Edge Magazine March/April Edition

MARCH 2012 FREE EDITION

Your essential guide to WARWICKSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE & THE WEST MIDLANDS

SWEET TIMES BONBONS ARE BACK

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.....A REVIEW WE SPRAY ANYTHING Even sausage rolls

MORGAN 3 WHEELER Robin Reliant it ain't

PETRIFIED WOOD Art from the Triasic period

FOOD & DRINK

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CULTURE

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BUSINESS

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IN YOUR COUNTY

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LIFESTYLE

Stratford-upon-Avon | Alcester || Wellesbourne | Redditch Studley | Park Lane Stratford-upon-Avon | Alcester | Wellesbourne Redditch | Astwood Bank||Astwood Studley |Bank Park |Lane

ADDED VALUE ADDED VALUE AT 1%AT 1% JEREMY WITHWITH JEREMY & CO & CO LESSmonths than six months after LESS than six after opening in opening in Stratford Jeremy & Co has aestablished a Stratford Jeremy & Co has established superb for reputation for expert superb reputation expert service and service and speedy results through their cost-effective, speedy results through their cost-effective, unique strategies marketing that strategies unique marketing make that make clients’ stand properties clients’ properties apart stand from apart the from the rest. rest.

All clients receiveand a unique tailored All clients receive a unique tailoredandHis Hisinbranches Stratford and FREE Redditch branches Stratford inand Redditch EPC FREE EPC marketingincluding package aincluding a home marketing package home have have been selected to represent been selected to represent The Guild The Guild passport whichtheanswers the of questions passport which answers questions of Professional Agents – underlining FREE INDIVIDUAL Professional Estate AgentsEstate – underlining FREE INDIVIDUAL JOURNALISTJOURNALIST potential buyers want to know; potential buyers will want to will know; along their as leading agent CREATED in those EDITORIAL theiralong position as position leading agent in those CREATED FOR EDITORIAL EVERY FOR EVERY with a professionally written with a professionally written editorial to editorial areas. to areas.

PROPERTY PROPERTY makestand their head homeand stand head and shoulders make their home shoulders above others on the market, above others on the market, which are which has surrounded himself JeremyarehasJeremy surrounded himself with HOME PASSPORT FREE with HOME FREE PASSPORT in the exceptionally included in included the exceptionally competitive competitive colleagues Philip including Philip experienced experienced colleagues including 1% fee.

1% fee.

Jones and Bob Petersen both are AND Jones and Bob Petersen both of whom areof whom 6 LOCAL ANDASSOCIATE OVER 600 ASSOCIAT 6 LOCAL OVER 600 welltheir known for their professionalism in the NATIONWIDE well known for professionalism in the NATIONWIDE OFFICES OFFICES “Ourtake editorials take over the reader over property the local “Our editorials the reader the local property and share his belief market and market share his belief threshold and turn a home, threshold and turn a house intoa ahouse home,intothat thatintegrity honesty,and integrity and superlative honesty, superlative whilst communicating its unique appeal whilst communicating its unique appeal service the keys to success. service are the keys are to success. as wide a pool of potential to as wide atopool of potential buyers as buyers as Jeremy & CoJeremy & Co possible.

Thishas approach has been made possible. This approach been made All the expertise at Jeremy & Co is5b available All the expertise at Jeremy & Co is available 5b Chapel Street, Chapel Street, essential, thanbydesirable, by tough essential, rather than rather desirable, tough from from the instruct For Stratford-upon-Avon the moment youmoment instruct you them.

For them.

Stratford-upon-Avon market and conditions and has market conditions has proved its proved a chat, without on obligation, on how a chat, its without obligation, how their CV37their 6EP CV37 6EP Jeremywho McGinn, is amarketing worth.” saidworth.”

Jeremysaid McGinn, is a who unique could marketing help sell your unique help could sell your FellowNational of TheFederation National Federation of 01789 Fellow of The of home, call home, call 01789 call 01789 in to 868 868168, or 868168, call in toor Tel: Tel: 01789 868 168 168 Property Professionals.

Property Professionals. their offices. their offices.

Hawthorn House - Arrow Hawthorn House - Arrow

Property is on at theOffers market at Offers excess of £800,000 Property is on the market in excess of in £800,000

A quite splendid and well appointed detached residence, within half mile walk of Street.

Alcester High Street. Set in groundsone approaching one acre A quite splendid and well appointed detached residence, within half a mile walk ofaAlcester High Set in grounds approaching acre the property offers accommodation twocomprising; floors briefly comprising; enclosed reception vestibule, hall,dining sitting kitchen room, dining kitchen the property offers accommodation over two floorsover briefly enclosed reception vestibule, reception hall,reception sitting room, withdining loungeroom, area, study, diningutility room,room, study,ground utility room, ground floor cloaks/wet master with en suite bathroom, with lounge area, floor cloaks/wet room, master room, bedroom withbedroom en suite bathroom, guest bedroomguest bedroom en suite, two further having en suite and easilyto beform partioned to form bedroom, an additional bedroom, family with en suite, with two further bedrooms onebedrooms having enone suite bathroom andbathroom could easily becould partioned an additional family bathroom, garage and very attractive gardens Viewing and grounds.

Viewing is essential. bathroom, double garagedouble and very attractive gardens and grounds. is essential.

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bob@jeremyandco.co.uk www.jeremyandco.co.uk bob@jeremyandco.co.uk www.jeremyandco.co.uk

Pollensa CottageGreen - Oversley Green Pollensa Cottage - Oversley

Pollensa Cottage is on at the market at £675,000 Pollensa Cottage is on the market £675,000

Pollensa Cottage has from been two created two semi detached cottages to create a highly and substantial situated in a fabulous Pollensa Cottage has been created semifrom detached cottages to create a highly individual andindividual substantial home situatedhome in a fabulous and private riverside location in Oversley Despite theofrural nature ofthe theexcellent locationamenities the excellent amenities available and private riverside location in Oversley Green.

DespiteGreen. the rural nature the location available within Alcesterwithin are a Alcester are a short walk whilst upon and Avon,Birmingham Solihull anditself Birmingham itself easy are all within easy reach. short walk whilst Stratford uponStratford Avon, Solihull are all within reach.

Internal inspection is strongly advised in order the to appreciate the generous and contrasting nature of the accommodation with various “impact” Internal inspection is strongly advised in order to appreciate generous and contrasting nature of the accommodation with various “impact” rooms large and contrasting living rooms each fitted log burners with spacious a particularly spacious rooms including two including large and two contrasting living rooms each with fitted logwith burners together with together a particularly master suite master suite comprising with Juliette balcony, room and en-suite. comprising bedroom withbedroom Juliette balcony, dressing roomdressing and en-suite.

There is a guest with fitted en-suite addition to 2 further double bedrooms each with fitted wardrobes.

There is a guest bedroom withbedroom fitted wardrobes andwardrobes en-suite inand addition to in 2 further double bedrooms each with fitted wardrobes.

The property stands in grounds excess an acre formal split between gardenswith and paddock The property stands in grounds in excess of aninacre splitofbetween gardensformal and paddock extensivewith riverextensive frontage. river frontage.

Churchill Cottage - Pebworth Churchill Cottage - Pebworth

On for the£450,000 market for £450,000 On the market

This four bedroom detached family home in village the delightful villagewas of Pebworth was built approximately twelve This four bedroom detached family home situated in thesituated delightful of Pebworth built approximately twelve years ago by ayears local ago by a local builder in astyle sympathetic style and incharacter keeping with character properties within the village.

Having flagstone/quarry floors builder in a sympathetic and in keeping with properties within the village.

Having flagstone/quarry tiled floors andtiled beams theand beams the spacious well appointed accommodation comprising; hall, kitchen/diner, dining room/snug, downstairs property offersproperty spaciousoffers well appointed accommodation comprising; entrance hall, entrance kitchen/diner, dining room/snug, downstairs w/c, lounge, w/c, lounge, generous master three further bedrooms, family bathroom, private gardens and off road parking. generous master bedroom withbedroom en-suite, with threeen-suite, further bedrooms, family bathroom, garage, privategarage, gardens and off road parking.

GRANTS OF SHEEP STREET ARE DELIGHTED TO BE HOSTING JUSTINA’S FASHION SHOW ON TUESDAY 13TH MARCH IN AID OF MACMILLAN NURSES.

JOIN US FOR THE VERY BEST MODERN BRITISH CUISINE. SET PRICE LUNCH PRE-THEATRE SUPPER A LA CARTE MENU DAILY SPECIALS SUNDAY LUNCH WE ALSO CATER FOR PARTIES EVENTS WEDDINGS GROUP BOOKINGS

21-23 SHEEP STREET STRATFORD UPON-AVON WARWICKSHIRE CV37 6EF

T: 01789 290008 E: info@grantsofdheepstreet.co W:www.grantsofsheepstreet.co

EDITOR'S BIT

Welcome to the March Edition of Edge Magazine. As spring starts to take hold and banishes the winter weather to a distant memory for yet another year (hopefully sooner rather than later), we can begin to concentrate on looking forward to those longer days and smaller heating bills.

In this edition we’ve looked at a variety of different things, from cars to art, from sweets to fossilised wood, from beauty to solar power and much, much more. We’ve also followed up on a couple of articles from our last edition, so keep your eyes peeled as you are reading through the magazine. We have worked hard since our last edition to bring you an interesting mixture of topics, which we hope you will find not only informative, but also fun.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about our new website www.edgemagazine.org, where you will find all the latest news, reviews, local business directory and not forgetting our interactive what’s on section, bringing you the latest information about events are taking place around the counties. I would also like take this time to thank all of our contributors, who have provided us with a host of information and pointed us in the right direction, without your help we could not have found so many things out by ourselves. If you are interested in working with us and contributing to the next publication, get in touch, details can be found in the magazine and on our website.

On behalf of the whole team at Edge, have a great March and I hope to see you all next month.

Michael Abu-Zalaf Editor

FEATURES SWEET TIMES................................................62 MORGAN 3 WHEELER......................................32 Take a trip down memory lane with the revival of traditional sweet shops

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.....A REVIEW.......40

Take a look at what this motor has to offer

PETRIFIED WOOD............................................36 Scared? No. Beautiful? Yes.

Shakespearean sexual politics for a modern audience

WE SPRAY ANYTHING......................................8 There’s a spray gun uprising. Join the revolution.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by contributors to, and staff of Edge Magazine may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers. Edge Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements, editorials, or advertorials in the magazine. No part of Edge Magazine may be reporduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of MLP Publishing Ltd

March 2012 3

CONTENTS We Spray anything...

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WWW.edgeMagazine.org

51

the Mother huff Cap

8

learn to do More than JuSt Cook

52

Carinthia WeSt

10

Cool kitChen gadgetS

54

aWard Winning hotel

14

kate Modern

56

abaCuS hair Salon

17

rural evolution?

