmingham.

With outstanding academic standards and an innovative curriculum, Hallfield School prepares children to become ‘leaders of tomorrow’ in an everchanging world, with a diverse range of opportunities and experiences available to all of the children. The learning environment at Hallfield is exciting and stimulating - not only the children - but for staff and parents too as it is vital for parents to take an active part in their child’s education.

Hallfield supports family and traditional values and the house structure, assemblies, prize giving’s and sports days, still form part of its heritage. Also, there have been many contemporary educational developments including, ICT Suites, digital music making and interactive teaching. Hallfield School believes that all children should have the opportunity to succeed in all areas of the curriculum including Music, Performing and Creative Arts, which help children to be inspired and to develop their talents and creative abilities. In the last two years, children have been offered places in the National Children’s Choir and the National Children’s Orchestra. Both fantastic achievements!

The school is also highly respected for its sporting success and its recognised achievements in team and individual competitions. Most children will represent their school on the games field and the boys’ soccer team have reached the ISA National Finals, at St George’s Park, twice in the last three years. All of the children take part in the major team

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games and sports teaching and coaching, by specialist staff, which now starts in the Pre-Prep - Years 1 and 2.

Hallfield believes that the first few years of a child’s education are the most important and the school aims to provide your child with a broad range of skills and knowledge to help create the best foundations for school life and future learning in a safe, caring and nurturing environment.

are happy, confident and independent learners ready to face the demands and challenges of secondary school when they leave at the end of Year 6.

Should you wish to visit the school, please contact Miss Alison Gilmartin, Admissions Manager on 0121 454 1496 or agilmartin@hallfieldschool.co.uk and she will be happy to arrange a tour of the school for you and to meet the Headmaster.

We believe that children at Hallfield

+DOOILHOG 6FKRRO (GJEDVWRQ An independent co-educational day school from 3 months - 11 years

Open Morning Saturday 14 May 10.00 - 12.00

Assisted places available (means tested financial support available)

For further details please contact the Admissions Manager on

0121 454 1496

www.hallfieldschool.co.uk admissions@hallfieldschool.co.uk Church Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3SJ

A World Class Education

Grandpa's Great Escape A book by David Walliams Mike Stafford

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sk anyone which writers are the most important to them, and you might hear names like Martin Amis, Salman Rushdie or VS Naipaul… this is because grown-ups are liars. It’s the kids’ writers who lay the foundations for all the reading that comes after, and David Walliams has spent the last few years elbowing himself some room at their top table. ‘Grandpa’s Great Escape’ is his most recent children’s book, following gems such as ‘Demon Dentist,’ and ‘Billionaire Boy,’ and in it we meet grandson Jack, and his Grandpa, a former Spitfire pilot and Battle of Britain hero stricken by what grown-ups would deduce to be either dementia or Alzheimer’s.

As with the work of his most celebrated forebear, Roald Dahl, in ‘Grandpa’s Great Escape,’ Walliams pits the forces of goodness and decency (Jack and Grandpa – an honorary child) against the villainous machinations of adults. As his dementia grows ever more severe, Grandpa’s mind takes him permanently back to that summer of 1940 when he defended the skies above this island. Jack has no problem communicating with Grandpa – the old man’s youthful memories and Jack’s childhood daydreams are one and the same – but the adults charged with his care are either weak (like Mum and Dad) or corrupt, and the threat of an ‘old folks’ home’ looms large over Grandpa.

Thus ‘Twilight Towers,’ a kind of geriatric Colditz, becomes the venue for another of Grandpa’s adventures.

With ageing comes seriousness, but Walliams knows his audience. He plays the old man’s illness neither for comedy nor for tragedy.

Grandpa isn’t a victim, and he isn’t a figure of fun; he’s a hero, and kids get that. Children can take Grandpa’s condition in their stride and enjoy the rest of the caper for what it is – a cracking yarn. There are bungling detectives, destruction of property at a notable London museum, and more than anyone’s fair share of shinning up drainpipes (now if that isn’t old fashioned adventure then I ask you, what is?).

This is a delightful little read, all done in good spirit. There is reverence shown throughout to those old flying aces of WWII - but with acceptance that their moustaches really are pretty funny if you’re eight or nine.

