Edge magazine november 2013 edition by MLP Publishing Ltd

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

November 2013 FREE EDITION

Willard Wigan Through the eye of a needle

Movember 2013

The School Yard

A month of moustaches

Phase one comes to life

A culinary collaboration

Meet the man behind the smiles

A taste of Turners at The Bell

At Changing Faces Dental Clinic

Food & Drink • Culture • Business • Fashion • Lifestyle

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Buying to let can be tricky at the best of times but that’s just the beginning of the process. So you’ll need more than just a good conveyancing service by your side. Thomas Horton is the local choice for all manner of legal advice including buy-to-let, tenancy agreements, sales and purchase, property disputes and equity release schemes. For further information call us today.

Bromsgrove Office Strand House, 70 The Strand, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 8DQ Tel 01527 871641 Worcester Office 14 Sansome Walk, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 1LP Tel 01905 330066 Barnt Green Office 61 Hewell Road, Barnt Green, Worcestershire B45 8NL Tel 0121 445 7373

www.thomashorton.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

EDITOR’S BIT T

his month’s edition is all about coming together. Maybe it’s the arrival of the newest member of the Edge team, Sophia, that’s got us all thinking about family, but this November, we’re making connections. We welcome Dr Marcus Gambroudes, master cosmetic dentist, to our expert contributors. He’ll be filling us in on dental news, cosmetic treatments and answering your questions on dental health issues. We’re also celebrating a new collaboration between world-class chef Richard Turner and Ashley Bent at The Bell at Tanworth-in-Arden. We had a chat with both of them to find out what inspired their partnership. Michael Abu-Zalaf

With the preparation for Christmas slowly creeping into the weekends, we’ve got a collection of shops perfect for an afternoon of gift-buying at Yew Tree Farm in Wootton Wawen and a run-down of Christmas markets in the three counties, celebrating shared cultural traditions. If home cooking is what brings your family together this winter, then we have an interview with Tom Robinson, head chef at The Forest in Feckenham, on the art of hearty, honest food, cooked from the heart.

Editor-in-Chief

We’re all getting involved with Movember this month too, making a stand together against cancer and raising awareness for men’s mental health issues. So if you’re going for a Salvador Dali or a Ron Burgundy, keep us updated on Twitter using #tachewatch. On behalf of the team at Edge, have a great November and we hope to see you all again in December. If you would like what you see in Edge Magazine, please show your support by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter, as well as checking out our new website at:

www.edgemagazine.org Sophia Abu-Zalaf Assistant Editor-in-Chief

FEATURES The School Yard...........................................10

A culinary collaboration ..............................42

Movember 2013 .........................….............14

Willard Wigan ..............................................68

Phase one comes to life

A month of moustaches

A taste of Turners at The Bell

Through the eye of a needle

Meet the man behind the smiles .................22 At Changing Faces Dental Clinic

EdgeMagazine Diglis Water Diglis Water, Diglis Dock Road, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 3BS 2 bedroom apartments from £169,995 and last remaining 2 bedroom penthouse £274,995

Help to Buy

NOW IS THE TIME TO MOVE

Stop Renting. Buy Now Why rent someone else’s home when you can buy your own with just 5% deposit and get a view like this? It’s taking people up to 10 years to save a deposit for their own home, but not anymore. Stop renting, stop waiting, and ask us about Help to Buy – it’s for everyone, not just first time buyers! You only need a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage. The Help to Buy scheme will provide the remaining 20% Get Help to Buy the last 2 bed river basin facing apartment

£189,995

You Help to Buy Lender

5% deposit £9,500 20% loan £37,995 75% Mortgage £142,495

Monthly repayments From £636.75†

Call 01905 670 475 or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/digliswater Sales centre open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm

† Monthly mortgage repayments of £636.75 based on a mortgage of £142,495 over 25 years with an initial interest rate of 2.44% for 2 years. Fees may apply. * Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Images for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of going to press. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan of up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request. This offer is subject to status and only available on selected developments and properties in England only. It is not offered with any other promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

www.edgemagazine.org Editorial

Secure a stunning Taylor Wimpey home in leafy Edgbaston Prospective homebuyers are

the shopping and nightlife that

The scheme involves a Government

being urged to discover the

Birmingham city centre has to offer,

loan of up to 20% and is available on

benefits of securing a property at

while enjoying a great location in a

new-build properties up to the value

Taylor Wimpey’s popular Highfield

quiet suburb.

of £600,000.

A new 50,870ft2 Morrisons state-of-

Highfield Gardens enjoys a prime

the-art superstore opened in 2012 at

location in Edgbaston, and offers

Five Ways, a quarter of a mile from

the chance for homeowners to attain

Purchasers of a new home at this

Highfield Gardens, which offers 300

a wonderful balance between their

in-demand development will soon be

lines of fresh fruit and vegetables

work lives and leisure time.

Gardens development in the highly sought-after Edgbaston neighbourhood.

able to enjoy a wealth of shops and

and employs 300 skilled staff. This

leisure facilities on their doorstep

is an excellent quality supermarket

with plans unveiled for a new leisure

within walking distance of Highfield

and shopping village in the leafy

Gardens.

Birmingham suburb.

Further development proposals

Two railway stations – Five Ways and University – provide commuters with fast, direct services into the city centre, and drivers will appreciate that the A38 can be easily reached

With just four one-bedroom

include a new boutique hotel with

for links across the Midlands and to

apartments and one three-bedroom

a cocktail lounge and a new gastro

the motorway network.

townhouse remaining at Highfield

pub, while Edgbaston Priory Tennis

Gardens, would-be buyers will need

Club has just undergone a multi-

to act fast if they want to secure a

million pound refurbishment.

plot at this exciting new community.

One-bedroom apartments at

Property-seekers can find out more about the homes available at Highfield Gardens by visiting the Sales Centre, located off

Anne Wallace, Regional Sales

Highfield Gardens are priced from

Highfield Road, Edgbaston,

and Marketing Director for Taylor

just £152,995, while the three-

Birmingham, B15 3ED, and open

Wimpey, says: “Highfield Gardens

bedroom townhouse is priced

Thursday to Monday from 10am

will certainly appeal to young

£397,995.

to 5pm. Alternatively, the Sales

professionals as it is close to

The Government’s Help to Buy scheme is available at the

Executive can be contacted on 0121 227 2302.

development, enabling first-time

Further information about new

buyers and those with a property

homes across the region is available

to sell to secure their new home

by contacting 01926 516 911

for 80% of its full price, including a

or visiting www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/

deposit as low as 5%.

midlands.

Kitchen image shows flooring, granite worktops and under pelmet kitchen lights with an additional cost of £3,200 to £4,000.

EdgeMagazine

CONTENTS 10

Style at home

Birmingham welcomes Movember back for 2013 14

A shining example

Step into Christmas

The joys of small galleries

Party reds

Inside out

Time to face facts

Make it a musical Christmas

Ask the experts

Meet the music

A Little Winter Bliss

Pop of culture

Bright eyes

Willard Wigan

Escape the chains

Available Dark: a review

Super-ripe and pomegrate

Hedgehog haven

The good life

The Brain Tumour Charity

Fresh ideas every day

An education

The art of cheesemaking

Fuelling a used car-buying boom

Pushing the boundaries

Tax-efficient giving

The local kitchen

M & M Personal Vintners

A culinary collaboration

Space and time

Festive fancies

Christmas Gift Guide

Ring the changes

A guide to Christmas markets

Yew Tree Farm

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on

Dorrige Music School

Carters Furniture

The School Yard

www.edgemagazine.org

EAT. D R I NK. DAN C E.

BROAD STREET Eat, Drink & Danc e on Broad St reet t his Christ mas

WWW.B R O A D S TREETBI RM I NGHA M.COM

EdgeMagazine

EDITORIAL Michael Abu-Zalaf - Editor in Chief

CONTRIBUTORS Laura Francis

Laura Clay

Mimi Bowron

Tom Ware

Tel:07809 702 992

Hilary Collins

Vik Vijh

Lucinda Bunn - Deputy Editor

Liam Bird

James Horne

Mike Stafford

Adrian Hunt

Jodie Hazelwood

Donald Makenzie

@ZalafAbu -

michael@edgemagazine.org

@lucindabunn -

lucinda@edgemagazine.org

Hannah Griffiths - Editorial Assistant @EdgeMag_Hannah-

hannah@edgemagazine.org

SALES Alice Perrey - Sales Executive @alice_perrey -

alice@edgemagazine.org

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

steve@edgemagazine.org

Tel:07515 493 703

Brett Laniosh

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

^W / >/^d & D/>z > t ^K>/ /dKZ^

K, /d d/KE d, W/d& >>^ &KZ d, hED ZZ/ KhW> ͊ DĂŶǇ ĐŽƵƉůĞƐ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ǁŝƐŚ ƚŽ ŵĂƌƌǇ ĨŽƌ Ă ǀĂƌŝĞƚǇ ŽĨ ƌĞĂƐŽŶƐ ʹ ƚŚŝƐ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞǇ ŚĂǀĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůǇ ŚĂĚ Ă ďĂĚ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ Žƌ ĨĂŝůĞĚ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ĂŶĚ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ǁŝƐŚ ƚŽ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŝŶƚŽ ŵĂƌƌŝĂŐĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ Žƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƌĞƐĞĞĂďůĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͖ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ƐĞǆ ĂŶĚ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ǁŝƐŚ ƚŽ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŝŶƚŽ Ă Đŝǀŝů ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ͖ ƚŚĞǇ ŵĂǇ ĂůƌĞĂĚǇ ďĞ ŵĂƌƌŝĞĚ ƚŽ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĚŝǀŽƌĐĞ ŵĂǇ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĮŶĂůŝǌĞĚ͖ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ŚĂƉƉǇ ĂƐ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ŶŽƚ ƚŚŽƵŐŚƚ ĂďŽƵƚ ŵĂƌƌŝĂŐĞ͘ tŚĂƚĞǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ Ă ŚƵŐĞ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ĐŽƵƉůĞƐ ;ďĞ ƚŚĞǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ƐĞǆ Žƌ ŽƚŚĞƌǁŝƐĞͿ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ǇĞĂƌƐ͘ &Žƌ ĐŽƵƉůĞƐ ĐŽͲŚĂďŝƟŶŐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ŝƚ ŝƐ ƌĂƌĞůǇ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞǇ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŝŶƚŽ Ă ŽͲŚĂďŝƚĂƟŽŶ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƚŽ ĐŽͲŚĂďŝƚĂƟŽŶ ŝƚƐĞůĨ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƵƐƵĂůůǇ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞǇ ƐŝŵƉůǇ ŚĂǀĞ ŶŽƚ ƚŚŽƵŐŚƚ ĂďŽƵƚ ŝƚ Žƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶĐĞ ŽĨ ǁŚĂƚ ŵŝŐŚƚ ŚĂƉƉĞŶ ŝĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ďƌĞĂŬƐ ĚŽǁŶ͘ tŚĞŶ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ Ă ŶĞǁ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚŚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞǇ ŽŌĞŶ ƚŚŝŶŬ ĂďŽƵƚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ŝĨ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ŐŽ ǁƌŽŶŐ͘ hŶŵĂƌƌŝĞĚ ĐŽƵƉůĞƐ ĨĂĐĞ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ďƌĞĂŬƐ ĚŽǁŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ůĞĂĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂďůĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ĂŶǇ ĂƐƐĞƚƐ ŚĞůĚ͕ ƉĂƌƟĐƵůĂƌůǇ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ͘ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ǁƌŝƩĞŶ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƚŽ ĐŽŚĂďŝƚĂƟŽŶ ƚŚĞŶ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ĨŽŽů ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ŝŶƚŽ ďĞůŝĞǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ͞Ă ĐŽŵŵŽŶ ůĂǁ ŵĂƌƌŝĂŐĞ͘͟ dŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ƐƵĐŚ ƚŚŝŶŐ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƐƚĞƉƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƚĂŬĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ŵĂǇ ĂůƐŽ ďĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ͘ DĂŶǇ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĐĂŶ ĂƌŝƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŵ ĂƌĞ ĂƐ ĨŽůůŽǁƐ͗Ͳ ͻ zŽƵƌ ĨŽƌŵĞƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ƉĂǇ ǇŽƵ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĞǀĞŶ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƵƉ ǁŽƌŬ ƚŽ ůŽŽŬ ĂŌĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ Žƌ ƚŚĞ ŚŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽŶůǇ ůŝĂďŝůŝƚǇ ŐŽƚ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŝŶ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĐŚŝůĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ͖ ͻ Ğ ĂǁĂƌĞ ŽĨ ŚŽǁ ǇŽƵƌ ĨĂŵŝůǇ ŚŽŵĞ ŝƐ ŚĞůĚ͘ /Ĩ ŝƚ ŝƐ ƌĞŶƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƌ ŶĂŵĞ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ƵƉŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƚĞŶĂŶĐǇ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ĨŽƌĐĞĚ ƚŽ ůĞĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ĞǀĞŶ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ǁŝƚŚ ǇŽƵ͖ ͻ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƐĂǀŝŶŐƐ ŚĞůĚ ŝŶ ĂŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ŝŶ ǇŽƵƌ ũŽŝŶƚ ŶĂŵĞƐ ďƵƚ ŚĞůĚ ďǇ ǇŽƵƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ŵĂǇ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƵŶĂďůĞ ƚŽ ŽďƚĂŝŶ ĂŶǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĂƚ ŵŽŶĞǇ ĂŶĚ ŝƚ ŝƐ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ĂŶǇ ũŽŝŶƚůǇ ŚĞůĚ ŵŽŶŝĞƐ ĂƌĞ ƋƵŝĐŬůǇ ĚĞĂůƚ ǁŝƚŚ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ƚŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ĂĐƋƵŝƌĞĚ ďǇ ǇŽƵƌ ĨŽƌŵĞƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ Θ ŝƚ ŝƐ ƚŽŽ ůĂƚĞ ƚŽ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŚĞŵ͖ ͻ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ĨĂƚŚĞƌ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƚŚĞƌ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŝƌƚŚ ĞƌƟĮĐĂƚĞ ƵƉ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ϭƐƚ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ

