Edge Magazine December 2014 January 2015 Edition (Volume 28)

Warwickshire, Worcestershire, West Midlands & North Cotswolds

December 2014 (Volume 28) FREE EDITION

Holiday hair with Aesthetics Party blow outs and a sparkle finish

Wedding inspiration At Redhouse Barn

Deck the halls Christmas dĂŠcor tips from Hatton and Harding Interiors

Cover Sponsored by

www.peplowjewellers.co.uk FOOD & DRINK

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C U LT U R E

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BUSINESS

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FASHION

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LIFESTYLE

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25 High Street Worcester WR1 2QL Telephone 01905 24026 2

www.edgemagazine.org

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Tickets from ÂŁ16

Photo by Hugo Glendinning

0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk

Editor’s Note Michael Abu-Zalaf Editor-in-Chief

W

hen hibernating seems like the only option, it’s important to find warmth and comfort in the things we enjoy and our December/ January edition does just that.

If it’s food you enjoy sharing with friends and family, we have some restaurant reviews and recipes to try out. Get your hair done at Aesthetics, Solihull ready for your Christmas celebrations and New Year party. Shopping on Worcester’s New Street is sure to give you plenty of ideas for last minute gifts. Go to the theatre, explore your surroundings and take in your local heritage; all things to do before 2015.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters and contributors for making 2014 such a fantastic year for the magazine.

On behalf of the team at Edge, have a happy Christmas and a spectacular New Year! We hope to see you all again in February.

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 website at: www.edgemagazine.org

Of course, when the New Year begins, it’s a chance to start again, reset your priorities and find new challenges. Try something new this New Year at The Pottery, Stratford-upon-Avon or make plans for remodelling your kitchen with the Painted Kitchen Company.

December 2014 / January 2015

5

Everhot Cookers - The Electric Range

ChaseHeatingAd Jul14WV_Layout 1 23/06/2014 17:18 Page 1

Main Features

CHASE Heating We are now suppliers of Everhot Cookers

Visit our showroom to see working models on display or “Warming the heart of the since 1969” call community now to request a brochure…

333 Plan now and start saving01386 money on555 your fuel bills

Deck the halls Christmas décor tips from Hatton and Harding Interiors 11

NEW

STOCKISTS for summer of top brands

Esse Firestone Charnwood Rayburn outdoor Morso ·wood Aga burning· Aarrow oven Parkray

Holiday Hair Party blow outs and a sparkle finish

15

and more, all Good Food FANTASTIC available to see Hotshowroom Baths PIZZA OVEN! at our Warm Home ROAST • BAKE • BRAISE in Pershore

Everhot Cookers - The Electric Rayburn Cookers on display including workingRange models HETAS Reg number 1981

Worcester’s New Street It’s worth a trip

Installation available from our qualified We are now suppliers of HETAS engineers EverhotChase Cookers Like us on Facebook Heating Ltd

Visit our showroom to see Chase Heating Ltd working models on display or Racecourse Road, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2EY call now to request a brochure…

23

Tel: +44 (0)1386 555 333 Fax: +44 (0)1386 552 269 01386 555 333 E-mail: sales@chaseheating.co.uk www.chaseheating.co.uk

STOCKISTS of top brands

Wedding inspiration At Redhouse Barn

68

Charnwood Morso · Aga Parkray · Aarrow and more, all available to see at our showroom in Pershore

Rayburn Cookers on display including working models

This January at the theatres Our guide

94 HETAS Reg number 1981

Installation available from our qualified HETAS engineers Like us on Facebook Chase Heating Ltd

Chase Heating Ltd Racecourse Road, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2EY

Tel: +44 (0)1386 555 333 Fax: +44 (0)1386 552 269 E-mail: sales@chaseheating.co.uk www.chaseheating.co.uk

6

www.edgemagazine.org

Join in the fun this Christmas!

Find perfect presents in our unique and interesting stores, and join us for a magical Christmas in Royal Leamington Spa.

Late Night Opening & Sunday Markets

Pick up festive treats in the Christmas market each Sunday and shop late on Thursdays with FREE PARKING in the Royal Priors after 6pm.

Collect Golden Tickets to WIN!

WIN fantastic prizes and support local retailers with the Golden Ticket Draw!

Collect Golden Tickets in Leamington town centre stores NOW until 21st December.

To get you started, here’s your first one...

Name

Please complete your details and return this entry to a participating store or:

Postcode

BID Leamington Ltd. 35c Park Court, Park St, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 4QN.

For a full list of prizes, participating stores and full terms and conditions, please visit the website:

Phone Email Tick if you are 18 or over Tick if you do not want to receive information about future promotions. Data will not be passed to third parties.

Visit www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk Follow us on:

December 2014 / January 2015

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Contents PRODUCTION

Deck the halls Holiday hair

15

Editorial

Christmas shopping is in the bag Kitsch-less Christmas

16 18

Finding the perfect gift

21

Worcester’s New Street

23

Get your sex life back on track

32

Food for Sharing

35

Season’s greetings

36

The Superdream Team

38

The secret to success

40

Get together at the Bank House

42

The triple crown

45

The local kitchen

46

The Menzies Strathallan

48

Tom Pace

50

Celebrate the festive season in style

53

Ostlers at No.1

54

Celebrate at Stirrups

57

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

The gift of the grape

59

Try something new in the new year

62

Escape the chains

64

Karl Stallard Furniture

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Lucie Abu-Zalaf - West Midlands Sales @LucieLincolnLew lucie@edgemagazine.org Tel:07714 490 943

Wedding inspiration

68

Giving back

70

Bud’s run

73

Restoring broken lives

74

Could this be you?

North Cotswolds Sales @EdgeMag_your name yourname@edgemagazine.org Tel: Call Michael if you spot this and would be interested in the position!

Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice

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Greenhill Remembrance Park

79

It’s a family affair

80

Inheritance tax

81

Coffee talk

83

This Changes Everything: A review

84

Dishing the dirt

85

Michael Abu-Zalaf - Editor in Chief @ZalafAbu michael@edgemagazine.org Tel:07809 702 992 Lucinda Bunn - Copy Editor @lucindabunn lucinda@edgemagazine.org Megan Ace - Content Editor @Megannelsey Megan@edgemagazine.org

Sales Jackie Kamara - Warwickshire Sales @EdgeMag_Jackie jackie@edgemagazine.org Tel: 07834 538 284

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CONTRIBUTORS

Pop of Culture

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Laura Clay David Hatton Tom Ware Mel Taffs

Through the eye of a needle

91

What’s on at the theatre this holiday season

94

Mike Stafford Becky Burden Mimi Bowron

WRITE TO US MLP Publishing Ltd 9 Salters Court Galton Way Hadzor Droitwich Worcestershire WR9 7EZ

info@edgemagazine.org 8

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‌two awards this year!

It seems we have winning ways‌ Nigel Brown - Head Chef at The Moorings

Our three gastropubs all share the same aspirations – to serve fantastic food in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Thanks to our recent awards for Best Food Pub of the Year for West Midlands and Wales and winner of the Leamington Warm Welcome award, not to mention nominated by Les Routiers for Pub of the Year, it seems we’re winning on both counts.

Why not come and judge for yourself? Book now.

Discover our three pubs, each devoted to award-winning food and drink in characterful surroundings.

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

West Midlands & Wales region Great British Pub Awards 2014

Les Routiers 2014

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

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

Hospitality Awards 2014 Finalist

Eagle Star Awards 2012 Winner

December 2014 / January 2015

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CORNISH PIRATES

Sat 10th January 3.00pm

DONCASTER KNIGHTS

ROTHERHAM TITANS

PLYMOUTH ALBION

LONDON SCOTTISH

Sat 31st January 3.00pm

Sat 7th March 3.00pm

YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE Sat 11th April 3.00pm

Sat 14th February 1.00pm

Sat 28th March 3.00pm

BRISTOL RUGBY

Sat 25th April 3.00pm Fixtures are subject to change

*

For tickets and more information contact the Ticket Office on

01905 459309 To book online WARRIORS.CO.UK 10 www.edgemagazine.org

Diglis Road, Worcester

Creative Construction McMinn Developments specialise in creating outstanding pieces of architecture. We build and refurbish high-end properties for our own portfolio and are also a building contractor for private clients who want the finest possible results.

We don’t just consider the cost of a project at the point of construction, we consider the ongoing financial and environmental cost of running a building for years to come. By using the most practical and cost effective techniques and processes available, we deliver a sustainable building with truly green credentials that is built to last.

Email info@mcminndevelopments.co.uk mcminndevelopments.co.uk

December 2014 / January 2015

11

Deck the halls Christmas dĂŠcor tips from Hatton and Harding Interiors David Hatton

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www.edgemagazine.org

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t’s coming to that time of year when we all get excited about decorating the house for Christmas, with the focal point being a fabulous tree adorned with beautiful decorations. Have you ever spent hours hanging, trimming and swagging only to stand back and be less than tinsel-tastic with the final result?

Well, pour a glass of mulled wine, put on a bit of Michael Bublé and follow these few simple tips for glittering perfection guaranteed!

It’s all about shape. Whether you’re going real or faux, ensure you get a perfectly formed, well balanced tree. It may not seem that important undressed, but if you want any element of symmetry when decorated, a good shape is essential.

With this in mind, if purchasing a real tree, never buy a pre-wrapped one, you may be disappointed when you unpack a few twigs at home. Similarly with artificial, if they genuinely looked like the photo on the box we’d all have a little alpine magic in our homes every year.... they rarely do, so buy from somewhere that actually displays the trees too.

This is just a nice touch - again, whether real or artificial, ditch those metal stands or tree skirts, no-one can make these look good. Instead opt for a lovely wicker basket (we have lots available), it makes a huge difference and means that once all the pressies have been opened on Christmas Day, your tree continues to look as beautiful as ever. Another option is a block of thick tree trunk with a hole drilled through the centre to stand your tree in for a really natural look.

Give me lights! - white obviously! I don’t know about you but we think that trees can look absolutely stunning without anything on other than hundreds of twinkling white lights.....it can be the make or break of the overall look so always be lavish, less is more does not apply to tree lights. We always start from the bottom and do a quick spiral whizz around the whole tree, including the back (you don’t want dark patches) stand back, adjust where needed....and then do exactly the same again with a second set.

Then you stand back and do the ‘squinty eyes’ test......admit it, we all do it!

Baubles and berries - We have an eclectic mix, gathered from far and wide, beautiful glass and muted nudes. Your look may be vibrant vintage, winter white or traditional red and gold. Place all of your tree decorations on the floor, in their little families, placing one ‘family’ on the tree at a time so that we can ensure that they are evenly placed. We’re not really into this ‘small at the top, large at the bottom’, just gather a really lovely collection of baubles and novelties over the years and space them from top to base, attached with fine satin ribbons.

Finally finish off with some natural foliage, ivy leaves, mistletoe and snow berries. This can also help if your tree is a little sparse in places, to fill in gaps.

There, a few simple steps to create to most delicious trees that will be the envy of your friends this Christmas.

Hatton and Harding 13a Old Square Warwick CV34 4RV 01926 408892 Follow us on Twitter@HattonHarding5 and Facebook Hatton & Harding

December 2014 / January 2015

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CL Court Leather of Worcester

Relaxed and Friendly Salon in the Heart of Redditch Offering clients a broad range of Treatments including Permanent Hair Straightening for all hair types Hollywood Blowout Keratin Treatments KeraStraight GreatLengths Hair Extensions Micro Rings and Micro Loop Extensions Weaves, Braids and Cornrows Wigs, Hair pieces and Clip-ins Shellac Nail Art 10% off all Extension Services with this ad No matter the occasion, you will leave Hair Creations feeling Relaxed, Pampered and Glamorous 4-5 Market Walk 01527 629 22 Kingfisher Shopping Centre Redditch B97 4HN

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www.edgemagazine.org

07778 320 148 www.haircreationsredditch.co.uk

Beat the cold this winter

ackets Ladies and Gents Leather Jackets Sheepskin Coats Flying Jacket Cowboy Boots Moccasins Handbags We are a specialist Leather Goods Store Come and see our wide variety of stock in store now

TEL: 01905 23682

21A Reindeer Court WR1 2DS (just off The Shambles, opposite Marks and Spencer)

Holiday Hair Party blow outs and a sparkle finish Mimi Bowron

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reate a dramatic look this party season with GHD’s new curve range. We especially love their wand that can be used to create uniform, Hollywood waves. If you prefer a more bohemian look, the wand can also create loose, grunge waves by using a random placement technique, for a more relaxed texture. The Curve range is now available at Aesthetics, or you can book a blow dry appointment and we can create one of these styles for a special night out.

Just like your skin, you hair can suffer in the harsh winter weather. Be sure to nurture your hair this season.

Redken’s new Diamond Oil High Shine range restores moisture while its ‘sparkles’ add shine to dull hair. If you manage to get some time to pamper yourself, Aesthetics also offers bespoke backwash treatments that are tailormade to suite your hair type and restore your tresses to their former glory.

If you’d like to add length and volume to your hair, then why not try Great Lengths hair extensions at Aesthetics.

The 100% human hair extensions boast a range of 55 colours that can be mixed to match your hair perfectly. Fans of the popular ombre effect can achieve this highlighted look with extensions alone, as Great Lengths’ Flow Strands range creates a beautiful, two-tone colour from any colour combination you desire.

Aesthetics believes that no colour is complete without glossy finish.

Redken’s ammonia-free, Chromatics colour range features protein extracts that penetrate deep into every strand, leaving hair two times more fortified than uncoloured hair. Aesthetics offer many different ways of incorporating Chromatics colours into your individual colour application, so all of our clients can achieve glossy, healthy hair.

Stuck for stocking fillers? At Aesthetics, you can choose a mix of shampoos, conditioners and styling products from the Redken, Kerestase and Pureology ranges and we’ll handily wrap them in an Aesthetics Christmas gift box. We also offer Aesthetics gift cards that are redeemable on any hair service within the salon. Voilà, one less present you need to hit the shops to find this Christmas!

347 Warwick Road Solihull West Midlands B91 1BQ 0121 707 8866 www.aesthetics-solihull.com

December 2014 / January 2015

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Christmas shopping is in the bag At The Kingfisher Shopping Centre

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Are you a super-organised Christmas shopper, who looks forward to buying those all important gifts? Or a last minute Christmas Eve panic buyer, clueless about what to get your loved ones?

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hatever type of shopper you are, buying gifts for friends and family needn’t be stressful as The Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch has all the inspiration you need under one roof. You will find high street stores and unique independents offering a range of gifts, from the latest winter fashions and goodies to toys, gadgets and unique stocking fillers.

Shopping is all part of the exciting build up to Christmas, but it can be difficult to find that perfect gift, so The Kingfisher has put together a few tips to take the stress out of Christmas shopping: 1. Make a list – This is essential, write down all the people you have to buy for so you don’t leave anyone out!

2. Set a budget – It’s easy to get carried away at Christmas but you don’t have to spend a fortune, there are lots of affordable gifts to be found.

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3. Find inspiration online – Take a look online for ideas, most high street stores have a website so you can have an idea of what you’re looking for before you head to the shops.

4. Give yourself time – Set some time aside for Christmas shopping; this sounds obvious but you’ll feel much less stressed if you have plenty of time.