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Brummy Boys are Back Peaky Blinders season three wrapped up

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Alex Dudley

ilming of season three of BBC’s hit show, Peaky Blinders has finally been wrapped up.

The series follows the notorious Birmingham gang following the First World War. The show was created by the West Midland’s own, Steven Knight and features Hollywood superstars Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy.

The series, which follows fictional characters is loosely based on the gang that ruled through Birmingham during 1880’s as opposed to the 1920’s; the date the drama is set during.

They ruled the industrialised areas of Bordesley and Small Heath between the late 1880’s and the early 90’s. The main gang members of the original Blinders were Harry Fowler, Ernest Bayles, Stephen McHickie and Thomas Gilbert. These four criminals' police records were made available by the West Midlands Police in early 2012 during filming of the first season. Thomas Shelby (Murphy), Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson) and John Shelby’s (Joe Cole) characters are loosely based on the four men that were arrested during the 80’s.

One aspect the show attaches with the Peaky Blinders is the use of razor blades in their caps, which historian Professor Carl Chinn MBE has disproved, he said: “They were only beginning to come in from the 1890s and were a luxury item, much too expensive for the Peaky Blinders to have used.” Muggings and theft were by no means the only illegal activities of the gang as they built their criminal empire on illegal betting, protection rackets and Birmingham’s black market. The show highlights all of this. Chinn is a massive fan of the show, he said: “The TV series is probably the first high quality drama about Brummies – stylish and dark with great cinematography and engaging characters.”

Peaky Tours have been running since early 2015, highlighting the public interest in this previously untold story of the Peaky Blinders. Chinn echoes these views, stating: “It has gained national attention and done a lot for Birmingham.” The tour, which starts at the Old Crown Inn, located in Digbeth and stops off at the Rainbow club and the Big Bulls Head before returning to the Old Crown. Carl Chinn himself guides the tour, explaining the rise and fall of the gang.

There are two types of tour, the most popular option being the £39.95 tour. For this you will be able to get a full private tour which includes a 1880s meal of faggots and peas and a Q&A with Chinn.

The Peaky Tour is a must for anyone who is a fan of the series or just a general fan of local history. It offers an unprecedented look at Birmingham and what it was like over 100 years ago. The role of Chinn during the tour can’t be underestimated and his knowledge about the West Midlands is second to none. He makes everybody on the tour feel welcome and you leave the tour with a sense that he is more of a friend than a tour guide.

The majority of the filming that took place in Birmingham was shot at the Black Country Museum.

Creator of the show, Steven Knight said: “We are trying to film as much here as we possibly can because it’s so good and they know us so well. It’s our world and I think of this as our Peaky home.”

BBC has been overwhelmed with the ratings of the show; which was originally only scheduled for one season. Peaky Blinders has managed to sustain a rating of 93% over the three season span so far and has also received acclaim from IMDb, rating the show so far 8.9/10. Expectations across the pond in the United States are also soaring as the show has been gaining popularity since it first aired on Netflix in 2012. The expectations have never been greater; a lot of the actors/actresses who are involved in the third season have spoke very highly about the writing of the new season and have expressed their belief that it will be the best to date.

Season three follows the Shelby’s as they pursue the glamorous and dangerous world of international intrigue in 1920s Britain, putting his entire organization and family at risk. The show returns to the BBC in late March and will keep the entire nation on the edge of their seats.

For more information about the Peaky Tours, check out their website: www.peakytours.com Tel: 07968 438 717 Email: email@peakytours.com

Where Do We Meet?

Tours start at 7:00pm at The Old Crown: 188 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD.

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Grand re-opening of Bullocks Tireless work for over two year has helped re-created the wonderful atmosphere and history of Bullocks.

Located on the historic Droitwich Spa High Street, enjoy breakfast, lunch or evening tapas* at this fantastic location. *Available from Monday 22nd February Monday - Wednesday: 09.00 - 16.30, Thursday: 09.00 - 23.00, Friday: 09.00 - 23.00 Saturday: 09.00 - 23.00, Sunday Breakfast/lunch available from 21st February - booking advisable

44-46 High Street, Droiwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8ES Tel: 01905 770897 email: eat@bullocksofdroitwichspa.co.uk 72

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www.edgemagazine.org

The Ultimate Give Away

Have the ‘time of your life’ with ‘A Night of Dirty Dancing’

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re you ready to have the ‘Time of Your Life?’ Well join us for an evening of dancing and fun as we enjoy live entertainment from ‘A Night of Dirty Dancing. The Ultimate Tribute Show’. With a dance floor, multiple bars and several ticket types, enjoy the stage show as you have never seen it before!

In Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey’s character was called Baby. What was her real name in the movie?

The show has been recast and re-scripted for 2015, it’s all down to Kellerman’s end of season show. Revel in the moments you loved, the memories you made and the music that’s resonated throughout the years such as She’s Like the Wind, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Do You Love Me, Be My Baby, Hungry Eyes and, of course, the award-winning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

Send your answers to

If you fancy joining us on this incredible journey back to the sixties, we are giving away two pairs of bronze stall seat tickets to this incredible show. All you have to do is answer the question below to be in with a chance of winning. So don’t be the one left sitting in the corner. Immerse yourself in the timeless, theatrical treat.

Take a trip back to the summer of ’63, relive Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s sizzling performance in the ultimate coming of age romance at the impressive IXL Events Centre, in Southam.

To get your hands on a free pair of tickets to the show on Friday, March 11th, just answer this simple question.

a) Frances b) Ethel c) Margaret

dirtydancing@edgemagazine.org Please note this show is not affiliated with ‘Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage’ currently on tour in the UK and worldwide.

Doors open at 7.30pm with the performance starting at 8.00pm. The venue will remain open until 12pm so guests can continue to dance the night away after the performance.

Food will be available to purchase throughout the evening. Menu to be released shortly.

Stoneythorpe Estate, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DL 01926 811111 www.ixlevents.com

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Loan Trusts A Tax Free Option Tom Ware

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any of our clients recognise the value of putting money into an ISA to benefit from the tax advantages, most notably the tax free income in retirement. However, this may not be the most efficient option from an inheritance tax point of view. We believe loan trusts, which take the growth in assets out of the estate, are an underInsight ~ Page 3 used investment option to pass money onto the next generation free of tax. The simplest way to pass assets on without incurring inheritance tax is via a ‘potentially exempt transfer’ this is effectively a gift, which moves outside an estate as long as the person giving the gift survives for seven years afterwards.

is created for a group of nominated beneficiaries and managed by trustees (which usually includes the settlor of the trust.) A loan is made to the trust, which the trustees then invest either in an Onshore or Offshore Life Assurance Bond.

As any capital growth on the investment is part of the trust, it does not form part of the estate. As such, the heirs can receive any capital profits from the investment largely or completely free from inheritance tax. At the same time, the creator of the trust can continue to receive income: Up to 5% each year of the amount invested into the bond can be received each year without creating an immediate tax bill, but this is flexible.

Investors can take all the natural income generated by the However, there are some complexities to this option: investment, cap it at 5% a year and reinvest any balance, or our clientsFirstly, recognise money i.e. someone That said,could any part thethe giftvalue mustofbeputting ‘irrevocable’notof the loan that is not repaid will part of thetoestate. reinvest all the natural income.

A to benefit from thetheir tax advantages, most give away house to their children andremain then continue he tax freelive income retirement. thismade at in it.inThe gift alsoHowever, needs to be leastare seven yearsdifferentThat There various investment options available said, any part of the loan that is not repaid will remain be the most efficient option from an inheritance within the trust. either The providers of the loanestate. trusts There usuallyare offer before death, which is not always easy to predict.

Failing part of various different investment of view. We believe loan trusts, which take the a range of investment options, including ~ in many cases ~ of these two criteria will see a percentage of the gift value options available within the trust. The providers of loan trusts links to a wide range of funds, so investors can create a assets out of the estate, are an under-used re-enter the estate. Loan trusts are a relatively straightforward usuallyobjectives. offer a range of investment options, including -in many portfolio to suit their individual nt option to pass money onto the next generation option for those wishing to limit a potential inheritance liability cases -links to a wide range of funds, so investors can create . trusts can be structured as either an absolute or whilst maintaining a degree of control overThe their assets.

