Edge Magazine November 2015 (Volume 38) by MLP Publishing Ltd

Edge Magazine November 2015

(Volume 38) FREE EDITION

Warwickshire, Worcestershire, West Midlands and North Cotswolds

Food & Drink | Culture | Business | Fashion | Lifestyle

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

ell the seasons are definitely changing and November is here. You can certainly feel the chill in the air on the mornings and my jumpers, scarves and coats have now made their reappearance. The dark winter nights are drawing in and it seems so strange to think that we are nearly coming to the end of another year. I think we can now safely say that it is not too early to start thinking about Christmas, many of us will start to purchase Christmas gifts, order the turkey and make plans with family or friends for the big event itself and of course not to forget Bonfire Night. With Bonfire Night approaching we did not want to forget our furry friends so we have put together some tips on how to keep our pets safe this November and please remember to look out for hedgehogs before lighting those bonfires! It’s time to start planning and prepping those Christmas parties. We have provided some fantastic ideas on how to host the perfect Christmas celebration with friends. This month we had the chance to head over to The Elgar Inn at Earls Coombe to taste some of the delicious Italian and Greek influenced dishes that are on offer.

We were also invited to the Kingham Plough to attend a mushroom foraging and tasting morning and if you’re looking for even more culinary inspiration, take a look at some of our warming winter recipes, guaranteed to cheer you up on any gloomy evening. I got to personally experience the ultimate new spa treatment at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield- the Purva Karma massage, a four handed massage, which yes, is as amazing and relaxing as it sounds. I also had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new Audi Q7 which boasts everything; style, luxury and practicality to boot. Michael had the opportunity to interview the Chief Executive of Worcester Warriors to discuss all of the new developments that will be taking place at the Worcestershire based rugby club. We also caught up with top selling surrealist artists Peter and Jayne Smith on the launch of their newest collection, ’Lost Alice’. We have a great selection of articles this month from our contributors including a book review of Raising Steam, another fantastic novel by the sadly missed Terry Pratchett selected by Mike Stafford, discover the amazing benefits of Chlorophyll with Mel Taffs, how

HRT can be good for women facing the menopause with Dr Louise R Newson, and how to decorate your home for Christmas with Hatton and Harding. Emma Jenkins has also shared some great styling advice on coats ahead of the Christmas season. Tom Ware has been very busy raising money for charity, so we don't have an article from him this month. Although, he will be back in December. I would also like to congratulate Megan, her husband Nick and little Arthur on the arrival of beautiful baby Aurelia. Overall we have had a great month here at Edge Magazine. My team and I would like to say thank you again for all the continued support from our readers. I hope that you all enjoy this edition and we look forward to seeing you next month for more Christmas inspiration and winter fun.

Lucie x www.edgemagazine.org

November 2015

Contents PRODUCTION

Royal Leamington Spa

Hatton and Harding

Merry Markets 12

Editorial

Your Perfect Party

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

Stanbrook Abbey 16

Gail Braznell - Content Editor gail@edgemagazine.org

Spa Review 24

Euphorium Design 19 Heating your Home

Beauty at the Courtyard

The Pear Tree

Winter Coats 28 Gift Guide 30 Chocolate Deli 32

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

Elgar Inn 34 Local Kitchen 36 Love Wine 38 Forage and Feast

Simple Winter Warmers

Charlie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill - West Midlands Sales @EdgeMag_Charlie charlie@edgemagazine.org Tel: 07834 538 284

The Dew Drop

Cheltenham Literature Festival

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

Party Season at Eden Hotel Group

Dorridge Music School

Lost Alice

Lucas Wright - Warwickshire Sales @EdgeMag_Lucas lucas@edgemagazine.org Tel:07525 120 626

Join the Hunt for Collectibles

Jim O'Toole Interview

The Legend Continues

Uniquely Worcester 46 Cute Shop 48

Raising Steam 55

Cadmore Lodge 68 Stuart and Dan Tie the Knot

CONTRIBUTORS

Keeping your Pets Safe

Laura Clay Alice Salter Tom Ware Mel Taffs Lucie Abu-Zalaf David Hatton Emma Jenkins Mike Stafford Adrian Barrows Martina Perry Dr Louise R. Newson

St Mary's Hospice

Could you benefit from HRT?

Eat Green 76 Winter Gardening 78 Time to Take Care

Birmingham Rep 80 Enchanted Dreams 81 What's On 82

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

info@edgemagazine.org 4

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Food Pub of the Year

Eagle Star Awards 2012

Leamington Warm Welcome Award

National Best Employer

Hospitality Awards 2014 Finalist

Winner

November 2015

BygonesSept15_Layout 1 10/08/2015 22:41 Page 1

Main Features Purva Karma At the Belfry Hotel & Spa

Fungus Among Us At the Kingham Plough

Lost Alice Tea for Two

CL Court Leather of Worcester

Worcester Warriors Interview with Chief Ececutive Jim O'Toole

Beat the cold this winter

The Legend Continues The New Audi Q7

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November 2015

Royal Leamington Spa Leamington’s Lanterns set to Light up the Night Sky

he countdown to Christmas in Royal Leamington Spa is about to get underway as families once again prepare to light up Leamington as part of the tremendously successful Lantern Parade taking place on Sunday 6th December. The first of many FREE lantern making workshops will be held on Sunday, November 1 with others on Sunday November 8, and Sunday November 15, from 10am to 4pm, at the Royal Pump Rooms. They will be followed by workshops at Dormer Place Conference Centre on Saturday November 21 and Saturday November 28, from 10am to 4pm. For those that cannot attend a workshop, Lantern making packs will be available to buy. On Sunday 6th December, the lantern parade will meet in the Royal Pump Room Gardens from 4pm with entertainment on the bandstand before setting off at 4.30pm accompanied by a local band and will finish with Christmas carols around the Tree of Lights at Leamington Town Hall. Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, said: “We are expecting this year to be as spectacular as ever and once again we will also be collecting donations of new toys to be distributed to local children on Christmas Eve.” “We’re asking people to bring their gifts to one of the weekend lantern making workshops or to the Tree of Lights at Leamington Town Hall at the end of the Lantern Parade.”

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“The whole idea of the Lantern Parade is to bring the community together to share in the spirit of Christmas and enjoy a magical evening lighting up the town centre.” All materials will be provided at the lantern making workshops and those taking part are asked to bring along some art clothes to wear. Advance booking is not required but it does get busy so those attending are asked to come earlier if they can and allow around two hours to make a lantern. Last entry to the workshops is at 2pm. Lantern making packs are also available at £5 each from the BID Leamington office at 35c Park Court, off Park Street. BID Leamington would also like to hear from local schools and volunteers aged over 16, who would like to get involved. The popular event will follow the switching on of the Christmas lights on Sunday, November 15 when this year’s Golden Ticket Prize Draw will also be launched. The town centre will be open every Thursday for late night shopping in the run-up to Christmas from Thursday November 26th with free parking from 6pm in the Royal Priors. For more information on Lantern workshops, packs and volunteering, telephone BID Leamington on 01926 470 634 or visit www.leamingtonparade. co.uk. For more information on other town centre events and promotions this Christmas please visit www.royalleamington-spa.co.uk.

November 2015

Deck the Halls! At Hatton and Harding Interiors

hhhhh Christmas....the joy....the expectation....the pressure!!!! The idyllic movie style Christmas is not always easy to pull off!!! With the festive season just around the corner now's the time to allow your home to become your own creative grotto, after all you'll probably have more visitors than any other time of year so make sure your home looks amazing. Our 'Christmas shop' is in full swing and We start decorating people's homes and commercial spaces from the end of November and love every minute. First impressions always count and a grand entrance is always important. Decorate bay, box or holly trees to frame and create a point of interest at the doorway. This is an easy way of creating a welcoming and sophisticated reception for your guests. Decorate with small lights and compliment with lanterns. A super stylish door wreath is a must.

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David Hatton

Indoors it's important for our homes to reflect our individuality and celebrate our personal taste. Most people have an eclectic mix of decorations acquired or passed down over the years, home crafts and anything that glitters. Not that there's anything wrong with that but if

your collection lacks a strong identity divide them into 'families' and decorate different rooms accordingly. Some people love the look and fragrance of a real tree where others prefer the reliability of a fake one. Either way, the same rule applies, choose your tree well, gorgeous ornaments can only do so much for a scraggly tree. If you're not a natural creative you can make things easier for yourself. Start with the lights, tiny twinkles look more exquisite. Hang from top to bottom and stand back for the squinty eye test (the fail safe way to see any gaps), A colour scheme will give your tree a cohesive look and if you need to play safe keep baubles to the same size. If you're more confident, mix it up. Many homes struggle with storage at the best of times. Add to this the challenge of a Christmas tree, scatter of greetings cards and a home full of family and friends it's not surprising it all gets a bit

much. If you don't have room for a tree don't worry. Decorating the mantelpiece, staircase or framing a hallway mirror can be just as effective. Tie several faux garlands together to create a really full, luxurious piece and incorporate faux foliage, sprigs of holly, spruce and pine cones for a really natural feel if your homes just too warm for the real deal.

stand filled with different size baubles is an easy table centre piece for the least creative. You can also be a bit more adventurous with your traditional door wreath. Suspend over your dining table and secure hanging decorations with ribbons. This gives a great focal point without taking away much needed space on the table.

One of the main things we associate with Christmas is warm, spicy fragrance. The addition of a winter scented candle is a must and we usually have them placed throughout the house.

Lighting is crucial in creating a warm, welcoming interior. Christmas lights are not just for Christmas trees. Pop them into a large glass dome or use a framed mirror as a tray to hold candles. Now is the time to decorate the home with all that sparkles.

Create focal points in each room, concentrating your decorations to areas you wish to accentuate and keep the other areas more neutral. Fill large glass vases with baubles in colour coordination with your tree. These look great, especially when displayed in rows. Be creative in transforming the ordinary in to something stylish, a cake

However you spend Christmas, make sure your home reflects it and showcase what Christmas is really about for you..... and Bing Crosby!!!

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

November 2015

Merry Markets

Our guide to this years’ Christmas Markets

s Christmas markets are an essential part of the build up to the festive season we take a look at a few to help you wrap up your festive shopping in style!

to Britain he hoped to tempt British visitors over to Frankfurt for the real deal. Birmingham was the first UK location the market came to as the city is twinned with Frankfurt.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

With over 180 stalls, it’s the largest outdoor Christmas Market in Britain and is the centrepiece of the city’s annual Christmas events calendar. A record number of visitors in 2014 came to Birmingham during the six weeks the city’s Christmas German Market was open, with about 5.5 million visitors contributing towards the £397m spent, nearly double the £201m generated in 2012.

12 November to 22 December, 10:00am 9:00pm Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, now having run for over a decade, has become a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from all over the UK and Europe. It all began in Birmingham in 1997 when Kurt Stroscher, Frankfurt City Council’s director of festivals and events, came up with the idea as a way to market his home city overseas. Stroscher persuaded his bosses at the Frankfurt tourist board that the best way to promote the city to Brits was to export an authentic German Christmas market of the kind that has been running in Frankfurt since 1393. By bringing a taste of a traditional German Christmas 12

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Each winter, the smell of Glühwein and sizzling Bratwurst fills the city centre air. Rows of wooden huts selling festive trinkets, sweets and gifts snake the route from the Bullring towards Victoria Square. Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and knoblauchbrot will tempt your taste buds, all of which can be washed down with Glühwein, weissbeer, mulled cider, or tasty hot chocolate. Stalls offer a huge

range of locally hand-crafted items, including decorative ironwork, wood carvings, handbags, toys, musical instruments and organic soaps and cosmetics. Other stalls offer fantastic ethnic handicrafts, imported from all over the world from places such as Africa, India and South America. The 23rd annual Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Fayre Dates for 2015 – Thursday 26th, Friday 27th, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November. Top hats and bonnets are the order of the day at this Victorian Christmas fayre. Worcester Christmas Fayre is the leading Victorian-themed street market in the greater Midlands region, celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year. Over 150 stalls selling unique presents plus roasting chestnuts, bubbling mulled wine and steaming hot chocolate with a nip of Baileys, choirs, stilt walkers, jugglers, minstrels and street entertainers all line the mediaeval

streets of this historic city, the perfect backdrop for a Fayre of this kind. Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening Thursday 26th November from 5pm to 9pm Well-heeled gentlemen tip their top hats to the ladies and a few twirl their canes as a touch of old class returns to the streets of Warwick. Warwick’s celebrated Victorian Christmas Evening has attractions throughout the town centre including a traditional carousel, ferret racing, traction engines, fire spinners, children’s rides and entertainments, Victorian Market and craft stalls. A lantern procession from St Mary’s Church provide a colourful highlight just before the lights switch-on. Craft, charity and festive food stalls wind through Swan Street, Market Street and the Market Place. November 2015

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Your Perfect Christmas Party

t’s coming up to the time of year when many of us think that it would be good idea to open up our home to family and friends and have a festive get together. Whether you are a keen planner who likes to run everything with military precision or more of a bohemian who likes to go with the flow, here are our top tips for making sure that your party goes smoothly.

Don’t forget soft drinks, for those who are driving or if you are inviting children. You could easily whip up a cranberry punch or a non-alcoholic mulled wine. But it’s a good idea to have some bottles of sparkling mineral water and a few cartons of juice on hand.

Firstly, you need to decide what sort of party that you want to throw. Is it going to be Christmas cocktails, mulled wine and mince pies or a formal sit down dinner party? Each have their own charms and a large part of this decision will be down to what space you have available, what your budget is and how much time you can dedicate to planning and preparation.

Whether you are having a sit down meal or a cocktail party, it’s a good idea to serve some nibbles. You can stick with the traditional Christmas staples such as pig in blankets, devils on horseback and smoked salmon and crème Fraiche blinis or you could try mixing it up a little by adding some mini croque monsieurs, bourbon glazed belly pork chunks, antipasti skewers or stuffed pepper dew peppers. All of these can easily be prepared well in advance and then either warmed up and served or just popped straight onto a serving dish. It’s a good idea to have a couple of sweet options too, you could go for the traditional mince pie, or why not spice it up a bit with some homemade Christmas pudding truffles or mini mont blancs; both look excellent and are so easy to make. Great ideas for a sit down meal, especially if you are cooking for quite a large amount of people are something warming and simple to prepare and serve- think beef bourguignon with rich, creamy mash and seasonal vegetables or slow cooked shoulder of pork. Both can be whipped up the day before and cooked over night in a slow oven, the longer you leave it the better it will get, what could be easier for a dinner party. Or if you wanted to go all out, you could of course look at getting outside catering in to do everything for you!

Next, set a date and make sure you get in early. December can be such a busy month, with work parties, family get-togethers and friends old and new catching up; social calendars can get booked up pretty quickly so make sure you get those invites out early. Whether you go for telephone call, text, email or traditional paper invite, make sure you let your guests know to RSVP so you know how many people to expect. It’s also a good idea to put what type of soirée that you’re planning so that everyone is on the same page regarding dress code and food expectations. Next it’s time to plan what food and drinks you are going to serve. In my opinion, whatever type of party you are throwing, having a batch of mulled wine on the go is a great opener, those Christmassy smells wafting through the house can’t be beaten; who needs scented candles when you can have the real thing? But if you fancy doing something a little bit different, why not try Glögg- the Scandinavian version of mulled wine or hot spiced cider with roasted apples. You could opt for the retro cool egg nogg or snowball options (one of my favourites) or even a Christmas chai cocktail. Champagne is another popular option for Christmas parties, but you can also save a few pounds by opting for Prosecco instead.

Most supermarkets offer a free glass loan service, if you are worried you may not have enough of each type of glass that you need but do remember most will require that you wash them before returning them!