5. Ask for ideas – If you really don’t have a clue what to get someone then ask! If they give you a few ideas then it’ll still be a surprise on Christmas morning.

As well as shopping there’s a host of festive entertainment for all the family at Kingfisher including; a Santa’s Grotto open daily from 11am-5pm* , X-Factor boy band Overload performing on 23rd November, a visit from Frozen characters on the 6th December and indoor Christmas craft market on the 13th-14th December, plus much more!

You can also take a well-earned rest from the shopping at The Hub. Refuel at one of the fantastic restaurants, Real China, Nando’s and new American Diner, Tinseltown or catch a festive film at the centre’s on-site, seven screen Vue Cinema.

The Kingfisher is open from 8am Monday to Saturday throughout December and open until 8pm from the 8th December and 9pm on Thursdays. It is also open 10:30am-4:30pm every Sunday. There is ample, great value parking with 6 hours for just £3 during the week and free parking after 5:30pm and it’s just £1 per day to park every Sunday during December. *For full grotto opening times visit www. kingfishershopping.co.uk/news/grottotimetable

If you need some inspiration for what to buy for Christmas this year, take a look at our selection of some of the fantastic gifts on offer at The Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

For Him:

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1. Striped Scarf, Next, £13 2. Kobo e-reader, WHSmiths, £59.99 3. Jawbone UP24 Activity Tracking Wristband, Argos, £99.99 4. Bewley & Rich LS Yale Shirt, Bank Fashion, £40 5. Mean and Green Jerry Flask, £9.99 6.Trivial Pursuit Family Edition, Waterstones, £29.99 7. Swarovski Ball Stone Black Cuff Link, £79 8. Men’s Gift Shaving Essentials, Body Shop, £25 9. Gardener’s Utility Tin, Wilko, £19

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For Her: 1. Morninga Gift Set, Body Shop, £25 2. Faux Fur Snood, New Look, £12.99 3. Shearling Coat, BHS, £70 4. Lounge and Sleep onsie, Debenhams, £32.50 5. Leather Gloves, Next £16 6. Swarovski Stardust Bracelet Set, £99 7. Large Double Gusset Handbag, Primark £10 8. Limited Collection Beauty Gift Set, M&S, £12.50

9.

For the Kids 1. Reindeer Hat (Part of set), Next, £11 2. Lego Movie Emmet Key Light, Debenhams, £8 3. Beano Sweet Selection, Candy Cave, £6.99 4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul, Waterstones, £6.49 5. Paddington Bear Jigsaw Bath Fizzers, M&S, £4.50 6. Frozen Pyjamas, BHS, £12 7. Rocha by John Rocha Jumper, Debenhams, £20 8. Cuddly Bear With Scarfs, Debenhams, £10 December 2014 / January 2015

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Bring the outdoors in

Kitsch-less Christmas

Using branches and foliage from your garden is a great way to celebrate the winter season. Spray silver birch twigs and leaves and display in vases, wrap little branches in gold ribbon and hang pinecones and acorns with silver thread from the bigger branches. Add pops of colour with additions of red winter berries.

Modern, festive dècor ideas Lucinda Bunn

It’s easy at this time of year to fall into the trap of plastic santas, inflatable snowmen and flashing display pieces.

But Christmas can be chic and minimalist. So if you’re interested in making considered nods to the Christmas décor without losing style, listen up.

Beautiful baubles in unexpected places

Sticking to a natural colour way makes for a more subtle overall effect. Think outside of the box in terms of where you decorate your home. Hanging your favourite decorations on the door frame, cupboard doors and creating a new space for decoration that isn’t the tree are just a few ideas. Combine gorgeous metallics with soft, muted colours to create elegant and versatile accents you’ll want in your home well into January.

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An alternative Christmas tree Those short on space or aiming to create the same Christmas tree focal point in a different room of the house might be interested in wall art. It’s a great, modern way to have a ‘tree’ without compromising filling the room with foliage. This wool tree art idea is eco-friendly and space-saving; no mess, no fuss, just a simple homage to the festive season.

One of t h e r e g i o ns p r e m i e r f ur ni ture reta ilers

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Winter Sale starts 10.00am sharp on Boxing day!

THE MIDLANDS ONLY

TEMPUR WORLD STUDIO Visit the Midlands largest Stressless studio display

ALL AT AMAZING SALE PRICES!

The home of quality furniture

B4

A435

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Studley Coughton Court

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A435

Alcester Unit 8, Arden Business Centre, Arden Rd, Alcester, Warks B49 6HW Evesham 19 December 2014 / January 2015 www.midfurn.co.uk Open 7 days a week

An auction of Antique & Modern Jewellery Thursday 11th December at 11am A collection of jewellery previously owned by H. R. H Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.

Lot 99: CARTIER - a lady’s Art Deco platinum diamond cocktail watch. £5,000 - £7,000.

Lot 100: A mid 19th century gold diamond panel bracelet. £15,000 - £20,000.

Lot 101: A Belle Epoque platinum and 18ct gold diamond ruby cluster ring. £15,000 - £20,000.

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Saleroom & Head Office | 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham, B18 6HA | +44 (0) 121 212 2131 London Office | 2nd Floor, 3 Queen Street, London, W1J 5PA | +44 (0) 20 7172 4198

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Finding the perfect gift

If you’re struggling to find the perfect presents for your loved ones this Christmas, buying at auction is a great way to find high quality, affordable items which cannot be found on the high street. Birmingham’s local auction house, Fellows, specialises in antiques, jewellery and watches. With a wide range of auctions taking place throughout December, there are plenty of opportunities for you to pick up unique gifts – with affordable price tags – in time for the 25th!

Let’s hear it for the boys!

Home sweet home…

Luck be a lady

Lot 490 would be the perfect present for any football fan, especially supporters of Aston Villa. This match-worn shirt has been signed by George Best and is completely unique, as it was worn whilst playing for his only occasion in an Aston Villa team, during a charity match in response to the Bradford City free disaster, Friday 17th May 1985. It still bear bears mud and white line paint marks as tokens of its authenticity, and will be sold with a photograph of George Best signing the shirt. Antiques & Fine Art, 8th December, estimated £2,000 £3,000.

The most charming lots in Fellows’ sale of Antiques & Fine Art have to be lots 719 and 720. These two delightful watercolours show fussy Goldilocks sneaking into The Three Bears’ house, and tasting their porridge. They would be perfect decorations for a nursery, or make a nostalgic gift for anyone who has enjoyed the classic Ladybird Children’s Books – illustrated by the same artist Harry Wingfield. Antiques & Fine Art, 8th December, both estimated £250 £350

If diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend, then Fellows’ jewellery auctions must be heaven to many! Lot 503 is a pear-shape diamond pendant, within a single-cut diamond surround, perfect for any fashionista. The combination of rich 18ct gold and brilliant-cut diamond highlights in lot 593, gives these earrings real festive sparkle. Jewellery, 4th December, both estimated at £400 - £600

For the man who appears to have everything, try Mont Blanc’s iconic Meisterstruck ballpoint pen.

Handfinished in 18ct gold, lot 256 is the ultimate symbol of style and success, with an estimate of £600 - £900. Also available is lot 253, a Mont Blanc Meisterstruck ballpoint finished in sophisticated black, estimated at £40 £60.

Antiques & Fine Art, 8th December These Tiffany & Co. 18ct gold ‘Kiss’ cufflinks strike the perfect balance between romantic and masculine.

Not only would they make a lovely, meaningful festive gift, but they are very wearable and perfect for either office or more formal occasions. Antique & Modern Jewellery, 11th December, estimated £200 - £300.

For those who love designer labels, you can’t go wrong with lot 251, an iconic Louis Vuitton monogram charm bracelet!

Antique & Modern Jewellery, 11th December, estimated at £340 - £440

Sometimes the smallest and most understated pieces can be the most irresistible talking points in your home. Of the three items of Blue John in Fellows’ sale (lots 238 & 239), this captivating little bowl (lot 237) shows the stone off to its true allure. Antiques & Fine Art, 8th December, estimated £300 - £500

For a truly special and unique gift, look no further than lot 210, a stunning silver and gold, sapphire and diamond brooch, designed by August Hollming, a workmaster for Faberge in 1905. This is piece which would be a family heirloom, treasured for generations to come.

Antique & Modern Jewellery, 11th December, estimated at £800 - £12,000.

December 2014 / January 2015

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THE DOORS ARE OPEN & YOU HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY INVITED…

JOIN US AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE

WINTER AFTERNOON TEA

Alternatively why not try something a little different and enjoy a Winter Afternoon Tea served with Mulled Wine. £18.95 per Person

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

If your ideal Christmas Day is more about pampering than preparation Christmas Lunch in The Restaurant provides the perfect solution.

Enjoy Champagne & Canapes on arrival followed by a 6 Course Christmas Day Lunch - £85 per Adult £42.50 per Child

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Enjoy a magical stay away this Christmas and join us for a festive retreat in the heart of Worcestershire on the edge of The Cotswolds.

Your stay includes Two Nights away with Cream Tea’s, Dinner, Christmas Day Lunch and much more.

From £295 per Person

BOXING DAY LUNCH

If you feel the need to leave the kitchen sink behind, why not join us for Lunch this Boxing Day. From 12.30 – 3.00pm. Three Course Traditional Boxing Day Lunch. £32 per Adult £20 per Child

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate in Style at either our Restaurant New Year’s Eve Party with Jazz or Orangery Gala Dinner Dance and welcome in 2015.

Prices start from £85.00 per person

For more information on our Christmas Festivities and our New Year’s Eve Dinner Dances please contact either Siobhan or Naomi at the hotel who will be delighted to assist you.

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Christmas@thewoodnorton.com | 01386 765 611 Worcester Road, Wood Norton, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4YB

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Worcester’s New Street Steeped in history, New Street Worcester is home to long-established pubs and restaurants as well as exciting new independents. The partpedestrianised street enjoys the famous Christmas market and a festive feel in the holiday season. For offbeat gifts, treats and pamper sessions, New Street is worth a trip.

Images by Megan Ace December 2014 / January 2015

23

Festive Tune

At Cranes Music Worcester

C

ranes Music in Worcester has always

been highly regarded when it comes to stocking pianos of all kinds. Today’s pianos come in various styles with vastly different technology. Cranes has embraced all of these and now offer new and overhauled upright and grand pianos by Yamaha, Bentley, Bechstein, Hoffman, Broadwood, Challen, Bluthner. The overhauled pianos are finished to a high standard and often feature period designs.

The world’s finest instrument maker – Yamaha offers a superb range of beautiful new pianos including the amazing ‘Silent Piano’ which is an acoustic piano but with the facility to use headphones for silent practice.

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Cranes also stocks small digital grand pianos by Yamaha, which sound and look stunning. These are part of the Yamaha Clavinova range, synonymous with quality – leading the field in today’s digital piano technology. The new range of Yamaha digital pianos and Clavinovas are available at Cranes ranging starting from £387. These are ideal pianos for educational purposes as well as now being accepted by classical pianists for concert performances.

Yamaha Avantgrand ‘Hybrid’ pianos now form a major part of Cranes business.

These pianos – upright and grands feature a ‘real’ action from Yamaha

acoustic instruments coupled with the sampling of the finest piano sound.

Schools, colleges, cathedrals and many private homes have purchased these where the discerning clients require the very best of both worlds.

See our advert below – order now and ‘Make it a Musical Christmas’ for you and your family.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS

Beautiful Flowers

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pecialising in high quality and interesting flora, Beautiful Flowers is the concept of florist Katherine Bujanszki. The team at Beautiful Flowers are highly skilled, enthusiastic creatives with extensive experience in all areas of the flower industry. You’ll find contemporary, stylish and beautiful arrangements and bouquets to say thank you this Christmas or to dress your Christmas table with unique centrepieces.

by

Katherine Bujanszki

01905 330229 www.beautifulflowersbykb.co.uk

Handmade traditional wreaths and swags Beautiful selection of christmas decorations Fabulous fresh flower arrangements and bouquets Local , national and international deliveries

Tel: 01905 330229 www.beautifulflowersbykb.co.uk NEW STREET WORCESTER WR1 2DS

Peel & Adams Gentleman’s Grooming

P

roprietors Natalie Peel and Natalie Adams have joined together to smarten and style the men of Worcester, in a stylish, classic bespoke crafted men’s salon. They offer modern and traditional men’s hairdressing and are trained by top barber Joseph Lanzante in classic hot towel shaving. Peel & Adams provide a walk in service and offer appointments for shaving services.

01905 20519

20 New Street Worcester WR1 2 DP

01905 20519

Peel & Adams gentlements grooming

@peeladams

December 2014 / January 2015

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Gallery Candles

S

tocking unique scents, Gallery Candles keeps Worcester well-scented. Turn to Gallery Candles when it comes to individual scented candles that make you feel good. The shop offers a wide range of scented candles and diffusers; top brands and fantastic prices. A great shop for Christmas gifts.

01905 780710 www.gallerycandles.co.uk

*DOOHU\ &DQGOHV Worcester

Get the Newest Scents with Gallery Candles!

Stockists of:

9a New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DN 01905 780710 X www.gallerycandles.co.uk

Chocolate Deli

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othing quite says wintery treat like sipping hot chocolate in a chocolaterie. The Chocolate Deli team not only make delicious chocolates, they serve freshly baked pastries and cakes and signature hot drinks in the New Street cafĂŠ too. Stop by and indulge!

01905 611324 www.chocolatedeli.biz

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Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury Road, 53 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DL Bromsgrove, B60 4BU 01905 611324 www.chocolatedeli.uk.com 01527 821693 info@chocolatedeli.biz

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Clip Joint Hair Make Everyday a Beautiful Hair day At Clip Joint Hair and Beauty Salon

Receive a superior service from the moment you arrive at Clip Joint.

Bright and friendly atmosphere to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed.

We want you to come back to us as a value customer, safe in the knowledge that the service you receive is always of the highest calibre.

Full range of hair and beauty services including : • Cutting & Styling, Colours • Body Therapy • Ladies & Guys

• Nail Treatments & Laquers

• Facials

• Face and Body Packages

Call to make an appointment 27 New Street Worcester 01905 27646

W

ith a focus on customer care and a specialist service, Clip Joint ha a dedicated team of experienced stylists ready to make every day a good hair day. The bright and friendly atmosphere is sure to make you feel comfortable and relaxed as you sit back and enjoy the special treatment.

01905 27646 www.clip-joint.co.uk

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s one of Worcester’s favourite eateries, Saffrons is an easy choice for those who like healthy and hearty meals made with delicious locally sourced ingredients. Inspired by British and European classics, this winter you’ll love the warming cassoulets, risottos, fresh fish and chargrilled steaks. It’s just great local food served in a laidback, relaxed and informal setting.

01905 610505 www.saffronsbistro.co.uk

December 2014 / January 2015

27

Strands Hair & Beauty HAIR & BEAUTY

Treat yourself to a Personal Hair and Beauty Experience .

Theresa and her professional team of Stylists and Beauticians provide you a service that meets you personal requirements , that look at skin tone face shape and match products that is tailored to your needs.

T

he team at Strands believes in making every hairdressing and beauty experience personal and individual. Strands is New Street’s one stop beauty shop; get your hair coiffed, your nails manicured and your feet buffed. Meet the friendly professional team for a free consultation; with lots of gift ideas including GHDS, Joico, Morrocan oil, to name but a few.