58

What iS nutritional therapy and hoW it Could help you

18

SWeet tooth?

60

fuSion braSSerie

20

iS WheatgraSS aS good aS they Say?

64

hypoxi

22

SloW braiSed JaCobS ladder

67

eSque - a little pieCe of beauty heaven

24

looking forWard to Spring

68

no paSSport required to travel aCroSS the border

26

adding a daSh of Colour to your garden thiS SuMMer

71

South afriCa

28

Spring gardening tipS

72

the neW Morgan 3 Wheeler

30

optionS for inCoMe

74

JuraSSiC Stone ltd.

34

voiCe in a Million

76

Stan'S Cafe intervieW

36

in your County

78

at the rSC

38

next Month

80

10 doCuMentarieS to See before you die

40

governMent loSeS CaSe on Solar tariff

42

Making Solar poWer pay

45

bodhi by naMe, enlightened by nature

46

Join our teaM

50

STAY UP TO DATE

@WeAreEdge

THE TEAM Michael Abu-Zalaf - Editor

@ZalafAbu - michael@edgemagazine.org

David Lincoln-Lewis - Commercial Director @dla_HQ - david@edgemagazine.org

Tom Kolodotschko - Creative & Digital Director @dotschko - tom@edgemagazine.org

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Eileen O'Kane - Accounts Manager Lucie Lincoln-Lewis - Sales Executive Lucinda Bunn - Copy Editor

facebook.com/ WeAreEdgeMagazine

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Contributors Kerrie Dawson Rob Price Alex Chambers

March 2012 5

www.edgemagazine.org We Spray Anything

WE SPRAY ANYTHING... and we really do mean anything!

Michael Abu-Zalaf

I

bring our readers the most interesting information from around the counties. We recently visited Bromsgrove based company We Spray Anything, to find out about the unique service they offer. Launched at the Grand Designs show at the NEC in 2011 with great success, n our SearCh to

We Spray Anything is a new concept based on the application of an old technology, that promises to revolutionise what we think is possible with a spray gun.

I spoke to founder and owner of the company, Paul Harris, to find out a little more about them and what they do.

“From glass to plastic, from wood to concrete, from kitchens, to cars and even sausage rolls, there is literally nothing that can’t be sprayed by us” said Paul, as he excitedly ushered me into the back of his workshop to show me the latest projects he has been working on.

“We can also apply any finish to any material, turning plastic into leather, wood into metal and old furniture into bespoke, one of-a-kind pieces of art, the possibilities are absolutely endless” he said, pointing at various

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March 2012

objects dotted around the room. And he was absolutely right.

With more than 30 years spray painting experience, Paul Harris has used his extensive knowledge of the industry to come up with a revolutionary process which can be applied to just about anything.

From spraying hospital rooms with anti-bacterial paint, interior design or decorating, revamping your tired looking kitchen and even making display pieces for shop windows. Amongst their more famous clientele are companies such as Superdry, who recently had all their mannequins sprayed in a rusty finish, and Banana Republic, who commissioned Paul to spray paint oversized polystyrene baubles for their display case in their Regent Street shop last Christmas.

However, Paul's real passion lies in restoring old items and turning them into modern pieces of twentyfirst century art. “It’s amazing what you can achieve with a little thought, time and a piece of old junk that someone has thrown out” pointing to a cabinet in the corner, where a sleek and shining piece of furniture

stood. Showing me pictures of the item before Paul got his hands on it, it was difficult to believe that this was the same piece of furniture I was staring at; gone was the old 70’s looking wooden cabinet, replaced by a modern looking item which would not look out of place in even the most cutting edge apartment.

We are predicting that we will hear a lot more about this company in the future, as they continue to cut a swathe throughout the market. n 01527 877 129 www.phd.uk.com

March 2012 7

www.edgemagazine.org The Mother Huff Cap

THE MOTHER HUFF CAP Under new management

A

fter a Change of management, Donna and the team are here to put the ‘mother’ back into the Huff Cap.

If something isn’t broken, then why fix it? That seems the most fitting phrase for The Mother Huff Cap, as it is to be known again, in Great Alne. Following on from our review last year, we’ve been back to see what’s changed and what hasn’t in one of our favourite pubs in the region.

The good news is that although under new management, it isn’t all out with the old and in with the new. Donna Pattison, who was previously restaurant manager and responsible for the smooth running and efficient service on the food side of things at The Huff Cap, has broadened her reach and is now the General Manager; out of the frying pan and into the fire, some

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March 2012

might say! Not letting the front of house team have all the changes, they have also employed a new Head Chef.

Dani Adams is now holding the reigns in the kitchen, with over 16 years experience and bringing knowledge from Buckland Manor and The Seaham Hotel where he was awarded an RAC Gold Ribbon and his first Gold Star.

He is influenced from his travels throughout Europe and has a passion for supporting local produce and only using the freshest of ingredients. As well as continuing to host live music events, they are also now running a monthly wine tasting night which promises to be a very enjoyable evening.

If you haven’t been down to The Huff Cap already, use the change in management as your excuse to try it, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. n 01789 488800 www.themotherhuffcap.co.uk

To book 01789 298 682 The Waterside Brasserie’s eclectic décor and relaxed ambience combine to create an exceptional dining experience…

A la carte menu Pre and post theatre dinner Sunday brunch Champagne Bar Afternoon tea Social season events Jazz events All weather terraces

Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BA enquiries@theardenhotelstratford.com www.theardenhotelstratford.com

Italian Cookery School, party catering, weddings, hampers & Supper Club “Such a joy to eat fabulous local food, cleverly cooked with a love and knowledge of the good things in life” www.squisito-deli.co.uk Edge Magazine JAN12 135x184.indd1 1

19/1/12 09:29:08

www.edgemagazine.org Carinthia West

CARINTHIA WEST

The style icon talks with Edge Magazine Lucinda Bunn

S

paul’S gallery playS host to a unique display of artwork, featuring the largest collection of album prints in the world. Not bad, eh? Situated in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter, just around the corner from Stan’s Cafe, music lovers who are after limited edition, investment pieces and memorabilia from Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles will not be disappointed. The range of exclusive album prints charts a history of the last forty years in music, each produced with the finest printing methods and often hand signed by the musicians themselves. If photography is your thing, St Paul’s gallery holds a fantastic collection of familiar faces from Lemmy to Lennox, captured in black and white by Nick Elliott and Deborah Feingold.

If you want to see something different, you’ll certainly be impressed by the soundwave pieces created by Tim Wakefield. t

Imagine a snippet of visual sound, injected with colour; the ultimate fusion of science and art. St Paul’s actively invests and trades in fine art prints and originals too. The other side of the gallery showcases a clash of classics from Dali to Picasso with modern favourites like Paul Mellia, the only artist licensed by Marvel Comics to recreate their characters on canvas.

The range of the artwork presented at St Paul’s gallery is testament to the passion behind the process of selection; each piece with its own story. No doubt you’ll find one that speaks to you. The gallery prides itself on its exhibition space, regularly celebrating a catalogue of work for varying tastes. Most recently ‘hanging out’ in the gallery was Carinthia West, with her collection of rare and unseen photographs of famous friends Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Neil Young. We caught up with Carinthia to find out the secret to her success.

Carinthia West; actress, model, writer and photographer, shares her star-studded photo album at St Paul’s Gallery.

Her debut exhibition captures an era, with unique snapshots of some of the most iconic faces from the 70s

You can’t help but adore Carinthia West. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her, as she offered me chocolates and began to regale the story of her very first interview. She was every bit the 70s muse I had hoped she would be.

How would you describe the concept of ‘hanging out’?

It’s just ad hoc moments from my life. They weren’t meant to ever be shown. I never took one picture thinking ‘oh, this will be good in 2012’.

How did you decide which photographs made the cut?

I like pictures that show the humanity of someone, getting something across about life’s transiency. There were some I really liked and wanted but we had to see whether they would work in a larger size... scratches... dust.... it was a nightmare.

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I read somewhere that your great-grandmother was a keen photographer and your mother an avid art collector, would you say that the women in your family are your greatest creative influence?

Yes, I think you’re right. They were busy being creative and the men, on the whole, were out doing stuff... fighting wars. The other thing was the music. Although there are actresses in the collection, there are mostly musicians and I think that coming out of that generation in the 60s and 70s, music was just everything.

Your style is very honest, which is refreshing amidst all the technology we’re used to seeing today. What are your thoughts on photo manipulation?

}

I remember being in London and a bomb would go off and we’d just be in Morton’s having another cocktail.~

I think that it’s really fascinating but there is nothing quite like the honesty of the moment. I think that the film camera is quality you can’t beat...I used to wait with excitement. I had to cycle down to the processing lab, look at your pictures and get excited or get depressed. It’s funny, the Carly Simon picture, people come up to me and say ‘how clever, how did you Photoshop the twin towers’ and I love that, because I didn’t. I didn’t even think ‘oh, let’s get the twin towers’, it just happened.

The gallery is burning down. Which photograph would you save?

Well, the big Mick (Jagger). But I wouldn’t be able to get it out on my own. Given that that one is then doomed, I’d probably just take a small Mick image.

Who’s your favourite photographer?

Cartier Bresson, Lartique. I rather love Lee Miller and Eve Arnold too. I’m not a great fan of Leibowitz, I see how technically good she is but it doesn’t thrill me to the heart.

›

Pig over Battersea power station on the Pink Floyd shoot

March 2012 11

www.edgemagazine.org Carinthia West

› You’ve achieved a lot in your career; modelling, acting, writing and photography. Which is your favourite?

Definitely not modelling, that was hell. I wasn’t very good, I did too much dancing on the catwalk, I liked to glam it up a bit.

What do you hope people gain from the exhibition?

Marie Helvin, she modelled in the 70s, came and said ‘everyone’s so happy’. I love that remark. Compared to this age, it was a very innocent age. We didn’t have AIDS, we didn’t have rampant terrorism. We had the Irish situation, I remember being in London and a bomb would go off and we’d just be in Morton’s having another cocktail. I mean, we were pretty blasé. Not to say we weren’t politically active, we just took it in stride and nowadays I don’t know if that’s true. Jobs are short, money’s short. So I think we were in a much happier place. I hope that comes across and makes people smile now.

The film industry likes making films on photographers; I’ve read they’re producing a biopic on Robert Mapplethorpe. Who would play you in a film about your life?

Wouldn’t that be fun? Oh, well I’d like Sienna Miller. I’d certainly be very flattered. I was very tall though so I don’t know.... who’s tall? Erin O’Connor, no, she doesn’t look like me (she laughs).

