Edge Magazine July August 2012 Edition

EdgeMagazine Your essential guide to Warwickshire, Worcestershire & The West Midlands

JULY/AUGUST 2012 FREE EDITION

WORCESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Everything you need to know

SPICE FUSION RESTAURANT Exciting flavours from the east

GOING FOR GOLD

What it takes to be an Olympian

THE BIG BUILD PROJECT Marie Curie Cancer Care

SERENITY ROSE SPA Rest, relax and recharge

Food & Drink • Culture • Business • Fashion • Lifestyle

COMING THIS OCTOBER...

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Food & Drink Guide to Worcestershire, Warwickshire & West Midlands

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•Delivered to over 5,000 homes across 3 counties For more information, or to enquire about featuring in our forthcoming edition, please call 07809 702 992 or email

foodanddrinkguide@edgemagazine.org

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Fourteen amazing zones One fantastic day out 0844 880 7667 or visit cadburyworld.co.uk

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July/August 2012

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EDITOR’S BIT Welcome to the July/August edition of Edge Magazine. This is our fourth edition, bringing you interesting and exciting articles for the summer months. With the Jubilee behind us and The Olympics around the corner, we’re enjoying the spirit of summer. The line up includes our interview with an Olympic hopeful, some tips for summer dining and all the information you need for the festival season.

If you’re heading to Worcester Music Festival this August, we’ve covered the bands you need to see, the history of the festival and the beneficiary of all the money raised; an article on New Hope Care Centre.

If beauty is your bag, we’ve got the best spa treatments in the three counties, top hair salons and tips on getting the perfect summer glow.

We’ve also got all the best places to eat out, where to take the kids and an exciting competition for a shopping spree at Birmingham’s luxury shopping and lifestyle destination, The Mailbox.

If you like what you see in Edge Magazine, please show your support by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter, as well as checking out our website at:

www.edgemagazine.org On behalf of the team at Edge Magazine, have a wonderful summer and we hope to see you all again for our next edition.

Michael Abu-Zalaf

FEATURES Going For Gold...........................................10 What it takes to be an Olympian

Beyond Skin Deep......................................18

A Modern Twist............................................44 Exciting flavours from the east at Spice Fusion Restaurant

Worcester Music Festival............................54 Everything you need to know

Rest, relax and recharge with Serenity Rose Spa

The Big Build Project.................................24 Support Marie Curie Cancer Care this summer

July/August 2012

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Thinking Holidays?

Let CARRICK take care of it ...

CARRICK TRAVEL

5 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HD. 01926 858 434 Also offices in - Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheylesmore in Coventry, Pershore, Evesham, Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Norton www.carricktravel.com 6 EdgeMagazine

July/August 2012

CONTENTS

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Hair Theory

8

The Great Outdoors

48

Going For Gold

10

The Importance Of Sunshine

51

BBQ Summer

13

Prints And Personalities

52

HRG - A Profile

14

From One Man’s Crazy Dream

54

Beyond Skin Deep

18

Festival Survival Tips

57

Revills Farm Shop

23

Know Your Palate

58

The Big Build Project

24

Evesham Country Park

60

Looking Good

26

Bee Happy

63

Summer At The Mailbox

28

Realise Your Inner Glow

64

Learning Is Fun

30

Big Hair, Small Town

66

Take Heed And Listen

32

School’s Out For Summer

69

The Ludlow Festival

37

Summer At Loves

70

Kitchen Tile & Bathroom Gallery

38

Let Them Eat Lettuce

73

Lather Up

40

WMF 2012 Band Profiles

74

Don’t Buy Big, Buy Local

43

New Hope

76

A Modern Twist

44

Asset Management

81

Felice’s Strawberry Cheesecake

46

London 2012

82

Local Pick Your Own Strawberries

47

STAY UP TO THE TEAM DATE

Michael Abu-Zalaf - Editor in Chief @ZalafAbu - michael@edgemagazine.org

Like us on Facebook

Facebook.com/ WeAreEdgeMagazine

Lucinda Bunn - Copy Editor Eileen O’Kane - Accounts Manager

Follow us on Twitter

@WeAreEdge

INFO@EDGEMAGAZINE.ORG TEL: 01608 682 749 OR 07809 702 992 July/August 2012

CONTRIBUTORS Meg Hanlon

Mel Hall

Tom Ware

Sarah Rees

Hillary Collins

Mike Stafford

Anthony Robbins

Melanie Taffs

Helen King

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HAIR THEORY Abacus equals perfection Lucie Lincoln Lewis

S

ituated in the beautiful market town of Bewdley, just a stone’s throw from the River Severn, is the Abacus Hair Studio.

I was booked in for a colour treatment with Allison and a cut with Nick, who are the owners and directors of Abacus. As soon as you walk through the door, you can feel how lively this salon is. I don’t think I have seen such a hive of activity anywhere before! I was a little worried about what they would be doing for me as I have been growing my hair, ready for my upcoming wedding and I am naturally fair, so not leaving very many options. So I thought.

After being served coffee and taken upstairs by Allison to the colouring studio, I was instantly put at ease. Allison and Nick had a good play around with my hair and suggested some highlights to bring out the natural colour, without looking over the top or too fake. Nick suggested chopping a couple of centimetres from around the edges to even up my ends where my previous style had grown out. While Allison was confirming what exact colours she was going to put through, she told of how the salon had started and grown and that they had won the prestigious L’Oreal Colour Award in 2010 and would be competing again this year. As she was just about to colour my hair and with a wedding only a few months away, this was music to my ears!

Nick and Allison are husband and wife, as well as business partners. They met whilst both young hairdressers and now have over 40 years of hairdressing experience between them. It is clear that they are both very talented and enjoy their work too. The upstairs of the salon has been created fairly recently, specifically for the colouring side of hairdressing and to allow more space downstairs. There is no music piped up there, just the bustle and atmosphere coming up the spiral staircase from downstairs, combined with the relaxing chat of other clients, it really is a lovely space and all helps make the Abacus experience a little different.

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Hair Theory

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While I was waiting for my colours to set, Allison asked if I wanted my nails done. Never one to miss an opportunity, of course I said yes! Just behind me, was their newly installed nail bar. Sandie, one of their trainee stylists, with a great talent and passion for nails took care of me. Not being too bold, I had a file and polish and went for a neutral nail colour, which I have to say, five days on, is still going strong!

The colour was washed out and my hair was conditioned. I usually find this the most uncomfortable part of a trip to a salon as the seats and wash basins are uncomfortable and make my neck ache. At Abacus, this didn’t happen at all.

Actually, I got to sit in a massage chair. The chairs don’t look particularly different there, but they feel a world away from anywhere else I have been!

So, downstairs to see Nick. Nick ran through what we had discussed earlier, as I didn’t want to lose too much length, he would tidy everything up for me and do his best to create some more shape and texture. I had been growing my hair, apart from the occasional trim, since I had it cut into a bob about 3 years earlier, so it was definitely in need of some TLC. With a tidy up of all of the layers and my grown out fringe made to look like part of a style once again, I started to like what I could see in the mirror. A blow dry and a quick once over with the straightening irons and I was ready to go.

The result from Abacus was great, the colour looked natural but more interesting and the cut and style was simple and effective, just what I had hoped for. The prices are reasonable too. It’s cheaper than my local salon and much nicer. And for once, I actually walked out and didn’t feel the need to go home and re-do it to make it ‘more me’. Great stuff!

Abacus are experienced professionals when it come to events and bridal parties, they offer totally free consultations for everything from a cut and colour, to getting your hair right for the ‘big day’! Allison is also a fully qualified make-up artist and wedding make-up is also on the menu at Abacus. I am yet to experience this side of things, but if the hair is anything to go by, then I’m sure this too will be superb.

Abacus Hair Salon 01299 402 401 info@abacushair.co.uk www.abacushair.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org Going For Gold

GOING FOR GOLD Interview with Olympic hopeful Sarah Mcgreavy Lucinda Bunn

I

t’s not every day you get to realise your dreams and represent your country in the biggest athletic event in the world. But that dream could become a reality for West Midlands born Sara Mcgreavy, 100m hurdler and Olympic hopeful. Sara will be taking part in trials at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. But we caught up with her in between training sessions to see just what it takes to prepare for the Olympics.

Tell us about your preparation.

You have to be mentally and physically sound to be successful. You have to follow a diet but not too intensely; everything in moderation. I consume a limited intake of fat - but at the same time, you need to fuel your body to train hard also, so we need to have a healthy appetite! I work with a mental coach to help me prepare for my races and my training regime consists of six sessions per week 4 running sessions and 2 weights sessions.

How did you become a hurdler? Is it a matter of choosing an event, or does the event choose you?

I took part in all of the athletic disciplines when I was younger. I did pentathlon (5 events) and then progressed to the heptathlon (7 events), which enabled me to test them all out. I had success in the hurdles when I was 12 years old and had my first England representation was at the age of 14. Then I went on to win the Commonwealth Youth Championships at 17 and ran for GB at the World Junior Championships at 17 also - all for the hurdles. So by the time I went to university, I became a 100m hurdler.

You have to be fast, powerful, dynamic and controlled to be a hurdler!

What does it feel like when you run a good race? Is it more important to finish in a good position or get a personal best?

Every athlete would love to run a PB every time they run, however we know the chances of that will eventually end, so, if it was a choice of either winning Olympic gold in a slow time - we’d be happy rather than coming 8th in the final with a huge PB! When you do run a PB, 9 times out of 10 you can’t remember the race. Your focus is so intense; your body just does what it has been trained to do. It sounds a little bizarre, but ask any top performer if they remember their greatest performances...you’ll be surprised!

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Which athletes do you look up to?

When I was 10, I watched Sally Gunnell win her Olympic medal in the 400m hurdles. She was my inspiration during my teenage years, then moving up the rankings and event specifically, Susanna Kallur of Sweden has become my new inspiration.

What makes sport so special to you and what do you think young people can gain from being involved in sports?

Sport to me has always been special. I would be lost without it! I enjoyed taking part and being outdoors all of the time and the group morale during competitions and training. Young people need to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that sport can have a huge impact on their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. So even just giving it a go means that you are going to benefit in one of those areas - if not all of them. You don’t have to be the best in order to play sport. I think the message to lead an active and healthy lifestyle is the most important message for youngsters and adults.

What other upcoming events do you have and what are your plans for the future?

I am going to be racing at the UK Women’s League in Birmingham this coming weekend and then the Bedford International Games the following day. Then there are the Olympic trials, of course. I haven’t decided yet where I would like to race next and eventually in the future, I hope to become a PE teacher.

Sara will need to qualify in the top 2 and run 12.96 seconds in her 100m hurdle event for the Olympic trials.

We wish her the absolute best of luck!

To find out more about Sara McGreavy and her sporting achievements, head to her website at: www.saramcgreavy.co.uk

July/August 2012

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July/August 2012

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Beauty by Suzanne

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Long gone are the days when the kitchen was just a place to cook and prepare food - today it is the focus of the home.

It has become a meeting and social area, not just for the immediate family, but extended family and friends and in many cases now also encompasses the formal dining area, or at the very least casual eating.

Visit our large showroom where you can view six fully equipped kitchens from our range. We also have a selection of worktop materials for you to choose from.

“We design, build and install handmade bespoke kitchens from both solid natural wood and painted wood, to fit the customers individual budgets.”

SHOWROOM OPEN: Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm Blackminster Business Park, Blackminster, Evesham, Worcs. WR11 7RE tel: 01386 830006 www.thepaintedkitchencompany.com

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BBQ Summer

BBQ SUMMER CHARCOAL OR GAS? Lucie Lincoln Lewis

S

ince the arrival of gas barbecues, there has been much debate over what to use; the new, easy gas system or old favourite, time consuming but authentic, the charcoal grill.

We all know where we stand with a charcoal barbecue.

You struggle to light it for an hour, when you finally get it going, you wait another hour until the coals are ‘just right’ to cook on. Then you cram everything on to cook the food before the heat dies down and you have to start the whole process again. Oh, and don’t forget clearing the ashes out afterwards.

Compare this with pressing a button, having almost instant, even heat, that can be controlled with a knob, turned off when you’re done and nothing to empty out after, apart from the inevitably dropped sausage.

It’s hard to see why on earth we still bother with our charcoal traditions. Is it down to taste or does it go deeper than that? There has to be something more to it, otherwise the gas alternatives would have taken over years ago.

July/August 2012

Now, your kebabs can obviously cook just as well, if not better, on an easily regulated gas barbeque but there isn’t anything more rewarding than cooking on a fire that you created yourself, even if that only entailed popping to your local garage for charcoal and firelighters. Whoever holds the tongs in your household; no doubt they have their own way of setting up the charcoal, with just the right amount of the preferred firelighter. They’ll defend this method as being the best, passing on the knowledge to family, friends and anyone else who will listen. Sound familiar?

The real reason that charcoal barbecues are still going strong is simple. We just love the drama. A summer barbecue wouldn’t be the same without a barney about the burgers. It’s always entertaining watching someone fussing around, all red-faced, particularly when they’re in a silly apron. It’s all about the meeting of food with theatrics. After all, everything tastes better when you’ve had to work for it.

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HRG - A PROFILE

Timeless Engineering Lucie Lincoln Lewis

T

he HRG car was developed by Ron Godfrey, Edward Halford and Guy Robins. Ron Godfrey and Edward Halford raced together at Brooklands and in 1935 developed a prototype for a new sports car. The company was formed in 1936 with Guy Robins joining as the third partner and the company took its name from the first letters of the founders’ surnames.