01905 723848 www.strandsinworcester.weebly.com

Products are carefully chosen by Strands for their clients.

Wella, Joico, GHD and Morrocan Oil to name but a few.

Book now with one of our welcoming staff

19 NEW STREET WORCESTER WR1 2DP

01905 723848 s t r a n d s i n w o r c e s t e r. c o . u k

House of Dogs

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our one stop boutique for all things canine. Pick up cute outfits and tasty Christmas treats while you take in the festive atmosphere. Owner and canine stylist Stuart Wilson - Dejour knows how important it is to treat your dog to a groom as well as keeping their external health in check and their coat, paws and nails clean and refreshed. At House of Dogs, you and your dog are in good hands.

01905 731645 www.houseofdogs.org.uk

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Christmas and Winter Collection 2014 30 New St Worcester WR1 2DP - Tel 01905 731645 hodsboutique

@hods_boutique

King Charles House

T Local Real Ales, Local Barbourne Cider, Traditional Pie and Mash, Dog Friendly with Roaring Fires King Charles House 29 New Street Worcester WR1 2DP

his traditional pub is proud to offer 8 pumps of real ale and good honest pub food. The modern menu celebrates English favourites with delicious awardwinning pie and mash options, sandwiches and salad too.

With its amazing history as King Charles’ hideout in 1651, it’s the perfect place to enjoy local history, great food and artisan ales.

01905 726100 www.kingcharleshouse.com

01905 726100 info@thekingcharleshouse.com

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www.edgemagazine.org

www.jillwheelock-lines.co.uk

T: 01905 613799

â&#x20AC;Śthe most fabulous jewels for Christmas

December 2014 / January 2015

8 Friar Street . Worcester . Wr1 2lz

31

Get your sex life back on track Psychosexual Therapist Nicola Pinder has the answers

W

e have an innate need to feel connected and bonded with others at an intimate level. However, with today’s busy lifestyles these needs seem to get pushed further and further down the priority list and some people find that over time their intimate relationships have suffered. If this sounds familiar and you want to do something about it, then please contact me.

With nearly twenty years of specific experience in the field of sexual health and a bespoke therapy room near Droitwich Spa I can help you regain the passion that a rewarding, enjoyable sex life should bring. With specific training in Psychosexual Therapy I have the necessary skills to help you work through such issues as loss of desire- the most common presenting issue, erectile problems, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse and many more sexual problems. The work can be challenging but when positive and beneficial change is the goal- it is achievable.

I am one of only a few hundred therapists in the UK to have trained at this point, in the effective treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. There is a rapidly increasing need for expertise in this area due to the constant and easy availability of sexually explicit material available online which can lead to addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours. People do not realise that with sustained viewing of pornography they may be altering their brain’s functions and for some before they realise it, they have an addiction in place that begins to dominate their day to day life, impacting on their relationships, family life, their work and finances.

The good news is that with skilful therapeutic intervention these issues can be brought back under control.

To discuss your needs and to make an appointment please contact Nicola on 01299 851233 or via info@nicolapinder.co.uk

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Nicola Pinder

Do you need to put the sparkle back into the intimate side of your long term relationship?

Introducing a local women’s group to do just that!

Come along to a six week course 1½ hours a week Daytime or Evening groups available This could be the best money you ever spend

For more information contact Nicola on:

01299 851233 ~ 07510 160617 or email: info@nicolapinder.co.uk Helping couples, individuals and groups

Nicola Pinder 3V\FKRVH[XDO 7KHUDSLVW 0HPEHU RI &2657 $76$&

www.nicolapinder.co.uk

FEC Established 1972

WORCESTER & GLOUCESTER

FURNITURE EXHIBITION CENTRES

6-9 Cornmarket, Worcester WR1 2DR | 71-73 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TX

All the best known brands at SALE prices

WINTER SALE STARTS SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM

Open Sunday 28th December and Sunday 4th January 11.00 am - 4.00 pm Open Bank Holiday Thursday 1st January 11.00 am - 4.00 pm

December 2014 / January 2015

33

We’re

HERE TO HELP

Meetings | Online | Mobile

* to help with a range of options to suit you.

We’re here However you choose to eat, vegetarian, gluten-free, lower carb - it doesn’t matter. The Weight Watchers approach offers you different ways to eat, enjoy the food you love and achieve a healthy weight loss.

WITH A PLAN TO SUIT YOU

Find out more at your local meeting

*Qualifying period and conditions apply. See website for details. Excludes Northern Ireland.

Memorial Hall Brewood Road, Coven, Wolverhampton WV9 5DL Wednesday 6.45pm ABI ROGANSKY 07813 688 128

Claregate School Chester Avenue, Claregate, Wolverhampton WV6 9JU Tuesday 6:45pm KIM PEARSON 07800 881 161

Methodist Church Front Street, Acomb, York YO24 3BX Wednesday 6:30pm Thursday 10:00am KEVIN POCOCK 07974 308 763

The Hope Centre Hereford Road, Bromyard HR7 4QU Thursday 6:30pm CAROL DAVIS

St. Peter’s Catholic Church Henley Road, Ludlow SY8 1QZ Wednesday 10:00am ABI ROGANSKY 07813 688 128 Thursday 7:00pm SAMANTHA MANSFIELD 0345 677 7788

01886 832 084 New Invention Working Mens Victory Club Lichfield Road, Willenhall, Wolverhampton WV12 5BB Thursday 5:15pm, 6:30pm SARAH O’REGAN 07581 058 089 St. Gregory’s Church

Greenlands Social Club 105 Longbridge Lane, Northfield, Birmingham B31 4LF Thursday 7:00pm CAROL HENNESSEY 07913 721 728

Three Shires Oak Road, Smethwick B67 5BT Wednesday 9:30am PAT SHAW 07771 785 828

For PRUH local meetings visit

weightwatcherslocal.co.uk text LOCAL + postcode to 62223 34

** Standard network charges apply. www.edgemagazine.org

£10 pass

monthly

First month

**

MEETINGS

+

ONLINE

+

õPurchase Monthly Pass in your first Weight Watchers meeting before 28 February 2015 and pay £10 for the first month upon presentation of this coupon. Note that if you purchase Monthly Pass without a coupon, you will be charged £16.95 for the first month.

Monthly fee (currently £21.45) will be payable for all subsequent months until you cancel. Fees subject to change. Available in England, Scotland or Wales. Coupon cannot be transferred, combined with other offers, exchanged for cash or used with At Work.

Activation needs to be completed on our website. Available to individuals aged 18 years or older.

MOBILE

HAND THIS VOUCHER IN AT YOUR MEETING

C90011437

844

Food for sharing Roast lamb with redcurrant glaze

Ingeridents: Fancy some gravy? For an extra ProPoints value of 1 each, make up some gravy using 2 tsp lamb gravy granules per person.

12 ProPoints per serving 950g (2lb 2oz) leg or half leg of lamb on the bone, trimmed of all visible fat 1 garlic clove, sliced thinly 2 tbsp redcurrant jellyâ&#x20AC;¨ 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tsp Dijon mustard 900g (2lb) new potatoes, halved if large 480g (1lb 1oz) frozen peas

Method: 1 Preheat the oven to gas mark 5/190oC/fan 170oC. Pierce the leg all over with the tip of a sharp knife and insert the slices of garlic into the holes. Season well and roast for 30 minutes per 450g â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this joint should take just over 1 hour.

2 Combine the redcurrant jelly, mint and mustard. Fifteen minutes before the lamb has finished roasting, baste it carefully with the redcurrant marinade. Return it to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time, then allow it to stand for 15 minutes before carving.

3 Meanwhile, cook the new potatoes until tender and steam the peas. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with the vegetables.

December 2014 / January 2015

35

Want to lose weight without faddy diets? Feel really good about yourself again?

Call Absolutely flab u Less on 07792421080/Email: melanietaffs7@gmail.com

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Season’s Greetings

What to put in your delicious winter salads and soups Mel Taffs A BOOST FROM BEETROOT The humble beet once pickled in vinegar has now been hailed as the new superfood. As well as containing beneficial antioxidants, which may help mop up damaging free radicals in the blood, this root vegetable is rich in nutrients such as iron, silica, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6,vitamin B9 and vitamin C. Heart health: Helps lower blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol due to the fact that it produces nitric oxide which in turn widens the blood vessels and arteries.

Digestion: Beets are rich in betaine and this agent helps with good digestive health. It reduces bloating, helps prevent food intolerances and inhibits the growth of yeast and bacterial growth.

Liver cleanser: It is suggested that beetroot helps detoxify the blood and also flushes out toxins from the body. The reason for this is that the pectin, a fibre found in beetroot plays a crucial role in assisting the liver to safely remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Sports nutrition: It has been suggested that this may increase endurance during aerobic exercise and also increase your stamina.

PROTECTION WITH POMEGRANATE This beautiful fruit is not only high in terms of taste but also nutrition. Below are some reasons why you should include it into your daily diet.

Heart disease: A single glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than green tea and red wine. It is rich in punicalagins and these will reduce cholesterol levels and keep heart disease at bay.

Cancer: It has been proven that pomegranates will prevent the growth of cancer cells and stop them from spreading due to the high content of polyphenols.

Immunity: This fruit is rich in vitamin C and will build up your immunity and help fight of infections.

Anti-ageing: Have you ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Well it’s because of free radical damage that affects your cells.

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help delay this process.

PUMPKIN POSITIVITY Well there is more to these orange gourds than spooky Halloween and sugary but delicious desserts and drinks.

Pumpkins have numerous health benefits and here are just a few.

Weight loss: Pumpkins are rich in fibre which slows digestion and they will keep you fuller for longer. There is 7 grams of fibre in a cup of canned pumpkin and it’s also low in calories.

Sharper vision: Its vivid bright orange colouring comes from its ample supply of beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for eye health and helps retina absorb and process light. This is great for optical health.

Lowers cancer risk: Beta carotene is great for your eyes and skin, but it’s also good at fighting certain cancers too.

Better immunity: Looking for ways to ward off illness and improve your immune system well try eating pumpkin. With its potent high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C it’s great at warding off colds and viruses.

SWEET PEAR SUCCESS Soft and sweet pears are a treat in themselves. Pears are packed with nutrients, fibre and antioxidants, making them a delicious but healthful snacking choice.

Fights free radicals: Pears are naturally high in vitamins C and K as well as nutrients such as copper, all of which act as antioxidants to protect our cells from damage from free radicals. One pear contains up to 11 percent of our recommended intake of vitamin C and 9 percent of our recommended intake of copper.

Protect our hearts: These are an excellent source of dietary fibre and this will help lower bad cholesterol by binding bile salts, which are made from cholesterol and this then is carried out of the body.

Cancer preventing: Pears can prevent us from various types of cancer. The fibre content can help to bind and remove cancer causing chemicals in the colon thus reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Controls diabetes: Because like I said before they are high in fibre and have a low glycemic index, pears make a smart snack for those with diabetes. The bloodstream slowly absorbs a pears carb, preventing a spike in blood sugar and helping to control blood sugar levels.

December 2014 / January 2015

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THE SUPERDREAM TEAM Your creative questions answered Bromsgrove creative agency Superdream has enjoyed tremendous success since their conception two years ago… They have grown from 20 to 50 team members and they are continuing to recruit and win heavyweight business. We spoke to their Managing Director Jason Manning and his team at their second birthday party.

Tell us about your role at Superdream Mark - I am a Senior Account Manager,

responsible for a number of clients.

I am also managing the Superdream re-brand project.

Jo - I was recruited two weeks ago as Business Development Director, responsible for catapulting the agency to dizzying heights. My plan is to achieve this not just by sourcing heavyweight clients, but by helping to build a formidable team, a killer brand and a winning culture that such clients will find impossible to ignore.

Gladys – As Client Services Director, I ensure we deliver the best job we can for all clients – through consciously improving the way we work, the people we have and the service we provide…

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Can you give us a brief history of the company?

Jason – Superdream was born on 26th

November 2012 following the merger of two small agencies; B1 Creative and Bird and Co. Since then we have grown from a team of twenty to a team of fortyeight (and growing every week!) as we win more and more full-service clients.

We have a new PR Team in place and a world-class Creative Director in Doug Laird, who has just joined us from McCann Eriksson. Then we took on Jo J from radio/TV/print titan Bauer Media and our newly appointed Digital Director Jo Scott has come from renowned London agency Cake.

What makes a successful brand?

Jo - A brand that understands

Are most clients clueless when it comes to branding and marketing or do they have an idea of what they want to do without the resources?

Mark – No, not clueless. Some clients

what unique story/truth/genesis/ purpose makes it great. And is then able to harness and communicate that greatness perfectly to the right audience, with maximum impact.

know what they want and how to get there, whilst other clients know where they want to be, but don’t have the wider knowledge of what’s available to them in terms of communications.

Our role is to ascertain where their knowledge is and work with them to achieve their goals.

What’s the experience like for clients who choose Superdream?

Jo - It will be a journey of discovery

and exploring the limitless. And extremely profitable!

Gladys – Better and better Mark - I’d like to think they would

see us as an extension of their team, we aim to build trust, transparency, understanding and insights… ultimately creating demand and desire.

Mark

Jo

How can small businesses benefit from successful branding?

Gladys - Branding is important

whether a company is big or small: — Any business needs to be well defined to itself, the team and external audiences to communicate and grow successfully — When customers connect emotively, as branding attempts to achieve, because they share the same values and beliefs of a brand, it also leads to higher sales and better brand differentiation — It also leads to loyalty, advocacy and can even protect product price when competitors rely on promotional discounts to drive sales

Jo - It varies greatly. But it’s crucial to get the relationship between agency and client ‘spot on’ so that ideas are shared and everyone learns from each other.

Gladys

Mark - All business can benefit from branding if it is implemented well, as it gives confidence to consumers that they are receiving a certain/consistent level of quality. Branding is that stamp of approval in the consumer’s eyes… but it is so easy to get wrong.

How does the media bolster campaigns for Superdream?

Aaron - Media allows a business to put

their message or product into the public domain and raise awareness. Through extensive planning and understanding of a client’s needs and target markets, adverts are placed, via shrewd buying, in front of the correct people who will engage with the message.

Gladys - No, they know their brand best (by brand, I don’t mean just logo). The skill is making it as per the above points in terms of what makes a successful brand and launching this into the market – i.e. we bring insight, creativity and planning.

Talk us through a marketing/ advertising campaign you’re proud of.

Mark - Our recent campaign to support

the FosterTalk Foster Carer Awards.

The activity was a co-ordinated campaign with PR, Social Media, Film and Photography. The awards went very well with a lot of great coverage across various media channels, which meant it was a success. But what made the team even more proud was the reaction of the winning foster carers.

Jason

Aaron

Jo – And coming from a media background, I am going to be biased; media is KEY. If you can afford it, the investment will always deliver a return if you remember the golden rule: The medium alone (e.g. radio, print, TV, online) will not necessarily make your campaign a success. However, the right campaign with the right message placed on the right medium with the right audience, will. And that’s where Superdream comes in!

— It can also give a business the ideal platform from which to extend its offering or service

December 2014 / January 2015

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The Secret to Success The CD Pubs Group Megan Ace

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nfectiously-passionate, Christine Harris is one of the four shareholders of CD Pubs, alongside David Mills, Charles Harris and Faye Donely. The company currently has three pubs under profile; The Stag at Offchurch, The Moorings at Myton, and the most recent in their portfolio, The Forest at Feckenham.