Carinthia has a humility that is so genuine and charming, I almost felt transported to the ‘innocent 70s’ she described. It doesn’t surprise me that Mick and the gang felt at ease around her and her camera. The 70s were indeed a happier time but the nostalgic warmth I felt when I looked at Carinthia’s photographs went deeper than that. I saw the era through Carinthia’s eyes and they are nothing if not bright.

Next up at St Paul’s, Debra Dee exhibits her paintings of rock legend Roy Wood from the 2nd of February 2012.

For more information on the artists featured at St Paul’s gallery, upcoming events and investment advice, please visit www.stpaulsgallery.com n Mick Jaggar close up.

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March 2012

Carly Simon even closer up.

Neil Young and his son Zeke.

March 2012 13

www.edgemagazine.org Award Winning Hotel

AWARD WINNING HOTEL Returned to its former glory

E

hotel ColleCtion, the group of award-winning luxury country house hotels and restaurants privately owned

by Sir Peter Rigby, has given Brockencote Hall Hotel, a Victorian country estate in Worcestershire, a much needed facelift.

den

The hotel, which was sold to the Eden Hotel Collection in August 2011, was becoming tired and dated but the combined vision and skills of the Eden team and award-winning interior designers Nicholas Hollinshead, has breathed new life into Brockencote Hall.

The main house refurbishment, including all public areas, is scheduled for completion by the end of January with the bedrooms, pavilion and wing to be carried out over the spring. The hotel will receive £1.5 million of investment including the addition of four new bedrooms taking the hotel from 17 to 21 rooms.

Interior designer Nicholas Hollinshead, who also transformed Eden Hotel Collection’s Arden Hotel in Stratford back in 2010, have created a distinctive style throughout the hotel to combine the traditional with the contemporary. The colour theme is gentle mauves, purples and greys which beautifully compliment the French architecture and original features, including the Victorian flagstone floor tiles and high archways.

Managing Director Mark Chambers commented, ‘Brockencote has been taken back to her former glory. The architecture of the building is simply exquisite and we are delighted to have been able to restore the interior to its original elegance and beauty. The refurbishment has been well thought out and not only looks stunning but will work well for the guest experience which is our main focus at Eden Hotel Collection.’ n 0845 850 3013 http://www.menzieshotels.co.uk

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March 2012

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Handmade hats and fascinators by a trained milliner, for all types of social events including weddings, garden parties, the racing calendar and prom nights.

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Lingerie Boutique Honeys Lingerie Boutique home to the most exquisite Lingerie, Swimwear, Beachwear, Nightwear and Corsets by the world’s finest designers, La Perla, Jane Woolwich, Lise Charmel, Pleasure State, Christies, State, Wacoal, Marlies Dekkers, Aguaclara, Parah, Miraclesuit and more... everyday shapewear to Irresistible lingerie in sizes A to G.

www.honeyslingerieboutique.com The Boutique’ 129 High Street, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AU. Tel: 01564 794428

ABACUS HAIR SALON Bewdley Salon wins Hairdressing Fellowship Award

T

into full swing on Monday 5 December for Abacus Hair Salon, as they scooped a prestigious award at The Fellowship of British Hairdressing Luncheon held at The Dorchester, London. Their nominated image was announced as The 2011 Fashion Focus Image of the Year'. he feStive SeaSon got

This is awarded to a directional fashion-forward hair image created by a salon, which represents the highest technical and artistic standards in hairdressing which is likely to influence professional hair trends and images for the year ahead.

Allison Ford, Salon Owner, says "What a fantastic start to our Christmas and New Year! We are absolutely thrilled with the award and it's such a huge compliment that our image was chosen by fellow hairdressers". n 01299 402401

ADVERT VOUCH EDI 15cm x 20cm A-W_ADVERT 200mm(w) x 150mm(h) 30/01/2012 12:43 Page 1 info@abacushair.co.uk www.abacushair.co.uk

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. . . creators of award winning hair

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Introducing Abacus Hair, a family run salon in the heart of Bewdley, Worcestershire.

Relaxed, luxurious and welcoming, we aim to deliver on every level and exceed client expectations - making the salon one of Worcestershire’s pampering hot spots; ensured to guarantee you leave looking and feeling fantastic.

Boasting an award winning team of forward thinking stylists, offering exceptional cut and colour services, Abacus offer a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere allowing you to unwind in the hands of our professionals.

We ensure that every client who walks through the door is made to feel special, understood and totally cared for.

Our stylists are supported by the industry’s best education with ongoing training in the most current trends and techniques. They will also share their expert tips and show you how to style and care for your hair at home. Equipped with knowledge, skills and the best professional products available, including L’Oreal Professionnel, Kérastase, Shu Uemura, ghd and Moroccanoil, our stylists can create the looks you want at affordable prices.

During your appointment you can enjoy complementary beverages, free Wi-Fi and all the latest news, gossip, style, beauty and hair trends.

Rela

Also, new for 2012, we have added a Nail Bar offering Gellux, acrylics and the latest OPI shades, so we can pamper your nails whilst you have your hair done.

Visit us for a FREE consultation today and please accept this £5 voucher as a gift for all new clients (T’s & C’s apply*). Appointments are recommended but not always necessary. We look forward to welcoming you.

Book Now on 01299 402401 or request an appointment online www.abacushair.co.uk like us on www.facebook/abacushair !

x at i o

n A re

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Complimentary £5 Gift Voucher for all NEW Clients Only.

1 & 2 High Street, Bewdley, DY12 2DH. T: 01299 402401 E: info@abacushair.co.uk *Can be redeemed against any service at Abacus Hair,

Tuesday - Saturday during salon opening times. Not to be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer. One voucher per new client only, must be redeemed before end April 2012.

March 2012 17

www.edgemagazine.org What is Nutritional Therapy and how it could help you

WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL THERAPY AND HOW IT COULD HELP YOU R Jackie Donkin

eCent Media Coverage haS helped to highlight the positive use of foods to address health concerns. The Food Hospital on Channel 4, has focused on using foods to benefit a number of health complaints such as; diabetes, psoriasis, obesity, infertility, Crohn's disease, eczema, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis. I was actually skipping round my kitchen when the programme highlighted that we should be using food as our medicine! Likewise, James Martin also caused a spring in my step in the BBC1 documentary 'Operation Hospital Food' – which looked at the food being fed to patients at Scarborough General Hospital in North Yorkshire. He also stated that the food being served to them should be seen as medicine.

The key focus of Nutritional Therapy is to achieve wellbeing and good health by recognising that diet and lifestyle are among the factors that most profoundly influence the body. It offers a holistic approach to health and nutrition, concentrating on the underlying cause, rather than simply treating the symptoms and encompasses the use of carefully compiled individual programmes for diet and lifestyle in order to promote optimal health. Nutritional Therapy consultations typically prioritise achieving optimum energy levels, healthy blood sugar balance, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

When using Nutritional Therapy, the recommendations made are tailored to the individual. We are all different; we have different mineral absorption potential; different digestive responses; different tolerances to blood sugar levels and definitely different susceptibility to, for example, infections…

We are all unique – one size does not fit all! Therefore, before meeting a Nutritional Therapist, the client will be asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire which will provide information on lifestyle, medical history (and family medical history), medications (past and present), food preferences and the clients health goals. A food diary will be required for at least four days – highlighting We are all unique – one all the foods and size does not fit all~ drinks consumed in that period.

Although laborious, this is critical to ascertaining foods that may be precursors to the symptoms/complaints that are being experienced.

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There will follow a ninety minute consultation, where the therapist and client can explore how diet and lifestyle factors may be contributing to any symptoms being experienced, linking the symptoms to nutritional imbalances and providing support to change diet and lifestyle. For complex health conditions, functional tests are available and may be used to help identify

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underlying nutritional/biochemical imbalances.

The client will be provided with a dietary programme, looking at each individual food group and highlighting which particular foods in that group should be increased, decreased, or avoided completely.

For example, when looking at a person with arthritis a general recommendation (without taking factors into account such as medical/medication history, food diary etc.) would be to look at the protein food group and consider a reduction in meat intake (for its proinflammatory arachidonic acid) and increase in fish intake (for its omega 3 anti-inflammatory properties) (1).

HAIR & BEAUTY LOUNGE

A completely new concept in hair and beauty under one roof. All the latest treatments from top-to-toe, in complete luxury and tranquil settings at affordable prices.

We are all responsible for our own health. If a Nutritional Therapist provided you with a detailed dietary programme with information on the foods you should be avoiding or increasing to help ease the symptoms you were experiencing, and you noticed the positive difference that nutritious food had on your symptoms, would it not be worth that ‘tweaking’ of your current diet and ‘adjustment’ in lifestyle? More importantly, wouldn’t that put a spring in your step and even have you dancing round the kitchen? n

Specialist hair boutique including:

• Human and synthetic hair extensions and pony-tails (fitting available) • Custom-made and stock wigs • Hair replacement

Beauty lounge with specialist treatments which include:

info@jackiedonkin.co.uk www.jackiedonkin.co.uk (1) The enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid has been implicated as an inflammatory mediator for many years. Science 28 November 1980: Vol. 210 no. 4473 pp. 978-984 DOI: 10.1126/science.6254151 Prostaglandins, arachidonic acid, and inflammation FA Kuehl, Jr and RW Egan.

BODY MAGIC 2 STEP SYSTEM STEP 1:

The Body Magic Solution

Body Magic is a range of beautifully crafted garments that will sensationalise your figure and revitalise your Vital Statistics! Drop 2-3 sizes instantly without Diets, Surgery, Exercise or Pills. Wear your garments regularly to firm your abdomen, reduce and reshape your problem areas and improve your posture. Continual use over time can even help you burn unwanted fatty tissue.

DROP SIZES INSTANTLY

• • • • • • • • •

Botox and fillers Collagen red light therapy Massage Spray tans Facials and make up Foot treatments Microdermabrasion Non-surgical face lifts Holistic treatments

FREE CONSULTATIONS Treat someone special GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ... walk out looking and feeling like a new you

STEP 2:

For more information or to make an appointment call:

The Daily Nutritional Solution Revive your health from the insideout. Experience the power of Le Vive, a delicious and refreshing organic drink prepared from the world’s top 5 antioxidant-producing fruits. Be sure to eat a healthy diet and follow your regular exercise programme!

t: 07801 - 529 530 e: terri@reshapeandloseweight.info BEFORE

2/2/12

01527 64953 30 Kingfisher Walk Kingfisher Shopping Centre Redditch, Worcestershire B97 4EY

AFTER

(Next to Thorntons)

www.thechichairboutique.co.uk TM

March 2012 19

www.edgemagazine.org Fusion Brasserie

FUSION BRASSERIE Where food meets modern art Lucie Lincoln-Lewis

T

uCked aWay in the small village of Hawbridge, near Worcester is Fusion Brasserie. Run by chef patron Felice Tocchini and his wife, Fiorinda, this charming restaurant ticks all of the boxes.