The first HRG, fitted with a Meadows engine, cost around £350, about half the price of the 1.5 litre Aston Martin. In 1938 HRG released a 1100cc model with a Singer engine and moved on in 1939 to use a 1.5 litre highly modified Singer engine in place of the older Meadows unit.

HRG were obviously getting something right as their first offering in 1938 came as the highest placed car in its class at the Le Mans 24 hour race, finishing 10th overall out of 42 cars and 15 finishers. After WWII HRG carried on manufacturing cars to the same pre-war design and also introduced an aerodynamic model on essentially the same vintage chassis. This led to yet more racing success when in 1947, HRG won the team prize in the Isle of Man Empire Trophy race, the team prize in the Spa 24 hour race in 1948 and the 1.5 litre class at Le Mans in 1949 again.

HRG cars are still seen as competitive. In 2006, a three car team won the Vintage Sports Car Club 2 hour team relay race at Donnington Park.

In the 20 years that HRGs were being manufactured, they made 241 cars, of which 225 are believed to be still in active use, with a few still in active competition, competing in classic trials and VSCC races with success.

A few of the remaining HRG cars can be spotted around the Midlands and the owners are always pleased to speak about their little known beauties, taking great pleasure in pointing out that no, it isn’t a Morgan.

So if you see one and want to know why they are still loved so much, then don’t hesitate to ask the driver!

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NEW THIS SEASON

Chopard

- Exclusive to Harrisons Opticians Stratford-upon-Avon

Once again Chopard offers the utmost in luxury. The 2010 Prescription Collection offers eyewear as precious as jewellery accessories for an élite elegance that confirms the close link between the brand’s eyewear, jewellery and watch collections. Particularly feminine, elegant, lightweight styles are created with great precision using precious materials, becoming essential accessories for women who love luxury.

There is a lot of metal in this collection, which has traditionally abounded in gold plating and details, though plastic is also essential for creating more contemporary, fresh styles with a glamorous look enriched with precious details associated with the Chopard style.

• Luxurious

OTHER COLLECTIONS

• Sophisticated

• Tom Ford • Roberto Cavalli • Mont Blanc

• Prada • Maui Jim • Oakley

• Timeless • Exclusive designs representing the iconic fashion house of Chanel

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57 Ely Street | Stratford upon Avon

Tel 01789 268828 www.harrisons-opticians.co.uk

July/August 2012

Edge magazine 2012:Garage Doors Worcestershire

24/6/12

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AFFORDABLE quality ...from your

LOCAL expert

Revills Farm Shop

Why not automate your existing door?

We understand what’s important to you...

• • • •

The traditional values of a family-run company

• •

Complete after sale service for peace of mind

An exacting standard of workmanship on all doors Professional, manufacturer trained teams Most of our German manufactured doors come with a 10 year warranty

Full repair service

New extension now open Fresh, local fruit and vegetables Locally reared lamb, venison, beef, pork and chicken

To arrange a home visit or a no obligation quotation please call:

Bromsgrove: 01527 870 322 Evesham: 01386 389180 Worcester: 01905 757 876 Malvern: 01684 869 205

Freshly baked bread, homemade cakes and pastries Traditional preserves, salad dressings and sauces Specialist beers from local breweries

Bourne Road Defford WR8 9BS T: 01386 750 466

info@gdoor.co.uk July/August 2012

www.gdoor.co.uk

@RevillsFarmShop Revills Farm Shop

www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk EdgeMagazine 17

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BEYOND SKIN DEEP Serenity Rose Spa Lucinda Bunn

T

he spa. An ancient idea with a contemporary trend, to de-stress and indulge. But in a modern society that is so concerned with aesthetics and the superficial, many spas only soothe the surface. At Serenity Rose Spa in Upton, the highly qualified team focus on the inside.

My day began in the water room, with a soak in the Hydrospa. Imagine a large jacuzzi, with high powered hydro and air jets which align with the pressure points of your body. I slid down the mosaic tiles and immersed myself in the warm water. This is a great treatment to begin with; the water soothing your skin and the jets massaging your muscles. The Hydrospa is fantastic for easing aches and pains and improving circulation. During this treatment, you’re left in peace to luxuriate.

Onto the fire room for the Rasul steam treatment. This

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would be really fun to try with friends. You follow the simple tutorial, exfoliating your skin with salts, and painting your body with mud; grey mud for your legs, blue for your middle, yellow for your arms and torso and white for your face. It’s quite liberating to cover yourself in mud and make a mess. Then you step into the steam room. Now, I may not have had a spa day before, but I’ve been in many a steam room. And I’m afraid the others just don’t cut it. At Serenity Rose, the steam room allows you to breathe, with the perfume of herbs and petals calming your thoughts. The mud works to warm your muscles and soften your skin, making it the perfect treatment to prime you for your massage. The mud penetrates your skin to force out all the toxins. With the Rasul treatment, the meditation music and the tiny star-like lights on the ceiling, I felt I had drifted into a Moroccan Hammam; it was totally therapeutic.

The proprietor Lesley is passionate about traditional Chinese medicine. I enjoyed my organic goat’s cheese tart for lunch whilst she educated me on its beliefs. With the help of Dr Li, Serenity’s on-site acupuncture expert, the team consult each client before their treatments begin.

The ancient Chinese therapies work on the basis of the five elements; fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Each of us, with our individual ailments, preconditions and personalities, relate to one of the elements more than the others. Thus, when we are feeling at our worst, our dominant element is out of balance. After speaking with Lesley, she came to the conclusion that my element is wood. I am visionary and creative. Certainly. But when

July/August 2012

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imbalanced, I am angry and indecisive, with a tendency to rely on alcohol. Yes, probably.

After lunch, I was ready for my massage. Lisa, my masseuse, took me to the earth room. Serenity Spa use bespoke aromatherapy recipes, created by the team to suit your specific needs. My essential oil mix included avocado oil, geranium, bergamot and cracked black pepper. This was mixed by Lisa, taking on board the fact that I am predominantly affected by the wood element. Lisa also used hot stones, polished from volcanic rock so they retain their heat. The stones are smoothed out over your back to heat your muscles, so you feel supple and relaxed. Lisa then rubbed out all the air pockets that form from contraction and tension. I often get back pain around my shoulder blades and up at my neck; the usual culprits being driving and working a lot on the computer. Lisa’s very technical. I tried to trace her movements to begin with, the patterns over my back; they were so intricate I didn’t manage it.

After Lisa had worked her magic, it was goodbye tension, hello relaxation.

I wandered into the wood room for my final treatment; a facial by Lydia. Everybody knows the routine. Cleanse. Tone.

Moisturise. At Serenity Spa, those rules apply still, only they go further, with warm mitts to exfoliate and a facial and eye mask to rejuvenate your skin. Lydia then gave me a honey massage on my shoulders, neck and décolletage. The honey is spread over your skin and feels warm and smooth in its natural goodness. After my facial finished, Lydia used Moroccan oil to massage my scalp. It actually felt very

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www.edgemagazine.org Beyond Skin Deep

www.serenityrose.co.uk

Imagine a sensory journey that soothes your body and nurtures your inner energy Imagine feeling uplifted, calm and relaxed Serenity Rose Spa exclusive, personal where guests return again and again for rejuvenating spa experiences spa breaks & wellness retreats day spa packages therapeutic massage & rituals ila spa treatments deluxe champagne manicures & shiatsu pedicures

different to the smoothing and kneading that you expect from a massage. Lydia put pressure on my forehead, and worked back in a line, each point about an inch from the other. My mind felt so clear afterwards. You see, at Serenity Spa, they don’t do it just because it feels good at the time; they know how to make the difference that lasts far longer.

to share hydro-spa massages & razul mud treatments to purchase boxed gift vouchers Beyond organic, beyond pampering

I chatted with Lisa over a herbal tea and she talked me through the amazing products and prospects for Serenity Spa. If you haven’t been to Serenity, now is time to go. They have just completed a revamp and are about to finish the Japanese meditation garden, where they will be holding Yoga and Reiki sessions, and hopefully some treatments when the weather’s just right. I was impressed with the all natural, all organic products used at Serenity. Lisa explained that the team will be incorporating more of their favourite Ila products into their facial and body treatments. The Ila range uses the finest natural plant and mineral ingredients, wild-harvested in remote, untainted regions.

Whether you need a day for yourself or you fancy some fun with your friends, Serenity Spa is the place to be.

Every measure is taken to ensure you experience the most natural, organic products and the most sophisticated and practised therapy treatments. At Serenity Spa, the roses are bright pink and the ethos is all green.

Serenity Rose Spa The Boutique Spa Near The Malvern Hills

Serenity Rose Spa Hanley Road Upton upon Severn

T: 01684 594 686

www.SerenityRose.co.uk T: 01684 594 686

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Hanley Road Upton upon Severn Worcestershire

www.SerenityRose.co.uk July/August 2012

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For something different ....

It has to be Evolve.

Spring Summer Collection Now in store

Pottery Painting • Parties Baby Hand & Foot Prints Doggie Paw Prints

SP ECI

AL OF

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Chi ldr ER ! p a rt i e n's es S

ave ÂŁ

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The Pottery Paint Shop 36 West Street, War wick CV34 6AN 01926 258087

www.thepotterypaintshop.co.uk Email: contactus@thepotterypaintshop.co.uk July/August 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org Do You Like What You See?

DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?

We want to know what you think At Edge Magazine, we are constantly striving to improve our product with every edition and we care deeply about what our readers think. Therefore, we have decided to ask the public what you think of of the magazine? We would like to know what you think of the content? Are there areas which we are not covering which might be of interest to other readers? Do you know of something coming up that you think deserves some publicity? If so then tell us about it! Please email us info@edgemagazine.org If you do like what you see in the magazine before you, please show your support by following us on Facebook and Twitter, that way you will be able to stay up to date on all the latest information and take advantage of our special offers.

@WeAreEdge

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Revills Farm Shop

REVILLS FARM SHOP Bigger and better than ever

R

evills are celebrating a re-jig; with a new expansion and layout to their evergreen farm shop in Defford, Worcestershire.

The re-launch last weekend was a great success with a fantastic turnout. Charles Campion, revered food critic, was there to present the improved farm shop to the guests, who also included photographers, media contacts, local food producers and supporters from the community.

Isabel Revill started the farm shop in 2003, selling asparagus grown in the field next to an old stable. Using a cash tin and trellis table, the original set up was basic and rustic. Isabel then started introducing other produce grown on the farm and word quickly spread about the new farm shop in Defford.

At the local farmers market in Welland, Isabel met with local small producers of quality foods. Some became suppliers to the farm shop and they still supply to Revills today. Isabel’s son-in-law Darren Hedges now manages the shop, which has grown considerably since Isabel started out. Revills now stock a large range of local meats and game. Their fish comes from St. Ives in Cornwall where it’s prepared to order, frozen, and then sent overnight to the farm shop. They sell seasonal vegetables, some of which are grown on the farm or sourced through local suppliers.

Darren has been working for 14 months to rearrange the farm shop for his customers. He has expanded the

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space, where the old vegetable stand used to restrict his customers’ view of the rest of the produce. ‘I have had so many comments from my customers who can now enjoy the browsing experience here at Revills. They come up to me and say ‘I didn’t know you stocked this’ and I have to point out to them that we have had that product on our shelves for years!’, says Darren. Revills will also be implementing tasting tables so customers can ‘try before they buy’.

The Revill family have been farming and producing fresh vegetables for five generations and they continue to provide the community with the finest local produce, as well as some unusual favourites from across the globe. If you’re looking for fantastic local vegetables, ethical coffees and exploring fresh ideas for cooking, you need only go to Revills Farm Shop.

Revills Farm Shop Defford WR8 9BS 01386 750466 www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org The Big Build Project

THE BIG BUILD PROJECT With Marie Curie Cancer Care

M

arie Curie Cancer Care provide an incredible service, offering support and independence to those who really need it. In recent months, the team have raised a whopping £3 million to build a new hospice in Solihull. The target is a mighty £7 million, so Marie Curie Cancer Care are well on their way. The new hospice will serve the whole of the West Midlands; providing their terminally ill patients with the high-quality care they deserve at the end of their lives.

Local individuals, groups and businesses have all been involved so far; taking part in curry nights, leg shaves, ‘Diva for the Day’ events and wearing yellow to work. But they’re not there yet, and the team urgently needs more people in the area to take part. Marie Curie Cancer Care work tirelessly to manage care facilities around the UK, for their patients, but also for the families and the community around them. Marie Curie has 2,000 nurses in the UK and last year they worked for 1,200,000 hours caring for terminally ill patients, including half of all cancer patients who die at home. They also have nine hospices and are the biggest provider of hospice beds outside of the NHS. In total, Marie Curie spends over £80 million a year on its charitable activities, providing care as well as research and development. The figure is overwhelming, but so is the comfort that the money can provide.

The new hospice in Solihull will have rooms designed for patient privacy, an expanded day therapy unit and family areas. Marie Curie Cancer Care will also ensure specialised palliative care, co-operation with local healthcare professionals and the opportunity for counselling and emotional support. The charity is always looking to improve local healthcare for the community, so the hospice is a great investment. With two thirds of people in the West Midlands dying in hospital each year, Marie Curie Cancer Care allow patients to live out their final days in a vicinity of their choice. So, it’s vital that we unite as a community to raise awareness and funding.