Next, it’s onto the decorations. Most people will have their Christmas party when their Christmas tree is already up and decorated to help add to the theme and this is always a great focal point. But you can jazz up the rest of your home fairly easily to make it look festive throughout. A few white twinkling fairy lights here and there can help bring a bit of atmosphere without going over the top, as can simple decorations such as a vase full of clemantines. Be sure to get a well made wreath for your door, or you could even try making one for yourself. If you have a real fire, then get it lit, if not some heavy, thick candles in your fire place can add a lovely ambience. The key to getting everything to look good for your party is less is more- try and stick to one or two colours and a simple theme it will be much easier to follow this around your home and to make it look special, rather than look a school disco on acid! Finally, don’t forget to enjoy it. Don’t get bogged down with all of the planning and stress of the party. Pour yourself a drink and talk to your friends, it’s Christmas time after all and the best time will be had by all if you relax and enjoy yourself. Oh yes, and keep a bottle of tonic water handy in case any of that mulled wine ends up on your beige carpet

November 2015

Festive Season at Stanbrook Abbey

eave the ordinary behind this festive season and step into the glorious Stanbrook Abbey Hotel. Tucked away in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside, this fabulous hotel has undergone an incredible £5 million renovation, and is just waiting to deliver a celebration you and your colleagues will want to relive time and time again. Whether it’s a Christmas Party Night, where you and your colleagues can dine and dance into the small hours, or a traditional Festive Lunch, where you can toast to your continuing success, you are guaranteed an experience that will be remembered for all the right reasons. If you are looking to greet 2016 in style, come along to Stanbrook Abbey’s New Year’s Eve House Party. With a wonderful international theme, this unique event provides the opportunity to sample an array of flavours from around the world, perfectly complemented by Stanbrook Abbey’s glorious backdrop. Now boasting 56 stunning new bedrooms, you can choose to extend your celebration and stay the night surrounded by the unvrialled elegance of this stunning venue. Conveniently located just 5 miles from the M5, Stanbrook Abbey is the perfect choice for any festive celebrations and perfect for when only exceptional is good enough.

Christmas Party Christmas PartyNights Nights

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS at at

STANBROOKABBEY ABBEY STANBROOK

Joinone one party nights November Join ofof ourour party nights duringduring November andDecember, December, with withdinner, dinner, dancing! and DJDJ andand dancing! Pricesfrom from per person. Prices justjust £35 £35 per person.

Join us Day Lunch Join usfor forChristmas Christmas Day Lunch Sitback, back, relax enjoy Champagne, Sit relax andand enjoy Champagne, canapéscanapés andaadelicious delicious 7 course festive and 7 course festive feast. feast. Just£99 £99 person. Just perper person.

New Year’s Party New Year’sEve EveHouse House Party Multinational cuisine at every turn, themed Multinational cuisine at every turn, themed tables, tables, livemusic music and dancing live and dancing untiluntil dawn!dawn! Just£70 £70 person. Just perper person.

Festive & &Afternoon TeaTea FestiveLunches Lunches Afternoon Kickoff off the Christmas season at Stanbrook Abbey. Kick the Christmas season in styleinatstyle Stanbrook Abbey. Pricesfrom from per person. Prices justjust £29 £29 per person.

Worcestershire, WR2 Callow End, Worcestershire, WR2 4TY 4TY

www.edgemagazine.org

StanbrookAbbey..com com StanbrookAbbey

01905 409303 01905 409303

A WINTER WONDERLAND

A WINTER Friday 4th and Saturday December W O 5th ND E R L 2015 AND

at Da L L a S B u r S to n p o L o c L u B

t D a L L a S B u r| S t o n p o Lo cLuB three course Dinner | aLive entertainment Fireworks | carols

Friday 4th and 2015 tickets £75 or £700 forSaturday a table5thofDecember 10 course Dinner | Live entertainment | Fireworks | carols to book yourthree tickets please call us on tickets £75 or £700 for a table of 10 01926 811111 to book your tickets please call us on 01926 811111

Stoneythorpe eState, Southam, WarWickShire, cV47 2DL tel: 01926 811 111 email: enquiries@ixlevents.com www.dbpoloclub.com

Stoneythorpe eState, Southam, WarWickShire, cV47 2DL tel: 01926 811 111 email: enquiries@ixlevents.com www.dbpoloclub.com November 2015

‘What a find! Excellent place to stay and extremely good value.’ Robin S. Trip Advisor.

DEW DROP

‘A brilliant makeover of a village pub which now offers accommodation, a restaurant, bar and garden within 2 miles of Worcester.’ Peter R. Trip Advisor.

ROOMS FROM ONLY

Eat • Drink • Stay

per night!

Located only 5 minutes from the centre of Worcester, relax and enjoy freshly prepared, locally sourced food, a fine selection of real ales & quality wines and stay in one of our 9 exquisite en-suite bedrooms.

www.thedewdrop.co.uk Reservations: 01905 640 012 The Dewdrop Inn | Bell Lane | Lower Broadheath | Worcester WR2 6RR

d es ig n co n s u lta n c y

www.edgemagazine.org

Euphorium Design Consultancy

inter is here, with the colder weather and the grey skies we inevitably end up spending more time inside our homes. And it is often at this time of year, when we can no longer distract ourselves with al fresco drinks, dining and playing, that we notice again all of the things that we would like to change in our main living spaces. With over 20 years of interior design experience in the UK and USA, Lorna O’Toole and business partner Paul are here to help. Lorna has built up a wealth of knowledge, passion and expertise in her career working with many celebrities and high profile clients, designing private residences, unique high end show houses and holiday homes. But the real difference of Euphorium Design Consultancy is that they aren’t just there to help you rearrange your home and make things look pretty. Paul, a master joiner by trade with over 30 years of experience is here to help work through all of your thoughts, coupled with Lorna’s design ideas and to create beautiful, yet practical and functional design solutions. Euphorium specialise in creating high end living spaces, with a particular passion for bespoke kitchens and bathrooms, created just for you and crafted to fit your lifestyle. Each design concept and scheme is designed personally for each client based on your own design brief and budget. All steps to creating your new home are handled in house, from initial consultation, to concept, trend forecasting, design specification and supply and fitting. Lorna and Paul firmly believe that you really have to get to know someone to interpret their lifestyle and find out what inspires them and what will work for them in the longer term as well as the now and it is this personal service, coupled with over 50 years collective experience is what sets them apart. Such has been the success of Euphorium Design Consultancy, that they are relocating offices and warehouse which will be open weekdays 9-5, featuring a design showroom in Cutnall Green where you can go in, meet Lorna and Paul and really get a feel for what they can do; showcasing design ideas and the level of craftsmanship that you can expect. The launch of their new premises is on Saturday November 28th and Lorna and Paul would like to invite you down between 2pm and 5pm, for a glass of fizz, some nibbles and design goodies, but of course the most important part is to get some inspiration and see firsthand the quality of craftsmanship and design ideas that Lorna and Paul have to offer. Unit 5 Broadfield Barns, Kidderminster Road, Cutnall Green WR9 0PP 01527 821 119 November 2015

How do you heat yours?

Heating oil is now cheaper than gas, and this is brilliant news for the rural areas of The Three Counties this winter!

s most of the Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands’ rural areas are not hooked up to the mains gas system, the people living here use oil or even electricity to heat their homes. For decades, gas has been cheaper than oil, but this is no longer the case, as a recent drop in oil prices has made it significantly cheaper than gas central heating. As temperatures drop, we wanted to remind our rural readers that they’re probably now getting the best energy deal in the UK compared with other forms of heating, and that they should, and could, top up their tanks this winter. Rix Petroleum is a heating oil company, amongst other things, and they hope that the drop in heating oil prices will encourage people to make a larger order this winter — which is good for business as well as helping to safeguard residents from the cold. However, you don’t need to rush out and buy heating oil while it’s cheap, as there are no signs that the prices are going to go up any time soon. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has explained that the drop in heating oil prices is very likely to continue and that it may even drop further as we move into 2016.

heating oil instead of gas. Heating oil is now £691/year cheaper than LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and £670/ year cheaper than using electric storage heaters. Throughout the UK, the overall yearly average cost of heating your home with oil has dropped by £500 over the last two years — and, it’s likely to drop even further in the near future! What can you do if you aren’t currently using heating oil? If you live in rural Worcestershire, Warwickshire or the West Midlands then you're probably already use heating oil. But some of you may be using electric storage heaters or LPG heating instead. Obviously, savings increase even further as the size of the house increases beyond the three-bedroom range used for the OFTEC study, so it is definitely worth considering swapping over to heating oil in the near future. You can get in touch with Rix Petroleum if you’d like to find out more about changing over to heating oil or you can contact OFTEC if you’d prefer to talk to the independent trade association first. Rix Petroleum

How much are you saving with heating oil?

Station Rd

So how much are rural households in The Three Counties actually saving by using heating oil instead of gas? OFTEC (Oil and Renewable Heating Technologies) outlines these savings very clearly. For the average three-bedroom house it is £142/year cheaper to use

Birmingham

www.edgemagazine.org

B46 1JQ 01675 437557

7DOWUHHV 6WRYHV DQG )LUHSODFHV Taltrees Stoves and Fireplaces make and build beautiful fireplaces for wood-burning stoves, gas stoves and inset fireplaces

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Beauty at the Courtyard

eauty at the Courtyard first opened its doors in September 2011 by owner Kirsty Henderson at only 22 years of age. The Salon relocated to the High Street last November from the courtyard and is known locally for its high standards and selection of products available. With 10 years of industry experience, Kirsty has a clear passion for beauty therapy and feels it is important to make sure her clientele feel pampered from start to finish, whether it be a Caudalie facial or a nail treatment. Kirsty believes in keeping up to date with the industry and offers an array of treatments including facials, massage, body treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures, gel nails, self-tanning and make-up and eye treatments. From November there will be sports massages and deep tissue massages available. Beauty at the Courtyard houses a range of products including bareMinerals, the number one make-up brand used in America; Kirsty will use bareMinerals to give you the perfect look for that special occasion. Also, Caudalie which is the leading skincare product in France derived from the grape and packed full of powerful antioxidants. This helps stimulate collagen and elastin, increase cellular turnover and hydrates and nourishes the skin. Other brands used include OPI and SteamCream. Kirsty would also like to welcome their new therapist Georgie who has five years industry experience and specialises in massages. This November Kirsty will be offering 20% off all treatments with Georgie. All of the products stocked are natural and organic containing no nasties, being paraben and preservative free, using no mineral oils, no sodium lauryl sulphate and are strongly against animal testing. Everyone is trying to live a healthier lifestyle by exercising and eating healthy foods. What people don't realise is that 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the body and bloodstream. Products that are made from harmful, artificial ingredients place an unnecessary burden on the body's detoxification process and immune system, not to mention the skin, which of course is the largest organ. Head over to Beauty at the Courtyard where you can relax and unwind whilst you forget about your stresses and enjoy a day of pampering.

www.edgemagazine.org

Thursday 26th November 5-8.30pm 10% off ALL Christmas Box Sets & gifts from Caudalie, bareMinerals and OPI Gift voucher offers Purchase a £25 gift voucher and get £5 FREE Purchase a £50 gift voucher and get £10 free Goodie bags if you spend over £25* while stock lasts Expert advice and demonstrations throughout the evening Plus prosecco, mince pies and christmas music! Hope to see you there

12 Belle Vue Terrace, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4PZ 01684 575633 www.malvernbeauty.co.uk

Lime Tree Village is one of the region’s longest established age-exclusive developments tucked away in mature parkland close to Dunchurch.

Retirement living at its best...

Properties are built around the magnificent Edwardian mansion – Cawston House – which is the hub for village life, offering country-club style facilities including restaurant, bar, library, function room, snooker room, croquet/putting lawn and boules area. In addition, another phase of independent living properties is currently being built – The Polo Field – providing a new-build option too.

Join us for our

Coffee Morning

Properties currently available include…

First Friday of every month. Please call to register your interest and find out more.

2 Cawston House

16 Napton Court

Plot 2 The Beaufort

Plot 39 The Guards

A rare opportunity to purchase a two bedroom first floor apartment within the Cawston house with excellent views, triple aspect living room and two double bedrooms.

A well presented two bedroom cottage with two en suites, conservatory, and patio as well as excellent communal facilities.

Brand new two bedroom cottage with living/dining room, downstairs shower room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom.

Brand new three bedroom cottage with dual aspect living/dining room, en suite shower room to downstairs bedroom.

£275,000 leasehold.

£373,950 leasehold.

£475,000 leasehold.

(EPC rating: C)

(EPC rating: B)

£360,000 leasehold. (EPC rating: C)

Lime Tree Village, Thurlaston Drive, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 7SA.

Call 01372 383950 or visit www.limetreevillage.co.uk 3923POLO The Edge Magazine

The all-new Audi Q7 The Legend continues. Few cars have what it takes to become a legend. But the all-new Audi Q7 is one of them. It’s lighter, more agile and more advanced – with seven seats, a luxurious interior and quattro® all-wheel-drive designed to take on the most challenging conditions. The Legend continues on a test drive at your local Audi Centre. Book yours now.

Birmingham Audi

Coventry Audi

Worcester Audi

Stratford Audi

780 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull B90 4BQ 0121 746 5500 www.birmingham.audi.co.uk

503 Fletchamstead Highway Coventry, Warwickshire CV4 9BY 024 7667 5675 www.coventry.audi.co.uk

157 Bromyard Road Worcester, Worcestershire WR2 5EA 01905 421000 www.worcester.audi.co.uk

Western Road Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 0AH 01789 414477 www.stratford.audi.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures for the Q7 range in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 42.2 (6.7) – 44.8 (6.3), Extra Urban 47.1 (6.0) – 53.3 (5.3), Combined 45.6 (6.2) – 49.6 (5.7). CO2 emissions: 163 – 148g/km. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Range of figures stated reflect optional downgrade from the standard 19” alloy wheel to 18” wheel. Other optional wheels may also affect emissions and fuel consumption figures.

November 2015

Purva Karma Four Handed Massage At the Belfry Hotel and Spa Resort Lucie Abu-Zalaf

he luxurious spa at England’s Leading Resort, The Belfry Hotel & Resort has launched a new treatment, the Purva Karma four handed massage, making The Belfry the only spa in the Midlands to offer such a service; so naturally we thought we had better go and check it out. The spa at the Belfry Hotel & Resort echoes the grand décor of the hotel and is the epitome of indulgence, where guests can step into their very own sanctuary of tranquillity, set against the backdrop of 550 acres of North Warwickshire countryside. As soon as you walk into the spa at The Belfry you really are overwhelmed with a feeling of calm and tranquillity and the senses are awakened with the relaxing ESPA aroma. I checked in at reception and was shown to the changing area where I donned my slippers and robe before sauntering into the relaxation room to await being called for my treatment. The M42 had been exceptionally kind to me that morning, meaning that I had arrived with 45 glorious minutes to lounge around. The relaxation room at The Belfry is the epitome of indulgence, serene music piped through the speakers, day beds, beautiful blinds to block out the world and flickering tea lights all aid in creating the perfect calming oasis. I was already nearly dosing off when my therapist Sam came to collect me and begin my treatment. The treatment rooms at The Belfry, of which there are 11, are all similarly decked out oozing classic elegance with a modern twist, just perfect. The Purva Karma massage involves two therapists working in synchronised harmony for the ultimate in tension releasing, deeply relaxing and rebalancing massage to achieve mental and spiritual bliss, but before the massage begins there is first a full body exfoliating salt scrub.

www.edgemagazine.org

This was one of my favourite parts of the whole treatment and the perfect way to begin. After rinsing the salt off in the shower and already being left with gloriously soft skin and smelling divine, I lay back down on the bed for the massage to begin. After almost two hours of indulgence, the lights were raised slightly and as Sam popped to get me a glass of water as I got my robe back on, I was left with my thoughts and the beautiful aroma of ESPA. I was feeling more relaxed than I have done in months and the niggle that I had in my neck from carrying a rather weighty toddler around had melted away. The only unfortunate part of the whole day was that I had to go home and start packing boxes for the house move rather than spending the rest of the afternoon chilling out and taking full advantage of all of the facilities on offer at The Belfry. A spa experience can be heightened with an evening at The Belfry’s signature restaurant, The Ryder Grill and a night cap in the hotels Brabazon bar, followed by an overnight stay in one of the 319 luxurious guest bedrooms at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. If only time had allowed, I think I would have checked in for the rest of the week! The Belfry Hotel & Resort Lichfield Rd, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 9PR 0844 980 0600 www.thebelfry.co.uk

November 2015

The Pear Tree

ucked away in rural Worcestershire lies one of its best kept secrets. Following winding country lanes down until The Pear Tree Inn & Country Hotel comes into view. And what a view it is, 20 acres of landscaped gardens punctured with lakes adds to its already significant rustic tranquillity. With 24 stylish, comfortable rooms to choose from, one thing you are guaranteed is a sound nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep and non stuffy service in either one of the great restaurants, both with very different atmospheres but both serving great food and providing warm and welcoming service. The Pear Tree also offers stunning year round weddings, with the aforementioned grounds making beautiful summer weddings a must and grand banqueting suites for those seeking a winter ceremony. Conferences and meetings from 30 to 200 can be accommodated for with ease and with the huge increase in their popularity The Pear Tree has become a fantastic venue for holding prom nights and leavers balls. In short they provide the perfect venue for whatever occasion you are looking for, there is a saying that a jack of all trades is a master of none. I can confidently say that The Pear Tree happily proves this wrong. The Pear Tree, Smite Lane, Worcester WR3 8SY | Tel 01905 756 565 | www.thepeartree.co.uk

AuraVeda offers well being through holistic care and balancing the Aura that surrounds your body. Based on the ancient Indian custom of Ayurveda it treats the cause of disease and discomfort as opposed to the symptoms. Treatments include crystal therapy, aromatherapy and massage and well as relaxation experiences for brides to be.