On approaching Fusion, it wasn’t hard to spot, after leaving the main road it was the first lit up building we had seen in a while and on this cold winter evening it was a welcome sight. We parked the car and headed inside. I must say, the outside of the building reminded me somewhat of a fairly recent barn or other agricultural building and I have to admit I was very pleasantly surprised when we walked through the doors into a warm, cosily designed bar and restaurant that wouldn’t be out of place in an upmarket city centre. We were greeted by Fiorinda and the team and were seated on the comfy sofas to peruse the menu with a glass of wine and a pint of local ale. On Fiorinda’s recommendation we ordered some marinated olives and ‘Pane casereccio’ (that’s artisan breads, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, pickled beans and fusion hummous, to you and I) and what a treat that was. The olives were juicy and the selection of bread was still warm, a great start to the meal.

The menu at Fusion is comprehensive, but concise enough to allow everything to be cooked and prepared freshly to order. The mixture of Italian cuisine with local produce blends perfectly. We couldn’t decide what to go for so to start with we opted for a selection of starter tasters and when we were taken to our table and our starters brought out, it seemed we had definitely made the right choice. Six little starters came out, each one a delight to the eye as well as the palate. Had I ordered any of these individually I would have been happy with my choice, but to get to try them all and see the effort that goes into each one was a lovely option.

Following our starters with a pasta course to share, the homemade spaghetti with a traditional tomato sauce was complimented perfectly with fresh cockles, mussels and the occasional scallop thrown in for good measure.

We went down the carnivore route for our mains, with the ‘Filetto al piatto’ and ‘La carne brasata’. The fillet steak was sliced fairly thinly and was cooked on an incredibly hot plate as it is brought to the table, seasoned with garlic, sage and rosemary. The steak was tender and tasty and all of the senses were inspired as the dish arrived at the table. La carne brasata, which roughly translates as the braised meat, consisted of braised belly of pork, Eckington Manor beef, served with a baby lasagne, fondant potato and seasonal vegetables. The meat melted in the mouth, the lasagne rich and comforting and the veg complimented it well. A dish not for the faint hearted!

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Born in Tuscany, Felice got his first job in catering at the age of six~

For dessert, we again went for the tasters and boy were we in for another treat. Six miniature puddings, all perfectly created were placed in front of us. Crème brûlée, passion fruit posset, sweet potato ice cream (remarkably similar to raspberry ripple!!), plum soufflé, sticky toffee pudding and possibly the best chocolate torte I have ever tasted in my life! The perfect way to finish our meal.

We got to speak to head chef and owner Felice after we had eaten and it is instantly obvious how passionate he is about food. Born in Tuscany, Felice got his first job in catering at the age of six. His parents took on a village bar and it was Felice’s job to make coffee which he loved. At fourteen, he took a three-year cookery course at the Ferdinando Martini Catering College in Montecatini Terme, after which he came to the UK and was offered a commis chef position with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre restaurant in Stratford- upon- Avon. Felice now owns two award winning restaurants in Worcestershire, Fusion and Fusion Too which he runs with the help of his wife Fiorinda and his son Daniel who is following in his father’s footsteps in the kitchen. Felice specialises in using local produce and working with local growers and producers to create delicious food with an Italian twist. He also regularly works with Jean Christoph Novelli and somehow manages to find time to get out into the community and shares his passion for food with local schools, colleges and other youth organisations.

To sum up Fusion, it does what it says on the tin: food meets art; and a little piece if Italy hides away in the heart of Worcestershire. If I had to say something negative about the restaurant… it could only be that I nearly had to be rolled home because I couldn’t bear to leave anything that tasted so good! n 01905 840647 enquiries@fusionbrasserie.com www.fusionbrasserie.com

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www.edgemagazine.org Hypoxi

HYPOXI

Successfully tried and tested by us.

Lucie Lincoln-Lewis

A

all take at least a tiny amount of pleasure out of seeing our favourite slim celeb’s wobbly bits caught on camera, the truth of the matter is this; if they end up with wobbly bits and cellulite, us mere mortals don’t stand a chance. So as happy as I am sailing towards 30, rather larger than I was at sailing towards 25, when our editor offered me the chance to review the new celeb weight-loss and body sculpting trend I jumped at the chance. Let’s face it, the early morning lattes on the way to meetings, the Danish pastries consumed during the meetings and the service station sandwiches on the way home had taken their toll somewhat and although at other times I would say I am fairly healthy, anything that can help shift those extra pounds sounded good to me.

S MuCh aS We

So what actually is Hypoxi? Well, it is a scientifically proven treatment to reduce cellulite and speed up targeted fat loss. That translates to you and me as helping you lose the bits that you really want to lose, we’re talking bum, tum and thighs rather than boobs, which so often are the first things to go, whilst also improving skin tone and getting rid of the orange peel look. It is a body treatment where you are first zipped into an air tight suit, not dissimilar from a wet suit, lie down and have air sucked in and blown out of the little chambers in there to mimic the Chinese treatment of cupping.

This is what helps firm, tone and smooth the skin and also helps to boost your metabolism. After the suit comes a neoprene skirt.

Try not to feel like you’re trapped in a Doctor Who episode and go with it, you get used to it! So, wearing said skirt you climb in to what can only be described as an egg with an exercise bike in it.

You cycle gently for 30 minutes while the air pressure in the egg is decreased and increased in a steady cycle. The changes in pressure cause more blood to be circulated around those stubborn fatty areas than when usual exercise is performed and thus more fatty acids are metabolised in those areas making you lose weight and reduce cellulite more effectively.

With this info sufficiently digested I trotted off to my first session.

It was just as horrifying as I had imagined. Day one involved stripping down to my underwear (not matching) and being weighed, measured and having my first go on the body analysis machine. All done by Dianne, the proprietor of Hypoxi Worcestershire who evidently looks after herself very well and uses the machines Hypoxi is a scientifically between 1 proven treatment to reduce regularly, and 3 times a week as and cellulite and speed up when she can fit it in. The results were shockingly targeted fat loss~ bad and I was generally fairly out of balance. So embarrassment over, loose fitting clothes back on I had my first taste of ‘The Wetsuit’. I can honestly say, after a few minutes of getting used to the strange new sensation of having what feels like big bubble wrap popping around your bottom, thighs and tummy it is actually quite relaxing. 20 minutes later after trying not to fall asleep, I was peeled out of my suit, zipped into the skirt

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and put into ‘The Egg’. I was instructed to cycle gently, at about 60 rpm. A whole world away from frantic spin classes previously tried. I could actually concentrate on the magazine in front of me and as I peddled and the machine whirred away, sucking and blowing my skirt up to my boobs and down into my lap. It was exercise, but I was barely breaking a sweat. Could this really work?

Like any treatments there are some rules.

Firstly, Hypoxi recommend you take 12 sessions, spread over 4 weeks to ensure that you get the best results over a short time frame. Secondly, and the real killer for me was to have no alcohol (shock horror) and no carbs for 6 hours after your Hypoxi session. I struggled with this slightly as I very much enjoy a glass of wine after a long day and I also have a fondness of potatoes, but Dianne and Elaine are always on hand with new and interesting recipe ideas and armed with the information that a gin and slim-line tonic was much better for me than a glass of vino, I left a happy bunny. The last rule of no exercise for 6 hours while the lingering effects of the Hypoxi session work their magic was, however, a walk in the park.

Now to the important bit, the results... I was sceptical about whether this kind of minimal exercise could actually shift fat. It didn’t involve the sweating and panting I was used to when trying to shift the pounds so when my final weigh in came with the stripping off and dreaded body analysis machine I was absolutely over the moon with the results. I had lost 8.5 cm off my tummy, 6.5cm off my waist, and 6.6cm from my boobs (back fat!), 4.5cm from my hips,3.1cm off my bum, 6.6 from my thighs, 5cm from my knees and even 0.6 from my ankles! A total loss of 41.4cm and half a stone of pure fat! Speak to any trainer or science geek and they will tell you exactly how hard it is to lose visceral fats without compromising muscle mass. Hypoxi manages this, without making it seem like a chore and at Hypoxi Worcestershire with Dianne and Elaine, it generally felt more like going out to meet friends than sticking to a gruelling fitness regime. n Hypoxi Worcestershire 01562 740840 www.hypoxiworcestershire.co.uk

March 2012 23

www.edgemagazine.org Esque - A little piece of beauty heaven

ESQUE - A LITTLE PIECE OF BEAUTY HEAVEN A Kerrie Louise Dawson

are feeling the pinch financially at the moment, it is difficult to find a reason or an excuse to have a little treat. Beauty salons are off putting for some of us following bad experiences with unsatisfactory treatments, unfriendly staff and unattractive prices. However, a breath of fresh air comes in the form of Leamington based, Esque. This hidden gem is situated on a quiet street, just off the main parade and its’ perfect location means one less embarrassing situation in the form of not having to step onto a busy street packed with shoppers, red faced and makeup free after enjoying your treatment.

S Many of uS

From outside, the smiles of staff and customers beam through the bright, inviting windows. Expect to begin your experience here by being greeted by ‘angels’, the fitting choice of name for staff members. The angels will instantly put you at ease and in the mood to relax with their ever so friendly and approachable service. Do not be put off by the surroundings that feature expensive looking products and price lists, this is simply a sign that quality matters here. The products are displayed in a boutique style rather like make-up counters in London or big city stores. The many samples and testers on show are inviting with their slick palette and shiny packaging, amongst a backdrop of a beautiful reception area.

Refreshingly, this is not the main waiting area for customers because tucked away upstairs is a client lounge that

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is cool, comfortable and filled with a generous selection of refreshments and magazines. Customers will no doubt appreciate this little preview of comfort and excellent customer service, rather than being made to wait on a stiff couch by the forever opening front door.

Esque is deceptively large inside, there are thirteen treatment rooms situated off the corridor upstairs each decorated with splashes of colour, mood lighting, cool neutral tones and natural wood. They are a cosy little den away from the stresses and strains of life. All treatment rooms come with a Hydrotherm bed similar to lying on a fluffy cloud. This water filled mattress replaces stiff, wooden treatment tables and moulds to your shape leaving you supported and extremely comfortable.

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Esque's extensive menu ranges from deluxe facials and Massages to Tanning and Waxing~

Each therapist is thorough about what you will experience as part of your treatment, leaving you confident you know what you are getting and how you are likely to feel during. Their knowledge of products and treatments is clear and all staff receive treatments of their own as part of their training, leaving you in no doubt that they know their stuff.

There are many treatments to choose from on their extensive menu from deluxe facials and massages to tanning and waxing. Their revolutionary skin scanner is very high tech and is popular with clients as it looks deep into your skin to seek out any problem areas or damage. You can then be sure you are using the right products and treatments in the future. This interesting approach to detecting early signs of skin problems, such as sun damage, leads to a full consultation regarding the exclusive line of skincare products that act as solutions, whilst you are under no pressure or obligation to make a purchase. Samples will always be offered so you can try, before investing in them.