ϮϬϬϯ͕ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ŶŽƚ ĂƵƚŽŵĂƟĐĂůůǇ ĂĐƋƵŝƌĞ ƉĂƌĞŶƚĂů ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚǇ͖ ͻ /Ĩ ǇŽƵƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ Ă tŝůů͕ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ŶŽƚ ĂƵƚŽŵĂƟĐĂůůǇ ŝŶŚĞƌŝƚ ƵƉŽŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĚĞĂƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƌŵĞƌ ŚŽŵĞ ŝĨ ŝƚ ŝƐ ŚĞůĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ŶĂŵĞ Žƌ ũŽŝŶƚůǇ ĂƐ ƚĞŶĂŶƚƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŵŵŽŶ͖ ͻ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ Ă ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ŝŶ ǇŽƵƌ ũŽŝŶƚ ŶĂŵĞƐ͕ ǇŽƵ ŵƵƐƚ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƐŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌ ĂĐƟŶŐ ͞Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ ŽĨ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ͟ ŚŽǁ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ŝƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ŚĞůĚ͘ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ Žƌ ǇŽƵƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶũĞĐƚ ƐƵďƐƚĂŶƟĂů ĐĂƉŝƚĂů ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ;ĨŽƌ ĞǆĂŵƉůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƐĂůĞ ŽĨ Ă ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ŚŽŵĞ ŝŶ ŽŶĞ Žƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ŶĂŵĞƐͿ ƚŚĞŶ ƵŶůĞƐƐ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ĞĐůĂƌĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ dƌƵƐƚ Žƌ Ă ǁƌŝƩĞŶ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ƚŽ ŚŽǁ ƚŚŽƐĞ ĨƵŶĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ƚĂŬĞŶ ŝŶƚŽ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ŝƐ ŚĞůĚ ďǇ ǇŽƵ ũŽŝŶƚůǇ ŝŶ ĞƋƵĂů ƐŚĂƌĞƐ ƚŚĞŶ͕ ŝƌƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞ ŽĨ ǁŚĂƚ ƐƵŵ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƉƵƚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ŶŽƚ ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌ ŝƚ ŝŶ ĚƵĞ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ůĞĂĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂďůĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ĂƌŝƐŝŶŐ͘ ͻ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƵŶĂďůĞ ƚŽ ƌĞƐŽůǀĞ ǇŽƵƌ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ƚŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ĨŽƌŵĂů ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ŽŌĞŶ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞ ĞǆƉĞŶƐŝǀĞ͕ ůĞŶŐƚŚǇ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƚƌĂĐƚĞĚ ůŝƟŐĂƟŽŶ ǇĞƚ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĂǀŽŝĚĞĚ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ƐĞĞŬ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ŝŶƐƚĂŶĐĞ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ĐŽŵƉůŝĐĂƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐĞĚ ĂƌĞĂ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůĂǁ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƌŝŐŚƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂƐŬ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶǀĞǇ ƚŽ ǇŽƵ ŝŶ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ĂŶĚ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĂƌŝƐŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďƌĞĂŬĚŽǁŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ͘ ͻ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ŵĂƌƌŝĞĚ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ŚĞůƉ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵ ƵŶĚĞƌ dŚĞ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ Đƚ ǁŚĞƌĞďǇ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂƉƉůǇ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŝĨ ƚŚĞ ^ ŚĂƐ ŶŽ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ĚĞĂů ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƐĞ͕ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĂǆŝŵƵŵ ^ ƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ŝĨ ƚŚĞ ƉĂǇŝŶŐ ƉĂƌĞŶƚ ŝƐ Ă ŚŝŐŚ ĞĂƌŶĞƌ ;Ğ͘Ő͘ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ŽǀĞƌ άϮ͕ϬϬϬ ƉĞƌ ǁĞĞŬ ŶĞƚ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂůƐŽ ĂƐŬ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ ƚŽ ƉŽƐƚƉŽŶĞ ĂŶǇ ƐĂůĞ ŽĨ ũŽŝŶƚůǇ ŽǁŶĞĚ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ƵŶƟů ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĂĐŚĞĚ ŵĂũŽƌŝƚǇͿ͘ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂůƐŽ ĂƉƉůǇ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ƚŽ ƉĂǇ ĨŽƌ ĐŽƐƚƐ ŝŶ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƚǇ Žƌ ĨŽƌ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͘ dŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ ŚĂƐ ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐŝŶŐ ƉŽǁĞƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ƌĞŐĂƌĚ ďƵƚ ďĞ ƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ƐĞĞŬ ĞǆƉĞƌƚ ŚĞůƉ ŝŶ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ƐƚĞƉƐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͘ ͻ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂƉƉůǇ ĨŽƌ ŶŽŶͲƌĞĐƵƌƌŝŶŐ ůƵŵƉ ƐƵŵ ƉĂǇŵĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ƐƵĐŚ ŝƚĞŵƐ ĂƐ ĨƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ͕ ĂƉƉůŝĂŶĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ůŝŬĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐĞƩůĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ŵŽŶĞǇ ŽŶ ƚƌƵƐƚ͘ Ğ ĂǁĂƌĞ ŚŽǁĞǀĞƌ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞŶ ƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƌƚ ĐĂŶ ƉŽƐƚƉŽŶĞ Ă ƐĂůĞ ƵŶƟů ƚŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĂĐŚĞĚ ŵĂũŽƌŝƚǇ͕ ƵůƟŵĂƚĞůǇ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐŽůĚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƌƚǇ ǁŝůů ƚŚĞŶ ďĞ ĞŶƟƚůĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƐŚĂƌĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƟŵĞ͘ dŚĞ ĂďŽǀĞ ŝƐ ũƵƐƚ ƐŽŵĞ ĞǆĂŵƉůĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉŝƞĂůůƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐĂŶ ĂƌŝƐĞ͘ dŚĞ ďŽƩŽŵ ůŝŶĞ ŝƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ůŽŶŐ ƚĞƌŵ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͘ DĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ ǇŽƵ ŬŶŽǁ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ĐŚŽŝĐĞƐ ŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ǇŽƵ͘ >ŽǁĞ͛Ɛ ĐĂŶ ŽīĞƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ƌĞŐĂƌĚ͘ &Žƌ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŚĞůƉ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ dƌĂĐǇ >ŽǁĞ͘

>ŽǁĞ͛Ɛ ^ŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌƐ ZĞƐƚĚĂůĞ ,ŽƵƐĞͮ ϯϮͲϯϯ &ŽƌĞŐĂƚĞ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ͮ tŽƌĐĞƐƚĞƌ ͮ tZϭ ϭ

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ǁǁǁ͘ůŽǁĞƐͲƐŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

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THE SCHOOL YARD Phase one comes to life Hannah Griffiths

hase one of Harborne’s most prominent development, The School Yard, is complete and is set to be formally unveiled to an invited guest list on the 4th December 2013. This exciting project has seen the 19th century Grade II clock tower school building, brought back to life as a residential village and restaurant square, from a state of disrepair. Previously shrouded with scaffold and blighting Harborne High Street, the clock tower building has since under gone some much needed restoration and is now the central point of the £5.5m The School Yard. Neil Edginton, founder and director of EDG Property, formulated his plan to put Harborne back on the map in early 2012. After Birmingham was listed as one of the top food destinations by the New York Times, Neil and his team began work on how to bring the disused school back into use in a sustainable form. “From the beginning we said that we wanted to create something that would bring life back into the Harborne High Street. Many retail ventures come and go very quickly, due to the rise in online shopping, so we really wanted to focus on one of the few things that remains unspoilt by the internet, which is eating out. “Our vision has always been to build on Birmingham’s existing reputation for great food but we wanted to combine that with the existing school theme, which is why we chose to incorporate a cookery school to function alongside the new eateries.” Since building work began on The School Yard, the iconic clocks at the scheme have been restored to their former glory by original manufacturers Smith of Derby and the former playground transformed into a new £1/4m public square, designed around a hopscotch theme to represent the former school use. Whilst the launch in December will formally mark the completion of phase one, one of the scheme residents, Urban Coffee Company, has already opened their doors in early October. Offering a great range of coffees and espressos, Urban Coffee also serve freshly baked pastries, cakes and homemade sandwiches and soup; their residency at The School Yard is the company’s third outlet in the city and is already receiving rave reviews from locals. Hannah Wolsey, Managing Director of Urban Coffee said: “Simon and I are so happy with how everything

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has turned out at The School Yard and we are really pleased to be part of the development. We’ve been incredibly busy since we first opened the doors and we’re really enjoying being part of this exciting renaissance of Harborne. We love talking to locals who are eager to reminisce about the building and what it meant and continues to mean to them.” Also set to join Urban Coffee at the opening in the next few weeks is Italian restaurant chain Prezzo. Whilst Prezzo has 150 restaurants across Great Britain they are yet to open in Birmingham, making their residency at The School Yard a huge and exclusive commitment. The original vision for The School Yard was to retain the historic education theme associated with this important landmark building, and this is set to be incorporated with the opening of a community interest food school which Neil hopes will be open to the public very early in the New Year. With the restoration works of phase one near completion and set to launch next month, the EDG Property team’s attention has already turned to phase two, which includes the launch of an architectural design competition for the new contemporary residential building.

The School Yard apartments were launched at the international property event, MIPIM, earlier this year and have already ‘sold out’ on both releases to date. “Around half of the apartments have already been sold off-plan and we have a list of people eagerly awaiting the next release. We have deliberately set the benchmark very high for the design and specification of the residential properties. We wanted to create something completely new for Harborne, and that’s why we are holding a design competition to select an architect to work with us on this phase of the development. We want to ensure the new building is something Harborne can be proud of, and moreover, something which will stand proud next to the listed building for many years to come” said Neil. Construction for the residential building at The School Yard will start on site in the coming months and is expected to be completed towards the end of next year. With phase one complete, The School Yard is already the place to be seen. For more information on the scheme’s upcoming plans and to keep up to date with the latest developments please visit the EDG property website. The School Yard High Street, Harborne www.edgproperty.co.uk

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BIRMINGHAM WELCOMES MOVEMBER BACK FOR 2013 Join ‘Generation Mo’ and help change the face of men’s health

he moustachioed men’s health charity returns to Birmingham for another year following the success of 2012’s UK campaign where 363,000 participants raised nearly £27m to fight prostate and testicular cancer. Movember is 10 years old in 2013, having first launched in Melbourne in 2003 by a group of 30 friends. It has since grown to have a formal presence in 21 countries, with more than 1.1 million registrants around the world, raising over £92 million last year. Movember is about real men growing real moustaches and talking about real issues. Mo Bros sporting upper lip hair, effectively become walking talking billboards for the 30 days of Movember, raising funds and much needed awareness around the often ignored issues of men’s health. Mo Bros start the month clean-shaven, then grow and groom their moustache all month long.

With high profile support coming from the likes of Kylie, Stephen Fry, Damian Lewis and Mo Farah, the campaign has stellar celebrity backing. Some of Birmingham’s biggest names from sport and business will be taking part in 2013 with Birmingham City Football Club vying to top their 2012 total that saw them raise more funds than any other club in The Football League. At least one in eight men will be affected by prostate cancer at some stage in their lives with one man dying every hour from the disease in the UK. Testicular cancer is the most common cause of cancer for men aged 16-35, with 2,209 men diagnosed last year. Movember is extending its health mission this year to encourage participants to get more exercise and raise awareness about men’s mental health as suicide is still the single most common cause of death in men under 35.

The Birmingham campaign kicks off with a ‘Manquet’ to launch this year’s activity at the Jekyll & Hyde on Steelhouse Lane. It will culminate with a fancy dress gala event at Lab 11, Digbeth on November 29th, where fundraisers come dressed to suit their moustache and receive awards for their hairy growths.

Birmingham’s Mo Bros can ensure that their Mo is kept in the finest of hirsute conditions as they have access to a local ‘Movember Rated Barber’ where they can receive grooming advice, tips, and special offers. Birmingham’s Mo Rated Barber is King’s Barbershops that are based across the city from Edgbaston to Wylde Green.

In between this start and end, there are multiple events such as shave-downs - with one taking place at the Arctic Monkeys gig at The LG Arena on October 31st, exclusive DJ sets, graffiti takeovers, Movember football and rugby matches, fashion product launches and grooming master classes to list just a few of the keynote activities taking place across the city.

Movember has attracted some big name brand support from the likes of Links of London, TOMS Shoes, Gillette, 3, Marshall Amps, Mitre, and Eleven Paris – all the Movember products can be found across Bristol in selected retailers and online at Movember.com. In a first for the campaign, Movember has created its own fashion collection of merchandise where 100% of the funds raised from sales will go back into the Movember Foundation.

There will be a special shave-down with some local famous faces taking place at The Plough, in Harborne, who are running a Movember inspired month of activity including a pop-up barbershop happening on November 1st.

For more information and to view all of Birmingham’s activity visit www.movember.com

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STEP INTO CHRISTMAS With cool confidence Lucinda Bunn

ll you want for Christmas is to look your best. And with the festive calendar already filling up with cocktail parties and festive dinners it’s time to give your look a boost. Of course, slipping into that sparkly number is one thing, looking and feeling good in it is another. That’s where CoolSculpting comes in. Unlike invasive procedures, with CoolSculpting, you can be up and out of the treatment chair with no downtime at all. You’ll see the initial results after 30 days, just in time for Christmas. If you’re struggling with stubborn fat bulges and you’re unhappy with your lumpy silhouette, now is the perfect time to make an appointment. CoolSculpting is the only non-surgical alternative to liposuction, which is clinically proven by the FDA*. The revolutionary technology targets and crystallises fat cells with controlled cooling. The cells die and are naturally eliminated from your body. No needles, no scars, no scalpel. The treatment is exclusively available in central England at Air Aesthetics of Henley-in-Arden and performed by Dr Claire Oliver, who’s known for her fresh and modern approach to cosmetic treatment. Dr Oliver can recontour your shape and brighten your look between Christmas shopping stops this November. Treat yourself now to the gift all your friends will ask for next year. *CoolSculpting is the only Crylolipolysis approved treatment by the FDA which requires stringent clinical evidence as to the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

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Air Aesthetics is moving to a state-of-the-art new clinic: Russell House Doctors Lane Henley in Arden B95 5AW 0845 519 5377 Dr Claire Oliver

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PARTY REDS

Make a colour shift this autumn Mimi Bowron

e’re still not bored with the dip-dye phenomenon. The colours are just getting more multi-tonal: hazelnut brown roots are broken up with gold and copper streaks, coming down to light, sun-kissed blondes being mixed with deeper, honey undertones. Another trend sees the brightening up of a brunette base with some flattering, thin-ribbons of gold, highlighting the face. This play on the classic dip-dye is a great way to introduce a subtle contrast of colour, rather than the bold, two-tone look we’re used to. Reds always look fabulous in the autumn. At Aesthetics, we’re using Redken’s Chromatics range of colours to achieve multi-tonal styles that dazzle in the low sun of the season. Steer clear from pillar box reds and opt for a deeper, more majestic burnished shade. Layer red on red to build a deep, rich palette of colour. Add a touch of auburn and copper to your dip-dye for a warm, seasonal look. The ends should be more of a strawberry-gold than a strawberry-blonde. Just because the nights are drawing in, doesn’t mean you have to go dark with colour this season. Introducing pastel hues is a great way to bring light blondes to life. Opt for a delicate, all-over colour wash of coral, champagne, rosewater or bluebell. Feeling brave? Then go for a pastel dip-dye or a reverse dip-dye where the pastel colour becomes darker at the roots. Pastels are a fun way to play with colour and easily wash out with the help of a cleansing shampoo that’s available in-salon. Ponytails have been seen all over the A/W’13 catwalks. If you want to brighten up your ponytail this season, try a flip-in hair piece. These revolutionary new, removable hair extensions can come in the shape of a ponytail that effortlessly blends into your own hair to add volume and/or length. If you want to make a statement, why not go for a lighter colour than your real hair to make your pony pop? Changing the colour of your hair often means compromising the condition. At Aesthetics, we offer Redken’s chemistry shot service, which is a backwash treatment comprising a personalised cocktail of deeply nourishing treatments. These can be applied whenever your hair is in need of some TLC and restores hair to its former glory, without compromising on the vibrancy of your colour. If you download the Aesthetics app, you’ll be able to record every time you have a chemistry shot and you’ll receive your fourth one for free! Aesthetics 347 Warwick Road, Solihull B91 1BQ 0121 707 8866 Visit our website at www.aesthetics-solihull.com for the latest offers and news.