AuraVeda, 41 High Street, Kinver, Staffordshire DY7 6HF 01384 936227 hello@auraveda.co.uk 26

www.edgemagazine.org

l a c i g a M a e c n e i r e p Ex . . . n i s a m t Chris

s outique B e u q i Un

nts e s e t Pr c e f Per

Big B rands

Visit www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk

hts Out Fab Nig

Join t he Fu n! LEAMINGTON LANTERN PARADE

Late Night Opening & Sunday Markets

Dates for your Diary:

Pick up festive treats in the Christmas market each Sunday and shop late on Thursdays.

SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER, 4pm PUMP ROOM GARDENS

Facebook “f ” Logo

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER, 11am-5pm, PARADE CMYK / .eps

November 2015

Winter Coats Emma Jenkins

'm 100% a winter girl. I love denim, boots, coats and knitwear. The thought of layering, mixing fabrics and textures, and browsing the fantastic new a/w collections actually fills me with joy! This month, I'm focussing on some of the amazing coats you can get on the high street. The modern high street is everything from Top-Shop to Whistles, and Marks & Spencers to Armani. No matter what the budget or need; there is something to suit us all.

Teddy B V-Neck Coat £75.00 Oliver Bonas

Shearling and Suede Belted Coat £350.00 Warehouse

For me, I like my coats knee length, a little oversized and always tailored. This season, however, welcomes the return of the faux fur, the sheepskin and a modern version of the mac. There are so many styles to choose from all using a colour palette that would impress even the most daring of us. This autumn/ winter nods to the continuing 60's trend - vintage/ soft rock, the masculine vibe - the modernist and of course, the luxe trend we see almost every winter. There are no limits this season. Michael Kors, Jil Sander, Stella McCartney and Prada have some great looks that are diluting down to the high street already. Take a look at Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks street style shots for some 'real' styling inspiration. Most importantly; invest in a timeless style you will wear at least until next season.

Unreal Fur £195.00 Very

Faux fur borg panelled overcoat £85.00 Marks & Spencers

For more style inspiration, follow me on; Pintrest: Emma Jenkins Instagram: itsabeautifullifeuk Blog: www.itsabeautifullife.co.uk

Camel Bryce Coat £965.00 Stella McCartney>> 28

www.edgemagazine.org

Olsen Black Leather Boyfriend Jacket £425.00 Muubaa

DKNY - Llama Oversized Coat £790.00 Harvey Nichols

Wool blend 2 button long length overcoat £139.00 Marks & Spencers Fringed Suede Coat £799.00 <<Karen Millen

Aberglasney Coat £890.00 Hobbs >>

Wilma Coat £950.00 <<Shrimps

Longline Camel Trechcoat £350.00 Karen Millen>>

November 2015

Gift guide Get ready for Christmas at Kingfisher Shopping Centre

he nights are getting longer, the days colder, and before we know it Santa will be hopping in his sleigh - ‘tis (almost) the season and with Christmas creeping up fast, it’s time to get a head start on tackling this year’s gift list. Kingfisher Shopping Centre is your one-stop shop for all the family: with 140 stores, including Debenhams, New Look, Next, Primark, M&S, and H&M, it’s the perfect place to pick up your presents for the big day. A recent multi-million pound investment has seen the centre undergo a stylish revamp, with major refurbishments and exciting new store openings joining the mix. Once the shopping is done and dusted, you can even dine and unwind at the centre’s lively food and entertainment quarter, The Hub.

Gifts Under £10

Dream Like A Unicorn cushion New Look £7.99

Gifts Under £20

Heart of House Juliette Mirror Heart Tea Light Tray Argos £19.99

Men’s black minimal design watch

Owl painted storage jar

Blue Inc

BHS

£9.99

£12.00

Pom-pom hot water bottle and socks

Spiderman slippers

New Look

BHS

£9.99

£12.00

Red glitter heart clutch

Orange and burgundy dot scarf

Primark

Burton

£7.00

£14.00

Situated at the heart of Redditch, Kingfisher Shopping Centre benefits from ease of access for shoppers with excellent transport links and ample multi-storey car parking for visitors, making it a stress-free choice for all your Christmas shopping needs. If you’re struggling to think of the right gift to give on 25th December, consult our handy gift guide: from stocking fillers to “I’ve always wanted one of these!”, Kingfisher’s the place to shop this Christmas – whatever your budget.

www.kingfishershopping.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

Gifts Under £50

Gifts Under £100

Candy grabber

Fujifilm Instamax Mini 8 Instant yellow camera kit twin pack

Nespresso CitiZ & Milk Chrome Magimix

Argos

Debenhams

£69.99

£220.00

Menkind £29.99

Ted Baker Dover In-ear Headphones – Pink and Rose Gold Argos £44.99

Gifts Under £250

Hashtag light

Amore mirror

£75.00

£199.00

Betty Jackson necklace

Brown leather satchel

Sky Drone Pro

Debenhams

TK Maxx

Menkind

£24.99

£79.99

£129.99

RJR gloves by John Rocha

Townsend Space Explorer

Swarovski Impulse Large Necklace

Debenhams

Wilko

Swarovski

£26.00

£65.00

£249.00

At the heart of Redditch, Kingfisher Shopping Centre is the perfect place to pick up your presents this Christmas. With 140 stores, you’re bound to find something for the whole family. After a hard day spent ticking off the Christmas list, you can rest up at The Hub. November 2015

Chocolate Deli

isit Chocolate Deli for all your chocolate gifts and treats where the chocolatiers are busy at work creating chocolate baubles, trios of bears and a Rudolph with golden antlers. The chocolate cabinet is fit to burst with their colourful bespoke chocolates. You will spot a few new recipes this Christmas including Salty Caramel, Dark Ginger and Chilli Choc. Select a pre filled box or make it personal by carefully selecting what goes into the box yourself. All price ranges are catered for from stocking fillers to that special gift for the one you love. At 53 New Street, Worcester visit the coffee lounge for a break from your shopping and indulge in a hot chocolate made from real Belgian chocolate topped with cream and a freshly baked cake, made on the premises. Gift vouchers are available and orders are now being taken for Christmas.

53 New Street, Worcester,

Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove,

WR1 2DL

B60 4BU

01905 611324

www.edgemagazine.org

Jinney Ring Craft Centre,

01527 821693

Visit us and enjoy our new look

White Lion White Lion, Radford Semele, has reopened after an extensive refurbishment. With more comfortable seating and a lighter and brighter feel, the upgraded pub restaurant is the perfect venue to while away a few hours with friends over great food and a drink or two. 60 Southam Road, Radford Semele, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 1TE Tel: 01926 425770

Book your table online now at www.chefandbrewer.com Monday to Saturday: 11:30am - 11:00pm Sunday: 11:30am - 10:30pm 872 White Lion Edge magazine advert v4.indd 1

19/10/2015 14:54

“Style to talk about …” With the Autumn now in full swing our favourites are safely gathered in and ready to wear. New styles and shapes from Caroline as well as the ever popular cashmere tunics. Caroline

Q’Neel

Two Danes Owen Barry bags

As always, Niche is the place to go for distinctive knits and scarves as well as high impact jewellery and new this season, handbags in luxurious soft leather.

Go to our website, www.nichestyle.co.uk to sign up for news and updates. Like us on facebook Niche, 18 Sheep Street, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4AF

Sizes 8 - 20 Tel: 01608 664233 November 2015

The Elgar Inn The taste of Naples in the heart of Worcestershire Steve Picker dward Elgar is synonymous with Worcestershire, his famous concertos matched by the counties sweeping verdant countryside. When I heard an Italian restaurateur family had taken on an old pub in the heart of Elgar country and named it after the famous composer I knew it would be on my list of places to visit.

The Elgar Inn sits in Earls Croome between Worcester and Tewksbury and its head chef is Angelos whose illustrious career saw him train as a chef in Venice before working in many top Venetian restaurants. As you will see later there is Greek influence on the menu which is added by family member Lupo and his experience from working in traitional Greek restaurants for many years. The family are the driving force behind Salerno in Tewksbury, now in its fourth year. On entrance to The Elgar I felt that the essence of the pub had been kept but there had been sympathetic restoration to create a continental feeling, a feeling confirmed when met by Bruno in a warm Mediterranean fashion as he lead us to our table. Though The Elgar feels thoroughly Italian there is a sprinkling of Greek inspired dishes and we started light with tzatziki and freshly baked pitta and a generous bowl of whitebait. Both the starters were simple but very well executed and brought a bit of 34

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Mediterranean warmth to a dark autumnal evening. Mains were a tale of two plates for my partner and I. I am a firm believer that the quality of a restaurant is shown in its steak and my aged rib eye was sublime; refreshingly served with both vegetables and roast potatoes as standard. My companion enjoyed a slightly more complex dish â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anatra allo scalognoâ&#x20AC;? a delicately pan fried duck breast served with caramelised onions and prunes, rich, savoury and delicious this was a real show stopper. We moved onto a scoop of soft and creamy honeycomb ice cream before treating ourselves to an Italian cheeseboard. Throughout the whole meal the staff were friendly, efficient and never too far away without being overbearing. To surmise The Elgar Inn is a great spot to remind yourselves of Mediterranean holidays in our land of hope and glory. The Elgar Inn Earls Croome Worcester WR8 9DA 01684-594 567

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

Bookings now being taken for Christmas and New Year

The Elgar Inn Earls Croome, Worcester WR8 9DA 01684 594567

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

LOVE WINE Launches Winter Wine Festival World Cheese Awards

The World Cheese Awards are once again to be decided at the BBC’s Good Food Show Winter. Around 3 000 cheeses will be judged on the opening day of the show (November 26th) by 250 judges who will shortlist 50 of the best. These “Super Golds” will then be put in front of the Supreme Jury, made from 12 of the cheese world’s biggest names. After the initial selection the Supreme Jury will, in front of a packed audience taste and finally proclaim the overall champion. Last year’s award was won by Bath Blue from Bath blue soft cheese, fingers crossed us plucky Brits can keep the Europeans at bay again.

Bourbon Smokehouse.

Leamington Spa’s Altoria has added another string to its bow with the launch of Bourbon Smokehouse on its ground floor on November 19th. The restaurant will focus on providing top quality British meat with an American twist and a great selection of whiskeys to give a real prohibition vibe. Add in a measure of swing, blues and jazz (with many live music nights planned) and you get the feeling this will become a very popular venue on the build up to Christmas. For those with a big appetite, or ego they will be offering the “go big or go home” steak challenge charging guests with eating a 72 oz rump, 1 lb of fries, 2 tomatoes and sauces. Complete in under an hour and it’s yours for free and fame ensured with your picture on the wall.

Real Taste Kitchen

Whilst Altoria will keep its upper levels as the late night drinking and dancing venue we have all come to love, the addition of Bourbon Smokehouse will turn it into a 7 day a week, one stop destination. 45 Warwick St, Leamington Spa CV32 5JX 01926 421212

Date: Saturday, November 7th, 2015

in Warwickshire is welcome. It’s your chance to see behind the scenes in their kitchen, sharing incredible recipes they love to cook!

Each of the videos on the Real Taste Kitchen YouTube channel will be presented by local companies, showcasing what they do best. All ready part of the Real Taste Kitchen community are hotels, street food vendors, bakeries and restaurants; anyone who is part of the food or drink production industry

We will be releasing new videos regularly so make sure you subscribe to the YouTube Channel for updates for some tasty recipes you can cook at home; or to give you some inspiration where to eat out next!

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The emphasis is on fun and helping wine drinkers find the wines they like, with the added bonus of being able to stock up for Christmas and buy a present or two as well. For those who would appreciate a little extra guidance, well-known TV wine pundits Joe Wadsack (BBC 2 Food and Drink) and Helen McGinn (The Alan Titchmarsh Show) will be hosting tours and tasting sessions. The organisers are local resident, Laura Clay, and well known Master of Wine (at least to Lidl shoppers), Richard Bampfield, both of BYWine, along with Nicola Everns, an experienced co-ordinator of wine events. Laura, who is wine contributor for Edge magazine, explains, “At LoveWine, we have a relaxed, informal and fun approach to wine; we know our stuff but are totally unstuffy”.

www.altoriabars.com

Real Taste Kitchen is a video channel and website dedicated to bringing you amazing recipes from some of the very best local food and drink producers.

Wine lovers in the Midlands have their very own wine fair to look forward to with the launch of the Love Wine Festival in Birmingham in November. Featuring a mouthwatering mix of wines, assorted drinks, artisan foods and wine-related gifts, the event will take place at its most natural home in the city centre the Hotel du Vin.

www.realtaste.kitchen

Timings: Session 1: 11.30am to 3.00pm Session 2: 4.00 to 7.30pm Venue: Hotel du Vin Tickets: £17.50 for Early Bookers (£16.50 for group bookings of 6 or more) Further information is on the website: www.lovewinefest.co.uk

Opus reveals newly-refurbished Kitchen Table dining experience Opus at Cornwall Street has revealed its newly-designed Kitchen Table, giving diners a unique opportunity to experience their meal from the heart of the restaurant’s acclaimed kitchen. Surrounded by the bustling kitchen, diners can see their dishes being created by Opus’ talented young team and enjoy a bespoke five-course tasting menu, which is tailored around the guest’s preferences, served by the table’s own dedicated waiter. With each course introduced by the chef, the Kitchen Table is a dinner party like no other, with guests getting an insight into the provenance of the food and the techniques used in its creation.

The Opus Kitchen Table seats up to eight diners and costs £75 per person or £110 per person with wines to match each of the tasting menu’s five courses. A new four-course bespoke menu has also been introduced for lunch time.

54 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 www.opusrestaurant.co.uk

Little Black Pig

If you like good food and care where it comes from then you already have a lot in common with the Little Black Pig. This smallholding business was established by Kate Daniels and Alison Bowden in 2009 to help connect ordinary people to their environment and the food it produces which is natural, fresh and tasty from healthy and happy animals. Willow Farm is Kate and Ali’s home, set in 16 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside and farmed full time by Kate with part time support from her partner Ali. With them lives an array of livestock and two Welsh Sheepdogs. Today from a little shop in a steel shipping container at the farm-gate and a shed at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Little Black Pig is building a reputation as a purveyor of quality Worcestershire produce –their own, and other local artisan produce.

Autumn food festival success.

A crisp Saturday morning was the perfect setting for Alcester’s second food festival of the year. With stalls selling everything from chilli sauce to honey beer it was a real treat for foodies in the area. With upwards of (20000) people attending all eyes and stomachs, are set on the Spring event due to take place on Saturday 21st May 2016.

So if you are looking for something special to cook up for Christmas you could consider a visit to Little Black Pig where there is an array of local produce with a focus on quality meats, including their own freerange bronze turkeys. www.littleblackpig.co.uk.

November 2015

How much do you really know about wine? Myths, Mystique and Misconceptions Laura Clay adly, many people believe that wine has some sort of mystical allure, only accessible to those blessed with special powers, a big nose or an innate snobbish superiority. Not so! Wine is just a commodity like any other which tastes good and, while it is a big and ever-changing subject, which in itself should be cause for celebration (lots of different wines to taste!), it is within the reach of anyone who wants it. So here’s a little clarity on a few wine queries.