There are plenty of events and challenges you can take part in. If sports are your thing then get your colleagues and mates to sponsor you for a mountain climb; there’s Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Mam Tor to choose from. There’s also the Solihull to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge. If you prefer consuming calories rather than burning them, why not organise a community cook off? You could charge an entry fee and get your neighbourhood to showcase their culinary skills. Alternatively, throw your own Blooming

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Great Tea Party; whether it’s builders’ tea or high tea, it’s bound to be a hit. But if you want to take part, it is important to register as soon as possible, so you can get training and organising and racking up that sponsorship.

The Marie Curie team have a huge number of fundraising activities planned for the upcoming months and they need your help!

For more ideas on the Big Build Appeal, more information on the work that Marie Curie Cancer Care do or to make a direct donation, head to their website at www.mariecurie.org.uk/bigbuild For information on fundraising and registration, call 0121 254 7800.

July/August 2012

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Race for Life If you are thinking about taking part in other fundraising events to support the fight against cancer, you could do a Race for Life event.

work and to help save more lives. If you would like to support an event or take part, then head to: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index

Race for Life is the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK. Since 1994, women of all ages and fitness levels across the UK have come together at these inspiring events to walk, jog or run to help beat cancer.

Some of the Race for Life women take part in celebration of surviving a cancer experience. Others take part in memory of a loved one or to give hope to a cancer-free future. But all of these women share a common goal: to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking

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www.edgemagazine.org Looking Good

LOOKING GOOD Glasses you will want to be seen wearing Sarah Rees

I

nnovative design, superior materials and pioneering technology have elevated the humble pair of specs to the lofty heights of today’s ‘must have’ designer fashion accessory. As the rich and famous endorse expensive brands, more and more people are seeking out the luxury labels for themselves.

The creation of premium eyewear has become an art form with designers combining lightweight precious metals, natural leathers and the finest acetate, with discrete detailing that can include diamonds and crystals. Glasses are now far more than a vision aid, they are visionary. They can define your personality, increase confidence and influence how you are perceived by others.

The discerning customer is prepared to pay for the subtle opulence of Cartier, the iconic French styling of Chanel or the sporting performance of TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear. They will pay more for less with Lindberg’s lightweight rimless titanium frames, or invest in the award-winning technology of ic! berlin, with its unique screwless hinge.

However these buyers expect payback when it comes to the dispensing experience.

Shafik Haji is the owner of Eye Opticians, with exclusive destination stores in Barnt Green and Edgbaston. His passionate approach to dispensing is based on the principal that dressing the face correctly can make a real difference.

“The success of high end dispensing is to create a look with which the client feels comfortable but which also suits their unique features, personality and lifestyle,” says Shafik. “Our service goes well beyond selling frames off the shelf.”

The ultimate in dispensing for the individual is a vision brought to life by designer Tom Davies. “Tom Davies Bespoke eyewear is tremendously exciting and offers the ultimate luxury of having glasses made especially for you,” Shafik explains.

The customer is guided through the selection of frame design, which is then made to fit their individual requirements.

The bespoke frame interacts perfectly with the shape of your face, the form of your hair and facial elements such as your brow line.

Luxury frames are sometimes flamboyant, often classically styled, occasionally wacky, capable of trend setting and always ooze quality. The essence of their premium price tag is possibly best summed up in the words of Tom Davies himself – ‘To see and be seen. Why compromise?’

Eye Opticians Barnt Green Tel: 0121 445 4545 Edgbaston Tel: 0121 456 5676 www.eyeopticians.co.uk

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This summer is sizzling at The Mailbox With music, sport, fashion, food, art, events and entertainment The Mailbox is the place to meet this summer.

See our full calendar at mailboxlife.com

www.mailboxlife.com

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SUMMER AT THE MAILBOX T

he Mailbox is Birmingham’s most stylish shopping destination, where you’ll discover luxury fashion brands. You may also know that The Mailbox is home to designer stores including Harvey Nichols, Emporio Armani and Hugo Boss. You’ll also find the latest styles in homewares, products, art and gifts to decorate your home. But here are a few things you may not know about The Mailbox this summer.

If you enjoy the finer things in life, The Mailbox has a treat for you. Throughout the summer, in the fantastic Music Room, The Mailbox will be playing host to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra who will be performing a series of intimate concerts. This special partnership with CBSO brings a number of chamber music concerts specifically created for The Mailbox customers and will include baroque performance, a feature clarinet and string ensemble, a children’s concert and brass ensembles from world-class musicians.

Not only that, The Mailbox is including discounted parking for all Centre Stage and Matinée concert attendees. So, if you’re going into Birmingham to watch a performance, why not make a day of it and park at The Mailbox with a 50% discount on your parking. For more on The Mailbox and the CBSO events and to register for discounted parking and other special offers exclusive to CBSO concertgoers, go to: www.mailboxlife.com/cbso

WIN A £250 SHOPPING SPREE We’ve teamed up with The Mailbox to offer you a chance to win a fabulous £250 shopping spree at Birmingham’s luxury shopping and lifestyle destination. All you have to do is let The Mailbox know what you think of their space. So satisfy their curiosity and go online, where they’ll enter you into a prize draw.

Enter at www.mailboxlife.com/edge July/August 2012

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LEARNING IS FUN Thinktank Science Museum

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hinktank, Birmingham Science Museum should really be a must on your summer ‘to do’ list.

It’s a fantastic place to entertain the kids with educational and interactive activities and galleries. At Birmingham’s Millennium Point, the Thinktank makes a detailed exploration of the past, present and future of Birmingham’s technological endeavours. Your kids can experience firsthand the scientific world in all its glory.

Let’s take a tour.

The ground floor of the museum displays galleries focusing on the industrial revolution, the history of the locomotive, the world’s oldest working steam engine and the spitfire aircraft, voted the Nation’s Favourite Exhibit by viewers of the BBC series The People’s Museum. The Move It gallery takes you through the historical vehicles built in Birmingham and the Midlands, from the 1898 Star Benz, through to the top of the range Brough Superior motorbike. Visitors follow the story of how the ‘Lunar society’ of scientists and businessmen made discoveries and new inventions through their ideas and experiments.

This chapter is particularly interesting as it charts the growth of Birmingham, from 1000 years ago, when Brum

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was just a little hamlet, all the way through to 2012’s massive and thriving city. The Changing Times section looks at the varying methods of communication which have developed over time. The exhibition explores the machines and gadgets used to send messages and play music; without an iPhone in sight.

Visitors can find out all about the science and technology that surrounds them in daily life. The museum includes a vibrant and interactive take on wildlife and the range of habitats across the world. You’ll be amazed by the skeleton of a Giant Deer and the skull of a Triceratops.

There are also rare examples of extinct birds like the Great Auk, the last of which was seen alive in 1844. It’s double Biology, as Thinktank talks you through the anatomy and the matters of becoming a medical professional.

The kids can even take part in a virtual hip replacement surgery. It’s a fantastic way to educate children on how their body works; from DNA to immunology. Thinktank is also concerned with the environment and increasing awareness on the importance of recycling. That’s why they have created Recycle! Here, you can find out exactly what happens to your recycled products and the potential

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Learning Is Fun

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With the future in mind, Thinktank curators have put together an overview of the modern technology that saves lives; from tissue engineering to medical robots. And you can try your hand at programming the virtual drum kit and listening to it as it plays your beat. In the Find the Future space, there is also RoboThespian, the life-sized humanoid robot and automated interactive actor. And any wannabe astronauts will enjoy the space theme. You’ll discover why spacesuits are needed and why they are not yet suitable for a trip to Mars. You can dock with a space station in the interactive games system or create an alien adapted to the conditions on another planet. Everything at Thinktank is designed to educate whilst involving children in the most interactive and inspiring way possible.

The Thinktank Planetarium showcases amusing and informative shows on varying topics for kids and grownups of all ages. The experience of the Immersive Theatre projects stars, digital planetariums and fills the 360◦ dome with sound and video, also allowing you to travel through the human body and dive under the ocean.

What’s amazing about Thinktank is that they are as forward thinking as the scientific discoveries they display.

The team are always conjuring up new ideas. This June, Thinktank opened the Thinktank Science Garden, an

outdoor discovery space that will be packed with surprises and fun activities for the whole family. If you want to know more about renewable energy, then the Science Garden is for you. Further upcoming additions to the Thinktank experience will include: the Kid’s Park (open December 2012) which will be a vibrant, interactive outdoor space, designed to encourage children under the age of 7, to learn about touch, sound, light and movement.

Whether you have education or fun on the agenda for your kids this summer, you’ll enjoy both at Thinktank.

The museum shows visitors just how Birmingham became known as ‘the workshop of the world’ and how innovation continues to be part of the cultural identity of our region.

If you want your children to gain an insight into the scientific world and the investment they can make in the future of their planet, then Thinktank is the place to go.

We guarantee you’ll learn something too.

Millennium Point Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG Tel: 0121 202 2222 www.thinktank.ac

PHARAOH

King of

Egypt From a royal tomb guardian to sculpture, jewellery and palace decoration, PHARAOH: King of Egypt is the largest ever touring exhibition of Egyptian artefacts in the UK, on loan from The British Museum.

In association with

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Blue-glazed shabti of the Pharaoh Seti I. From the Valley of the Kings, Egypt, c.1285 BC © The Trustees of the British Museum

of your discarded cans, plastic bottles and garden waste.

The truth is, these are valuable lessons for parents and children.

Gas Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH

Tickets: 0121 303 1966 www.bmag.org.uk

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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www.edgemagazine.org Take Heed And Listen

TAKE HEED AND LISTEN...

The rise in diabetes Melanie Taffs

T

he number of diabetes sufferers in the UK has risen by 50% in just 5 years. The figures are very alarming as this is a very serious disease and if left undiagnosed and untreated, can cause severe health problems. I have had a rise in the number of people coming to see me with symptoms of diabetes and fortunately, I directed them towards the correct diagnosis. The majority of you reading this, like many people, will have heard the word diabetes and probably know a bit about it but perhaps not enough to realise how serious it is. Diabetes affects your circulation. Some people have had their limbs removed. It can also result in the shut-down of the kidneys and cause blindness as the veins in the eyes are affected.

Some 90% of sufferers have Type 2 diabetes and rising numbers of children are being diagnosed each year whereas previously more cases were found in adults.

There are two types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 In Type 1, the body does not produce any insulin-the key hormone that delivers sugar to cells. If you have excess fat, it upsets the flow of insulin which means that the body cannot break down the sugar or glucose you ingest and use it for energy. The excess glucose builds up in the blood and is passed out in the urine. This type is usually genetic and is treated by the person self-administering themselves with insulin injections daily.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin to break down sugar and glucose used for energy.

In children this means that the body does not get crucial energy for growth and development. Type 2 is the most common and can be easily avoided by eating a healthy, balanced diet, doing regular exercise and maintaining a steady weight.

If you have all or any of these symptoms, consult your GP……

Frequent trips to the loo: if you feel that you’re urinating more, this is can be because there is too much glucose in the blood.

Unquenchable thirst: if you feel that you cannot get enough water and you’re drinking a lot more than you usually do, this could be a sign too.

Losing weight without trying: this is more common in people with Type 1 diabetes. As the pancreas stops making insulin, the body looks for an energy source because the cells are not getting enough glucose, so it starts to break down muscle tissue and fat for energy.

Weakness and fatigue: glucose is taken from the food that we eat, it travels into the bloodstream where insulin is supposed to help it go into the cells in our body, the cells use it to produce the energy we need to function and when the insulin is not there, the glucose stays outside the cells in the blood stream. The cells become starved, hence why you have no energy and feel tired, drained and run-down.

Other symptoms that can also occur are; tingling or numbness in hands, legs or feet, blurred vision or skin that is dry and itchy.

The time for action is now!

As I said before, Type 1 is usually genetic but Type 2, which is the most common, can be easily avoided by making simple daily changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Try to maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a varied daily diet of proteins, carbohydrates and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Limit your daily intake of sweets, cakes, biscuits and carbonated drinks.

Exercise on a daily basis by using the stairs rather than the lift. Walk to work or cycle and just try to include some activity into your daily life.

For advice on healthy eating, weight loss or food allergies contact Melanie Taffs on: 07792421080 or by email at: melanietaffs@yahoo.co.uk.

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01386 841123 mspa@mail.com Lapstone Westington Hill Chipping Campden GL55 6EG

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THE ULTIMATE IN PAMPERING

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR A PERFECT PAMPERING PRESENT.

SPA RITUALS AND TUB JOURNEYS LUXURY FACIALS INDULGENT MASSAGE AND BODY TREATMENTS IMMACULATE PEDICURES AND MANICURES FLAWLESS SUNLESS TAN MAKE UP AND BRIDAL SPECIALISTS EXCLUSIVE USE FOR BRIDAL SHOWERS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS ADVANCED NON SURGICAL AGE REVERSAL

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The Ludlow Festival

THE LUDLOW FESTIVAL Much Ado does WW2 CHARLIE WALKER-WISE

F

ollowing his hugely acclaimed presentation of Twelfth Night for Ludlow Festival last year, director Charlie Walker-Wise returns to the picturesque market town to direct a new version of Shakespeare’s well loved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

before the show - there’ll be a range of food and drink to purchase or you can bring your own. There’s also a chance to find out more about the play’s journey from page to stage in a Director’s Talk with Charlie Walker-Wise on Sunday 1 July.

Charlie’s bespoke production will be staged in the very heart of Ludlow’s medieval castle ruins and forms the centerpiece of Ludlow Festival, an annual festival of the arts held in the height of summer.