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EdgeMagazine

TIME TO FACE FACTS

Your wrinkle worries solved with the Beauty Gurus Vik Vijh

ere at the Beauty Gurus we have seen the area of facial cosmetic enhancements and in particular injectable procedures expand massively in recent years. Patients are looking to the area that they believe defines them most of all, their face. Our faces are always on show, so it is perfectly normal to feel this way. However, because our faces are always visible, we at The Beauty Gurus believe that it is essential to use a properly qualified doctor to undertake any procedure whether it is a fully invasive one or even a filler or muscle relaxant. Non-surgical injectable procedures have experienced the highest rate of expansion over the past few years and we are constantly seeing patients with poor results that we then have to put right. We believe this is the most unregulated and therefore potentially dangerous area of cosmetic surgery today. Generally, there are two types of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles occur when facial muscles contract. These wrinkles are the result of repetitive facial expression such as frowning. When BOTOXÂŽ Cosmetic is introduced directly into these facial muscles, it blocks the junction between the nerves and the muscles. As a result, the muscles relax, thereby reducing wrinkles and diminishing the lines. Static wrinkles are those wrinkles that are present all of the time such as the naso-labial fold, which runs from the bottom of the nose to the corner of the mouth. As we age we lose tissue volume from the face causing the skin to relentlessly slide south. This creates wrinkles and even deep grooves. Skin dermal fillers can be injected under the skin to fill in these creases which can significantly reduce lines and wrinkles.

In the US, there are very few FDA approved botulinum toxins and fillers. In the UK, there are dozens. Here at The Beauty Gurus, we prefer to follow the markets that are most heavily regulated, for whatever product we use. These are not the cheapest but in our opinion they are the best and give us largely predictable results for our clients. The effect of injectable procedures must be seen as temporary, averaging 4-6 months and many of our patients opt for regular additional treatments on an on-going basis as they wish to maintain their newly enhanced look! At The Beauty Gurus, you will receive honest and professional advice as to what can be achieved, how long it will last and the pitfalls of any procedures you decide to undertake. Our surgeons are qualified to the highest standards possible in the UK. They are able to offer you both non-surgical and surgical solutions to your problems. We believe that it is only when you are able to perform all types of treatments that you can offer a patient the best solution every time. The Beauty Gurus believe no procedure should be taken lightly, whether an injectable or a full facial procedure. As such, choosing a professional to undertake the procedure is essential. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your body. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compromise on quality. Contact us now for all your cosmetic surgery and non-surgical aspirations. 0800 612 5919 www.thebeautygurus.com

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

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EdgeMagazine

ASK THE EXPERTS Meet the man behind the smiles Lucinda Bunn

ach month, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be tackling dental health issues, cosmetic dental treatments and all the latest in the world of dentistry with Edgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new resident dentist, Dr Marcus Gambroudes of Changing Faces. Marcus is an award-winning dental professional, who is highly experienced in cosmetic and implant dentistry. From his practice in Knowle, Solihull, he creates beautiful smiles every time. The Changing Faces team believes in a unique philosophy which sets them apart from everyday dental practices and facial aesthetics clinics. The award-winning dental professionals and aesthetic practitioners make the Changing Faces experience totally different, with dedicated time spent with each patient to support them in making the best decision. With expertise and a warm, friendly approach, the team at Changing Faces will find an individual solution for you.

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Diary of a dentist Marcus says, ‘At Changing Faces, the sky’s the limit’ As a winner at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards 2013, the artistry in cosmetic dentistry is something Marcus excels in but it’s the personal approach and teamwork that he believes is the key to great results. The bespoke service at Changing Faces means Marcus and his team are there for you at every step of the process.

The best in teeth Whilst Marcus will always find out what you want, the advice is always to achieve a natural looking result. Changing Faces uses the best money can buy in veneers and implants.

Cosmetic dentistry: Be in the know • Dr who? Do your research and make sure you’re dealing with an experienced dentist. Look out for GDC registration with full indemnity. • Only consider a dental practice using the highest quality cosmetic materials and equipment. • Make sure you’re comfortable, it’s important you feel at ease through your treatment. • Ask questions. A good dentist will be able to answer them, reassure you and prepare you. They should also be able to present you with examples of their work.

Marcus says, ‘There are many reasons why people invest time and money in their smile but wanting to look and feel good are always at the top of the list’

• Make sure you get a full written treatment plan with your options clearly explained.

Marcus works closely with a Harley Street dental technician to ensure that every smile he creates is as good as it can be.

A reason to smile

Individual care Whilst low risk patients may not need to see a dentist for 12 months or more, higher risk patients will need to go more regularly. It’s important to know where you are on the scale. At Changing Faces, that’s all part of the service, to tailor your appointments to your needs.

Why suffer from missing teeth, loose teeth and decay? This incredible work was achieved by Marcus using dental implants and implant-assisted full dentures.

Marcus says, ‘My team and I believe in candid conversations and expert advice” Changing Faces don’t do stuffy and formal. The team gets better results and finds each patient’s journey is more rewarding with a friendly, down-to-earth approach.

Your dental demons

Before

The main barriers to seeking treatment are fear and embarrassment. The psychological turmoil of a bad experience at the dentist can have lasting effects. But the Changing Faces team knows how to restore your confidence. Marcus says, ‘We spend time with each of our patients, getting to know them and building their trust’ The secret to excellent dentistry is time. Time to listen and time to give all the options. Time to take informed action. Time to care for a patient’s needs. And that’s the unique Changing Faces promise. “The team are very professional, very sincere and very supportive. It was almost like going to see my best friend, that’s how comfortable they made me feel” -A quote from a Changing Faces patient

After

www.changingfacesandsmiles.co.uk email: marcus@changingfacesandsmiles.co.uk For your complimentary consultation call

01564 320028 23

EdgeMagazine

A LITTLE WINTER BLISS Spa days and cosmetic treatments to give you a lift Hannah Griffiths

A hyrdrafacial for the festivities If you want younger looking, refreshed skin that is full of radiance and lustre, there is only one place to go: Air Aesthetics. The hydrafacial combines spa therapies with advanced medical technology to reduce fine lines, decongest the skin, restore skin health and even tackle sun damage. This fast and affordable treatment is a hydradermabrasion procedure, which delivers cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and anti-oxidant protection to the skin from a vacuum-based abrasion tip. Painless and effective, it has been likened to having “a cool paintbrush over the face”. Dr Oliver will thoroughly examine your skin and create

a bespoke treatment plan to tackle your skin problems before loading the vacuum-based skin abrasion tip with specially formulated serums. The tip gently massages the face, working deep into the layers, leaving your skin rejuvenated, radiant and healthy. “Many people see visible results after just one treatment and incorporating this fast treatment into your regular beauty regime means you will always have the skin you deserve,” says Dr Oliver. “Say goodbye to congested skin, wrinkles and sun damage with the amazing hydrafacial.” Air Aesthetics 121 High Street Henley in Arden Warwickshire B95 5AU 0845 519 5377

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Relax, pamper and rejuvenate

Indoor heated swimming pool Sauna

Relax, unwind and let us pamper you in the tranquil surroundings of the Beauty Rooms at Billesley Manor Hotel where Decléor therapeutic skincare is our speciality and our passion. We also offer tanning treatments and Jessica Nails manicures and pedicures. The Health Club at Billesley Manor Hotel offers fantastic facilities, all of which are available to Hotel Guests and Health Club Members alike. The extensive facilities include: Fitness studio fully equipped with cardio and resistance equipment

Treat yourself to the Beauty Gurus Non-surgical injectable procedures have experienced the highest rate of expansion over the past few years and we are constantly seeing patients with poor results that we then have to put right. We believe this is the most unregulated and therefore potentially dangerous area of cosmetic surgery today. The secret to all these techniques is subtlety, the idea is not to make you look different, but to make you look better. At The Beauty Gurus, you will receive honest and professional advice as to what can be achieved, how long it will last and the pitfalls of any procedures you decide to undertake. The Beauty Gurus believe no procedure should be taken lightly, whether an injectable or a full facial procedure.

Steam room Tennis courts Beauty rooms Outdoor terrace Billesley Manor Alcester Billesley Near Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire B49 6NF 01789 279955

As such, the choice of professional to undertake the procedure is essential. It’s your body. Don’t compromise on quality. Contact us at www.thebeautygurus.com for all your cosmetic surgery and non-surgical aspirations. Allow yourself to be taken away with sensuous beauty treatments. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just want to pop in for a treat, get an all-over tingly feeling as our qualified beauty therapists ease you away to sensory heaven. The expert therapists on site offer a range of beauty treatments for both men and women using Decléor therapeutic skincare products, including massages, facials and body treatments. We also offer manicures, pedicures, make up, spray tanning and alternative therapies. 0800 612 5919 www.thebeautygurus.com

Luc you. Festive gift vouchers available from thespa reception or online. Quote ‘edge’ to receive a £10 treatment voucher. 0121 643 2200 / www.theclubandspabirmingham.co.uk theclubandspa main entrance – The Cube Level 6

theclubandspa, The Cube, Mailbox District, Birmingham, B1 1RN

EdgeMagazine

BRIGHT EYES

Holiday party make-up Jodie Hazelwood

ore than any other requests, I’m asked about a smoky eye. It’s definitely one of the sexiest make-up looks and if it’s done right, you can make it work for any eye shape. Smoky eyes suit a modern and classic style, plus it’s very low maintenance. For a smoky eye to be successful it needs to be long lasting. The best way to achieve this is to mix textures, using a cream based shadow and sealing it in with powder. I always use a long wearing cream eyeshadow in a shimmery neutral shade first, blending it around the eye with a brush. The Maybelline 24hr Tattoo Bad to the Bronze is great. This creates the perfect base and stops any powder eyeshadow applied on top from creasing. I then like to blend over an eyeshadow that enchances your iris shade. If you have green eyes then try purples and burgundys, if you have blue eyes then bronzes and golds are great. Brown eyes are enchanced with blues and greys. To intensify the look add a gel or pencil liner at the roots of the lashes and into the inner rim of the eye. However if your eyes are smaller then I would avoid this. Add lashings of mascara and false lashes if you feel confident applying them to finish off the look. To complement a smoky eye I like to keep the skin, lips and cheeks fairly natural so you don’t look overdone. It also helps to keep the focus on your eyes and the rest of the look young and fresh. I would suggest a tinted moisturiser, Laura Mercier’s is great, to even out the skin and give you a glow. I love to use cream blushes to brighten and highlight the cheeks and the Yves Saint Laurent one has a gorgeous mousse-like texture. Smoky eyes look great with dewy skin so giving yourself a good base will only enhance the effect. For lips, play it simple with a light pink or nude gloss. Check out my website for more beauty and make-up tips and for more information about my masterclasses. www.jodiehazlewood.com

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shaking things up this festive season

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An exciting mix of Christmas and New Year packages awaits you.

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A family get-together or an ofďŹ ce party, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll provide you with everything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need.

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guest ÂŁ25.00per â&#x20AC;˘ Murder Mystery Events â&#x20AC;˘ Music & Magic Nights â&#x20AC;˘ Race Nights â&#x20AC;˘ Festive Party Lunches â&#x20AC;˘ Santa Sunday Lunches â&#x20AC;˘ Private Parties â&#x20AC;˘ Christmas Culinary Experience â&#x20AC;˘ Family Christmas Day Lunch

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EdgeMagazine

ESCAPE THE CHAINS Sassy Boutique Lucinda Bunn

nyone with a big event coming up should hotfoot it directly to Sassy Boutique in Worcester, whether it’s a festive evening affair or a winter wedding. With two levels of everything you could want in eveningwear and occasionwear, Sassy Boutique offers an individual shopping experience, a far cry from the department store fitting rooms. Serena West’s romantic boutique has been curated with customers in mind. The interior is stylish, with a seating area upstairs so you can try on with friends, have a coffee and relax. Each item is chosen by Serena for its quality and individual detailing from some of the most sought after names worldwide, from John Charles London and Presen to Linea Raffaelli and Jaego. Serena’s careful selections make every dress at Sassy Boutique a showstopper, with intricate beadwork, vibrant colour and fine silk. Serena is on hand with expertise to guide you in the most flattering shapes for your figure and with her 14 years experience in dressing women for occasions, you can’t go wrong. The best bit? Sassy Boutique will fit any dress for you, so take it in a bit here and up an inch there, and you’ll have a tailored, designer ensemble you can wear year after year. When it comes to weddings, particularly as the mother of the bride, you want to stay in keeping with the theme. Well, Sassy Boutique not only stocks dresses in different colours but you can choose shoes too; peep toes, stilettos and Mary Janes in off-white satin. Each style can be dyed and accessorised to complement your outfit. Opt for a clip-on diamante designs or crystal appliqué. Hats and fascinators, clutches and jewellery, Sassy Boutique is the destination shop for ladies seeking something stylish, elegant and glamorous for the big day.

17 Reindeer Court Mealcheapen Street Worcester WR1 2DS 01905 23539 www.sassyboutique.co.uk

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GIFT SH OP

‘Royal Worcester’ and the C51 crown device are registered by and used under kind permission from Portmeirion Group UK Ltd to whom all rights are reserved.