Vintage wine is better and more expensive. Actually, almost all wine is vintage; it is nothing more than the year the grapes are picked. The term vintage wine is often used to denote something superior but even cheaper wines are vintage wines because they are made from grapes from one single year. If a wine is blended from more than one harvest, the year doesn’t appear on the label. All sparkling wine is Champagne. No, only sparkling wine from the area of Champagne can be called Champagne. Those from the rest of France are known as Crémant, from Spain as Cava, from South Africa Cap Classique and the jury is still out as to what English sparkling wines might be called. Prosecco is not a poor man’s Champagne, is not Italian Champagne and truly not even a Champagne substitute. Prosecco 38 www.edgemagazine.org

is its own style – softer, sweeter and less fizzy than Champagne. It uses a different grape and a different method of production, it doesn’t age and most are not ideal partners for food. Champagne on the other hand, and many of the other sparkling wines mentioned, are drier with finer bubbles, more structure and can work well with all sorts of dishes. Horses for courses. You take your pick. ‘My wine is corked - there are bits of cork floating in it.’ Afraid not. The term refers to the fact that some natural corks contain a chemical taint (2,4,6 – trichloroanisole, since you ask, fortunately also referred to as TCA or cork taint) which makes the wine smell like damp cardboard or mouldy tree bark. Ironically, even wines with screwcaps and synthetic corks can be tainted because TCA can be found in barrels and elsewhere in cellars as well as in corks. Send your wine back in a restaurant or return it to the shop you bought it from, but do it quickly. It’s difficult to prove if the wine has also become oxidised from having been open for a week or two. The darker the colour and higher the alcohol, the better. Dark and thick skinned grapes with a strong pigment give colour to the wine and during fermentation with the skins the winemakers extracts colour and in so doing also extracts tannins which give

the wine body. Full-bodied, dark red and rich wines may be delicious as long as they are nicely balanced with other components such as acidity, alcohol and, crucially, fruity flavours. Alcohol is of course a key element in wine; if it is too high and out of balance with the rest of the wines’ characteristics you’ll notice a burn at the back of the throat and the wine will feel overly heavy, possibly gloopy. You may not want a second glass. Some very good wines are light in colour due to the style (Beaujolais) or the grape variety having a light pigment, such as Pinot Noir. There are some lovely lower alcohol wines - for example, some slightly sweeter German Rieslings, Moscatos and Vinho Verde. If you have any wine questions you’d like answering email laura@bywine.co.uk For wine advice, tastings and courses email laura@bywine.co.uk or visit the website www.bywine.to.uk

AT E M S A M T S CHRI 3 R E P M A H DELUXesh English Turkey

5-6kg Fr opside Beef T d e r tu a M 2kg Fully Crackling) h it w ( k r o P s Loin of 2kg Boneles mon Joint m a G e o h s e s 2kg Hor k Sausages r o P k ic Th t 1kg Bes ck Bacon 1kg Plain Ba eaky Bacon 1kg Plain Str sage Meat u a S k r o P t s 1kg Be rk Sausages o P il ta k c o 1kg C

ÂŁ99.99

Fully Matured Local Topside of Beef Silverside - Rib of Beef Joints Boneless Leg of Pork - Boneless Loin of Pork cut to your requirements Whole Carvery Leg of Lamb Finest Quality Turkey Crown Whole Farm Fresh Turkeys Usk Vale Free range Turkeys Large Roasting Chickens Fresh English Ducks & Geese Full Range of Finest Quality Gammon Joints Finest Quality 100% Gammon Ham Joints November 2015

Fungus among us At The Kingham Plough Lucas Wright

hen the Editor approached me and asked me if I fancied a trip to The Plough at Kingham to report back on one of their many foodie events they are hosting this autumn I couldn’t believe my luck. A beautiful Cotswold pub with a fantastic reputation for food set in some of England’s finest countryside... what’s not to like? “They’re running a special mushroom foraging morning followed by a 3 course, fungus inspired lunch that should be right up your street?”

My heart sank; mushrooms are not my thing... at all. I should clarify that I have 15 years of high end hospitality experience behind me, from pot wash to General Manager, there are not a lot of things I have not eaten at some point and truth be told... I like most of them. I tick all those desperately middle class foodie clichés, I drink espresso only, love olives, have mild heart palpitations at the thought of a steak any more 40 www.edgemagazine.org

than medium rare and let my love of wine define me (especially on dating websites) but I have struggled to get into mushrooms and truffles. Apprehensively I agreed to this outing on the basis that immersion therapy seems to work with arachnophobia so it is the best way to give my mycological bête noire the boot. We arrived just after ten on a beautiful crisp autumn morning, the kind that makes the impending four months of rain and darkness that little bit more manageable. We entered The Plough for a much welcome coffee and to meet and mingle with the rest of the group. We were to be lead on our foraging by Anthony from Fungus Fanaticus, an Oxfordshire based fungus foraying group and a man whose knowledge and enthusiasm for mushrooms was infectious. A brief car journey took us to Fox Hole Nature Reserve, a perfectly preserved part of Wychwood Forest where we were briefed about foraging etiquette. Anthony

explained the importance of responsible picking and accurate recording of species found as a means of ensuring sustainability; we were, after all, harvesting wild food. The next hour was glorious, searching woodland for hidden bounty, like a grown up Easter egg hunt. My dislike for our target ingredients was soon found out, to much hilarity from the rest of the group and when pushed to explain why, I had to say it had always been a texture issue; most mushrooms I have had before, once cooked, took on a slimy consistency that I found unpalatable. After very little persuasion I found myself eating a Field Blewit picked from the floor not a moment earlier, and enjoying it immensely, the difference in texture was pronounced, firm and nutty would be the best way to describe it in comparison to the shop bought variations I had tried before. Before I get too carried away, the immediately obvious needs to be stated; there are a lot of mushrooms that are

poisonous, with side effects ranging from mild stomach cramping to complete organ failure and the obvious consequences of that. It cannot be over stated how important it is to be able to identify what you are collecting; many mushrooms look similar, but have drastically different outcomes if consumed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this scare you off. I found foraging deeply satisfying on quite primal level, but would not contemplate eating anything without an expert on hand to advise. After some more time spent foraging, we headed back to The Kingham Plough for a much deserved lunch and the opportunity to put my ghosts to bed once and for all. We started with a rich, warm and comforting wild mushroom soup served very much a la mode, poured from a jug over a crown of chanterelle mushrooms and local Foscote truffles. The next course was special, I could run off overused hyperbole to describe it, but I will resist the urge and simply tell you that a venison wellington; properly made with crisp pastry, moist duxcelles and pink meat was as good a plate of food I have eaten in a very long time. The accompanying pumpkin fondant was bang in season and added tremendous colour to the plate. If you will allow me to run away with myself momentarily the browns and orange on the plate were a culinary metaphor of the changing seasons and the foraging through the leaves earlier. The dish was washed down with a very solid glass of something red and French at a particularly attractive price.

Pudding was a warm apple tart and crunchy chestnut ice cream, homely yet refined and improved no end with a classy Sauternes that I treated myself to. A great lunch was finished off by a Q&A session lead by Anthony clearing up any questions that had arisen throughout the day and showing us some of the more common edible varieties he had found on previous outings. Whilst writing this it occurred to be what I am reviewing here, an entertaining and informative forage in the morning or a top quality lunch? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s both, so a huge thank you to Anthony at Fungus Fanaticus and thank you to The Kingham Plough for a superb lunch. I am happy to say I am now a fan of mushrooms and all their many flavours and varieties; it looks like I am cured! If anybody is looking to run a champagne drinking master class get in touch and hopefully I can break my crippling fear of that too...

The Kingham Plough The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 6YD 01608 658327 www.thekinghamplough.co.uk

Simple Winter Warmers Chicken and Chorizo Cassoulet Ingredients

1 tin cannellini beans

4 Chicken breasts, diced

1 tin sweet corn

Diced chorizo

2 tins chopped tomatoes

1 Onion, sliced

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic, crushed

1 Whole red chilli, sliced (remove the seeds if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it too hot)

1 Red and 1 Yellow pepper, sliced

Glass of White wine Method Over a medium heat, add the oil to a large pan then add the onion. When softened, turn up the heat and add the chorizo and the chicken. Once browned, add in the peppers, garlic and sliced chilli and cook for a few minutes, stirring regularly. Add the wine and once the alcohol has evaporated add in the tomatoes, sweet corn, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Turn down the heat and simmer for around 30 minutes if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hungry or an hour or two if you can wait! Add the beans 10 minutes or so before you serve to allow them to warm through. Serve with creamy mashed potato or fresh crusty bread.

Sweet potato Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pie Ingredients

2 carrots

500g lean lamb mince

2 parsnips

1 large onion

4 sweet potatoes

4 gloves smoked garlic

1 bay leaf

2 sticks celery

100g peas

600 ml lamb stock

Salt and pepper to taste

Method: Preheat oven to 170 C and find large casserole dish. Roughly chop the carrot and parsnips and put in bottom of casserole dish, add the warm lamb stock to dish and place in oven. Finely chop onions and celery, heat in pan over medium heat with a little cooking oil. After 10 minutes add the crushed smoked garlic and heat for a further 10 minutes until soft and brown. Once onions and celery soft add to casserole dish and return to oven. In 42

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the same pan used to fry the onions add a small amount of oil and bring to a medium high heat. Add the mince lamb and brown in the pan, adding a little salt and pepper as desired.

cooked and mash with a little pepper (butter can be added but the sweetness of the potato should suffice). Once mashed take casserole dish out of oven, add the peas to the pot and add potato topping.

Once all meat brown add to casserole dish with bay leaf and stir thoroughly to ensure the contents are well mixed. Place lid on dish and return to the oven for a minimum of 3 hours. (The longer the better, this is a recipe well suited to slow cooking and the flavours will only improve with time)

Return potato covered dish to the oven, temp 190 C, for 15 minutes until potato turning brown.

Once happy with the dish, peel and chop sweet potatoes. Boil them until almost

Leave to stand for 10 minutes and enjoy (any leftovers will taste great the following day). If you are looking to be healthy replace cooking oil with a lowcal spray oil or treat yourself to a ceramic pan that requires no oil!

Basque Pipérade with Fresh Eggs Ingredients

2 tins chopped tomatoes ½ pint passata 1 jar/4-6 whole roasted sweet red bell peppers 10-15 cloves fresh sliced garlic 1.5 whole yellow onions, sliced 4 large eggs

Method Firstly, preheat your oven to around 230˚c and then chop your onions, garlic and peppers. In an oven proof frying pan sauté your onions and garlic over a medium-high heat until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the spices and stir around on the heat until you can really smell them.

Add the bay leaves, salt and pepper to taste and leave to simmer for around half an hour on a low heat. Make 4 wells in your sauce and crack in your eggs, place into the oven and bake until the whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny, usually around 7-10 minutes. Slice the bread, brush with olive oil and grill to lightly toast. Serve straight out of the oven with the toasted bread.

Add the tomatoes and give it a good stir, then add the peppers.

2 tsp smoked Spanish paprika 1 tsp chilli powder 2 bay leaves 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper 1 tsp sugar (optional) 1 cup olive oil 6-8 slices of crusty bread, brushed with olive oil

Beef Stroganoff Ingredients

Salt to taste

5 Tbsp butter

Pepper to taste

500g of top sirloin or tenderloin, cut thin into 1-inch wide by 2 1/2-inch long strips

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1 thinly sliced onion or a handful of sliced shallots 250g cremini mushrooms, sliced

1/2 teaspoon of dry tarragon or 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh tarragon 200ml of sour cream at room temperature

Method Put 3tbsp of the butter into a heavy bottomed skillet and heat over a medium heat. Turn up to high and add the beef. You need the pan to be hot enough to brown the beef quickly on both sides, but not to burn the butter. Cooking the beef in batches will be helpful in keeping the pan hot enough. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the beef while cooking. When browned on both sides, remove from the heat and place in a separate bowl.

In the same pan, reduce the heat back down to medium and the onions/ shallots. Cook for a couple of minutes and allow them to soak up the butter and beef juices. Remove from the pan and add to the beef. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the pan and bring the heat up to medium high and then add the mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes and add in the nutmeg and tarragon.

Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Put back on the heat to warm the cream through, but be careful not to allow it to boil or you may curdle the cream. Add the beef and onions back to the pan and season to taste. Add some water or stock if you feel the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately with rice, freshly cooked pasta or mashed potato.

November 2015

The Dew Drop Inn Countryside charm, city convenience

ocated in a village setting of Lower Broadheath, yet only a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from Worcester City Centre is The Dew Drop Inn which is run by Azolo and his team and set in stylish surroundings after its recently completed refurbishment. The inn captures the essence of country living, however still allowing you to embrace the feel of modern city life. The restaurant itself boasts a warm atmosphere serving an array of delights from Afternoon Teas, to 28 day dry aged fillet steak to a simple yet tasty crispy duck salad. Everything is freshly prepared on the premises and all food is sourced locally using the finest and freshest ingredients which the Chef uses to create new and exciting dishes. Food is served from Monday to Saturday from 12pm-2.30pm and from 5pm-9.30pm and Sunday lunch served from 12pm-4pm. Also, the Dew Drop hosts various events including seafood evenings, tasting events and live music.

Not only this, if you are looking for somewhere to stay then the Dew Drop boasts 9 well presented, 4* ensuite rooms featuring artwork from local artists. All rooms are on ground level apart from one and have private access through their own individual French doors leading to the Dew Drop gardens.

There is plenty of choice for drink whether it be real ales from local breweries, fine wines and soft drinks which have all been carefully selected.

WR2 6RR

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Whether it be a business lunch, social gathering, or celebration The Dew Drop Inn is the place to relax and dine in style.

The Dew Drop Inn Bell Lane Lower Broadheath Worcestershire

Tel: 01905 640012 www.dewdropinn.co.uk

CELEBRATING WORCESTER’S INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES 2nd November – 5th December 2015

NEW!

Pick up your Uniquely Worcester card from your local independent business and take advantage of over 56 exclusive offers in Worcester city centre.

/UniquelyWorcester

@UniquelyWorc

www.uniquelyworcester.com November 2015

Worcester City Centre

Uniquely Worcester – Discover your local Independents

ith over 300 independently run businesses in the city centre, Worcester boasts a unique mix of shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and other service providers. And from Monday 2nd November to Saturday 5th December the ‘Uniquely Worcester’ campaign is set to embrace and celebrate this diversity and quality. New this year is the Uniquely Worcester Exclusive Offers Card, featuring 56 retailers, cafes, offices and pubs. People can pick up their free card from participating local businesses in the city centre, which can easily be spotted by their Uniquely Worcester bunting and posters, and other selected outlets in and around the city. Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), which represents businesses with the aim to boost trade, started the campaign in 2010. With around 60 per cent of Worcester city centre’s businesses being independently run, combined with the city’s rich heritage, it is these businesses that give the city its character and make sure it’s not just any other High Street. These businesses are often hidden gems, nestled within quirky streets and picturesque black and white buildings that help to make our city so special. Nadja von Dahlen, Marketing & Events Manager at Worcester BID, said “As part of the Uniquely Worcester campaign we are looking to provide plenty of inspiration for people to shop, eat and play at Worcester’s independents leading up to Christmas and beyond. The new Uniquely Worcester Exclusive Offers card will be a great incentive to discover new, unique businesses and find that special something.”

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For keen shoppers Worcester has an outstanding choice of independently owned boutiques and specialist shops selling everything from the latest fashionable designer wear and vintage clothing to gifts, hobby equipment, specialist items for left-handers and decorative home accessories. There are plenty of independents, who take pride in using locally sourced products for their delightful homemade foods in Worcester – indulge in delicacies from local delis, enjoy a cream tea at one of the city’s award-winning cafés, take a sip of wine or real ale at Worcester’s welcoming bars and pubs or make it a night out and meet with friends for a relaxing dinner at a city centre restaurant. Ms von Dahlen added “Our local businesses really value the support they get from locals and visitors. It is hugely important that people keep backing these independents, as they keep the city vibrant and maintain its distinct character, which draws more people into Worcester and ensures the whole city is buzzing. Their product knowledge and levels of customer service are incredible.” Locals and visitors are encouraged to discover areas they may not have seen before and to enjoy exclusive offers available every time they shop, eat and play at selected independent businesses in Worcester city centre when they use the offers card from 2nd November to 5th December 2015. The offers can be viewed at www.uniquelyworcester.com and also via @UniquelyWorc on Twitter or www.facebook.com/UniquelyWorcester.

