Edge Magazine May 2016 Edition (Volume 44) by MLP Publishing Ltd

8;9 '5;5N=B9 May 2016

Warwickshire, Worcestershire, West Midlands and North Cotswolds

(Volume 44) FREE EDITION

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

S T R AT F O R D - U P O N - AV O N F ro m 2 9 A p r i l 2 0 1 6

CYMBELINE WILLIAM

SHAKESPEARE

TICKETS FROM £16 WWW.RSC.ORG.UK/CYMBELINE 01789 403493 Food & Drink | Culture | Business | Fashion | Lifestyle

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dŚĞ ĨĂĐƚ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƌĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƚŚŝŶŬŝŶŐ ĂďŽƵƚ ŝŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŶŐ Ă ƐŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌ ĂŶĚ ŽĨ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ǁŽƌƌŝĞĚ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƐƚ ʹ ǇŽƵ ŵĂǇ ǁĞůů ďĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌŝŶŐ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƟŶŐ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ʹ ĂŌĞƌ Ăůů ŚŽǁ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ĐĂŶ ŝƚ ďĞ͍ zŽƵ ŵŝŐŚƚ ƐĂǀĞ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ƚŚŽƵƐĂŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉŽƵŶĚƐ ŝŶ ůĞŐĂů ĨĞĞƐ ďƵƚ Ăƚ ǁŚĂƚ ĐŽƐƚ͍ dŚĞ ƚƌŽƵďůĞ ŝƐ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ŶĞǀĞƌ ŬŶŽǁ ƵŶƟů ŝƚ ŝƐ ƚŽŽ ůĂƚĞ͘ zŽƵ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚĂƚ ĐƵƫŶŐ ĐŽƌŶĞƌƐ ŝƐ Ă ĨĂůƐĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵǇ͘ ^ĞƉĂƌĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĚŝǀŽƌĐĞ ĂƌĞ ĞŶŽƌŵŽƵƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌĞƐƐĨƵů ƐƚĞƉƐ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ͘ zŽƵ ǁŝůů ďŽƚŚ ŚĂǀĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ǁŽƌƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ǇŽƵƌ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ŽŶ Ă ĚĂǇ ƚŽ ĚĂǇ ďĂƐŝƐ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ǇŽƵ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ƉŽŽƌ͕ ĨĞĞůŝŶŐƐ ŽĨ ĂŶŐĞƌ͕ ƌĞƐĞŶƚŵĞŶƚ͕ ĚĞƐƉĂŝƌ ĂŶĚ ĨĞĂƌ ĂƌĞ Ăůů ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ ƵƉ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ͘ dŚĞ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽŌĞŶ ďůĂŵĞ ƚŚĞŵƐĞůǀĞƐ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ ŶŽ ůŽŶŐĞƌ ůŽǀĞ ĞĂĐŚ ŽƚŚĞƌ͖ ƚŚĞŝƌ ůŽǇĂůƟĞƐ ĂƌĞ ĚŝǀŝĚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ŝĨ ŽŶůǇ ƚŚĞǇ ĐŽƵůĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ ďĂĐŬ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ĂŐĂŝŶ ůŝĨĞ ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƐŽ ŵƵĐŚ ĞĂƐŝĞƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŵ͘ dŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ƚĞƌƌŝĮĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĨĂƚŚĞƌͬŵŽƚŚĞƌ ǁŝůů ƐƚŽƉ ůŽǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŵ͘ dŚĞ ĨĂĐƚ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƌĞĂĚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ĂƌĞ ǁŽŶĚĞƌŝŶŐ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ǇŽƵ ŽƵŐŚƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐƵůƚ Ă ƐŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌ ŶŽǁ͘ ^Ž ǁŚǇ ŵĞ͍ / Ăŵ ŶŽƚ ƚŚĞ ďŝŐŐĞƐƚ Įƌŵ ŝŶ tŽƌĐĞƐƚĞƌ ďƵƚ / ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƚĂƌŐĞƚƐ Žƌ ŽǀĞƌŚĞĂĚƐ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ͘ ŝŐ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌŝůǇ ďĞƩĞƌ͘ / ŽīĞƌ ǇŽƵ ŵĞ͕ dƌĂĐǇ >ŽǁĞ Ͳ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ǁŚŽ ǇŽƵ ǁŝůů ƐƉĞĂŬ ƚŽ͖ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ǁŚŽ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ďǇ ǇŽƵƌ ƐŝĚĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŽƌĚĞĂů ĂŶĚ ďǇ ǇŽƵƌ ƐŝĚĞ Ăƚ ŽƵƌƚ ĂŶĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ͘ /ƚ ƐƚĂƌƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ŽǀĞƌ ʹ ďƵƚ ŝƚ ǁŝůů ŽŶůǇ ĞŶĚ ǁŚĞŶ ŝƚ ŝƐ Ăůů ŽǀĞƌ͘ / ǁŝůů ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ŐĂƚĞǁĂǇ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ ǁŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ďĞ ũƵĚŐŵĞŶƚĂů͕ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ĐĂŶ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ǇŽƵ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĞǆƉĞƌƚ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ĂŶĚ ǁŚŽ ǁŝůů ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ǇŽƵ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ǁĂǇ ďƵƚ ǁŝƚŚ ǇŽƵ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƵůƟŵĂƚĞ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŵĂǇ ĂīĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐƚ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ůŝĨĞ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ŝƚ ďĞ Ă ƐŚŽƌƚ Žƌ ůŽŶŐ ũŽƵƌŶĞǇ͘ /Ŷ ƐŚŽƌƚ͕ ǇŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ŵĞ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ƟŵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ Ă ƌĞƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ƚŽ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ͘ ŶĚ ŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ďŽŶƵƐ ʹ ǁŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ŝŶƐƚƌƵĐƚ ŵĞ ǇŽƵ ŐĞƚ ŵĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ĐĂƐĞ͘ Ɛ Ă ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ &ĂŵŝůǇ >ĂǁǇĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ZĞƐŽůƵƟŽŶ / ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ĮŶĚ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ǁĂǇ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ͕ ŶŽƚ ũƵƐƚ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͕ ďƵƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͘

ǁǁǁ͘ůŽǁĞƐͲƐŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

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

ere we are again, so close to summer I can almost smell the barbecue food. It seems someone hasn’t told the weather yet though, it’s still bloody cold at the moment, most frustrating as I am well and truly ready to change my winter boots for my flip flops. With that in mind, and with the hope that the summer will be with us soon, we have a nice selection of warmer weather features. We look at some different places that you can get out and about to catch some rays, refresh your mind and even brush up on a bit of local history thanks to Gail’s adventuring and we look at how that can really help ease tensions and worries as well as topping up your vitamin D levels and I looked into how sunlight and blue light can play a part in how well you sleep and function. Steve, Charlie and Michael spent some time in Worcester, getting to know the independent businesses situated along Friar Street and New Street which we are pleased to share with you. There really is everything that you could be looking for, from high end fashion and jewellery stores, to hairdressers and male grooming and everything that you could need if you are getting married or attending any weddings or functions all combined with a great selection of food and drink stops and a good dollop of character and history. Our Artist in Residence this month is Wendy Corbett, originally from Birmingham, who now resides by the seaside where she finds most of her inspiration. Thinking of seaside, although a rather warmer one, Charlie shares with us some recipes and ideas for living a healthier and happier life by taking some tips from the Mediterranean

countries. Charlie also took a closer look into ‘Smart Drugs’ the new craze of pills and elixirs that promise to make you more productive and increase your concentration levels; the jury’s still out on whether or not they are a good idea in the long run but something to keep an eye on as life continues to get busier and more demanding. Hatton & Harding share their tips on how to get your home ready for sale and ensure that you get the best price as house buying season gets well under way, Emma Jenkins brings us summer fashion essentials that can be mixed and matched to suit whatever the weather brings. Laura Clay enlightens us on the region of Rioja, Tom Ware explains in more detail different ways of investing your money to help it to grow. Dr Newson gives us an insight into the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and Mike Stafford reviews another page turner and Karl Strawbridge at Wagon House Gardens shares his knowledge on how easy it is to brighten up your gardens with lupins. Thank you again for reading and sincere thanks to those of you who do get in touch, it’s great to hear what you all think of the magazine and I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to drop me a line, lucie@edgemagazine.org is my email if you have anything to share. From all of us here, have a lovely May and we look forward to seeing you in June.

Lucie x May 2016

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

Contents The Amazing Benefits of Sunlight

Blue Light 10 Time Out 13 The Battle of Worcester

Spring/Summer Festival Guide

Friar Street & New Street

Picnic Time 30 The Chequers at Crowle

The Great British Pub

Rioja 36

Alex Dudley - Editorial Assistant

The Flyford Arms

Alex@edgemagazine.org

The Rise of Prosecco

The Local Kitchen

Mediterranean Diet 44 A Great Northern Adventure

Sales

Move Makeover 48

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

Decor Design

Table Lamp Hire

How to Grow Lupins

Your Cleaning Matters

Charlotte Thorn - Warwickshire Sales @EdgeMag_Charlotte charlotte@edgemagazine.org Tel: 07525 120 626

Shooting 4fun 55

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

Spring Accessories 62

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

Bransford Golf Club

Dress to Impress

Jill Wheel-Lock Lines

Wendy Corbett 64 Book Review 65 Bee and Wasp Stings

The Rise of Smart Drugs

Panic & Anxeity

Financial Article 76 Woeley Castle 78 It's a Dogs Life

CONTRIBUTORS Laura Clay Tom Ware Mel Taffs David Hatton Mike Stafford Alex Dudley Karl Strawbridge Liam Bird Dr Louise R. Newson Dawn Anna Williamson

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JOIN US FOR OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JAZZ & FINE DINING - Friday 29th April or Friday 24th June 2016 Relax and enjoy with an evening of Jazz with Fine Dining and our Resident Band Four & More. Join us for a Drinks Reception from 7pm followed by a set 5 Course Dinner with Music £49.50 per person Why not make a night of it for only £199 including Dinner, Jazz and Breakfast the following morning.

FATHER’S DAY - Sunday 19th June 2016

Treat your dad to something special this Father’s Day with a Traditional Three Course Lunch at The Wood Norton with all the trimmings. £22.95 per person/ £12.95 per child

FAMILY FUN DAY - Sunday 3rd July 2016

Join us for our annual Family Fun Day at The Wood Norton. Take part in our traditional Fete Games, Bouncy Castle and more. Food & Drink will be available to purchase on the day. Relax and enjoy the ambience that is The Wood Norton Entrance free of charge

For For more information on any of our events please contact Naomi at the hotel who will be delighted to assist you.

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

A5 flyer March 2015_A5 flyer March 2015 17/03/2015 12:50 Page 2

Main Features The Battle of Worcester The Faithful City

Exploring Friar Street & New Street A Hub for Independent Business

“Bromsgrove’s” FAMILY RUN BUSINESS LOW SALE PRICES ALL YEAR ROUND EXPRESS FREE DELIVERY AVAILABLE FURNITURE PLACED IN ROOM OF CHOICE ALL DELIVERIES MADE BY OUR OWN DRIVERS

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UPTO 60% OFF EVERYTHING 35 Aston Fields Trading Estate, Bromsgrove B60 3DW

01527 872202 | www.oaklandsfurniture.co.uk Picnic Season Now is the time

Artist in Residence Wendy Corbett 64

Interior Design

Bee and Wasp Stings Know what to do 68

Mill Farm, Stanford Bridge, Worcestershire, WR6 6SP E info@willowandwells.co.uk T 01886 853336 willowandwells.co.uk

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Buy with just 5% deposit

Choose your perfect location We’re justifiably proud of our two new Worcestershire developments in the picturesque towns of Hartlebury and Kempsey. Designed and built with care, the modern homes at

Bowbrook and Elgar Park range from stylish 3 bedroom homes to luxurious 5 bedroom properties. With prices starting from just £340,995, and with schemes such as Help to Buy, Easymover and Part Exchange available, anyone can call one of these exclusive locations home.

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Be amongst the first to explore our stunning interior designed five bedroom Lavenham and three bedroom Ardingham show homes at Elgar Park on Saturday 21st May, from 11am to 5pm.

This exciting new development will offer modern living in an idyllic rural setting. Hartlebury is a thirving village community to the south-east of Kidderminster and provides a range of amenities on the doorstep for everyday needs.

Join us to find out more about this wonderful development of stylish three, four and five bedroom designs. Named after Worcestershire composer Edward Elgar, the development boats an idyllic countryside setting in the Malvern Hills District.

Worcester Road, Hartlebury, Worcestershire, DY11 7TA

Main Road, Kempsey, Worcestershire, WR5 3NF

Call 01299 660 452

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Sales centre open Thursday to Monday, 11.00am – 5.00pm

For more information about these sites visit taylorwimpey.co.uk *Normal Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Prices correct at time of going to press. Offer available on selected plots and developments only. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan of up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value) Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request. This offer is subject and only available on selected developments and properties in England only. It is not offered with any other promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

The Amazing Benefits of Sunlight Mel Taffs

etâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start with the obvious that sunlight is a great initiator of vitamin D in our bodies. Sunlight reacts with the cholesterol in our skin that ignites a process to create vitamin D from our kidneys and liver. This does not happen without sunlight. Exposing bare skin to it for 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a week is sufficient to get your quota. It is believed that using sunscreen blocks UVB rays thus inhibiting vitamin D production. As a pre hormone vitamin D has many internal health functions and also it has its own shutdown mechanism safeguarding you from overdoing it. Other than getting vitamin D from sunlight the alternative is from supplements or UVB tanning beds, neither of which work as well? Sunlight and Sleep When sunlight hits your eyes your optic nerve sends a message to the optic gland in the brain that produces melatonin (a hormone that helps you sleep.) The gland decreases its secretions of melatonin until the sun goes down again. In other words exposure to sunlight during the day increases the natural production of melatonin at night. Low levels of melatonin are linked to poor quality sleep in adults. Sunlight and Mild Depression There has been a lot of research into the link between sunlight and mood. One study found that sunlight actually increases the levels of serotonin, a natural antidepressant in the brain. On sunny days the brain produces more of the mood lifting chemical serotonin than on darker days.

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Sunlight and Bone Health It is well known that vitamin D stimulates the absorption of bone strengthening calcium. The process of vitamin D manufacture begins when sunlight changes the cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D. There is a direct correlation between bone density and bone levels of vitamin D. Sunlight and Psoriasis Exposure to sunlight is extremely beneficial for people with psoriasis. In one study an outdoor, four week sunbathing therapy resulted in the clearance of 84% of the psoriasis. Sunlight and Multiple Sclerosis MS is more common in populations who live further away from the equator. People who have moved from a low risk area to a high risk area before the age of 15 acquire a higher risk of developing MS, whereas those who make the same move after adolescence retain a lower risk. These observations show that environmental exposure and in particular early sunlight exposure in the first two decades of life influences the risk of developing MS. Relating to this information there is a lower risk of MS for births occurring after October and a higher risk for MS for births occurring after May. Need help with a healthy lifestyle? Ideas on Healthy tasty food? Tips on keeping fit for free? Email: melanietaffs7@gmail.com Tel:07792421080

At Aura Veda we believe that health and wellbeing go hand in hand with mental and physical wellness. Discover your dosha. In depth diagnosis of your bodily systems and tissues. Using our Heart Rate Variabilty programme, we can thus help you to understand and balance your body mind and spirit. t Marma therapy one of Ayurvedaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secrets We take a holistic view to help soothe, relax and rebalance body and mind. Whether you are looking for a treatment to aid you to unwind or de-stress, or have been battling with a chronic condition such as back or joint pain we can help. t Healing Massage

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Blue Light Lucie Abu-Zalaf

any of us these days spend hours a day in front of laptops, tablets, computers, TVs and of course smart phones, and while most of us are aware that this sedentary way of living has to be countered with regular exercise and outdoor time; most of us overlook the damage that these screens are doing to our eyes and our body’s circadian rhythm. When we step outside into bright sunshine, flick on a light switch or look at our smart phone, our eyes are exposed to a whole range of visible and invisible (ultraviolet) rays. Sunlight contains a range of colours from reds to blues; think of the colours that you see in a rainbow when the light is refracted upon passing through a droplet of water. Combined, this is called white light and is the sunlight that we see every day. Without getting too technical and into the physics of it, there is an inverse relationship between the wavelength and the amount of energy they contain. Longer wavelengths, such as red light contain considerably less energy than the shortest wavelengths in the visible spectrum, which is blue light.

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Red wavelengths outside the visible spectrum are called infrared, these are warming but invisible and not damaging. Blue wavelengths outside our visible light spectrum are often called blueviolet or violet light, which is why those just out of the spectrum are called ultraviolet light. UV rays have a higher amount of energy and therefore radiation than those in the visible light spectrum, which is why they do things like tan, or burn, our skin when we are outside on a clear day. These rays, in moderation, are necessary for living a healthy life, check out Mel Taffs’ article this month for more information on this, but like too much sun can damage your skin, it can also really affect your eyes

and because blue light is emitted from so many devices that most of us use on a daily basis as well as sunlight, it’s a good idea to be aware. Blue light in its natural form, from the sun, is actually used by our bodies to help regulate our sleep wake cycles, makes us feel more alert, heighten reaction times, elevate moods and increase the feeling of wellbeing.

The amount of artificial high energy rays that devices emit is tiny in comparison to the amount given out from the sun, but the proximity of our faces to screens and smart phones and the increased amount of time spent using such devices has started to cause those in the know to worry about the long term effects. Because blue light has a shorter wavelength is it more prone to flicker; this kind of flickering creates a glare that can reduce contrast and affect sharpness and clarity. This contributes to why sitting in front of screens for long periods of time can cause headaches, eye strain and physical and mental fatigue. Research has shown that the lens of the eye and the pigmentation at the back of the eye offer some protection against blue light, but this protection only lasts for a short period of exposure to intense blue light and also only really works during daylight hours. Prolonged exposure, especially at night time can lead to retinal damage and contribute to age related macular degeneration, which can lead to loss of vision. Long term

exposure to blue light at night can lower the production of melatonin, the hormone which regulates your sleep and your body clock. When our circadian rhythms are thrown out, it’s not just a lack of sleep that suffers. Researchers also believe that we are more at risk of heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and various cancers. These examples are more related to long term night shift patterns or sleep disorders, but any disruption to your circadian rhythm can cause problems. So what can we do to manage our blue light exposure? Thankfully, we don’t need to worry too much about it in the daytime, as we are geared up to deal with it then and it can actually benefit us, although regular breaks away from the computer are a must and to help relieve tired eyes, try and remember to blink more as studies show that staring at a screen all day causes us to blink less which can cause your eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable. But it’s at the other end of the day where being a little more mindful will help keep your body functioning at its best

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and most natural. After sunset, try not to spend too much time gazing at your smart phone or tablet, especially in the 90 minutes before bed. Proximity is a key factor, which is why phones and tablets are more of a concern than television and lightbulbs. Let’s also be honest, no one wants to sit in a totally dark room for hours before bed time, but things like reading a hard copy of a book (or Edge Magazine) rather than an eBook will help and put the phone away, Facebook and most emails can certainly wait until the morning. If you have an iPhone or iPad, the newest update also allows you to set the phone to ‘Night Shift’ in the display and brightness settings. Night Shift uses your phone or tablet’s clock and geolocation to determine when it’s sunset in your location, then it automatically shifts the colours in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum. In the morning, it returns the display to its regular settings, hopefully helping to reduce the blue light exposure if you just can’t help checking your phone before bed.