CHRISTMAS 2013 Selling exquisite vintage and antique Royal Worcester: Porcelain China Tableware Cake Stands Figurines Collectables Gifts

MUSEUM OF ROYAL WORCESTER Severn Street, Worcester WR1 2ND t: 01905 21247 f: 01905 617 807 info@museumofroyalworcester.org www.museumofroyalworcester.org

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY March to October: 10 am – 5 pm November to February: 10 am – 4 pm Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and occasionally for private functions, please telephone for details

EdgeMagazine

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SUPER-RIPE AND POMEGRATE

New ultra-potent pomegranate juice launched James Horne

new pomegranate juice that is made from fullyripened fruit sourced worldwide packs a greater health punch than any other rival juice. The juice, formulated by tracking weather patterns and using what might be conventionally perceived to be over-ripe fruit, contains more phenols and antioxidants than any rival juice. Nine hundred and twelve medical studies, conducted over a decade, have confirmed an array of health benefits from pomegranate juice consumption. Weight redistribution, arterial health, stress reduction, sexual potency, skin health and coronary health are amongst the proven medical benefits derived from pomegranate juice consumption. A team of Oxbridge academics led by healthcare consultant Dr Sepe Sehati is conducting a review of nearly 1,000 clinical studies carried out on the effects of pomegranate juice consumption over the last ten years. Of the 912 studies researchers are reviewing, the majority point to significant health and wellness benefits, notably in the areas of arterial health, stress reduction, skin health and weight management. Dr Sepe Sehati said: “Industrialised production of fruit and vegetables has led to a situation where inevitably the produce that enters the food chain is not sufficiently ripe to deliver all of the potential health benefits. We see this, for example, in ‘ripen at home’ fruit. The same applies commonly in juice production though with more significant consequences. If fruits are harvested and processed too early they simply don’t have the chance to achieve their full health or sweetness potential. That is why ‘on the tree or vine ripeness’ is a critical factor in the development of truly healthy juices.” He added: “Research in peer-reviewed journals shows that cultivar, geographical location, climate and maturity stage of pomegranates significantly influence total phenolics content, antioxidant activity, levels of macro and micronutrients, juice pH and ultimately the taste. The best healthy pomegranate juice is produced by the delicate blending together of such knowledge.” The pomegranates in the PomeGreat juice were sourced from countries renowned for their high quality fruit - India, China, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Azerbaijan and Australia. Following a rigorous 12 months selection process in the UK, the best possible recipe was identified as a varied combination of differently sourced fruit. The chilled juice is launching exclusively into 160 Waitrose stores.

Amongst the reported health benefits of pomegranate juice consumption are: Bulge-busting - Pomegranate juice can deflate so-called muffin tops and belly fat, according to a study by Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science. Volunteers who drank 500ml of juice every day for four weeks had lower levels of plasma NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids), which are linked to the storage of abdominal fat. Perfect skin - A £5 million research programme by scientists in Spain has discovered that pomegranate consumption stimulates type I procollagen synthesis in the skin, which helps promote skin repair. Anti-stress - In a separate study, the QMU team reported that pomegranate juice significantly reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva, while volunteers reported feeling more enthusiastic and less distressed after having the drink.

EdgeMagazine

THE GOOD LIFE

Home cooking with Tom Robinson at the Forest Lucinda Bunn

hen it comes to the food we all love to eat, nothing comes close to rustic, simple classics. At The Forest at Feckenham, head chef Tom Robinson has taken British food and added a contemporary French twist. Here he talks produce and presentation.

Who do you like to cook for?

What early influences inspired you to cook?

How do you source your ingredients?

Definitely my nan’s pies. Watching my nan cook and watching my mum cook sparked my interest and then I suppose sitting on the sink in my local pub kitchen between pot washes.

We have seasonal menus so we source out ingredients as locally as possible. We use Aubrey Allen meat and Kingfisher fish and we go to Birmingham market for all our veg. We also use local suppliers for cheese. I think it’s really important for pubs and restaurants to make a commitment to local produce. I think customers are looking for that and everyone benefits from it.

How did you learn your craft? I’ve worked my way up in various kitchens, learning as I go. Back then, there certainly weren’t as many TV chefs to look up to, I think I just kept working hard and perfecting my techniques. How would you describe your culinary identity? I’m a big fan of British food. The menu at The Forest has an Anglo-French influence but I particularly identify with hearty, honest food, cooked from the heart. Each dish on the menu is presented so beautifully, so how important is presentation to you? Well people eat with their eyes and I always keep that in mind when I’m dressing a plate. It takes a few goes to get the presentation right with a new dish. We usually sketch something out and make sure there’s interest in the visual. What part of the winter menu is exciting to you? It takes a while to develop the menu and we work as a team to come up with ideas which change over time. I’m looking forward to the boeuf bourguignon, it’s just a winter classic, moules marinières and some traditional puddings.

I cook for friends and family. I’m not really into showing off and cooking an extravagant meal for everyone. But I like cooking with others in the kitchen even if that means chopping the veg up!

Do you like to experiment with new concepts? We’re not on a level with René Redzepi from Noma, whose inventiveness is world-renowned. I admire chefs like him but we try to keep it simple. We’re all classically trained so in The Forest kitchen it’s simple, classic food with twists and added interest. What makes you think ‘I have to try that out’? Meat. I’m a big fan of meat; cooking meat, eating meat. Designing a main course is really what gets me in the kitchen.

1 Droitwich Road Redditch Worcestershire B96 6JE 01527 894422 www.theforestatfeckenham.com

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seasonal en

ment.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year with exceptional taste at our newly opened, refurbished, gastropub - The Forest at Feckenham. Now run by a multi award-winning gastro team youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be spoilt for choice with exquisite food from our seasonal or festive menus, fine wines, hand pulled ales and unmatchable service. Christmas and New Year is about enjoyment and with our passion for great food and drink thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what we serve. Book now for a more tasteful seasonal celebration.

1 Droitwich Road, Feckenham, Redditch, Worcs; B96 6JE. Tel: 01527 894422 www.theforestatfeckenham.com

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FRESH IDEAS EVERY DAY Introducing The Crown at Martley

he idea of going to a pub restaurant settling down and ordering your usual dish is set to be a thing of the past with a new concept brought to you by The Food House.

The Food House strives to achieve good quality dishes at an affordable price, all 100% home cooked, but at their newest premises The Crown at Martley, the team have gone one step further to create a whole new experience. After researching and asking people what they really want, the team concluded that people still liked to be surprised so that’s exactly what they’re doing. Each day the chef’s board will have up to 15 new home cooked dishes. But don’t ponder for too long as the next day it all changes, giving you the chance to sample a different meal on every visit. The Crown is also perfectly located in Martley, just a short distance from all the surrounding villages and Worcester, you can keep fit and walk, cycle or even bring the horse to the pub; all are welcome. Pop in now to try the Winter Warmer Menu, but be quick as it won’t be around for long. The Crown at Martley Green Road Berrow, Martley WR6 6PA 01886 888 840

7KH *DUGHQHUV $UPV A Taste Of The Winter

New Winter Menu Now available Real Ales Vines Lane Wood Fired Oven Droitwich WR9 8LU Food Theme Menu 01905 772 936 Party Hire email: pubs@gardeners-arms.com

www.gardeners-arms.com

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THE ART OF CHEESEMAKING An ancient discovery Lucinda Bunn

here’s nothing quite like artisan cheese. British cheesemakers produce over 450 unique cheeses; each the embodiment of their local culture, surrounding landscape and specific farming techniques. The cheese world is fine and eclectic, with everything from creamy blues to nutty, crumbly cheddars. In fact cheese naming has taken a trendy turn too and our region produces some of the most enticing. But cheese’s humble beginnings weren’t quite so stylish. Real cheeses reflect the qualities of the milk each season which move with the weather and the food being grazed by the herd. We’re not talking about the shiny blocks at the supermarket, rather the traditional farmhouse cheese with all its varying shapes and rinds. Traditional farmhouses produced lots of different cheeses each year. There were fresh, soft cheeses to eat straightaway, lightly pressed cheeses to store for a short time and hard-pressed ones, wrapped in muslin and calico to last through the winter. The craft of cheesemaking dates back at least 5000 years. Archaeological evidence exists to show Egyptian cheesemaking practices. The point was that cheese allows the nutritional and economic value of milk to be preserved. In fact, many archaeologists believe that cheese may have originated from nomadic herdsmen who must have stored milk in vessels made from sheep’s and goat’s milk. Perhaps a forgetful shepherd noticed that his neglected milk had curdled. Of course, with urbanisation, so came pasteurisation and the separation of people from farms where milk was produced. In the 18th century, sources of milk became less reliable and illnesses such as TB were rife, so pasteurisation saved the day. But some cheesemakers also believe pasteurisation is a flavourkiller - well, you can’t please everyone. As well as killing off bad bacteria, pasteurisation does also take out some helpful stuff too. A decline in real cheese – where conformity ruled – unfolded and Britain began producing a homogenised range of cheeses approved by the Ministry of Food during the Second World War. So for a long time, mass-pasteurised cheese was the norm. But the last 20 years have seen cheesemakers bringing back real cheese, using raw milk. Artisans up and down the country are flying the flag for individual cheese with quirky flavour combinations and new textures, breaking all the rules and celebrating fantastic quality and variety.

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PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES Giving new wines a go

Laura Clay

o one likes change. We tend to stick to what we know and know what we can rely on. This is particularly true with wine when we feel that if we’ve forked out a tenner or more we want to be happily rewarded and not disappointed. But life is short and there are so many exciting wines out there it seems a shame to limit ourselves to half a dozen or so safe bets. There are trends in wine just as there are in fashion. Some of you will remember when you loved German white or Entre-Deux-Mers; oaky Aussie Chardonnay or Blush Zinfandel but in the UK at the moment we unable to get enough of Pinot Grigio from Italy. If you move just a few miles east of where Pinot Grigio comes from, you’ll find yourself in Slovenia and Croatia. Wines from both of these countries can be very exciting and they’re not just for enjoying whilst sitting on the terrace in the sunshine, they travel well too and because of their natural propensity to work brilliantly with food, are finding listings at top restaurants such as Simpsons and Purnell’s. Try these from Loki, Birmingham’s newest wine merchant, in the Great Western Arcade: Piquentum Malvazija (£14.99) from Croatia is a dry and earthy wine, light and tangy enough for fish dishes, weighty enough for cheese and chicken dishes. Another holiday destination where wines work extraordinarily well with food has got to be Greece. Wipe oxidised Retsina from your mind and think fresh, minerally Assyrtiko. Vin Neuf in Stratford sells Gaia Assyrtiko Wild Ferment 2012 from Santorini at (£18.00). Apart from it being delicious and interesting, it lends itself to so many different dishes, from seafood to lamb. Are you keeping up with the times and had a Brazilian yet? Double entendres aside, it might surprise you to know that Brazil is the 5th largest producer of wine in the Southern Hemisphere. They’ve been making wine since 1875, can boast two harvests a year and a massive 22% of what they produce is made into sparkling wine. Tom I’Anson Wines, a shop based near Cheltenham sells Miolo Brut Milliseme 2009 for (£15.95) which is made with a second fermentation in the bottle to create the bubbles and has a lovely fresh, apple and citrus fruitiness, a gentle mousse and an indulgent easiness to it. If you’re feeling really adventurous you might like to try a wine from Uruguay: www.winesofuruguay.com sell an intriguing dessert wine called Alcyone for £19 (50cl).

For more wine advice, become a member of BYWine. www.bywine.co.uk

Where better to try Indian wines than in the Midlands? Connolly’s stock Soul Tree Sauvignon Blanc 2012 for £8.69 which will work perfectly with many of your favourite spicy dishes. Trends in cooking have changed dramatically over recent years which means taking a fresh look at the wines which match what we eat. Push those wine boundaries. Try something new. You won’t have to travel further than your local wine merchant.

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THE LOCAL KITCHEN Everything that's cooking in the three counties Open Season There’s still time for just one last al fresco celebration. Grab the sparklers and enjoy some fireworks this month. But don’t forget to take a warm flask of spiced apple cider with you. Makes about 8 cups 16 whole allspice berries 12 cinnamon sticks 12 cardamom pods 6 whole cloves 6 strips orange zest 4.5 litres of apple cider A couple of star anise too (optional) Combine all ingredients in a pot, and bring to a medium heat to simmer until fragrant. Keep warm over a low heat and strain before serving.

Steven Hearn is made head chef Hampton Manor & Peel’s Restaurant is delighted to announce the promotion of Steven Hearn to Head Chef Private Dining and Weddings. Steven, born in Solihull and educated at Lode Heath School started his career at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel, now the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel as a commis chef, where he developed into a chef de partie in banqueting over a period of 12 years. He joined the team at Hampton Manor two and a half years ago and has finally achieved his personal goal of becoming head chef. Ryan Swift, head chef of Peel’s Restaurant at Hampton Manor commented: ‘Steven’s promotion is a clear reflection of his commitment and passion to consistent and creative private dining.’ Hampton Manor is a privately owned boutique hotel with 3 private dining rooms and home to Peel’s Restaurant - 3 miles from Solihull and the NEC. Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull, B92 0EN 01675 446080

Quintessential quince You can’t eat them raw and they’re a nightmare to peel but baked or pickled, there’s nothing that comes close to a quince. These golden orbs with their honey-like perfume make the fragrance of a festive home. You can bake quinces with honey and Marsala, poach them in sugar syrup and serve with a dollop of yoghurt. As long as there’s sweetness and booze, you can’t go wrong. Why not pickle your quinces and enjoy with cold meats? And make sure you have your quinces around for a few weeks before you cook with them to appreciate their full glow. Make a centrepiece for the table, or arrange them in the hallway to welcome you home.

www.hamptonmanor.eu

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New chef welcomed to the Menzies Welcombe Hotel The Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club have announced the appointment of a new Executive Head Chef who joins the team of 12 in the kitchen of the hotel. Matt Warburton has joined the luxury award-winning country house hotel and has over 19 years’ experience and knowledge of the catering industry. After training at Birmingham College of Food, Matt spent several years at Swinfen Hall Hotel in Staffordshire, an ‘AA Inspectors Choice Red Star hotel’, where he worked his way up to Head Chef. Before joining the Welcombe Hotel, Matt was lead Chef Consultant for Rouge Recruitment based in Loughborough. Greg Fehler, General Manager at The Menzies Welcombe Hotel, stated ‘We are delighted that Matt has joined our team of experienced and talented Chefs. Matt will be a valuable asset to the dining experience at The Menzies’. Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 0NR 01789 295252

www.menzieshotels.co.uk

Adam’s Restaurant receives Michelin star In the heart of Birmingham city centre Adam and Natasha Stokes opened their first restaurant in spring of this year. Adam’s seats 25 and serves an innovative menu of modern British food. Less than six months after opening the restaurant became the fourth Michelinstarred restaurant in the city. ‘The whole Adam’s team work extremely hard to deliver the best fine-dining experience and without them we could not have hit the ground running’. The restaurant serves two tasting menus of varying length showcasing Adam’s style. The ‘Tasting 5’ and for the full culinary experience the ‘Tasting 9’ course menu priced at £45 and £75 respectively. A light lunch menu of one, two or three courses is also. www.adamsrestaurant.co.uk

21a Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5QP Tel: 0121 643 3745

Pick up your Christmas produce from Berryfields Farm Shop No doubt you’re planning a family feast for Christmas and you might be wondering where’s best to get your Christmas produce. Well, Berryfields Farm Shop has a fantastic range of fruit and vegetables, grown locally. Turkeys are the glorious apogee of festive food. And the butchers at Berryfields, will be offering the finest quality birds at fantastic prices, so order yours this month. When it comes to all the trimmings, keep it local and environmentally friendly with root veg, artisan treats and luxury cheese platters. Berryfields Farm Shop also creates cakes, quiches, scones and pies, perfect for a festive supper. Berkswell Road, Meriden, Nr Coventry, West Midlands, CV7 7LB 01676 522 155 www.berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk

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A CULINARY COLLABORATION A Taste of Turners at The Bell Hannah Griffiths

Richard: I have created the menu to reflect the setting and although it will be a ‘Taste of Turners at The Bell’, the presentation will be different to what they enjoy at Turners Restaurant. What inspired the dishes on your pop up kitchen menu? Richard: Like in my restaurant, great regional ingredients and the setting. The season, autumn is my favourite time of year. Ashley: I’ve left the food up to Richard, but delighted in what he has come up with. Where does your love of food come from? Ashley: Mine came late in life, eating out and watching Floyd on Spain.

irmingham’s Michelin starred chef Richard Turner has teamed up with Warwickshire’s Ashley Bent of the Bell at Tanworth in Arden to create a special one off event - A Taste of Turners at the Bell - labelled as a Michel-INN (Michelin style food in a pub!) pop-up restaurant for one night only on November 14th - which sold out within 4 hours of going on sale. We caught up with them to find out what’s in store. Firstly congratulations to you both on your amazing sell out event. Why have you teamed up? Ashley: Regulars have often chatted about Michelin food over a pint or two in the pub so I thought it would be interesting to see what happened if we offered something similar out of the city. Richard: Being located in the city is great and but sometimes it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and rise to a new challenge. After visiting the Bell I thought it would be fun to create a true pop-up, and after speaking with Ashley, we decided to give it a go.