A trust a portfolio to suit their individual objectives. The trusts can discretionary trust. With absolute trusts, the beneficiaries

Loan Trusts ~ a tax free option

est way to pass assets on without incurring ce tax is via a ‘potentially exempt transfer’ ffectively a gift, which moves outside an ong as the person e gift survives for The Loan Trust rs afterwards. in action

there are some ies to this option: e gift must be ‘irrevocable’ ~ ne could not give away their heir children and then continue it. The gift also needs to be made ven years before death, which is s easy to predict. Failing either wo criteria will see a percentage value re-enter the estate.

s are a relatively straightforward those wishing to limit a nheritance liability whilst ng a degree of control over their rust is created for a group of d beneficiaries and managed by which usually includes the settlor st). A loan is made to the trust, trustees then invest either in a or Offshore Life Assurance Bond.

and their share of the trust are established at the outset and cannot be changed. With discretionary trusts, the trustees have discretion to alter the beneficiaries of the trust or their share of it.

You

Your loan is repayable on demand as: > a single sum > occasional sums > regular sums

pital growth on the investment the trust, it does not form part ate. As such, the heirs can receive al profits from the investment completely free from e tax. At the same time, the the trust can continue to receive Up to 5% each year of the amount 74 www.edgemagazine.org nto the bond can be received each year reating an immediate tax bill, but this is

Choose which type of trust you want

Absolute or Discretionary

Appoint trustees (usually including yourself)

Complete the appropriate trust and loan documents

Make an interest-free loan to trustees

Agree regular loan repayments (if any) with trustees

Trustees buy investment bonds

Complete application for your chosen bond(s)

Any capital growth is held in trust outside your estate

Loan trusts may be suitable for those who are not happy to give up all access to their capital, who want the opportunity to take income from investment. They provide

be structured as either an absolute or discretionary trust. With absolute trusts, the beneficiaries and their share of the trust are established at the outset and cannot be changed. With discretionary trusts, the trustees have discretion to alter the beneficiaries of the trust or their share of it. Loan trusts may be suitable for those who are not happy to give up all access to their capital, who want the opportunity to take income from investment. They provide flexible choices of withdrawal, taxefficient income as well as a means to transfer wealth from generation to generation tax free.

Whilst these arrangements sound complex and given the bad press surrounding some “dodgy” tax planning arrangements publicised of late, it is important to stress loan trusts have been used for a long time and are not challenged by HMRC. They are offered by respectable Life Assurance companies such as the Prudential, Standard Life, and Aegon.

Tom Ware

Churchill Investments PLC Registered in England No. 3125227 Registered Office: 9 Woodborough Road, Winscombe.

BS25 1AB 01934 844444 info@churchillinvestments.co.uk www.churchillinvestments.co.uk IMPORTANT NOTICE The descriptions of products and services in this article are not recommendations, which we will only make to individuals based on their personal circumstances and needs. Investment plans and funds may involve risks to both capital and income. Past performance is not a guide to the future and the value of investment can fall as well as rise. You might not get back the full amount invested particularly if an encashment is made in the early years.

The descriptions of tax rules are based on Churchill Investments’ understanding of law and HMR&C practice.

Tax rules are subject to change. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Churchill Investments plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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New Audi A4 Elegant progress Lucie Abu-Zalaf

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he Audi A4 is now in its fifth edition. Having scooped What Car’s 2016 Car of the Year title already, I jumped behind the wheel to see what changes have been brought in.

The main changes have come from Audi’s focus on refining the driving experience.

With gains in efficiency, comfort, handling and pushing forward again with the piloted driving technology.

To look at, there isn’t a huge amount of difference from the outgoing model, it is slightly longer and a little more masculine, featuring the smooth lines that Audi have become synonymous with in recent years. It’s certainly a smart looking car and the new model really brings the interior up to date to match the exterior, as I would say this is where the outgoing model had started to show its age. The 12.3” virtual cockpit first released in the new TT is available as an option and I genuinely can’t recommend it enough. After becoming so used to having this technology in my day to day car, when I now get into a car that doesn’t have everything at your fingertips it feels so outdated and cumbersome. But the interior changes don’t stop there; Audi have completely redesigned the centre console and dashboard with the new configuration oozing class, style and refinement.

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The infotainment system has also had a massive overhaul, which is immediately obvious when you look at the dash board mounted screen. Featuring HD graphics and controlled by a touch sensitive pad just in front of the gear system, entering information for the navigation system and telephone is as easy as drawing the line with your finger. The navigation system uses google maps and loads incredibly quickly due to the newly upgraded processor and could give the most technically advanced computers a good run for their money.