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Time Out A change is as good as a rest Gail Braznell

ccording to the Mental Health foundation a change of scenery or pace is very good for our well being. I’d go so far as to say that escaping to the countryside brings the most benefits of all, the air is cleaner, there’s peace and quiet and generally things are less hectic. Weigh that up against spending hours in an airport because you have had your flight delayed or diverted and I know which one I prefer. Here in the UK, we are surrounded by glorious countryside, great food and magnificent places to stay. We may lack guaranteed sun but we have eccentricity by the bucket load and there is plenty here to help us unwind happily. My point is, the countryside is naturally calming, every day is better when you take some time out from the noise and infrastructure and be one with Mother Nature. I promise I won’t ask you to start collecting healing crystals if this is a little too hippy for your taste. But seriously, if you’ve got children you probably don’t remember what quiet is, then let me remind you. It’s beautiful undisturbed nothingness. Most people do not find a single moment alone in their day. It’s extremely important to your mental health that you focus on you, even if it’s just to pop your feet up for a little time with a book, or a good song. Relaxing should be a quintessential part of everyday not something that you force yourself to do once you realise your stress level has gone through the roof. There are many positive ways to relax that can have a better impact on your mental health. Here are a few techniques that can prevent stress rising throughout the day. Make the time throughout the day to break or pause, stop what you are doing and look out of the window, let your shoulders drop, stretch and allow your mind to calm down. If you encounter a stressful situation such as an upsetting phone call or a busy journey home give yourself time afterwards to calm down. Sometimes concentrating on your breathing helps the body to relax and can have a calming effect, close your eyes and take deep breaths in and out. Focus on your favourite place, think about what you might be doing there. Picturing this nice place can help you to relax and take yourself away from the current stressful situation and help calm you down to prevent stress levels gradually rising throughout the day.

People who have stressful jobs often find that taking up a hobby can help them to switch their brains off from work pressures once they are away from work. Often when you go back to the thing that you were finding stressful, you can cope better having taken a break from it and switching off. Exercise where the heart rate is increased releases endorphins which make you feel good, this could include going to the gym or playing football, It could include cycling, skate boarding, surfing, riding a horse or even swimming. Build your exercise around the type of things you enjoy. Walking also releases endorphins but can also help you to switch off from pressures as you take in the scenery around you and get into a steady rhythm, the fresh air will also help you to relax and sleep better. Yoga, tai chi and pilates are designed around relaxation and breathing techniques which can all aid relaxation. A nice warm bath with aromatherapy candles or bubble bath helps the muscles relax and encourages general feelings of relaxation and could also help your mind to relax. Watch a film or an interesting documentary, escapism is a great way to switch off from reality for a while and help the mind to relax, Leaving the stressful situation you are in and talking things over with friends or even chatting about something completely different from what caused the stress can take your mind off things and aid relaxation.

May 2016

Join us from Friday 10th June, when we will be hosting a Moet & Chandon Ice garden party. The Moet Ice garden party will be kicking off a weekend of good food, drink and live music. On the Saturday a Sunday we will be having a real ale festival. More details to follow soon. Watch this space and add us on Facebook or Twitter

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The Battle of Worcester The Faithful City and that turbulent battle of 1651 Gail Braznell

here is now little sign of the violent battle that raged in and around Worcester on that momentous day of 3rd September 1651. The remains of Fort Royal are still visible, as are the musket ball marks on Powick church and the damage to Powick bridge. The Battle of Worcester was so much more than just another battle it was the final stage in a series of civil wars that not only affected England, but Scotland, Ireland and Wales too. This was a battle that changed the social, political and historical landscape of England forever and one of the most momentous events in our history. With a unique place in English Civil War history, it started with a small but bloody skirmish at Powick Bridge in 1642, and ended with the large-scale bloodshed of the 1651 Battle of Worcester, fought on the 3rd September starting at midday and lasting for ten hours. So important was the outcome of the Battle of Worcester, that two of the founding fathers of the United States of America, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, came to Worcester in 1786 to see the battlefield for themselves.

Charles II was attempting to win back the English throne after his father, Charles I had been executed in 1649. Proclaimed King in 1650, having been in self-imposed exile, he marched his 15,000 men into England under the command of the Duke of Hamilton, choosing Worcester to make his stand and The Commandery as headquarters. Oliver Cromwell led the Parliamentarian new model army against Charles II’s men, arriving in Worcester with 30,000 soldiers, twice the amount as the Royalists. In 1651, King Charles II’s hopes were crushed in The Battle of Worcester, the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life, blocked by Cromwell’s patrols, he found refuge at Boscobel in Shropshire hiding in a tree, which is now known as The Royal Oak. Then moving from this hiding place in The Royal Oak, he spent the night hiding in a priest-hole in the same lodge before travelling in disguise to other safe houses, later escaping to France.

Cromwell’s tactics succeeded in cutting off both sides of Worcester and preventing Charles' army escaping the city. Cromwell sent 4,000 men to aid the attack on Powick, crossing the river Severn via bridges of boats. The Royalists under Colonels Pitscottie and Keith retreated north from Powick to the bridge across the river Teme whilst royalist cavalry under General Leslie refused to reinforce their comrades at Powick. King Charles rode out from Worcester to rally his men, having watched from the tower of Worcester Cathedral. Leading a charge on Red Hill and Perry Wood, the Royalists were forced back, when Cromwell resumed command of the Parliamentarian right flank, threatening Fort Royal. It was here the Duke of Hamilton was mortally wounded by a musket shot to the leg and died days later in The Commandery from gangrene. Oliver Cromwell refused permission for his body to be returned to Scotland after the Duke refused surgery by Cromwell’s own surgeon, that could have saved his life. His body was buried under the floor May 2016

of The Commandery for a while, then later exhumed and reburied at Worcester Cathedral. The Royalists were forced back into Worcester through the Sidbury Gate after Fort Royal was captured resulting in a bloody massacre. As Parliament’s men began to break into Worcester, Royalists staged a final cavalry charge on the High Street to buy time for Charles to escape along with General Leslie who had earlier refused to fight. David Leslie was later captured attempting to reach Scotland and sent to the tower of London. The final Royalist stronghold in the city, at Castle mound, surrendered to Cromwell after negotiations and parliament recorded a complete victory apart from their failure to capture Charles. The Battle of Worcester destroyed the final hopes of the Royalists regaining power by military force. Charles was 16

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Oliver Cromwell described Worcester as a “crowning mercy”. It was his final battle as an active commander. There’s a legend that on the eve of his great victory at Worcester, Cromwell went alone into Perry Wood and ‘’sold his soul’’ to the Devil on condition that he could emerge triumphant from the following day’s conflict. The devil promised Cromwell victory in exchange for his soul, saying he would come to collect the debt in 7 years time. Cromwell died on a stormy night, 3rd September 1658, seven years to the day after the Battle of Worcester! forced into exile and the long and bitter Civil War was over, appropriately ending where it had begun. This was Cromwell’s last great victory in battle and it secured his dominant position, political as well as military, contributing to his appointment in 1653 as Lord Protector.

A visit to the battlefield is well worthwhile and if you are feeling energetic and have an interest in the history of this great county then a day out walking the walk is a must. The area to the south of Worcester between Powick Bridge and the confluence of the Severn and Teme is the best-preserved part of the battlefield. There is good access to the old Powick Bridge and there are footpaths leading across the battlefield, including paths on the north side of the Teme and on both sides of the Severn. Here the ground is still open agricultural land, where the manoeuvres of the armies between the bridge and the position of the pontoons can be best appreciated. Further north and to the east of the city late 19th and particularly 20th-century development has destroyed large parts of the battlefield and most traces of the landscape.

Within the city, there are several buildings and monuments associated with the battle. The top of the Cathedral tower gives the best view of the battlefield. The Commandery tells stories from the Civil War and the Battle of Worcester as part of its long and varied history from its location in the heart of Worcester, just 3 minutes walk from Worcester Cathedral. Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10.00am5.00pm. Sunday 1.30pm-5.00pm. Tel: (01905) 361821 Special thanks to Alex Bear for telling me in great detail the turbulent story of The Battle of Worcester.

The Commandery’s Survival The Commandery itself has always been an important building to Worcester. Originally a monastic hospital, its grandeur aided it’s survival during the reformation, as rather than being destroyed it was sold into the hands of a wealthy Protestant family. It has survived two major engagements during the English Civil War; In 1646 when the city was besieged and all buildings outside the city walls in the Sidbury area were torn down to remove any potential cover for an advancing enemy and in 1651 when the building served as General Hamilton’s headquarters. During the 1651 battle, the wounded Scots were being held and treated in The Commandery whilst the battle raged. Considering the building’s location between Fort Royal and the city itself, it is important to remember that once the fort fell, The Commandery would have been a perfect target for the Parliamentarian gunners as the surviving Scots fled towards the safety of the building. However, it has been theorised that the Parliamentarians were unable to depress their cannons far enough to actually aim at the building and had to resign themselves to hurling cannonballs over the building and into the city behind instead. This would explain why such little battle damage can be observed around the building despite fighting no doubt taking place in and around the building’s grounds. May 2016

Spring/Summer Festival Guide Alex Dudley

Colmore Food Festival (8th-9th July)

Birmingham’s premiere food and drink festival returns for 2016. It brings together the city’s finest hospitality venues of the Colmore Business Distict for one weekend. Visitors are able to sample tasters from the likes of OPUS and Pure Bar among many more, for only £3. In total there are 26 different venues offering their services with ten bands playing live to entertain the crowds. Last year, the festival played host to over 32,000 visitors and this year aims to break that record. Located in the stylish area of Victoria Square it is a festival that really is the heart of the second city and shows everything that is great about Birmingham. www.colmorefoodfestival.com

Cheltenham Wine Festival (14th May)

Fancy a romantic day out with your loved one? Look no further, the Cheltenham wine festival is located at Cheltenham football club and has a selection of over 250 wines. Enjoy your favourites and if you are feeling adventurous try new exciting ones from countries around the world including Austria, Australia and Chile. The exhibitors are all wine experts with a passion for the fantastic wines they are showcasing. This would be a perfect chance to ask where the wine you are drinking has come from and the different grapes that go into producing a bottle. Like they say, every wine has a story. The grand tasting tickets to the celebration include a free wine glass, which is yours to keep and you could also be in with a chance of winning a bottle of NV Bollinger Champagne. Tickets cost £20 and include free samples of the wine. With limited tickets and high demand, purchase your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment. www.cheltenhamwinefestival.com 18

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Bearded Theory Festival (26th-29th May)

The Bearded Theory festival is based within the beautiful grounds of Catton Hall in Derbyshire and taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend, there is no better place to be. The festival includes live music over the course of the weekend with its main emphasis being on British guitar tradition with indie, alternative and Britpop acts gracing the stage. Bearded Theory has a great history, winning the 2013 Best Small Festival award and since then has expanded massively with over 10,000 people attending last years event. The main reason the festival stands out so much is because every year they attempt to break the record for the amount of people in fancy dress in one place, this being helped by the fact that beard disguises are handed out to everyone there. Bearded Theory is also child friendly they even have a children’s village, making it the place to be for a family weekend away in May. www.beardedtheory.co.uk

Livestock 2016 (29th-31st July)

Asparafest (4th-5th June)

Livestock is back again for 2016 and will be bringing in the crowds to build on a very successful year in 2015, in which they were nominated for the Best New Festival and Best Family Festival awards. Livestock takes place on the last weekend in July and is packed with music, food and comedy. This year’s line up looks the best to date with Reef and Chesney Hawkes already announced and more to follow soon. To celebrate the festival’s highly anticipated return; the team have hooked up with the Three Shires Brewery to launch their own beer. Festivalgoers can expect a roasted chestnut coloured pint of exclusive traditional bitter that has an ABV of 4% at this year’s festival, which surely can’t be missed.

Worcestershire’s famous Asparafest returns for its fourth year, over the first weekend of June. Renowned for the celebration of asparagus, the festival has truly become one of the best food and drink festivals in Worcestershire. It also boasts two stages for live music, making it an unforgettable weekend. Located at Ashdown Farm, there are also family workshops, cookery demonstrations with local and celebrity chefs, vintage vehicles and a special appearance from the worldfamous Asparamancer. Tickets are priced at £17 for adults and with the varied selection of activities on offer, there is sure to be something for everyone at this years, Asparafest.

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Forest Live (8th-11th July) Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audience. The profits made by the ticket sales are spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands. Over the festivals 15-year history, money raised has contributed to a range of projects from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors. The gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere; this is down to the full catering and bar facilities available during the weekend. Over its history, the festival has welcomed over one million spectators, with last year being the most popular to date. This year, the main festival headliners are the Kaiser Chiefs, who will be performing on Sunday 11th July. The band have been a main stay on the UK music scene for over ten years and have had a string of top ten singles including “Ruby”, “Oh My God” and “I Predict A Riot.” The other announced headliners are James Bay (9th July) and Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott (10th July.) www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Lunar Festival (3rd-5th June)

The Lunar Festival returns for its fourth year and its popularity reaches new heights. During the day there is a full programme of activities to keep the whole family entertained including green crafts, daily yoga, cinema club, sausage making workshops a and circus skills workshop. The festival really gets started in the evening where the festival is transformed into various pop up mini-nightclubs while the main bar becomes the main stage for household DJs to keep the party going into the early hours. The festival also offers local ales and food with plenty of choice to make sure everyone is well watered and fed. Located in Arden, Warwickshire and with no camping charge it is a cheap family weekend away. However, if the camping life isn’t for you, you can hire a live-in vehicle for a moderate charge of £64. www.lunarfestival.co.uk May 2016

Friar Street & New Street Worcesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere independent hub

Steeped in history, Friar Street and New Street have both played an integral part in Worcester since the medieval times where Friar Street once served as an important thoroughfare skirting the city walls. Today, situated between the High Street and City Walls Road, both streets play home to a treasure of local Independent retailers becoming a combined premiere shopping destination in Worcester, housing an assortment of fashion boutiques, jewellers, home interior shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and salons. You will discover a gateway of uniqueness and a haven of sophistication across all of the retailers. Each shop is situated in its own distinctive setting, because of the different time periods and stories that each building holds allowing the character and charm to never be forgotten. If you have not yet visited this beautiful part of Worcester, then it is certainly a place worth exploring. If not for the amazing buildings which line the streets, then definitely for the amazing shopping experience that all can enjoy.

The Little Pink Cake Shop Wedding designer Angela Veronica is on hand to deliver your perfect wedding and enjoys working with her clients, using her expert knowledge combined with the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspirations and influences. Angela is available to visit for a free design consultation at her beautiful cake boutique on Friar Street and is happy to discuss all of your requirements for the big day, from cakes, chocolates, flowers and dressing your venue. There are an array of cake flavours available from Madagascan vanilla, Sicilian lemon, Belgian chocolate or fruitcake soaked in either cognac, whiskey or sherry, as well as some truly delicious fillings including strawberry or baileys buttercream. There is something for everyone and the team are on hand to help you cherish those special moments leading up to your wedding day, as well as the day itself. The Little Pink Cake Shop, Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 312043 20

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SWAN Luxury Gifts and Interiors SWAN Boutique opened July 2014 offering a range of interiors from Parlane, Twos Company, India Jane and Coach House. Owner Susan's aspirations supported by a vision for great style and creativity SWAN has evolved and now offers a range of classic affordable clothing such as Cashmere, Silks, Linens, Beachwear including CARA London Shoes and Vidorreta Espardrilles. A unique range of jewellery specialising in semi-precious and plated metals and a delicate array of scarves focused on the seasonal palette which is coordinated to perfectly compliment the natural hues of the jewellery. SWAN has a fantastic selection of products that are unique and classic whilst offering expert knowledge and excellent customer service helping you to find the perfect gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself. 17 Friar St, Worcester WR1 2NA | Tel: 01905 739332 |www.swan-giftsandinteriors.com

Pockets Menswear Pockets has grown its reputation as being one of Worcester’s greatest independent stores that has a clear passion for menswear by stocking some of the finest designer brands including the likes of Paul Smith, Stone Island, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss to name but a few. Manager Kate and her team pride themselves on providing expert styling advice and exceptional customer service, paying close attention to detail whilst selling high quality products and creating the ultimate shopping experience. Pockets Menswear prides itself on catering to a customer’s needs and helping men find their perfect outfit to suit any occasion. 39 Friar Street, Town Centre, Worcester WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 613113

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Classic Cuts Classic Cuts was first established in 1992 and is located at the heart of Friar Street. It offers professional hairdressing services for the family in a serene and relaxing atmosphere and you may even see a famous face or two! With a highly trained team of dedicated stylists, Classic Cuts are at hand to meet all of your hair care needs. AVEDA and L’oreal Professional products and colour are used in salon, which is a key part of the quality service provided. We have a fully trained team to meet everyone’s requirements. The salon's listed building may be of age but the hairdressing is very current, recently achieving the ‘L’oreal Colour Trophy Regional Finals’ in both ladies and men’s 7-9 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 616188 or 01905 724634 FB Page: Classic Cuts Worcester May 2016

Burgerworks Burgerworks is your local dedicated burger restaurant, founded by Arvin and Therese out of a passion for providing the people of Worcester with fresh, flavoursome food. After 11 years running one of the City’s most successful Italian restaurants, Puccini’s, we decided that the face of Worcester dining needed something new, fresh and exciting, so we created Burgerworks, Worcester’s first ever gourmet burger restaurant. Our ethos is simple – small, fresh, local. Burgerworks is family run and the food is locally sourced, ethically produced and handmade on the premises (not to mention absolutely delicious). We welcome families and offer plenty of choices for children. Our meat is sourced from H.Dayus Family Butchers in Worcester, vegetables are sourced from Pershore Produce and MA Bakers in Worcester provides our artisan rolls. Our disposables and packaging is ethical and biodegradable, from BioPac in Pershore. We love what we do at Burgerworks and hope that you will join us in loving it too. 12 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 27770 www.burgerworks.uk burgerworks.uk@gmail.com

Insitu Insitu was first opened by Jonathan Macmillan in 1985 and decided to use his extensive knowledge of interiors and furniture to go on to build one of the few independent furniture stores in the Midlands. Insitu offers a wide choice of contemporary furniture, accessories and lighting for those looking for something unique and special. Amongst its suppliers Insitu has some of the major manufacturers such as, Stressless, Ligne Roset, Fama, Rom, Varier and Collin & Hayes, as well as many other leading designers of high quality contemporary furniture. Insitu’s individual approach means that the very knowledgeable team that are happy to advise and help customers find the perfect match for their home. Visit their fantastic showrooms on three floors and be inspired. 35 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 613515 www.insitufurniture.co.uk

Thai Gallery The Thai Gallery based on the popular Friar Street takes great pride in providing you with fresh and flavoursome Thai cuisine that the team hope will have you returning for more, again and again. The chefs are all highly experienced in preparing a vast selection of Thai dishes with speed and efficiency, using only the finest and freshest ingredients imported from Thailand itself, so that diners can appreciate the authentic taste of traditional Thai food. With a variety of different dishes to choose from on the menu, the Thai Gallery are sure you will find a new taste sensation that you will love. 26-32 Friar St, Worcester WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 25451 www.thaigallery.co.uk 22