Richard: I’m inspired by chefs from around the world, and we have some great chefs in the region too – it’s important to watch trends, but in turn stick with your own styles and influences. You both work differently with food but if you had to choose your favourite dish what would it be? Ashley: Difficult. It’s between tapas and sunshine or lamb and log fires. Richard: A great Sunday roast - something I am launching at Turners in November too - with a bit of a Turners’ twist of course. To keep up to date with this event and future collaborations follow Ash & Richard on twitter: @TheBellTanworth @TurnersRestBrum Or visit their websites: www.thebellattanworthinarden.co.uk www.turnersrestaurantbirmingham.co.uk The Bell Inn Tanworth in Arden, The Green, Tanworthin-Arden, Warwickshire, B94 5AL.

What can diners expect?

01564 742 212

Ashley: We will be keeping the same style of relaxed service, but will be offering wine matching for those who want to push the boat out - or they could just enjoy a pint of real ale!

Turners Restaurant, 69 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9NS

0121 426 4440

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2 Courses ÂŁ24.95 or 3 Courses ÂŁ28.95

34 Sidbury, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 2HZ Telephone: (01905) 21444 www.benedictos.com

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The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head

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FESTIVE FANCIES

Chocolate Deli Christmas Truffles Lucinda Bunn

he master chocolatiers at Chocolate Deli have conjured a simple chocolate truffle recipe to get us all in the kitchen this Christmas. The trick with this is, use good quality chocolate to celebrate the good stuff. These soft treats have a strong hit of cocoa and an intense depth of flavour with a spiced brandy twist. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easy to make and delightful to receive.

Ingredients (for 60 truffles) 400g dark chocolate 200g whipping cream 50 g of glucose 1tsp ground allspice 50g ground cinnamon 20 crushed cloves 50g mulling syrup 30g brandy To decorate 100g cocoa powder 100g icing sugar 1tsp cinnamon Edible glitter (optional)

Method In a bain-marie, melt dark chocolate to a runny consistency, ensuring there are no lumps. Put aside. Boil together cream, glucose, allspice, cinnamon and crushed cloves in a saucepan. Add the dark chocolate and gently stir together. Add the mulling syrup and brandy and stir again. Leave overnight at room temperature. Check your truffle mixture is firm and set (if not, you may need to leave it another night).

In a separate bowl, sieve together the cocoa powder, icing sugar and cinnamon. If you like your chocolate dark and rich, leave out the icing sugar. Using a melon ball scoop or a spoon, scoop out the mixture and roll each truffle in the bowl of coating powder. Place the truffles on a plate and dust with edible glitter for extra seasonal sparkle. Feel free to adapt the recipe as you wish. The alcohol content preserves the truffles for up to 3 months so if you try an alcohol-free version, bear in mind that they will have a shorter shelf-life. 53 New Street Worcester WR1 2DL 01905 611324 www.chocolatedeli.biz

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RING THE CHANGES

Not your cookie-cutter Christmas Hannah Griffiths

he snowy streets and sounds of sleigh bells will soon be with us, as the festive season draws nearer. This year, we’re taking a step away from tradition with our suggestions for an alternative Christmas. Christmas Dinner Go veggie. Whether it’s for one course or a full three course meal, a vegetarian Christmas dinner can be just as fabulous as a traditional one. All you need are some great recipes and all the trimmings. You can still indulge in delicious roast potatoes, roasted parsnips, cranberry sauce, sprouts and many more vegetable delights. For mouth-watering vegetarian recipes, check out Yotam Ottolenghi.

Let someone else cook. This could mean another family member or save yourself the hassle of a messy kitchen, dirty dishes and lots of leftovers, and instead head out to your favourite restaurant. You could try the delectable delights of a traditional Christmas dinner at Marco Pierre White’s in Birmingham or the rich, Italian flavours served up at Benedictos in Worcester. If you decide to head out for Christmas dinner, book early to save disappointment. Then sit back, relax and enjoy. Christmas Day Get outside. Whether it’s a hike up Mount Snowdon, a cycle along your favourite route or an extended walk with your family, getting outdoors on Christmas Day will surely put a flush of colour in your cheeks and a rumble in your stomach, leaving you with the perfect excuse for an extra mince pie with your glass of mulled wine. Volunteer. Christmas is the time of year where most of us see family and spend the day surrounded by our loved ones, but for those less fortunate Christmas can mean another day spent in a shelter. If you enjoy spreading Christmas cheer you could volunteer at your local homeless shelter or an animal rescue centre and help spread the love a little further.

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YEW TREE FARM Discover this stylish shopping village Lucinda Bunn

ucked away on a farmyard, just off the A3400 in Wootton Wawen, Yew Tree Farm is made up of sixteen beautiful barns, converted into boutiques, craft shops and a vibrant coffee shop. This is the go-to shopping village for Christmas gifts, unique wares and artisan products. The oak barns feature Hats of Lapworth with a personal service offering an extensive range of hats and fascinators for sale and hire, along with shoes, boots, scarves and handbags, Country Curiosity, the gifts and interiors boutique, with an eclectic range of glassware, lamps, mirrors and candles, Huro Jewellery showcasing its gold and silver jewellery collections and offering repairs, remodelling and resizing. Also on the courtyard is Le Grenier Antiques, offering the finest in French and English antique furniture and Beyond the Blue, a lifestyle boutique, displaying a great range of clothing and accessories for men, women and children; you’ll find brands like Weird Fish, Joules, Lazy Jacks and Great Plains. If you’re planning a winter wedding, be sure to check out Tessa Francis Bridal Studio, a boutique with a beautiful collection of wedding gowns, tiaras and veils as well as Yew Tree Flowers, specialising in fresh cut flowers, shrubs, trees and plants.

into cakes and cream teas, the freshly prepared lunch menu and homemade snacks. Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be exhausting. Instead, savour the experience, choose quality over quantity and find something spectacular at Yew Tree Farm. You can even pick up a Christmas tree or a wreath from the 1st December onwards. There’s a free car park too. Each shop has its own identity, with a friendly and knowledgeable specialist behind each frontage; you’ll receive a warm welcome and a bespoke service. Make a wintery afternoon wonderful at Yew Tree Farm.Yew Tree Farm Stratford Road Wootton Wawen Near Henley-in-Arden B95 6BY 01564 792701/792025

General opening times: 10am-5pm TuesSun (some shops may be open shorter winter opening hours) www.yewtreefarm.uki.net

At this secluded Warwickshire hotspot, you can warm up in the Yew Tree eaterie and tuck

At Yew Tree Farm...

• Antique shop

• Clock and watch repairer

• Wool shop

• Hat and hat hire shop

• Gift shop

• Jewellery and jewellery repairs

• Lingerie boutique

• Bridal studio

• Antiques barn

• Garden and conservatory furniture

• Secondhand bookshop

• Lifestyle clothing shop

• Speciality teas

• The Cowshed eaterie and tearoom

• Farmshop

• Craft supply shop

• Florists • Hairdressers

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Tessa Francis Bridal Studio See our Collection of beautiful Wedding Gowns. Blissfully elegant, beautifully made. Superb attention to detail. Luxurious fabrics and shades. Sale starts 5th November with up to 50% off Wedding Gowns Tel: 01564 792883 Mob: 07931 912138 Yew Tree Farm, Stratford Road, Wotton Wawen %(<21' 7+( %/8( /,)(67</( &/27+,1* 0(16 /$',(6 $1' .,'6 5$1*(6 672&.,676 2) -28/(6 /$=< -$&.6 08672 :(,5' ),6+ 5$*,1* %8// 08'' :$7(5 *5($7 3/$,16 .,3/,1* %$*6 72 +(/3 <28 .,&. 2)) <285 &+5,670$6 6+233,1* %5,1* 7+,6 928&+(5 72 5(&(,9( 2)) $// )8// 35,&(' 672&. <(: 75(( )$50 :227721 :$:(1 +(1/(< ,1 $5'(1 % %< ZZZ EH\RQGWKHEOXH XNL QHW RSHQ 7XHV 6XQ 675(66 )5(( 6+233,1* ,1 $ 67</,6+ $1' &217(0325$5< &2857<$5' 6+233,1* 9,//$*(

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St Thomas More School celebrates its 60th year St Thomas More School in Sheldon is celebrating its 60th year and as part of the celebrations Leigh Perry, principal and owner of DMS Knowle and Bev Bevan, Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own famous rock drummer, who is also The Patron of DMS, attended a special assembly. Staff and pupils dressed in 70s and 80s costumes and the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir sang for the guests. After a question and answer session talking about his days performing with bands such as: The Move, ELO and Black Sabbath, Bev signed autographs and had photos taken. St Thomas More childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir will perform at DMS in Concert â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Fusion of Music and Danceâ&#x20AC;? being held on 16th March 2014 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. The show is supporting the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre and Hospital as well as The Born Free Foundation. Special guest artistes include Bev Bevan along with some of his musician friends, Geoff Turton of The Rockin Berries and Phil Tree of The Move. For information and tickets see www.dorridgemusicschool.com Email - dorridgemusicschool@hotmail.com Call - 01564772831

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CARTERS FURNITURE Bringing your home to life for less Hannah Griffiths

hoosing new furniture, for your first home or the house you’ve lived in for years, can be a daunting task, with so much choice available it’s difficult to decide which furniture best suits your home and lifestyle. This is where expert advice and guidance proves to be so important and at Carters Furniture you’ll get exactly that. Carters Furniture is a family business with 30 years’ experience. As the county’s largest independent retailer, Carters’ 25,000 sq. foot showroom showcases a number of collections welcoming customers into the world of soft furnishings with expert assistance. Upholstery With over 100 suites on display at Carters you can be sure that you’ll find the right upholstery for your home. Whether your living space is lacking a contemporary statement piece or you prefer a comforting, classical and opulent design with soft supportive seating, Carters can offer you a wide variety of ranges from world renowned brands; including some that are made in the West Midlands. Dining Dining areas are more than a place to eat and drink. They’re a staple part of your home, a place for the family to come together to interact, catch up and unwind, so why not fill the space with the highest quality furniture? Carters offer a wide range of dining,

living and occasion pieces from warm traditional oak to stylish modern glass and everything in between. Bedroom From flat-packed furniture that provides easy access through the front door, to wardrobes and over bed units set up in your home by professionals, Carters offers choice, in a host of different colours and finishes. If you’re picturing elegant curves or modern clean lines with a timeless design and simple finish, speak to an expert at Carters today to start creating your dream space. Price Promise The team at Carters pride themselves on offering fantastic prices on a vast selection of quality furniture from smaller local suppliers to big names. If you do happen to find the identical item cheaper somewhere else, Carters will beat that price, including quotes online. For more information, visit their website or showroom today. Caldwall Mill, Tram Street, (Just off New Road) Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1AQ 01562 755 766 www.carters-furniture.co.uk

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STYLE AT HOME

With Francis of Malvern Furniture Shop Donald Makenzie

o successful business can afford to rest on its laurels, and you won’t find a better example of this statement than Francis of Malvern Furniture Shop. Now supplying second and even third generations within families, stock accurately reflects the changes that have taken place within fashion and designs. Bracketing both sides of Worcester Road, in Malvern Link, the three modern, light and spacious shops offer businesses and homeowners the most competitively priced furniture, beds, carpets and rugs in the whole of the region. Throughout the three main shops knowledgeable staff inform and assist customers. There’s a range of collections so you’ll find what you’re looking for.

At the Francis of Malvern Furniture Shop, the aim is to continue to modernise its showrooms, offering expert service, the best selection of home furnishings in Worcestershire and the best prices. The team continue to offer the best of traditional upholstery as well as the latest in modern design. 235-237 Worcester Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 1AE 01684 573823 www.francisofmalvern.co.uk

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A SHINING EXAMPLE

So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for the best lighting to complement your room, head down or book a house call with Jessica Jones Lighting today. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take pictures, plans and colour schemes then sit back, relax and let the experts help you out.

Illuminate your home with Jessica Jones Lighting

fter 23 years in Reindeer Court, Jessica Jones Lighting has upped and move to a brand new bigger premises at Great Western Business Park, Worcester. As time has passed, the consultancy business has grown to such an extent that the shop, with its large displays had become semi-redundant. Jessica Jones Lighting still offers all of the products that were available in the shop, but with the added benefit of additional customer service. The team can sit down with you and give more time and consideration to getting your lights right. While Jessica Jones Lighting has restricted their opening hours from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, the team is happy to conduct free house calls which are done at your convenience. The new showroom is ready and will shortly be followed by a much awaited internet site and online store.

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EdgeMagazine

THE JOYS OF SMALL GALLERIES Art is long, life is short

Lucinda Bunn

he great thing about small galleries is that they’re often on your doorstep and they provide a few hours of stimulation without the queues and long corridors. Art can be overwhelming; moving from one exhibition to the other can feel like teleporting through time and space. But with a small gallery, it’s far more intimate, leaving you more time for the art itself.