The company’s key to success?

Homemade, high-end, Anglo-French cuisine, and of course, the customer is always right. They mystery dine every 6-8 weeks and their expectations are set high. They train the teams, train them well and keep them happy.

After being made redundant from their construction careers during the recession, Christine Harris and David Mills decided to take a punt on Charles Harris’ dream of opening a pub, and invested in their first, self-funded venture The Stag, together with executive chef Nigel Brown. A slightly run down pub and running insufficiently.

After a rather sluggish start, The Stag witnessed a huge refurbishment, and within a year, bang in the middle of the recession, CD Pubs had quadrupled turnover and the pub was awarded ‘Food Pub of the Year’ 2010.

‘Starting it mid-recession meant that we ran it as sharply and economically as possible. Says Christine Harris. ‘We had a plan: start small, avoiding too much risk’.

Furnishing a skill set of technical, construction, marketing, PR, interiors, cheffing and front of house management,

the four had calculated the winning formula: Amazing Food. Amazing Drink.

Amazing Service.

Head Chef Sean Boyne and General Manager Lianne Sargent committed themselves to the company’s vision and customer base has continued to increase.

More crucial to that, customers were returning, and regularly. ‘Your reputation is what drives business forward. Keep customers happy, and they will show loyalty’. With 70 covers, the pub was proving to be a viable business and was contained enough to manage effectively.

The second purchase was to be the company’s riskiest. The much larger, brewery-owned, Moorings at Myton.

With over double the covers, and a large outdoor seating area to boot, the risk was a strategic one.

Executive chef, Nigel Brown and recently appointed General Manager, Richard O’Grady played a critical role in the building up its reputation. The pub swiftly started to do well and continues to secure various awards.

The company was on its way of realising their model: Own three pubs within five years.

The third in portfolio, The Forest, was going to be a slightly harder find. With cash in the bank, CD pubs was on the hunt, but the market wasn’t playing ball.

The company knew what they were after: something to complement their portfolio, in the right location and no more than 20 minutes from head office.

After a lengthy search, the company purchased The Forest’s freehold and Head Chef, Tom Robinson who’s inspired

by French and British classics, whilst adding his own twist, and Manager Lucas Wright have achieved a wonderfully informal pub atmosphere with a relaxed, yet professional and efficient service.

All three menus are developed in house and overseen by Operations Director, Charles Harris. The thread throughout the trio is the story they all tell: A ‘Once upon a time’, dining experience, taking you on a culinary journey through imaginative dishes, using the finest, handpicked ingredients. You even open

the menu as if beginning your most treasured book.

From banter with the youngest of staff, to mystery dining and from menu design to weekly management meetings, CD Pubs is passionate about it all. But at heart, they spot employees’ potential and nurture their talent.

Six years on, the company is now after numbers 4 and 5. Ideally in the Worcestershire/Warwickshire area and of course, no more than 20 miles from the head office. Any more than 5 will cause for expansion within management and a diversion away from the family-fun team.

So will there be a number six? It wouldn’t surprise me. This team is business savvy and golly, they are good. Too good to keep it in the family.

December 2014 / January 2015

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Get Together At the Bank House Hotel

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n just over 18 months the Bank House Hotel has transformed into a lovely family run hotel. It is situated less than five minutes out of the city centre and has the beautiful back drop of the Malvern Hills. Parking is free, with plenty of spaces. The hotel has been sympathetically refurbished internally and externally with a contemporary feel to make it a hotel the county can be proud of.

The hotel has 10 meeting rooms of which 5 are licensed to hold civil ceremonies.

All 67 bedrooms are designed to cater for a multitude of eventualities; single, double, family, executive, interlinking rooms and the very impressive Penthouse suite. Every bedroom has been designed to be unique in its own right. They are all very spacious which can only enhance your stay in this beautiful hotel.

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During the week the hotel has organised a mixture of corporate meetings and events from the very local client, to national and international clientbases.

With over 145 acres of land, there is no limit when planning team- building exercises and meetings. The Bank House team has a wealth of experience and contacts to either help plan the day and develop the structure of your team building or simply make sure that the day caters to your specific expectations.

In less than 18 months the Bank House has helped with product launches, organised big charity events, held lots of awards ceremonies and played an integral part in the Tour de Britain.

From weddings, school proms, cabaret evenings and Xmas party nights, the Bank House is a popular choice. Please call Kathy Leather on 01886 833551 or email kathylbankhouse@gmail.com if you would like to look around the hotel or talk about using the hotel at any stage.

Come and join us at the end of January for an evening of fabulous food and entertainment with Jamie Knight and his 7 piece Manuka band. Jamie is well known in the local area as a very talented artist singing songs to accommodate all age groups. If you worked in the hospitality business through the festive period then join us in a fun evening and at ÂŁ35.00 per head for a very affordable evening.

Bransford Worcester WR6 5JD 01886 833551 www.bankhouseworcester.co.uk

Party the night away with us If you missed partying during the festive period due to work commitments this is a great opportunity to party with us. Enjoy a three course meal and 7 piece live band FOR JUST £35 PER PERSON! CLASSIC SWING | 60’S ROCK AND ROLL | 70’S & 80’S POP |HITS FROM TODAY

Bank House presents....

Doors open at 7-00pm with sit down meal at 7-30pm. Partying ends at 12-00 midnight.

Ticket s

£ 3 per pe 5 rso

Dress code: Party clothes.

Saturday 31st Jan 2015

n inc. 3 cours meal e

HOTEL • SPA • GOLF

For details please call 01886 833551 or email kathylbankhouse@gmail.com December 2014 / January 2015

Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD

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Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, 200 Wharfside Street, The Cube, Birmingham, B1 1PR info@mpwsteakhousebirmingham.com marcosbirmingham

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mpw_birmingham

The Triple Crown

T

Trio of Top Appointments at Birmingham’s Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Hotel Indigo

hree is the magic number at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar and Grill and Hotel Indigo at The Cube, Birmingham, as the venues reach their third birthdays and welcome three new senior appointments into their team.

Hotelier and former Chocolatier John Lambourne-Richardson joins as general manager, Veruschka as food and beverage director and Simon Johnson joins as executive head chef.

John, who has roots in Birmingham stemming from his ancestors the Holtes, who owned Aston Hall, brings with him over 22 years experience from within the leisure and corporate hotels market.

Brought up in North Devon, John began his career studying catering and hospitality in Bath. Since then he has held hotel managerial positions across the UK, including in the Lake District, Cotswolds, Yorkshire, Winchester and Salisbury. Following this John moved on to own and run his own chocolate and patisserie business before making his return to the hotel and leisure industry

to take up his role as general manager of Marco Pierre White and Hotel Indigo in Birmingham.

John commented: “It’s such a popular venue with huge potential to push the boundaries for customer experience.

I’ve joined at a very exciting time with planned investment from the owners allowing us to enhance the product, offer and service. We have big plans and some great ideas that I look forward to delivering.”

John is assisted with the restaurant by food and beverage director Veruschka, who brings with her a wealth of experience from managerial roles within branded restaurants in London.

Leading the kitchen team is new executive head chef Simon Johnson who joined the team earlier in the year.

Simon’s award winning culinary career has spanned both the UK and Europe, including working for large hotel groups to Michelin starred restaurants.

John added: “With the new team in place at both the restaurant and the hotel, we will continue to drive the business forward and I look forward to welcoming customers old and new through the doors.”

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill sits on the 25th floor of The Cube, with Hotel Indigo taking up both the 23rd and 24th floors. The venues celebrate their third birthday on December 1st.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill 200 Wharfside Street The Cube Birmingham B1 1PR 0121 634 3433 www.mpwsteakhousebirmingham.co.uk

December 2014 / January 2015

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

Gastro Card puts star restaurant on menu Gastro Card is delighted to welcome Adam’s on board as one of its partner restaurants.

It proudly boasts the titles of the best restaurant in Birmingham, fourth best in the UK and 15th best in Europe as voted for by Trip Advisor users. The luxury restaurant, that was awarded three AA Rosettes months after opening, will now partner up with the Gastro Card for exclusive offers.

Adam’s offer is available Tuesday to Thursday, 12noon – 2pm and 7pm – 9pm. Reference your Gastro Card when making a reservation.

The Crown at Peopleton Delicious and wholesome pub food served with modern flair, the Crown at Peopleton is under new management.

Craig and Claire Crump are dishing up wintery favourites and exciting British plates. The ingredients are locally sourced and the menu is created by Craig himself in the new kitchen.

Choose from hearty soup of chorizo, kale and potato and piquant game terrine with cranberry chutney. Feast on seared pork tenderloin with creamed leeks and bacon or fillet of plaice stuffed with crab.

Indulge in mocha crème brûlée, sticky

toffee pudding with butterscotch and vanilla cheesecake with blackberry and mint compote.

Stop off at the Crown for festive fare this season. You won’t be disappointed.

Subscription to the Gastro Card is £30 per year. Card-holders receive a range of exclusive offers at fine dining restaurants in various locations across the Midlands.

The Crown Peopleton Pershore WR10 2EE

www.gastrocard.co.ukwww. adamsrestaurant.co.uk

01905 840222 www.crownpeopleton.co.uk

This Christmas with Paxton & Whitfield For this Christmas Paxton & Whitfield Stratford has a delicious selection of artisan cheese, tempting fine foods, gorgeous hampers and exclusive cheese serving accessories.

New for this year are a tasty Dorset goat’s cheese, a piquant cucumber pickle, a mouth-watering winter cheese collection hamper and a fun cheese tasting book.

All selected from artisan producers, they are made using the finest ingredients and are perfect to serve to guests over the festive season or to give as indulgent gifts.

All the items are available from the Stratford upon Avon, as well as online at: www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

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The Great British Online Cookbook A nationwide search has taken place to find 200 different and diverse dishes from the 10 regions of Great Britain. The book is a celebration of this diversified nation with a variety of chefs, styles and foods to thrill any palette.

Mama Eti’s – Indonesian street food sensations Mama Eti’s is a new street food concept portraying the true essence of authentic Indonesian street food.

Each dish showcases the incredible diversity of cuisine that makes up the Indonesian Archipelago; from rich West Sumatran coconut based Padang curries to the more aromatic dishes from the island of Bali, through to the vibrant spicy heat of Manadonese cooking. The philosophy is to keep flavours as they would be served up by any typical Indonesian street vendor. Cooking pastes are made from

scratch and Mama Eti’s never dumbs down spice levels for the UK palette.

Bold flavours for the bold, the true unadulterated taste of Indonesian cuisine!

Try the yummy street food at events near you throughout the Midlands including Brum Yum Yum in King’s Heath (2nd Saturday of the month) and Leamington Eat Street (every Friday).

Let Mama Eti’s tickle your taste buds like they’ve never been tickled before. www.facebook.com/mamaetis

There will be 20 recipes from each of the 10 areas of the Great British isles which include London and the South, North West, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to name a few, featuring restaurants and chefs with dishes well worth sharing. An essential ethos for the book was not purely to feature AA Rosette or Michelin Star Restaurants and Chefs but to cover a range of different venues that are passionate about food and use innovative and inspiring recipes with local produce.

The book has been joined by some real household names such as; Rick Stein, Michael Caines and Nigella Lawson. www.thegreatbritishcookbook.co.uk or follow on Twitter @gbcookbook

Barford pub has “new tenants with clear vision” Leading UK pub company Punch Taverns has teamed up with business partners Alison and Lloyd Stewart to launch a new-look Barford pub.

The Joseph Arch, situated on Bridge Street, underwent a significant investment before being reopened in August, and now the new licensees are taking the pub from strength to strength. “We are a local pub that prides itself on excellent ales, wines and great food,” said licensees Alison and Lloyd.

“Here at the Joseph Arch we use local suppliers including Hook Norton Brewery and Purity Brewery, but we also offer customers other favourites such as Black Sheep.

Customers can enjoy eight different beers and ciders and also a fabulous new home made menu which includes many gluten-free items.” www.josepharchpub.com

December 2014 / January 2015

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The Menzies Strathallan A review Lucie Abu-Zalaf

T

he 4 Star Menzies Strathallan Hotel, located on the Hagley Road, Edgbaston has long been known as a good choice for those from outside the area coming to visit all that Birmingham and the surrounding area has to offer, but with Head Chef Tom Pace’s recent success winning 2014 BeFactor Chef of the Year, we thought we would go and check the food out.

The lounge and brasserie style dining area at the Strathallan has recently been refurbished and while being the size that you would expect of a large hotel bar and restaurant, they have done well to turn it into a comfortable and relaxing space.

We chose to have a drink in the bar area while we cast our eyes over the menu,

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which was served quickly and delivered to our table.

I always think that wherever you are, one of the easiest ways to judge a menu is if you can’t decide what to go for because you are tempted by too many dishes and this was certainly the case here! In fact we ended up ordering three starters between two of us because we really were so torn. I opted for the warm confit duck salad (£7.95), which is an Asian inspired dish served with tastes that you would recognise from shredded duck pancakes, although describing it so does feel like a slight injustice. It was absolutely delicious and I could have eaten it 3 times over- not because it was small, just because it was so good. My partner went

for the ½ kilo of fresh mussels in the marinière sauce (£9.25), which is always a bit of battle for him as, being an Essex boy, he struggles to understand how fresh mussels can be exactly that when we are so far away from the sea in the Midlands, or up North, as he prefers to call it. He was very impressed and conceded that they were some of the nicest mussels he had ever eaten, so well done Tom! We also shared a chicken liver parfait (£6.95); it is rare to find a menu without a similar starter these days and is a firm favourite of both of ours that I always find hard to resist. Tasty and smooth and served with toasted brioche and a spiced apple chutney.

For the main course I went a little ‘off piste’ with my choice and chose something slightly out of the ordinary for me. From the grill I ordered a half rack of pork ribs (£13.95), served with French fries, rocket, coleslaw and BBQ sauce. They were tender, succulent and really delicious and the waiting staff remembered to bring a finger bowl so I wasn’t left having to suck too much sticky sauce off my fingers; always a plus.

Michael went for the pork Wellington (£15.95), served with colcannon mash which was cooked perfectly, nice flaky puff pastry and with enough blue cheese to taste, but not to overpower the pork fillet and Parma ham.

For dessert I went for the white and dark chocolate roulade (£5.75) and Michael opted for the Bailey’s and banana bread and butter pudding (£5.75). They arrived and while they both looked good, I have to say the roulade stole the show.

The bread and butter pudding was also presented well and tasted good, but on this occasion, the roulade won and I had to swap half way through to placate the husband.

The food really was absolutely delicious and a real credit to Tom, the menu has been created to ensure that there is something for everyone and can be served without compromising quality in a busy environment. Whether you are looking for somewhere different to

dine pre-concert or theatre that avoids the hustle and bustle of being right in the city centre, looking to host a large banquet or celebration or just popping in for Sunday lunch, do have a think about the Strathallan. There is also a large free car park for guests and if you end up having one too many to drink over the festive season, with 135 rooms, it’s also a great place to stay.