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Emporio Emporio is an individual boutique that is destination shopping at its best, providing ladies designer clothing and accessories, including brands such as Almost Famous, Armani Jeans, Diane Von Furstenberg, Moschino and Joseph. Emporio also stock ladies shoes by Penelope Chivers, Paul Smith and Lisa Kay. When it comes to fashion Emporio provide on-trend styling and a friendly, personal service. Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm 33 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 726643 www.emporioworcester.co.uk

The Hat House Located on Friar Street, The Hat House is one of the highlights to this streets boutique essence. Owner Jane Ward is in to her 6th year of trading and has developed a passion and fascination with helping customers to find their perfect solution for any occasion such as, weddings, garden parties and race days which are only a small selection of occasions she covers. Creating the perfect hat is about combining the right textures, shapes and colours resulting in an individual and unique work of art. Jane has an open and flexible approach and works closely alongside clients creating an experience to remember. Jane also has a beautiful show room hosting a selection of scarves, umbrellas and hosiery to compliment your special outfit. For a friendly and welcoming professional service you can book in for a consultation with Jane who will happily guide you through her passion for hats, elegance and sophistication in this skilled craft. 16 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ

Tel: 07940 529507

www.thehathouse.co.uk

Felicé Felicé at 6 Friar Street has built its reputation for 33 years with its clear representation of Parisian, chic and imaginative Italian womenswear. Founders and owners Diana and Gemma Oliver have both combined their global influences within the business, with Gemma designing her very own precious and semi-precious stone jewellery collection, Sonaquila, which was inspired by her travels to Africa and India, yet she still continues to follow Felicé's Italian design concepts. Felicé's exclusive designs are sourced internationally for the modern minded woman looking for elegance and affordable luxury that is of the highest quality. The shop displays creative and dynamic variations with expert advice available from this family run venture. Felicé is your passport to flexible style and sophistication in an easy going, knowledgeable, attitude free environment! 6 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ 01905 20335 www.friarstreetworcester.com/felicé May 2016

Chung Ying Garden The Chung Ying Garden is Worcester’s premier eating place for traditional Vietnamese and Cantonese cuisine. Not only are you greeted with a warm welcome from Wendy and her team, but the aroma of beautiful spices and flavours will capture your taste buds as you are lead to your table. Choose from a wide range of dishes with special recommended dishes served on a hot sizzling platter. A good range of beers, wines and spirits compliment the finishing touch to this food heaven. 50 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ 01905 22972

G & Tea G & Tea was happened upon, quite by chance when lifelong friends Chrissy and Therese, who met in the 80s, walked past this beautiful, vacant building at 45 Friar Street and saw their chance. They both had always dreamed of running a tea room. With their love for all things vintage, quintessentially British and the tradition of taking tea, both their 30 years’ experience in the hospitality trade, a passion for fresh, quality, locally sourced produce and the real need in Worcester for a proper tea room – G & Tea made perfect sense. G & Tea is your local, independent, vintage tea room - run by friends for friends, serving a selection of 14 loose leaf teas, gin tea pot cocktails; homemade breakfasts, lunches and amazing afternoon teas with all baking done on the premises. 45 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 863323

www.g-andtea.uk

info@g-andtea.uk

Jill Wheelock-Lines If you haven’t visited us yet then you’re missing out! If you have, then you will know that we always have a fabulous selection of jewellery in stock, that is amongst the best in Worcestershire. From the very best diamond, to a natural pearl, or a piece made especially for you. A friendly welcome awaits everyone, whether purchasing or not, always with passionate customer care and a spot of fun thrown in. 8 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ 01905 613799 www.jillwheelock-lines.co.uk

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Heroes Heroes is an eclectic, quirky and alternative style bar with a relaxed atmosphere, serving quality drinks till late. There are live DJs every weekend allowing you to enjoy listening to various genres of music including a variety of classic funk, soul, old school hip hop, punk, rockabilly and electronica which is all played in the back bar. This unique bar is situated above the Thai Gallery restaurant on Friar Street, and can only be described as a quirky maze of nooks and crannies including a games room with a pool table, table football and arcade machine. 26-32 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ 01905 22755 www.facebook.com/heroesworcester

Singapore Restaurant David and his team at Singapore Restaurant provide diners with authentic and modern Cantonese cuisine having designed an appealing menu that features a selection of Cantonese dishes plus a special selection of popular Singaporean and Malaysian dishes which will excite your appetite and taste buds. The team welcome its customers to a warm ambience with staff that are happy to attend to all your needs and assist in choosing the perfect wine from the extensive new wine list, which has a selection of wines which is focussed on complementing your chosen dishes. Singapore Restaurant has also recently been voted as one of the ‘10 best restaurants in Worcester’ by the Culture Trip and is currently ranked the number one Chinese and Cantonese restaurant in Worcester by Trip Advisor. Opening Times: Mon - Thurs - 5pm - 11pm - Fri & Sat - 12pm - 11:30pm - Sunday - 12pm - 10pm 29 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2NA Tel: 01905 613005

www.singaporerestaurant.co.uk

King Charles House Surrounded by history, this traditional pub is proud to offer eight pumps of real ale, including Craddocks, Bridgnorth, two Thirsty Brewers ales and two local ciders plus, good honest pub food. The modern menu celebrates English favourites with delicious award winning pie and mash options, from Pieminister, as well as sandwiches and salads 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 in the real ale haven of Worcester. 29 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP Tel: 01905 726100 www.kingcharleshouse.com

May 2016

Strands Hair and Beauty Strands Hair and Beauty welcomes customers to its beautiful salon on New Street to enjoy a hair or beauty experience. They believe in satisfying their customers whether it be a personal or individual treat. Owner Teresa Vick has over 28 years of experience and her team believe in having a strong work ethic and a flexible approach following the client’s wishes and aspirations. When it comes to hair, the team use their knowledge and expertise to make sure that attention to detail is shown through their service by helping to advise clients on skin tone, face shape and healthy hair using some of the best products including, Wella, Joico, GHD and Moroccan oil whilst beauty treatments are tailored to suit the client’s needs. 19 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP Tel: 01905 723848

www.strandsinworcester.co.uk

Saffrons As one of Worcester’s favourite eateries, Saffrons was first founded in 1995 by owners Nick and Chrissy Hunt who wanted to give Worcester a dining experience with a difference. This restaurant is an easy choice for those who like healthy, wholesome and hearty meals made with delicious locally sourced ingredients that can be enjoyed in a laid back and informal atmosphere. Inspired by British and European classics, Saffrons cater to all tastes whether it be game, risottos, fresh fish or chargrilled steaks. There is also an excellent wine list available to suit most connoisseurs. Nick and Chrissy also both have a love for gin and have been building up their collection in order to provide gin tasting evenings. 15 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP

Tel: 01905 610505

The Kings Gallery and Mangojuice Gallery The Kings Gallery and Mango Juice Gallery are two independent, family run galleries under one roof. The Kings Gallery has been open since 1998 offering two floors of original art, limited edition prints and bespoke framing. Mangojuice Gallery was first established by Popi Pribojac and has been trading in New Street since 2011, but has since moved within The Kings gallery, 18 months ago and offers a selection of handmade ceramics, glass, jewellery and textiles many from local artists and crafts people.

10 New St, Worcester WR1 2DN Tel: 01905 611196 www.mangojuicegallery.com

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www.saffronsbistro.co.uk

Chocolate Deli Chocolate Deli Coffee and Patisserie is located in this sought after area of Worcester and is home to a chocolate shop with a difference with artisan chocolatiers that make a delicious array of the finest handmade chocolates, truffles and one off quirky treats for children, all made from the premises using Belgian chocolates from their own original recipe. You can even create your own box with your choice of chocolates. The Chocolate Deli have a dedicated friendly team that will serve freshly prepared sandwiches, baked pastries, premium cakes and afternoon teas served in the comfortable coffee lounge. Stop by with friends and indulge in an inviting and relaxing space with cake and freshly ground coffee, as well as a large selection of loose teas by Suki. 53 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DL 01905 611324

www.chocolatedeli.uk.com

Peel & Adams Gentlemans Grooming Peel & Adams gentleman’s grooming opened their doors back in 2014, situated in the centre of New Street, this modern yet classic bespoke crafted barber shop has gone from strength to strength, receiving outstanding reviews for the friendly and charismatic atmosphere and excellent service. Proprietors Natalie Peel and Natalie Adams also welcome to the team experienced barber, Jessica Rose. Whether it’s a trim, restyle or a classic hot towel shave this is the place to be. Now open 6 days a week, they offer a walk in service or you can take advantage of an appointment on Mondays and late night Thursday openings! *Official stockists for ‘Hairbond’ styling products and ‘Proraso’ shaving range. 20 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP

Tel: 01905 20519

The Brick Room

Like to indulge in speciality coffees, hand crafted cocktails, sumptuous food and music? Then why not visit The Brick Room? Located on Worcester’s New Street, The Brick Room opened its doors in 2015 and over the past 12 months has become one of the city’s most popular social spaces offering a unique, cool and enjoyable ambience - ideal for catching up with friends over coffee or lunch, after work drinks or Friday night celebrations. Using only the best in locally sourced produce, The Brick Room boasts a delicious and competitively priced day menu – with brunch, salads, antipasti sharing boards, paninis and desserts served daily between 10am-6pm.

Other highlights include: Speciality coffees – voted as the best in Worcester by the venue’s customers. A handcrafted cocktail menu with other 40 variants - with a 2 for 1 offering during The Brick Room’s ‘Happier Hours’: Tuesday - Friday 5pm-9pm. Live music nights with Grand piano and acoustic sessions: Every Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7pm. The Brick Room, 38 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DL 01905 27534 May 2016

Bottles Wine Bar and Merchants Bottles Wine Bar has a unique concept set up by Richard Everton. Bottles is certainly the place for all wine lovers and brings something completely different to Worcester and its social scene. This wine bar and merchants offers a hybrid retail experience and also operates as a specialist shop and buzzing wine bar. Although it is dominated by wine. Bottles also offers appetising deli sharing boards, fantastic coffee, delicious cheeses and puddings. Richard and his team will provide you with their expert knowledge and experience to advise and recommend on the best wines to suit your occasion, with over 500 bottles of wines, ports and champagne to choose from, as well as a selection of craft beers, spirits, hot and soft drinks. Bottles is a sophisticated choice for wines and a great place to enjoy and entertain with friends or hold a private event with a difference. 22-24 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP

Tel: 01905 747919

www.bottleswine.co.uk

Papas Caffe The one place which you should be sure to visit on New Street is Papas Caffe, a favourite spot for coffee in Worcester who pride themselves on making coffee for a City that loves to drink it. This independent café is full of character that you are bound to love and the team enjoy creating experiences which can be shared with family and friends. Papas Caffe has a great atmosphere and is also a great place to meet new and interesting people. So if you can’t function without a cup of freshly ground coffee in the morning or if you are looking to relax on a break from work then this is one place you should visit. If you’re not a coffee addict have no fear, Papas Caffe serves a range of loose leaf teas and freshly prepared food with daily specials. Nash House, 6-8 New Street Worcester WR1 2DN

Tel: 01905 617783

Archetti Hair Design If you're looking for experienced ladies and gents hairdressers in Worcestershire, then Archetti Hair Design is the go-to salon. Archetti Hair Design is a family hair salon that has been established in Worcester for over twenty years. Known for having an outstanding reputation, due to the salon’s high standards of hairdressing and the use of top quality products Archetti Hair Design provide a friendly service at affordable prices. Archetti are a Wella appointed salon and use products such as Koleston Perfect, Colour Touch and Blondor. The team provide expert advice and assistance on all aspects of hairdressing and hair care and if you need some guidance on choosing a new style or preparing for a big day, then you can rest assured that your needs are Archetti Hair Designs number one priority at all times. 39 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DL Tel: 01905 616435 28

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www.archettihair.co.uk

www.papascaffe.com

Cranes Music Worcester Cranes Music Worcester was established in 1972 and has acquired an enviable reputation supplying pianos of all kinds across the UK. Its New Street showroom offers an impressive selection of the finest new and quality overhauled acoustic pianos, and the very latest digital pianos by Yamaha, Casio and Roland. With Cranes Music’ BLUE TICKET SALE now in full swing, they have a selection of instruments at HALF PRICE alongside huge savings on many others. Now is a great time to make your first purchase or upgrade! Visit our showroom to see and hear the latest Yamaha ‘Silent Piano’, an acoustic piano, but with the facility to use headphones for silent practice. The incredible new Casio GP300 and GP500 Hybrid digital pianos made in collaboration with one of the finest piano makers in the world; C.Bechstein of Berlin. Whatever your budget or requirements, Cranes will have the instrument to suit you. 26 New St, Worcester WR1 2DP

Tel: 01905 23023

www.cranesmusic.com

Exchange & Smart Exchange & Smart is a dress agency and was established in 1994. This boutique is full of wonderfully nearly new clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery, all laid out across two floors. Here you will find brands such as Paul Smith, Armani, Jigsaw, Hobbs, Masai and Boden. Exchange & Smart are quietly confident that they can find you something smart or casual and you can shop in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. We are happy to sell items on your behalf on a 50/50 basis. Clothes should be under two years old.

45 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DL Tel: 01905 611522

www.exchangeandsmart.com

May 2016

Picnic Time

Al fresco dining, prosecco and strawberries Gail Braznell

hances are you’ve been on at least one picnic in your lifetime. And if you haven’t, why not whip out the blanket and give it a go? Dining al fresco with friends and family is one of life’s greatest pleasures. As the warmer weather approaches, picnics are fast becoming the dining style of choice, whether it’s a full scale gig in the countryside or an impulsive lunch in the garden, eating outdoors somehow makes everything taste better, particularly if the sun is shining. Historians say that the English word picnic or pique-nique, is of French origin, formed from piquer, the French for “to pick at food”, and nique meaning something small of no value. The earliest picnics in England and France were medieval hunting feasts in the 14th Century. The Victorians used to pack the most wonderful picnics but these days we are into fast food or picking up ready made sandwiches and just don‘t know what should be in a picnic. I love homemade quiche and sausage rolls, pork pies, scotch eggs and coleslaw. I also love to bake for a picnic and what better than a bit of Great

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British Battenberg! But many of us go for last minute, spontaneous gettogethers, so classic picnic foods such as sandwiches, fruits, salads, crisp and cookies with fruit punch, lemonade and bottled water to drink are all we have time to prepare. Living in Worcestershire we are really spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots, with great places like Croome Court or the Malvern Hills, location is paramount, with parks, riversides and hilltops all providing glorious picnicking opportunities. However, I like to revisit the poignant places of my childhood and enjoy reminiscing over a Pimms whilst my son makes his own magical memories.

Some top picks for a picnic For a romantic time

You can’t beat fresh seafood, bubbly and strawberries. Or if you would like some international inspiration, a Mediterranean picnic could consist of cured meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables, olives, tapas dishes and breads.

Pack some sweet treats

Picnic sweets should be easily transportable, simple to serve, and pleasing to everyone. Try fresh fruit such as melon and berries or frozen yogurt as an alternate to ice cream. Picnic fun

Consider packing a Frisbee, a baseball, a football and a kite along. Or you could take your bikes, roller-skates and scooters depending on your chosen location. Food Safety

Leave food in the fridge until the very last moment. Most foods should be eaten within an hour or two of being removed from the fridge, a cool bag or cool box will help you to transport your chilled foods safely. Keep Britain tidy

Whatever you decide to munch on, try and leave as little waste as possible and remember to take your rubbish home with you, it is very distressing to see the countryside littered by paper bags and empty bottles.

This is a quick and easy chicken and asparagus quiche which is a great picnic food. Quiche is the perfect choice for picnics. It’s hardy and portable, you can fill it with your favourite ingredients, it can be eaten warm or cold, with or without cutlery - and above all, it’s not a boring old sandwich. Preparation time is approximately 30 mins & cooking time is approximately one hour Ingredients

Butter, for greasing Flour, for dusting 300g/10½oz ready-made shortcrust pastry 9 free-range eggs, 1 beaten for the glaze 600ml/20fl oz double cream 100g/3½oz asparagus 300g/10½fl oz cooked leftover roast chicken, cut into 3cm/1¼in chunks 1 tbsp chopped fresh marjoram

100g/3½oz vintage Comté cheese, finely grated

golden-brown. Remove the pastry case from the oven.

1 bag green salad leaves, to serve

Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Grease a 23cm/9in (4cm/2in deep) loose-bottomed tart tin with butter. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured work surface to a thickness of 5mm/¼in. Wrap the pastry around your rolling pin and gently lower it into the prepared tin, pressing the pastry gently into the base and sides. Cover the pastry case with cling film or baking parchment, then fill with baking beans, uncooked rice or flour. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the lining paper and baking beads.

In a bowl, whisk 8 eggs and the cream together, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the asparagus spears inside the tart case, then sprinkle over the chicken pieces and marjoram. Pour over the egg and cream mixture until almost level with the top of the pastry case. Scatter the Comté on top. Bake the quiche for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling has set and the pastry is golden-brown. Remove from the oven and set aside on a wire rack to cool. Once cool place in the fridge overnight ready to pack in your picnic hamper the next day.

Brush the inside of the tart all over with the beaten egg. Return the pastry case to the oven for a further 5 minutes, or until

May 2016

£500,000 FACELIFT FOR THE CHEQUERS AT CROWLE

he Chequers at Crowle has re-opened in great style with a new identity and under new management after transforming this village character inn with a £500,000 facelift. A new sister pub to The Forest at Feckenham, Worcestershire’s national award winning Pub of the Year, The Chequers at Crowle is already winning favour and flavour with villagers and customers from further afield; all tempted by its hallmark Anglo French cuisine. The launch of The Chequers at Crowle marks the fourth gastro-pub for Warwickshire headquartered CD Pub Co, and offers a relaxing environment with the emphasis on great food using the finest ingredients for ‘home’ prepared menus at value for money. Innovative new menu introductions include a showcase cheese board trolley with a wide selection of speciality artisan cheeses, sourced locally, and a Swiss style cheese fondue as a sharing starter for two. As a pub group that’s well renowned for its succulent Aubrey Allen range of dry-

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aged steaks, The Chequers also offers variety from both the sea and farm to the plate, whetting the appetite of diners looking for a celebratory feast or light bite. From a drinks perspective there is also a wide range of local beers and cask ales available to complement a full range of spirits and wines from around the world, offered by the bottle or glass. Commenting on its launch, Charles Harris operations director of CD Pub Co said the whole team were thrilled with the response of villagers and new customers to the pub’s new look, ambience, cuisine and bar service. As he explained: “We’ve had the most amazing feedback from customers since the launch, which is particularly welcome and a real boost after such an intensive 16 weeks’ full scale works programme. This included a new roof and an increased electrics supply to the pub, as well as the stylish refurbishment of the pub, both inside and out with new flooring, new dining areas offering both comfort and style in spacious surroundings. Extensive parking also provides a welcoming first impression and is an added bonus with over 100 spaces.

“The chance to introduce our successful formula to the village of Crowle for great food, at great value in a great atmosphere is very exciting, and we’ve already started to become an integral part of village life”, he added. More than 20 new jobs have already been created by the full scale refurbishment of The Chequers, but that number is set to increase during the warmer summer months, as the focus extends into al fresco dining on the impressive patio and gardens that surround the pub. CD Pub Co also runs The Stag at Offchurch and The Moorings at Myton near Leamington Spa – both of which have won numerous industry awards for their outstanding menu quality. Check out the website– www.thechequersatcrowle.com - as well as via social media on Facebook and Twitter. For further information please email info@cdpub.co.uk.