The extremely helpful and very pleasant staff, comfortable and chic decor and highly regarded treatments and products make this salon the success it is today. After thirteen years of business, it is clear that the main priority of this salon is its customers, who come back again and again. The staff are also of great importance to management here and they are treated with respect and supported making for an altogether happier and positive environment.

Various offers and promotions are displayed throughout the salon and, with the run up to Christmas now upon us, they reflect the kind of services people will require.

Their package deal for spray tans, beautiful gift sets catered to every budget and customer favourite, the Babor skincare advent calendar, where behind each door lies a small sample of exquisite beauty products, are just some of the treats on offer.

Do not be put off by the slightly higher end pricing here, it most definitely reflects the exceptional service, surroundings and products they use and you will not be disappointed in your treatments either. It’s difficult to be dissatisfied as you float on a cloud in this heavenly hideaway. n Esque, 34-38 Bedford Street, Leamington Spa, CV325DY 01926 833311 www.esquebeauty.com

www.edgemagazine.org No passport required to travel across the border

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE BORDER

EXPLORE THE VARIED DELIGHTS OF POWYS, IN WALES

T

ake a drive through Kidderminster, Bewdley and by pass Ludlow, and you will quickly find yourself crossing the border into Wales. The scenery presents a dramatically rural look with clouds struggling to lift themselves above the mountainous horizon of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the rolling hills of the Radnor Forest. There is a very real sense you have left behind the hustle and bustle of English city life.

Before long you will reach Powys, a Welsh county rich in history and outdoor pursuits. Here you will find the towns of Knighton and Presteigne, with each offering superb but very different accommodation at sister

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hotels – The Knighton and The Radnorshire Arms.

The Knighton Hotel is an independently owned and privately run business. Situated in the centre of the ancient market town of Knighton the hotel is set against the stunning backdrop of the hills of the Welsh Marches and the famous Offa's Dyke countryside.

Fully refurbished and restored to its original beauty the hotel won the Best New Business Start Up category at the 2011 Powys Business Awards.

With 15 boutique bedrooms, including two adjoining rooms which are perfect for families, plus

the new Orangery opening soon, The Knighton can accommodate all types of guest, from those with young children to couples seeking a romantic retreat. A main feature of the interior is the grand free standing central staircase, one of the oldest of its type in Europe. For less mobile guests, who prefer to avoid the stairs there is a lift to access to all floors. The hotel is also fully compliant with the Disability Act. Whilst staying at The Knighton you can enjoy a drink with friendly locals in the Lounge and Norton bars. The stylish King Offa’s restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience with cuisine prepared by award-winning executive chef, Sean Kyle. There is plenty of choice with a variety of wholesome dishes beautifully presented and available on a set menu or a la carte.

Just a short stroll from the hotel you will discover a children’s play area and the Offa’s Dyke centre. The centre allows visitors to explore the dyke, its associated long distance footpath and the border area in general, through interactive displays and graphic display panels.

From here you can enjoy the real thing, as you take the Offa’s Dyke path through woodlands and open countryside, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales.

The dyke was built during the 8th century, under the instruction of King Offa of Mercia. Stretching 177 miles, from Chepstow to Prestatyn in North Wales, Knighton is the only town which the Offa’s Dyke path passes directly through.

A few miles from Knighton is the town of Presteigne.

Country Life magazine editor, Clive Aslet, referred to Presteigne as one of Britain’s top 10 small towns. It is steeped in history and offers the visitor plenty of opportunities to fill the day, including historic museums and places of interest, arts and music events throughout the year, outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, fishing and cycling, as well as some stunning gardens to visit.

You can also discover The Spaceguard Centre - the only centre in the UK dedicated to addressing the hazard of near Earth objects.

On the High Street you will find the Radnorshire Arms Hotel, named after the former county of Radnorshire.

Here you step back in time experiencing something of the buildings’ mid 16th Century origins and its rich and colourful history. The Grade II listed Jacobean building is home to underground chambers as well as a priest hole, which is now a feature of the residents lounge.

With a warm welcome guaranteed, The Radnorshire Arms offers guest accommodation in a choice of 11 individually styled rooms and eight garden lodges – all named after interesting or notable local villages or towns. Enjoy a quiet drink in the bar or beer garden before dinner in the oak panelled dining room, with menus created by The Knighton’s head chef.

Take a trip across the border to Powys and you will discover one beautiful county, two very different but equally accommodating hotels and a world of things to see and do. n

Contact details: The Knighton Hotel Broad Street Knighton Powys LD7 1BL Tel: 01547 520 530 www.theknighton.com The Radnorshire Arms Hotel High Street Presteigne Powys LD8 2BE Tel: 01544 267406 www.radnorshirearmshotel.com

March 2012 27

www.edgemagazine.org South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA A

World in one Country’ is a tag that South Africa effortlessly lives up to; a vast nation of breathtaking diversity, you could easily spend months travelling around and only scratch the surface. A great way, however, to get a taste of this fascinating country is the classic ‘Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari’ self-drive tour.

This itinerary is especially popular with first time visitors as it combines some of the top attractions at an easy and leisurely pace. A huge range of accommodation is available throughout, from locally managed guest houses, to luxury hotels and game lodges - and, as an added bonus, the whole area is non-malarial and they even drive on the same side of the road as in the UK. Cape Town is a gem of a city, truly one of the most beautiful in the world. The setting is like no other, with the magnificent Table Mountain dominating the vicinity. The list of places to visit is almost endless – The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the beaches around Clifton and Camps Bay…..

Stretching between Mossel Bay and the Tsitsikamma Forest the ‘Garden Route’ is renowned as being one of the most beautiful coastlines on the continent; featuring lakes, mountains, forests, golden beaches and some of South Africa’s most charming towns.

Finally you arrive in the Eastern Cape for another potential highlight. Here, several game reserves allow you the chance to view the ‘Big 5’ – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino & buffalo - together with many other species. A memorable ending to a mesmerising holiday. n Carrick Travel www.carricktravel.com

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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

www.edgemagazine.org The new Morgan 3 Wheeler

THE NEW MORGAN 3 WHEELER

POD RACER, FIGHTER PLANE, SPEEDING BULLET OR CAR?

W

regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the “bomb release” starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination.

hen did you laSt

The iconic design of the Morgan Threewheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a V Twin fuel injected engine mated to a Mazda 5 speed (and reverse) gearbox. This provides smooth “get in and drive” convenience with the thrill of extreme performance. The car is a fusion of old and new.

left - Top down rear view of cockpit right - Original body of the 3 wheeler, modernised.

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Safety is paramount with a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollbars for driver and passenger. A sturdy V belt provides traction to the reinforced rear tyre.

Some things have not changed. The Morgan Threewheeler still holds long distance speed records, for one litre cars set in the 1930’s so why change the shape?

The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The shape is of a gentle yet powerful missile at the front leading to a beetle back tail at the rear.

From the design viewpoint, the focus was set on making the car as close to an aeroplane as possible, while retaining handy extra space for driver, passenger and a holdall in the rear. But above all, the Morgan 3 Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone, to make driving fun. A leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road. The car is easy to control with compact dimensions offering a perfect view ahead and to the rear. The car seems to respond as much to thought as physical input.

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The focus was set on making the car as close to an aeroplane as possible~

Dynamism is further enhanced by what the Morgan design team calls a sporty “race on Sunday” design philosophy. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead flow organically and echo the smooth shapes of a racetrack. The smooth profile makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and boot enhance the aerodynamic feel and the short overhangs front and rear emphasise the sports car sense of purpose.

›

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www.edgemagazine.org The new Morgan 3 Wheeler

› CHASSIS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS Morgan chassis experts have worked on the driving experience of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler with the same passion given to the development of any new Morgan. The result is a driver’s car with properties that do the sporting appearance full justice. The weight of the engine is counterbalanced by the mass of the passengers and the car has a planted feel with a very low centre of gravity to ensure it remains glued to the road.

During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new 3 Wheeler in parallel with the forthcoming Morgan EvaGT. The result is a solution that features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that affects a car’s cornering capabilities.

ENGINES During its first year of production, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler will be available with a V twin from specialist engine builder S & S. The car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions. With an economical 115 horsepower the motor provides maximum power at minimum revs. Big torque spells effortless hillclimbing ability. The current focus of the Morgan Motor Company to cut CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption is very much part of the rationale behind the launch of this car. The time is right for Morgan to take a new look at the combination of acceleration, on road performance and economy.

The time is right for Morgan to relaunch the 3 Wheeler.

Price £25,000 before tax

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BESPOKE EXTRAS Bespoke leather and paint are available at extra cost as on the classic Morgan. A polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl,headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for a more classic look.

Exciting graphic packs to compliment the Sport “race on Sunday” philosophy High quality decals are available to give the owner the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler. These include special designs including US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a fearsome shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings. n www.morgan-motor.co.uk

MORGAN FACTS •

• •

• •

Morgan was founded in 1910 by Harry Frederick Stanley Morgan and was run by him until he died in 1977, it was then taken over by his son, Charles Morgan until his death in 2003 and the company is now run by Harry’s grandson, Peter Morgan.

Morgan is based in Malvern Link, Worcestershire and employs 163 people.

In spite of their traditional design, Morgans have always had sporting or "sports car" performance, due to their extremely low weight.

Among their enthusiasts, Morgans are affectionately known as "Moggies".

Morgan cars can be found in many areas of motorsport, from club and historic racing to more prominent examples, including the Le Mans 24hr race and the Morgan Aero 8 GT3 car.

left - Timeless Morgan cockpit right - Full body length exhaust

March 2012 33

www.edgemagazine.org Jurassic Stone Ltd

JURASSIC STONE LTD. Unearthed art from the Triassic period

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n the tiny village of Tanworth-in-Arden lies treasure, defying time and space. On their travels to the Black Sea Coast, Trevor Sheffield and Adrian Brocklesby stumbled upon something so extraordinary; they had to bring it back to the UK. With the help of stonemasons and a sculptor, Trevor and Adrian have created unique, timeless sculptures from petrified wood. Now, if you don’t know what petrified wood is, we don’t blame you; it is only excavated in about eight sites in the world.