225 Hagley Road Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9RY 0121 455 9777 www.menziehotels.co.uk December 2014 / January 2015

49

Tom Pace Award-winning and rapidly rising in the kitchen

T

om Pace, the 2014 Bespoke Chef of the Year, was inspired to test himself in the kitchen from an early age, having grown up with both parents keen on the culinary side of things, and his mother in particular having trained as a chef herself.

After leaving school and undertaking a hotel management course, Tom soon found his attention wandering back to the kitchen and decided to enroll at the College of Food (now the UCB) in his native Birmingham.

Working across independent hotels in the midlands, Tom derived great value from the camaraderie of the kitchen. Always open to researching new trends and potential recipes to compliment his menu, he now looks forward to continuing to cook for colleagues and peers from across the Bespoke Group.

Since being awarded Chef of the Year at the recent BeFactor Awards, selected from a pool of over one hundred properties and kitchen teams across the UK, Tom has wasted no time in looking ahead to welcoming an apprentice

to the fold next year and further capitalising on his recent triumph. And with a young daughter at home he may soon be training the next generation of chefs out of hours as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an honour to be nominated in the Chef of the Year Category at the recent Bespoke Awards, and a real surprise to win given the diverse array of talent on displayâ&#x20AC;?, said Tom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am enormously lucky to have such a talented team around me, I only wish I could call on a KP while cooking at home!â&#x20AC;?

225 Hagley Road Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9RY 0121 455 9777 www.menziehotels.co.uk

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Red Rooster Discos are a bespoke husband and wife team, Nicola and Dave, and have 40 years of experience

• Weddings • Tea dances • Parties • Bespoke events •

PR

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“We consult thoroughly with you in order to tailor our service to your exact requirements.”

01745 890367 - 07765 093203 smiles@redroosterdiscos.co.uk

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Celebrate the festive season in style At Marco’s New York Italian

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ooking for somewhere to indulge in the festivities this December?

Located in the heart of Stratfordupon-Avon, famously known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, Marco’s New York Italian provides the ideal place to welcome in Christmas.

One of the newest additions to the town’s dining scene, Marco’s New York Italian opened in August this year and has since welcomed hundreds of guests, both local and visitors from further afar, through its doors. With a varied menu full of delicious Italian-Amercian cuisine, from Penne Pomodoro to a 10oz Rib Eye Steak dish and everything in between, there is plenty of choice for everyone.

Avid theatre-goers and those who like to lunch can choose to dine from Marco’s ‘Early Diner’ menu, but as it’s the Christmas season why not choose to have a late lunch and dine from the Festive Lunch menu.

Those who simply wish to raise a glass to the festivities are welcome to make themselves at home in the bar, where an array of cocktails are just waiting to be made up to your taste.

Don’t miss Marco’s ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ between 5pm-7pm for two-for-one cocktails, or, if you have more of a champagne taste, ‘Fizz Fridays’ between 5pm-7pm for 50% off all Italian fizz.

As we look to the New Year, if you prefer to dine in style as you await the striking of Big Ben, Marco’s New York Italian is the perfect option, with a five course menu ready for you to enjoy.

As an added bonus, everyone who books a meal in the restaurant on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or anytime in January has the chance to go into a draw to win a pair of flights with business class upgrade to any one of 260 destinations with Turkish Airlines.

For more information on all Christmas and New Year options plus the chance to win flights with Turkish Airlines, visit www.marcosstratford.co.uk.

17-19 Chapel Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6ER 01789 293949 www.marcostratford.co.uk December 2014 / January 2015

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Ostlers at No. 1 Building an excellent reputation

O

stlers at Number 1 is certainly fulfilling its promise of becoming Worcester’s finest restaurant.

Having only been open shy of 6 months, the restaurant is Number 1 on Trip Advisor, has opened its own art gallery, ‘The Gallery at Number 1’ dedicating restaurant walls to local artists and is swiftly earing a reputation for slick, personable service, and faultless food.

The new winter menu gives you such a joyous hug, it’s like you want to bathe in it. With tapas dishes including chorizo cooked in a red onion, apple and cider sauce; king prawns in romesco sauce and aubergine and goats’ cheese rolls, starters including chicken livers; soft shell crab and baked field mushrooms and main

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courses including duck breast and marinated arctic char, you will want to make room for it all. There’s a Specials’ Board too, which is explained with charm, honesty and recommendation.

The Sunday Brunch and Lunch menu produces dishes such as eggs benedict, tuscan steak and eggs, pancakes with bacon and syrup and roast of the day.

This intimate, tastefully decorated restaurant makes you never want to leave.

Feeling Romantic?! We’re now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day. Come treat a loved one.

Opening Times: Monday 5:30 – 9:30pm, Tuesday – Thursday, 12 – 2pm and 5:30 – 9:30pm, Friday – Saturday, 12 – 2pm and 5:30 – 10pm and Sunday 10am – 3pm (Sunday Brunch Menu Served from 10am until 3pm and Lunch Menu served from 12pm until 3pm).

Ostlers at Number One, Severn Terrace, Worcester WR1 3EH T: 01905 21302 W: www.ostlersatnumber1.uk Facebook: Ostlers at Number 1 Twitter: @OstlersatNo1

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Furniture and accessories over 3 floors

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Stressless Ɣ Ligne Roset Ɣ Collins & Hayes Ɣ Fama Ɣ Rom Ɣ Varier Ɣ Calligaris and Many More 35 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 613515

www.insitufurniture.co.uk December 2014 / January 2015

55

COMBINING DELICIOUS FOOD, FINE WINE & LIVE MUSIC EVENTS, STIRRUPS IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS CHRISTMAS. PRIVATE & CORPORATE DINING | GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

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Celebrate at Stirrups Get the holiday season all wrapped up

S

tirrups restaurant and bar is the latest venture undertaken by husband and wife team Chris and Jo Massey. The couple who are racehorse owners and have previously run a successful restaurant have completely transformed the 100 year old pub; elegantly decorating the 90-cover restaurant and serving delicious, wholesome food with seasonal ingredients and local produce.

You could describe the décor at Stirrups as equestrian luxe with exquisite leather booths and velvet drapes. The style makes for a decadent setting with chandeliers and gilt frames. The bar is the perfect pre-dinner meeting place with cocktails, real ales and champagne.

Of course, the food is the main attraction at Stirrups, with a mouthwatering selection of dishes created by head chef Tom Court. There is a mix of lunchtime bites, afternoon tea treats and sumptuous evening meals.

If you’re dining in the evening you can either take advantage of the grill menu or sample the delights of the à la carte menu; both available from 6pm till 9:30pm, offering you different food sensations throughout the day. Sunday diners can also savour the flavours of Stirrups’ Sunday lunch menu.

Great food should be accompanied by even better wine and at Stirrups that’s exactly what you’ll get. Priding themselves on their extensive wine collection from around the world, each of the wines available has been handpicked to work in sync with the menu and each waiter is armed with the knowledge to recommend the perfect accompaniment to your dish.

There’s plenty to look forward over the holiday season, including all the events at Stirrups. Join guitarist Remi Harris and his gypsy jazz trio for amazing melodies on the 18th December and acoustic blues, soul and rock trio Squeaky Pete and Friends on the 16th December. If you’re still stuck for New Year’s Eve plans enjoy dinner and live music at Stirrups. Just call to reserve your tickets.

Kidderminster Road Cutnall Green Droitwich Spa Worcestershire WR9 0PW 01299 851600 www.stirrupsrestaurant.co.uk

December 2014 / January 2015

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01386 861 854 www.chequersinnfladbury.com

Craig & Claire would like to welcome new and existing customers to our Family Pub Enjoy Great Food, Great choice of Ales and Wines & A Great Atmosphere Open all day serving Lunches and Dinners all produce locally sourced where possible Christmas Fayre menu available until 24th December.

2 courses from £16.95.

New years eve party with DJ Jamie M from Youthcomm Radio Station, Hot buffet available - FREE ENTRY. From 7.30pm -late.

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The gift of the grape It’s time to celebrate Laura Clay

Wine gifts for Christmas are a safe bet whether the recipient is a wine fanatic or merely a regular consumer because, for reasons which are beyond me, wine is seen as a bit of a luxury and not an everyday necessity so people don’t often buy wine accessories for themselves. Please note that I don’t differentiate gifts for men and women. I’m always amazed that all the wine stuff generally graces the Gifts for Men pages, while women merely get chocolate-related gift ideas! Well, no sexism on these pages!

Splash Out

Perfectly Practical

Riedel Amadeo Decanter £395 www.riedel.co.uk

Wine Glass Draining Rack £19.95 www.handpickedcollection.com

I treated myself to one of these a few years back and it has given me, and my dinner party guests, no end of pleasure.

I don’t use it every day (being naturally a bit of a sloven, if I want to decant a wine, I usually just pour the wine into a jug) but for special occasions, for special wines, for special friends I bring out the big guns – my longed-for, self-purchasedbecause-I’m-worth-it Riedel Decanter.

It’s both a joy to look at and to use, just impossible not to love.

Possibly not the sexiest present you might buy your loved one, granted, but one that is extremely useful and efficient.

And inexpensive. A little tip though to ensure peace and goodwill on Christmas morning, avoid including a pack of marigolds with this; perhaps add a Riedel glass or two instead. The draining rack helps to avoid breakages, tidemarks and smears, leaving your glasses clear and bright after washing.

Coravin 1000 £269 www.coravin.co.uk Believe me, any lover of fine wine with a few bottles stashed away will love this. It ‘allows you to access, pour and enjoy your favourite wines by the glass whenever you like, without pulling the cork.’ I’ve seen it in action and it works.

(Santa, please pop one in my stocking.)

Membership to The Wine Society £40 www.winesociety.com This is practical on so many levels: you can buy the gift online, it requires no expensive postage, it lasts a lifetime and, as such, is a gift that just keeps on giving. As a business which is owned by its members, the focus is on pleasure not profit. The Wine Society buyers won’t mind me saying they’ve been around a bit, by which I mean they know what they’re doing, they select well and price keenly, so you can be confident that the 59 December 2014 / January 2015

wines you buy of the 1500 to choose from, from under £6 a bottle to over £600, are not going to let you down. I wonder that there are still wine lovers out there who are not yet members.

Club is an entertaining read or, more useful, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2015 is good for popping in your bag (or pocket, indeed) when you go wine shopping.

Reading Matter

Postable Treats

Depending on whether the wine lover in your life is a highbrow connoisseur, an intent learner or a complete and utter rookie more interested in the fun side of wine than the techie stuff, there is a book out there to suit.

Obviously a membership to BYWine www.bywine.co.uk which is a mere £20 and gives the lucky recipient winebuying tips and discounts at tastings throughout the year.

The World Atlas of Wine by wine royalty, Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson is now in its 7th edition and a mine of accurate, easy to read information, great maps and beautiful photos. £26 on Amazon.

Or stick some money on a card for use in Loki Wine Merchant and Tasting House’s sampling machines.

Pomerol by Neal Martin £50 from www.pomerolbook.com and Bordeaux Legends by Jane Anson £31.83 (Amazon) will more than satisfy the Bordeaux lover but for a fun stocking-filler Helen McGinn’s Knackered Mother’s Wine

THE HONEYMOON HUT Jeannie creates a romantic retreat.

Every shepherd hut tells a story

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Liquid Gold

If all will do is a bottle, and to be honest that is the best present of all, but you find selecting a wine daunting and more of a chore than a joy, feel free to email me for advice laura@bywine.uk or check out your local wine merchant. They will be able to advise and assist and basically have it all wrapped up for you – quite literally.

Here’s hoping that there’s something vinous in your stocking this Christmas, too.

For more wine advice and events go to www.bywine.co.uk

B R I N G Y O U R PA R T Y T O O U R PA R T Y !

in

& at Nailcote Hall Hotel JANUARY Sat 24th

‘BRIEFCASE BLUES SOUL BROTHERS’ ‘THE ‘SOUL MEN’ !!

Sat 31st

‘LENNON AND McCARTNEY’ with THE LENNON AND McCARTNEY EXPERIENCE

Sat 14th

‘MOTOWN’ LEGENDS PARTY with SOUL LEGEND

Dance the night away with non-stop movie hits with our sensational duo, party with all the hits such as ‘Can’t Turn you Loose’, ‘Gimme some lovin’ and ‘Soul Man’.

£32.50

Come and join us with the fabulous Lennon and McCartney Experience with all the hits and the unmistakable sounds from the Fab Four, ‘She Loves You, Help, Yesterday, Hey Jude and lots lots more!

£32.50

FEBRUARY

£35.00

Enjoy all the moves, the smooth vocals and dance to the hits from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye & more with ‘Soul Legend’. You won’t be able to stay off the dance floor. Plus after show Disco.

Fri 13th, Sat 14th VALENTINE’S DINNER in the OAK ROOM RESTAURANT Enjoy an intimate romantic dinner in the Oak Room Restaurant with Guitarist - Stuart Toogood/Pianist - Michelle French Sun 15th

Sat 21st

Fri 6th

‘SWINGING 60’s & MOTOWN PARTY with THE KRYSTALETTES

Enjoy a swinging night with our amazing Female Trio, a great show that will take you back in time to the Swinging 60's with great songs like 'Da Do Ron Ron, Heatwave, Be My Baby’.

£32.50

MARCH

OLLY MURS & BRUNO MARS with ROBBIE GLENN

£32.50

An amazing evening with the UK’S No. 1 Tribute to Bruno Mars & Olly Murs. Capturing the hits, the moves, the voices and unique style of these two fabulous performers complete in one show. Not to be missed.

Sat 14th

‘BACK TO THE 80’s PARTY’ with ‘The 80’s EXPERIENCE’

Sun 15th

MOTHERING SUNDAY in the OAK ROOM RESTAURANT

Fri 20th

‘MICHAEL BUBLÉ’ TRIBUTE with JAMIE FLANAGAN

Fri 27th

‘MAMMA MIA’ PARTY with ‘BOOTLEG ABBA’ AN ABBA TRIBUTE

Sun 5th

EASTER SUNDAY in the OAK ROOM RESTAURANT

Fri 10th

‘SUPREME’ MOTOWN & SOUL DIVA PARTY with THE MOTELLAS

Sat 18th

THE SPRING PINK BALL for BREAST CANCER CHARITIES with ‘MARKS BROTHERS’

£37.50

Celebrate a night of nostalgia with the greatest hits of the80’s. The 5 piece band will take you back to the days of fun, frivolity and great music from the 80’s era.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Lunch with guitarist Stuart Toogood, in the beautiful surroundings of The Oak Room Restaurant.

Under 12’s

£32.50 £16.25

A mesmerising tribute show to one of the best Jazz, Swing & Pop artists of our time, Michael Bublé. Enjoy all the hits ‘Feeling Good, Everything, Home, Lost, Haven't Met You Yet’ & many more.

£32.50

Our ABBA party night will have you singing ‘Mamma Mia!’ and dancing the night away to all your favourite ABBA hits!

£37.50

APRIL

Fri 24th

£59.50

Enjoy Easter Sunday Lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the Oak Room Restaurant

Under 12’s

£32.50 £16.25 £32.50

Enjoy a night full of toe tapping Motown classic hits, incuding Diana Ross and The Supremes, Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin.

Black Tie/Pink Tie Charity Event raising funds for Breast Cancer Charities with Guest Entertainment, Raffle & Auction and Dancing to the soul & funky sounds of the Marks Brothers and after show Disco.