November 2015

Perfect presents for all occasions with free gift wrapping service Winter promotions throughout the season! Christmas events - Mulled wine served for Late Night Shopping, Christmas Lights party... 23 Knots, 98 High Street, Worcester WR1 2HW

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

www.knots-shop.com

23 Knots Cute Shop

ituated on Worcester High Street, a stone’s throw away from the Elgar statue is 23 Knots. Chances are, if you have taken a stroll through Worcester recently you may well have noticed the ‘Cute Shop’ sign outside, beckoning you in. And the sign isn’t lying! This unique independent shop stocks a wide range of handmade jewellery, fair trade clothing, original artwork, home fragrances and unique accessories, amongst other little delights. Loving everything handmade and working with many fair trade producers to showcase ethical and handcrafted goods, accessories and jewellery from across the world. 23 Knots also have their own in-house artist, adding a unique twist to this independent shop. As we enter the festive season look no further than 23 knots for those perfect gifts, with late night Christmas opening hours, fantastic winter promotions and gift-wrapping service. Whether you are

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searching for that perfect Christmas gift an original birthday present or just to treat yourself or find that little something to wear or even to brighten up your home, pop in to 23 Knots; they will be sure to brighten up your day and help you find that special something. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere this undeniably cute shop strives to help every customer find exactly what they are looking for, with a warm and honest approach. Be sure to check out their Facebook page too to be the first to hear of any offers and promotions.

Antique, Vintage and present day Royal Worcester, perfect gifts for special occasions. Severn Street Worcester WR1 2ND

T: 01905 21247 www.museumofroyalworcester.org

Open Monday to Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

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

A look back on the Cheltenham Literature Festival

or a week and a half each October, Imperial Square and Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham are turned into a vast literary fairground, courtesy of the arrival of Cheltenham Literature Festival. The show comes to town complete with big top in the form of the Spiegeltent, and brings with it a horde of writers, artists, celebrities and politicians. Most have a new book to promote, and every one of them has a story to tell. This year the names were as big as ever, with the likes of Ben Cohen and AP McCoy rubbing shoulders with Nigella Lawson, Chrissie Hynde and Nick Frost. With book signings after events being de rigueur for participants, the Lit Fest offers an opportunity for fans to meet and greet their heroes. As an unrepentant autograph hunter myself, past years have blessed me with signed works by Salman Rushdie, Kofi Annan and Naomi Klein among others. This is so much more than a meet and greet for fans though. Between panel discussions on sport, film, history, politics, literature or art, attendees can soak up the early autumn sunshine in the charming surroundings of Regency Cheltenham. Enjoying a caramel cappuccino and a chorizo panini outside the Garden Cafe, one can take in the hum of intelligent conversation that pervades the event. Social media may give us access to the wit and wisdom of assorted online strangers, but nothing compares to overhearing energetic philosophical discourse from fellow diners in the real world. The place is abuzz with debate and discussion.

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This year I took in an intriguing review of the contrasting lives of two Conservative leaders, Cameron and Thatcher, with Tory MP Kwasi Kwarteng and Isabel Oakeshott, author of THAT new Cameron biography; an unlikely mutual appreciation society between rightwing columnist Matthew Parris and left-wing polemicist Owen Jones, and rounded off with a live recording of the always brilliant ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.’ It was a day that was by turns stimulating, challenging, and extremely funny. With a full ten day programme packed with variety, you can either delve in for a onedayer or take a few days to savour everything on offer - though with two colossal branches of Waterstones popping up on site for the duration, literature buffs may want to brace themselves for a serious blow to the bank balance! Tickets for events themselves range from around £8 for a standard panel chat or lecture through to around £16 for the bigger draws, so a full day of enlightening entertainment can be had for under £50 a head. It’s good value indeed given the quality of the intellectual fare. Full programmes of events are released in the August beforehand, so why not set a reminder for August 2016, and treat yourself to the literary feast that Cheltenham Literature Festival has to offer?

November 2015

Party Season Christmas with Eden Hotel Collection

e’ve had a wonderful year full of awards and excitement and now we’re coming to our favourite time – Christmas! We invite you to continue the celebrations with us at our eight hotels where you can look forward to our Christmas and New Year breaks, festive events, pampering spa treatments, not to mention our teams plying you with excellent Champagne, wine and award-winning food.

A festive afternoon tea is a real treat after a busy day spent in a whirl of Christmas present shopping. Take a couple of hours out to just stop, relax and share an indulgent treat. Our cream teas and full afternoon teas are a beautifully presented selection of festive fancies, mince pies, sandwiches, cakes and scones. Why not add a glass of Champagne or mulled wine to really get you in the holiday mood.

Get in the Christmas spirit early with December dining and party nights with Eden, where you can eat, drink and be merry with friends and family. If, like us, December is so busy you don’t have a minute to stop and celebrate, why not hold a postChristmas180915 party? We Parties can offer some excellent rates throughout Christmas MC AH.pdf 1 18/09/2015 14:29:47 January.

Put your feet up in front of the fire, banish the winter chill, tuck in and remember – Christmas calories don’t count! To plan your festive celebrations with Eden Hotel Collection, or to buy a gift voucher for the perfect Christmas present visit www.edenhotelcollection.com/christmas.

riends. Celebrations with Eden are a whirlwind of fabulous food, festive decorations, music, dancing and general merriment.

Get into the festive spirit with our Mallory party nights! Parties include a welcome drink, three courses and coffee.

CMY

Dine in the chic surroundings of The Waterside Brasserie. Parties include a selection of artisan breads, three course menu, coffee and crackers and a mince pie.

From £35.00 per person

£24.50 per person

Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB T: 01926 453905 E: reception@mallory.co.uk www.mallory.co.uk /mallorycourt

@mallorycourt

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BA T: 01789 298682 E: reception@theardenhotelstratford.com www.theardenhotelstratford.com /thearden

@ardenhotel

Visit www.edenhotelcollection.com to view our Christmas brochure or buy gift vouchers

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The Home of Good Food, Great Beer, and a good night’s sleep

Book now for Christmas - Christmas Party Menus are now available online Sunday Lunch served 12 noon until 8 pm every week.

Burger Night every Tuesday 6pm – 9pm Choose from 12 delicious Burgers just £6.95 each

4 Star Accommodation available Contact us or view our website for more details.

Breakfast Every Saturday 8am until 11am Every item on the Menu just £6 each.

Windsor Castle Inn, on the corner of Lye Cross, Stourbridge, DY9 7DG

01384 897 809 @sadlertaphouse

Open Daily 12pm - 11pm

Windsor Castle Inn bookings@sadlersales.co.uk

www.windsorcastleinn.co.uk

THE CROWN INN

Peopleton ● Pershore ● WR10 2EE ● 01905 840 222 www.crowninnpeopleton.co.uk

Starters

Christmas Fayre Menu

Curried carrot & Moroccan spiced sweet potato soup served with homemade chapatti Salmon, chive & scallion fishcake with rocket, caper & lime dressing Duck liver parfait with cranberry chutney, baby leaf salad and toasted brioche Camembert & fig chutney tart served with roasted fig, walnut salad and aged balsamic (v) Seared partridge breast with beetroot jelly, swede puree, blue berry jus, balsamic roasted onion & chantenay carrots

Main Courses

Roast Worcestershire turkey with bacon wrapped cranberry sausage, Brussel sprouts, fresh cranberries, goose fat roast potatoes, sausage & apricot stuffing and gravy Wild Cod loin wrapped in pancetta set on fondant potato with winter ratatouille and a prawn & tarragon cream Wild mushroom & Shropshire blue vegetable suet pudding with swede puree, sage croquettes & roasted shallots (v) Slow cooked Game casserole with stilton & herb dumplings and parsnip crisps Orchard Cottage Farm pork belly glazed with apple, cinnamon & thyme slowly roasted and set on colcannon mash with anise carrot puree, black pudding bon bon’s, balsamic roasted carrots & a jus made of its own cooking liquor

All main courses are served with braised red cabbage, Brussel sprouts with pancetta, creamed leeks and panache of mixed vegetables

Desserts Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter Brioche bread & butter pudding with apricot marmalade, fresh apricots & crème Chantilly Chocolate torte with glazed raspberries, chocolate sauce & vanilla ice cream Selection of Bennett's Farm house ice creams Selection of British cheeses, homemade chutney, grape sorbet, celery, crackers & apple Coffee & mince pies

Lunchtime 2 Courses £16.95 3 Courses £19.95 Dinner 2 Courses £18.95 3 Courses £21.95 @CrownPeopleton

/thecrowninnpeopleton November 2015

Dorridge Music School Celebrating 30 years

MS celebrated 30 years in style performing to a crowd of over 1500 at The Symphony Hall on October 4th. Over 300 musicians, choirs, dancers and celebrity guests entertained the audience with music covering all genres, opening with the iconic Barcelona. There was something for everyone including a beautiful rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ sung by Fay Bromley (DMS) and The Town Hall Gospel Choir which was dedicated to Riya Dandekar, a student at DMS and her favourite coloured balloons were dropped in the finale! Birmingham’s rock legend Bev Bevan and DMS Patron was the perfect co-host for the evening, also performing drums and percussion. The ultimate Rat Pack tribute act who have performed on the Royal Command and Vegas staged a 15 minute set list including the iconic tunes ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘New York New York’ and the ‘Showman’. Motown legend Angelo Starr lived up to the name and took to the stage for ‘Superstition’ then getting the whole theatre on their feet for Uptown Funk backed by DMS Fusion (the DMS band), Leigh Perry principal of DMS and producer of the concert said, “It has been over 12 months of hard work and preparation but it was a fantastic night. We have had amazing feedback and I am considering another concert in 18 months’ time. I’m delighted to say that just over £1400 was raised for our chosen charities, Birmingham Dogs Home and Kissing It Better, as well as raising awareness for Delete Blood Cancer”. DMS continue with their campaign to get more donors for DBC Corporate and local business sponsors. For more Information, contact leighperry@sky.com. www.dorridgemusicschool.com Twitter - @DMSMusicSchool @leighmusicangel

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Raising Steam A novel by Sir Terry Pratchett

Mike Stafford t’s fitting, really. The great fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett, writer of wizards, guardsmen, brigands and witches, himself became a Knight of the Realm, and then, ultimately, immortal. It’s two years this November since Sir Terry Pratchett left us, but as long as his Discworld novels remain there on the shelf, crackling and fizzing with all their wit, wisdom, depth and joy, he lives on.

‘Raising Steam’ is the fortieth Discworld novel, arriving just thirty years after the first, ‘The Colour of Magic.’ A lot has changed in three decades, and now steam power is coming to the Discworld. In this outing, engineer Dick Simnel invents the steam train, and in doing so unleashes forces far more powerful than steam. It’s a Discworld novel, but also a real love letter to the railways. Pratchett beautifully conveys the excitement, the building frenzy, the captured imagination of the people, the democratisation of society, and the enhanced pace of life that the railways created when they whistled into life in the real world. New possibilities open up as cooks begin transporting fresh ingredients from distant lands; new townships explode into existence as railway workers build new homes close to the line; new jobs create a boom, working men begin to think of themselves as the types who may like to ride in the middle class carriage... Oh, and the first train spotters appear, scribbling ‘1’ in their notebooks, followed soon after by ‘2.’ ‘1’ in this instance is Dick Simnel’s prototype engine, ‘Iron Girder,’ ostensibly an inanimate object but who is referred to as ‘she’ and is more beguiling than many sentient characters other authors could commit to the page. The whole era of steam is brought beautifully to life, complete with naysaying, conservative types who write letters to their local rag warning that passengers’ faces will melt at the breakneck speed of thirty miles-per-hour. The curse of any long-running series is the height of the bar it inevitably sets itself, and ‘Raising Steam,’ is not exempt. Ardent fans naturally compare each book to their own favourites, and quibbled that ‘Raising Steam’ didn’t have enough of the Discworld in it, or enough threat, or enough magic. They’ve got a point on all three counts. Sir Terry had to sideline the magic to avoid conflating engineering genius with wizardry - there’s a profound difference, and having wizards at the footplate would have cheapened the miracle of steam power. No, there’s not a great deal of threat; Sir Terry creates a bunch of thoroughly endearing characters and then,

arguably, pulls his punches. Still, the advent of steam power gives the opportunity for the first Discworld classic train-rooftop battle, so there’s new broken ground for brawling. There are, however, plenty of the other things that we love about Pratchett. The social commentary is as sharp as ever; goblins have been emancipated and legislation says they are now to be treated as equals, but as in real life, changing the law doesn’t erase prejudice at the flick of a pen. The humour is resolutely charming. It’s the little touches, like a woman named Adora Belle Dearheart wielding a crossbow with a twitchy trigger and shooing guardsmen from her property, or her husband Moist von Lipwig being mocked by his goblin assistant addressing him as “Mister Slightly Damp ” or “Mister Dripping.” Many myriad authors burn out well before their fortieth book (and for Sir Terry, that doesn’t even include the non-Discworld stuff), or more likely don’t even get there at all. Pratchett was still churning out gems when he got to ‘Raising Steam.’ It is, as all his books are, accessible, warmly funny, knowing, endlessly inventive, and apt to tell you more about the real world than most books actually set there. It’s the work of a man who was unarguably a genius - and will live forever because of it. November 2015

Lost Alice

Tea for two with Peter & Jayne Smith! Gail Braznell op selling surrealist artist Peter Smith, alongside his wife Jayne have recently launched their latest collection ‘Lost Alice’ celebrating 150 years of a cultural icon. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous children’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and its sequel, Through the LookingGlass (1871), the series of six new oil paintings and four sculptures feature familiar characters including Alice, the Hatter, the Caterpillar and the White Rabbit.

Yet this ‘Wonderland’ is also unfamiliar – a place that is now under threat from Alice’s last visit when she left behind seven sins from the mortal world. The collection, which tells its own story of Alice’s adventures, has taken the acclaimed artist 9 months, 36kg of clay, 36 maquettes and over 5,000 individually made objects to create. Peter Smith, who was signed by Birmingham based fine art publishers Washington Green in 2005 is also writing a novel called ‘Lost Alice – Wonderland Unwound’ to accompany his new collection. Originally from Mansfield, Nottingham, Peter Smith is a self-taught artist with a background in the fashion,

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media and advertising industry that feeds into his artwork. Alongside his wife Jayne, he is best known as the creator of one of the UK’s most collectable artwork brands – the famous striped rotund characters called the ‘Impossimals’. Jayne, also a highly collected artist has produced two artworks depicting Alice’s descent into Wonderland in her signature style, which exudes fun and humour. I caught up with Peter and Jane over a surreal cup of tea to discuss their latest collaboration.

We know ‘Lost Alice’ is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous children’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass but when was that all important light bulb moment that took you back to wonderland? Wonderland is always there for everyone, sometimes you just need to know where to look. We are both still the mental age we were when we were children and you can always find Wonderland if you hold on to that childhood feeling and never lose it in the first place although you may know it under a different name innocence. ‘Lost Alice’ is just as if Lewis Carroll has written it himself in the Victorian era, how did you manage to keep that same style? We love language, it’s so very versatile and one can write in t’style o’a pirate me lass and pretend ye be takin’ me cup o’ grog at yer own peril or you can easily drift into a little Alan Bennet and notice the small things like the two slices of toast, uncut and a little burnt around the edges that looked disappointed. I

turned them over to check both sides and fumbled with the small packets of melted butter from my plastic chair. The knife was dirty and a thin film of grease covered the once clean table. I ran my finger across the cheap finish noting with some distress that it felt gritty with the dirt of others, the dirt of life my mother might say.

ended up having a conversation with a mouse. Later I ate cake after cake just like Alice with no immediate growing effects; it was more of a steady ‘inflation’ although it took me six weeks at a slimming club to shrink back to normal.