The Gallery Upstairs, Torquil, Henley-in-Arden This gallery has beautiful natural light and a relaxed atmosphere. Overlooking the cobbled courtyard which was once an Elizabethan coaching inn, The Gallery Upstairs is part of the Torquil shop, specialising in sculpture, ceramics and contemporary paintings. The gallery itself showcases painters and ceramicists twice a year with seasonal exhibitions. (Check website for dates and opening times.) Promoting the work of young artists and renowned for supporting British contemporary art and craft, The Gallery Upstairs provides an important cultural amenity in the Midlands. www.thegalleryupstairstorquil.co.uk Torquil, 81 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, B95 5AT. 01564 792174

St Paul’s Gallery, Birmingham St Paul’s Gallery is the Midlands’ largest privately owned gallery. It exhibits primarily limited edition album cover fine art prints of bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and many more prints being hand signed by band members. St Paul’s also has works available from established artists including Picasso, Dali and Bridgette Riley. More information and an online catalogue are available at: www.stpaulsgallery.com 94 Northwood Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1TH. 0121 236 5800

Broadway Modern Gallery, Broadway Broadway Modern, as its name suggests, specialises in art, sculpture, ceramics, furniture and glass with a ‘modern’ feel – not necessarily abstract but definitely 21st century. Broadway Modern is the sister gallery of John Noott Gallery at Cotswold Court, also in Broadway. But Broadway Modern focuses on the contemporary with six beautifully presented showrooms, holding an eclectic collection of British art. There is work from up-and-comers and world renowned artists. Broadway is the perfect spot to enjoy a small gallery, take in the sights and enjoy a cake and coffee. www.john-noott.com 10 The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7AA. 01386 858969

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What to buy him For Christmas.

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INSIDE OUT

A Nikhill Chopra showcase Rebecca Morris

his month, our Heart of England Galleries exhibition is in Wolverhampton, where the Indian performance artist Nikhill Chopra is set to open his new work, featuring an 18-hour live performance. Shakti: Nikhil Chopra (16 November – 5 April 2014) is the culmination of an exciting and ambitious contemporary arts programme that has explored the cultural and artistic relationship between Britain and the Indian subcontinent. Nikhil Chopra works across different media including performance, painting and photography to reflect on personal histories and India’s colonial past. The exhibition will feature existing works from this exciting artist, who has exhibited extensively in India and internationally, including the Venice Biennial. The Inside Out series of photographs will be displayed alongside a curated selection of objects from the Gallery’s Indian decorative arts collection as well as Victorian oil paintings which reference colonialism. Following on from Chopra’s 65-hour performance earlier this year at the Manchester International Festival, the artist will be undertaking an 18-hour live performance at Wolverhampton Art Gallery played out over three working days from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30

November 2013 (10am to 4pm). This will create a new work, which will remain on show for the duration of the exhibition. His performance will be inspired by the Gallery’s collection of Indian artefacts. Entitled Space Oddity, Chopra will convert part of the exhibition space into a portrait gallery and will invite people in the audience to sit and pose for him. Portraits drawn in charcoal will line the walls and he will examine the role of portraiture in the art gallery’s collection. Costumes for the performance have been designed by Loise Braganza. Nikhil Chopra said: “I would like to start with looking at and drawing people from Wolverhampton’s South Asian community, recognising the deeper, historical and cultural connections that can be as simple as being able to speak with each other in fluent Hindi or Punjabi. The words Space Oddity allude to the strangeness of a place and Space Oddity is the title of a 1969 song by British Glam Rock icon David Bowie. 1969 was a time in British history of rock n roll, women’s rights, the empowerment of the working class, booming Western economies and migrants in their 100,000s arriving from the ex-colonies.

EdgeMagazine Placed somewhere between a migrant worker dressed in an English suit to the freedom with which 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glam rock celebrated its identity, I will draw.â&#x20AC;? This exhibition is part of Shakti, a collaboration with Meadow Arts who have invited contemporary artists of Indian origin to respond to and interact with historic collections of South Asian art at venues across the Midlands and Wales. Curator Jane Morrow from Wolverhampton Art Gallery said:

Rebecca Farkas, Marketing and Engagement Manager at Meadow Arts, said:

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wolverhampton Art Gallery holds an extensive collection of South Asian art and Indian artefacts, which are testament to the Victorian craze for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;exoticismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We are delighted that Nikhil Chopra will be visiting Wolverhampton and responding to our collection with a performance piece specially created for the city.â&#x20AC;?

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MAKE IT A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS With Cranes Music Worcester

or 40 years, Cranes has been retailing quality acoustic and digital pianos and keyboards in Worcester. But this festive season why visit one Cranes shop when you could have the choice of two? Up until Christmas, you can also find Cranes Music at Unit 5 Reindeer Court. The Reindeer Court Piano Showroom has some beautiful acoustic pianos by Bluthner, Welmar, Bentley and more; all with fantastic Yuletide savings. Cranes also has the incredible Yamaha Avantgrand Hybrid Digital Pianos, featuring a ‘real piano key action’ from an upright or grand piano together with the most realistic piano sound. Plus, Cranes has a special star buy for Christmas with the Yamaha P35 and its 88 weighted, graded keys, superb piano sound and wooden stand, this compact digital piano costs just £499! It’s the perfect instrument for any budding pianist or student!

Cranes Music, 26 New street, Worcester WR1 2DP 01905 23023

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MEET THE MUSIC Backstage notes with the CBSO Lucinda Bunn

t’s not every day you experience something truly awe-inspiring; being transported to another world, just like discovering an unknown universe. But with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, to listen is to imagine. I went along to observe the rehearsals for September’s concert of A R Rahman’s music. Nicknamed the ‘Mozart of Madras’, A R Rahman has played a key role in the celebration of Bollywood in Britain. And he’s composed scores for some of the biggest films of the 21st century, think Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Lord of the Rings (2001). As the buzz of musicians filtered into the hall, I was taken aback by the closeness of the Birmingham Symphony Hall’s resident orchestra; it was all smiles, catching up and taking their first look through the sheet music. The conductor was Matt Dunkley, who has worked closely with A R Rahman to arrange each piece to work in the concert hall, picking representations of the score to showcase the melodic and harmonic interest of each song. Matt’s energy fills the space and injects life into the music. It’s not like the players need much direction as their professionalism is magnificent. But Matt knows the character of the music and so he describes each phase with light and dark. One suite begins moody and brooding with a full sound that builds; the grey clouds clear to reveal a blue sky, the flute solo. Sweet and melodic, the narrative continues with sculpted lines of searing intensity. Observing each individual player’s part, if you watch and listen really carefully, you can pick out their notes, their thread in the tapestry and it’s poetry in motion. I wondered, why bother seeing a film when it’s more moving to hear one anyway?

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra was founded as the City of Birmingham Orchestra in 1920, with Edward Elgar conducting its first concert in September of that year. Now, nearly a century later, with renowned conductor Andris Nelsons taking the helm as music director, the CBSO is regarded as one of the finest orchestras in the world. Organising the programmes and managing the orchestra takes a dedicated behind-the-scenes team. The orchestra manager ensures that all the players have to focus on is their performance. And with 100 players touring at any one time, that’s a lot of responsibility. The CBSO programme is jam packed with players often seeing music for the first time only a day or two before the concert. Many of the musicians are contracted by the CBSO but of course, with particular concerts, freelancers must be commissioned. For the A R Rahman concert, the CBSO called on the talents of sitar player, Roopa Panesar and Bhangra singers, Surrinder Parwana and Shin DCS. The CBSO puts on 100 concerts throughout the year so the process from prep to performance moves quickly. With so many performances, the diversity of music and the range of talent and is spectacular. Under the musical direction of Andris Nelsons, the CBSO has come into its own and now is the time to experience all its wonders. CBSO Centre Berkley Street Birmingham B1 2LF 0121 616 6500 www.cbso.co.uk

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POP OF CULTURE Lucinda Bunn

The Anatomy of Melancholy at The Rep, Birmingham The Anatomy of Melancholy has been described as ‘the greatest book ever written’. Nearly 400 years old, it is a vast, 1500 page attempt to identify the causes, symptoms and cures for all kinds of melancholy. Written by vicar and librarian Robert Burton, it contains all the wisdom of its age - arcane, outlandish and hilarious. Yet, amidst all the wild stories and suppositions, much of its advice remains as urgent and profound now as it did then. Ten years ago a Serbian Festival Director challenged Stan’s Cafe to adapt this, his favourite book, for the stage, stating that they were the only company he could imagine pulling it off. So this is it, Stan’s Cafe bringing The Anatomy of Melancholy, perhaps the world’s most extraordinary self-help manual, to the stage. 7th (7pm), 8th (7:45pm), 9th (2:45pm - 7:45pm) November www.stanscafe.co.uk

Chamberlain Square Broad Street Birmingham West Midlands B1 3AH 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Worcestershire Film Festival calls ‘Action!’ November 2013 sees the second Worcestershire Film Festival, celebrating local film and filmmakers. Simon Munn, organiser for the film festival said, ‘Last year, we welcomed nearly 1,100 visitors to our film screenings and workshops and we hope to make this year even bigger’. Running from 15-17th November, Worcestershire Film Festival will be based at Worcester Arts Workshop, The Hive and the chapel room on the University of Worcester City campus. There will be selection of fascinating short films and features throughout the weekend as well as informative workshops on writing, story boarding, animation and much more. ‘We’ve had over 50 submissions this year covering all kinds of genre from comedy to sci-fi and even several films from over Europe’.

Worcestershire Film Festival will also be partnering up with Worcester, Massachusetts in America with an exchange of films and video conferencing. For more information and contact details, visit the website: www.worcestershirefilmfestival.co.uk

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WILLARD WIGAN

Life through the eye of the needle Laura Francis

illard Wigan is a unique talent in the world of art. He immortalises a range of things in the eye of a needle, using a range of weird and wonderful homemade tools. Think hair strands, rice grains, sand, single eyelashes, dust fibres and gold flakes. His pieces are so small they can only be seen under a microscope and are often mounted on pin heads and needles. Birmingham-born Willard has earned much critical acclaim and national honours for his microscopic works. In 2007, he was awarded an MBE for his services to the arts. His work is also collected by A-Listers like Simon Cowell, Sir Elton John and Sir Phillip Green. Willard’s rare gift and talent stems from his learning difficulties and belittling comments from his primary school teachers, who once told him that he was an “example of failure.” “As a child I struggled academically. I’m not ashamed to admit it. I had trouble reading and writing and from a very young age teachers branded me as illiterate, constantly telling me I would amount to nothing. The comments came as a huge confidence blow and I had to find a way to get out.” Willard’s love of micro-sculpting was born when he began making houses and furniture for the ants in his garden. “When I was about 5 we had a dog and I remember him coming into the garden and digging a hole and destroying an ant’s nests and I sort of went into this fantasy world. I felt sorry for the ants and decided to build them houses so I grabbed my dad’s razor blade, sliced some splinters of wood and began to build, then I got carried away building furniture, merry go rounds and cups and saucers; my brain just went into this creative mode and I couldn’t stop.” He turned his teachers’ scathing criticism and negative remarks into a challenge: to turn “nothing” into something spectacular. He discovered a new life outside of school where micro-sculpting became a form of escapism for him. This was then followed by a rapid rise to fame where he appeared in national newspapers and magazines including The Sun and The Observer Magazine. A string of TV appearances around the world shortly followed, including numerous US talk shows including The Tonight Show with Conan

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If you would like to view or purchase some of Willard's work, please contact Andy or Jo at J&A Fine Arts. Tel: 07966 263 810 www.jandafineart.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org O’Brien. He has also made appearances on more home grown TV shows such as Richard and Judy and Gloria Hunniford. He has since recreated scenes from the bible, fairytale characters, political figures, famous landmarks around the world and many other recognisable figures in popular culture. He recently carved a miniature portrait of the Queen on a coffee bean to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Willard has toured the UK and the States with numerous exhibitions showcasing some of his most iconic pieces of work. Willard constantly aims to push the boundaries and challenge himself by making his creations smaller and smaller. His smallest piece of work to date consists of a tiny Harley-Davidson motorbike inside a hollowed-out strand of hair. Willard created this using a microscopic flake of gold from a chain and a speck of his own stubble. It is considered to be the world’s smallest ever piece of art and measures just 3 microns – smaller than a human blood cell – and was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. He hopes to challenge himself yet again and go even smaller down to 2 microns in the future. “What makes my work so big is the fact that it is so small. I’ve dedicated my life to my craft and at 56 I’m getting better and still learning and evolving all the time.” One of the most mind-blowing moments, during a showcase of his work, involves a miniature sculpture of two girls playing on a see-saw placed in the eye of a needle. Willard made them pivot from side to side with the slight prod of a shard of a pin, proving to be a prime example of his exceptional attention to detail. There is no one else in the world with this inimitable capability.

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His spacious home in the heart of Birmingham also doubles as his workspace. He has also experienced the discontent of losing valuable pieces of work mainly in the carpet that he would never be able to find again. He once made a sculpture of the Teddy Bears' Picnic, which he spent numerous months working on, and it was regrettably never to be seen again. Willard now goes into prisons and schools to give motivational speeches and advice to any aspiring artists out there. Willard is currently working on a collection entitled ‘Greubel Forsey Art Pieces’ with world renowned watch makers Greubel Forsey. The first project of the collection will be entitled ‘Art Piece 1’ and will see a piece of Willard’s work featured within the clock face along with a microscope to view the art up close at a specific time. You can find out more about Willard’s work and upcoming events via his website. www.willard-wigan.com

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AVAILABLE DARK: A REVIEW A novel by Elizabeth Hand Mike Stafford

vailable Dark is the sequel to Elizabeth Hand’s bleak and brutal punk noir novel Generation Loss. In it we see the return of Cass Neary, a burnedout punk photographer whose life has been in a drugfuelled rut since her fifteen minutes of fame back in the 1970s. The story, as much as there is one, picks up where Generation Loss left off. Fleeing the attentions of Maine law enforcement, Neary is offered a handsome sum in return for authenticating some photos for a client in Helsinki. On arrival, she is drawn into a world of black metal, violence, ancient Norse religions and bitter Scandinavian winter.

and to other matters. Some of the finest crime novels use police work merely as the backbone of the book while busying themselves with character, atmosphere, politics or setting. Unfortunately, in Available Dark, there just isn’t enough of any of the former to justify such a thin plot. The imagery is morbidly beautiful, and

Plot-wise, that’s almost it. Though it’s billed as a crime novel, Available Dark is definitely not one for armchair sleuths. Neary is no detective; she doesn’t uncover clues, she almost never interrogates, and she is driven not by a desire to discover the truth, but by habitual substance abuse. She pops prescription pills like some crime protagonists smoke cigarettes or drink whiskey. For the most part, she is passive, reacting to the plot rather than driving it forward. She is also resolutely unlikable. Spiky, intentionally unattractive, and wholly unconcerned with how she is viewed by others, she is as the author said “pure id.” If she is redeemed, it’s through her appreciation of beauty. Creator of the 70’s cult book of photography ‘Dead Girls,’ Neary is capable of seeing beauty even in the darkest places. Examining images of the dead, Hand has her protagonist comment on lighting, tone and composition with such grace that even readers with no grasp of the art form will yearn to see images as spellbinding as those Hand describes. It’s a similar position with the imagery throughout the book. There’s money to be made in movie novelisations; Available Dark is like a novelisation of a book of photos, to be read while listening to black metal. The plot might be wafer thin, but there’s some joy to be had in just turning the pages, image after image brushing your field of vision. The northern mountains of Iceland are “the beginning of the end of the world;” in a postmortem photo, “billows of lace and satin frothed down the sides of the casket.” In the Neary books, imagery and atmosphere are paramount. There are some nods to themes and issues; Hand briefly mulls over regrets, and what becomes of the aged rockers and pill-poppers, and she has several swipes at the financiers who plunged the world into economic darkness. Still, there’s little room for any grand statements, or even much character development. Crime fiction, certainly in the European tradition, can be forgiven shifting focus away from the investigation

the music knowledge is extensive but unobtrusive, but this can’t fully offset the near total lack of investigative momentum, or a cast of characters who (Neary aside) offer little for the reader to get enthusiastic about. In this outing, Hand’s imagery is high-definition, but her plotting and characterisation are in soft-focus.