THE ULTIMATE SOUL PARTY with THE SOUL SURVIVOURS & MEL DAY

Extravaganza of 60’s & 70’s non-stop classic hits. Classic soul music & good old British Rhythm & Blues with The Soul Survivors & Mel Day. Hits from greats like Otis Redding, The O’Jays, The Detroit Spinners,Marvin Gaye & many more.

£49.50 £37.50

TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL - WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE EVENTS IN RICKS BAR & THE MARQUEE VISIT

www.nailcotehall.co.uk

BOOKING HOTLINE CALL: 02476 466174 info@nailcotehall.co.uk Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE December 2014 / January 2015

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Try something new in the New Year The new year is a chance to try something new; explore interests, put yourself out there and discover a pastime you have always wanted to give a go.

Become a watercolour master

Act Five â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The Pottery, Stratford-upon-Avon

River Severn Artist, Robin Holder, is a dedicated and popular tutor who has been encouraging and inspiring his students for the past 10 years.

His enthusiasm and love of the Worcestershire countryside is infectious and when added to his wealth of knowledge and experience make him an excellent choice for aspiring, landscape painters.

Why not try your hand at pottery in 2015 at a lovely new studio right in the heart of Stratford, located at the rear of Act Five Cafe and Gift Shop in Sheep Street?

Tuition Gift Vouchers are also available.

07941 554520 www.robinholder.co.uk

A wide range of daytime and evening classes are available for beginners or more experienced potters using a variety of techniques. It is both a relaxing and rewarding pastime with inspiring tuition

by Gerry Rooney who has been teaching students for 9 years.

Further details can be found on the website www.actfive.co.uk or phone 01789 292544 or email enquiries@actfive.co.uk.

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Re-fashion this Offering a range of sewing classes and workshops for all abilities, starting with Sewing for the terrified, a class for absolute beginners, these structured classes usually run over four mornings. Catherine at re|fashion leads students gently through various techniques which can be used on many projects.

As an experienced seamstress and tutor, Catherine likes to prove that anyone can learn to sew! Catherine also offers one-to-one sewing tuition at her studio in Bransford.

07854 486869 www.re-fashion.co.uk

New Pottery Studio in Stratford upon Avon Exciting range of daytime and evening classes Beginners and more experienced potters welcome We are also a Potterycrafts Distributor for all your pottery supplies Please contact us for further details The Pottery at Act Five 19 Sheep Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EF 01789 292 544 www.actfive.co.uk enquiries@actfive.co.uk

WINTER BOOTS

snow%2276 Discover more from the Dubarry Collection at

Equimix Country Store

Sandy Lane Trading Estate, Stourport-on-Severn Worcestershire, DY13 9QB

Tel: 01299 827744 Email: info@equimix.co.uk www.equimix.co.uk Dubarry and Dubarry & SHIELD DEVICE are registered trademarks of Dubarry Shoemakers Limited. GORE-TEXÂŽ GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, GORE and designs are registered trademarks of WL Gore & Associates.

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off any full-price winter boots when you bring this ad in

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Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Only on full priced winter boots.

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December 2014 / January 2015

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Escape the Chains The Painted Kitchen Company Lucinda Bunn

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C

ook, dine, lounge and work – the kitchen is the most multifunctional room in your home. And at the Painted Kitchen Company, Pete Vale and his team have mastered the art of balancing style with practicality. It’s all about creating smart solutions for the day to day function of the space and inspiring you to enjoy and get involved with the design process too.

With over 20 years’ experience in project management, Pete begins with a consultation. ‘First, I think it’s vital to talk about the budget there is no point in providing a design that is outside the customer’s cost restrictions’, Pete explains, ‘Once we know that, we can move onto the fun part’. With projects like a kitchen redesign, Pete keeps things honest and simple; from the quote to the working schedule, including everything you will need from the outset, so there are no nasty surprises. ‘When you’ve been designing and creating kitchens for as long as I have, you learn what works and what doesn’t. I like to guide my clients in their decisions; it’s a really collaborative, exciting process and I’m just as thrilled about seeing the finished space as they are.’

The Painted Kitchen Company specialises in bespoke kitchens, manufactured locally - that’s cabinetry to fit your space, storage solutions to suit your lifestyle and your choice of colours and accessories. Of course, the Painted Kitchen Company also fits readymade units but it’s the bespoke kitchens that really showcase the talents of Pete and his team. ‘I need to visit after the initial consultation. I think before you go any further, you have to see what you’re working with. Light and traffic flow through the room are fundamental factors I take into consideration. Then it’s onto drawing up some design ideas, most of the time more than one option.’

When the hard work begins, Pete calls on Kerri who looks after the logistics and accounts along with his three sons; Greg who’s a skilled kitchen fitter and Karndean specialist, Sam, a certified electrician and Joe, a plumber. This is a real family business. The talented team work tirelessly to get the perfect finish.

‘I think clients often underestimate the amount of work, organisation and disruption that goes into redesigning a kitchen. That’s when it helps to have a dedicated team such as ours to

coordinate all the jobs and tasks. I draw up a programme of works for my clients so they know who’s going to be on site each day and the progress they’re going to make. It is essential to keep clients in the loop; it’s all part of providing excellent customer service.

The kitchen is certainly a room for debate; readymade or bespoke, Cotswold country chic or contemporary cool. You can enjoy the creative process; the new colour combinations and nifty space saving ideas, and let the Painted Kitchen Company take care of the rest.

Blackminster Business Park Blackminster Evesham Worcestershire WR11 7RE 01386 830006 www.thepaintedkitchencompany.com

Beautiful Bespoke Kitchens 5 Complete Kitchens on display at our showroom

Stockists of Karndean Floorcoverings

SHOWROOM OPEN: Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm BLACKMINSTER BUSINESS PARK, BLACKMINSTER, EVESHAM, WORCS. WR11 7RE

T: 01386 830006

www.thepaintedkitchencompany.com

December 2014 / January 2015

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Karl Stallard Furniture Affordable, stylish living

K

arl Stallard Furniture is a real family run business. The team has been supplying quality furniture, mirrors, pictures and accessories for over 25 years from our shop in Stratfordupon-Avon. Most recently we have opened a second outlet in blackminster, near Evesham, where you will find a showroom full to bursting with oak and painted furniture, some choice genuine French pieces. Plus, sofas and occasional chairs, beds and bedroom furniture. All displayed with a lovely mixture of fabulous mirrors, pictures and lamps.

Karl Stallard Furniture is built on a reputation of reliability and service and with prices on par with the internet, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s every

reason to stop by. Deliveries are taken care of in house at a time to suit, so you can be sure everything is as it should be; built and ready to use. And if you need something quickly we can often release the display item.

Please see our website for Christmas and new year opening times and pop in, you will always be welcomed by a friendly face and if they are not already out on the counter, ask where the mince pies are.

Herberry Courtyard Blackminster Business Park Blackminster Evesham WR11 7RE 01386 830420 www.looksnice.co.uk

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WEDDING INSPIRATION At Redhouse Barn

R

edhouse Barn, Stoke Prior has built a name for itself as a unique, elegant wedding venue for brides and grooms who want to celebrate the countryside and its natural beauty. The contemporary barn venue is surrounded by green landscapes and wildlife. And at just a mile from the M5, it’s easy to get to!

The Timbered Barn comfortably seats between 60-160 guests in elegant Philippe Starck ghost chairs. And with the Bose® sound, media and PA system throughout, it’s the perfect place to host your reception; you can drink, dine and dance the night away with all of the LED lights, lasers and dance floor for an amazing party from 100 to 200 guests.

Redhouse Barn is privately owned

by Jeremy Bellis and Jane Finch who designed and developed the three barns from the family’s farm of 45 years into a contemporary venue, fully-equipped with all the facilities for your special day. The Lounge Bar and courtyards are the perfect reception area for drinks before dinner and the ‘snug’, with its wood-burning stove makes a warm and romantic place to relax with champagne and canapés.

The fun won’t stop after dinner either.

The courtyard and gardens can be lit up at night with lanterns on the pergola.

The trees and water features are artfully illuminated with romantic oil burning torches and some couples opt for a firework display to music; a total crowd pleaser!

Of course, Redhouse Barn is licensed for civil ceremonies as well as weddings for up to 160 guests in both the Redbrick and Timbered Barn. Both Barns have floor to ceiling windows, with beautiful views of the gardens so you can say your vows, surrounded by nature. It’s a great spot for photographs and video diaries as there’s plenty of natural light.

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Redhouse Barn has a beautiful bridal ensuite room, which is on hand for brides throughout the day from getting ready in the morning with the girls; hair and make-up or just to relax and unwind, just one of the included extras that the team has created to make your day enjoyable.

Most couples would agree that the food is a big part of the planning and enjoyment of their big day. And Redhouse Barn has a catering team on hand to design and create your tailor made menu; all the food you love, served to the highest restaurant standards.

Morgans Catering is the resident team and an integral part of all Redhouse Barn weddings. Both National Wedding Award ‘Best Caterers’ and recent Food Industry Award ‘Best Caterers’ - award winners Anthony and Karen Morgan meet with each bride and groom to discuss ideas in the preliminary stages. ‘We meet, we discuss food and we develop ideas’, says Anthony. ‘The process is very exciting and we want to make it as fun for the bride and groom as possible. We discuss what food they enjoy eating; inspired by their travels, childhood favourites or meals they’ve enjoyed together’.

Anthony and Karen have a contemporary British style in the way they develop a menu but every decision made is collaborative with the happy couple and styles of food from around the globe and dietary requirements are not a problem.

‘We source ingredients locally where possible and what’s seasonal is always a consideration when we’re creating the menu’, adds Anthony. Importantly, all couples can have a full tasting of

their designed menu, together with a complimentary wine tasting with parents, which is a lovely meal out at the Barns and gives the whole family loads of confidence in what they have chosen.

Morgans Catering also designs the menu around the event so you can opt for a sit-down three course meal as well as circulating service with miniature tasters and bowl food at different intervals in the day and evening. ‘We like to keep a modern feel and we believe that the most classic dishes can be updated to excite the guests and entertain them too’.

For more information on booking your wedding, hiring Jeremy’s Rolls Royce for your big day and personal viewings by the owners for all brides and grooms, head to the Redhouse Barn website.

It’s a very special place for a totally flexible and bespoke service of the highest standards...and lots of fun too!

Redhouse Barn Shaw Lane Stoke Prior Bromsgrove Worcestershire B60 4BG 07875 142493 (Jane at Redhouse Barn) 01527 579210 (Karen at Morgans Catering) www.redhousebarn.co.uk www.morgans-catering.co.uk

December 2014 / January 2015

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Giving back Go green this Christmas with Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s Treecycling Scheme

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e all love the smell and appearance of a real Christmas tree but as the pine needles drop and our floor turns green, the trail of pine needles reminds us that disposing of it can be a bit of a pain.

But do not despair; Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has the solution with its exciting Treecycling scheme returning for 2015. On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January an army of volunteers will be ready to collect discarded Christmas trees for recycling. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled and this is much better for our environment.

In return for a minimum suggested donation of £10, trees will be collected by the Hospice’s corporate volunteers

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and taken to Birmingham City Council’s household recycling centres, where trees will be turned into compost. This is a great way to avoid any hassle of taking Christmas trees to the local tip by letting Birmingham Hospice do the hard work instead. By signing up to the scheme people will be helping the Hospice care for people with terminal illnesses within their local communities.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice will be collecting in the following postcode areas: B13, B14, B15, B17, B28, B30, B29, B31, B38, B27, and B26. If you live in one of the above listed postcode areas and would like to book your tree collection now, please visit our website at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/ treecycling or contact the Fundraising Department on 0121 472 1191.

Hamish Shilliday, Fundraising Manager said: “This is the second year of our Treecycling scheme and it is an important way that people can support our Hospice and avoid the hassle of the journey to the tip. The annoying nature of pine needles is that they get absolutely everywhere. You can avoid cleaning the car by letting us take the Christmas tree away for you.”

This initiative is kindly supported by Birmingham City Council, Dawnus Construction Ltd, Fitzgerald Civil Engineering Contractors, Mott MacDonald, Opal Contracts, RAW Group, Shaylor Group PLC, Whiting Landscape, Lyndale Estates Maintenance and Forum for the Built Environment.

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December 2014 / January 2015

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BUD’S RUN

Birmingham Runners Lead the Race to Find a Cure for Parkinson’s

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charity fun run and gala dinner held recently in Birmingham raised over £20 000 for Parkinson’s UK, with the aid of some famous sports people past and present.

“Bud’s Run” and “Bud’s Bash” were staged at the University of Birmingham in honour of top running coach Bud Baldaro, who has inspired hundreds of distance and middle distance runners of all standards in his forty year career.

Bud was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, and is determined to raise as much money as possible to try and find a cure for his condition. He has coached students at the University for over 20 years, and continues to perform a mentoring role there despite his illness.

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe is a great admirer of Bud, and has known him for many years. She flew in especially from her Monaco home to start “Bud’s Run”, a 5K that looped around the University’s leafy Edgbaston campus.

Paula said: “It was great to be part of such a vibrant and powerful event. Bud has always been a huge support for me.

I particularly remember Bud after the Beijing Olympics, when I was struggling

to get back into shape and struggling with injury. He was a real help.”

Bud said: “I’m overwhelmed at the positive response we had to both events, and delighted at the money everyone raised. It was amazing to see so many people pull together for such a good cause. Having Paula there was a big bonus, as she is a true hero in our sport.

I’d also like to thank all our sponsors and partners for making the events possible.”

Hannah England, who Bud coached to a World Championships silver medal in the 1500m, was there to lend her support. Hannah’s husband, international steeplechaser Luke Gunn, gave a lighthearted commentary on events.

527 runners entered the packed 5K, with lots of familiar faces from Bud’s career turning out. There was also a 2K “INEOS GO Run for Fun” for kids, and a 1K loop for elderly runners and those with small children. Some of Bud’s athletes baked cakes to raise extra money, and many wore special running vests made for the day.

Later that evening, the University’s majestic Great Hall held host to “Bud’s Bash”, a charity gala dinner. The

Luke Gunn (University of Birmingham), Zena Wooldridge (University of Birmingham), Bud Baldaro, Jamie Baldaro, Sarah Wakeman (Parkinson’s UK).

500-strong audience heard from four unforgettable speakers, who all paid tribute to Bud’s kindness, wisdom and generosity.

Olympian Hannah England, former world 5000m record holder Dave Moorcroft, West Bromwich Albion hero Daryl Burgess, and champion fundraiser Bryn Williams shared their stories, jokes and memories of their adventures with Bud. A raffle and online charity auction also helped bring in extra funds for Parkinson’s UK. www.parkinsons.org.uk. www.gorunforfun.com. www.novainspiringevents.org.

December 2014 / January 2015

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Restoring broken lives

N

obody ever grows up dreaming of becoming homeless or addicted.

However, for thousands in our society, for a range of reasons, this is where they find themselves. Betel UK exists to help homeless people and those with addictions. Providing a caring, residential programme of recovery, it works to restore the broken lives of men and women who have reached rock bottom.

People are desperate when they walk through the doors of Betel. Most have been long-term unemployed, many have been homeless. They arrive with all the damage and brokenness that years of pain and addiction have wrought when Betel takes them in and gives them new hope for the future. Gradually, within the programme, they are helped to rebuild their lives, but this is a long process.