Other highlights from this year’s Ludlow Festival include Miriam Margolyes’ one-woman show celebrating Charles Dickens, top music from the Orchestra of the Swan, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and Bjorn Again, a celebration of classic British film with broadcasters Matthew Sweet and Mavis Nicholson and a fringe festival, Extra, which will have the whole town buzzing throughout the festival fortnight. For more details and to book tickets, visit

This year’s production sees Much Ado transported to the end of WWII on VE Day with the return of victorious troops turning Ludlow Castle into a celebratory victory party.

With two pairs of lovers - the witty Beatrice and Benedick and the sweet young Hero and Claudio - the play promises a happy ending, yet is so much more than just a comic love story with a fairytale finish. Much Ado, at its heart, explores the differences between men and women.

www.ludlowfestival.co.uk

RADA trained actor turned director Charlie is delighted to be returning to Ludlow. “Ludlow Castle has such a sense of theatre and spectacle that it is a natural home for the telling of Shakespeare’s stories,” he says. “I‘m thrilled to be taking the helm of the Shakespeare production at Ludlow for a second year and can’t wait to bring one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays to one of my favourite theatrical venues.”

Charlie first had the idea of directing Much Ado at Ludlow Festival when he performed in Othello in the town just two years ago. He explains: “In Beatrice and Benedick, Much Ado has two of my favourite Shakespearean characters, and their dialogue is some of the fizziest, most exciting and witty words Shakespeare ever penned. It’s just a joy to listen to!”

This year, Charlie has once again teamed up with acclaimed set and costume designer, Anthony Lamble.

Over the space of just 21 days, a small but dedicated team of skilled craftsmen will turn Ludlow Castle into a fully functioning theatre with Anthony’s fabulous set, right at the heart of the Inner Bailey. It takes a lot to transform the castle into a proper theatre, from building the stage to creating the entire set in situ; the castle is open to the public throughout, with visitors swarming around as the team transforms the castle!

Much Ado About Nothing is on from Saturday 23 June to Saturday 7 July at Ludlow Castle. Audience members are invited to enjoy a picnic in the grounds of the Castle

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www.edgemagazine.org Kitchen, Tile & Bathroom Gallery

KITCHEN, TILE & BATHROOM GALLERY I

f you are looking for a kitchen or bathroom that reflects your individuality and personal style then the Kitchen, Tile & Bathroom Gallery in Alcester is the place to visit.

As a fully independent retailer, The Gallery researches the latest designs and trends to bring you something a little bit different, tailored to match your needs.

Kitchens and bathrooms are not ‘one size fits all’ and to make the most of your space the Gallery’s expert designers know which products will fit both your room and your budget.

It’s amazing how much money you can save with the right advice, design and fitters. It may seem cheaper to buy everything on the internet, but what you will miss is that expert input, which will ultimately give you more value for your money, as well as more choice.

It’s also reassuring to know that if you make the decision to buy from your local retailer, any problems that may crop up after your purchase will be dealt with efficiently.

The Kitchen, Tile & Bathroom Gallery is well-known for its after sales service, which is one of the reasons customers return over the years.

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With over 40 stunning displays, the Gallery’s showroom at the Arden Business Centre, Alcester, gives you the opportunity to have a look at all the textures, shapes and styles of the best of European and British design.

There are many new products on the market which are designed to meet the challenges of modern life. Storage is always a big requirement, as are time and energy saving devices, such as boiling water taps and steam ovens. Tiles have also stepped up to the challenge and there are many imitation natural stone products now on the market, which look fantastic without needing high maintenance.

To make the most of what’s currently out there and to ensure maximum enjoyment of the finished result, clear a space in the diary to see the Gallery’s latest ranges and have a chat with their friendly team.

Kitchen Tile & Bathroom Gallery 01789 763 332 www.ktbgallery.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org Lather Up

LATHER UP With the Little Soap Company Lucinda Bunn

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estling in the foothills of the North Cotswolds, the eco-savvy Little Soap Company provides your skin with the richest, natural and most wholesome soap possible. I tried out the Little Local Lavender soap with organic oats. This soap, as with all the soaps handmade at the Little Soap Company, is all natural and produced locally; that’s the staff, the packaging and the stationery.

Not only does the soap smell fantastic, due to the natural ingredients, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. The lavender infused soap is relaxing, with the oats gently exfoliating and softening. I was thoroughly impressed with the gentle approach to my sensitive skin.

finished soap. It would make a brilliant day with the kids or a sweet activity to do with friends.

For the amazing range of natural soaps at the Little Soap Company and to find out more about the right course for you, head to www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk.

I also tried out the ‘Little Beast’ bar, a soap created for mucky mutts and grubby Guinea pigs. It’s great for cleaning paws after a long walk in the mud and shampooing out all the nasties from day-to-day play.

My German Shepherd really enjoyed his Little Soap experience. Again, it’s all natural and the Little Soap Company says it’s good for humans too!

The Little Soap Company also holds classes in soap-making in their Little Workshop. These courses cover the basic chemistry of soap-making, the preparation of moulds, blending pure essential oils and curing and storing your

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creative . inspirational . different Expert design service Stunning displays Full project management It’s not often that you shop for a new bathroom or kitchen, that’s why it is worth getting all the help and advice you can.

From the initial planning and dreaming stage right through to expert installation, our job is to make it easy for you.

You don’t need to look at a screen or pictures, it’s all on display so you know what you are buying.

We listen to what you want, and use our experience to save you money and time.

Visit our showroom and support your local independent retailer.

www.ktbgallery.co.uk

July/August 2012

Arden Business Centre . Arden Rd Alcester Warks . B49 6HW . Tel: 01789 763332

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The perfect country day out

Visit our award winning FARM SHOP & DELICATESSEN and purchase your fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and other groceries.

Enjoy a hearty homemade lunch at THE GARDEN CAFÉ or try our popular EVENING BISTRO, with a special offer this month of 2 courses for £15.95 and 3 courses for £18.95.

Browse in our GIFTS & INTERIORS store and view our new range of summer clothes, gifts and accessories.

THE HILLERS GARDEN & PLANT CENTRE are on hand with advise and expertise on planting for spring.

Enjoy a walk around our beautiful display gardens where many of the plants on display are for sale.

Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • Warwickshire • B49 5PD 01789 772771 • www.hillers.co.uk

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Don’t Buy Big, Buy Local

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DON’T BUY BIG, BUY LOCAL Lucinda Bunn

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he organic label is thrown around too readily; adverts, documentaries and, ahem, magazines. But what does organic actually mean?

I wonder how many of us preach that organic is the best without actually researching what it means. It scares me to think that advertising executives could manipulate the organic name, so products can pretend they’re something they’re not. Now, it’s unlikely that there is a deliberate ploy to bamboozle you, but we definitely need to be better informed. So here are the facts. And the myths.

Myth: There are no insecticides, fertilisers, pesticides or additives in organic food.

Fact: Organic farmers are given an approved list of products they can use.

Myth: Organic food is local food Fact: Unless you buy it from a local farm shop, where the produce is sourced locally, organic food is not necessarily local. The UK is Europe’s biggest consumer of organic food, but only 5% of it is grown in the UK.

The problem is that the argument for organic food isn’t black and white. And the grey matter is misunderstood.

Whilst organic food isn’t necessarily grown without the use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers, organic farmers must stick to strict regulations, so it’s the lesser of two evils. Buying organic does contribute to ethical consumerism as antibiotics and drugs are not used routinely on livestock. So, certainly from an animal welfare or environmental angle, organic is best. But the lesson to learn is to question and research. And don’t take the labels at face value.

If you really want to eat the freshest, tastiest and healthiest produce, whilst reducing your carbon footprint, buy locally. The benefits of supporting your local farm shop are endless, as the profit they make stays in the community. Consuming local produce will contribute to less pollution, sustaining the local economy, more jobs for the community and more information on the origins of your veggies. So the next time you head out to buy big at the supermarket, even if your intentions are organic, make a trip to your local grocer instead.

Myth: Organic food is healthier for you.

Fact: The British Nutrition Foundation says there is no scientific proof of any extra health benefits.

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A MODERN TWIST Spice Fusion Restaurant - A review Mike Stafford

A

generation or so ago, an unadventurous British public approached Indian and Thai food with some trepidation. Now, after years of acclimatisation and the encouragement of an ever-expanding horde of TV chefs, times have changed immeasurably. For the better. It seems there is a culinary library in every kitchen and the British palette is more refined than ever. Indian and Thai restaurants are now plentiful, a regular feature of every town.

Given the increasing size of the crowd, it takes a restaurant of real quality to stand out. Spice Fusion in Dunhampton does just that. Located in the Halfway House on Ombersley Road, Spice Fusion’s customer base consists of devoted, once-bitten forever-smitten regulars, who willingly add the extra couple of miles onto their journey in exchange for a finer dining experience. From the outside, the Halfway House has maintained the character borne of its former life as a local pub. Even before the arrival of Spice Fusion, the building had good credentials, with the previous tenant running a Michelin starred eatery. Ultimately, success proved elusive for Spice Fusion’s predecessor and their departure has paved the way for five triumphant years of Indian and Thai fusion food in the heart of Worcestershire.

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Inside, the décor is sleek and modern. It offers a touch of class but is understated enough to be inclusive. On entering, you’ll see the wine bar, rich in depth and variety and tastefully illuminated. The high standard of service is established from the off, with an attentive staff always swiftly on hand to greet new arrivals and usher them to a table. Spice Fusion’s mission is to cater for all palettes, ranging from the adventurous to the more reserved.

Established favourites such as dhansak and rogan josh make an appearance, alongside rabbit and ostrich dishes for those who fancy a dish with a difference. Variety alone, however, is not what makes Spice Fusion great.

The depth of flavour in each dish is amazing. The quality of the ingredients and the kitchen staff’s grasp of spice combinations is clear with every morsel. The Thai fish cakes are satisfyingly meaty and the Fusion sticks (chicken tikka pieces with peppers and onions) are melt-in-themouth tender. I’m not too keen on lamb but I was bowled over by the succulent Bangladeshi lamb chops, marinated in spices and served under a smattering of soft onions. For the main course, the chicken tikka makhani is fantastic.

Divinely moist chicken, served in a rich, tangy sauce, it adds a twist of individuality to a time-honoured dish. Even the sides are flawlessly executed, from the fluffy naan

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breads, to the sweet but feisty mango chutney.

Of course, a frequent cause for concern is the spicy heat. Fortunately for those with less than heroic taste buds, at Spice Fusion, the chefs don’t just fill their food with firepower. But heat seekers will find an educational experience, as they encounter a rich and complex flavour that has always elsewhere, lain hidden behind cumin and chilli.

Given the truly sublime standard of food, the prices represent excellent value. In restaurants, as in all things, you generally get what you pay for - at Spice Fusion, you get more.

Spice Fusion Halfway House A440 Ombersley Road Dunhampton DY13 9SW Tel: 01905 622 222 www.spicefusion-restaurant.co.uk

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FELICE’S STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE Award-winning chef, Felice Tocchini, brings you his favourite summer dessert using the finest local fruit. White chocolate & strawberry cheesecake.

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

Base

Method

2 eggs

100g dark chocolate

50g honey

50g butter

25m crème fraiche

50ml cream

70g butter

200g digestive biscuits crumbled

Prepare the base by melting the dark chocolate, butter and cream together. Add the biscuits, mix well; spread at the bottom of your mould and leave in the fridge to set. Melt the butter, white chocolate and vermouth. Remove and leave to cool down lightly. Whip the egg, honey and crème fraiche. Add the melted chocolate to the egg and carry on whipping. Fold in the mascarpone and the chopped chocolate. Pour over the base and leave to set. Cover the top with sliced strawberries and enjoy.

50ml dry vermouth 100g white chocolate 500g mascarpone 200g white chocolate coarsely chopped 200g fresh local strawberries

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Fusion Brasserie Stoulton WR7 4RJ 01905 840647 www.fusionbrasserie.com

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LOCAL P.Y.O FARMS AND NURSERIES

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Health and Beauty Naturally

If you fancy giving Felice’s recipe a go, why not try it with strawberries you picked yourself to add a bit more fun to the mix? Check out some of the places you can get them from below.

Paul Dunsby & Son Cotswold Orchards, Mount Pleasant, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JA 01386 443142 Vicarage Nuseries Ltd. Weston Road, Bretforton, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7HW 01386 833753 TC Tidmarsh Holmfield, Tewkesbury Road, Eckington, Pershore, Worcestershire, WE10 3DE 01386 750245

The Kick Start Weight Loss Programme Step 1: The Healthy Starter Pack is a ten day programme providing natural herb supplements.

Step 2: Fat Grabbers combine high-quality fibre, chickweed and lecithin for a unique formula that traps fat molecules inside the intestinal tract before they can get into the bloodstream.

Step 3: Carbo Grabbers safely reduces the absorption of starchy carbohydrates and reduces the available calories your body

D.E & D.M Drinkwater & Sons Washbrook Farm, Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6NW 01386 593222 J & S.M Firkins Crowle, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR7 4AZ 01905 381246 Red Road Nursery Red Road, Little Kineton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 0DN 01926 642297

Step 4: Solstic Slim is a low calorie supplement which can be used as part of a calorie controlled diet.