Plan your visit to Thai Gallery to get your taste for the best Asian cuisine available. Worcester's finest Thai restaurant is renowned for providing fresh ingredients and flavoursome meals, you will leave already planning your next visit so you can relive this new taste sensation. A small selection of our take away and Lunch menu

33 May 2016 26-32 Friar St, Worcester, WR1 2LZ |Tel: 01905 25451 | www.thaigallery.co.uk

The Great British Pub The rise and fall Alex Dudley

istorically, the renowned and traditional Great British pub was not just a place for drinking beer, wine and cider but also was the backbone of the community. Often the centre of local towns and villages, but these traditional meeting places have never been in as much danger of disappearing, or changing beyond recognition as they are now. During 1577, there were an estimated 17,000 alehouses, 2,000 inns and 400 taverns; this resulted in a pub to every 200 people in the whole of the UK. In comparison to now, there is one pub for every 1,000 people, really underlining the struggle that owners and CAMRA (Campaign for real ale) face with pubs closing down. Many of the alehouses, inns and taverns, all variations of the public houses that we know today, have been around for

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centuries. There was a huge increase in the amount of drinking establishments in the 18th century, primarily due to the introduction of gin from the Dutch. It was due to the ‘Gin Craze’ that strict licencing laws were brought in as this cheap, readily available liquor was seen to cause the ruination and degradation of the working class. But this also benefited those brewing and selling beer as the licence required to do so was much easier to obtain and the Beer Act of 1830 was introduced as beer was seen as totally harmless and actually of benefit to people, especially children as the dangers of drinking unsanitary water became apparent. The 1830 act enabled anyone who could pay two guineas to sell beer and cider meaning that a great number of people across Britain opened their doors to the general public to improve their income. Over the next year, more than 400 beer houses were opened with a further

46,000 opened over the following eight years, outnumbering inns, taverns and pubs. This led many of the so called ’gin palaces’ to suffer but really helped more traditional alehouses to open up or continue trading. A lot of public houses still use the words ‘inn’ and ‘tavern’ in their names now, keeping their prestige and history as a part of this. This was stopped in 1869 when new legislation was brought in, meaning the premises had to be checked and the landlord license was harder to achieve, and this is still the platform in operation today. This resulted in many of the beer houses being closed down and put out of business, but there was a small number that remained open for trading going into the 21st century, these were then renamed as public houses. During the first world war, the opening times of pubs were rationed and pubs

Botond Horvath / Shutterstock.com were only able to open for five and a half hours a day. Lunchtimes between 12pm-2pm and evenings between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, licensees were very keen to keep to these hours as policing was strict and if they were found to be breaking these then their license would be rescinded. These hours were extended but the strict law on when drinks could be served remained in full effect until 2000 when the hours were extended again, dependent on licence and application. March 2007, was the month when many people believe the pub trade died, as the smoking ban was introduced into public houses in England. There were mixed results on paper as some pubs reported food profits were up because of the increase in people that were willing to eat in the smoke free environment. However, the majority reported that their

sales figures were way down from the years previous. Many pubs no longer offer the traditional games due to gambling restrictions and lack of space but there has definitely been a large increase in those choosing to watch sports fixtures at their local. With the smoking ban lifted, the increase in children in public houses has been encouraged with outside areas often expanded and developed into more child friendly areas and food menus offering special choices and deals for kids. The number of pubs in the UK has been declining year by year since the beginning of 1982; various arguments offer reasons to why they are closing but no solutions. Arguments include the dissatisfaction of costumer service on offer, the smoking ban being in effect and cheaper alcohol being on offer in

supermarkets. The current average price of a pint in the UK is at an all time high, ÂŁ3.23, with 45p of that going on duty and 54p going towards tax payments. The Lost Pubs Project claims that 30,642 public houses have closed down and also that a further more four pubs each day shut their doors for the last time. One solution could be the gaining popularity of microbreweries who produce and sell smaller amounts of beer than corporate breweries and sell at a much more reasonable price, often with a more knowledgeable and personal service. With the growing interest in new flavours and tastes this does feel like the passing of the torch and are they growing to be the new community hub?

May 2016

Rioja

Land of a Thousand Wines Laura Clay

ew wine regions are as diverse in their landscape as Rioja. A relatively small area of only 70 miles east to west and 30 miles north to south, it boasts 150 square miles of interlocking mountain ranges shielding the land from both warm and cold winds, influencing the climate, the terrain, the exposure to sun and water, and therefore as a consequence, the very wine we drink. The vineyards are planted in the alluvial soils of the valleys of the Ebro River and its tributaries, or in the iron-rich or limestone soils of the mountain heights. The wine area is split into three subregions - Baja, Alta and Alavesa - each with its own particular topography and terroir influenced either by the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean; each with its own geography suitable for growing particular grape varieties with identifiable local characteristics. Tempranillo is by far and away the most important of the permitted varieties accounting for 80% of the red grapes planted. Regarded as producing wines with elegance, finesse and longevity and, though planted all over Spain,

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Tempranillo finds its finest expression in this region. Rioja has railed against growing the classic grapes so along with Tempranillo are other local varieties usually included in a blend to provide colour, tannin, alcohol and structure to the wines but are nowadays sometimes made as single varietal wines and very exciting they are, too. Garnacha and Graciano may be Tempranillo’s understudies waiting in the wings to prove their talents but their moment of fame is imminent. Things are changing in this part of Spain. 120,000 registered vineyard parcels are dispersed between 18,000 owners with the average vineyard holding being no more than 0.5 hectare - if that doesn’t suggest a land of wide diversity I don’t know what does! Traditionally the grapes are sourced and blended from around the region but increasingly winemakers are looking to produce single vineyard estate wines. Only a few have always worked this way, such as Contino which produces single Garnacha and Graciano wines from individual plots, but others are following suit.

- Cune Reserva 2011 - RRP £15.40 - Stockists: Waitrose, Majestic and Bargain Booze

Garnacha was much more significant even a mere 25 years ago than it is now, but is currently seen as having greater potential due to the noticeable effect of climate change, because it suffers less from lack of rain. Campo Viejo makes an inexpensive fruit-driven style while the top class Roda adds significant proportions to its blend. It can also make lovely delicate fruity rosés. Ramón Bilbao’s Lalomba 2015 is worth looking out for when it reaches these shores. Graciano though is, for me, even more exciting with its freshness, minerality and ability to age – it’s a shame it is a meagre 2% of the Rioja vineyard and a pain in the neck to grow! But several brave winegrowers see in it great potential and are prepared to take the risk.

Whites may not immediately spring to mind when thinking of Rioja but they can be tremendous. Either zingy and refreshing or creamy and barrelfermented these are wines which reflect and suit today’s current wine-drinking trends. Ontañón’s Vetiver made from the region’s top white grape, Viura, is lively and energetic when drunk young and with age is arguably even more vibrant with added complex nutty aromas and developed flavours.

alongside the ripe fruit and silky tannins I urge you to keep buying them. But look out too for all the new, innovative Rioja wines we are now seeing on the shelves. There is a simmering undercurrent of pioneering spirit in the area right now and I’d put money on a surge in diversity and even higher level of wine being produced with the word Rioja on the label in the coming years.

There is no doubt that Rioja produces some of the best value oak-aged wine styles from anywhere in the world. Crianzas are well-priced, and Reservas and Gran Reservas are mature wines ready to drink, with neat classy oak

For a chance to win a bottle of Reserva from one of Rioja’s most well-known and well-respected wineries, CVNE, send your name and contact details to ... wine@edgemagazine.org If you have any wine questions you’d like answering email For wine advice, tastings and courses email laura@bywine.co.uk or visit the website www.bywine.co.uk

May 2016

The Flyford Arms Rustic countryside dining

ocated in the beautiful countryside of Flyford Flavell in Worcestershire is the recently refurbished Flyford Arms which has evolved into a quaint, rustic inspired traditional English Inn, the perfect place to dine and drink whilst enjoying great home cooked food, real ales and a variety of wines. On entering the restaurant you feel a real sense of warmth and homelike style paired with rustic interiors, adding character and personality to this country hideaway. Steve and I were greeted by owner and chef John Williams who has had over 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the catering industry. John, who owns the Flyford with wife Ali, is passionate about the aims and goals for their restaurant and has a clear vision with what they hope to achieve, believing that the route to great food is at the heart of traditional classic dishes, as well as having a memorable experience which is key. All produce used in the restaurant is sourced locally including a range of meats such as duck, lamb, old fashioned steak cuts and porter house double sirloin. They also source a selection of fresh fish which is caught locally, including rainbow trout. It is about the simplicity of dining well and enjoying good pub food. The specials that are on offer are constantly changing with inspirational dishes being created, there is also a selection of four roasts available every Sunday and not forgetting those of you that are vegetarians have plenty of choice including the firm favourites, mushroom stroganoff and an alternative version of the traditional fish and chips dish, made with halloumi. John, Ali and the team kindly prepared a selection of six different dishes for Steve and I to try in order to get a real feel for what is on offer from the current menu. Even though this restaurant is open plan it still has a lovely cosy feel. Once our drink orders were taken we were soon to be presented with our starter dishes. The first option was the vegetarian mezze style platter which included olives, hummus, teamed with a piri piri drizzle, pitta bread, sun-blushed tomatoes and stuffed vine leaves, a perfect grazing board to share. This was extremely tasty and was full of an array of varied flavours. The second choice from the menu was the seafood platter which included smoked salmon, marie rose prawns, scampi and whitebait, an excellent choice for those of you who are seafood lovers and again a great sharing option that is presented beautifully. After we had tried and tested the platters our main courses arrived with the first choice being the duo of sea bass fillets with lemon butter sauce, served on a bed of new potatoes and dressed leaves topped with Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret dressing to finish. This was wholesome and hearty whilst being a light and tasty option. The second main that we were served was the baked garlic chicken and camembert mixed with smoked bacon, buttered new potatoes, chorizo and rocket salad. Being a huge fan of cheese this would have been my desired choice from the menu. A beautiful rustic dish, with all of the ingredients being well combined and in which I can see becoming a popular choice for diners at the Flyford Arms.

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One thing that truly stands out is how these dishes are all traditional classics and as John says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;our taste buds are enthralled with the science behind the dishâ&#x20AC;?. After letting our mains go down we were ready for our desserts which consisted of three delicious dishes with the first being the rich chocolate indulgence, which can only be described as pure chocolate heaven, a rich chocolate torte, deliciously topped with chunks of dime bar, snickers and mars, a definite sweet with a difference. The second dessert was the raspberry and elderflower pannacotta, which worked beautifully and was everything that pannacotta should be, creamy and light, the perfect combination. For the final dessert Steve and I were presented with the Lemon Curd Eton Mess, a stunning masterpiece yet sticking to its traditional values. This was mouth-wateringly tasty with a refreshing twist of zest to compliment the overall dish. The dining experience was spectacular at The Flyford Arms and here at Edge we cannot recommend it enough. Everything is cooked in house and is freshly made on the premises. John and Ali want the Flyford to become a point of interest and he will continue to follow his own route in being a leader in what he wants to achieve, carefully considering his menu and listening to customer feedback of what they would like to see on the menu. There are currently a range of offers available when dining at this restaurant including a special May offer where if two or more customers dine from Thursday to Friday, they will receive a free bottle of chilled Prosecco to enjoy with their meal but this applies to bookings only, terms and conditions will apply. There is also an offer on desserts from Monday through to Wednesday where with every main, diners will receive a free dessert. If you are looking to try somewhere a little different but want to keep it simple with traditional hearty classics then this is the place to visit. You will not only have the chance to enjoy the rustic setting but you can relax with wholesome, and nutritious food in this countryside gem.

Flyford Arms Old Hill, Flyford Flavell WR7 4DA Tel: 01905 381890 www.flyfordarmsworcs.co.uk

May 2016

Open 11am to late every day Every first Thursday of the Month at Bottles Wine Bar – Comedy Night (£6 entry), 8pm Every first Monday of the month – Monday Tasting Club £20 to include tasting and 1 pot supper. 7.30pm at Bottles Wine Bar

Every last Thursday of the month – Thursday Tasting Club £15 to include tasting and nibbles. 6.30pm at Bottles Wine Bar

Thursday 16th June – Tasting Menu at The Manor Arms in Abberley with Peter Franus from Franus Winery in California. 6 course taster with reception £70 to include all food and wines. 7.30pm

Thursday 2nd June – Light versus Dark Spirits Tasting 1 at Bottles Wine Bar, 6-8pm Wednesday 29th June – Light versus Dark Spirits Tasting 2 at Bottles Wine Bar, 6-8pm Wednesday 20th July – Wine Dinner with Dante Cecchini from Castello Banfi at The Provenance, Worcester £60 to include all wines. 7.30pm Please book online or call Bottles.

Most extensive wine selection in Worcestershire both by the bottle or the glass. Over 40 different Wines, Sherries & Ports available by the glass. Regular wine tastings & events Available for private events with tailor made menus and wine tastings to suit all budgets Online shop - www.bottleswine.co.uk Fantastic Champagne & Prosecco cocktails Outside seating for drinking & dining Monthly Wine Club - every first Monday and last Thursday in the month

Bottles Wine Bar & Merchants 22-24 New St | Worcester | WR1 2DP | 01905 747 919 40

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The Rise and Rise of Prosecco

Sound advice from the experts at Bottles Wine Bar & Merchants Richard Everton

Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut Jeio Brut NV £11.99

Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut Crede 2014, Bisol £15.99

rosecco is now the best selling sparkling wine in the UK, both in terms of total sales and volume of wine sold. This is quite some feat when you consider how long champagne has been established as a ‘go to’ sparkling wine in this country. What makes Prosecco’s rise even more impressive is that it faces more competition now than ever in terms of Cava and other sparkling wines that are available. This article looks to possible reasons behind Prosecco's success, how to identify the best from the rest and finally a selection of what we have available at Bottles Wine Bar & Merchants. What is it then that has allowed Prosecco such a meteoric rise? Is it the grape, Glera, which is used almost exclusively for Prosecco, as opposed to the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which dominate in Champagne, and are used all around the world? Is it the method used to create Prosecco, which differs to Champagne in so far as the second fermentation (when the wine becomes sparkling) takes place in a tank rather than in the bottle, which produces a less effervescent wine with larger bubbles? Or is it simply down to price and marketing, whereas Champagne is seen as more of a celebration wine, Prosecco has become the first choice for fulfilling our everyday sparkling wine needs. My answer to the question at the start of the paragraph is that it is a combination of method, marketing and price that have facilitated Prosecco's huge popularity surge.

Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore Cartizze 2014, Bisol £24.99

Castello Rosato Brut NV, Fabiano £10.99

Identifying high quality or value for money Prosecco is not as straightforward as it is with Champagne, primarily because of a lack of brand awareness. Quality champagne is, for some, synonymous with a particular house, Perrier-Jouet for example. At this point in time, the same brand affiliation does not exist with Prosecco. If this were to be the next step for Prosecco, one producer that is definitely ahead of the curve is Bisol. Their Prosecco comes from Valdobbiadene, an area that produces some of the highest quality Prosecco available, and has DOCG status, another symbol of high quality. Bisol produce Prosecco in a range of styles from Brut to Dry, catering for every taste. Available at Bottles Wine Bar & Merchants we have the entry level Jeio Brut, a fresh and elegant wine with an abundance of fruit. Crede Brut, Bisol’s next level, which shows a more complex character with wildflowers and more nuanced fruit. Finally, Cartizze, Bisol’s elite level Dry Prosecco, easy to recognise by a pronounced sweet note at the finish. For pink lovers, we have the Castello Rosato from the house of Fabiano. This is a beautiful easy drinking sparkling Rose with distinct strawberry flavours and a delicate soft finish in the mouth. A fantastic selection, available to order online or by popping into Bottles in person. Mention the Edge Magazine to receive the special prices on these wines above.

Wines are available at Bottles Wine Bar & Merchants 22-24 New Street Worcester WR1 2DP 01905 747919 or online at www.bottleswine.co.uk May 2016

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

JellyPickleJam Vintage Tea Shop In historic Vine Mews, Evesham is JellyPickleJam Vintage Tea Shop, where you’ll always receive a warm welcome.

We aim to create an indulgent experience; serving the best loose leaf teas, from traditional British brews to more adventurous blends, plus delicious hot chocolates and coffees. Our speciality afternoon teas are lovingly prepared using handmade cakes and jams and we also cater for special diets with daily gluten-free foods across the menu.

Viva la vida! Spain in one night

You don’t need to travel too far to immerse yourself in a little Spanish culture. Amantia, based on Bennett’s Hill, offers an authentic taste of Spanish life right in the heart of Birmingham City Centre. For the perfect culinary journey (and to make choosing from their delicious menu easier!) Amantia’s owner, Marta, has designed the ideal Spanish dinner menu: To snack: Manzanilla green olives from Seville, accompanied by a cold glass of Fino sherry from Bodegas Baron in Jerez de la Frontera. To start: Tapas to share: traditional Tortilla de Patata and Gambas al Ajillo accompanied by a glass of Albariño white wine from Rias Baixas in the region of Galicia. The main event: Abanico de Iberico – extremely tender and tasty boneless acornfed Iberian pork shoulder steak, elaborated from selected high quality Iberian pigs. Accompany with a glass of Tramuz red wine from Ribera del Duero. To finish: Crema Catalana, or Tarta de Santiago, accompanied by a glass of delicious Pedro Ximenez. Made your mouth water? For more information or to book your ‘journey’ visit www.amantiarestaurant.co.uk or call 0121 643 3647.

The Village Catering Company

We are ‘The Village Catering Company’ a mobile catering business based in Hanbury, Worcestershire, covering all of the West Midlands and sometimes beyond. Priding ourselves on serving quality fresh food specialising in delicious fish and chips perfect for garden parties, weddings, birthday parties, corporate events or product launches. We hire sweet carts, as well as running a high volume food business serving delicious fresh hand made Cornish pasties with a twist, this is focused on larger events with over 1000 guests. And we have just launched a new and exciting mobile bar which is purpose built with functionality and style in mind. Whether it is flavoured Gin, Prosecco, Champagne or a mixed wedding bar it will will be a stunning addition to your event. Please visit our Facebook page or www.villagecateringcompany.co.uk 42

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Dogs and children are also very welcome! We also hand-make our preserves from local ingredients via our award winning Community Crop Scheme. Knitting and crochet yarns, locally produced foods, books and gifts are available too, which is in our new vintage circus style shop, as well as regular craft classes and parties. Our aim is for you to leave with a smile! www.jellypicklejam.co.uk

The King Charles House The Fig and Olive

The Fig and Olive is a family owned bar and restaurant situated just outside the village of Middleton, which serves freshly cooked dishes by a talented team of chefs. Whether you are out for breakfast, lunch or an evening meal its unique industrial interior design and friendly atmosphere welcomes all occasions. The restaurant is situated within Coppice Garden Centre, also owned and run by the family themselves. By night the restaurant comes alive as diners and locals make full use of the eye catching bar and cocktails before indulging in our chefs delicious dishes by candlelight. Our love of new world food is reflected in the menu which takes advantage of seasonal ingredients creating the exciting vibrancy of the homemade food we serve throughout the seasons. Coppice Lane, Middleton, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 2BU Tel: 0121 308 6102 email: info@thefigandolive.co.uk

The King Charles House has a proud place in Worcester’s history, for it’s here that King Charles II hid and began his extraordinary journey before fleeing into exile. Legend has it that, as Cromwell’s army were hammering at the door he escaped assisted by the people of Worcester and fled through St. Martin’s Gate. The House built in 1577, is now a popular pub amongst locals and tourists, specialising in Craddock’s real ale, Barbourne cider and serving traditional pie and mash. Dogs are more than welcome too and if you ask the staff they will happily show you the oubliette, a small dungeon that has caused much debate amongst local historians as to its origin. The King Charles II Pub is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Worcester City centre.