One of the biggest complaints of the old A4 was the handling and that the steering tended to feel slightly numb. This has certainly been addressed with the new model and it is not only pleasant to drive, but really fun too. The sharper steering gives you much more feedback and despite its size it still feels very agile. With the comfort suspension you feel totally connected with the road, without feeling like your teeth are about to fall out when you hit a bump or pothole strewn bit of road and it also feels safe and confident when driving in icy conditions, easily superior to its closest rival the BMW 3 series, which from experience you may as well pop it into the garage at the first sign of snow and leave it there until spring has sprung. As always, Audi offers its Quattro four wheel drive setup on some models in the range, this ensures there are always loads of grip and helps keep the car stable when you’re driving it hard, but the standard front wheel drive option should be more than enough for most buyers. My test A4 came with an array of predictive efficiency assistants, which when working together do not quite amount to autonomous driving – you are still very much in control of the car but is mightily impressive when you feel all the elements come together. The fact it’s now here and in an executive saloon is even more incredible.

The fifth generation A4 is once again furthering that reputation.

Audi active lane assist helps you stay in lane via the front camera, which detects road markings while the adaptive cruise control including traffic-jam assist helps maintain a specified distance between you and the car ahead system using signals from the two front radar sensors and camera. If your car has an S-tronic gearbox the system can cover speeds from 0 to 155mph. When traffic is congested the car can even take over steering at speeds of up to 40 mph on well-developed roads using a combination of radar, ultrasound sensors and the front camera.

When the traffic-jam assist reaches its limits – for example, when the traffic thins out or there is a sharp curve ahead – the driver takes over again.

Audi claims this system makes the A4 up to 10% more fuel-efficient.

Launching with seven new or hugely revised engines, three petrol and four diesel options, there will be something to suit most buyers. I drove the 2.0l TDI Ultra 190 PS. It packed enough punch to make it fun to drive, but also averages a pretty amazing 71 mpg. It boasts smooth power deliver at all speeds and is beautifully quiet. Audi have also managed to practically eliminate all road and wind noise, adding to the feeling of quality and refinement that really shines through in

Listers Audi Worcester Bromyard Road, Worcester, WR2 5EA 01905 421000 Listers Audi Coventry 503 Fletchamstead Highway, Coventry, CV4 9BY 024 76675675

the new model. The CO2 emissions just tip over the 100 g/km mark which means you to have to pay road tax on the 190PS model, but it is currently only £20 per year. The 148PS 2.0l diesel is free, in comparison, making both varieties a good call for those looking to save on fuel, tax and benefit in kind taxation for company cars.

Audi has a great reputation for building good looking, reliable and dependable cars, with a wide variety of engines, trim levels and optional gadgets and gizmos.

Listers Audi Stratford Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH 01789 414477 Listers Audi Birmingham 780 Stratford Road, Shirley 0121 7465500 B90 4BQ

www.listers.co.uk/Audi February 2016

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Battle of the Proms 2016

Ticket prices for the 6th Ragley Hall Battle Proms go up at midnight on 31 January!

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he stunning lakeside setting of Ragley Hall will once again play host to the final night of the UK’s premier picnic concert series as the Battle Proms returns to Alcester on Saturday 13 August 2016.

The organisers are encouraging people to book by the end of January so they don’t miss out on the best possible ticket prices for this fabulous summer event. Early bird tickets are on sale now for just £30.50 per adult, a fantastic saving of £11.50 on the full price.

At the request of some of their more romantic audience members, the Battle Proms team are also extending the Battle Proms & Bubbly Gift package for valentines. Book by the end of January and you will also enjoy the early bird discount on 2 tickets to the Battle Proms while showing your loved one how much you care with a voucher for a delicious bottle of Rosé Prosecco and delectable selection of handmade chocolate truffles, all chilled and waiting for collection on arrival at the concert!

For more information, or to book tickets for this spectacular night out, visit www.battleproms.com or call 01432 355 416.

For more information on Ragley Hall & Gardens please visit the website at www.ragley.co.uk.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide VIP Nails, Hair and Beauty

Why not treat you Mum to a pamper afternoon or evening, in the comfort of her own home? Offering gel manicures, pedicures, French manicures and pedicures, threading and make-up tips, tricks and lessons or vouchers so that she can choose how to indulge herself, Louise at VIP will ensure that your mum and you too if you want to make a girly day of it will get the full VIP treatment.