Feel great about yourself this summer For more information, call Priti on 07578 254 496 or visit our facebook page

Hunscote

Health & Beauty Naturally

Stratford Road, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 9ES

@HealthBeautyNat

01789 470794

July/August 2012

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS Places to picnic Michael Abu-Zalaf

E

verything tastes better in the open air. And seeing as summer time is setting in, all you finger food fetishists will be thinking about seizing an opportunity for a picnic in the British sunshine. The picnic techniques of the British public have evolved over centuries. Is your perfect picnic a masterpiece of planning, a pot luck adventure or an impromptu, last-minute affair? Whatever it is, we have the top tips to make your picnic a success.

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The earliest references to picnics are dated back to around the 17th century. The provenance of the word picnic is debated, although it’s likely it comes from the French word, ‘piquer’, meaning ‘to pick’. From paintings and literature, through to songs and contemporary films, the picnic has always brought together family and friends.

The artist Thomas Cole painted ‘The Pic-Nic’ in 1846, which depicted well dressed picknickers, serenaded by a guitarist under a tree, drinking from blue and white china.

July/August 2012

www.edgemagazine.org Dips. Stick to homemade hummus, guacamole and yoghurt dip with herbs for healthy, fresh-tasting simplicity.

Drinks. Whether you’re going for Cava or iced tea, refrigerate your drinks for as long as possible before putting them in your cooler. You could even freeze water bottles so they’re colder, that much longer.

See? Easy as pie.

I’m sure by this point you’ll be humming the Teddy Bear’s Picnic and trying to remember where you put your gingham blanket but before you pack your basket, take a look at our top local picnic sites.

Croome Park Named among the National Trust’s top 10 picnic spots in 2011, Croome Park is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

The serene landscape and lakeside are full of paths which stretch for miles, taking you on a journey through 18thcentury pleasure gardens.

National Trust Estate Office, The Builders’ Yard, High Green, Severn Stoke, Worcestershire, WR8 9JS 01905 371006 Compton Verney If you’re looking for a good value day out, head to Compton Verney and enjoy the beautiful grounds. With lakeside and woodland picnic areas, you’ll discover a whole host of bird, plant and wildlife.

Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ 01926 645500 Broadway Tower Broadway Tower is one of England’s outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment.

Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties. Conveniently located on the Cotswold Way, Broadway Tower is the perfect place to start a walk or enjoy a summer picnic.

And no doubt everyone will remember Mole unpacking Ratty’s picnic basket in The Wind and the Willows, gasping in delight at each fresh surprise. In her book, Of Pageants and Picnics, Elizabeth David describes a flamboyant affair of smoked trout and rough country sausage. For David, the picnic is ceremonious and more of a fine dining treat. For us ordinary folks, homemade sarnies and tubs of hummus do the trick. Here are our fresh ideas for outdoor dining: Go raw. Celery sticks, sliced apple and cherry tomatoes are easy to prepare, healthy and tasty.

Middle Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LB 01386 852390 And why not try a picnic on the river with Avon Boating, right here in Stratford-upon-Avon?

www.avon-boating.co.uk

No sliced white. Be adventurous and go for pitta, focaccia and ciabatta. If you opt for dryer, stronger bread, you won’t be left with squashed, soggy sandwiches.

Vinegar based salads and coleslaw. Salads loaded with mayonnaise aren’t as healthy and don’t keep as long.

July/August 2012

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SUNSHINE Lucie Lincoln Lewis

T

he metabolic effect of sunshine on human cells is something that has been studied the world over. It is well documented that too much exposure, particularly to harmful UVA rays, is one of the leading triggers for skin cancers. But with all of this information being thrown at us, it is equally important not to forget how much we still need sunshine.

You can’t really miss the simple effects that a glorious summer’s day has on us all; everyone seems to be in a better mood, the birds seem to sing that little bit louder and it is much easier to see the good in the world. But the science runs deeper than that. The benefits of the sun could even go as far as to save your life, or if you’re pregnant, to help strengthen your unborn baby’s bones and prevent osteoporosis in their later life. This is mainly down to the importance of vitamin D, which, in actual fact, is not really a vitamin at all as it can be synthesised by the human body. Vitamin D is a secosteroid which aids the body in maintaining normal levels of calcium and phosphorous. It is true that vitamin D can be found in oily fish, eggs and butter, but our principle source is sunlight, which is why it has been nicknamed the ‘sunshine vitamin’.

A recent study by Bristol University researchers found that a regular stroll in the park by expectant mothers has striking, long lasting effects. The growth of our bones, even while in the womb is dependent on vitamin D, thus a walk

July/August 2012

in the sunshine stimulates the production of vitamin D and it has been shown that children born to mothers that spend time in the sunshine have stronger, wider bones, which are thought to be less prone to breaking. They even went further and added critical scientific research to claims made by groups that Britons are actually putting their lives at risk by starving themselves of sunshine.

These campaigners point to mainly studies based on epidemiological findings that a lack of vitamin D also leads to increased rates of illnesses such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes and tuberculosis.

As you can imagine, this research didn’t go down well with skin cancer awareness programmes as the number of melanomas in this country is still increasing. So which is the greater risk, skin cancer or a vitamin D deficiency and how much sunshine is safe for us? Well the jury is still out on that one, but it is believed that even a 15 minute break in the sun, between the hours of 11am and 2pm will top you up sufficiently with vitamin D. This should be decreased slightly if you are particularly fair, or increased slightly if you have a darker skin tone. We are animals after all, and we’re designed to spend most of our time outside. Unfortunately, our modern world dictates that we spend more of our time inside; we’re trapped at work, school or at home. The main solution is to avoid the extreme exposure. Become more aware of long periods of time without any sunlight and never get so much sun your skin burns; it’s all about establishing a healthy balance.

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www.edgemagazine.org Prints And Personalities

PRINTS AND PERSONALITIES

Some day my prints will come...

Meg Hanlon

T

his month our style expert, Meg Hanlon, explores personalities, patterns and how to find your prints charming.

Stop, stop, stop! Before you decide you don’t do prints and quickly turn the page, I know big florals aren’t everybody’s cup of Earl Grey but I’ll let you into a little secret - they’re not really ‘me’ either.

But what does that really mean? How can an outfit look completely stunning on your friend but when you try out the same ensemble it just doesn’t feel right? That’s where your style personality comes in. When you understand what yours is, it makes updating with the latest trends a whole lot easier.

If you’re already loving the idea of floaty, flowery frocks then the chances are you’re a true romantic and you’ll be in your element stroking the luxurious fabrics and choosing decorative details. Floral prints like the one shoulder dress from Quiz Clothing work well on curvy figures but if your shape is more athletic then stick with more abstract prints. There’s so much choice for you this season; the fashion world is your oyster.

Too subtle for you? You might be drawn towards striking clothes with a little more wow factor, in which case you’re probably a dramatic and like to make a statement with your look. Pretty tea dresses won’t make you feel like the belle of the ball but the unusual combination of bold florals with stripes will certainly get heads turning.

What about if you love to mix up vintage and high fashion in your own unique way? Combining charity shop finds with costume jewellery and customised jackets with antique brooches make your creative look interesting and individual to you. You may need to reign it in on occasion when appropriate but in general anything goes. Patterned tights are perfect for you and there’s a great selection at Eve’s Legwear if you want something different.

Now, I realise that the mere thought of all this pattern going on will have some of you hiding behind your sartorial sofas but don’t worry, you don’t have to look like a display garden fresh from Chelsea. For those of you who prefer a smart, timeless look and have a classic personality, keep it simple and elegant, just adding a beautiful silk scarf with a soft tulip print to update your look.

If practicality and comfort are your key considerations when choosing clothes then an all over print will feel

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too much for your natural style. But it doesn’t mean you have to avoid patterns completely, just keep it simple. Detail along the border of a top or appliqué on a shoulder bag will be enough for you.

To glam up for a simple evening look you could team this yellow silk tunic top with some slim fitting jeans and wedges for a comfortable but stylish look.

Last but not least is the city chic style for those who like simple, Hepburn elegance. Again, you’re not generally drawn towards anything too bold and tend to stick to neutral tones and clean lines. A jacquard design would be an ideal solution for you or a monochrome shift dress. You can always add a colourful bag, pashmina or pair of shoes to change the feel of your look, making it work for different occasions.

Whatever your style personality, there are ways to make patterns work their charm for you. So when that invitation for tea with the Prince drops onto your doormat (I’m still waiting for mine), whether you’re an Earl Grey, chamomile or PG Tips kind of girl you’ll know exactly which prints to go for.

Cheers!

Meg Hanlon Leading Stylist, Colour Me Beautiful www.changeyourlook.co.uk 01684 773166

Cream/fucshia and lilac one shoulder dress www.quizzclothing.co.uk

July/August 2012

www.edgemagazine.org

Annie tunic www.zalando.co.uk

Printed tights summer floral www.legwearinternational.com

Tula emerald green handbag

If you are looking for the perfect accessory for your new print personality, why not check out Tula?

Tula Edie drawstring shoulder handbag

July/August 2012

The collection is full of classic designs reinvented for today; the iconic flapover bag in super soft nappa leather comes in a myriad of seasonal colourways from burnt orange to fuchsia. Prices range from ÂŁ39 to ÂŁ120 and it is stocked nationwide at, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Debenhams and many more of your favourite stores.

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www.edgemagazine.org From One Man’s Crazy Dream

FROM ONE MAN’S ‘CRAZY’ DREAM

The Worcester Music Festival story

B

ACK in 2008, I had the crazy idea of encouraging every venue, every pub, and every coffee shop in Worcester to host some live music on a particular weekend in August and call it Worcester Music Festival. I was laughed at and politely told that I was mad.”

These are the words of Worcester Music Festival founder Chris Bennion, a local music promoter who, five years ago, went for broke to give the city’s bands, artists and songwriters an annual platform to showcase their eclectic mix of weird and wonderful, original music.

If it got locals and visitors to the Faithful City – which, aside from dear old Elgar, was not widely known for its explosive, live music scene – tapping their feet over coffee, dancing in the pub aisles, pondering life, laughing, singing, crying, head banging, even better.

With the help of a few daydream believers, including local ambassadors for creativity Tony Gibbon, Brian Marr, Andrew Marston and Chris Jaeger, the first Worcester Music Festival was born. “We had persuaded quite a few local promoters to put on shows, a load of local bands to play for free and managed to get 24 venues and 120 acts playing that weekend,” said Chris. “It was such a great buzz, and we knew we had something special.”

Each year, the festival has got bigger and better, and this year’s event over the August Bank Holiday weekend (2427th) will see 30 venues across the city hosting around 350 bands and artists over the four days, with a host of workshops for all ages and abilities to boot.

The WMF team Worcester Music Festival is a non-profit making event, run by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, largely local musicians or people associated with the city music scene, while gigs are run by promoters, who select their acts from

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hundreds and hundreds of applicants.

It’s a bit like a swan gliding down the River Severn. You’d never guess how hard those legs are working beneath the surface, and the same is true for the festival team.

To make the event a success, the committee includes co-ordinators for promoters, venues, workshops, sound engineers, technicians, volunteers, outside events, special events, folk events and charities through to website, marketing, funding and press. Plus, all the general support.

Crucially, to keep the festival free, everyone on the committee gives up their time for free.

With Chris at the helm, the festival got off to a great start

July/August 2012

From One Man’s Crazy Dream

www.edgemagazine.org Shortly after launching the site, Chris asked Ant if he’d be willing to create a website for Worcester Music Festival, paving the way for him to join the committee and become heavily involved with the planning and organisation. The festival website now receives, on average, almost 10,000 page views a month.

Helen King, a manager at the Chamber of Commerce and local music fan, was introduced to the committee at the end of 2009, and, utilising her business and marketing skills, took charge of the promotion for the festival. Since joining the team, she has overseen the development of a new logo and marketing literature.

Helen said: “The organisation of the festival is a group effort on the part of the whole of the committee and all of the promoters. We’re committed to ensuring that the festival remains free to allow as many people as possible to experience new, original, and live music and it simply couldn’t happen each year without a lot of people giving up a lot of time – all for free. We love each and every one of them.”

The future “While the festival has grown every year since its inception, we are still keen to make it even bigger and put it on the map as one of the UK’s best ‘across the city’ festivals,” added Ant. “The aim is not only to showcase musical talent, offer workshops and raise money for local charities, but also to highlight what a wonderful city Worcester is. By doing this, we hope to gain more national recognition over the coming years and encourage audience members to come from far and wide to hear great music in its purest form.”

As well as introducing Worcester Music Festival bands to new audiences, organisers also hope to attract more industry professionals including Artists and Repertoire (A&R) departments from record labels for talent scouting.

Many bands who have previously played at Worcester Music Festival have made their mark in the wider industry, including Worcestershire’s The Roving Crows, who won Best Celtic Rock Band and Best Irish Fiddle Player at this year’s Irish Music Awards, Worcester band Robinson, now a BBC Radio 2 favourite, and Kidderminster rockers Vault of Eagles.

in 2008, with lecturer and guitar god Brian Hoggard joining him as co-chair in 2010, taking on the role as sole chairperson in 2011, and further developing the programme of music workshops and genres of music involved.

This year, the festival is chaired by Ant Robbins and Helen King, who both became involved with the festival in 2009.

As a freelance web designer and dedicated fan of original, live music, Ant was initially commissioned to enhance and develop Chris Bennion’s website www.notjustsauce. com, creating a comprehensive ‘what’s on guide’ that also provided local bands with a free opportunity to have a web profile.

July/August 2012

For a snapshot of who is performing at this year’s festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend (24-27th), visit www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk, where you can listen to some of the music set to be showcased, or check out Chris Bennion’s local gig guide at www.notjustsauce.com.