The charity firmly believes that entrance should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means.

Betel residences around the UK are therefore free of charge and free of addictive substances. The charity receives no government funding and residents claim no state benefits.

Instead, Betel demonstrates that it is

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possible for homeless and addicted people to responsibly work to pay for their own recovery.

Betel runs a range of charitable businesses. All Betel residents work in these businesses, enabling them to learn work skills and responsibility, as well as restoring dignity and a sense of purpose. None of the charityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff are salaried â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all profits from the businesses are channelled back into Betel, covering most of the running costs.

The remaining financial needs are met through charitable donations.

The Restored Furniture stores run by Betel do not at first glance look like charity shops. Sourced from the UK as well as France, India and Holland, there is an elegant piece of furniture to suit any home. They also stock a beautiful range of homewares and accessories, including a full range of Christmas gifts. Located

in Shirley, Solihull, Bromsgrove and Leamington Spa, they are well worth a visit.

The Shirley and Bromsgrove stores also contain cafĂŠs, where you can take a break from your shopping. Stocking a range of quality drinks and home-made cakes to tempt you, you can treat yourself knowing that the proceeds from your visit are all going to a worthwhile cause.

Or perhaps you need a house clearance, gardening and landscaping work, or tree surgery? Betel runs businesses in these areas too, all with the purpose of restoring the lives of the men and women in the programme. During December, their teams will also be out and about around our region, carol-singing to raise funds for the charity. To find out more about the work of Betel, their businesses or how you can help someone trapped in addiction, go to www.betel.org.uk or call them on 01564-822 356.

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December 2014 / January 2015

75

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice

James Bond works his charm on guests at Zoe’s Place Winter Ball Megan Ace hilst he may not have been there in the flesh, the James Bond charm worked its magic amongst guests at the Zoe’s Place Winter Ball at Coombe Abbey on Friday 7th November raising over £18,000 for the charity.

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Over 270 guests attended the Casino Royale event which took place in a marquee in the grounds of the medieval Coombe Abbey.

Casino-style entertainment, magic, and music from talented young Coventry pianist Zak Richards and local band The Swains were all part of the entertainment on the night.

The money was raised through a series of events on the night including a silent and main auction along with beautiful -glassed orchids especially flown in from Europe and donated by Joe Richards.

Hamilton Bland of Autographs of the World compered the event as well as carried out the auction which included a wide array of prizes including Holiday’s in Turkey and Spain and Platinum Diamond Ring.

Muna Chauhan, Corporate Manager at Zoë’s Place and event organiser, said: “It was a fantastic evening and much enjoyed by all. I cannot thank everyone enough for both attending and their generosity. A big thank you also to our three main sponsors, the Fortec Distribution Network, Shortland Horne and Full Length and Fabulous all of whom were well represented on the night. The night was a great success and provides us with much-needed funds for the hospice which has proved to be a lifeline to many families in Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond for the past three years.”

The ball is one of a number of events taking place to raise funds for the hospice, which needs £1.3 million a year to provide round-the-clock respite and palliative care for terminally ill children aged 0 to 5.

For more information email events@zoes-place.org.uk or call 024 7636 1675.

For further information or to offer your support please email: muna@zoes-place.org.uk or visit, www.zoes-place.org.uk

What is Zoë’s Place?

A Personal Approach

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice opened in 2011 and provides 24 hour, high quality, one-to-one palliative, respite and end of life care to children aged 0-5 years. Facilities include a multi-sensory suite, hydrotherapy bath, soft-play room, parent suite and sensory garden.

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice provides: • 24 hour Respite and Palliative care • 1 to 1 specialist care • End of life care, supporting the whole family • A bespoke child-friendly environment, including hydrotherapy, music therapy and multi-sensory environments.

• Parents Suite and Starlight room, to offer a self-contained suite for parents to stay at Zoë’s Place during their most difficult time.

Their specially trained care team offer unique and diverse opportunities for learning and play in a bespoke, childfriendly environment. These services and facilities are provided free of charge to families of the babies and infants, but for every hour of care we provide, for each child, we need to raise £25.

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There are around 23,500 children and 1,500 babies in the UK who have been diagnosed with an illness for which there is no reasonable cure, and their life-expectancy is limited.

www.edgemagazine.org

“Zoë’ is the Greek word meaning ‘gift of life’, and at Zoë’s Place we believe that life is precious no matter how long it lasts”.

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Greenhill Remembrance Park Celebrating life through nature Lucinda Bunn

I

t’s not a topic many of us like to dwell on but maybe changing our perspective on funerals is a good place to start. The team at Greenhill Remembrance Park believes in celebrating life rather than mourning death. That’s why more and more of us are choosing light, positive send offs instead of conventional funerals.

There are plenty of positives about a woodland or green burial. It rests on the principles of natural renewal. It’s a chance to come to rest in a tranquil environment and an eco-system bursting with life. Greenhill Remembrance Park is kept as natural and wild as possible in order to promote biodiversity.

More than 70% of us already opt for a cremation and since the 1990s, the number of green burial sites in the UK has grown from just 5 to nearly 300. Without the correct maintenance systems in place, many of these beautiful green burial sites can so easily slide into dereliction. But Greenhill Remembrance Park has a solution. The Greenhill Community has been established to ensure the upkeep of the park long into the

REMEMBRANCE PARK

PRICES 2014: Burial plot £250 Interment £120 For more pricing information please visit our website

future. By automatically subscribing when you buy your plot(s), you’ll be contributing to the maintenance of the natural parkland.

Greenhill’s Director says ‘We are different to a lot of green burial sites because of our community membership. We aim to create a larger family of like-minded individuals and groups to come together in celebration of life and the preservation of our natural landscape.

When families come to visit their loved ones who rest at Greenhill, it’s a family event, an occasion, but a positive one.’

A key attraction to Greenhill is the freedom offered to choose the format of each plot.

Grave sites can be marked or unmarked, plots can be bought to plant trees and ashes can be loose or contained in biodegradable urns. Plaques can be fixed to the ground but no headstones will ever be a part of the park.

Instead, a book of remembrance is kept in the office where visitors can share words and memories. At Greenhill Remembrance Park you can also reserve plots for your family members and pets.

Not only is a green burial kinder on the environment, it’s also kinder on the pocket.

The conventional churchyard grave can be very expensive. These sites typically have a limited term of up to 20-30 years. At Greenhill Remembrance Park, being part of the community means there is no time limit on your plot. Plots will also increase in value so they can be cashed in at a later date if future generations decide to go elsewhere.

If looking after the environment is an important part of your life, then a burial that embraces the natural cycle of death, decay and new growth could be a fitting end to it.

This Christmas, invest in your family’s future and give a gift that won’t be overlooked.

If you’re looking for a greener option, an opportunity to rest with the wild flowers and celebrate the natural world, Greenhill Remembrance Park is the way to go.

Cowsden Hall Upton Snodsbury WR7 4NZ 01905 381522 www.greenhillburial.co.uk

natural burial in the heart of rural Worcestershire

It’s never too early to plan for the future Call or email us and make an appointment to visit the burial ground, where we will discuss your requirements. We offer individual or multiple plots for yourself, a friend or relative, the whole family, or a pet.

01905 381522 info@greenhillburial.co.uk www.greenhillburial.co.uk December 2014 / January 2015

79

It’s a family affair Lowe’s Solicitors - Specialists in Family Law

Anthony Lowe MA (Oxon)

A

s many of you will know the legal profession in this country comprises two branches – solicitors and barristers. Tracy and Tony Lowe represent each branch of the profession – Tracy is a solicitor who has her own practice in the centre of Worcester and Tony is a barrister at Cornwall Streeet Chambers, Birmingham.

Tony also sits as recorder (a part-time circuit judge). Both Tracy and Tony specialise in family law and they tell us below about the different challenges that they each have to meet.

Tracy told us “the skills required by a solicitor are different to those at the bar. I have to deal with a client whose marriage or partnership has just ended – emotions are very raw and rational decision making is difficult. There is often real fear; fear of losing the children; worries about how they will survive financially and the fear of losing their home is often the most common.

Hearing fathers tell me that they are worried they might not see their children or mothers worrying about the children coming into contact with “that other woman” are common place. Cohabiting couples and same sex couples also have

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Tracy Lowe LLB

to deal with the breakdown of their relationships and second relationships can bring worries for the parties about cohabitation agreements and pre-nuptial agreements. Domestic violence for both men and women can often lead to further fears and anxieties. I have to see past the emotional upheaval and focus on the longer term because that is what the court is going to do. The longer term covers a multitude of issues; child arrangements; housing needs, income needs, dealing with a business or a farm and making sure that there is proper pension provision. Slowly but surely I have to guide my client through the emotional turmoil so that they can focus on their future and how they are going to adapt to it. Trying to resolve the issue is the key but if not I am always there by their side if a battle is inevitable.

Tony agrees that the job he does is quite different to Tracy’s. As he told us “by the time I am involved matters will often have moved on but while the emotions may not be so raw the litigation battle will have hotted up. If the parties have been able to agree matters I am not going to be involved at all so by definition when I am asked to represent the client

it is because there is a real difference of opinion about what should happen either in relation to the children, finances or both. Whilst I am there to get my client what they hope for I must always have an eye on what the court is likely to do and share that knowledge and experience with the client. Someone is going to make the final decision and even at that late stage it is better if it is the clients.

Tracy and Tony agree that while working in family law is often taxing both intellectually and emotionally it is also very rewarding when a child sees its parent for the first time in months and the array of thank you cards that adorn Tracy’s office speak for themselves. We all hope that we would never require the services of Tracy and Tony but if you did, you could not put your future with anyone more committed to looking after your interests.

Lowe’s Solicitors Restdale House 32-33 Foregate Street Worcester WR1 1EE Tel: 01905 610888

Inheritance Tax Take simple steps Tom Ware Inheritance tax receipts are approaching their pre-crisis peak, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), largely as a result of rising house prices. Income from inheritance tax rose to £3.4bn in 2013-14, up 8.6 per cent year-on-year and close to the 2007-08 high of £3.8bn.

The ONS points to high value estates, but also to static tax thresholds, as the main reason why receipts had grown.

The IHT threshold of £325,000 has remained unchanged since April 2009.

At the same time, the Government has announced plans to curb the use of trusts for inheritance tax planning. It is consulting on new proposals to ‘ensure fairness in the system’, which are likely to hit people who have set up lots of small trusts to cut inheritance tax bills.

This should serve as a reminder to use the basic inheritance tax allowances every year. Ensuring that the gift allowance of £3,000 is made each year, and that potentially exempt transfers of wealth are made to family well ahead of time, are easy ways to remove money from the inheritance tax net, without the need for complex tax planning. There are ways to mitigate inheritance tax, but people should use the simple options first.

Tom Ware

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

BS25 1AB 01934 844444 info@churchillinvestment.co.uk www.churchillinvestment.co.uk

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.

December 2014 / January 2015

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Coffee Talk

W

e are all familiar with those super brands that make it big and seem to stand their ground in the marketplace.

Whilst there is of course a power that comes from being a large provider or part of a franchise, it is not without its drawbacks, says Richard Hull, Managing Partner at Thomas Horton LLP. A big brand is not the same as a strong brand.

His firm prides itself on delivering a local, professional and personal service that has been built on a commitment to quality and client care, and one which is just as powerful as larger companies.

“I love my coffee, and I am perfectly happy going to Starbucks, standing in a long queue before my order is hurriedly taken. My name is then shouted out by a disinterested teenager, my drink pushed across the counter and off I go.

There are reasons why they scribble little personal comments on chalk boards: Firstly, they’re told to; and secondly, they recognise the commercial reality regarding the way they provide their service which is, by its very nature, impersonal.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not singling out any one provider, they are all the same and from all of these establishments I’m perfectly happy with my coffee. It’s fine but we don’t always want just fine do we?

When I spend time in Worcester, there is a particular coffee shop I prefer to use.

It’s not one of the big franchises, which are closer and cheaper. So why do I walk further and, importantly, pay more?

Good quality coffee - they know what they’re good at and they do it well. I know I will get consistency of product, ironically because they are smaller.

Thomas Horton LLP

Personal service - it’s not mass produced, it feels special, with welcoming staff who add that personal touch. I am greeted like a person not a number and the barista knows I’m a lawyer and asks if I have any interesting cases. They are clearly passionate about what they do and they always take the time to ensure that I am satisfied with their product.

Supervision - the owner is a discretely visible presence, offering reassurance that his expectations as to quality are met.

Services - they offer a limited range of products but all are of the highest quality and are freshly made to order.

Environment - the coffee shop is a nice place to be. It feels individual. It’s a place where I want to spend time and a place to which I want to return.

So, what can we learn from my small coffee shop experience? That customers will always prefer a personal service and that is exactly what Thomas Horton prides itself on.

We offer lawyers who are passionate about what they do, whilst still caring for the clients they service with pleasant support staff who can answer queries with clarity and enthusiasm.

It is more important than ever that law firms only provide services that they know well and can deliver with the highest quality of professionalism and service. It is equally important that the client can see value for money and is therefore prepared to pay for it.

Richard Hull, Managing Partner at Thomas Horton LLP

Reception, waiting and meeting rooms should be nice places to be, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to quality. They should be areas where the client feels relaxed and confident about the service they are paying for.

So a brand can be as small as one firm, serving just one area, but if it does it well, and in a way that reassures its customers, then that brand can be an integral part of the community – just as Thomas Horton is.”

Through the Horton family connection, Thomas Horton has been providing legal services in the area since the middle of the nineteenth century and have recently opened a new office in Redditch.

Staff are always on hand and happy to help – to speak to a member of the team call 01905 330 066 or 01527 871 641 or visit www.thomashorton.co.uk

December 2014 / January 2015

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This Changes Everything: A Review Non-fiction by Naomi Klein Mike Stafford

W

hile climate change never seems to break its way to the very top of the news agenda save perhaps for the wake of Superstorm Sandy or Typhoon Haiyan - on some level we all know it’s big, bad, and sorely needs to be confronted. Why then, are we and our governments not actually doing anything about it? For Naomi Klein, author of the seminal ‘No Logo,’ and ‘The Shock Doctrine,’ the answer lies in economics.

For the last thirty years, Klein argues we’ve more or less swallowed the idea that the state is a lumbering dinosaur that should keep its filthy hands off our wallets, while the private sector is a lithe, effective creature that should be encouraged through deregulation and free trade agreements so that it might better serve us all. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking has brought us to a point where we’re unable to buy into the kind of collective action that is needed to fight climate change. We’re unwilling to cast off the endless consumption and live more sustainably, and we’ve allowed the pursuit of profit to take precedence over every other goal we might have, even if those goals include saving ourselves from superstorms, crop failure, floods and the many other calamities that await us if we don’t wean ourselves off fossil fuels fast.

As Klein observes, scientific consensus is clear - there is no guarantee that burning fossil fuels at the current rate is compatible with continued existence of human society. So what are the solutions?

Klein, in her meticulously researched but always compassionate style, runs through them as they currently stand.

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We can hope that benevolent billionaires will step in with a fix at the last moment.

Citing the example of everyone’s favoured bearded dynamo Sir Richard Branson, Klein is deeply sceptical.

Branson’s commitment to overhaul his business model, and turn Virgin Atlantic into a paragon of environmental virtue, has been shunted well and truly onto the back burner. And if Branson can’t pull it off, who can?