The White Company Seychelles Bath & Body Gift Set

Evoking the balmy breeze of an Indian Ocean island, soothing Seychelles combines notes of fresh bergamot, bright orange and rich amber with warming notes of exotic coconut, vanilla and almond.

This lovely set includes our Seychelles scented bath and shower gel and moisturising body lotion, together presented in a beautiful gift box.

Priced at £25 Stores in Cheltenham, Stratford-Upon Avon and Birmingham

Oliver Bonas Multi Ombre Scarf

This season, colour is rife in the form of our Multi Ombre Scarf.

Featuring an ombre stripe of pinks and lilacs, this washed-out scarf will take your mum into the next season nicely. £24

Theatre Tickets

Annie is one of the most popular family musicals in the world. Why not treat you mom to see the evergreen phenomenon. The story follows a young girl Annie and her life of misery at Miss Hannigan's orphanage. Determined to change her fortune she decides to find her real parents, her luck changes when she spends Christmas with a famous billionaire. A road of twists and turns follows as Miss Hannigan is determined to spoil Annie's dream.

This new stunning production doesn't hinder its predecessor but instead builds on it. It also features the unforgettable songs Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow.

Dates: Monday 4th April- Saturday 9th April Prices: £23.50-£40.50 Location: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre February 2016

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What’s on this February

Sarah Millican: Outsider Wed 3 - Sat 6 Feb 2016 at 8pm Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre One of Britain’s best loved comedians, Sarah Millican, returns to Warwick Arts Centre as part of her Outsider tour.

The multi award-winning comedian shot to fame after winning the Best Newcomer Award for her debut Edinburgh Fringe show in 2008. She was crowned Queen of Comedy at the British Comedy Awards in 2012 and named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by BBC Radio 4 in 2013.

The Independent said: “To watch Sarah Millican is to watch a box of comedy fireworks going off.” Prepare yourself for a no-holds-barred, over-sharing laughter fest. Knitwear always welcome.

Tickets: £26

Kenilworth Castle Mon 15th – Fri 19th February 2016 at 10.30am - 3.30pm Enrol in Kenilworth Castle’s Academy for budding knights and princesses, with hands on medieval fun. Transform yourself into a courtly Lord or Lady with tips on everything from curtsies to combat!

Rapunzel Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire Saturday 27th February at 4:30pm From the Emmy-Award-winning team behind the mega-hit TV series Friends comes Rapunzel - an exciting musical that's perfect for all the family! A familiar tale with a fantastic new spin, Rapunzel has all the charm you’d expect from the minds that have been making the world laugh for more than two decades.

Immersion Theatre are thrilled to return with the UK Premiere of this witty, tonguein-cheek retelling of a perennial favourite. A possessive mother who happens to be a witch, a tentative young man who happens to be a prince and a strong-willed but naïve young girl with the longest hair you’re ever likely to come across! Forced to live alone with nothing but her hair and her witch (literally) of a mother, Rapunzel dreams of seeing the outside world when a young prince and his trusty valet come across her tower. But before the Prince and Rapunzel can have their “happily ever after” they’re going to have to face the witch’s wrath and some hilarious obstacles in this unique fairy tale!

Tickets on sale now, price £10 (£8 concessions) from Evesham Almonry, Abbey Road, 01386 446944 and www.EveshamArtsCentre.co.uk 80

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Tickets will be available to purchase at the event site on the day. All children are welcome to take part in this event. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every member and nonmember child to help us fund this entertainment activity.

Tickets English Heritage Members Free Adult - £9.60 Child 5-15 years - £5.80 Concession - £8.60 Family - £25

Wet Wet Wet plus special guest Markus Feehily Genting Arena, Birmingham - 26th February 2016 Iconic British band Wet Wet Wet are back in Brum next February, with The Big Picture Tour 2016. It gives fans the chance to see the band play live for the first time at the arena since 2013.

The legendary group have sold over 15 million records whilst notching up over 30 UK chart hits including three number ones. Alongside this incredible success, performing amazing live shows has always been at the heart of what Wet Wet Wet do. Since coming to prominence in 1987 they have played to over five million people across the globe.