Petrified wood is actually not wood at all. Well, it used to be wood, wood that existed possibly as long as 280 million years ago. Imagine a tropical paradise that consumed Europe, before dinosaurs roamed the earth, before Europe was even Europe. Well, the huge trees that grew on that land, have survived the test of time. Of course, the wood died, but minerals took its place. You could never really explain the wonder of this process but we’ll try; a climate change meant that the forest died, meaning the trees were washed into a marshy swamp. So the watery sediments in the marshy swamps were rich in all sorts of minerals and once the water dried up, the minerals were deposited where the wood once was. Got it? Well, fast-forward about 200 million years and what you have left is the unique form of the original wood, now preserved as marbled stone with wood grain and growth rings. This process can also result in wood opal; which is even rarer. When the wood is replaced entirely by silica, colourful rays of opal are set in the stone and Adrian and Trevor have an impressive collection of opal wood too. It’s pretty remarkable.

Originally planning to build on their land, Trevor and Adrian got to work. When the digging began, they realised that if they went ahead, they would be building on top of a petrified forest. Now, the rarity of such a find got their entrepreneurial senses tingling. With a little research and consultations with a few experts, Trevor and Adrian found that their forest was even older than many of the other petrified sites worldwide, most of which are protected National Parks. There are about eight petrified sites. If you compare that number with the twenty-seven diamond mines worldwide, you get an idea of how rare these petrified forests really are.

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Petrified wood is actually not wood at all.

Well, it used to be...~

A local team of excavators extract the petrified wood; clean it and wrap it ready to be shipped. The utmost care is taken to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape, sustaining the vegetation and wildlife for the local population. Once back in Britain, Trevor and Adrian commissioned Nick Bragg; stone mason and natural stone enthusiast. Inspired by graphic illustrations, historic and modern architecture, Nick works with collections of petrified wood, sandstone and limestone to enhance the original features of the natural stone, creating something truly unique. Working from detailed drawings and models or spontaneously taking his hand tools to the stone, he extracts the form from within the block using its colour, bedding formations, stone size and shape as inspiration.

Due to Nick’s method, each sculpture is one of a kind and a representation of the wood as it would have been all those millions of years ago.

Over a year has passed since Trevor and Adrian made their discovery and now, their business boasts 50 tons of petrified wood, with all kinds of creations; from the finest table-tops to an impressive portfolio of artistic sculptures, set to be exhibited in galleries in London and the rest of the UK in 2012. In fact, Trevor and Adrian’s sculptures will be showcased on both the Desex Designer Show and The Chelsea Flower Show this year. Jurassic Stone Ltd. provides a once in a planet’s lifetime opportunity, to own a piece of our distant past. After all, these trees preceded and enabled our existence. Adrian says, ‘nothing is more fun than walking across a field to find a piece of petrified wood because it tells a story of a beautiful tree that once existed millions of years ago’. If you’re looking for a priceless showpiece, then look no further than J and A Fine Art, you won’t find anything like it.

J & A Fine Art www.jandafineart.co.uk Email: info@jandafineart.co.uk Stoneford Wood End Lane Tanworth-in-Arden, West Midlands B94 5DT

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Jurassic Stone Ltd. Email: jurassicstones@gmail.com Unit 1 Chaucer Business Park Granville Way Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4JT

March 2012 35

www.edgemagazine.org Stan's Cafe interview

STAN'S CAFE INTERVIEW returning for a second edition

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you an article on Stan's Cafe, a leading group of artists from a variety of disciplines based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. This month we would like to re visit and get a bit more personal with the brains behind the company. James Yarker, Artisitic Director, is in the hot seat ready to update us with goings on this year and close out last year with it's most memorable highlights. aSt Month We brought

Stan’s Cafe is a significant name in the British theatre scene; what have you got coming up in 2012?

As usual we’re touring a range of brand new shows and things from our recent back catalogue. The first half of the year is hectic with five shows opening in the four months between March and June.

Olympian Steps is an installation which challenges people to try following in the exact footsteps of great Olympic athletes, that will be in Handsworth and Aston Parks in Birmingham for six months.

In Stratford we’ve got or first collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company. They’ve commissioned a special version of our biggest hit, Of All The People In All The World, as part of their World Shakespeare Festival.

This performance installation translates population statistics into piles of rice, giving people the chance to grasp previously abstract statistics, it runs for about three months from 21st April.

We’re making an opera with the composer Michael Wolters. It will be performed by one singer, one double bass and eight recorders. The audience of fifty will be sat on a seating bank that travels a round trip of 50m during the show. We’re putting a disproportionate amount of work into this, it’s only on for one day (6th May) but will be performed four times as it is just 12 minutes long. Later this will go to the South Bank Centre as a concert and video piece.

Three days later we have the UK premiere of our show The Cardinals at Warwick Arts Centre, which then goes to Plymouth.

To cap things off we have two weeks at our home venue with co-producing a show with Birmingham Repertory Theatre. It’s a comedy called The Just Price of Flowers, which tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis via the tulip mania phenomena the Netherlands experienced in the 17th Century.

Business as unusual for Stan’s Cafe.

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What aspects of 2011 are you most proud of?

It was making The Cardinals. We were commissioned to make it by a venue in Montpellier, they wanted something new with no English spoken, so we came up with this idea about three Cardinals staging a puppet show about the history of the world, who are helped by a young female Muslim Stage Manger. The French Audiences loved it and kept saying how the humour was ‘very English’. Now, a year later, it’s lined up to play at Warwick Arts Centre. They’re great supporters of ours and also co- commissioned it so we’re looking to see how the ‘English humour’ goes down in England.

Popular culture has become increasingly homogenised in recent years, what do you think needs to be done to create and maintain a unique approach?

My hope is that people will grow fed up with our entertainment become in so commercially packaged and that they will continue to seek out fresh, vibrant, original productions that are special to a time and place.

We just need to keep our nerve. There will always be people who think in exciting new ways and want to strike out in new directions. Artists need the guts to go for it. Venues need to be bold enough to back them up. We need to trust that there will always be people looking for something more than the usual ‘same old’.

How important is it to regularly raise awareness of the company? How do you do this?

Objectively, in commercial terms, ours is a crazy undertaking. Conceiving, designing, building and launching radically different new ‘products’ at a rate of one or two a year is a fearsome undertaking, especially as we tend to need our ‘customers’ in a unique location at a particular time. Given that we have virtually no marketing budget we have to try and be smart in

getting the name Stan’s Cafe out there. Interviews like this help obviously!

Do platforms like Twitter and other social media help?

Traditionally ‘word of mouth’ is both the cheapest and most effective marketing strategy – in theory social media are a kind of bionic ‘word of mouth’. The challenge, as ever, is to generate that buzz AND convert Twittering and Facebook ‘Liking’ into bums on seats at gigs, it’s quite an alchemy if you can manage it but the potential has to be there. If you can use social media to help overthrow governments you’d imagine you could use them to pull in an audience to a theatre show.

What do you see as the future for the arts in the area over the next 5 years?

That’s a tough question! Our work tends to evolve sequentially, so one show influences the next: in Stan’s Cafe terms you’re asking me skip three generation’s with a prediction and that’s impossible.

In a broader context the monopolizing forces of free market capitalism are bound to put the arts under huge pressure and it’s possible to imagine that alongside the mega-commercial shows the only things which will survive are the high prestige big subsidized establishment organizations and an amateur sector.

counter culture, people will always want an alternative to the mainstream. Companies like Stan’s Cafe are like weeds. You can tarmac over our culture but the weeds will always break through.

These are hard times, what support can be provided to support the arts in the community in Birmingham and surrounding areas?

The most valuable thing people can do to support the arts is to use them; explore what’s out there and enjoy it.

The danger is that if people choose to sit back and just consume what’s fed to them by corporate entertainment machines then soon there will be no choice.

Going out is much more fun than staying in. Buy a ticket, rock up, bring your mates, have fun, tell your family, make it an event. Be there! That’s all it needs to support the arts, if lots of people show up then everything else will follow. n 0121 236 2273 www.stanscafe.co.uk

I’m not that pessimistic, I believe there will always be a

March 2012 37

www.edgemagazine.org At The RSC

AT THE RSC

The Taming of the Shrew Lucinda Bunn

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bailey MuSt have been hit by a traffic jam of possibility in reviving The Taming of the Shrew for the RSC. Arguably, Shakespeare’s most contentious comedy, The Taming of the Shrew is equally cruel as it is hilarious. Bailey sets her showcase in 1940s Padua, in terrific fashion. With the stage set as a gigantic bed, with characters writhing around under its sheets and enjoying pillow fights, Bailey charges this play with sexual electricity.

sister, Bianca and Bianca’s onslaught of ridiculous suitors; including Gavin Fowler as the meek, love struck tutor bidding for her heart. David Caves plays the leaping, charismatic Petruchio, daring to rescue Kate from…well, herself. The height difference between Dillon and Caves only adds to the humour of their interactions. It may be a cliché but the chemistry between these two suggests the power play is merely a tease they are both flirting with.

Fag in one hand, bottle of whiskey in the other, Lisa Dillon enters the stage as Kate, the’ shrew’. Usually depicted inflicting terror upon the rest of the cast, Kate is the quintessential troubled heroine. Her fury with everyone and everything manifests itself in physical violence with her screaming, shouting and throwing things around the stage; a scene most of us can identify with at some point or another. Lisa Dillon’s Kate is, yes, destructive but also the perfect antidote to her conceited

Whilst the process of ‘taming’ Kate is upsetting, Bailey’s production is not so much a marriage of submission but a union of understanding. Whilst some may be disappointed that Kate is effectively subdued by Petruchio, Lisa Dillon plays her character with such intelligence and gumption that even as an obnoxious shrew, seemingly ‘tamed’, she still comes out on top.

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March 2012

Bailey has somehow managed to please a modern audience

with a tale of sexual inequality, manipulation and humiliation.

It’s certainly less misogynistic but stays true to the themes of sexual politics in Shakespeare’s original.

The key to her success is most certainly the subplot, headed by comic favourite Christopher Sly, brought to life by Nick Holder, who spends the majority of the play in his underwear. Half-naked, tattooed, Nick Holder is as big as he is brilliant. When the scenes of Kate’s torture get too much, the audience finds salvation in Holder’s raucous silliness: perhaps adding light to the dark elements of Shakespeare’s words or more sinisterly, allowing the audience to join in and jeer at Kate. Either way, Bailey’s fresh thinking adaptation is like no other; bound to get you talking, laughing and probably bickering. Just like the tempestuous relationship of Petruchio and Kate…it’s never dull. n

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www.edgemagazine.org 10 documentaries to see before you die

10 DOCUMENTARIES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE GRIZZLY MAN: WERNER HERZOG (2005) One man’s fascinating life obsession with bears end tragically with his death at the hands of the animals he was trying to protect.

Timothy Treadwell had spent over 13 years living with bears, every summer he would pack up his belongings and head to the remote wilderness of Alaska to live with these magnificent creatures. Treadwell recorded hundreds of hours of footage during his numerous trips, hoping to make a documentary about the bears one day. However, on one fateful trip, he was tragically killed by one of the very animals he loved so dearly and never got to fulfil his dream. Using Treadwell’s own footage, director Werner Herzog paints a beautiful picture of Treadwell's obsession with Mother Nature.