You can also follow the festival on Facebook and Twitter.

Worcester Music Festival Organisers Helen King Anthony Robbins

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. . . d r a o ! b y l f ur ut Ju s d ho n e g k u e e thro w g n e o c l a l The king p ta

Throughout July, The Oak will be offering a chance to sample their signature fish dishes to celebrate the summer months.

From Cornish clams to whole sea bream, T-bone steaks and mackerel fillets, The Oak are using the freshest catches to celebrate surf and turf. The Oak will be serving their surf and turf boards every weekend. And get this, they’re going for long weekends too, starting with offers on a Thursday night!

Worcester Road, Upton Snodsbury,Worcester, WR7 4NW T: 01905 381 631

www.theoakuptonsnodsbury.co.uk

“The very best in Wrought Iron Gates”

Automation of new or existing gates Phone: 01527 579404 Fax: 01527 579419

sales@alltechmidlands.co.uk 5 Prior Wharf, Harris Business Park, Hanbury Rd, Bromsgrove, B60 4FG

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July/August 2012

Festival Survival Tips

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FESTIVAL SURVIVAL TIPS Lucinda Bunn

W

hilst most of us will be enjoying the wonders of Worcester Music Festival this summer, you might also be making a trip to one of the bigger events across the country. If that’s the case, no doubt you’ll be camping there too. So we thought we’d do you a favour and put together a survival guide for those sweaty, damp and dehydrated days in the English countryside.

Not all personal hygiene needs to go out the window. Take wet wipes and lots of them. Use liberally.

booze and take drinks you won’t mind drinking warm. Also, label your bottles so as not to start the day with a glug of water you mistook for industrial strength absinthe.

Socks and wellies

Plastic Bags

Keeping your feet dry and warm is essential. Take lots of spare pairs of socks.

You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to get sunburn or sunstroke, even when it doesn’t seem that sunny. So cover up and get yourself a sun hat. Oh yeah, and don’t forget suncream!

There is no festival problem that a plastic bag can’t fix. Well, there is, but plastic bags are really useful. When it’s raining, you can cover your sunhat with a plastic bag; so it’s instantly waterproof. You can sit on them. And when you want to leave and you can’t seem to squash your sleeping bag back into its case, just throw it in a plastic bag and you can be on your way!

Drinks

Clothes

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Don’t overdo it with the

Take a mixture of clothes for warm,

Wet wipes

Sun protection

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cold and wet weather. A cagoule or ‘mac in a sac’ are must-haves. You might want to take a pair of shorts to wear underneath, as denim under a cagoule in the rain can get a little stuffy. Always take a jumper. It can get chilly in the evening, no matter how many pear ciders you’ve had.

And never take anything you would mind losing or ruining.

Pitching your tent Get there as early as possible to get a good space to pitch. You DO NOT want to be stuck by the toilets.

Enjoy yourself Planning your day is important, but remember to go with the festival flow.

Be safe and have fun!

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KNOW YOUR PALATE Your guide to choosing the right wine

M

att Cowan owns and runs Vinology wine merchants in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Here Matt helps us tackle the tricky subject of food and wine pairing.

Matching food and wine is always a tricky subject, but it doesn’t need to be. There are a few simple rules that can be useful in selecting that special bottle.

The single most important thing to consider is the ‘weight’ of the dish, for example, what wine works with chicken?

Well, that depends; are we talking about a lightly steamed chicken breast on a simple bed of rice? Or maybe a dark, rich and intense coq au vin? A light, crisp and fresh white is what you’d be after for the former, whereas a weightier red would be needed for the latter. The basic rule to stick to is the weightier and more rich and intense the food, the richer and more full-bodied the wine, remembering that

white wines are normally lighter than reds, but that they do cross over!

Sweetness is also an important consideration, but a fairly simple one; if you have sweetness in the food then you’ll need sweetness in the wine. The rule to follow is that the wine should be at least as sweet if not sweeter than the food. If you break this, then the wine will taste thin and tart. When thinking about sweetness, the salt level is also something quite important, as salt matches sweetness, hence classical partners such as Port with salty blue cheese, or serving salty gammon with sweet pineapple.

Thanks for reading and I hope this information will prove useful the next time you’re selecting that certain bottle to enhance your meal.

Vinology 49 Henley Street Stratford-Upon-Avon Tel: 01789 264 586 Email: info@vinology.co.uk www.vinology.co.uk

What are you eating?

What are general good ideas?

And a Vinology top pick?

Roast Lamb

Rioja and other big Spanish reds, fine mature Clarets and its new world counterparts (Cabernets and full bodied Merlots).

Cranswick Estate Merlot 2010 £10.49

Chinese Cuisine

Crisp and fruity aromatic whites such as Gewurztraminer or Riesling. New world Sauvignon Blanc. Or a light and fruity red

Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2011 - £9.99

Roast Pork

Medium to full-bodied reds such as a good Rioja. Or full-bodied whites like Aussie or Californian Chardonnay.

Finca la Emperatriz Old Vine Rioja 2010 - £8.49

Shepherd’s Pie

Hearty, spicy reds like a good Côtes du Rhône, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, or maybe an Aussie Shiraz.

Domaine Brial Cotes du Roussillon 2006 - £10.99

Steak

Rich, weighty, structured reds, such as a good top-end Cabernet Sauvignon, a big full-on Shiraz or a good Sangiovese.

Vina Chocalan Cabernet Franc Reserva 2009 - £11.99

Salmon

Fine dry whites like a crisp Chablis or an elegant Aussie Chardonnay. Or perhaps a light red such as a Pinot Noir.

Domaine Defaix Chablis 2010 £15.99

Ice Cream

Sweet and/or fortified Muscats. Or a sweet sherry such as an Oloroso or sweet Amontillado would work well.

Brial Muscat de Rivesaltes 2007 - £11.99 (50cl)

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EVESHAM COUNTRY PARK Fun for the family Taste and fun in the country - Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July Escape to Evesham Country Park this summer and discover gardening delights, summer styles and tasty local produce.

All within a five-minute drive from Evesham town centre, the Country Park has enough to keep you and the family occupied for the day.

The garden centre has a fantastic range of outdoor and indoor displays including; garden furniture, BBQ’s, finishing touches for inside the home plus a wide selection of plants and gifts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the garden centre, the courtyard shops have everything from children’s, women’s and men’s shoes and clothing to camping equipment and outdoor gear - as well as delicious ingredients, homemade fudge, one of kind jewellery, and everything you need for your needlecraft projects.

Evesham Country Park also has two brilliant eateries. The Apple Barn Restaurant has a carvery to serve alongside a healthy selection of sandwiches and salads, whilst The Carrot Cake Café has a selection of locally sourced products, light bites, delicious homemade cakes and cream teas. And this summer, the Apple Barn’s ice cream parlour will add the perfect sweet treat to a day out in the sun.

showcase the whole EVLR steam fleet, with a variety of whistles echoing across the Vale of Evesham. The first train will be at 10:30am and the last at 5pm.

Evesham Country Park will also be hosting an activity weekend in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice from Saturday 7th July to Sunday 8th July. The fun-packed, action weekend will include laser clay pigeon shooting, a bouncy castle, basketball games, high striker, giant garden games and tradition side stalls. The activities have no fixed charge but all donations to Acorns are most welcome and will run from 11am-4pm.

Dates for your diary: There will also be activity weekends in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice at Evesham Country Park on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September and Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November.

Come and find your place in the country. There is plenty of free parking and Evesham Country Park is open seven days a week. Please note that Evesham Vale Light Railway is open every weekend and during school holidays throughout the year.

Adjoining The Carrot Cake Café, you will find Millets Farm Shop, with all its local produce; from the cider corner and deli, to the butchers and bakers. The locally produced fruit and vegetables, along with the local Worcestershire meat selection can all be sampled in the café.

On July 7th, Millets Farm Shop will host their 5th annual Summer Food Fayre. Come and enjoy the best of British and sample the fantastic delicacies from Millets Farm’s favourite suppliers. If that’s not enough to tantalise your taste buds, then you should know that in addition to a 10% off all products offer on the day, Millets will have free home grown strawberries and cream on arrival, a free prize draw to win a party BBQ hamper from Millets Butchery. And the kids can enjoy free face painting too!

When it comes to the kids, nothing will keep them more entertained than the Evesham Vale Light Railway trains which travel through the old apple orchards and around the country park. The trains are steam hauled for over a mile and stop briefly at the Evesham Vale Station. Here you can take a break on your journey for a picnic, walk to the River Avon or just enjoy the views overlooking some of the most picturesque scenery the Vale of Evesham has to offer.

Evesham Vale Light Railway will be hosting their Steam Gala from Saturday 7th July to Sunday 8th July. This will

Evesham Country Park Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4TP 01386 41661 www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk

Edge July 2012 Creations:Layout 1

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24/6/12

14:38

Page

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July/August 2012

Bee Happy

BEE HAPPY

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Plant a bee friendly garden Hillary Collins

D

id you know that one in three mouthfuls of the food you eat is dependent upon pollination by bees?

Without our busy little friends, we will most likely be reduced to eating only cereal crops; what a dreary world that would be. The countryside provides a limited, seasonal diet of flowering trees, oil-seed-rape and the now rare summer meadow. By August, it’s all over and the poor old bee has a long wait until next April for the first flowers. In this time of crisis, we gardeners need to ‘do our bit’ and plant up our plots, to help the English honey bee.

With careful planning it is possible to have a beautiful garden full of flowers all year round, supporting a whole range of beneficial, pollinating insects. Summer gardens are easily planted using nectar rich flowering trees: robinia pseudacacia, eucalyptus, apple and chestnut trees.

Lavender, oregano, daisies, the sage family (Labiatae), along with tall wafty verbena bonariensis are excellent for bees. They love the black pollen of poppies and huge pollen grains of hollyhocks, which are easy to collect. All single flowers are best, doubles are too complicated, often poor in nectar and remember not to use insecticides on flowering plants.

You can even plant your own bee-friendly flower meadow with a special mix of flowers: visit www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk Bees get very thirsty, preferring to drink from damp mud, at the edge of a pond. Water features are a great addition to your garden, but even a muddy puddle or a bird bath will help.

Honey is made from nectar, but more importantly pollen provides protein and fat. Bees collect it all year round, particularly in autumn for winter stores, to raise their young, building up the colony after a long winter. Planting a collection of late summer pollenrich asters, golden rod, helenium and helianthus, not only helps the bee, but gives you a riot of colour through September to November. Follow with winter-flowering heathers: careful selection of varieties will give flowers from October to May. Winter flowering shrubs Fatsia, Lonicera fragrantissima and sarcococca yield nectar and pollen on warmer days. Drifts of snowdrops and even the humble crocus provide vital sustenance in early spring.

Become a bee friendly gardener and the next time you put a spoonful of honey on your toast, pat yourself on the back for helping the honey bee.

“If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live” ~ Albert Einstein

Hilary Collins www.envisage-gardens.co.uk

July/August 2012

Bee Facts: One bee colony has up to 60,000 honeybees and one queen. Female worker honey bees live for about 6 weeks & do all the work. Male drones don’t work at all.

A honey bee visits 50 to 100 flowers every collection trip.

The average worker bee produces about 1/12th teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.

1lb honey = 55,000 miles of flying for a bee. Each colony can produce 60 lb of honey per year, a strong colony flies the equivalent to the moon every day at an average speed of 15 m.p.h

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www.edgemagazine.org Realise Your Inner Glow

REALISE YOUR INNER GLOW

Getting your skin ready for summer Lucie Lincoln Lewis

A

s the weather warms up, it’s time to turn our attention to the one thing that we wear throughout the year, our skin. Even if you’re not planning on strutting around in your swimwear for the next few months, you still want to make sure your arms, shoulders, back and legs look soft and sun-kissed. The main issues with the cold winter weather, is that there is less moisture in the air, so it is much harder for your skin to trap much needed water. This combined with gusting wind and central heating is a recipe for dull, lifeless skin. Fortunately, it doesn’t take too much extra work to get your skin back into shape.

The first thing on your list should be to exfoliate. There is no better way to prepare your skin for the new season than by sloughing off the old and encouraging the new. Choose to book yourself into a spa for an exfoliating massage, to awaken your senses as well as your skin, or do it yourself with an exfoliating body scrub in the shower. Either way, it’s the best way to stop your skin looking dull and dry.

Next is to rid yourself of unsightly spots and pimples on your back and chest. These can form for a variety of reasons, but commonly in the winter due to wrapping up in layers and not allowing your skin to breathe properly. Washing with products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide will unclog the pores and kill bacteria. Also make sure you hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.

Now it’s time to get rid of any excess hair. This means you too, boys! Find out where your local spa centre is and book yourself in for a wax. It might be the painful way of removing hair, but it will last for considerably longer than anything else and the more frequently you go, the less often you’ll need to. If you want a quick fix and have to turn to a razor, make sure you use a high end one, that won’t leave your skin bumpy. It’s also best to use a shaving lotion, but if you are really on a budget, some left over hair conditioner works just as well! Don’t forget to moisturise afterwards too, this will help stop your skin from drying out.

Frequently moisturising your skin is essential in the summer months if you want your skin to feel soft and smooth.

Picking the right moisturiser to use in the summer can be difficult though, try and find something light-weight to avoid that sweaty, sticky feeling.