But really you can’t beat method writing so we started out by living like Victorians; firstly I became chimney sweep and wriggled up many a flue before selling hot roasted chestnuts a penny a bag on the streets of London and ending up a Laudanum addict whilst Jayne sold flowers and plied her trade down the docks for a tuppence of gin. Eventually we picked up the Alice patter and placed ourselves firmly in Wonderland.

It would consist of a dash of Wonka, a splash of Mary Poppins mixed up with a comforting dose of Snowhite but retain the nonsense that is Wonderland, in fact it already exists; we call it our studio which is indeed delightfully bonkers.

Did you need permission from Disney for any part of ‘Lost Alice’? No, the original Alice in Wonderland including the rather charming illustrations on which Lost Alice takes its influence from drifted out of copyright many, many years ago. Alice’s size keeps changing, sometimes too big sometimes too small. Imagine yourself too big and too small what would you do? We sometimes imagine the very same thing, although in reality things aren’t half as amazing. I once drank copious amounts of wine to test the Alice theory and although I didn’t get small the ground did indeed come closer and I

If you had a world of your own, what would it be like?

Do you have anyone that resembles tweedle dee & tweedle dum in your life right now? Tweedle Do & Tweedle Don’t, our two new variations come from a land of do’s and don’ts. The do’s do and the don’ts don’t do, but moan about wanting to do. It’s very simple, most people are do’s or don’ts, don’ts don’t do and do’s don’t do don’ts just like the do’s and don’ts

When was the last time you were late? It depends how you define ‘late’; we are never late because we never agree on a date to be late as a date needs a time but as we don’t have any time it makes it extremely difficult to be late unless we really try. What would you do if you saw a bottle with ‘drink me’ on? Why, I would shake the bottles hand for being so bold, if only all bottles could follow this shining example of selflessness the world would be a better place. I do love a few forthright objects; it makes life so much easier to navigate. For one, politicians could have the label ‘kick me’ which I’m sure would be highly appreciated.

November 2015

we have in our lives. So after that simple explanation the complex answer to your question is yes. It’s a golden afternoon, you go for a pleasant walk and a pleasant talk with Jane. Firstly which way do you go and secondly what do you talk about? You go right, as you know you cannot go wrong going right unless of course you are in a place called Leftonia, then you can get arrested for any right doings and as two wrongs don’t make a right or an iceberg fails to make a nightlight; we find that going right is just right much to our delight. We often talk about the time Jayne made a sausage roll for me, it wasn’t difficult, it only needed a little push and we are both easily amused. What do you have to say about a book with no pictures? Ahhh, the old ‘Alice Quote’ question to see if I have read the book, a subtle ploy no doubt to elicit a similar response. Books without pictures are annoying, that is why Jayne and I often contemplate taking a pair of scissors to the library to distribute appropriate cut-outs to picture less books. Consider cutting out the entire illustrations from the Encyclopaedia Britannica and distributing them through Barbara Cartland novels. You could see the look of delight on readers faces when they reach a gripping passage such as ‘”I love you, my darling!” he said. “I love you so overwhelmingly, so completely, that it is going to take me a lifetime to tell you how much you mean to me.” Followed by a picture of a chimpanzee smoking a cigar. Priceless.

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Describe your very own unique Mad Hatters party. Sixty two badgers wearing boots carrying a twenty two foot goodie laden table in the middle of a forest with half naked exploding penguins emerging from teapots carrying cherry topped cupcakes. When can we expect the next chapter of ‘Lost Alice’? We are releasing a Chapter from the book every month online but if you are waiting for the next chapter of paintings then that will be a while away yet. First we must lose our minds and spiral into borderline insanity to skirt around the fringes of madness, only then will we see the peculiar visions that make our work. Well, it either that or a bottle of wine and I fear I hear a glass calling to us from the cupboard... drink me. Drink me. As a top selling artist you’ve proved nothing is impossible. The launch of ‘Lost Alice’ being your latest impeccable work. But where do you go from here now the bar has been set so high? We bring big stools, pull them up to the new bar and pour ourselves a little drinky. Peter Smith’s ‘Lost Alice’ collection is now available to buy from Castle Fine Art, ICC, Broad Street, B1 2EA. Prices start from £295 for sculpture and from £375 for canvas on board limited edition prints. Pieces can also be bought from Castle Galleries’ network of high street stores across the UK or online.

5 Dec – 2 Jan

From £9.50

BOOK NOW 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Join the hunt for collectables

With Judith Miller from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

udith Miller is a leading antiques expert and co-founder of Miller’s Antiques Price Guide. She’s one of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow experts and has written more than 100 books covering antiques, collectables and interior design. We’ve asked her share some hints and tips about how to start collecting and to pick out some of her favourite things from the forthcoming Antiques for Everyone’s Winter Fair 19 - 22 November at the NEC in Birmingham.

<La Bacchante Art Deco bronze statue by Pierre le Faguays (1892-1935). Exhibitor: Jeroen Markies.

Pair of Mid 19th Century English Cut Glass & Ormolu Candlestick Lustres by Osler Circa 1860. Exhibitor: Freshford Fine Antiques.>

Rare George I Georgian Silver Tea Caddy.Made by John Farnell in 1716. The Coat of Arms is Buckley. Exhibitor: JB Silverware. >

<Queen Anne Miniature walnut chest on stand, English c1710. Exhibitor: S & S Timms Antiques.

Antique Whitby Jet Earrings on display as part of the Whitby Jet special exhibition > WHITBY JET EXHIBITION Among the fair highlights is the largest Whitby Jet gemstone collection of over 200 pieces, presented by W Hamond most of which are being shown for the first time, including the single biggest piece of Whitby Jet gemstone ever discovered, measuring 6.5 m/21ft in length, which will be at the fair. >

Follow Judith's Hints & Tips •Beware collecting can be very addictive! You start with one plate and before you know it you have a whole collection. •As a budding collector it is important to decide what you really like then do your research •Go to museums and art galleries, visit specialist dealers and, of course, read up about your chosen collection.’ •Always look for the best you can afford that is in good condition and be sure that you love it! •Attend vetted fairs – which means other specialists have checked the items for sale. ‘Antiques for Everyone’ at the NEC is one of the best vetted fairs for a new collector. •On assessing an item I use my CARD system – condition, age, rarity and desirability. The latter can be the biggest influencer! 60 www.edgemagazine.org

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER: Edge readers can buy two tickets for the price of one, saving £12, includes free parking at the NEC. To book visit: www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk or call 0844 581 0827, quote ED2015.

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UNIT 2 | EVESHAM TRADE CENTRE | ST RICHARDS ROAD | EVESHAM | WR11 1XG November 2015

Worcester Warriors Interview with Jim O’Toole, Chief Executive

his month we had the opportunity to meet with the Chief Executive of Worcester Rugby Club, Jim O’Toole, to find out all about the new developments taking place at the Worcestershire based Rugby Club and to discuss his views on the sports industry and find out some further information about his background and career, as well as discuss the future visions that Jim and his team will be working towards over the next few years. Jim has been in the sports management marketing business for over 20 years, first obtaining qualifications including a degree in modern language at Queens University in Belfast followed by a postgraduate course in Tourism and Marketing at the University of Surrey. After graduation Jim had the chance to meet the Managing Director of Keith Prowse Hospitality, who showed Jim three options; to go and work as a training marketing executive for Trusthouse Forte Group, Thomson holidays or Keith Prowse who dealt with sporting events, weekend breaks and corporate hospitality. Jim chose Keith Prowse which allowed him the opportunity to lead a more varied career.

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Michael Abu-Zalaf After a few diversions he began to work for a very well-known ex athlete Alan Pascoe at his company, APA where Alan had the marketing rights to British Athletics. He was then approached by another company who specialised in music sponsorship, working 2 years in Scotland and Ireland, on the famous ‘Highlands and Islands’ tour with The Proclaimers as well as the launch of the ‘Sunshine on Leith’ album. Jim was also involved in setting up Scope Sponsorship, working with clients such as the RSC. He then worked as a Consultant for Manchester United for 7 years in their sponsorship department. After running two world championships in sailing and powerboating he was approached by Worcester Warriors; but he felt it wasn’t quite the right time for him to take on the role that was on offer; however, he got back in touch with them when the time was right to take up the prestigious role of Chief Executive.

So you seem to have had quite a varied career outside of Rugby. What bought you to work in the rugby Industry? My last job before I came here was as Commercial Director for London Irish. They called me up asking for 4 months help in consulting as they needed someone to come in and help with the commercial side of the business. I enjoyed it and it was convenient. I had never played Rugby myself but my son has played Rugby for 11 years and I became hooked. I thought all it involved was a cup of coffee and a read of the Sunday times during his training and then it will be over and off we go. But then you start to get a little bit more involved and the next thing you know, you’re a group manager and then Chairman of the Club. I love the rugby culture and the ethos. You don’t tend to make many friends when you’re over 40 but with rugby we made tons of really good friends so I wanted to combine this new passion and personal sporting interest with my career. Football had always been my first love but I learnt Rugby with my son and I can now just about have a half sensible conversation with him about the game.

You said they offered you the job at Worcester previously, but it wasn’t right at the time. What changed to make it right for you? Having had 2 years with London Irish as the Commercial Director, it was a great introduction to premiership rugby and as one of the stakeholders a really good insight to the industry. I knew I could learn more if I was in charge of the enterprise so when the Chief Executive position came up I felt it was the right time for me and by that point I had gained more experience than previous. How does being in the role of Chief Executive in Worcester compare to the other jobs you have worked on in the past? What are the challenges? My previous job was all about the turnaround so I became a specialist in change management, so if there was a problem I was the one to fix it. The way in which the role was sold and negotiated to me when I was offered the job at Worcester was that they had a long term plan and vision. That vision had been started 18 months before I joined them. Dean Ryan was appointed as Director of Rugby. Dean has a very clear vision and

strategy in place on the playing side. The board also has a very clear vision on the business, so my job is to pull those two things together. The attraction is the long term plan and not just this year’s budget to be focusing on but next year’s budget as well. It is well known that Worcester is a well-funded club. The dream scenario is to have the funding with intelligent people behind it, and we have just that. Our people are smart and know exactly what they want to do with the club, so it is then left to me to deliver this vision. So in essence in 5 to 6 years’ time we want to be a sustainable premiership business. I think if the business itself is right then the team will change and evolve. We will be a different team this year to what we were last year in the Championship. Next year we will be different again. It’s just the nature of the beast. As players contracts finish and as the recruitment requirements change there will be a different proposition, however behind that you have to have a solid foundation as a business. It’s fair to say in the last 3 to 4 years we have lacked that leadership and my job is to come in and provide that. We have a great team of people here and have recently bought new people in who have a background

in sports marketing which introduces that level of expertise and experience we haven’t had. Our employees all have a very clear understanding of the vision. My first important hire was to have a Head of Staff Development who created an individual development plan for every employee, so you’re not just here to do a job you’re here to gain a career, where you can understand your role and know which direction you are heading, what’s expected of you and what achievements and goals you have in order to meet those expectations. We will support our staff and help them get to where they want to be. Professional rugby clubs are only 20 years old and this is our 21st season coming up, it’s a baby of an industry compared to football, even athletics. So now there has been an evolution for Rugby. A lot of professional clubs have grown out of their amateur status. There are still some people who harp back to the amateur ethos and resent the professionalism of support but we are a business and everything has a number on it. People don’t like you to talk about revenue streams but you have to when running a business. The challenges we face as a professional club consist of November 2015

three things; time, passion and brand advocacy and finally the money. If you get the first two things right and engage with the club then the latter will come. So you say you’re a specialist in change management. What’s your management style? My style is fairly straightforward with no nonsense. You know where you stand and what’s expected of you. My team will always have an opinion. I have learnt a lot from having to change other businesses. The key is for everyone to buy in. The only way to do that is to give your staff a vision and show them how they have to get where they want to be. If you get quick results to show a difference, people will listen. Approachability is the key thing. I met everybody in my first two weeks at Worcester and my door is always open. What are your short and your long term goals for Worcester as a team and business? Let’s start with Long term goals, in 5 to 6 years we would like to be competing regularly for the top 6 places in the premiership, meaning we would like to be playing in the European championships, playing against the 64

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big boys. I know that if we get the environment right, win the right types of competitions in the right atmosphere then we will fill the place. It was a challenge last year when we were playing the Doncasters in the closing championship because it was taken back to the older ways of rugby but it is difficult to maintain a business when your crowds drop because there are some of our supporters who fell In love with the premier team so had no desire to be part of the championship. Our season tickets campaign has gone really well. We have sold several 100s of brand new tickets. The match to match tickets have just gone on sale too. So in the long term that’s where we aim to be, competing in Europe and consistently competing for that top 6 place in England. So laying down foundations, Dean and his high performance director Nick Johnson have laid some fantastic foundations on the rugby side in terms of systems and processes they have introduced over the last 2 years. This summer, the two big projects that I have been overseeing include a total refurbishment of our high performance facility and the construction of 2 new pitches including a new grass training pitch and a new artificial outdoor grass pitch. On top of

that we have refurbished our existing A & H pitch. We will also have a state of the art indoor artificial grass pitch which will be exactly the same as our outdoor version. We will have a running track, sandpit for rehab for the players, a complete new refurbishment of our medical and condition spaces, a new laser guided sauna and we’re the only club I believe in the UK to have our own cryotherapy chamber where the guys will be in temperatures of -72 and -104 degrees which helps enhance the healing process, a resistance swimming pool. Also, we have Ice Baths, new dressing rooms for week days and separately for match days, referees rooms and a trauma room. There has been a significant investment on indoor facilities. What are the most important ingredients for success for Worcester and what will lead them to this? I think apart from the obvious of creating a team that can challenge, there is a dual infrastructure issue so on the rugby side the foundation of our strategy is a complete overhaul of our scouting system. A year ago we launched 6 regional academy centres around the area from Worcester, Warwick, Hereford, Birmingham and Telford covering

Shropshire, Central Birmingham, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The idea is you have got kids from the ages of 15-18 doing their GCSE’s and A-levels. Kids are travelling from Telford twice a week which amounts to 2 and a half hours of travel. It’s a very fine balance, you can’t risk that so were taking our academies to the kids which has worked really well. There is a fairly rigid selection criteria, we are not after big numbers, if we only have 6 we have 6, if we have 40 we have 40, so the proof is in the pudding with the reengagement with the academy process. Other clubs have got far fewer, so that’s exciting for us and there are some really good young players coming through that will be on the pathway to signing professional contracts in the next year or so. That’s the infrastructure so far, the next thing to work on will be our community. We have hired 4 new community coaches and there are 7 people working exclusively in dealing with schools and clubs, delivering coaching programs, dealing with their festivals and just having a presence that helps create the relationship between the Schools and the Clubs to make those kids Warriors. The third element we will be working on physical development. The short term goals will include the artificial grass pitch and the grass pitch along with the indoor refurbishment. Longer term goals will include what we decide to do with the stadium. We have one stand that is 20 years old, one that is 12 years old, one 7 years old and a temporary stand. The ideal would be that once we start getting to sell out stage, 5 to 7 times a year, we will then bite the bullet and invest on the pitch to have better players. We will then have more demand and support. We would then take the temporary stand out and put a big exhibition unit behind it.

us going forwards. If that all adds up to success in the pitch, it becomes a more attractive proposition. This is a more personal question, who are your Idols and who’s inspired you to be the person you are? The person who had the biggest single effect on me ever was George Best. He’s the only other man I have loved other than my Father. He was from my time and at his height in the late 60’s, was the best player on the planet yet never had that support infrastructure behind him. I used to love hearing all of the different stories about him. When he passed away it was such a sad moment, he was such a huge part of my life. He was originally from Belfast and had played for Northern Ireland, 6 miles away from where I was born. In the old days you had no internet or colour daily newspapers. I’d always look forward to seeing the colour photos in the Sunday paper. There were magazines such as Goal or Shoot that were in colour and every week in the centre spread was a team members photo, so you would eventually end up with the whole team on your bedroom wall as a kid and you would know everything about them, from facts such as them eating steak and chips before a match and that they enjoyed drinking Lager. So George Best was the first Sports personality brand that came from nothing to having everything.