Hillers the farm shop and so much more.

Why not visit Hillers, a family run enterprise that is passionate about bringing you the best in quality local produce and customer service that’s second to none! Whether you want to browse in the award winning farm shop, enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant or try the traditional home made meat pies and famous faggots, you’ll always be assured of a warm welcome.

This fantastic pub has superb choice of ales and wines, a great range of pies along with an amazing authentic atmosphere. King Charles House 29 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP 01905 726100 www.thekingcharleshouse.com

The highly acclaimed Garden Restaurant is open all day and the chef regularly changes the specials board. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and light refreshments throughout the day. Everything is freshly prepared by the chef and his team, using produce from the Farm Shop and Fish Shop. Opening Times: Farm Shop 8.30-5.30 (Sun 9.00-5.00), Garden 9.00-4.00 Gifts & Interiors 9.00-5.00 (Sun 10.00-5.00), Restaurant 9.00-5.00 www.hillers.co.uk Dunnington Heath Farm, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5PD 01789772771 May 2016

The Mediterranean Diet Cooking and eating the Mediterranean way Charlie O'Neill

hole foods and eating as a family are all key elements of Mediterranean dining and this cuisine continues to rank as one of the healthiest diets you will find so what better way to celebrate, than with an array of delicious foods which are proven to deliver many health benefits. The Mediterranean diet represents traditional cooking methods with food that is fresh, light and tasty with a selection of different foods from fresh seafood, olives, legumes, soft cheeses, sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs and spices plus much more, with the majority being plant based, as well as using seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, packed full with antioxidants.

The Mediterranean diet also has its health benefits which include helping to improve cognition and memory and lowers the risk of kidney disease, diabetes and dementia. Not only this, but the diet is linked closely with longevity, with studies showing that 40% of women are more likely to live past 70.

Mediterranean food covers various countries including Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey. Unlike fad diets eating the Mediterranean way is about eating simple and wholesome foods that all of the family can enjoy, as well as a glass of wine to compliment a meal in moderation.

Olive oil is used as a main component in Mediterranean cooking, and is obtained from the fruit of the ‘Olea Europaea’ (Olive tree), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean region where whole olives are pressed to produce olive oil.

This month we thought it would be appropriate to share with you some tips for eating in the Mediterranean style at home as well as share a couple of recipes that you could enjoy cooking with family yourself. The best thing about Mediterranean food is that it is not only about the tradition of what is being eaten but also about the lifestyle and rituals you are living. It’s a time to share and enjoy spending time with the family, sitting down to enjoy an evening meal which is occurring less and less in today’s society. Spending this valuable time with others has been proven to boost social connections, happiness and a sense of belonging. But it doesn’t stop there; families often enjoy getting involved with cooking different dishes together, as well as buying healthy food from local farm shops and foods that are high in nutrients and vitamins, such as fibre, potassium and calcium. 44

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Herbs & Spices

The Mediterranean diet focuses in on different flavours used in seasoning dishes. This helps cutback on salt, sugar and fats as well as using citrus juice as an alternative. Olive Oil

Protein

Fish is the main source of protein which is used in Mediterranean style food with some of the popular choices being squid, sea bass, sardines, mackerel and anchovies, which all promote having a healthy heart and brain. Chicken, red meat, pork, low fat dairy, eggs and cheese are all served as small portions or are combined into healthy slow cooked dishes. Desserts & high sugar foods

Desserts are mainly fruit inspired and are served in only small portions, which is just enough for the Mediterranean style of cuisine, apart from gelato, but were all allowed a treat!

Mediterranean Recipes Chorizo Pilaf Method

Similar to Paella and risotto, this dish sits somewhere in between, a slow cooked basmati rice dish with flavourings of paprika. Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a large pan with a lid. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 5-8 minutes until softened and golden. Push the onion to one side of the pan and add the chorizo. Await for the chorizo to appear slightly browned and the golden oils released into the pan.

Small bunch parsley (chopped)

Add the garlic and paprika, then the tomatoes. Bring to the boil and lower the heat to bubble on a medium heat for 5 mins. Add the rice, stock, lemon zest and bay leaves. Stir everything together well and bring to the boil. Put the lid on and cook over a very low heat for 12 mins.

Caponata

Method

1 large onion (thinly sliced) 250g baby cooking chorizo (sliced) 4 garlic cloves (crushed) 1 tsp smoked paprika 400g can of chopped tomato 250g basmati rice 600ml stock 1 lemon, zest peeled off in thick strips, plus wedges to serve 2 fresh bay leaves

A Sicilian veggie dish consisting of aubergines, tomatoes, raisins, capers, and toasted pine nuts served with ciabatta. Ingredients For the Caponata 100ml Olive Oil 3 large aubergines (cut in to 2cm cubes) 2 long shallots (chopped) 4 large plum tomatoes (chopped)

Turn the heat off and leave to sit and steam for 10-15 mins. Stir through the parsley and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over.

Pour the olive oil into a large heavy based saucepan or casserole pot, place over a medium heat and add the aubergines once hot. Cook for 20 mins or until they are soft. Scoop the aubergines out of the pan.

Leave to cool, whilst making the bruschetta. Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan, drizzle the bread with olive oil and griddle until toasted and lightly charred on both sides, rub with garlic clove and season.

With the remaining olive oil add the shallots and cook for 5 mins until soft and translucent.

Serve the warm caponata, with basil leaves and pine nuts scattered on top, with bruschetta to the side.

Add the tomatoes, cook slowly making sure that they break down, turning to a soft mush and add the aubergines back

2 tsp capers (soak if salted) 50g raisin 4 Celery sticks (sliced) 50ml red wine vinegar Handful of toasted pine nuts and basil leaves

to the pan. Then add the capers, raisins, celery and vinegar. Season well and cover with a lid. Cook over a low heat for 40 mins, until all of the vegetables are soft.

For the bruschetta 8 slices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ciabatta Olive oil (for drizzling) & 1 garlic clove

Stir gently, but not so that the vegetables break up. The smell of the stew should be sweet and sour. May 2016

A Great Northern Adventure Starts with Carrick Travel

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We also have offices in: Pershore, Evesham, Chipping Norton & Bourton-on-the-Water

Visit: www.carricktravel.com 46

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Email: enquiries@carricktravel.com

inter in Norway has a very distinct atmosphere. The brightly coloured, wooded houses that line the coastline have never looked so cosy. The nights may be long at this time of year but with the Aurora Borealis lighting up the sky they are not always dark. There is nothing more inviting than sitting out under a sparkling and starlit polar sky, with the Northern Lights vivid green and purple waves swirling above. October to March are the best times to see the Northern Lights. The peak of the season coinciding with Norwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enchanting build up to Christmas. The streets are bustling with the traditional Scandinavian Juletide markets, giant gingerbread houses and horse drawn carriages ferry people through snowy streets. Sailing along the coastline, gives you more chances to see the Northern Lights and more of Norway too. Hurtigruten stop at 32 ports along our traditional coastal route. From metropolitan cities like Bergen, TromsĂ¸ and Trondheim steeped in history and culture; the islands of Lofoten with its famous fjords and mountainous landscapes of Viking folklore; up to Kirkenes in the far north, home of the fabulously Nordic Snow Hotel and one of the best places to experience Reindeer or Husky sledge rides. We visit several cities, towns and villages each day so there are plenty of opportunities for passengers to disembark and spend a few hours exploring, taking part in excursions, or getting a taste of Norwegian life.

May 2016

Move Makeover At Hatton & Harding Interiors David Hatton

s summer approaches, anyone who has been thinking of a house move is upping the ante. People with children need to seal the deal and be in in time for the new school year. Everyone else wants to take advantage of the gardens in full bloom for the best saleable photographs. So how important is your home's interior when you come to sell? When you look online you can certainly spot the homes that have been beautifully staged for the sale. In fact there are now agents who go all out to entice us into a 'lifestyle' rather than just a home. We often get asked what we would focus on to bring the best out in a property. It's important to remember that if it doesn't look like you've loved and taken care of the areas that a prospective purchaser can see there's no reason for them to think you've treated the areas they can't any differently and that may cause concern. Obviously most people don't want to blow their savings on a house they are trying to move on from. A fresh lick of paint can cost a fairly minimal amount but make a huge difference, instantly updating a

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tired old space and make it look, feel and smell like new again. Regardless of your own personal taste it's best to stick to neutral tones on your walls, unless you have the insight to know your buyer will love a splash of colour! That doesn't mean you have to be stuck in the bland old days of pale magnolia. We're proud of our Zoffany paint collection and their neutrals, in particular, are a pleasure to use. 'Paris Grey' is not only sophisticated but has endless possibilities when it

comes to mixing with other colours. Compliment with 'Double Paris Grey' on your woodwork for an elegant alternative to white. 'Smoke' is a grey-beige, similar to Farrow & Ball 'Hardwick White' which is a good colour combination to use in a room that you want to feel warm and cosy. We absolutely love 'Double Silver' (we've used it lots at home!) and is a great colour to use through the house. Some people have concerns about brightly coloured children's rooms. Generally these will be a secondary thought to a prospective purchaser and don't effect a sale as much so perhaps only consider a paint change if the current shade is making the space look smaller than it actually is. Light fixtures are an easy way to tell if the home has been maintained throughout the years and can show the home's age if not updated. If you do have older fixtures, spend some money on replacing them. New shades are a simple way to refresh or make an investment on something that you know you can take with you when you move.

Your flooring is also something that may deter buyers, after all it can be a big expense to replace carpets and coverings for the whole house. Wood flooring that's scratched can be refinished with a topcoat for an instant shine and you can do the same with most engineered wood. If your carpet is outdated, stained and beyond a quick steam clean it really is best to get rid and replace with something affordable. As long as it looks good it doesn't need to last a lifetime. For those who are happy to invest a little in order to get the best possible price then focus on three key areas, kitchens, bathrooms and curb appeal. How many times have we heard 'kitchens sell houses' which may or may not be true but certainly now with more open plan, family living it's definitely the heart of most homes. Make sure it feels light, bright and spacious with updated appliances and countertops. Give the feel that you can relax in there even if it's just a couple of stools at a breakfast bar. House sales play on our emotional side so buyers like to envisage themselves in your space and are looking for how they'll utilise it, so try to help to physically display these moments. Most bathrooms get used and abused. For selling, at least, they should look pristine, replacing any old tiles and bathroom fixtures. Carpet is a big no no so if the budget is tight for replacement even a quality lino will give a fresher look. Fresh clean towels and a quality diffuser should complete the transformation. It's just as important for your house to look loved outside as it does inside. Curb appeal and landscaping is an important focus as it's the first thing buyers will see and also sets the tone of what to expect inside. Stay on top of landscaping, mow the lawn and keep on top of any weeds. Repair tiles, gutters and update any peeling exterior paint. Finish off by giving the drive and patios a power wash and ensure windows are sparkling! Be considerate of the buyer's time and be prepared with clean, organised spaces. One of the first things they will look for in a home is space and we're all obsessed with storage. Go through all your cupboards and wardrobes to ensure they're tidy buyers will be nosey! Today's buyers are looking to for homes they can move straight into so make sure you stand out from the crowd with your pristine pad.

Hatton & Harding Interiors

13a Old Square, Warwick CV34 4RV

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May 2016

Décor Design and The Flooring Boutique Right & Best, First Time

écor Design and The Flooring Boutique run three showrooms located in Bromsgrove, Barnt Green and Stanford Bridge which are recognised as one of Worcestershire’s premiere carpet and flooring suppliers.

reputation and with recommendations from clients for being specialists in providing an expert service with a clear policy, ‘right and best, first time’, which is their aim for every project they complete.

The Business

Something Brett and Neil are very proud to be involved with is being the main sponsor for Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club, which has recently had a refurbishment of all of the social areas.

With experience spanning over 20 years, the two businesses have excelled and evolved through its owners and founders Brett Smith and Neil Webb. After taking over the Redditch company Redditch Decorative Flooring, it was remarketed and relocated to Bromsgrove as Decor Design Bromsgrove, focusing on supplying mid-range products to suit all needs and budgets in carpets such as Kingsmead, and MCD lifestyle but specialising in LVT flooring with brand leaders such as Karndean, Moduleo and Amtico. Due to the growing success they both decided a year later in 2015 that a new flooring shop with a different approach to flooring was needed, and so The Flooring Boutique Company was established. Based in Barnt Green it was decided that the approach would be to take an established flooring business in decline, remarket, rebrand and deliver a more focused product choice to the specific area. So it was identified that mid to high range products would best suit here. The three showrooms / two businesses are very different in models and product ranges, but both are built on having longstanding relationships, a good 50 www.edgemagazine.org

Decor Design Bromsgrove

Décor Design Bromsgrove has the added advantage of a close working relationship with Pure Home solutions, so being able to offer a complete package with Decor Design, offering the flooring and Pure Home Solutions with its brand new kitchen showroom, supplying and fitting, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms with bespoke designs from Jason Pirie. Customers come first whether they are commercial or domestic and Neil and Brett are on hand to offer the opportunity to supply and fit a wide range of traditional and modern decorative floor coverings with 70% of all Karndean flooring sold in the Bromsgrove and Barnt Green area being sold through Decor Design and The Flooring Boutique, this firmly establishes them as being the only gold partner of Karndean in the area. Decor Design is also proud to be unique supplier of Moduleo in the Bromsgrove and Barnt Green area.

The Flooring Boutique Company Barnt Green

The FIooring Boutique in Barnt Green also deliver great value, however with the option of purchasing the more designer brands and is known as the main flooring boutique that has become a top seller of Karndean flooring. There is an assortment of flooring options for all, from mid to upper ranges. With all Karndean flooring customers and clients will be provided with the option to have a free designer flooring consultation and a free site survey. Décor Design and The Flooring Boutique are known to be stockists of Karndean and Moduleo LVT flooring, whilst also stocking reputable brands and designers including Amtico, as well as Cavalier, Kingsmead, Lifestyle and Alternative Carpets. They also specialise in wood flooring including brands such as Kahrs, Bordz and Kersaint cobb, which boast quality, being made from pure and natural wools from across the world that portray style and eye catching design. They also provide handmade carpets from ITC natural luxury flooring and

Jacaranda carpets, which have been made from a variety of fibres including; sisal, coir, 100% New Zealand wool, silk, viscose, banana fibre and bamboo fibre. The Flooring Boutique Company Stanford Bridge

The FIooring Boutique showroom in Stanford Bridge is based alongside Willow and Wells, the luxury home of interior design, luxury gifts, fashion and home accessories, based in Stanford Bridge, Worcestershire. The Flooring Boutique works closely with Willow and Wells to support their interior design projects. If you are looking at refreshing or revamping your home with new carpets or looking to create the perfect kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, then you need look no further as Décor Design and The Flooring Boutique are certainly worth a visit for some expert inspiration and guidance. Neil and Brett will be more than happy to share their creative flare and design concepts with you in order to develop and perfect your home.

Décor Design Bromsgrove 45 Sherwood Rd Bromsgrove B60 3DR Tel: 01527 578937 www.decordesignbromsgrove.com

The Flooring Boutique 12 Hewell Rd Barnt Green Birmingham B45 8NE Tel: 0121 447 7237

The Flooring Boutique Mill Farm, Stanford Bridge, Worcester WR6 6SP Tel: 0121 447 7237

May 2016

Table Lamp Hire

Not something you would think of? Then think again!

ounders Richard and Hilary first started Table Lamp Hire a few years ago when a young couple asked if they could hire lamps for their wedding at Rhodes House in Oxford, as it was a winter wedding and they were not allowed naked flames. The lamps were perfect and since that day they have supplied many lamps for weddings and events. They are flexible in helping make your event perfect. Table Lamp Hire (TLH Ltd) is associated with Tableware Distribution Ltd (TDL), one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading suppliers of table lighting products to the hotel and restaurant sector. Their knowledge and experience has enabled them to advise clients, old and new. Weddings are very important to us and no event is too small. People can hire lamps, candelabras or LED Vase Lamps, whilst supplying larger events. Most of all they love providing a friendly personal service. The beautiful range of lamps are interchangeable with a variety of shades available, enabling you to match your lamps to colour schemes and venue dĂŠcor and as there is no naked flame safety is no longer an issue. If you have an event coming up, talk to TLH who are happy to help where required. Some of our past events include the Goodwood Festival of Speed and London Fashion Week. These are some of the comments from our valued customers; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a lovely day thank you! Had lots of comments on the lamps and how wonderful they looked.â&#x20AC;? Joanne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you for your help and holding my hand throughout, we had a wonderful day thank youâ&#x20AC;? Kelly. 7B15 Cadbury Courtyard, Blackminster Business Park, Blackminster, Evesham WR11 7RE Tel: 01386 833643

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Are you planning your wedding or holding an event large or small? We could add that extra little bit of glitz to your tables. The lamps look great day or night and will enhance the ambiance and impact of your tables t 5SBEJUJPOBM JO EFTJHO t /P /BLFE 'MBNFT -&% MJHIUT

t /P XJSFT USBJMJOH PWFS UBCMFT t 8F BSF B GSJFOEMZ MPDBM DPNQBOZ IFSF UP IFMQ you with your wedding or event, small or large Simple and Easy t $IPPTF B CBTF o 7BSJFUZ PG EJÄ&#x152;FSFOU EFTJHOT BWBJMBCMF t $IPPTF UIF 4IBEF ZPV SFRVJSF .BOZ DPMPVST BOE TUZMFT BWBJMBCMF t 8F XJMM EFMJWFS PO UIF EBZ PS CFGPSF JG ZPV SFRVJSF BOE UIFO DPMMFDU BÄ&#x2122;FS UIF FWFOU 8F BMTP IJSF PVU DBOEFMBCSB BOE BO BTTPSUNFOU PG XBY -&% DBOEMFT 7JTJU VT PS DPOUBDU VT CZ FNBJM PS QIPOF email: hello@tablelamphire.co.uk Tel: 01386 833 643 The range is available at Table Lamp Hire Unit 7B15 Cadbury Courtyard Blackminster Business Park, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7RE

www.tablelamphire.co.uk

How to grow Lupins Wagon House Gardens Karl Strawbridge

he Lupin is the essential plant of the true cottage garden, towering spires of pea like flowers that attract the bees to your herbaceous border and that flower from the end of May. No cottage garden is complete without a group of Lupins; they produce thick colourful blooms up to 300mm high with as many as a dozen spikes to each plant. There are over 200 species of the Lupin to choose from and they remain as popular today as ever and despite newer fancy plant introductions, the Lupin remains a fashionable plant that is regularly featured in the Chelsea Show gardens. Lupins are easy to grow either from seed or cuttings. Seeds rarely come true to colour so it is a bit like pot luck as to the colour that you get, whereas a cutting will be true to its mother plant. Growing from the seed will produce a biennial plant, which grows in the first year and flowers the next, but year old plants are easy to find in the garden centre if

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a bit impatient. Lupins prefer a well-drained soil thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too rich and they do not take kindly to being chopped back hard after flowering. Deadhead regularly unless you want to collect the seed as this will keep the plant vigorous and produce more flowers. Slugs love the emerging young growth of the Lupin so use a deterrent in the early spring, but as your Lupins get older the slugs will find them less attractive. Aphids can also find your Lupins tasty. I am often asked why Lupins fail and there are a number of reasons why they do, one being that the Lupin is not that long lived and may last for seven or eight years and after five or six they slowly become less vigorous. Another reason is that they simply hate being too wet over winter, keep them a little drier by placing a pot over your Lupin crown during the worst of the winters to protect them. However, they do withstand the winters frost and cold extremely well and overwinter in all areas.