Don’t forget your feet! In the summertime, your feet are on display as much as the rest of you, so don’t leave them out. If you can, go for a pedicure. If not, there is another DIY trick if you recoil in horror at the thought of someone seeing your feet. Add 3tbsp of baking powder to warm water and let your feet soak for 10 minutes. When they are out, scrub them with granulated sugar and olive oil to get rid of those hard bits and finish off with a good rinse and some moisturiser.

Lastly, pick your scent well. Not all perfumes and aftershaves can be worn in the summer. Some that contain citrus can leave you slightly discoloured if you have been out in the sun for too long, while others can leave you feeling sticky.

Picking a lightly scented body spray or mist can be a great alternative to heavier perfumes and aftershaves, or you can always invest in a mild scented body oil that can be used for both your body and hair.

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www.edgemagazine.org Big Hair, Small Town Number Twelve has a down to earth approach to hair.

I have known Graham for a few years now and he’s definitely put an end to my bad hair daze. It’s not just that he knows what he’s doing, he has such a passion for colouring, you can see his excitement when I tell him what I want; like a little kid. And with two decades worth of experience, he’s at the top of his game. It’s not like I make it easy for him, I’m pretty hard to please. But Graham gets it; like no hairdresser I’ve ever had before.

On this occasion, I was going in for a wash and blow dry.

I was booked in with Graham and Angelina’s new stylist, Kate. She sat me down and asked me what style I wanted.

Without hesitation, I said ‘give me as much volume as you can’. That’s what I like about Number Twelve, once you tell the stylist what you want, they’re on to it. There’s no messing around. Kate used products like Evo’s volumising shampoo, Gluttony and their base support spray, Root Canal, to create my look. And if you haven’t tried Moroccan Oil yet, I suggest you do, pronto. It leaves your hair silky smooth and smells divine. At Number Twelve, they have the full range of Moroccan Oil products, which are great for me because they’re so light, they don’t weigh down my hair. When Kate got out the big barrel hairbrush, I knew my big dreams were coming true. And she did it! By way of a miracle, she managed to turn my flat, uninspiring mop into a full blow-out any 60s screen siren would be proud of.

Chatting to Angelina, I got a little insight into how the salon started. Angelina told me the plan, ‘to create excellence; from the moment you enter the salon, to the second you leave’. My big hair and I are booked in again already.

BIG HAIR, SMALL TOWN Number Twelve Lucinda Bunn

I

want to let you into a little secret. I hate going to the hairdressers. I don’t really know why. It’s probably the series of bad haircuts I had as a teenager that scarred me: there were the blonde streaks at the front, the asymmetrical fringe and the fluffy crop. I shudder at the thought. Now, I’m not being self-deprecating but I don’t have great hair. It’s fine, limp and lack-lustre. I spend a lot of my time backcombing, ‘poofing’ and ‘jujjing’ it up, which lasts all of half an hour before I have to do it again.

I want big hair; big, bouncy, beautiful hair. I thought it was impossible, until I went to Number Twelve.

Number Twelve is a fantastic salon and it’s bang in the centre of Evesham. Co-owned by master colourist Graham West and his business partner Angelina De Souza Walker,

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School’s Out For Summer

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SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER What to do with the kids!

Lucinda Bunn

W

ith summer round the corner, we’re all looking forward to our summer holidays. If you have kids, then this is the time to start planning some fun activities and days out. Luckily, there is plenty to do in the area and we have put together our list of active, educational and fun places to visit, come rain or shine.

If you want to stay in Stratford, you could take a trip to the Stratford Butterfly Farm. Enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hundreds of the world’s most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying around. You can see them feeding and flying in the wonderful tropical environment.

Stratford Butterfly Farm, Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS 01789 299288 The Mechanical Art and Design Museum would make a fantastic little trip on a rainy day in Stratford. Located on Sheep Street in Stratford upon Avon, The MAD Museum’s collection involves a colourful medley of whirring, clanking, laser, robotic and rolling ball machines. The MAD garden even includes a sculpture from the MAD founder Richard Simmons himself! You can press the buttons and watch as the mechanisms make shapes and patterns; it’s definitely a winner for kids and adults too. The MAD museum showcases interactive wonders, so go and see the exciting assortment of kinetic art, automata and steampunk for yourself!

MAD Museum, Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EF 01789 269356 If your kids like farm animals, you should head to Shortwood Family Farm. Set in 150 acres of glorious Herefordshire countryside, Shortwood Farm has a wide range of activities, countless educational benefits, and a truly personal approach. Shortwood really does cater for everybody. The farm has enjoyed organic status since 2000 and their herd of Friesians produce milk for the Organic Milk Co Op (OMSCO). They have donkeys, ponies, pigs, ducks, geese, hens, bantams, sheep, goats, guinea pigs, lambs and a turkey called Colin!

Shortwood Family Farm, Pencombe, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4RP 01885 400205 There’s also Raysfarm Country Matters, a fantastic countryside farm in Shropshire. The ancient woodlands, winding pathways, wild flowers and ferns make the perfect escape. At Raysfarm, you will see deer, owls, pygmy goats, ponies, peafowl and much more. You can also enjoy freshly prepared refreshments in the coffee shop.

Raysfarm Country Matters, Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6PF 01299 841255

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www.edgemagazine.org Summer at Loves

Summer at Loves ...The start of a culinary affair

L

oves Restaurant will be dishing up a summer inspired showcase for the next few months. If you’re planning a fine dining treat this summer, then you don’t want to miss this.

Set in the heart of Birmingham, Loves Restaurant combines fine dining with vibrant and contemporary British dishes. Steve and Claire Love have created mouth watering menus, using the finest ingredients and locally sourced produce, to give their customers a taste of modern Britain. Only at Loves Restaurant could you find beef carpaccio with pickled vegetables and wasabi or brandade croquettes and popcorn pork shrimp. And what’s fantastic about Loves is that the vegetarian menu is just as exciting; tomato fondue, Bloody Mary sorbets, Paris mushrooms and quinoa.

Steve and Claire opened their first restaurant in Leamington, back in 2001. The couple have enjoyed a lot of success, both in their Leamington restaurant and now in Birmingham. The Good Food Guide has twice given Loves the title of ‘Best Restaurant’ and Steve has won both National Chef of the Year and a Roux Scholarship. He’s one of only two people in the country to hold both awards.

Complementing Steve and his team’s contemporary and stylish dishes, is Claire and her front of house team, who strive to offer a personal and informative approach to the unique dining experience at Loves. And they do just that. Steve’s inventive menu and Claire’s quality service is a winning combination at Loves.

The team at Loves will be serving a special seasonal menu of light, refreshing and tantalising creations which cannot be missed. Expect chicken satay with peanut brittle, beetroot jelly and chocolate panacotta with a blood orange gel. If you’re looking for a modern take on fine dining and a fresh and quirky menu, then Loves Restaurant will not disappoint.

Loves Restaurant The Glass House Canal Square Birmingham B16 8FL

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Tel: 0121 454 5151 info@loves-restaurant.co.uk www.loves-restaurant.co.uk

July/August 2012

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Astwood Galleries Picture Framing & Fine Art

Astwood Galleries has been in the Fine Art trade for over 23 years and offer a second to none picture framing service trusted since 1989.

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July/August 2012

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July/August 2012

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Let Them Eat Lettuce

LET THEM EAT LETTUCE Grow your own salad

L

ettuce is probably the easiest ‘grow our own’ option.

You don’t need a huge garden or fantastic soil even. Lettuce works really well in window boxes, containers and raised beds, so everyone can grow it.

To get the most out of your salad crop, find a sunny but partly shaded area for your raised bed. Add compost for nutrients and rake over for a fine finish.

To sow your seeds, plan short rows about 30cm apart, with a shallow trench about 1.5cm deep. Take a pinch of seeds and spread them thinly along your trench. Cover with soil and water.

Top Tip: If birds are a problem, cover your bed with netting so they can’t eat the seeds.

When the seedlings reach 2cm tall, thin them out, picking the strongest seedlings and giving them between 1530cm of space to grow.

Top Tip: Cover young plants with bottomless plastic bottles.

Keep the soil moist and your crop should be ready to harvest in a matter of weeks. Depending on the variety, you may choose to ‘cut-and-come again’, in which case, you can begin harvesting when your crop is 5cm tall. If you choose to cut the entire head off, wait until the crop is 15cm tall, then slice it, leaving a 3cm stump; just enough to ensure a re-shoot.

Top Tip: To save your salad from slugs, surround it with grit.

And weed your raised bed regularly. Weeds encourage pests and diseases.

If you plan carefully, and sow seeds in intervals (every four weeks), you will always have lettuce to harvest when you need it. This way, you can enjoy fresh salad from your garden all summer long.

Lettuce to try: Bijou Salad Bowl Lollo Rosso Kendo Wild Rocket Little Gem Lobjoit’s Green

July/August 2012

If tomatoes are your favourite, you can easily grow your own too.

Ideally, tomatoes should be in sunshine, so find the sunny spot of your garden. Clay pots work well, although if you want the easiest option, go for a ‘grow bag’. The beST varieties to try are: Alicante – for its early fruiting Gardener’s delight – for its small and sweet fruit Moneymaker – for its medium sized fruit and subtle flavour Fill your container with compost and top with water. If you are using a ‘grow bag’, simply follow the instructions.

Make a hole in the compost, as big as the pot the plant is in. Water the compost to keep the soil in its place. Transfer the plant into the container and be careful not to damage any roots. Finally, firm the compost around it, to secure the plant in its new bed. As tomato plants usually bear about 3.5 to 5.5kg of fruit, it is important to support the weight with canes.

Tomatoes need to be watered daily and twice daily in hot weather. As the plant grows, it will produce shoots between the leaf and the stem. These side shoots need to be removed. This should be done every two to three days.

To pick your tomatoes, sever the stalk just above what looks like a knuckle. This should be done when the fruit is red but still firm.

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www.edgemagazine.org WMF Band Profiles

Worcester Music Festival 2012 Band Profiles

W

orcester Music Festival must be the Midlands’ best kept secret. Unless you are part of the local music scene, you might not know that, for one weekend every August, an explosion of live, original, music is unleashed on the city’s pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and historic buildings, making for an unconventional music festival with no need for a tent or wellies. Plus, it’s all free.

With new venues including outdoor stages, more emphasis on family-friendly gigs and inspirational workshops, this year’s four-day event is set to be better than ever, with hundreds of signed and unsigned bands and artists – from thrash metal to funky folk - on the bill. Here, we take a look at just a few of the acts gearing up to take the city by storm over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The Arkhamists Genre – Alternative rock WMF venue - Firefly With their dirty guitars, thrashing drums and infectious vocals, grunge-rock-rock noise monsters The Arkhamists will be fresh from a tour of America’s east coast when they make their WMF debut this year. The three-piece from Birmingham, Liverpool and Stafford will be performing at the Firefly, voted this year’s best Worcester pub by CAMRA, where they hope to win WMF audiences’ hearts with their raw, simple songs about the pain of the human condition.

With a six-track EP already in the bag and available to download for free at SoundCloud, The Arkhamists will be recording their first album with Cotswolds-based music producer Dave Draper in August, and, in their own words, can’t wait to “go crazy on stage” at WMF 2012.

Jon Gomm Genre – solo acoustic guitar WMF venue – Marr’s Bar WMF is over the moon to welcome back Jon Gomm, the extraordinary, virtuoso guitar player who caught the ear of Stephen Fry earlier this year, prompting two million hits of one of his YouTube clips within days and a series of TV appearances. Jon, who first laid his hands on a guitar at the age of two, uses his lovingly-battered instrument to create drum sounds, basslines and sparkling melodies all at the same time, his original material influenced by everyone from Robert Johnson to Radiohead. Just home from touring Europe, with his Domestic Science Singles series available to download, Jon is not only playing a gig at WMF 2012, he will also be holding a free workshop for budding guitarists. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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Granny’s Attic Genre – Folk WMF venue - Guildhall What a year for Granny’s Attic, who not only supported folk legend John Kirkpatrick at Worcester’s Huntingdon

July/August 2012

www.edgemagazine.org Hall, but were invited to play for delegates from 60 countries at the 2012 Global Summit for Education Ministers at London’s Park Lane Hotel in January. You’d never guess Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, George Sansome and Lewis Wood were barely 16 years old. Meeting as pupils at Bishop Perowne CE College in Worcester, the three young musicians have fast become an entertaining and energetic folk trio, using guitar, fiddle, melodeon and vocals to deliver a range of traditional English, Irish and Scottish tunes, as well as their own compositions. They released their first EP ‘Mind the Gap’ earlier this year.

‘Got Soul, Got Vibe’, the first EP from Jasper In The Company Of Others, pretty much sums up the band’s music and the buzzing effect it has on audiences. Signed

by Sound Hub Records in March, they are now working on their debut album before they embark on a series of gigs through the summer including Barn On The Farm Festival, which they played last year alongside Ed Sheeran and Ben Howard. Before WMF, they will also be competing in the Midlands semi-final of Surface Festival, one of the biggest European battle of the bands. As a wonderful link between live music and local, good causes, Jasper’s bassist William Hughes is also the son of the woman behind New Hope, Worcester Music Festival’s chosen charity of the year.

Johnny Kowalski & the Sexy Weirdos Genre – Carnival punk WMF venue – Worcester Arts Workshop If you fancy watching a gaggle of weird, mismatched personalities react like magnesium to deliver incendiary performances influenced by everything from Balkanic gypsy music and Yiddish funeral music to straight up crusty punk, this one’s for you. Last year, Johnny Kowalski and the Sexy Weirdos played an acoustic instore gig at Rise Records during WMF, so are really looking forward to playing with the full sound at the Worcester Arts Workshop. Although the rest of the band live in Birmingham, violin player John-Joe Murray lives in Worcester and runs Carnival Punk Studios in the old Butler’s gym building on Farrier Street. The band’s debut album, Victory for the Monsters, is being recorded for scheduled release in August.