There are also sci-fi style solutions being floated, such as pumping sulfur into the atmosphere to artificially dim the sun.

These themselves are not without huge dangers and unknowns, and what we do know isn’t good - the sulfur approach would risk widespread droughts across Africa and Asia.

Finally, we can hope that a little tweaking around the edges of our current economic model will help; a levy here, a carbon credits trading scheme there, and our carbon emissions will come down, yes? Sadly, not on the current evidence. Klein points out the hopeless ineffectiveness of carbon trading, which has succeeded mainly in giving the unscrupulous a system to abuse, and giving polluters licence to pollute.

The beginning of a solution, for Klein, lies with the grassroots, people-powered movements who are already mobilising to help fight climate change. Here, despite all the bleak projections and gloomy news, Klein finds hope. Across the globe, despite the odds, unusual partnerships and groups of regular people are bonding together to fight the expansion of extreme fossil fuel extraction, co-operate to generate their own power on a local level, and to protect their lands from marauding drills. It will be a hard fight, but through her evocative prose, Klein shows us there is cause to be positive.

This is an important book; given the circumstances, maybe even important on the level of ‘Das Kapital,’ ‘The Wealth of Nations,’ or ‘The Rights of Man.’ More than that though, it’s also stirring, poignant, heartfelt, and constructed in a way that makes it breathtakingly convincing. This really is required reading. www.nudgemenow.com/contributor/ mike-stafford

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DISHING THE DIRT

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C

hildren’s TV favourite and veteran panto dame, Iain Lauchlan lets us in on the inside scoop from Old Peking ahead of the Belgrade’s festive extravaganza, Aladdin. Plus, we find out more about Iain’s new festive show for ages 6 and under, Santa’s Dizzy Day premiering at the Belgrade this December.

Iain Lauchlan on bringing the magic of Christmas to the Belgrade stage

When it comes to Coventry Christmas institutions, you’d have to go a long way to beat the Belgrade’s annual pantomime for traditional, familyfriendly festive cheer. As much a part of Christmas tradition as turkey, tinsel and all the trimmings, this year’s seasonal extravaganza will once again see Coventry favourite, Iain Lauchlan don the greasepaint and bloomers to take on the role of the irrepressible Widow Twankey in one of the nation’s best loved pantos, Aladdin.

A familiar face to millions who grew up watching children’s TV in the 1980s, Iain’s career in the entertainment industry has seen him present on shows such as the hugely successful Fingermouse, Play School and Playdays as well as mastermind such children’s TV favourites as Fun Song Factory, Jim Jam and Sunny Boo and the BAFTA award-winning Tweenies.

As much a legend on stage as off, Iain Lauchlan continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Coventry audiences following 12 unforgettable years as Dame in Belgrade pantomimes between 1988 and 1999. Flying the flag for multi-

tasking men (or should that be women) everywhere, this year will see the multitalented Iain write, direct and star in Aladdin following two consecutive years appearing as Dame in Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk at the Belgrade.

It was during a special, one off return to the stage that Iain’s ‘Twankey’ last graced the Belgrade boards to celebrate the theatre’s re-opening in 2007. Seven years on and with a brand new script in the pipeline, what’s Iain most looking forward to about being back in Coventry this Christmas? ‘‘It’s always a joy to perform panto in Coventry at Christmas as the audiences are always so appreciative. They really know how to enjoy themselves. Aladdin is a fabulous show to work on. It has one of the best baddies, Abanazaar – the most evil panto villain of them all as well as an incredible variety of settings taking in old Peking, ancient Egypt and beyond.

It’s a new script this year which means plenty of surprises! This time around, I’ve introduced a sub-plot in the form of a romance between the Genie and The Spirit of The Ring.

They only see each other every couple of thousand years so it’s something of a long-distance relationship! Also this year, I’ll be performing the 12 Days of Christmas’ routine for the first time.

It’s one of the funniest and fastest routines I’ve ever performed and it’s shaping up to be great fun.’’

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written the major synopsis of the show, which is when I can offer my little tweaks. As a Writer/Director, you rely upon your designers’ eye for detail and specialist knowledge of materials. It’s a collaborative process which involves working closely with the Belgrade Theatre’s wardrobe department who work flat out from July onwards to help create these costumes from scratch.”

I’m also really pleased to have my daughter Morna Macpherson back playing Aladdin in this year’s show.

As well as an actress, she’s also a trained fabricator and has just returned from working on the new Alien movie, Prometheus making special effects for the alien monsters.

I’ve already set her to work on making my 3D, fire-breathing dragon for this year!’’

They will be joined on stage this festive season by a talented cast of 24 local performers aged 9-16 who together make up the production’s three teams of pantomime chorus, Chow Mein, Chop Suey and Chop Sticks. The 24 young performers successfully auditioned for a role in this year’s festive pantomime earlier this year following record turn outs attracting young talent from as far afield as Birmingham, Nuneaton and Tamworth.

With each of Iain’s flamboyant outfits lovingly created from scratch by the Belgrade Theatre’s dedicated wardrobe team, keeping abreast of the demands of Widow Twankey’s seasonal wardrobe is every bit the full-time job, as Iain explains:

Following on from the success of last year’s record-breaking production of Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s panto features all the hallmarks of Iain’s unique brand of family-friendly, festive entertainment such as spectacular scenery, hilarious slapstick - including the much-loved ‘slosh’ routine - and plenty of audience participation along the way. This Christmas also sees the return of some familiar faces to the Belgrade including Iain’s comedy partner-in-crime, Craig Hollingsworth who will be playing Widow Twankey’s hopeless but lovable son, Wishee Washee in this year’s show following his roles as Muddles in Sleeping Beauty and Simple Simon in Jack and the Beanstalk for the last two years.

“At the point at which Cleo – my costume designer - begins working on the initial costume sketches, I’ll have

‘‘Craig is always a big hit with Coventry audiences so it’s great to be working with him again.

And of course, panto wouldn’t be panto without a smattering of traditional festive flamboyance. And you can’t get much more flamboyant than the contents of Widow Twankey’s wardrobe. With a total of seven costume changes on the cards for 2014, what outlandish creations can we expect to see gracing the Peking catwok this year?

“Twankey is nothing if not a trendsetter so we’ve really gone all out this year. There’s a Chinese Lampshade dress, a recycling frock complete with solar panel shoulder pads and a revolving wind turbine headdress. And of course, there’s my PVC slosh outfit which has to be my personal favourite. The design is based around a bottle of Vanish but, as it’s a Twankey original, we’ve changed it to ‘Vampish – Ready 4 Anything.”

Aladdin plays on the Belgrade Theatre Main Stage from Wed 26 Nov 2014 – Sat 10 Jan 2015. Santa’s Dizzy Day visits the Belgrade Theatre on Fri 5 & Sat 6 Dec & Mon 15 – Wed 24 December.

For tickets, call the Belgrade Theatre Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit the website www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.

December 2014 / January 2015

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Pop of Culture Lucinda Bunn

The Nutcracker - Live ballet for Christmas 7:30 Fri 19th, Sat 20th Dec, 2:30pm Sat 20th The acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet bring the magic of live ballet to Evesham this Christmas: three performances of The Nutcracker, live on the arts centre stage. Dance fans and those who›ve never seen a live performance can all enjoy this hugely popular classic ballet: get close to the magic as a memorable Christmas present or a great-value indulgence! www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk

The Shoemaker’s Holiday by Thomas Dekker Babes in the Wood

Swan Theatre: 11th December 2014 – 7th March 2015

The Swan Theatre, Worcester 16th December-25th January

Phillip Breen directs Jacobean comedy, The Shoemaker’s Holiday, which is produced for the first time by the RSC. The Shoemaker’s Holiday is Dekker’s eccentric city comedy of a cobbler who ends up as Mayor of London around a backdrop of star crossed lovers and wars.

Kays Theatre Group will be on stage this month in a production of Babes in the Wood, starring local actor Barry North. Barry was born and bred in Worcester and with a career spanning 40 years in show business, Barry is happy to be back in Worcester playing Dame Aloe Vera in the costume comedy. www.kaystheatregroup.co.uk

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ww.worcesterlive.co.uk

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BB 01789 403449

www.rsc.org.uk

Through the eye of a needle

Image by Richard Badderley

Willard Wigan MBE

Image by Richard Badderley

T

he Library of Birmingham will be hosting a rare exhibition of the micro artwork of world-renowned artist Willard Wigan MBE to raise funds to inspire and enrich the lives of youngsters in his home-city.

Through the Eye of a Needle will be held from Sunday 11th until Sunday 25th January. A proportion of proceeds will go to support Library of Birmingham Trust programmes and initiatives.

Willard’s micro-sculptures have been described as “the eighth wonder of the world” with his exhibitions selling out around the globe. Museums and Galleries in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Singapore, Hamburg, Tel Aviv, Istanbul and New York have recently staged his exhibitions and this is a rare chance to marvel at his work in his home city of Birmingham.

Almost invisible to the naked eye, these unique, hand crafted pieces are often displayed in the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin. With some being as small as 0.005 mm, his work can only truly

be appreciated when viewed through a microscope.

The personal sacrifice involved in creating such wondrous, yet scarcely available pieces is inconceivable to most. Willard enters a meditative state in which his heartbeat is slowed, allowing him to reduce hand tremors and sculpt between pulse beats.

Awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to art and celebrated in the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the world’s smallest man-made sculpture, Willard was recently announced as a proud Patron of the Library of Birmingham Trust.

The independent charity partner of the Library of Birmingham, the Trust is currently working hard to raise £1.18 million to enable the Library to reach its full potential in the way that traditional library service budgets simply cannot.

The Trust’s work with younger residents has a special resonance for Willard.

Suffering from dyslexia and learning difficulties at a tender age, he struggled at school and developed his unique brand of art as a way of escaping constant taunts from teachers and peers.

In addition to one of his sculptures currently being housed at Buckingham Palace - presented to the Queen in honour of her Diamond Jubilee - owners of Willard’s sculptures also include Prince Charles, Sir Elton John, Sir Philip Green, Lord Bath and Simon Cowell.

“At school, I couldn’t express myself so I escaped into a fantasy world”, explained Willard, “Now local children have the Library of Birmingham on their doorstep with free access to millions of stories to fuel their imaginations’’.

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Image by Richard Badderley

The Trust’s learning initiatives are even more important in Birmingham, where literacy levels are amongst the lowest in the country.

Opened in 2013 and described as a ‘people’s palace’, the award winning Library of Birmingham is highly accessible and family-friendly with dedicated spaces for children and

teenagers. In its first year 2.7 million people visited, many from around the world, and the building was named as one of five, ‘Amazing Libraries You Must Visit’ by HuffPost Travel.

Library of Birmingham Trust funding has helped support children’s and adult literacy initiatives including the distribution of library cards to all primary school children in the city.

But the facility has proved itself as more than a tourist attraction; as visitors flocked in, numbers of residents joining the library leapt by 140 per cent.

As Willard acknowledges: “I know from experience that with the right nurturing, children’s lives can be transformed.”

Willard Wigan MBE: Through the Eye of a Needle, 11-25 January 2015, Library of Birmingham Discovery Gallery, level 3; £5 adults, £3 children aged 5 -16, under 5s FREE; Family ticket £12 www.libraryofbirmingham.com/Events For more information on the Library of Birmingham Trust and the programmes and events it supports for children and adults visit: www.libraryofbirminghamtrust.org.uk

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What’s on at the theatre this holiday season

Megan Ace

Malvern Theatre Eric and Little Ern Tuesday 2nd December - 7:45pm - Tickets £16.80

This affectionate, moving and fantastically funny homage to the greatest comedy double act that Britain has ever seen vividly brings back warm memories of a bygone era. Recreating some of the finest moments of Eric and Ernie’s television and stage performances, cherished moments from the archives sit alongside new material created by the performers. Together they make a brilliant comedy that recreates the all-ages appeal of Morecambe and Wise in their heyday.

An Audience with Albert Roux Tuesday 16th December – 7:45pm – Tickets £11.20

Chef Albert Roux OBE, KFO is head of the famous cooking dynasty behind such establishments as Le Gavroche which was the first restaurant in the UK to be awarded three Michelin Stars.

In 1952, when Roux’s godfather - a chef for the Duchess of Windsor - secured him a job working at Cliveden for Lady Nancy Astor, the then 18-year-old Roux set off for England. After a string of distinguished further private employments, Roux and his brother Michel opened Le Gavroche in Mayfair in 1967, which quickly became the Queen Mother’s favourite restaurant.

The Great Gatsby: Gala Opening Friday 12th December – 7:15pm – Tickets £15 (includes 2 cocktails)

Celebrate the refurbishment of Malvern Cinema with cocktails, live music and a special screening of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. Come dressed as Gatsby or Daisy, or just as yourself, and enjoy a Raspberry Rickey and a Mint Julep (or a choice of vintage-inspired mocktails) before the film, accompanied by live music.

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Room on the Broom Tuesday 20th – Saturday 24th January

The hit family show Room On The Broom flies into Malvern direct from its Christmas run at The Lyric Theatre in London’s West End. Adapted by the award winning Tall Stories, from the spellbinding picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Room on the Broom is the quintessential family treat for everyone to enjoy.

This Olivier-Award-nominated production tells the story of a friendly witch, her cat and three loveable animals who take to the skies on a broom and face a fearsome dragon in this magical, musical adventure. With enchanting puppetry, original singa-long songs and scary fun, Room On The Broom is ideal for families with children aged three and up.

Belgrade Theatre Coventry The Simon & Garfunkel Story Fri 16 Jan 2015

The compelling story of the greatest music duo of all time accompanied by original photos, film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water and many more.

Evening: 7.45pm Tickets: From £17.75 to £24.75 Concessions: From £15.75 to £22.75 Cheaper tickets available online at www.belgrade.co.uk

Rat Pack Live Thurs 22 Jan 2015

During their ‘50s and ‘60s heyday they were the definition of cool. They combined Big Band swing with charisma, panache and swagger. Prepare to experience the definition of cool.

Evening: 7.45pm Tickets: From £20.25 to £28 Concessions: From £18.25 to £26 Cheaper tickets available online at www.belgrade.co.uk

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Hats off to Led Zeppelin Weds 14 Jan 2015

The official UK No.1 tribute to the greatest rock band ever.

This is a truly sensational live show for any Led Zep fan or a fan of ‘70s rock.

Evenings: 7.45pm Tickets: From £17.75 to £24.75 Concessions: From £15.75 to £22.75 Cheaper tickets available online at www.belgrade.co.uk

Vampires Rock: The Final Countdown Tour Mon 19 Jan 2015

Steve Steinman plus a full cast of superb singers, dancers and band celebrate their 11th year and final chapter, blasting their way through some of the greatest rock anthems.

Evening: 7.45pm Tickets: From £20.25 to £28 Concessions: From £18.25 to £26 Cheaper tickets available online at www.belgrade.co.uk

80’s Mania Sat 17 Jan

Europe’s official ‘80s multi-tribute concert featuring 25 charttopping pop icons authentically recreated with a live band and dancers. Dig out your eighties fashions and party!

Evening: 7.45pm Tickets: From £20.25 to £28 Concessions: From £18.25 to £26 Cheaper tickets available online at www.belgrade.co.uk 96

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