TROUBLE THE WATER: CARL DEAN AND TIA LESSIN (2008) Filmmakers Carl Dean and Tia Lessin were looking for a new angle on hurricane Katrina and the devastation it caused. When they stumbled across survivor Kimberly Roberts, they discovered that new perspective. The story follows Kimberly and her family, through the storm, the aftermath and into their uncertain future. The main characters in the film had just happened to buy a new video camera a couple of days before the hurricane struck and they recorded the whole thing, giving a unique insight on what it was like to survive the storm and its aftermath. The directors did a great job putting together the footage and interviews, to bring you this stunning masterpiece and transport the viewer directly into the eye of the storm.

THE CELLULOID CLOSET: ROB EPSTEIN, JEFFERY FRIEDMAN (1995) The celluloid closet explores the representation of the gay community over 100 years of cinema.

The documentary combines Hollywood insider interviews with classic movie clips, to show that although homosexuality was banned from the screen for most of the twentieth century, in the movies, as in life, it had been there all along. This insightful documentary makes audiences look at revered Hollywood classics in a completely different way and shows how they have influenced the society around us profoundly.

THE WAR ROOM: D.A. PENNEBAKER AND CHRIS HEGEDUS (1993) This documentary takes a look inside the 1992 presidential campaign of an unknown Arkansas governor, the people he surrounded himself with and the mastering of a new media age. The War Room takes viewers into the heart of the American political machine, where the film makers were given unprecedented access to the team behind Bill Clinton’s bid for the White House, revealing a world of tactics, spin and break-neck media manoeuvres. The war room was mission control for the Clinton campaign, an open office at the centre of the headquarters in Littlerock Arkansas where everything was coordinated.

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SUPERSIZE ME: MORGAN SPURLOCK (2004) When Morgan Spurlock wondered what would happen if all he ate was McDonalds for an entire month, little did he know about the impact his experiment would have on the fast food industry and the fame to which he would rise as a result of doing so. This documentary follows Spurlock in his month long quest and documents the changes his body goes through, resulting in mood swings, sexual dysfunction and fat accumulation in his liver. His film has had a huge impact on the fast food industry around the world, even resulting in McDonalds removing the option to supersize your meals.

WALTZ WITH BASHIR: ARI FOLMAN (2008) In 1982, Ari Folman was a 19 year old infantry soldier in the Israeli Defence Forces when he was sent to fight in Israel’s war against Lebanon, traumatised by the things he saw, his mind blocked out all traces of the experience from his conscious thoughts. The only animated documentary in our list, it depicts Folman in his search of his lost memories. Nominated for multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and the coveted Palme d’Or, Waltz with Bashir will certainly engross viewers.

ROGER & ME: MICHAEL MOORE (1989) Roger & Me, directed by Michael Moore, is a documentary which portrays the negative economic impact of General Motors CEO Roger Smith’s summary action of closing several auto plants in Michigan, costing over 80,000 people their jobs and devastating one of the most productive cities in the state. In particular, Moore focuses on the impact the decision has on the residents of Flint, his home town. With historical movie footage and modern interviews, Roger & Me takes a real look at the cost to society when big business decides to take its production offshore.

THE FOG OF WAR: ERROL MORRIS (2003) The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. Mcnamara is an Academy Award winning documentary film about the life and times of former U.S Secretary of Defence, illustrating his observations about the nature of modern warfare. Providing a unique and first-hand account into events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US war in Vietnam as well as his own life, this documentary is a must see for any history enthusiast.

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE (2009) Gird your loins. The September Issue is a behind-the-scenes drama following the editor-in-chief of Vogue; highly respected and always terrifying, Anna Wintour. The American documentary chronicles the production of the magazine and all that goes into it. The relationship between Wintour and her creative director, Grace Coddington, reveals a power struggle like no other.

Expect formidable stares, awkward moments and famous fashionistas. Fans of Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada will enjoy this catfight.

ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS IN THE ROOM: ALEX GIBNEY (2005) This documentary film is based on the 2003 bestseller by the same name and is a study of one of the largest business scandals in the history of America. The film examines the meteoric rise of the company all the way until the 2001 collapse of the Enron Corporation, which resulted in the criminal trial for several of the company’s top executives. Amongst other things, it charts Enron’s involvement in the California electricity crisis and exposes how the company made billions out of defrauding the public.

March 2012 41

www.edgemagazine.org Government loses case on solar tariff

GOVERNMENT LOSES CASE ON SOLAR TARIFF For the second time Michael Abu-Zalaf

T

failed in its appeal against the decision to block its attempts to reduce solar subsidies paid to households with solar panels.

he governMent haS again

The case, heard at the Court of Appeal, involved the government’s recent attempt to more than halve the subsidies that were previously available to households, claiming they are unsustainable going forward. The subsidies were originally enacted by the previous Labour government, to encourage people to invest in solar technology, and under the feed-in-tariffs program, people with solar panels are perfectly entitled to be paid for the electricity they generate.

With the recent rises in the cost of electricity, solar technology has become a viable way to mitigate against the increasing energy bills. However, this recent decision, and the government’s intention to launch a second appeal at the Supreme Court, will undoubtedly lead to widespread uncertainty for installers and consumers alike.

The previous tariff was priced at just over 43 pence per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. The new tariff of 21 pence per kilowatt-hour was due to come into legislation from the 1st April 2012. However, in October, the government shifted the goal posts and surprised everyone, by announcing that the expected cut in rates would take place ahead of schedule, with this lower rate paid to anyone who installed solar panels after December 12th 2011.

At the same time, they announced a consultation which closed on 23rd December – 11 days after the change in legislation was due to take place. The Court of Appeal has now upheld the previous High Court ruling, that the way in which the government tried to change tariffs, was “legally flawed”.

The government has a hastily put together contingency plan in place, which would see the current tariff remain in place until the start of March, after which the tariff would be reduced. This has extended the window in which people can install solar panels and still attract the higher rate tariff and industry insiders expect to see a sharp increase in installations throughout February, just in time for the change of legislation. n

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fail to have noticed the increasing number of solar panels that have been appearing on roofs over the last couple of years, it’s almost impossible to have missed the debate surrounding the Government’s proposed reduction in the feed in tariff (FIT) – the amount of money that householders with solar panels receive for generating their own electricity.

Midland’s based solar panel installer Eco2Solar is not immune from the fall-out of the FIT reduction. However, according to its managing director Paul Hutchens, the news isn’t necessarily as bad as it first seems.

“Before the FIT announcement, householders were promised annual returns of up to 15% from solar panels; which were always unsustainable in the long-term. The proposed new 21p rate, for every kWh of electricity generated, is seen by the Government as more realistic”.

Eco2Solar believe that a 10% annual return is possible, based on the proposed 21p tariff; which if viewed simply as an investment, beats anything currently available from any UK bank. “We can confidently offer this return on the 21p FIT because Eco2Solar has lowered its costs by reducing our margins and working closely with our suppliers to achieve a better deal” he explains. If you would like to know more about Eco2Solar, call us on 01562 977 977, or visit our website www.eco2solar. co.uk. n

Despite the recent drop in feed-in tariffs, installing solar panels is still one of the best investments you can make.

As well as benefiting from much-reduced energy bills, the Government backed scheme will pay you a good return on the electricity you generate - more than you could expect from a bank or building society. And you can bask in the warm glow of knowing you’re reducing your building’s carbon footprint.

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www.edgemagazine.org Bodhi by name, enlightened by nature

BODHI BY NAME, ENLIGHTENED BY NATURE O

launch, Warwickshire beauty brand, Bodhi, has gained international success with its products now stocked at retailers such as Harvey Nichols and Cornucopia and in countries including Germany and Russia. Drawing its inspiration from the healing power of nature and traditional botanical remedies, Bodhi offers eco-luxury bath and body care products which boast therapeutic qualities and evocative fragrances that last. However, with such a wide choice of premium brand beauty products available, what is it that makes Bodhi so different? ne year SinCe itS

Bodhi was developed after entrepreneur, Elijah Choo, realised his dry skin was a result of harsh synthetic chemicals from the toiletries we use on a daily basis and decided to do something about it. Previously from a marketing background, Elijah diligently began delving into the skincare industry to find a solution to his problem. After three years of intensive research and development, Bodhi’s first range of bath and shower products, Botanical Therapies, was launched. Meaning “enlightenment” in Sanskrit, Bodhi set out to rethink the ongoing relationship between our personal care and wellness routines. The company now

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March 2012

offers a range of eco-luxury products inspired by the benefits of plant ingredients and proven traditional remedies.

Made in England, Bodhi uses only the finest select ingredients and essential oils and ensures that all products are completely free from petrochemicals, sulphates and parabens. What really sets Bodhi apart in the beauty market is the quality and quantity of the active ingredients in all of its products. Most natural products on the market today contain 0.5-1% of essential oils, but Bodhi products contain more than twice this average. Furthermore, Bodhi believes strongly in its responsibilities, not only to its customers but also the environment and so chooses not to use palm oil derived ingredients due to the devastating effects palm oil plantations have on the rainforest.

}

Elijah believes that Bodhi stands out because of the way these ingredients react with the body’s own chemistry. He explains, for instance, how these high ratios of active botanicals work at therapeutic levels to enhance your well-being. For Elijah, this effect on the senses is one of three advantages that he feels differentiates Bodhi from its competitors, the other two being its overall skin care benefits and individual fragrances. Looking at the Botanical Therapies products, he explains that the range is formulated using a trio of mild cleansers derived from coconut oil and fruit sugars which gently cleanse without stripping skin of its natural oils. Furthermore, the use of active ingredients such as jasmine absolute and rose otto ensures that the luxury fragrances last longer. He concludes that all Bodhi products are created with a holistic approach and aim to help individuals achieve general well-being, well cared-for skin and a balanced state of mind.

Bodhi uses only the finest select ingredients and essential oils ~

The future continues to look bright for Elijah Choo and Bodhi, with new products on the horizon following the successful move into body moisturisers last year. For more information about Bodhi and the skincare range please visit www.bodhi.uk.com where you will also be able to purchase a special Mother’s Day gift set just in time. n 0800 987 5968 www.bodhi.uk.com Honey's Lingerie - www.honeyslingerieboutique.com Corucopia (Stratford) - www.cornucopia-stratford.co.uk Therapy To Takeaway - www.therapytotakeaway.com

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March 2012 47

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www.edgemagazine.org Learn to do more than just cook

LEARN TO DO MORE THAN JUST COOK Orchards Cookery School

T

21St Century Can be a pretty daunting place for young people; unemployment, fierce competition and unrealistic expectations can lend itself to the why bother mentality. But in the heart of Worcestershire, there is hope! The Bomford sisters have set out to inspire, motivate and encourage young people to take control of their lives and invest in their future - through the art of cookery he

It all began in Paris, where Lucy and Isabel affirmed their love for cooking. Lucy trained as a chef with Costes Group and worked in two of the most prestigious restaurants in the city. Returning to England, the sisters decided to convert their family home into a cookery school with the aim of teaching and training young people in the trade of chalet hosting. Several years, a lot of hard work and a couple of renovations later, the cookery schools stands, fully equipped with three spacious kitchens and three residential cottages.