The Five Divas Genre – Five girls with a mix of styles WMF venue – Art House Café

Jasper In The Company Of Others Genre – Happy vibe funk WMF venue – Marr’s Bar

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Let’s not forget the girls, and over the Saturday afternoon of WMF, festival goers can indulge in the crème de le crème of female talent at the Art House Café. Although all individual acts, Becky Rose, Sue Bell, Sarah Oreggio, Natalie West and Leslie Wilson are being billed as The Five Divas of WMF 2012, and they don’t fail to deliver. Taking Becky Rose as an example, the Worcester singer and keyboard player epitomises elfin charm, but her voice is anything but diddy. Influenced by musical theatre and one of just 40 artists from across the UK chosen for the BBC Introducing Musicians Masterclass, she blew audiences away at last year’s WMF. Recently venturing into electropop, what will she pull out of the bag at this year’s festival?

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www.edgemagazine.org New Hope

NEW HOPE

The Worcester Music Festival’s chosen charity Lucinda Bunn

W

ith the Worcester Music Festival just a beat away, we went to visit New Hope, a non-profit, respite care facility working with families who have children with disabilities and complex healthcare needs.

Worcester Music Festival has chosen New Hope as their beneficiary for all the money raised at this summer’s event. New Hope creates a fun and safe environment for children to spend time together on Saturdays and over the holidays. It gives the children great enjoyment and their parents a bit of a break.

New Hope was set up in 2010 by Jean Wilson. Jean had her own struggles as a parent of a child with autism and Emily, her now nine year old daughter, inspired her journey with New Hope. ‘When Emily was a toddler, we lived in Scotland. Then we moved back to the Midlands and we just expected the same services there to be available here too. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case’ says Jean. In fact, the Midlands still has very little in the way of respite care for families’. I approached Worcester Community Housing to utilise a community building that I knew had been empty for a long time. I had thought what a wonderful venue it could be for my vision of a respite centre as it’s situated in the heart of my local community.

Once I had spoken to WCH, they were more than happy to support the project and gave me the building rent free for two years to give me time to establish the project without undue financial pressure’, explains Jean. Andy Howarth, Worcester Community Housing’s Financial Director has had a lot of involvement in several charitable organisations in the area. He helps out with funding bids and provides invaluable financial advice and support. It was also Andy who encouraged Jean to make New Hope a charity itself. And Jean hopes that New Hope will get charity status in the next few months.

Since Jean opened its doors in 2010, New Hope has given families time, support and care. Jean can relate to the hardships of raising a child with a disability and for that reason, New Hope has become a lifeline to the community. ‘I recognise how the parents are feeling when they come here; they’re tired. Sometimes they feel guilty that they need respite care as it’s akin to admitting you are finding it hard to cope. It can be very socially isolating when you have a child with a disability’, Jean explains. New Hope works to unite the families they work with to give them back a sense of control and confidence. Jean runs annual events such as her fireworks display party, where parents can express their concerns and advise each other.

‘As far as the parents go, the most rewarding part for me is to hear them share their stories’, says Jean.

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Of course, the main priority for Jean is the children. The activities at New Hope range from cooking and arts and crafts, to day trips for horse riding and canoeing. Jean’s team take on children between 6 and 19 years old, with varying levels of care needed for each individual. One of the most popular activities at New Hope is the music therapy sessions. Jean organises regular visits from Shaun Wilson, who comes fully equipped with vibrant outfits and extraordinary instruments. ‘The kids love him and he often stays longer than he’s supposed to’ says Jean, ‘that’s why I applied for the Worcester Music Festival charity, because our kids just love music so much’.

At New Hope they look after children with ADHD, autism, Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome and Rett syndrome.

Obviously, each child needs a different level of care. Some kids are deaf, blind or in a wheelchair and they need a lot of support and the biggest cost is the staff and carers.

‘It’s not like other day care centres where you can have two members of staff to look after thirty kids at one time.

Sometimes our kids need one on one care or even two staff members are needed to look after one child’, says Jean, ‘and it costs a lot of money’, she adds. In fact, last summer, over the six week holiday, the staffing costs for New Hope were a staggering £6,000. But it’s money that couldn’t be better spent.

New Hope provides for the community. It is open every school holiday and every Saturday to give children with disabilities the fun and care they need and their parents a well deserved break. With so little of these services available in the county and no other centres open as regularly or for as long, New Hope was the first choice for the Worcester Music Festival. New Hope desperately needs funding to keep their tremendous efforts going; particularly in assuring they can keep on their fantastic staff. Interestingly, Jean has a personal connection with the festival too. Her son, Will Hughes, is the talented bass guitarist from Jasper In the Company of Others, a Worcester-based , funky folk band set to grace the stage this summer. You don’t want to miss their performance.

So support the arts, support the music and while you’re at it, support Jean and New Hope, and the amazing relief and support they give our community.

35 Wells Road Worcester WR5 1NN Tel: 01905 355 295 www.newhopeworcester.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org Numbers Are Only Half The Story

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ASSET MANAGEMENT Numbers are only half the story Tom Ware

I

n a world of quantitative analysis, high frequency trading and an ever growing sea of number crunching analysts one often wonders whether actually meeting company management can add any value. Tom Dobell, manager of the £7.9bn M&G Recovery Fund, argues that company meetings and ‘kicking the tyres’, as he puts it, are a key aspect of investing for the long term.

Whilst the M&G Recovery Fund has been going strong for over 40 years, Mr Dobell has been at the helm since 2000.

In that time the Fund has produced well above market returns, numbers Mr Dobell says, come from having an in depth understanding of what you are investing in. At the heart of this understanding is meeting the company management, visiting the country they do business in and getting a feel for the environment in which they operate.

As the name suggests the Fund is looking to buy stocks that are in the recovery stage of the company cycle. This often translates into companies that are out of favour with investors as a whole due to stresses or shortfalls.

The process is run on a purely bottom up basis. By this we mean that the manager pays little attention to the macro economic situation and selects investments on a case by case basis. The thinking behind this strategy is that purchasing companies when they are going through a difficult period is a good way to grow wealth over the long term.

In an ever globalising world that seems to get smaller everyday it is no surprise that when one looks at the earning streams of the global companies that make up the FTSE 100 index they come from a far wider base than simply the UK. This globalisation of business practise is translated into Mr Dobell’s fund through the fact that he calculates 75% of the revenues of the underlying holdings to be generated outside of the UK. So even though the Fund is categorised as a UK equity vehicle you are getting a portfolio that is not only compelling, but often geographically diverse. Off the back of this geographical diversification the team’s research trips are not confined to the UK. In the last six months alone visits have been made to both India and Africa.

The trip to India, which took place in November, allowed the team to meet with a number of companies they

July/August 2012

invest in. Five of these companies are listed on the UK stock exchange but carry out all their business in India. They were also able to look at the international operations of the Global Companies they invest in such as GlaxoSmithKline, Booker and Mothercare.

In March of this year the team travelled to Africa where they met with a dozen companies, eight of which make up over 10% of the portfolio.

The trip took them to Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa. Having been to all of these countries many times Mr Dobell commented on how interesting it was to see a number of the projects, mostly mining, developing.

This process of meeting and understanding companies has steered Mr Dobell away from the banking sector. Although there has been a continued period of underperformance in this space Mr Dobell has concluded that the balance sheets are almost impossible to understand and the trust he looks for in management simply isn’t there. One has to remember at the end of the day when it comes to investing in companies you are placing great faith in the management team and their ability to add value.

When times get tough this strength of management is even more important and the process of meeting with them in their place of business and building a relationship can lead to increased returns over the long term. So whilst analysis and number crunching play a key role when it comes to investment, it is clear at times a more personal hands on approach can add value.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future and the value of investments can go down as well as up. You might not get back the full amount invested particularly if an encashment is made in the early years.

EdgeMagazine 81

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www.edgemagazine.org Volkswagen

LONDON VOLKSWAGEN Generation Golf 2012 Inspire a generation T Lucinda Lincoln-Lewis

offerings. The Mark 4, although comfortable and very he volkSwagen golf firSt arrived on our shores popular, fell short when it came to power output. back in 1974. Since then, it has been pretty hard They rectified this with the R32 and VR6 models, but to miss what has become one of the world’s it was generally noted by petrol heads that VW, whilst favourite Lucinda Bunn hatchbacks. The Golf was the first successful continuing to make practical, hardworking cars, were replacement for the iconic VW Beetle and has now losingresults the funshow feel that they had iscreated spanned six generations sold have over 1,500,000 he impending Olympicand Games divided the nation. Survey the split almostwith even.the A BBC poll revealed that 64% This of taxpayers themost Games had cost Golf too much andGTI. the YouGov survey for the Evening original and Golf vehicles in the UK alone. makes itsaid the that eighth Standard that 53% usUK. are not interested in the Olympic events. It’s easy to see why London 2012 has got popular car shows ever sold here inof the Out of the flames, rose the phoenix. After the lack Britain in a huff. lustre performance of the standard Mark 4 engines, VW The Mark 1 Golf was a small car, even by European back amount to the drawing board for theWhilst Mark 5 in standards, measuring justLondon 146 inches long but with a thewent The current budget for the Olympics is four times proposed at the bid in 2005. it’sand always realistic to estimate an overof spend anyitventure such as this, £9.3 seems likewith a lot;aparticularly when we 2003, webillion were presented Golf that once again relatively long wheelbase 94.2with inches; effectively are facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. concerns that we shouldn’t bethe spending at all are hadThe a good dollop of fun, along with practicality, put the wheels right at the corners of the car, leading a little extreme.

What do suits say?interior You’vethat got to to make money.

The inference thatwith we should smoothness and reliability we associate driving be a to cracking stability andthe a spacious feltspend money prioritising where ourthan money goes fair,bigger but why shouldn’t the Olympics priority?

Golf.

The Mark 5 be GTIawas heralded as being a modern considerably larger some of seems its much contemporaries. In 1979, the original Golf GTI came out Mark 1 and put VW back into the top three of the hotInstead of labelling London 2012 as a huge waste of money, we should think of it as an investment; glass half full and hatches. The GT TDI, their second foray into a diesel GTI, and with its fuel injected, four cylinder 1598cc engine all that. The Olympics is not a quick fix to our financial problems, in fact in the short term, it is indeed a drain. But we ensured that are VW good produced Golf for everyone.

The top and a 0-60 speed in under ten seconds, it was deemed have to look at the bigger picture. We cannot know whether the Olympics valueafor money until after the of the range 170bhp diesel, although not as quick as the first ‘hot-hatch’ and revolutionised the way that event, probably quite some time after, so think long term. Also, we are overlooking the brightest outcome of London the petrol GTI, offers an exciting drive, well coupled with hatchbacks were seen.

2012. a very healthy mpg.

The second and third generation Golfs were launched Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman unveiled the motto of this year’s Olympics as ‘inspire a generation’. Certainly The VW Mark 6 wasatdebuted at the Paris Motor Show into the markets and 1991, respectively.

The of time; the Olympic mottosinof1983 days past have reflected the mood ‘share the spirit’ Sydney 2000, ‘welcome home’ in 2008 and was designed by VW’s chief designer Walter Mark 2 had a longer wheel base and was slightly larger at Athens in 2004 and ‘one world, one dream’ at Beijing in 2008. So what does the 2012 Olympic motto mean? Well, de’Silva.

It has bags of style and showed world and that thanonly its predecessor, but generally retained its angular it can really encourage us to look to the future.

Whilst Lord Coe expresses a universal message of the positivity thepoignant Golf model is hereBritain to stay.

The car also features looks. For the Mark 3, they went for a more rounded forward thinking, the ‘inspire a generation’ motto is particularly to Great this year. an optional 6 speed gear box, which has proved very and again with a slightly larger look. With the first In turbo the summer, sitesinjection throughout theengine, UK willalong showwith the games on 69 big motor screens, with an estimated 500,000 people popular with enthusiasts. charged22 direct diesel watching.

These sites will also hold “have a go” sessions so everyone can get involved and try the sports they are beefing up the Mk 3 GTI and fitting the 2.8 litre VR6 Over the past two years, VW to have really watching.

It’s become increasingly important to educate young people and encourage them take partstepped in sporting engine that produced 172bhp. The engine was a brute up their game; not only in the aesthetics but under activities. It’s not just the fact that we are facing a global epidemic of obesity. Sport provides so much more than and only helped expand the GTI legend. exercise; it’s a mindset. Sport gives young people goals, direction, and courage. of our the aspirations, bonnet too.confidence They have recently givenInstead their older children looking up to to theustalentless, celebrating the ‘celebrity’models and dumbing down their dreams, should relish the a revamp by replacing their we engines with The Mark 4 came in 1997 and was described opportunity future generations to be inspired by the likes of Jessica Ennis and Usain Bolt. new technology, lowering fuel emissions. The new as ‘smoothfor and stylish’.

It was longer again, allowing Blue Motion also boasts more mpg and as well as for slightly more leg and head room and a larger boot.

So the next time you feel like moaning about the Olympics or cursing Lord Coe, remember this: it’s not really about you, being fun, this motor will help you do your bit for the It was also the year that VW added their first dieselit’s about inspiring the generation after you. environment. n engined GTI to their line up, alongside the two petrol

T

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