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HEDGEHOG HAVEN Make your garden a winter refuge Hilary Collins

hat a year it has been! I was standing contemplating the past growing season amid the swirling mist of my bonfire; smokey incense spiralling up to meet the gathering gloom of an autumnal evening. There is something about the activity of tidying the garden away, before the inevitable harshness of winter that leads us into a time of reflection. We had a very late start to spring this year; winter cold hung around for so long. In the end, we enjoyed a respectable harvest of fruit and vegetables, in spite of the foxes enjoying far too many raspberries and plums (not to mention all of my chickens and ducks....but that’s another story). We had a rather good crop of hedgehogs too! Mrs Tiggy-Winkle set up her nursery under the bench in our old propagating house; the one we were due to take down in early summer. So that rather put a stop to our plans, but it was worth it to see those cute little hedgepiglets running up and down under, what was for them, a huge loggia. Hedgehogs are fully carnivorous and great biological pest control, eating all manner of slugs, snails, beetles, insects and the odd earthworm. I would much rather have a hedgehog army than resort to using slug pellets and thankfully Mrs T and her brood have done us proud; even my lettuce escaped being decimated this year. Our spiny friends were voted as Britain’s National Species beating off fierce competition from badgers, oaks trees, otters and many others. But sadly their numbers (like much of our wildlife) are in sharp decline. Several factors are responsible: badgers like to eat a few, but cars flat-pack them on the highways, killing tens of thousands per year. Hedgehogs love to mooch around leafy shrubberies and rootle in the bottom of hedges. Loss of habitat through ever expanding housing estates with tidy modern enclosed gardens devoid of plants, give the hedgehog nowhere to go. So what can be done to help the nation’s favourite wild animal? Start by thinking like a hedgehog. • Stop being so meticulously tidy; create a bit of shrubby wilderness around the edges of our gardens adding piles of logs and brushwood. • Between mid-November and mid-March, hedgehogs, faced with starvation, hibernate to conserve energy in an hibernaculum. This can be a minimalist nest of leaves and twigs or you could provide a purpose made ‘hog chalet’. At the very least collect up your fallen leaves and dump them in a pile ready for an itinerant hedgepig looking for a winter des res. • Resolve not to use pesticides to kill insects and slugs. Even better, you could become a champion and join Hedgehog Street. Hedgehogs can cover 1-2 km per night and need to roam over at least nine connected gardens, so small gaps in the base of a fence between neighbours will help her/him get about. Visit : www.hedgehogstreet.org to see how it all works. Hedgehogs are nocturnal critters, so if you find one outdoors during daylight, it is most likely injured or sick. Furthermore, in winter, it could be suffering from hypothermia and need your immediate attention. For details on how to help a hypothermic hog visit: www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk/animal-care/hedgehog-care Give your garden a health and safety inspection. Is it hedgehog friendly? For more information visit: www.wildlife-web.org.uk/hedgehog And another brilliant website: www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk

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

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THE BRAIN TUMOUR CHARITY Help fund the fight against brain tumours Hannah Griffiths

rain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK. The Brain Tumour Charity is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, aiming to improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease. They fund scientific and clinical research into brain tumours and provide support and information to those affected. The Brain Tumour Charity is the direct result of the merger of The Brain Tumour Charity, formerly Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, Brain Tumour UK and The Joseph Foote Trust. As a merger of three separate charities The Brain Tumour Charity is an organisation inspired by the human

stories of all the families affected, particularly those of Samantha Dickson and Joseph Foote, the daughter and son respectively of two families that would be key to the founding of the charity. Samantha Dickson Samantha was a bright, lively, happy, fun-loving girl, who had an incredible zest for life, and always wanted to be where the action was. At the age of 14, Samanthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life was shattered when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She had been having unusual headaches and minor blackouts for many months and despite seeking medical advice both privately and through the NHS, it took ten months before it was discovered she had a

www.edgemagazine.org brain tumour. Despite her illness, Sam was determined to carry on with her life and fulfil her ambitions like any other teenager. After bravely fighting her illness for two and half years, Samantha tragically lost her battle and passed away. Her parents Neil and Angela founded the Samantha Dickson Research Trust in 1996 and have since raised over £12 million for vital research and to provide much-needed support and information Joseph Foote Joseph was born on 12 March 1998. He lived an entirely normal active toddler life until, aged 2 and a half years, he started displaying ambiguous symptoms: lethargy, vomiting in the mornings, some balance issues and occasional headaches. After five months, with the family insisting that something was seriously wrong but their GP refusing to send Joseph for a CT scan, they paid to have a private scan. In November 2000, a neurological consultant confirmed that Joseph’s symptoms were caused by a brain tumour and he had surgery to remove it the following day. The operation was a success in that the entire tumour was removed. Unfortunately Joseph’s tumour continued to return and after seven operations and at only nine years old Joseph lost his battle with the disease and passed away at home with his family in August 2007. In March 2001, the Foote family began raising funds for research into the causes and treatment of brain tumours. The Joseph Foote Trust raised more than £2 million in its 12 year history.

How you can help The Brain Tumour Charity does not receive any government or statutory funding; relying 100% on voluntary donations to fund their work. But with your help the charity can improve the prospects for everyone affected by a brain tumour. You can help support the charity in a number of ways by either making a donation, raising awareness, setting up a support group, fundraising or getting your company involved; every donation helps to makes a difference. To find out more about the charity and how you can help, please visit the website. www.thebraintumourcharity.org fundraising@thebraintumourcharity.org 01252 749043

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AN EDUCATION Are your children safe online? Brett Laniosh

n my last feature I mentioned the fledgling Business in Education (BiE) network, a group of local businesses working together to not only promote their services and products more effectively, but also working on collaborative projects to help schools. One such project is the trialling of a product or service in a school that leads to a case study. This collaborative approach works for both schools and businesses as schools make great test beds. Teachers and pupils are extremely honest about what their needs are. In the 1980s I taught at a new school that was designed by architects who forgot to involve the customer. All of which meant that this pretty building had corridors in the wrong places and rooms that were the wrong size. The shame of this was that the school was bulldozed just few years ago. So lessons need to be learnt in order to avoid wasting more money. And that is why initiatives like BiE are so important: schools and businesses should be keeping an eye on. Delivering online or e-safety messages to parents gives me the opportunity to hear a number of stories about the dangers of the online world. One of the areas we cover at these presentations is the use of social media sites. When I ask parents if their children are chatting online, the response tends to be either yes or definitely not. It is this second response that interests me. So how do you know your children aren’t talking to their friends or even strangers? Do they have their own laptop or mobile phone? Do they have an Xbox connected to the internet? Evidence suggests that parents need to have an open and honest dialogue with their children because the reality is that most children do have an online profile and are chatting to others. As a teacher, I know that education is the key to staying safe online. Safe “chat rooms” restricted to a particular class and monitored by the teacher are something that I promote in schools and I would encourage all educators to do the same. To finish with I want to clear up a misconception. I was talking with Suzanne Smits from Morrells Handwriting Ltd who is passionate about children and writing. Over the last few decades our society has been increasingly moving towards using electronic devices to communicate. But we need to think what this is doing in the long term to our children’s writing skills. Suzanne makes the point that young people need to spend time writing with a pen. The misconception comes about when people think that keyboard/touch screen = bad; pen = good. Like everything else in life it is a case of a balanced approach and the need to think of the problems we might be building up for the future by minimising our children’s writing experience.

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FUELLING A USED CAR-BUYING BOOM The Range Rover Sport Adrian Hunt

s you have probably read, new car sales are up last month by 12% over September last year. In fact, over 4,000,000 new cars were registered; that’s the highest figure since September 2008. However, over 80% of all these cars were purchased with some form of financing, partly due to low interest rates and PPI claims (for the deposit). So whilst the statistics show we’re buying new, sometimes the numbers can be misleading. It’s not all about new cars. Bear in mind all new cars will depreciate in value. There are some fabulous used deals out there at the moment. There are many low mileage, big spec, convertibles, saloons, estates, coupes, you name it. You just need to take the time to browse on Ebay, Autotrader or Pistonheads. But this month’s seasonal model looks like the outgoing model of the Range Rover Sport. I know the brand new one looks awesome, but it’s around £70,000. Let's look at a used model.

The Range Rover Sport came out in 2005 from a concept the year before as a "low slung" 3 door coupe which looked stunning given its sedate Land Rover origins. It comprised a semi-monocoque chassis from the Discovery 3 giving it the refinement for the road and the off-road capability of previous Land Rovers. The Sport was designed with suspension components similar to that of the Porsche 911. The Range Rover system offers 6 different settings, depending on which surface you are driving on. Although it was launched with a supercharged V8 engine, a diesel engine soon became the default choice. This was the 2.7 litre engine with 188 bhp from Jaguar. Thanks to the superb body control and agile handling the ride can deal with all British roads and weather conditions. The steering is light, making it easy to park and doesn't feel as big as its exterior suggests. In mid2011, the 3 litre SDV6 was introduced, packing 255 bhp and driving through an 8 speed gearbox with an all new

www.edgemagazine.org command shift. It delivers 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds. Although the petrol V8 maybe a barnstormer to drive, the 3.0 diesel is easily the best bet for most buyers’ needs and wallets. Cars from the first 4 years of Sport production have a rather functional and utilitarian interior, whilst later cars are even better quality and use materials and technology that you’d normally only find in top end saloons. There is a centrally-mounted colour screen that shows information for Sat-Nav, Stereo, heating and telephone systems. The touch screen helps to eliminate the need for too many buttons on the dashboard and centre console. The Santorini Black Sport you can see pictured here is a 2012 model 3.0 SDV6 HSE, with one previous owner; it has covered only 21,000 miles. It also has black luxury leather seats and dashboard with contrasting white stitching, TV, rear reversing camera, Harman Kardon stereo system and the latest rotary knob gear change. Why buy new when you can buy this at £43,000? Also, as it is the time of year to be buying a 4 X 4. I also have on offer a Range Rover Sport 06/55 for £16,995, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 06/56 for £19,995 and a Mercedes-Benz ML 280 CDi 06/56 for £13,995.

Adrian Hunt Cars Limited in Rural Worcestershire E Mail: adrianhunt@mac.com www.adrianhuntcars.co.uk

Tel/Fax: 01905 797 036 Mobile: 07721 398 000

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TAX-EFFICIENT GIVING A win win for everyone Tom Ware

haritable giving can provide the warm glow that you are doing something good and being tax efficient into the bargain. There are a number of ways to donate to charity that ensure that both you and the charity benefits. The first way to make donations is under the Gift Aid scheme. This scheme is useful for all UK tax-payers making cash gifts to charity. All Gift Aid donations are regarded as having basic rate tax deducted by the donor. The charities, which include some smaller communitybased sports organisations, take individual donations and reclaim the basic rate tax paid from the Inland Revenue. If someone gives £10 under a Gift Aid scheme, it is worth £12.50 to the charity. There are also advantages for higher rate tax payers under this scheme. As long as the organisation is recognised as a charity by HMRC, higher rate tax payers can claim back additional tax. They will usually have to do this through their tax return and donors need to ensure they have paid sufficient tax in that year to be able to claim it back. The Inland Revenue uses the example of someone donating £100, where the total value of their donation to the charity is £125 - so they can claim back £25 if they pay tax at 40 per cent. Gift Aid can be carried back to previous years. The other popular and tax-efficient way to give money to charity is through the Give as You Earn scheme. This

is for those individuals whose employer is signed up to a scheme. Donations are made from an individual’s salary after national insurance but before income tax. Individuals only pay tax on what is left as a result. Therefore, for a basic rate tax payer, every pound donated costs 80p, or 60p for a 40% taxpayer. So if, for example, a higher rate tax payer authorises a monthly donation of £10, they will save £4 - the actual cost of the donation is just £6. The money can go to any UKregistered charity. In some cases employers will match any employee donations. Payroll giving does not affect the amount that can be claimed under the Gift Aid Scheme, providing individuals have paid sufficient tax to be able to claim relief. Choosing a charity is extremely personal, but it is worth asking a few basic questions when deciding where to put your money. For example, some charities have significant overheads and only a small amount of an individual’s donation actually goes towards the good cause. In some cases, this can be as low as 20-30% of the overall donation. Diabetes UK, for example – only 26% goes to the charity, the rest going on administration expenses, including a final salary scheme for the staff. The tax efficient schemes are only available on registered charities, so it is worth ensuring that any charity is properly authorised. Overall, any charity should be able to give you a clear idea of where your money is going and how much.

IMPORTANT NOTICE The descriptions of products and services in this newsletter 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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A warm welcome to...