Although, attractive to bees due to their fragrance only the bumble bee has the strength to open the flowers and pollinate them, so encouraging the bumble bee into the garden welcomes an added visitor helping to balance the ecology in the garden. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about giving your borders a makeover then make sure to find space for Lupins in the mid to back of the border. They are sturdy and require no staking, perfect for any cottage garden. Be inspired by the Lupin for their spire shaped flowers with their striking colour range and distinct palmate foliage making them a star perennial of any early summer border. Wagon House Gardens The Jinney ring craft centre Hanbury Road, Hanbury B60 4BU 01527 821421

May 2016

Your Cleaning Matters Lucie Abu-Zalaf

ave you ever finished hoovering and looked at your carpet and think it just doesn’t look like it should do anymore? Or no matter how hard that you had tried to get rid of that coffee spill it is still there, so you’ve had to hide it under a rug? I do, most days and it really gets on my nerves. So this month, I decided to do something about it and contacted Dan and Chris from Your Cleaning Matters to come and see how they could help. As well as a toddler and a dog to help add dust, mud and food to the pale carpets, we also tend to have quite a few guests around and our dining room is carpeted with the same colour, which inevitably leads to annoying food marks and spillages that no amount of Vanish seems to be able to remove. So last Tuesday, I worked from home so that I could let the guys in, and be very nosey at what they were doing and to see if I could pick up any tips. Dan and Chris arrived promptly at 9.30 am, as agreed and quickly started moving all of the soft furnishings out of the space and set about giving the carpet a pre-vacuum. The carpet was then pre-treated, with different solutions for individual stains, one for coffee, another for wine and a separate one for the turkey incident that had happened on Christmas Day. The solution is then agitated using a very useful machine that basically takes the elbow grease out of scrubbing the whole floor by hand and does a much better job of it too I would imagine as it doesn’t get tired. The carpet is then

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rinsed and extracted and if necessary the air blowers are set up to help speed up drying time and to make sure that you aren’t left with that wet dog smell for days on end. My carpet was actually touch dry almost immediately, which was great and meant that normal life could resume straight away. The furniture was put back into place and all that remained was a quick return visit the following day when everything was totally dry for an application of ‘Nano Protect’, An anti-stain protection system which stops liquids and dirt being absorbed whilst maintaining the look, feel and colour of the carpet. I have already seen the benefits of this when the child dropped her bottle of milk and it sat there, waiting to be soaked up in neat little balls. It’s not a miracle covering, but it certainly This is another job carried out by Your Cleaning Matters with fantastic results

Before

buys you more time to get anything blotted up. As well as protecting from liquid spills, it also stops the carpet absorbing dirt and grease. All staff at Your Cleaning Matters are fully trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) are enhanced DBS checked, fully insured and the products used are also environmentally friendly meaning that they are safe for homes with children and pets. Rates are also some of the best around, as an example for a 10’ by 12’ lounge that is averagely soiled you would pay around £65. Your Cleaning Matters can clean your carpets at a time to suit you, with operating hours between 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, also offering an emergency stain and spot removal service and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Your Cleaning Matters

Unit 3 Warwick Court, Saxon Business Park, Stoke Prior B60 4AD 01527 539469 After

www.yourcleaningmatters.co.uk

Shooting 4Fun

arksman Leisure - Shooting4Fun have been providing Shooting Activities to the corporate & private sectors throughout the UK since 1993. Our activity home is based at Oakland’s, our Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Hanbury, Worcestershire or we travel to most locations throughout the UK. Not all of our customers can get to us. So we take the goodies to them, most Hotels & Conference centres can accommodate our activities without the need for special licensing. Many of our customers and clients comment that we have one of the best jobs in the world and guess what? They are right, having been in this industry for some 23 years, we still look forward to a new day and a new challenge ‘rain or shine’. Wedding Day Laser Clay Shooting – Yes a laser clay shoot for you and your guests without the associated dangers or mess from conventional shooting and all in their best bib & tucker. Stag & Hen Parties – Again specialist shooting from real clays to woodland laser tag. Private & Works Parties – ½ day and full day programmes available, ‘Our Venue or Your Venue’. Laser Clay Shooting Real Clay Shooting Rifle Shooting Outdoor Laser-Tag

Hands Up !! if you have ever fancied a go at

Indoor Laser Target Gallery Shooting

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Indoor Laser-Tag

Laser Clay Shooting

Archery

Rifle & Archery Shooting

Team Building Programmes

Woodland Laser Tag

Multi Activity Events ‘Rest assured if it’s not on our list we can find it’ Enquiries & Bookings All of our shooting entertainment activities and outdoor pursuits are available on a pre-booked basis, all enquiries please, to Mark on 01527-575141 or Email mark@marksmanleisure.co.uk for further details, pictures and movie clips www.shooting4fun.co.uk

Call Us Today 01527-575141 Or View Our Website

www.shooting4fun.co.uk

May 2016

JOIN US FOR

& SUNDAY LUNCH SUMMER SUNDAYS 2016

29TH MAY | 24TH JULY | 28TH AUGUST | 25TH SEPT

FROM 12.30PM TO 3.30PM Three courses £24.50, Two courses £19.50, Children £7.95

To make a reservation please call 01886 833551 email reception@bankhouseworcester.com 56 HOUSE www.edgemagazine.org BANK HOTEL, SPA & GOLF CLUB, WORCESTER, WR6 5JD

www.bankhouseworcester.com

Bransford Golf Club Stunning views & Beautiful Fairways Steve Picker

et in the idyllic location at the foot of the Malvern Hills is Bransford Golf Club which after major investment welcomes its very own distinctive 18 hole golf course with a unique vision offering its members and visitors an excellent golfing experience.

cooked food whether it be a light bite, bacon rolls or lunch. Along with this, there are a selection of chilled drinks with both food and drink being served all day.

The clubhouse balcony overlooks its 10th hole, with scenic views of the Malvern Hills. For those who need to practice As part of the newly refurbished Bank their swing there is a putting green and a House Hotel, Bransford Golf Club is dedicated practice area. There is a 20 bay home to a unique Florida style course, covered driving range, which provides benefitting greatly from bringing in golfers with the opportunity to get their experienced professional golfers to swing in to shape before moving on to the manage the club. The attention to detail is key and the club prides itself on having course itself. Adjacent to the range is a a dedicated golfing team with experienced pitching and chipping area where you can test your short game, which also includes green keeping staff, maintaining all the a deep bunker for those who struggle to fairways and greens to the highest of get out of the sand. The driving range standards. is open from sunrise to sunset and The Florida style golf course is dispenses anywhere from 25 to 500 surrounded by 14 lakes and boasts two balls. The course also welcomes players challenging island greens, teamed with of all abilities to give its spectacular yet curving dog legs as well as also being challenging course a try. The course is home to 6 par 3s, 6 par 4s and 6 par 5s. not the longest golf course; however it is an easy walk or buggy ride away making The course is set up for all levels with the this appealing to golfers of all standards. 10th hole being a challenge, even for the most seasoned golfer, whilst the 16th hole features a par 4 island green, spanning across 392 yards, surrounded by lakes. Not only can golfers enjoy the 18 hole golf course, but there is everything else that should come with the golfing experience including its own clubhouse bar and restaurant serving the finest home

Onsite is a well-stocked Pro shop with a good range of clothing and accessories. The Golf Pro Richard is always on hand to discuss the different membership packages that have been designed to suit all golfers in terms of ability and how often they play golf. This truly is a great golf club that I myself am proud to be a member of and a course that I would certainly encourage people to play. Whether you are new to the area or if you are debating whether to renew a membership at your own club. You will receive a warm welcome from the team who value their members and guests highly and if you are looking to spend time in a countryside golfing haven, then look no further, you will be sure to enjoy a rewarding and memorable golfing experience which can be enjoyed throughout the year. Edge reader offer - play for ÂŁ12.50 on any Tuesday in May if you mention Edge (Subject to availability)

Bransford Golf Club Bank House Hotel, Bransford WR6 5JD 01886 833545

May 2016

KITCHEN COLLECTION The Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection is coming soon to:

imageinteriors kitchensbedrooms bathrooms Appointed Stockist for the Laura Ashley Kitchen Collection

Visit our showroom: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday – 9:00am to 4:00pm Sunday – 10:00am to 3:00pm Unit 1 Aston Fields Trading Estate, Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3DR

0 www.image-interiors.co.uk

Dress to impress for the May Bank Holidays

ith a welcome two bank holidays during May, have you decided on what delightful venture you will embark on?

easily be upgraded to an Oxford shirt and jacket for an evening out. Smart loafers with pale socks really work well with the tapered trousers.

Whatever your plans, make sure you are dressed for the occasion!

If your occasion entails going for a meal and a theatre show, then a formal navy coloured suit is recommended. You can gain a more casual, relaxed look by not opting for a tie, but if you would prefer, then a thin tie is suggested. Brown shoes really complete this style.

The country fair is a fine British tradition and if this event takes your fancy then tweed and pure new wool, waterproof jackets and corduroy trousers are all part of the country atmosphere. We would like to hope that the weather will be kind to us and bring a bit of sunshine – if this is the case, then a smart wool-linen blend maybe more beneficial. Lighter suit colours (browns & tans) and a checked shirt, with a smart lightweight jacket complete the look. If it’s a city break that you have planned, then something lightweight and easy to pack will be the best answer. Smart tapered cotton trousers with a casual shirt and blazer can be worn day or night. If you’re feeling confident, a fine knit scarf can compliment a plain casual suit and keep the chill at bay. Going for a nautical feel (blues, whites, light greys) can help you evolve from your dark winter clothing to the spring/ summer season effortlessly. Being able to mix and match is key for lighter travel. A classic crew neck jumper with your cotton trousers for the day can

For casual drinks with friends, slim fitted trousers or chinos, with an informal shirt is a great choice. A blazer or sports jacket can really give you a fashionable and stylish edge - a textured wool in light blue is a versatile option. Loafers are a great addition in aiming for the smart casual attire. Accessories will really compliment this look, a belt that colour matches your shoes and a smart watch all bring this outfit together.

Adrian Barrows

No matter what your plans are for the upcoming bank holidays, having the right wardrobe and feeling confident in your outfits will definitely help you make a great impression on those around you. For more information about being a well dressed man please see www.thebespoketailor.co.uk or call Adrian Barrows on 07968 438717

May 2016

Jill Wheelock Lines Established with elegance

luxury jeweller located in the heart of the historic and unspoilt Friar Street in Worcester, who has gone from strength to strength. As an experienced family business since 1983, Jill and husband Derek have found a winning formula of beautiful jewellery to suit every clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. The attention to detail and passion is the key to Jill Wheelock-Linesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success, with the customer being at the heart of everything. The team takes great pride in their passionate customer care, ensuring that anyone who visits this boutique can enjoy a fun and fulfilling experience with excellent service and after care. As pearl specialists, Jill Wheelock-Lines offer a huge range of pearls from all around the world including South Sea, Tahitian, Fresh Water, Keshi, Kasumiga, Akoya, as well as many types of baroque. The team are conversant and very knowledgeable on all varieties of pearls and can help you choose the correct ones for your requirements and budget. Customers are also able to see a vast collection of clasps to select if they wish.

There is a wide range of the highest quality fine jewellery, some set with certified diamonds, which are guaranteed to be from conflict free areas and range from D-G colour. All of the diamond and coloured stone set jewellery is mounted in 18 carat white, rose, yellow gold or platinum and is modern, unique and up to the minute in fashion and trends. 60 www.edgemagazine.org

You will be sure to gain a personally tailored service for bespoke design and commission work, where you can design your own pieces and loose stones can be available for you to choose from, to meet all budgets. Jill Wheelock-Lines are experts in remodeling and revamping dated jewellery into wearable and modern pieces, giving something old a new lease of life. Jill Wheelock-Lines are proud to announce, that they are the exclusive jeweller in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to stock the well renowned brand of Ungar & Ungar. This collection is unique, reminiscent of style and quality from a bygone age. Crafted by artisans, the styling encompasses the time-honoured tradition of hand millgraining -a painstaking process that imprints every piece with an exquisite pattern and elevates the jewellery into the couture realm of wearable art.

Everyone is always welcome for a cup of tea or a glass of wine, while having a complimentary cleaning service of their jewellery, making this jeweller an easy going and unconventional boutique to visit. There are experienced jobbing jewellers that are based in London, Birmingham and Manchester, allowing Jill Wheelock-Lines to provide excellent repairs and alterations, not to forget the first class pearl stringing service.

8 Friar Street, Worcester WR1 2LZ 01905 613799 www.jillwheelock-lines.co.uk

Online shop now available

www.knots-shop.com • Clothing • Accessories • Home-ware • Artwork • Fragrances

Use code : EDGEMAGAZINE for 5% off your order online! Expires 30th May 2016 Free shipping on all online orders for May 2016

23 Knots, 98 High Street, Worcester WR1 2HW

01905 616 391 info@23-knots.co.uk www.23-knots.co.uk

BYGONES OF WORCESTER

"The Cutty Sark on the Thames at Greenwich" An original oilpainting by by the contemporary artist Diana Francis.... GABRIELLE DOHERTY BULLOCK F.G.A., D.G.A. Bygones by the Cathederal, Deansway, Cathedral Square, Worcester WR1 2JD Telephone 01905 25388 | www.bygonesofworcester.co.uk May 2016

Spring Accessories Brighten up your style Emma Jenkins his time of year we tend to get a few amazing sunny days and then, it rains. Oh how I love the British climate! Stores are full of spring/ early summer key pieces of all the hot trends, but it's still not quite warm enough to throw your boots and coats into storage just yet.

14.

13.

I find the best way to get ready for warmer weather is to invest in summery accessories. Think of our European friends, wear your sunglasses with everything, invest in a lighter jacket and accessorise. There is nothing better than a classic white t-shirt, a statement necklace and some memorable wrist wear. The spring 2016 catwalks did definitely not disappoint when it came to delivering lust-worthy accessories. Trends included embellished bags, body chains, chokers, tassels and statement jewellery pieces. There are an array of styles, bold colours and pieces all available on the high street, whether it be high end or middle level.

For those with a more discerning taste, then a statement piece will be the perfect investment. For those who enjoy throwing themselves at a trend, there are some fantastic bold statement necklaces, bags and earrings available at high street prices. I absolutely love the twisted bandana style scarves I keep seeing. For those who can't quite afford a Hermes, then Zara and Mango have some great alternatives!

This month, I've rounded up a few key pieces which work well with the trends for spring/summer; suede, candy-pop colours and embellishment. Enjoy. For more style inspiration, follow me on; Pintrest: Emma Jenkins Instagram: itsabeautifullifeuk Blog: www.itsabeautifullife.co.uk Contact for marketing strategy: www.marmaladesoup.com 62

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11.

1. 8.

9. 12.

7. 1 - Accessorize Havana Statement Necklace- £25.00 2 - Calvin Klein Micro Bag - £120.00 3 - Office MIA - £65.00 4 - Oliver Bonas Diamond Howlite Studs - £18.00 5 - Whistles Suede Rivington Chain Clutch - £80.00 6 - Michael Kors Studded Bucket Bag - £345.00 7 - Whistles Animal Strokes Scarf - £45.00 8 - Oscar De La Renta Tassel Earrings - £350.00 9 - Whistles Cornel Suede Point Pump Pink - £140.00 10 - Zara Bandana - £7.99 11 - Aldo Choker - £9.00 12 - Oliver Bonas Ring - £18.00 13 - Michael Kors Pink Bucket Bag - £345.00

10.

14 - Zara Multicoloured Long Earrings - £24.99 May 2016

Wendy Corbett

Living in perfect harmony as memories linger on Gail Braznell ward-winning artist Wendy Corbett has always had a great passion for the sea which she inherited from her mother, who ensured that her childhood was filled with regular holidays along the coast, providing a wealth of wonderful memories of summer evenings sitting on the beach long after everyone else had gone, watching the ocean and going for a last swim when the sea was still warm from the heat of the day.

Based in Lancashire, still close to the coast Wendy visits a different part of the British Isles each year, seeking inspiration from a seemingly inexhaustible supply of new coastlines. It was the love of the sea that took her away from her home in Birmingham and down to Devon. Inspired by the coastline that surrounded her, she remained there for 13 years painting local scenes with the intimate knowledge as an insider. This turned out to be a positive move not only in terms of inspiration and quality of life, but also a massive turning point in her artistic fortunes, as it was here that she established herself with local galleries and began to make a name for herself. Wendy began using pastels and was amazed that she had neglected this wonderful medium for so many years as

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now they have now become an integral part of her distinctive style. She initiates each composition by putting on the colours very roughly, which establishes the mood of the picture. She works on card, which has a sand-like texture; this suits her style as it allows her to put the pastels on quite thickly and merge them together which creates a sense of movement which is essential for her subjects; she layers and blends different colours to achieve a soft impression of lowering sky or rolling waves. She has recently expanded the subjects she paints to include figures which evoke memories of those childhood holidays by the sea. In complete contrast are her winter scenes which capture the timeless magic of snow. Wendy’s work has been is exhibited in London, including the Mall Galleries and widely across the UK. Can you tell me a little bit about your background? I’ve done a variety of jobs as I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in my younger days, I trained as a teacher for 18 months, I drove a tractor, waited in a casino and worked with my father in the 1980‘s as a commercial artist, that carried on until computers could do the work we did. It was at this point I moved

down to Devon to try and make a living as an artist. I worked part-time in a local gallery and painted the rest of the time, until I signed with Washington Green and was able to give up the part-time job and concentrate on my art. How would you describe your artwork? I work mainly in pastels, it’s my favourite medium. I have been working more in oils of late. I am a landscape artist though I do incorporate figures in my work. I love the intensity of pastels, the colours are so vibrant, I can cover the pastel support really quickly, very different to working in oils which takes longer and there is the drying process as well. I try to get out and paint as much as possible and I use both oils and pastels for my plein air studies. This is something I’ve done over the last couple of years, prior to this I worked exclusively in the studio. But painting plein air has brought a new dimension to my work, I don’t think you can be a good landscape artist if you’re not getting out there and looking. Sometimes I’ll work the studies up in to larger paintings when I get back to the studio, but often they are just part of the learning process, a way of getting the colours and values in my head.

To stand and paint in front of the sea as the waves crash to the shore sounds like a great job to me? Yes it is, to taste the salt on your lips as the sun goes down and transforms the sky into a magical explosion of colour, the Lancashire coastline is not given to crashing waves but we do get some amazing sunsets! Describe a typical day? Usual things that everyone does, shower, breakfast then deal with admin, emails etc. If I’m in the studio I tend to keep office hours and I’m at my easel between 8 to 8.30. Numerous cups of tea while I work, break for lunch at 1pm for 30 mins then back to it until I’ve finished, this can be anywhere between 5 and 7 pm. If it’s a plein air day then I'm out for sunrise and back after sunset, these are my favourite days, I love to be outdoors! What do you do to de-stress? And is it hard finding the time? I cycle, it’s harder in the winter with the lack of daylight though–if work is not going well I’ll go out on my bike for an hour. I always feel more inspired after a bike ride

What is the one thing in your life you can’t live without?

How do you give back to your family and community?