Ticket prices from £48.51 (includes admin fees + 70p facility fee) + £2.55 fulfilment fee

An Evening of Music and Dance with Birmingham Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet Sinfonia Saturday 6th February at Birmingham Symphony Hall Compered by Birmingham Royal Ballet Director, David Bintley The Royal Ballet Sinfonia takes centre stage at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall in an evening celebrating classic balletic highlights. Beginning his twentyfirst year with the company, David Bintley will compere proceedings which will include highlights from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s diverse repertory, whisking audiences on a whistle stop tour of some of their most famous productions. The evening will also include a performance from students of Elmhurst School for Dance performing excerpts from Ashton’s Enigma Variations to help celebrate this special occasion.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream-William Shakespeare 17 February – 5 Mach and 15 June – 16 July 2016 Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon From 17th February the Royal Shakespeare Company will be bringing A Midsummer Night’s Dream to its theatres. A performance packed with adventure and a unique production of one of Shakespeare’s favourite plays. Magical and enchanting, the production will feature 18 professional actors joined by two local amateur groups who will play the famous roles of Bottom and the mechanicals.

On a Midsummer’s night, four young lovers find themselves wrapped in the dream-like arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule. While a feuding Fairy King and Queen are at war, their paths are crossed by Bottom, Quince and their friends presenting a play within a play. Chief mischief-maker Puck is on-hand to ensure that the course

An Evening of Music and Dance promises the perfect way to begin the year by showcasing the magnificent Royal Ballet Sinfonia alongside special performances from Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers. of true love is anything but smooth, and games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in Shakespeare’s most beguiling comedy.

www.rsc.org.uk 01789 403493

Under the baton of conductor Dominic Grier, The Royal Ballet Sinfonia (Britain’s busiest ballet orchestra) will be accompanied by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Principal dancers including Momoko Hirata and Joseph Caley amongst other members of the company.

Town Hall & Symphony Hall Ticket Office: 0121 345 0600 or visit www.THSH.co.uk February 2016

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Shakespeare Lives On Celebrating 400 years of England's finest playwright

Image by Imaginarium studios and RSC

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016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratfordupon-Avon celebrates his lasting legacy with a year of celebration. Why not make this the year you become an RSC Member and enjoy Priority Booking for the newly announced August 2016 – February 2017 season?

The season combines two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre: King Lear and The Tempest, which join an extended run of Cymbeline. These run alongside a season celebrating the 30th anniversary of the much loved Swan Theatre: The Rover, The Two Noble Kinsmen and The Seven Acts of Mercy.

Image by Izabela Hbur/Getty Images

Image by Sarah Ann Loreth/Archangel

opened the theatre; Shakespeare and Fletcher’s The Two Noble Kinsmen, directed by Blanche McIntyre and Aphra Behn’s The Rover, directed by Loveday Ingram. The season will end with a new play by Anders Lustgarten, The Seven Acts of Mercy. Switching between the 17th century and the present day, this thrilling play charts the creation of Caravaggio’s masterpiece and how its depiction of acts of compassion echoes through the ages.

opens on 29 February. Members enjoy Priority Booking, advance information, exclusive discounts and special offers throughout the year. Membership starts from just £18 per year. Find out more about Membership at www.rsc.org.uk membership or call 01789 403440.

You can find out more about this season, the February – August 2016 season, and how to become a Member at www.rsc.org.uk.

Priority Booking opens for RSC Members from 1 February and Public Booking

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran directs Antony Sher in the title role of King Lear, following his performances as Falstaff in Henry IV Parts I & II and Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. Gregory Doran then directs the most technologically advanced production ever staged by the RSC: a groundbreaking staging of The Tempest in collaboration with Intel, with Simon Russell Beale as Prospero.

As well as the great Shakespeare Jubilee, 2016 is also the 30th anniversary of the Swan Theatre. To celebrate the RSC stages the two plays that originally 82 www.edgemagazine.org

Image by Nikki Smith/Archangel

Image by Paul Stuart

February 2016

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R OYA L S H A K E S P E A R E T H E AT R E

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Photograph of Paapa Essiedu by Paul Stuart

F ro m 1 2 M a r c h

HAMLET WILLIAM

TICK ETS FROM £16 WWW.RSC.ORG.U K/ H AM L E T 0178 9 403493 84

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