M& M

PERSONAL VINTNERS Fine quality wines from around the world

M & M Personal Vintners Ltd. Wine connoisseurs and beer buffs will love a tasting tutorial over the Christmas period. M&M Vintners, the specialist wine and beer merchants will come to your home or workplace to talk tannins, flavours and aromas. With fine wines, ports, liqueurs and ales that aren’t available in the supermarkets, gracing the shelves of the M&M Vintners’ shop, the team provide an all-encompassing wine service, to help you impress at the festive dinner table. The wine experts at M&M Vintners believe that we should broaden our horizons when it comes to wine. The next day delivery service also offers a chance for wine lovers and beer enthusiasts to send gifts too. With selections sourced globally from small vineyards, M&M Vintners guarantees the finest quality and the freshest flavours, to make your festive party pop. www.mikeoldfieldwines.co.uk

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

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SPACE AND TIME The Skoda Octavia Estate Liam Bird

ord March’s Goodwood Revival comes but once a year, and the list of stuff you need to pack for it reads almost as long as the list of legendary drivers who now attend the world famous vintage racing festival. In-order not to stick out like a 21st century sore-thumb appropriate attire is essential; after all no self-respecting Goodwood-goer would be complete without either something in tweed or a period military uniform. For ladies, vintage dresses are the order of the day. What that means of course is that you effectively have to pack twice: once so as you don’t look like someone who hasn’t been out the house since they stopped rationing, and can therefore not get stared at in the pub in the evening when you’re hungry and tired after a day’s multi-million pound car spotting. And one so you do, otherwise you can’t fully indulge yourself I all things vintage at the West Sussex circuit and truly enter into the spirit of the event. Jeans, you see, aren’t allowed in the paddock. Effectively, you need two of everything; one for your modern-day self and one for Goodwood. That means you’ll need a car with a very big boot to carry it all in - quite how people “do” the revival in an MGB is beyond me. Fortunately though, my attendance to the good Lord’s vintage get-together also corresponded with my time with Skoda’s all new Octavia estate, the car that just so happens to have the biggest boot in its class. Even with the rear seat backs still firmly up, the Octavia – now

in it’s third generation - proved more than capable of swallowing two heavily stuffed overnight bags, two suit carriers – one for me, one of Mrs B, two brollies, various shoes, boots, coats, hats and jackets, a map or two, a laptop, the kitchen sink… O.K. so I lied about the sink, but if you were to flick the switches situated just inside the estate’s more angularly styled rear hatch that allow the rear seats to fold forward, and you were to adopt a 1950’s approach to your morning shower routine, you could easily find yourself questioning the need for overnight accommodation. The double layer boot floor means you’d still have space to store your toothbrush and it also helps keep the load-space very nearly flat. Quite simply, the Octavia’s boot is cavernous. There are roof-rails as standard too, just in case you need to carry yet more of life’s paraphernalia. Of course the Octavia estate’s talents don’t just extend to lugging loads. If fitted with the 105bhp 1.6 diesel engine (as tested, and probably the pick of the bunch), not only will your Octavia allow you the opportunity to avoid having to pay any road tax, it comes with the promise of up to 74.3mpg too. So frugal the Octavia may be, but don’t think Skoda have scrimped when it comes to fixtures and fittings. The SE spec car that whisked me across the South Downs kept me cool with dual-zone air con; safe with seven airbags;

www.edgemagazine.org entertained with a digital radio; informed of traffic congestion thanks to sat-nav, and connected to friends and family via Bluetooth – which incidentally was, in my car at least, voice activated. The Octavia’s also very comfy. It’s slightly longer and wider than it once was, and now sits on VW’s innovative MQB platform. That means that it rides with new found comfort and handles better than it ever it. Granted, a diesel estate of any variety is not going to offer the most exciting of driving experiences, but thanks to some nicely weighted controls, a logically laid out interior and further acres of room for both front and rear passengers the Octavia Estate proves to be a relaxing place to be when it comes to munching the miles. Switchgear and soft touch materials that will be recognisable to anyone who’s sat inside the new Golf, Leon, or even the odd Audi or two help create the impression that everything’s also been built to go the distance. Because of its mix of comfort, economy, and space the Octavia Estate is both pleasing to own, and pleasing to travel in. Like its predecessors it’s going to be a firm family favourite And, who knows, should you find yourself just north of Chichester come next September, it may even help out with a day or two’s time travel too! www.liam-bird.com @bird_liam

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Christmas Gift Guide

For Him

Auto Union replical model car £109 from Freak le chic 01564 744 166

A wide choice of Prints of sporting Personalities mounted & framed, Limited Editions, Frames, Mounts, Mirrors & Fine Art Cards Frameworks 07787116450

MARTIN 00015MEUK Guitar £1299 available from music 47 01905 22958 Great selection of Fantastic pen sets and Cufflinks for those little stocking fillers with a big wow factor. Country Curiosity 01564 794 307

Rieker Mens Pull On Boots, available in Black or Tan at £69.99. Humphries (Redditch) Ltd` 01527 62416

For Her 'Toni Pons' Women's Long Leg Boots, available in Black and Brown Leather at £125 and Navy, Tan or Green Suede (Pictured) at £115. Humphries (Redditch) Ltd 01527 62416 A Hillers Hamper makes the perfect gift this Christmas. Choose from our selection of ready made hamper designs which range from just £10 through to £55, or, why not let us make one up to suit your exact budget and requirements. For more information please call 01789 772771 or visit our website at www.hillers.co.uk

Brown Bag £14 Pavillions

Lovers crystal Carafes £109 from Freak le chic 01564 744 166

Autograph Bag £89 Pavillions

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For the Home Set of 3 ornamental cherries ÂŁ81 from Freak le chic 01564 744 166

Best of L'Occitane ÂŁ62 L'Occitane Pavilions

Floral Clock ÂŁ6 Pavilions Solitaire Set - Hand blown glass with cherry wood base ÂŁ67 from Freak le chic 01564 744 166

Give your rooms an elegant look with our stunning range of Gorgeous Room Lamps. Chose the style and colour to co-ordinate with your home Country Curiosity 01564 794 307

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A GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS MARKETS Seasonal treats, festive food and last minute gifts Hannah Griffiths

Frankfurt Christmas Market 2013 Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market has become a huge favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from all over the UK and Europe and is now the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country. After 12 years, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is now the centrepiece of the city’s annual Christmas events calendar. Birmingham's own traders offer an entirely different selection of beautiful hand-crafted items at the Christmas Craft Market, created by local artisans, as well as ethnic goods imported from all over the world.

www.edgemagazine.org

Traditional stalls offer the usual array of beautiful handmade toys, Christmas decorations, original jewellery and craft goods as well as a carousel to keep younger visitors entertained. You can enjoy the delights of German mulled wine (Gluhwein), grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels, German beer, and for those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread, crepes and marzipan sweets. Location: Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square & Chamberlain Square Date: 14th November – 22nd December 2013 Time: 10am – 9pm www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket

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Christmas Market in Stratford-upon-Avon Stratford’s annual Christmas Market this year kicks off with the official launch on Waterside on 22nd November from 10 am till 9pm which also just happens to be the day the Christmas lights are switched on and when late night shopping commences. The market takes place in Stratford’s historic Henley Street with pop-up stalls each Sunday and Thursday, until Thursday 20th December, with stalls brimming with Christmas fare and gifts for all the family. The markets sell a mixture of arts and crafts, gifts and locally produced food and drink. Why not tickle your taste buds as coffee shops and cafés across town? With the arrival of Father Christmas on November 17th, followed by the Christmas celebrations the following Thursday afternoon and the arrival of Ebenezer Scrooge for a week in his very own grotto on December 27th, there’s over a month of seasonal events to choose from. Location: Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Dates: 22nd November-20th December 2013 Time: 10am-9pm www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

21st Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre The perfect way to start the festive season is a visit to the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. Hundreds of stalls will fill the atmospheric streets of Worcester’s historic heart with the vibrant colours, harmonious sounds and enticing scents of Christmas. There’s something for everyone with a vast array of stalls selling local arts and crafts, international products, festive gifts and food court.

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas decoration, piece of unique jewellery, unusual item for the home or some edible festive treats you won’t be disappointed with the varied choice on offer. Make it an exciting, fun packed day out by combining your trip to the fayre with a visit to Worcester’s historic attractions and exceptional range of independent boutiques and popular high street names, or take the weight off your feet and relax in one of the city’s many cafés, pubs and restaurants. Location: Throughout the city centre Dates: 28th November to 1st December 2013 Time: Thursday 4pm-9pm Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 10am-8pm Sunday: 11am-5pm www.visitworcester.com

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WHAT’S ON sees Andy & The Lowriders opening the shows on Eric Clapton’s European tour and they will be touring the UK in support of the new CD Zone O Tone. www.artrix.co.uk What: Classic Motor Show Where: NEC

www.belgrade.co.uk

When: 15th-17th November 2013 The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is the biggest and most popular classic car exhibition in the UK. With over 1500 wonderful cars from all eras, showcasing a myriad of marques and models, this really is every motoring enthusiast’s paradise! www.thenec.co.uk

What: Hamlet Where: Bridge House Theatre

What: Aliens love underpants

When: 13th-16th November 2013

Where: Belgrade Theatre

Hamlet’s father is dead. He suspects his uncle of murder but has no proof. He fears his mother’s involvement but dare not confront her. If his suspicions are correct he has a duty to avenge his father, but if he strikes down an innocent man he risks eternal damnation.

When: 8th-9th November 2013 Based on the best-selling children’s book, this zany and hilarious tale is brought to life on stage for the very first time to delight the whole family. You’ll laugh your pants off! www.belgrade.co.uk

www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

When: 13th November 2013

Where: NEC Birmingham When: 23-24th November 2013

www.thenec.co.uk

What: KT Tunstall Where: Symphony Hall

What: Warley National Model Railway Exhibition

Warley National Model Railway Exhibition, the UK’s Premier Model Railway show, opens its doors on the 23rd and 24th November for what has become a world renowned event and a fun day out for local families. This year sees at least 85 working model railway layouts on show with exhibitors from the UK, and Europe.

Ha team on the case – what can go right?! You’d be absolutely barking mad to miss this pipesmoking new show from theatre’s funniest parodists as Holmes and Watson embark on their most dangerous adventure yet … hunting down The Hound of The Baskervilles.

What: Andy Fairweather Low and The Lowriders Where: Artrix When: 21st November 2013 Andy Fairweather Low’s pedigree is the stuff rock dreams are made of. He first came to prominence at the vanguard of the new youthful expression of music as the lead singer in Amen Corner. 2013

What: Ha Ha Holmes Where: Belgrade Theatre When: 12th November There’s a beast on the moors, a crime to be solved, and with the Ha

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall visits Symphony Hall for the first time.Celebrating the release of her new album Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon, the multi-platinum selling artist showcases the delicate simplicity of her early work and the evolution of her sound. With its country-folk tinged melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the album features some of KT’s most personal writing. www.thsh.co.uk

MBE F O C Y AR A R

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

Craycombe Pianos

Guitar Studio

Jessica Ley Brides

Tel: 01386 860555

Tel: 01386 861873

01386 861044

Tracy Harper Curtain Design

The Antique Restoration Company

Craycombe Farm Antiques

01386 861774

Tel: 01386 861816

Tel: 01386 860555

The Combe Shed

Lottie’s Creative Living

Tel: 01386 860361

01386 861896

The Fisherman’s Emporium Tel: 01386 861 336

Ali at Craycombe Carpets 01386 861444

Craycombe Farm, Evesham Rd, Pershore WR10 2QS 94

www.edgemagazine.org there’s no better place than Avoncroft for a spot of time-travelling, sci-fi monsters, scary costumes, an original blue Police Box and lots of surprises. www.avoncroft.org What: Festive Gift Fair

What: WWI Weekend

Where: NEC Birmingham

Where: Black Country Living Museum

When: 21st-24th November 2013

When: 9th-10th November 2013

The run up to Christmas Day involves a lot of planning! The hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents. There’s no need to be stuck for ideas. Festive Gift Fair makes it so easy! You’ll find Decorations, Toys & Stocking Fillers, Festive Food & Drink, Gifts and so much more!

A weekend of demonstrations and training activities from WWI military reenactment group, MECO. The War to end all Wars... Every war sees a change in equipment and type of warfare but The Great War was a war that defined modern warfare.

www.thenec.co.uk

www.bclm.co.uk

Christmas Eve, London’s meanest miser Ebenezer Scrooge is his usual grumpy old self. But as the clock strikes midnight his world will be turned upside down. Three ghosts are visiting him to offer visions of a happy past, a harsh present and a horrific future. Can they convince Scrooge to change his wicked ways in time for Christmas? www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

What: Go Back for Murder Where: New Alexandra Theatre When: 25th-30th November 2013

What: Moscow Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty

Carla Le Marchant learns a disturbing family secret; her mother, Caroline Crale, died in prison after being convicted for poisoning her father. Caroline leaves an intriguing legacy in the form of a letter professing her innocence and, believing this to be true, Carla is determined to clear her mother’s name.

Where: Belgrade Theatre

www.atgtickets.com

When: 14th-16th November 2013

What: Science fiction time travelling day

Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous music fills the air with wondrous characters coming to life before your very eyes. Fairytale characters are abound alongside a King, a Queen, good and evil fairies, fairies of gold, silver, diamonds and sapphire plus the inevitable handsome Prince.

Where: Avoncroft Museum

www.belgrade.co.uk

When: 16th November 2013 Avoncroft Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BBC’s iconic television series, Doctor Who, with a science fiction Family Fun Day. With a history spanning seven centuries,

What: Antony and Cleopatra Where: Royal Shakespeare Theatre When: 7th-30th November 2013 At the fringes of a war torn empire a man and woman have fallen desperately, passionately in love. But for a soldier sent to enforce the imperial will and the queen of a people intent on throwing off the yoke of empire, there is no place for personal desires. www.rsc.org.uk

What: A Christmas Carol Where: The Rep When: 27th November4th January 2014 On a cold, bleak, biting

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What's on at The Heart of England Galleries The Barber Institute of Fine Arts- Faith and Fortune 8th November30th November 2013

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Compton Verney- A Fantastical Animal Alphabet 5th October-15th December 2013

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Birmingham Museum and Art GalleryUnlocked: Hidden stories from the lives of Birmingham women â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1900s to the present day 28th September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15th December 2013

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Herbert Art GalleryExposed: The Body in Art from DĂźrer to Freud 22nd November-21st April 2014 Ikon Gallery- Four Corners of the World 3rd September-14th December 2013

THE PROCESS OF PAINTING 15 November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26 January 2014

mac- At Home 30th Novembe-26th January 2014

New work by one of Britain's leading contemporary painters ADMISSION FREE 0121 414 7333 www.barber.org.uk

RBSA- Elaine Hind RBSA until 7th December 2013

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS

John Monks, Yellow Chair I 2013 (detail)

Wolverhampton Art Gallery-Dean Kelland: No Hiding Place 16th November â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15th February 2014 The New Art Gallery Walsall- Artist Studios: They Are Here 14th October-20th December 2013

www.heartofenglandgalleries.org.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

Ged Quinn, Air Rectified. A Digression of Earth, 2013, oil on linen, 200 x 277 cm. Private Collection. Courtesy of the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. © the artist.

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All the Chinese you need to know

£10 shop Open 7 days a week Free parking Over 4,500 Chinese & Oriental products Over 100 types of seafood For directions and opening times visit www.wingyip.com

All the Chinese you need to know

Need inspiration - visit www.wingyipstore.co.uk

£2 off £10 shop Name Email Postcode

One per person, per day. Minimum spend £10. Only 1 voucher per transaction and cannot be redeemed for cash. Only valid in Wing Yip Birmingham store. Use before 31 December 2013. Please tick box if you would prefer not to receive future promotional mailings from W Wing Yip Plc

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FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW

T: 0121 654 9400

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Times ticking...

...Book now for christmas and New year! Why not spoil yourself this Christmas and New Year? With three fantastic gastropubs to choose from, an array of delectable dishes and a festive menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice. This is one of our favourite times of the year that encourages a warm, joyous atmosphere, made perfect by our commitment to serve great food and drink. It’s the kind of passion that has won our pubs so many awards, but don’t take our word for it book now to come and experience it for yourself.

100

Welsh Road, Offchurch, Leamington Spa, Warks; CV33 9AQ. Tel: 01926 425801 www.thestagatoffchurch.com

Myton Road, Leamington Spa, Warks; CV31 3NY. Tel: 01926 425043 www.themoorings.co.uk

National Food Pub of the Year Les Routiers Finalist 2012

Food Pub Of The Year 2012 Eagle Star Awards Les Routiers Finalist 2012

1 Droitwich Road, Feckenham, Redditch, Worcs; B96 6JE. Tel: 01527 894422 www.theforestatfeckenham.com

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