My partner who I met on the flight out to Botswana for my first safari. It was organised by an artist for other artists and photographers. The trip we did was very basic, living in tents, showering under water from a bucket, meals by the campfire cooked by some amazing guys on an open fire. We got to know each other pretty well under those conditions and when we got back to the UK soon realised we had found our soulmate. We set up home together about 4 months later and became civil partners in 2008.

It’s hard sometimes to give the commitment to family when we are so busy. I think it’s important to make the most of time together which I do as much as I can. Giving to community in widest sense of the word I do by supporting a conservation charity. Conservation is very important to me and as wildlife is one of the subjects I paint. I like to give back what I can to ensure that the animals and their environment are around for future generations.

What are the biggest challenges of the job and what makes it all worth it? The days when I struggle, as most artists do, it’s as though I lose the ability to paint. That’s the time to go for a bike ride! Sometimes you just have to let a painting go, maybe it was a bad choice of reference, poor composition, there can be a number of reasons why it doesn’t work and you just have to bin it and learn from those mistakes. But when it goes well it’s the best feeling in the world. That’s what makes it worthwhile, the paintings that go well and you feel inspired to go on! May 2016

What are your working arrangements? I live in a three storey house, my studio is on the ground floor. This works well in that when I’ve finished for the night I close the door on my work, I’m not tempted to go back in. I’m not one of these artists who paints through the night. What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?

What’s your scariest experience?

What is your dream project?

Tandem sky diving but it was also absolutely amazing.

To spend six months in Botswana painting African wild dogs or painted dogs as they’re sometimes known.

The amazing part of tandem sky diving after the initial throwing yourself out of a Professionally, what’s the goal? plane at 14,000 feet is completely trusting To keep learning and improving and that the guy you are strapped to and the maybe take some of those workshops. gear is 100% safe.

My dive was from an airfield in Grangeover-Sands so the views were over Morecambe Bay to one side and the South Summer holidays by the sea. I get my Lakes to the other. It was absolutely love of the sea from my mother. We were always the last family to leave the beach. stunning! After three failed attempts due to bad weather the day I jumped was I remember sitting by her side watching absolutely perfect with blue skies and the sun go down over the sea. We didn’t have a lot of money but my parents always stunning views as far as the eye could see! made sure we had a holiday by the sea.

What’s the last piece of work from another artist that surprised you and why? I went to see the Singer Sargent exhibition at the NPG last year. Only ever having seen his work small scale I was surprised by all of the pieces I saw. Much larger than I’d thought they would be and just superbly executed. I was in awe.

Does it feel like work when you paint

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Sometimes, it depends what I’m doing. If I’m painting to a formula for a dealer or gallery that can feel like work and I never feel I produce my best art in these circumstances. When I’m outdoors painting just for me then no, it doesn’t feel like work at all

My first safari to Botswana watching lion The radio/iPod. cubs coming out for the first time in to the wide world. A perfect sundowner moment. How do u feel when you are We sat and watched them for an hour painting? thrilled to be part of their world. It depends how well its going from What moves you most in life, either deliriously happy, singing and dancing in to inspire or upset you? the studio to utter despair and frustration.

Do you have any advice for new artists within the art world? Be true to yourself. Don’t sell yourself short, believe in yourself and what you can achieve. Over time has your artwork changed at all, if so how? Yes definitely. I look back on my early work and cringe! I relied much too heavily on photographs for my reference. I do still take photos but only as an aid not to work from exclusively. I’ve also studied how other artists work, read as much as I can both from books and on the internet. I have much more knowledge than I did when I started. What art or artist do you most identify with?

Mans inhumanity to endangered species! We have lost 11 species in the last 40 years and this is mainly due to mans greed. Mans inhumanity to mankind itself defies belief! What research do you do? I’ve got loads of books, a few DVDs but my main research is done via facebook. I follow or am friends with a lot of artists I admire. Many of them are American and they are very generous with sharing their techniques and knowledge. If I won the lottery I’d be signing up for their workshops. It’s through them I got in to painting plein air. Is there anything else that you love?

Africa. I fell in love the very first moment I saw it from the plane. The colours, the light, the animals and the smells, wild sage sticks in my memory. Prior to my first visit my wildlife paintings were done using graphite. As soon as I’d been there I What themes do you pursue? knew I had to try and capture the colours For me it’s all about capturing the light. and light. It was also on this safari that Whatever subject I’m painting I’m looking I met my partner so it’s a very special for strong light and colour. place. 66 www.edgemagazine.org I love the Impressionists, the way they chased the light. I don’t know that I identify with anyone in particular but the one I most admire is Monet.

What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?

What’s next for You? I’m moving away from supplying the dealers and galleries and the formulaic artwork. I’m now painting for me, doing what I love which is getting out to paint as much as I can. If people like what I do and want to buy it that’s a bonus but not the reason I do it. I’m rekindling the passion.

Behind Dead Eyes A Review A novel by Howard Linskey Mike Stafford

here’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering a new author. It amounts to discovering a whole new rich seam of entertainment just waiting to be mined. Howard Linskey is one such author. Since the release of his debut, ‘The Drop’ in 2011, he’s established himself as one of the bright young things of crime fiction, writing increasingly expansive and tightly-plotted fiction set in his native Newcastle. In ‘Behind Dead Eyes,’ returning heroes Helen Norton, Ian Bradshaw and Tom Carney investigate high-level corruption, a brutal murder, and a convicted murderer’s persuasive claims of innocence. Across five-hundred pages, Linskey tells a tale that champions the graft and courage of the everyday copper and reporter. As he does it, he reminds us again that while he’s adept at evoking a place, he’s also a fine plotter.

In contrast, looking back to the nineties can be like staring into a cesspool from a police point of view. More enlightened than the police of Gene Hunt and the 1970s, Linskey’s 1990s force is still not without fault. We meet some fairly un-PC PCs, and look into the blind eye that can be turned to even the worst crimes providing the victims exist sufficiently close to the fringes of society. While there is a sense that the flawed but noble Bradshaw is a man of a coming, more enlightened era, Linskey doesn’t let us off the hook. In the later stages of the book, we encounter black deeds met with a calculated police indifference that might have been lifted right from a modern news item.

‘Behind Dead Eyes’ is another expertlyplotted gem from a writer whose canvas is expanding with each new release. It's part murder investigation, part conspiracy thriller and is all totally credible. It has an earthy charm befitting of a Geordie scribe, and gives us three new series characters to take to our hearts as it does so. www.nudge-book.com/blog/ contributor/mike-stafford

The setting again is Newcastle and County Durham, and the era is the mid-1990s. A rock-solid Labour supporting outpost at the edge of English civilisation, Linskey’s Newcastle isn’t a place people happen to pass by accident. It’s insular and parochial, registering on the national radar only when scandal strikes. Nevertheless, woe betide any outsiders who pour scorn on this fair area; civic pride isn’t just something for southern toffs. It can seem today that one of the current crop of journalists will be the one to turn out the office lights on the final day of the final print newspaper. We get our news online, and the clout of a print newspaper is ebbing away by the month. In Helen Norton and Tom Carney, Linskey reminds us of the not-so-distant glory days of print. They are a Geordie Woodward and Bernstein. They’re noble hacks on a quest not just for a story but justice, and in a print newspaper they might just have the clout to deliver - if they can summon the guile and guts for the fight. May 2016

Bee and Wasp Stings

ees, wasps and hornets are all insects classified of the Hymenoptera Order. The name means ‘membrane wings’, it is a massive group, containing many varied types of very different looking species, but the typical hymenopteran has two pairs of wings, that are coupled together with little hooks so that they appear as one. More specifically they are known as Aculeates, where the defining feature of all aculeates is a modified egg laying channel that forms a sting. In Britain there are around 590 different species of aculeates and the chances are you’ve been stung by at least one of them!

Lucie Abu-Zalaf the skin. As the sting has evolved from the egg laying instrument, it is only the female bees and wasps that can sting you. A bee is thought to deliver around 50 micrograms of venom, a hornet delivers around 30 micrograms, where a wasp sting is much smaller and ranges from around 3 to 15 micrograms- but wasps and indeed hornets can sting you multiple times.

How and why insects sting humans...

The venom injected can be roughly split into two types, that which is injected by bees and that from wasps and hornets. They are quite different and it is quite common for those who are allergic to bees not to be allergic to wasps as vice versa.

The sting is a way for wasps to paralyse their prey before eating them after their death, but it is primarily a form of defence, should they feel threatened. The mechanics behind a sting are actually pretty impressive, not only the chemical composition of the sting, but also how it’s administered. Wasps, hornets and bees all get the venom into you in a similar way as a nurse injects you with a hypodermic needle. The ‘sting’ is a hollow tube through which the venom, which is stored in the abdomen, can be squirted once it is broken through

The mechanism of the sting is also quite different between bees and wasps/ hornets. Wasps and hornets, after stinging their target, can happily fly off and sting you again, whereas when a bee stings, her entire stinging apparatus, poison sac and all are wrenched out of her abdomen, causing the bee to die in almost all circumstances. This is less common with the Bumble Bee though, their stingers are much smoother and more like a wasp, meaning that the sting often doesn’t get caught in the victim. The good news for us is that bees are

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often less aggressive than wasps and less likely to sting because of this and only likely sting in extreme conditions so if they feel their nest or life is in danger, but the bad news for bee stings is that the venom contains more proteins than a wasp sting, meaning that an allergic reaction is more likely to occur from a bee sting than a wasp sting. When wasps and hornets sting, another thing to be aware of is that their venom also includes a pheromone that attracts all other wasps and hornets in the area to join the attack. So while you may think a swarm of bees is a more worrying sight than a singular wasp or hornet, that’s not always the case as back-up can arrive pretty quickly. What to do if you get stung…

Mild local reactions to bees and wasps are broadly treated in the same way and although can be very painful at the time, are not usually something to worry about. The major difference between wasp and bee sting treatment is that the bee stinger usually has to be physically scraped out of the area before treatment begins. This should be done as quickly as possible before any more of the venom is released from the attached sac. It’s usually recommended to use a long finger nail or

a hard edged object, such a credit card to scrape the sting and sac away and always scrape away from the puncture wound so as not to squirt in more venom yourself!

Also, if there is lots of swelling, blistering and pus 18-24 hours after the sting, see your GP as it could be a sign of infection.

The main purpose of treating stings is to reduce pain and swelling. There are tools available to buy which can suck out the venom from bee and wasp stings using a vacuum, which seems like a good idea. After removing the stinger, if there is one, wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to reduce swelling. Over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to help relieve the pain and if the site is particularly itchy, an antihistamine can also be helpful. If you have a more serious reaction your GP may prescribe other medication or refer you to an allergy clinic for immunotherapy. In rare cases, people may have a severe allergic reaction and go into anaphylactic shock. Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance if you experience any of these symptoms after a bite or sting:

For the non-allergic individual, bee and wasp stings, although painful are relatively harmless and it is estimated, that even if a swarm of bees attacked, an adult male would need to suffer around 1500 individual bee stings before the venom becomes life threatening, which roughly equates to around 10 stings per pound of body weight.

• wheezing or difficulty breathing • nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea • a fast heart rate • dizziness or feeling faint • difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) • confusion, anxiety or agitation May 2016

The Rise of Smart Drugs Enhancing Cognitive Function Charlie O'Neill

e live in a world of new developments and increased intelligence through the likes of technology and social media. People are adapting much easier and continue to learn and take on new skills and career opportunities. The younger generation are developing these skills much quicker than most of us and some of us can be left behind. Nothing is impossible, anyone can learn how to use the latest form of technology, it’s all down to just how quickly and efficiently we can learn to acquire them. This is where the latest craze of the ‘Smart Drug’ has been introduced to help increase intelligence, concentration and heighten our overall performance. So what is the ‘Smart Drug’?

Many of us have used smart drugs, without even realising, for instance most of us can’t function without our daily fix of caffeine. Green Tea is another new favourite that we are all replacing for a normal cup of tea; purely because of its health benefits but what many of us don’t know is that Green Tea is also classed as a supplement to enhance cognitive function. However, smart drugs have been developed way beyond just having your daily hot beverage. 70

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In fact, entrepreneurs and high profile celebrities are the biggest users of these new smart drugs with many using them as brain support for their busy days and evenings. Smart drugs help not only to increase mental clarity but also to increase productivity, efficiency and relieving anxiety. Concentration can be improved, enhancing creativity and reducing fatigue. Many people also use these drugs to help improve the ability to learn and memorise important information. Limitless, a film made in 2011, starring Bradley Cooper, clearly depicts the use of smart drugs, where it focuses in on a writer who is introduced to a nootropic drug which gives him the ability to utilise his brain and improve his lifestyle. Even though this film is more of a thriller it clearly suggests how career professionals are using different methods to make themselves strive for success. ‘The Biohacking Movement’ explained

The use of smart drugs is part of a bigger movement called ‘The Biohacking Movement’, which involves drugs where people seek to maximise their body's potential, making them outlandishly productive. It seems unusual to call it

a trend but this is actually what it has become. The concept entails all manners of enhanced techniques which are aimed to supercharge your body at work. For some smart drugs including modafinil (also used to treat narcolepsy) and armodafinil, whilst others place a sensor on their chest to record biometric data for cognitive therapy, which helps with quickness, being relaxed and then increased intensity. Some people feel that taking these drugs may achieve their goals of becoming fitter and happier, whereas entrepreneurs are using them for an entirely different use, which is to make them more productive and work, whilst helping them to overcome reality and life for their own personal wellbeing. We are fast becoming a culture that works all hours of the day to gain success with some people saying that they only actually need a maximum of 4 hours sleep to function normally, rather than the recommended 8 – 9 hours. The hacker culture prides itself on the terminology used, ‘to power through’; with many comparing the body to a machine that holds maximum potential. Young professionals are using these

drugs more and more to improve their overall work life balance. The answer to many of these professionals is to train your body to be more productive in less time with some help and nootropics are a way of gaining these benefits. University students are also using these drugs to help to revise for exams or to help them to focus on long complex essays. However, often users do not like to talk openly about their usage and do not wish to give over a false impression of their capabilities. Types of smart drugs

There are many terms used for smart drugs and they include nootropics, nutraceuticals, cognitive enhancers, neuro enhancers and brain supplements which all improve the cognitive functions. Many of these drugs contain caffeine, fish oil, Vitamins B6 and B12 enzymes, hormones, plant extracts, green tea extracts and prescription only medications. Nootropics arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t new

Nootropics first became available in 1972 but were originally created by Roman

psychologists and chemists who devised the drug to improve cognitive function. Since then their popularity has continued to grow and users often do not only take one type of supplement. Many prefer to make a chemical cocktail, whilst others use a pre-packaged pill. These can be taken several times throughout the day, with some people sticking to routine and others who like to be more experimental. Are smart drugs legal?

Smart drugs are legal in some forms in the UK and are classified as schedule IV by the US Drugs Enforcement Administration, which are considered as having a low risk of addiction and abuse whilst many nootropics are legal, the rules can vary. It is actually illegal to purchase some neuro enhancers including modafinil without a prescription; however some can be sourced easily online, in health shops and over the counter. More research is neededâ&#x20AC;Ś

Often these drugs can be treated as dietary supplements, which don't require approval before they are made available to purchase. The Government does still

have some oversight over nootropics and their use via its centre for food safety and approved nutrition, however mainly focuses on products that cause injury and illness. Are they safe?

People will react in different ways. Nothing is 100% safe; they may produce a small risk and can produce some side effects including insomnia, headaches, stomach cramps and nausea, similar to any other form of medication. Some scientists believe that the more long term safety precautions should be taken in to consideration and it should always be advised to consult a medical professional and to take your own health issues and goals into account when considering smart drugs. Like anything else when buying products on the internet you are putting yourself at risk, unless it is a reputable source. There is no way of confirming whether the product is safe or contaminated. Before thinking about taking smart drugs, do your research and find out about other users experiences and if it is really necessary.

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May 2016

Panic and Anxiety Striking when you least expect! Gail Braznell lmost everybody worries about what will happen in the future. The prospect of not knowing if something good or bad will happen to you in the near future can produce a lot of fear and anxiety.

I have a history of panic attacks and I’ve also been diagnosed with a panic disorder, you wouldn’t know it though. I’m a successful photographer as well as a writer, I have a loving family with a three year old son who makes me very proud, I don’t have any social anxiety what so ever and I have lots of friends. On the whole life is pretty awesome! I know first hand how panic attacks are very real, very awful, and emotionally debilitating. Panic attacks are intensely frightening and can hit you at any moment and when you least expect. Some people who have panic attacks have feelings of anxiety or dread, lightheadedness or fainting, rapid breathing, sweating, or an increased heart rate. The physical symptoms of a panic attack are caused by your body going into “fight or flight” mode. As your body tries to take in more oxygen, your breathing quickens. Your body also releases hormones, such as adrenaline, causing your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up. My experience

On a warm Sunday evening, I’d drifted into one of those deep sleeps really quickly. Out of the blue a fear of fright woke me suddenly. I approached my bedroom window and pulled open the blinds, but there was nothing there. My heart started pounding as I trembled. My breathing was hard and fast and I had a tingling sensation right across my chest which made me think I was having a heart attack. A sudden fear of death seemed to come from nowhere and I felt alone, on edge and anxious. I had no idea why I felt this way, it was all so very confusing. It happened so fast, “let’s get you to hospital quickly”, Eve my partner shrieked, who was clueless as to what was the matter with me. 72

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We arrived at the hospital and they hooked me up to all the necessary machines and carried out lots of tests. I had wires and pipes everywhere and an oxygen mask on my face. All the time Eve was right beside me waiting anxiously. As I looked across at her, she was as white as a ghost. She couldn’t handle seeing me in this way, a couple of seconds later her legs buckled and she’d passed out at the thought that I was going to die.

and I wasn’t dying. I was prescribed an antidepressant that helped to increase the level of serotonin in my brain and I was offered therapy, which at that particular time I refused.

Convinced we had taken something, hospital staff continued to interrogate us but once they realised we hadn’t they were able to treat me for a panic attack and Eve for shock. (We still laugh about that night now, how I ended up waiting for Eve to recover from her shock.)

My Recovery

The panic attacks continued night after night, week after week for months, then years.

I’m often asked how I got over my panic attacks. To be honest I never have, I’ve just got better at handling each situation as it occurs.

I would go to bed in a normal state of mind, nothing at all bothering me, then boom! I’d suddenly wake in the middle of the night scared and confused. I’d always approach my bedroom window with my fists clenched tightly, all the time my heart was pounding, my chest was tight, I comforted myself by rocking from side to side and backwards and forwards. I felt foolish, as if I was losing my mind. There was nowhere to go to escape this terrifying ordeal. My whole body had pins and needles, I had a burning sensation in my head and every small pain or ache in my body made me think something serious or life-threatening was occurring. During the day I became moody and snappy, I couldn’t sleep and my memory and concentration was so poor. Every aspect of my life was deeply affected. At my low point, I was overwhelmed from morning to night by waves of panic and anxiety. I just didn’t know what was wrong with me and I couldn’t seem to shake it off. We had many trips to the hospital due to my fear of dying. Each time I was reassured that it was a panic attack

Years passed and my panic became less frequent. I could go several months without one, but then I could get three in one night.