One of my other heroes is Martin O’Neill as he went to the same school as me and was managing my other team Celtic. I was flying from Heathrow to Philadelphia one day to see the Celtic game and he sat beside me. He asked me where I was from then 2 hours later we were still chatting away. With regards to the current World cup, what influence will it have on new followers of rugby and having a base for new fans? Do you think it will have an effect? We’re hoping on it bringing people in and helping to create even more interest in rugby as a whole. The bigger picture is I think it will have a huge effect. I think people will be even more attracted to club level rugby because the match prices are so reasonable, especially compared to international prices and you often get to watch a better game. When all is said and done and your time is no more at Worcester, how would you like to be remembered by the team any fans? I’d like to be remembered as someone who changed things for the better and got the business to a better position than it was in before. I would like to be someone known for developing my people and that person who was always approachable where if there was a problem they could come and talk to me about it and I can help them to fix it and if I can’t then I will be honest and tell you the reasons why I can’t change it, which I feel is important.

The other area of our business will then be the non-match day conferencing and events so we are just about to start the search for a general manager to drive that. It’s been divided amongst different departments in the last few years and have now got it down to 1 person to run it who will be the main person to drive this towards excellence. Those are the key areas for November 2015

The Legend Continues The New Audi Q7 is here. Lucie Abu-Zalaf

decade ago Audi made their first foray into the high end SUV market with the original Q7 to take on the Range Rover and BMW X5. It seemed the next logical step for a firm looking for growth and with such a deep understanding and rich history of all wheel drive thanks to the legendary quattro system. It has been a huge success in the UK since, with sales exceeding all of Audi’s forecasts and spawned the smaller Q5 and Q3, both of which also smashed all predicted sales volumes and helped to quickly secure Audi’s position in a pretty crowded market place. So, 10 years on and what has changed from the original? Well, pretty much everything. I headed to Listers Audi in Worcester to collect the Q7 and see what all the talk was about. When the car was first pulled around for me, I actually thought that the wrong car had been brought out and had to have a second glance. It wasn’t, of course, but it just seemed to be smaller than I was expecting. The new Q7 is actually a couple of inches shorter here and there than its predecessor, but I think

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the main reason that it didn’t initially tie in with what I was expecting to see roll around the corner was because it really is so sleek. Now a 7 seat SUV is never going to be small but Audi have done an excellent job in making this newer version appear somewhat neater, reducing the bodies bulk combined with the strong horizontal lines really make the Q7 look less of a hulk. Although its footprint isn’t ultimately very different from the outgoing model, Audi have excelled themselves by managing to shed a whopping 325kgs (the equivalent of grand piano), which even from a 2 tonne car makes a huge difference in how the car performs on the road. Inside the Q7 is where it gets even better, Audi’s reputation for interior excellence and supreme comfort remain true. Showcasing a totally new interior for the Q range, utilising the virtual cockpit that was first seen in the Audi TT at the end of last year, but the extra space available also allows for a 6.3” HD pop up screen in the top of the dashboard. This combined with the Head Up display that also comes with the technology pack only adds to the

brand’s reputation for making some of the slickest and best toys, gadgets, safety features and interiors on the market. Most of the cars infotainment functions can be controlled through the steering wheel, which takes a little while to get used to, but once you have, you won’t look back and it certainly makes for safer and easier driving than twiddling knobs on the dash. The full options list is incredibly extensive and can get rather expensive if you were to get a bit carried away ticking boxes, but some functions are simply outstanding. As well as park assist and lane assist features, you can also spec your Q7 with adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist. Operational at speeds of up to 37mph, the car knows when it is in traffic jam and will monitor vehicles next to you and the road markings while keeping a safe distance to the car in front by automatically applying the brakes and accelerator when required. There are plenty of colour and seat choices available for you to personalise the cabin in all most any way that you choose. Mine came with black headlining and super comfortable black leather and

suede Alcantara seats. The seats on the second row can easily accommodate three adults and the further two seats, which are easily put up in the third row by the touch of a button are also big enough to seat adults in, although it may start to get a little uncomfortable on a long journey, and getting to them, while not difficult, is probably easier for children or the more nimble. But onto the really important bit, how does it drive? Somewhat surprisingly for such a large car it is a joy to drive. The optional air suspension that was fitted to my car pretty much takes away any roll in the corners and means that you glide over lumps and bumps in the road, barely noticing they are there and the 3.0 TDI 268bhp engine delivers a respectful 0-60 time of only 6.2 seconds. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no shouting about it though, the engine feels quiet, refined and very relaxed even with your foot right to the floor. The turning circle has also been dramatically improved from the old model; by utilising 4 wheel steering you can spin the Q7 round in a smaller circle than you can an A4, very useful this morning when I was on my way to return the car and got trapped down a very tight country lane with a lorry blocking it! I have to say, the Q7 really impressed and if I was looking for style, luxury and practicality then I would look no further. From Audiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch into the luxury SUV market a decade ago, one thing has been made abundantly clear; the new kids on the block have grown to become the ones to beat. Listers Audi Worcester Bromyard Road, Worcester, WR2 5EA 01905 421000 Listers Audi Coventry 503 Fletchamstead Highway, Coventry, CV4 9BY 024 76675675 Listers Audi Stratford Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH 01789 414477 Listers Audi Birmingham 780 Stratford Road, Shirley 0121 7465500 B90 4BQ

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Cadmore Lodge

THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

Cadmore Lodge offers luxurious surroundings with as much, or as little, first class, quality care to suit residents or guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal requirements. With short breaks and respite care available already and soon to be nursing and palliative care as required. Set in the peace and quiet of this idyllic and tranquil retreat, residents and guests are able to create an independent lifestyle if they so wish, with the reassurance of highly trained care staff being close at hand for when care is required, either short term or on a more permanent basis. It truly is the place to be for something different. Set in the beautiful surroundings of this breathtaking forty acres of Worcestershire country side, lakeside scenery, wooded glades and glistening water, transform the landscape to a whole new level. Cleobury Mortimer lies five miles north east and the historic towns of Ludlow, Leominster and Bewdley are all less than twelve miles away, the Cathedral cities of Worcester and Hereford are within a 40 minute drive. Take time out from busy schedules, try a short holiday break or a weekend retreat, come and experience the luxury of our surroundings and enjoy the fabulous facilities, fine food and atmosphere available here at Cadmore Lodge. A beautifully appointed spacious entrance hall invites you into the luxurious, open plan lounge with country and lakeside views from every window. Superbly appointed and with the ultimate in dĂŠcor, there are spacious, modern bedrooms which have exceptional countryside views, some with lakeside terrace and all equipped with fabulous, en-suite. The finest of cuisine is on offer, with delicious homemade and mouthwatering food, freshly prepared by our resident chef and his team in our own kitchens, using locally sourced fresh produce. Enjoy our own private golf course with the opportunity of golf tuition from PGA professional, Joanne Lee. Take advantage of the full sized, heated indoor swimming pool with relaxing lounge area. The Ephraims Care Group is a family run business and enjoys extending this ethos into our homes. Our strong commitment to providing the highest levels of quality care has been the key to our success in running well managed and efficient care homes for over thirty years.

The Ultimate Experience in luxurious surroundings with the highest quality of care 68

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

The Ultimate Experience in Luxury Retirement Living 

 First Class Quality Care  Respite Care  Short Breaks  Golf  Indoor Swimming pool  Excellent Cuisine 

Celebrate in luxurious style at Cadmore Lodge

A festive welcome awaits at Cadmore Lodge leading up to the festive season and into the New Year. Visit the wonderful Mistletoe Festival and enjoy the special events of Tenbury. Take a break and relax after a busy December or revitalise and pamper yourself in January. Our special Festive season rates: £800 for two people for two nights & £650 for one person for two nights, including meals. Social Care provision based on an hourly rate of £40 per hour, with a minimum of 30minutes at £20 Room subject to availability & qualifying age of 55. For the golfers a Green fee of £8.00 & for guests the use of the pool is free for the duration of their stay.

Cadmore Lodge, St. Michaels, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR 15 8TQ T: 01584 810044

E: info@cadmorelodge.co.uk

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November 2015

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The Wedding of Stuart Wilson - De Jour and Daniel Turner At the Wood Norton Hotel

tuart Wilson-De Jour and Daniel Turner celebrated their wedding on the 17th October at The Wood Norton in Evesham starting with the Civil Ceremony, Wedding Breakfast then leading into the evening celebrations. In Stuart’s Words... "Daniel and I first met at the Severn View Hotel for usual pre drinks on a Saturday night with our own friends. I had left the bar to venture outside where it had already been raining, the only shelter were steel steps towering above when I looked over and noticed him leaning against the wall. Without a word I walked over and kissed him, he held his breath in shock and beamed a smile, so I thumped his chest repeatedly shouting “breathe”. From that moment I knew, even his sister Steph had collared me on that exact night and shouted drunkenly in my ear "you're going to marry my brother you are.” For the next six years that moment had been our only contact and we remained friends, both scared to press forward and endure what really was and is between us. Valentines 2014 - I had decided to send Dan an anonymous bunch of roses to his work with the words attached “One Kiss” as fate would have it, he worked just next door to my shop. A week or so after he repeated the spontaneous kiss that we had done all those years ago and we've not been apart since." The proposal took place on 16th October 2014 at the very place they both first met, in the rain at around the same time of night. Almost a year to the day from the proposal came the wedding and all of us at Edge Magazine would like to say a huge congratulations to the special couple!

Images by Catherine Regan Photography Florist - Andrea Thorn Cake Specialist - Belinda Tsui Wedding Co-ordinator - Sandie Anne Hair Stylist - Charlotte Kent Make up Artist - Holly Williams Grooms Maids Dresses - Lesley Day Canine Tweed Jackets - House of Dogs Wedding Planning and Design by Stuart & Daniel

November 2015

A DESTINATION FOR EUROPEAN ROYALTY

Weddings at the Wood Norton The Wood Norton could have been designed with weddings in mind. The moment you approach this wonderful Grade II listed mansion, you’ll start to imagine the day. The satisfying scrunch as your car pulls up on the wide, gravelled approach in front of the Hall. Drinks on the lawn. A photograph of the happy couple on the stone balcony of the Princess Louise Suite. A gathering of friends and family enjoying Champagne in the wood-panelled Main Hall, or a larger party in our brand new events suite 'The Orangery'. The glamour of The Wood Norton's location is matched by the professionalism and attention to service of our dedicated functions team, who will guide you through the planning and the build-up to ensure an enjoyable experience. Call 01386 765 611 and ask for our wedding coordinator if you would like to organise a show-around of The Wood Norton, during which we can discuss all of our flexible options to meet your requirements for your special day and we will create a bespoke proposal for you.

Off Peak Luxury Wedding Package from only £3960.00 Summer Dates available Package includes 60 adults for the Day & Evening There will be a £500 further discount off the Special Offer price if you book a Mid-Week Date, Thursday or Sunday from Monday 25th July – Monday 5th September 2016. Call our Wedding Co-ordinator Sandie Griffiths who would be delighted to discuss our availability with you.

Weddings@thewoodnorton.com | 01386 765 611 Worcester Road, Wood Norton, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4YB For more information on either of our events please contact Naomi at the hotel who will be delighted to assist you.

Remember Remember Keeping our pets safe this November

onfire night is nearly upon us, the skies’ will be bursting with excitement, an array of bright lights, loud noises and party atmosphere will be the focus of everyone. But remember, remember... it can be a very distressing time for our pets. Bonfire Night is a time of year that can be a real problem for pet owners, particularly cats and dogs. The RSPCA regularly receives hundreds of calls about fireworks in October and November, when bonfire night celebrations are in full swing. In 2014 the RSPCA received 364 calls relating to fireworks in October and November. With the first flurry of fireworks set to be this weekend it is a stressful time of year for all pets and their owners an estimated 45% of dogs in the UK showing signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Many pets suffer fear at the sound and sight of the firework explosions, but there are a number of things you can do both ahead of bonfire night and on the night itself, to make things more bearable for your pet.

Some basics If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by the sounds of fireworks, consult with your veterinarian in advance. Your vet may recommend a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication. The key is to give the medication before the noise starts. If you wait until your pet is already stressed — they are less effective. Take simple measures such as keeping your pets in at night time, keeping them comfortable and start things a week or two before firework night. Provide them with a hidey hole. Dogs often hide under or behind things so give them a safe place, either a cage with the door open (if you dog is happy in a cage) or drape a blanket over a chair or table. Cats are much the same but are more independent, leaving a few cupboard doors ajar can help them seek their temporary hideout. Stay calm during the time of the fireworks. Make sure that you do not reinforce your pets unwanted behaviour by paying them extra special attention. This will encourage them to think that you are also worried. Dog owners, if you have time in the daytime take your dog on a really long walk, throw a ball to get them running around. You will find if they are physically and mentally tired out, they will be much more likely to settle in the evening and less likely to worry about the noise, lights and activity outside.

Closing the windows and curtains so that the sounds are not as loud and your pet cannot see the fireworks going off. Leaving the lights on will minimise the chance of seeing the flashing lights outside, which can be just as frightening. Try distracting your pets, cats and dogs love to play, especially when there are treats involved. Introduce a new game about a week before the action starts to unfold in the sky. Other Precautions You can prepare yourself by finding out the exact date of local firework displays. Ask your neighbours to warn you in advance of any private displays. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag in case they escape in fear. Toilet your dog before the noise and lights start and introduce a litter tray for our feline friend’s. Don’t forget other small animals If your pets live outside you can partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well soundproofed, try to make sure that your pet is still able to look out. Throw in lots of extra bedding then your pet has something to burrow into. And please don’t forget to check any bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting them!

November 2015

Show you care this Christmas all for a good Claus! Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is urging people to get into the festive spirit and show they care this Christmas.

he local charity provides free care for over 1,200 patients, 365 days a year including Christmas Day and over the festive period. This year they have a packed programme in the run up to Christmas as part of their ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign. From the ‘Jingle Bell Jog’ to ‘Treecycling’ (get your tree collected after Christmas for a small donation), Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is encouraging locals to get involved in the various festive fundraising activities to raise vital funds to support patients and families in Birmingham and Sandwell living with a terminal illness this festive period. Hamish Shilliday, Head of Fundraising said, “This year it will cost around £22,000 to run the Hospice on Christmas Day so all donations are crucial in ensuring our patients and families receive the support they need at this time of the year. All the staff try and make it the happiest it can be and we need your help to continue to provide this exceptional care." “For some of our patients this will be their last Christmas so we want to make sure they can enjoy this special time with their loved ones. Christmas is a time to care and we hope that our ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign will urge people to get involved in our festive fundraising activities. Just £65 could help pay for eight of our patients to receive care at home on Christmas Day and £6 could pay for them to enjoy a festive Christmas dinner-

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every penny raised really does make a difference.” Kicking off the campaign in Santa style is the Jingle Bell Jog. Now in its second year, the fun-filled family event returns on Sunday 6th December at Kings Heath Park (11am). Participants can spread some Christmas cheer by completing the 2km fun run in their free Santa suit which is provided for all Jingle Bell Joggers (along with a mince pie at the finish line!). Last year the charity’s first ever Jingle Bell Jog saw 250 Santa’s take part raising over £9,000. Wannabe Santa’s can take part in this year’s run by registering at careatchristmas.org Locals can also book to get their Christmas tree recycled as part of the ‘Treecycling’ scheme. For a donation, residents can book to have their tree collected from outside their property and recycled at local recycling centres. Over 700 trees were collected last year raising over £8,500 worth of vital funds. And if none of that fits your Christmas wish list their festive Christmas cards can be bought online or in any of their 13 shops across the region. Choose from a range of 19 festive designs with all proceeds going to the Hospice. To find out further details on all the festive fundraising activities and how to get involved, visit careatchristmas.org or call 0121 472 1191

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be good for you Should you be having it? Dr Louise R Newson

s a female GP in my mid forties, I increasingly see women with menopausal symptoms whose lives have been detrimentally affected by their symptoms. Many of my friends are also experiencing menopausal symptoms and are confused and often worried about the prospect of taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I feel I have a very important role in my job of educating women about the menopause and HRT. It has been estimated that only around one in four women who would benefit from HRT actually take it. Many women are scared about taking HRT as they only hear negative reasons about taking it after talking to friends and reading articles about it. So I would like to tell you some accurate facts about HRT. Many of the studies that newspapers quote are very old studies, which were badly designed and are therefore inaccurate. When I ask women if they know about the common menopausal symptoms they have or expect to have, they all mention hot flushes and night sweats. However, very few realise that tiredness, low mood, urinary symptoms, reduced libido (sex drive) and even joint pains can be related to their menopause. They also think that their symptoms will only last for a few months or maybe a year and then will improve when they have â&#x20AC;&#x153;gone through their menopauseâ&#x20AC;?. However, symptoms can often last far longer than this - more than half of women still have symptoms seven years after their first hot flush.

reduces your risk of heart attacks and stroke. Many women notice that taking HRT improves their mood, sleep and general quality of life. They also notice they think more clearly and generally have more energy. The most common reason why women are scared of taking HRT is the increased risk of breast cancer which is actually very small, if present. Some studies have not actually shown there is any link between taking HRT and breast cancer. At most, the risks of HRT and breast cancer are similar to the risks of drinking two or three glasses of wine each night and are less than being very overweight or obese. There is a very small risk of clots when taking HRT as tablets, however, taking oestrogen as a patch or gel does not increase the risk of clots. I often initially give women HRT for three months and most women return to see me feeling so much better and very happy! Many women just take HRT for a few years but I have many female patients who have taken HRT for many years as they want to continue having the benefits from taking it.