I’m only qualified to talk about my own experiences and we are all different, with different symptoms and distinctive triggers. Panic attacks rob me of my ability to think, remember, and concentrate, so I’ve become mindful, my imagination can often run wild and cause me to think differently than I generally should. I taught myself to see and feel things more clearly and give myself time to think things through rationally by firstly seeking some hypnotherapy treatment. A very softly spoken, non judgemental lady talked to me in her calming voice analysing the root cause of my problems by communicating with my subconscious mind. I also keep a panic diary noting all the important aspects of a panic attack. I wait until the waves of panic are over and then I write in scruffy handwriting and misspelt words to the best of my knowledge the events as they terrifyingly unfold. For the most part, I feel that I’ve conquered my anxiety, although some nights I still find myself jumping up

at the window. Mostly, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to do things with confidence again and without a fear of anxiety or death.

I clench my fists tightly and rock side to side

Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers

Below is a poem that I wrote immediately after a panic attack. By my own admission itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my greatest work but more a demonstration of how I battle through this frightful condition. If I can just reach out to one person then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be very pleased I decided to share my story.

Sense of terror or impending doom or death

Panic

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so scared, is it a heart attack or it could be a tumour

Symptoms of a panic attack

A sensation that your heart is beating irregularly (palpitations) Racing heart Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy

Feeling sweaty or having chills Chest pains

Wake up out the blue in the middle of the night Not sure whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woke me, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s given me a fright

Breathing difficulties

I rapidly approach the window with much confusion

Feeling a loss of control A need to go to the toilet

My mind is playing tricks it must be an illusion

Dry mouth

My heart is pounding and my chest is tight

Hyperventilation For help and advice visit:

Too scared to even reach out for the light

www.nhs.uk Or if you wish to share your own experiences with me drop me an email at gail@edgemagazine.org

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m nervous but where can hide Pins and needles are burning and tingling in my head It feels like a few hours and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m gonna be dead

Living with panic means I frighten much sooner Sweating, palpitations, pounding heart, trembling and shaking Nightmares, dizziness, shortness of breath and my chest is aching This condition is eating me alive, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s me it wants to devour The monster of sensation seems to hold all the power

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May 2016

Bloating and Tummy Pain Is it ovarian cancer?

arch was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month so I would like to share with you some facts about this cancer. Ovarian cancer can be devastating, especially as too many women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed too late, often when the cancer has spread which can make treatment more difficult. Each woman has two ovaries which make eggs. Each month an egg is released from one of the ovaries into the womb. The ovaries also make the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is cancer which arises from the cells in and around the ovary. A cancer occurs when the cells of the body are not normal and then multiply out of control. This growth of abnormal cells can damage nearby tissues and organs or part of the cancer can spread via the blood stream or lymph channels to different parts of the body. Ovarian cancer affects around 7000 women in the UK each year and it is actually more than twice as common than cancer of the cervix. Although it occurs more frequently in women over the age of 50 years, younger women can also develop ovarian cancer. It can sometimes run in families although the vast majority of women with ovarian cancer do not have other family members with ovarian cancer. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually very vague and non-specific and that is often why it is not easy to diagnose early. The most common symptoms are having a constant pain or a feeling of ‘pressure’ in the lower abdomen or pelvic area and having bloating in the abdomen that does not go away (not bloating that comes and goes). Some women notice that there is an actual increase in size of their abdomen. Another symptom is having difficulty eating and feeling full quickly. Some women notice that they need to pass urine more often than usual. Occasionally other symptoms develop such as extreme tiredness, loss of weight or loss of appetite.

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Many women find they experience some of these symptoms. The important point regarding symptoms of ovarian cancer is that these symptoms are frequent, so occur more than 12 times a month, are persistent, so they do not go away and they are also new symptoms. This means that they are symptoms that do not usually occur and have recently started in the past year. Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer include an ultrasound test and a blood test. A cervical smear test can not diagnose ovarian cancer. An ultrasound is a painless test which uses sound waves to create pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Other scans such as a CT and / or MRI scan may be undertaken for some women. The blood test detects a special protein called CA125 which is often raised in women with ovarian cancer. However, the level can be normal in some women with ovarian cancer. Also, it can be raised due to some conditions other than ovarian cancer, for example endometriosis or ovarian cysts. The treatment depends on various factors, for example the size of the cancer and if it has spread or not. Most women have an operation to remove the cancer and many women also have chemotherapy (which is a treatment of cancer by using anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from multiplying). The outlook following treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of cancer when it is diagnosed, in other words, whether it is early or advanced. When a woman is diagnosed with an early stage of ovarian cancer, her chances of surviving for five years doubles from just 46% to more than 90%. So don’t ignore any symptoms you may have – if you are concerned in any way you should see your doctor. More information can be found at www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

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

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May 2016

The Problem of Performance Measurement When judging the performance of investments, the FTSE 100 is generally seen as a proxy for the stock market. Active funds are often said to have out-performed or under-performed the index, but this approach does not address some of the limitations with the FTSE 100 index.

Tom Ware

irstly, the FTSE 100 can have certain structural biases. It is heavily weighted to oil and gas companies, for example, which form about 13% of the index (source: The FTSE Group). This has been a source of strength in the past, but has created downward pressure as commodity prices have fallen. In the past, these sector biases have been even more of a problem. Prior to the financial crisis, the FTSE 100 was heavily weighted towards banks, which meant that those investors sticking too close to the index were hit hard as banking shares sold off. During the technology crisis, the indexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high weighting in Vodafone proved problematic.

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Emotional biases

These biases tend to emerge when investors get very excited about one sector or another: banks or technology companies, for example. Everyone buys the shares, so the companies become larger and become a higher weight in the index (which is constructed with reference to the size of different companies). The problem comes when that sector falls out of fashion, as many do. This happened with technology in 2000, the banks in 2008 or commodity-related stocks more recently, investors find themselves stuck with a large weighting in stocks that are declining rapidly. In additional to this concentration in certain sectors, the FTSE 100 index also misses out significant swathes of

the market. It does not include smaller companies, which have been shown, over the long-term, to grow faster than larger companies. Significant sectors are only lightly represented in the FTSE 100-house building, for example. Equally, the FTSE 100 is, at heart, an international index. It is dominated by large multi-national companies, who generate the lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of their earnings abroad. That is fine, if the UK economy is doing badly, but if ~ as it is at the moment ~ the UK is among the strongest areas, investors may not be getting the exposure they want. Many investors simply look at the headline level of the FTSE 100 to judge performance. This neglects tax and dealing charges, and whether dividends are paid out or reinvested. Investors may

find, for example, that the performance of a FTSE 100 tracker does not exactly replicate that of the FTSE 100.

international shares, bonds, cash and alternatives to reflect the different investment aims.

Alternative indices

Each part of the portfolio is represented by a different index. For example, the UK equity portfolio is represented by the FTSE All Share, international equities by the FTSE All World Ex-UK Index, commercial property by the FTSE All UK Property Index and bonds by the FTSE Gilts All Stocks index. We believe these are a better benchmark for the type of return we are trying to provide than the FTSE 100.

Some of these problems can be addressed by using alternative indices. The FTSE All Share, for example, incorporates more small and medium-sized company exposure, though it still predominantly weighted to larger companies. It is possible to find specialist FTSE 250 and small cap indices. We use the FTSE Wealth Manager indices. These aim to introduce a greater balance across different asset classes and to reflect more closely the nature of a private client portfolio. As such, they have conservative income, growth and balanced indices, each containing different proportions of UK shares,

However, these indices are also subject to certain biases. For example, more recently UK government bonds have done extremely well. As stock markets have sold off, investors have rushed for ‘safe havens’ and gilts prices have risen.

This has seen the performance of some conservative portfolios do extremely well. Indexing is an imperfect science. The FTSE 100 is particularly flawed as a benchmark for the private client portfolios and we aim to steer our clients away from looking at performance in those terms. There will be problems with any benchmark, and they will always, to some extent, reflect yesterday’s winners rather than being predictive of future performance. However, we aim to work best with the tools that we have been given and fulfilling a client’s objective is of the upmost importance, ahead of an Index.

10 - Year Performance Total Return (GBP)

FTSE 100

FTSE 250

FTSE SmallCap

IMPORTANT NOTICE The descriptions of products and services in this article are not recommendations, which we will only make to individuals based on their personal circumstances and needs. Investment plans and funds may involve risks to both capital and income. Past performance is not a guide to the future and the value of investment can fall as well as rise. You might not get back the full amount invested particularly if an encashment is made in the early years. The descriptions of tax rules are based on Churchill Investments’ understanding of law and HMR&C practice. Tax rules are subject to change. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Churchill Investments plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

FTSE AllShare

FTSE Fledgling

Tom Ware

Churchill Investments PLC Registered in England No. 3125227 Registered Office: 9 Woodborough Road, Winscombe. BS25 1AB 01934 844444 info@churchillinvestments.co.uk www.churchillinvestments.co.uk

May 2016

Weoley Castle

A hidden piece of Birmingham’s medieval past. Gail Braznell

his month my travels take me four miles west of Birmingham to Northfield, where lies the ruins of Weoley Castle. The ruins are one of the oldest buildings still visible in Birmingham and one of ten Scheduled Monuments in Birmingham, giving it the same heritage status at Stonehenge.

by a castle due to its location in a valley. There were also private rooms for the lords and ladies of the manor and a kitchen with a large fireplace for cooking. The family had their own chapel and stable range with lodging rooms above, and there was a large brewhouse for beer production.

The ruins of Weoley Castle are over 750 years old and are the remains of a fortified manor house built as a hunting lodge by the Lords of Dudley.

What you see today dates mostly from the 1270’s, when the Lords of Dudley were given permission by the King to build and fortify their castle in stone.

This very atmospheric hidden gem is tucked away in the middle of an urban housing estate but once stood within a thousand acres of deer park. Although often referred to as a castle, the ruins are the remains of a medieval manor house that was once surrounded by a moat. It also had a curtain wall, towers, battlements, arrow slits as well as an imposing gatehouse and impressive great hall, however, it did not have a keep or the defensive position required

Managed by the Birmingham Museums Trust, the castle facilitates an education and visitor centre for school classes, local groups, youth clubs and history enthusiasts and at present the site is only opened to the public on selected days or for special community events, with guided tours hosted by local volunteers. The ruins themselves were once the estate of William Fitz Ansculf. Weoley then changed hands several times between the centuries and fell into

disrepair - stone from the castle was removed to build a nearby farm and the Dudley No.2 canal. If you were to be intrigued by this hidden gem that I have recently discovered then it’s quite hard to find. You wouldn’t expect a historical monument to be in the middle of a housing estate. I found it entirely by accident whilst I was walking along the Alwold Road in search of a castle, as the name suggests. As it happens, there isn’t a castle. But there is a series of small 750-year-old walls which are pretty impressive in terms of longevity. You can’t walk amongst the ruins unless there’s an open day, or an event going on but there is a viewing platform. The site is certainly most interesting when you know what you’re looking at so take a tour and let one of the volunteers bring it to life for you! Take a look on the website for details of events.

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Weoley Castle Ruins Alwold Road Weoley Castle B29 5RJ 78

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It's a Dog's Life Fancy spending the entire weekend in ‘The Doghouse’?

pril 15, 2016 - Worcestershire business partners, Mary Jones and Julie Young have challenged themselves to spend the entire weekend in a dog kennel at Dogs Trust Evesham. Having been dog foster carers and volunteers for Dogs Trust for the last three years, they have seen first-hand the work the charity does and decided to raise money that will help buy items for environmental enrichment. At the beginning of 2016, Mary and Julie set themselves the challenge of raising £10,000 for The Dog’s Trust and have been working on plans to do something unusual that would capture the public’s imagination. Whilst volunteering at Christmas, Mary’s husband Colin jokingly photographed her inside a kennel which gave her the idea for their challenge. On 28th-29th of May, Mary and Julie will be eating, sleeping and keeping themselves entertained in a dog kennel at the centre. They will be inviting friends, family and supporters to come and visit

them, and to see first-hand the work that the charity does. If you are visiting and have any spare old blankets, towels or toys to donate, it all helps towards the daily welfare of the dogs. Julie said: “We love helping out Dogs Trust and have really enjoyed all the dogs that we have fostered over the years. However we felt that it was time to really help them with a challenge, which will help buy much needed training equipment for general and obedience training and that builds confidence in the dogs whilst they await loving new homes.” Mary continued: “We wanted to do something that was totally different to highlight the Dogs Trust’s work. The Rehoming Centre is currently undergoing expansion and will soon be able to take in more dogs than ever before and the money we raise will help them care for these extra homeless hounds.”

Dogs Trust Assistant Manager Emma Bragginton explains: “We are so grateful to Mary and Julie for setting themselves this incredible challenge to help our dogs. We hope they both find kennel life comfortable as they raise money to ensure the centres dogs are kept as happy as possible during their time with us as they search for loving new homes.” Calling all dog lovers to support our challenge by donating at: www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ mandjcharitychallenge Follow us on Facebook: Search for Mary and Julie’s Charity Challenge

May 2016

What’s On...

BodyPower

13th-15th May 2016 NEC, Birmingham

Hanbury Countryside Show Saturday 2nd July 2016

Park Hall Farm, Hanbury, Redditch, Worcestershire, B96 6RD Gates open 8.30am - 6.00pm For a spectacular day out this Summer visit The Hanbury Countryside Show in Worcestershire, where you will get the chance to enjoy a fun filled day with family and friends.

BodyPower is the ultimate destination for experienced and fledgling fitness enthusiasts. Over 80,000 visitors attended BodyPower last year and 2016 is expected to be even busier. With over 400 exhibitors, hundreds of product launches, and the world’s best fitness athletes the event provides insight and entertainment for newcomers as well as seasoned fitness enthusiasts.

BodyPower has a range of features designed to encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle. Making fitness The show has been held on the first Saturday in July since 1947 and celebrates the more accessible and less daunting is a very best of Midlands farming, equestrianism and rural life. The show is above all key aim of BodyPower 2016. Coaches a traditional one day agricultural show with strong charitable principles. Record and trainers will be on the show floor, crowds flocked to the Showground in July 2015 with over 10,000 people enjoying giving top advice on training and the "summer's best day out", and this year the show will be even bigger with an appearance by Atkinson's Action Horses; famously seen in the BBC series Poldark and nutrition while the shows features have Peaky Blinders. With a rare flypast by the last airworthy Lancaster bomber in the UK, been designed to arm the public with the tools to get out and lead a healthier Hanbury Show is not to be missed this summer! and fitter life. Teaching the basics Tickets – On the gate £10 and booked in advance £8 |Children 12 years under – FREE through a range of fun and interactive seminars, have-a-go sessions and www.hanburyshow.co.uk Q&A’s is at the heart of BodyPower 2016.

The Sessions

www.bodypower.com

A live re-staging of the Beatles at Abbey Road Studios - Friday 13th May 2016, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Set in a state-of-the-art reproduction of the iconic Abbey Road Studio 2, The Sessions will stage breath-taking, musically spectacular new live renditions of the timeless albums recorded there by The Beatles, to take us on a joyous, thrilling, historically authentic voyage through the events that shaped popular music history. Inspired by Here, There and Everywhere, the memoir of the show’s Creative Consultant and Grammy-winning former Abbey Road sound engineer Geoff Emerick, The Sessions will be the closest an audience can get to experiencing The Beatles live and at the height of their glory. Tickets from £62.43 80

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Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis Wed 25 May 2016 7.30pm, Butterworth Hall As the UK’s most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison and Luther Vandross, Sting, BB King and Paul Weller. Jools is respected not only as a performer, but also an authority on all music. His BBC 2 Live music show Later… with Jools Holland is now broadcasting its 46th series featuring artists from all time periods, countries, and genres! The 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra features, at its helm, former Squeezedrummer, Giles Lavis. With Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall whom are sure to deliver true rhythm and blues boogie woogie with their show-stopping vocals. As ever, Jools continues to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances.

Music fit for a Queen

St Peter’s Church, Wootton Wawen (A3400 near Stratford upon Avon) - 11-18 June, 7.30 pm (except 2.30 pm 12 June organ and 90 years of fashion) Saxon stonework forming the heart of Warwickshire’s oldest church, St Peter’s, passed daily by thousands driving between Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon, is the setting for the Wootton Wawen Festival, a biennial summer event “featuring international artistes” and organised by volunteers from a village community of fewer than 1500 people. This is the chance for those who normally hurry by – and for many more from across the region - to come early to admire features such as the facade of the 17th century seat of the Lords of the Manor, Wootton Hall, set in expansive parkland beside the pools and waterfalls of the River Alne, overlooking the festival venue on the A3400. With the theme Music Fit for a Queen, the Wagen Trust organisers this year takes the event into new realms by linking music with wine and fashion to mark the Queen’s official 90th birthday. Pat Phillips for tickets and details 01564 793114 (e-mail patphh@btinternet.com)

Blenheim Palace Food Festival 28th – 30th May 2016

We are excited to welcome Fantastic British Food Festivals back to Blenheim Palace to host its second food festival event. Building on the huge success of the 2015 festival, this year’s enhanced festival will feature more demonstrations, local producers and tastings, with a fantastic range of food, drink and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors are invited to explore flavours, learn new culinary skills and meet local chefs and TV personalities, whilst immersing themselves in the splendid setting of Blenheim Palace and its 300 years of fascinating history. Recently listed as one of the top ten must-visit food and drink festivals in the world, the Blenheim Palace Food Festival promises regional food and drink from 120 stallholders, including artisan bakes, craft brews, gourmet burgers, international cuisine, traditional ices and handmade sweets. Serving something for everyone to enjoy, the Blenheim Palace Food Festival is sure to be a delicious day out. For more information please visit www.fantasticbritishfoodfestivals.com May 2016

“The Crescent Theatre Company presents Musical of Musicals” by Joanne Bogart & Eric Rockwell 28 May - 4 Jun in the Studio @ 7:45pm | Matinees Sunday 29th May @ 2pm & Saturday 4th June @ 2:45pm

irst staged off Broadway in 2003, “Musical of Musicals” is a satirical look at the classic musical and of course paying homage to, the style of five well known American and British composers, with hilarious results. “Exceedingly clever and extremely funny, “Brilliant satire with plenty of laughs”, “Clever, Hilarious, and Classy”, are only a few of the review comments made about the show when it was originally staged. Things kick off with a version in the vein of Rodgers and Hammerstein called “Corn” and then moves in the style of Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Sondheim, Jerry Herman and Andrew Lloyd Webber. In between all this music you will recognise references to “Evita”, “Chicago”, “Aspects of Love”, The Sound of Music”, and “Starlight Express” to name a few.

For more information, please visit www.crescent-theatre.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @crescenttheatre. Tickets can be booked online or by This is a show not simply for fans of musicals but for those who calling the box office on 0121 643 5858 like to chuckle as they recognise the quotes and laugh at the plot. All in all, this musical is an amusing show with a talented The Crescent Theatre cast and is well worth a trip to enjoy a fantastic performance at Brindley Place the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham. Sheepcote St Birmingham B16 8AE

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Award-winning, mouth-watering Everything you look for in a gastropub

Our four pubs are not just among the best gastropubs in Worcestershire & Warwickshire, they’re among the best in the country! They already have a fistful of awards between them, including the latest and greatest for The Forest - Les Routiers Pub of the Year for The Forest at Feckenham. It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference. All our pubs use ingredients from local markets and suppliers, and create brilliantly imaginative dishes with them. The service is friendly and attentive but never obtrusive. And we serve up a choice of lovely ales and wines in the warmest surroundings. It’s true, some of the best things in life are right on your doorstep. Book today

Welsh Road, Offchurch CV33 9AQ Tel: 01926 425801 www.thestagatoffchurch.com

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

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

Crowle Green, Crowle WR7 4AA Tel: 01905 381772 www.thechequersatcrowle.com May 2016

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