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

Obviously HRT is not the only answer to women reaching 50 years; regular exercise, reduction in caffeine and alcohol and improved diet (especially reducing refined carbohydrates) are beneficial and should be implemented. So if you are experiencing any symptoms of the menopause you should go and see your doctor and consider taking HRT.

So what is HRT good for? HRT obviously improves all these menopausal symptoms. HRT also helps to strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis which is very common in women as they get older. Taking HRT November 2015

Amazing Benefits of Chlorophyll Go green this November Mel Taffs

ou may have heard a lot of buzz surrounding the healthiness of vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables with rich colour tones. In many ways they are perfect foods, and part of the credit is owed to the chlorophyll that they contain. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that’s instrumental in photosynthesis. Research also suggests it’s instrumental in promoting good health. Below are a number of health benefits that Chlorophyll can give you.

Helps control Hunger and cravings

A study released determined that compounds containing Chlorophyll might suppress hunger. It’s supposed to manage hunger and promote weight loss.

Effective Against Candida Albanians

Kale

Candida infection is a big problem for many individuals and can lead to fatigue, depression, and digestive problems just to name a few. Chlorophyll will stop Candida Albicas growth.

This wonder green is a very rich source of antioxidants, and vitamins A, C AND E which makes it a very protective plant food to eat. It is also rich in fibre which will bind with bad cholesterol and other toxins in your body and safely usher them out of your system.

Helps with Body Odour

Chlorophyll is good for your body inside and out literally. This includes body odours and also it helps with alleviating constipation and gas. Promotes Cleansing

Environmental pollutants such as toxic metals can quickly destroy health. Chlorophyll binds with toxic metals to hamper absorption and research has Super Potent Antioxidant Action shown it can do the same with some Chlorophyll’s status as a super food is due carcinogens. A study showed that aflatoxin which is a carcinogen was to its nutritional and potent antioxidant properties. It protects cells from oxidative removed from the body within 24 hours. damage by eliminating free radicals Protects Against Fried Foods whilst reducing cell damage. Fried foods aren’t just bad for your Promotes Healthy Iron Levels waistline they also contain chemicals A modified form of Chlorophyll known as known to damage colon tissue and the DNA of colon cells. My advice would be chlorophyllin may be highly effective in to avoid them or limit your intake. treating anaemia. By swapping iron for magnesium at the centre of the molecule it provides a bioavailable form of iron the body can use. Encourages Healing

The use of Chlorophyll to promote the healing process was first reported 100 years ago. When it’s used as a spray it significantly helped wound therapy. Excellent Dietary Supplement

Chlorophyll possesses an amazing range of benefits and is readily available to everyone. Chlorophyll rich foods are also healthy in their own right and contain essential vitamins and nutrients needed for cardiovascular, muscular and neural health. 76

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Promising Potential for Cancer Therapy

Although research does not currently prove that chlorophyll is an all out cancer cure researchers are excited about its potential as a therapy. One study found men with lower levels of dietary chlorophyll had a higher risk of colon cancer. Another study noted it was very effective at stimulating liver detoxifying enzymes and may protect against toxin build up. So where can you find this elixir...

This is a blue green algae that is bursting with Chlorophyll. It is 60% protein, high in many other vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. It comes in powder form or tablets.

Parsley

Parsley is known for being a blood cleanser. It is also high in vitamin C which makes it a really great inflammatory fighting food and helps the body absorb iron. It is also rich in vitamin K a molecule that stimulates a protein that helps build our bones. Coriander

This awesome herb helps your body get rid of heavy metals, it binds with heavy metals like mercury and lead and ushers them out of your body. Coriander can also help protect you against salmonella. Want to change your bad eating habits for life: Lose weight and keep it off: Call Absolutely Flab u Less on 07792421080: Email melanietaffs7@gmail.com for more information.

November 2015

Winter Gardening At Wagon House Gardens Karl Strawbridge ovember… this month rather than highlighting miniature berries. Prune bush Roses to stop them on a particular plant or species we will focus rocking in the wind, reduce them by a half then prune on a few tasks to do in the garden at this time down to 20cm in late February that way the roots do of year. It is surprisingly the perfect month to plant not get damaged by rocking thus allowing diseases Tulips, certainly the later flowering varieties are to enter any damaged areas. Also use mulch with best planted in November, any earlier in the ground homemade compost or well rotted manure. andthey may rot. For your pots perhaps choose a tall The festive season is fast approaching and if your variety, a type that is a bit shorter and finally a dwarf variety, that way you get a stunning display of differing thinking of a real tree this year here are a few tips. heights, Queen of the night at 60cm are perfect, then Norway spruce is the traditional christmas tree for that Christmassy smell, it will drop it’s needles if it perhaps Red Shine, a lily flowered at 45cm, followed is in the house too long with central heating. Don’t by a dwarf Toronto at 20cm. Finally dress the pot with bring your tree in too early, turn the radiator off if a sprinkling of Muscari alba just under the surface it’s near the tree, Put the tree in a bucket or use a of the compost, come the spring you will be rewarded support that allows you to give the tree water. Although with a spectacular show all from one pot. cutting it will still drink up to 2 ltrs of water a day and It is tempting to get out into the garden and cut back always cut a little off the trunk to open up the pores. everything down to the ground and although it will Nordmann Fir is now the most popular of christmas look tidy and well kept it’s not really necessary. The trees, it has asymmetrical shape, strong branches best time to tidy the garden and remove the decayed with mid green needles soft to the touch but sadly vegetation is not now but around February. The grasses has little fragrance. It is a low needle drop tree and will look particularly seasonal when frosted and can will stay fresh for longer, so if you want your tree up bring a structural element to the winter garden and on December 1st then a Nordmann fir is best for you. all garden plants can look interesting when frosted Wagon House Gardens at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre even the cobwebs. The added bonus is that the will have the usual selection of fresh Christmas trees crowns of the plants are protected from the cold so and home made door and grave wreaths for you to the decaying foilage and leaves act like a blanket choose from, you can be sure of selecting something to keep the crowns snug. The wildlife in the garden just that little bit different. Finally this will be my surprisingly find food by picking at those spent seed last contribution of the year and to those of you that heads and insects will gain protection from the cold avidly follow the gardening pages in Edge Magazine, amongst the unexposed crowns and in little pockets although a little early, may I wish you all a very Happy of leaves. Many shrubs carry berries in the autumn… Christmas. Pyracantha a particular favourite with it’s abundant bright red or yellow berries. Holly, the traditional plant Wagon House Gardens of the festive season often laden with red berries until they are fully ripened and then devoured by those The Jinney Ring craft centre hungry birds in the coldest months of the winter. It Hanbury Road is important to plant some shrubs that bear berries Hanbury for the wildlife to feed on, it will encourage them into the garden which in turn supports the ecology of the B60 4BU garden. The unusual Vaccinium, ‘Miss cherry’ is a 01527 821421 small pretty shrub suitable for the smallest of gardens and just as perfect for a pot or container with it’s small

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Take time to care What will you give to Acorns?

hanks to Acorns every baby, child and young person living across the West Midlands and the Three Counties that is life limited or life threatened, and their families, have access to the care and support they need. In the last year Acorns has supported over 760 children and more than 980 families, including those who are bereaved. This autumn and winter Acorns Children’s Hospice is urging people to sign up to a new fundraising campaign. The #AcornsGive initiative encourages friends and family, work colleagues, local schools and community groups to join in and share what they will give to Acorns in the run up to Christmas. The charity kicked off the campaign by asking the children and families who use its specialist services what Acorns gives them. “It has been heart warming to see the photos that came back,” said Louise Arnold, director of fundraising for Acorns. “I’m looking forward to seeing the campaign really take off in the coming weeks.” Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care for life-limited and lifethreatened babies, children and young people and support for their families across the region at its three hospices in Birmingham (Selly Oak), Worcester for the Three Counties and Walsall for the

Black Country and in families’ homes. One Acorns family said the charity gave them “peace of mind”, while another valued “the chance to spend quality time together and forget about our stresses”. The responses continue to be uploaded to a dedicated page on the new Acorns website https://www.acorns.org.uk/ acornsgive It costs more than £9 million a year for Acorns to carry out its essential work, the majority of which is raised by the public. To make it easy to join in, the charity also offers a wealth of ideas for inspiration on how to give to Acorns this Christmas, including Christmas bake offs, jumper days and Christmas quizzes. Major events will also be taking place this autumn and winter across the region. The Acorns Lantern Walk comes to Worcester for the first time on 14 November. Carrying a glowing lantern, participants will become a sea of orange as they take part in a family fun day of music and entertainment before the walk, which will be a choice of either a 5km or a 12km stroll. Two weeks later, the Lantern Walk moves to the Walsall Arboretum. Both events start at 3.30pm and will see hundreds of sponsored walkers set off to raise money for the children and young people cared for by

the charity. Registration for each Lantern Walk costs £10 for individuals, £30 for a family of four and £40 for a family of five. Those who register will receive a Lantern Walk t-shirt, battery-operated lantern and a medal as part of the registration fee. On Saturday 5th December the Acorns Santa Run kick-starts the festive season as hundreds of ‘dashers’ suitup as Father Christmas for a Yuletide run around Birmingham City Centre. The event starts and finishes at the Barclaycard Arena and routes include a 5km run or 2km stroll, for those who want to take things slightly easier. Entry for this event will be £15 for adults and £10 for under-16s. This includes a Santa suit and a medal. Those under six can join in for free and are more than welcome to wear their own festive fancy dress, though size restrictions mean they cannot be given a Santa suit.

November 2015

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By Arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited (A Penguin Company) and Chester Music Limited

20 to 24 January 2016 The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents The Snowman

ne of the most treasured Christmas stories, The Snowman returns to The REP’s stage in January 2016. This hugely popular production, based on Raymond Brigg’s classic book and the much-loved film, features music and lyrics by Howard Blake including the ever-popular Walking In The Air. The story shows how a young boy’s Snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. The two head off on a night-time adventure meeting Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and many of The Snowman’s friends along the journey. As they attempt to escape the evil Jack Frost, will they make it back in time for Christmas morning? This enchanting show has thrilled audiences across the world after first appearing on The REP’s stage over twenty years ago. This is a must see show where you will always feel a part of the magic. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Broad Street

Tickets from £13.50 * (with limited concessions available)

0121 236 4455 birmingham-rep.co.uk *Booking fees may apply

Registered in England 295910 Registered Charity 223660

Birmingham B1 2EP 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

The Inventions of Heath Robinson

Original illustrations, posters and more! Only at The MAD Museum, Stratford upon Avon.

Exhibition entry is included in the museum's standard admission fee.

Saturday 26th September Sunday 22nd November 2015 10% off admission price, code: EDGE-ROBINSON 80

www.edgemagazine.org

(not valid school holidays or weekends)

Escape into a magical world of fairytale and myth

nchanted Dreams: The PreRaphaelite Art of E.R. Hughes is the largest ever display of work by Edward Robert Hughes (1851-1914), a fascinating but lesser-known PreRaphaelite artist. Showcasing spectacular works not seen in public for over a century, the exhibition invites you to step inside a spellbinding dream. The centrepiece is a collection of Hughes’ breathtaking ‘blue pictures’, fantastical and evocative works overflowing with stories and symbols. Highlights include the entrancing fairy vision, Midsummer Eve, one of the best known and most widely reproduced paintings in British art and Night

with Her Train of Stars, one of the most popular works in Birmingham’s collection. Plus, don’t miss the delightful ‘fairy glen’ - filled with stories, dressing up and activities for children.

Enchanted Dreams runs until 21 February 2016. Admission charges: Adult: £7 Concession (Students/Seniors): £6 Children under 16: FREE Midsummer Eve, 1908, by Edward Robert Hughes © Private Collection

Admission charges apply

birminghammuseums.org.uk Funded by:

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20/10/2015 November 201514:1581

What’s on this November

Lucy Rose –Supported by Flyte and C Duncan Friday 13th November 2015 Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, CV4 7AL

Warwickshire songstress Lucy Rose first found success as the Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP female voice on Bombay Bicycle Club’s albums Flaws and A Different Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd November, open 10.00am - 5.30pm Kind of Fix. Since then the singerCountdown to a stylish festive celebration and enjoy your Christmas shopping in the songwriter has developed a successful solo magnificent setting of Blenheim Palace which is hosting Living Crafts for Christmas. career, gaining critical acclaim for her album Like I Used To. This festive shopping extravaganza features over 150 acclaimed designer-makers After taking a year out to write and record from across the UK, who will be showcasing the best of British craftsmanship. her new album, Lucy Rose gets set to play Come and enjoy a magical festive atmosphere at the show while meeting the makers her brand new songs on this UK tour. and buying direct. Living Crafts for Christmas celebrates British craft and offers unique designs and specially selected contemporary craft; millinery, ceramics, Supported by English alternative-pop studio glass, leather work, sculpture, textile crafts, photography, toys and puzzles, band Flyte and Scottish composer and fashions, soaps and designer jewellery to mention just a few! musician C Duncan, who fuses classical Tickets on the day Adult Senior Child Family and modern.

Living Crafts for Christmas

£13.50 £10.20 £6.60

£36.00

(Not including access to Blenheim palace) For more information on ticket prices or to Book online visit

Tickets: £16.00

www.livingcrafts.co.uk

BBC Good Food Show Winter, NEC Birmingham Thursday 26th November-Sunday 29th November

This year’s flagship BBC Good Food Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC this November and is guaranteed to set guests up for the perfect festive, foodie season. Guests can watch chefs create delicious seasonal dishes live on stage, and stock up on all the treats and tipples needed to see them through the winter. Plus we’re excited to announce that the largest cheese competition on the planet, The World Cheese Awards, is returning to the BBC Good Food Show Winter. Visitors can watch the judging take place on the first day of the Show, or join one of the tutored tours across the weekend to sample and discover more about the world’s best cheeses. 82

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www.bbcgoodfoodshowwinter.com/

BRINDLEYPLACE A SHORT CANAL STROLL (5 MINUTE WALK)

THE MAILBOX

ON YOUR DOOR STEP...LITERALLY (1 MINUTE WALK)

LIVE AT THE HEART OF THE CITY IN 2015 IT’S AN EXCITING YEAR FOR BIRMINGHAM WITH MAJOR NEW ATTRACTIONS OPENING ACROSS THE CITY. AS WELL AS BOASTING SOME OF BIRMINGHAM’S BEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS, THE CUBE IS IDEALLY PLACED TO ENJOY ALL THAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER. VISIT OUR SHOWHOME AND EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF A TRULY CENTRAL LOCATION.

BULLRINGG

HOP, SKIP P AND A JUMP (8 MINUTE WALK)

HOMES FROM

£99,950

VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT

GRAND CENTRAL A STONE’S THROW (5 MINUTE WALK)

0121 200 2220 0121 347 6116 WWW.THECUBE.CO.UK

OPENING LATE 2015 *Price correct at time of publication. Walking distances are approx only

November 2015