Orchards Cookery School is unique in its approach. The Chalet Cooks course involves an intensive tuition in gourmet cuisine along with tips on time management and the all-important organisational skills required to run a chalet. Isabel’s husband Nick gives advice on CVs, interview training and sets up meetings with ski companies. The Orchards really covers all bases and its success rate is a marvel.

University can be a big worry for all of us. Whilst eighteen year olds worry about making friends and going to the right parties, their parents worry about whether their kids will be eating kebabs at every meal time. Isabel and Lucy have devised the perfect course to prepare teenagers for university, teaching them to cook healthy cost effective meals every night of the week. The Designer Dinners course is catered to suit anyone keen to boost their culinary skills. Nick says, “the only problem is that after you take this course, you eat out and nothing is as good as your own cooking”, he laughs.

In fact, Isabel, Lucy and Nick believe there is a great cook within all of us; it’s just about drawing out the passion and confidence you need to succeed.

“Some students come to us and they don’t know the white from the yolk.

They leave and their parents are amazed at the turn around”, says Lucy.

“The students learn a lot better from doing it themselves, we teach as we go along, there is no demonstration at the beginning”, says Lucy.

}

The Designer Dinners course is catered to suit anyone keen boost their culinary skills~

Luckily, there is still time for socialising. Isabel explains, “the courses are intense but there is still plenty of fun”.

Students cook most of the day, preparing for the five course dinner they enjoy every night. When they’re not cooking, ‘The Swallows Nest’, with its comfy seats, DVD collection, Wi-Fi and guitars, provides enough entertainment for everyone. There is a landscaped garden, a badminton court, volleyball court and plenty of quiet corners for reading in the sunshine. Through a doorway in the wall of the garden, lies a stunning kitchen garden where students have the opportunity to see how the fresh produce used at the school is grown.

Orchards Cookery School provides fantastic opportunities for anyone wishing to become a better cook but particularly for young people who want to gain experience and learn the necessary skills for their gap year and university ventures. These are priceless lessons to learn; from tending growing vegetables, all the way through to the finesse of dressing a plate. It would seem the proof is always in the pudding and after trying their crème brûlée, it’s fair to say, a course at Orchards Cookery School is an investment worth making. n 01789 490 259 www.orchardscookery.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org Cool kitchen gadgets

COOL KITCHEN GADGETS

Ê

Wine bottle Holder

Here at Edge Magazine we know that everyone likes magic! So obviously the optical illusion provided by the ingenious Wine Chain Bottle Holder will provide you and any guests with an instant talking point. How does it work!? Well a good magician never gives away their secrets. Suffice to say that the chain is made of a nickel plated iron chain. Using the principle of balance the chain is curved upwards to hold the bottle and is suitable for most wine bottles. Perfect for anyone looking to elicit fascination and curiosity from their guests. £18.99

Ë

Slush Puppy Maker

Not only will this super Retro Slush Maker help capture the look and feel of a 1950's kitchen or diner, it will also make fruity frozen slush drinks in your own home.

The Retro Slush Machine is perfect for entertaining on hot summer days, as it will provide your guests with an endless supply of ice cold beverages. £49.99

Ì

Vino Air

A good bottle of red wine should be allowed to breathe before it is drunk, a process that lets air into the wine and releases its full range of flavours and aromas.

Unfortunately, doing this the traditional way of opening the bottle and decanting takes time that you don't always have when guests drop by, or just at the end of a very long and trying day. The VinoAir is a new gadget that will take the waiting game out of the equation, as when you are equipped with this little wonder you can simply open, and pour. £29.95

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Í

Beer Cooler

For many of us, a night down the pub is a regular social activity that forms part of our genetic make-up. It's a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy the footie with like-minded people, and a refuge away from work. But, of course, the main reason for a trip to the local is for a nice cool refreshing pint of golden beer! Whether you prefer beer, lager, ale or cider, nothing beats a fresh pint poured straight from the tap to your glass! - Great for parties. £119.99

Î

Active Ball Corkscrew

The Activ-ball range of corkscrews brings an added simplicity to uncorking your bottle. Designed for use on both standard bottle necks as well as flange-top bottles it avoids the tedious process of taking the cork out of the corkscrew. Quite simply, the red ball, (the patented Activ-ball double diameter screw) pushes the cork right back off the screw with just a few turns. Furthermore, it still features the original self pulling technology which removes the cork effortlessly by turning the handle. £10.00

Ï

Green Poach Pod.

Eggs from a pod – whatever next? Create perfectly poached eggs time after time with this 21st century solution to the problem of wandering whites. Coat the silicone lightly with oil, crack your egg into the pod, float in boiling water and cover the pan with a lid. Once cooked, flip the pod inside out to release the domed egg.

Lakeland £4.99

March 2012 55

www.edgemagazine.org Kate Modern

KATE MODERN M

eet kate reeS; painter, gallery owner and promoter of local artistic talent. Kate has numerous paintings and has owned three galleries over the years. ‘I just didn’t want to be trundling all my work around other people’s galleries to have them say “well actually, that’s not really our sort of thing”’, Kate says. ‘I do it for me, not for anyone else’, she adds. It’s definitely a refreshing phrase to hear in the ‘get rich or die trying’ modern world we live in.

Kate’s gallery combines the expected with the unexpected. Set in the quaint village of Stoke Prior, the gallery is bright, colourful and highly eclectic, even for an art space. But Kate also showcases a surprising collection of modern art that puts the quirk and kook back into Worcestershire. Kate holds exhibitions for local artists, guides art students through their projects and sells gifts in her shop, which are specifically selected for being whimsical and wild. Kate prides herself on creating something out of the ordinary and she has done just that.

After studying fine art at Worcester College of Technology, Kate embarked on a travelling adventure across

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Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. She then lived in Greece for five years before going a bit ‘potty’ (her words). Kate’s travels influence her work greatly, most notably in her vibrant aboriginal art piece, inspired by the bond aborigines have with their children. ‘I did this as a hobby to begin with, I’ve always been creative. I don’t think you can become an artist. You are one. It’s how I express myself’, she explains.

Kate is a great supporter of the talented artists in the area and often displays and sells local art in her gallery and gift shop. She believes that all artists deserve the chance to pursue their dreams but admits it’s not easy. ‘You can’t make a lot of money out of it…I think that’s why I struggle sometimes. It’s difficult being a businesswoman as well. My mind doesn’t really work like that. Sometimes I lose sight of things, I have to pinch myself and remember I’m doing what I want to do’, Kate says. Amidst all the pretention and snobbery of high end galleries and dealers, this gallery is the ultimate homage to Kate’s down to earth approach to art. She’s not naïve by any stretch of the imagination; Kate knows the art world and its sure fire flaws. But she’s determined to maintain a unique, fun and colourful space for all to enjoy. Kate says, ‘There’s just this stigma attached to art, I think people are a bit afraid of it.

But it isn’t a gallery like that. It never has been’. Kate has an infectious enthusiasm for her work and you only have to see the gallery to know how passionate she is about making it an inviting place to be. After all, art isn’t just for aristocrats or hipsters hanging out in the Groucho Club; it’s about creativity and expression, of which all of us can get involved. n contactus@kate-modern.com 01527 579789 www.kate-modern.com

March 2012 57

www.edgemagazine.org Rural evolution

RURAL EVOLUTION?

Why village Post Offices are disappearing Alex Chambers

O

ver the ChriStMaS period I received a letter from DVLA reminding me to get a new tax disk. Being particularly busy at the time I resolved to sort it out in the New Year. Everything was fine until it came to finding a local Post Office, at which point I discovered that yet another one in a nearby village had closed. With an expired tax disc, I faced a clamp and a fine by driving into town to get a replacement. It's an experience that is being repeated not only across Warwickshire, but nationwide.

From changing a prescription to a gallon of fuel, or even a battery for your car key, living in the country is becoming somewhat of a hazardous business. As most of you may have already gathered, I live in a village in rural Warwickshire. It could be yours because the story is the same and now the problem is spreading to towns as well.

Where once my village had 8 or 9 independent shops, now there are none. Older village residents and families are being forced out by mobile incomers who find it difficult to integrate or appreciate rural life, particularly since there is nowhere to meet and share experiences these days. Be you an Earl or unemployed, we all need a pint of milk, a loaf of bread, or someone to look in if you are ill or missing at the village end.

So why are our pubs and Post Offices disappearing when human needs have not? Some people say the internet is the cause of rural Post Office closures, but that belies the big rise in parcel deliveries and shopping online.

Others say that pubs are no longer needed, but choose to ignore the massive price differential between pub and supermarket, not to mention the change in drink and drive habits and the effect of the smoking ban.

The truth is much simpler. We all have to work harder and longer because of the rise in taxes on basic items like fuel. Debt levels have risen because of inflationary mortgage lending, increased rents and rates for businesses relative to turnover and the fact that most villages are becoming dormitories because there are few village jobs and nowhere to meet.

In context of this financial gearing the death knell to village pubs and shops, for the non-working half of the

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population, comes from KVI’s and Borough Councils favouring out of town shopping whilst granting change of use for rural shops to residential use without granting balancing permissions for replacement shops and small businesses.

What is a KVI you ask? A Known Value Item is a pint of milk, a loaf of sliced bread, a pint of beer or a gallon of fuel. Each are examples of products the ordinary person knows the price.

It is KVI’s which the big supermarkets take advantage of by running ‘loss leaders’, which independent shops and pubs cannot compete with. Even the UK’s biggest baker objects to supermarkets selling the product they make with the supermarkets brand on at less than the cost of their own label. In short, anticompetitive activity is helping to wipe out the nation’s independent shops (the UK lost 20% last year) and pubs in short order.

}

Where once my village had 8 or 9 independent shops, now there are none.~

The final nail in the coffin of the rural pub, shop and Post Office, are antiquated planning regulations which make no distinction between a shopping centre and village life. Most village shops face directly onto the pavement and do not have off-road parking, as insisted upon by planners as a requirement for any new shop. Little wonder our village scene no longer resembles postcards of the 1950’s or 1850’s.

The consequence is that once a village shop or pub is lost, it is practically impossible for a community to replace it, or for a local business to start-up, as in the past. What is needed is a requirement to provide planning permission for equal business space within the same street if Councils permit the loss of a shop or independent business. This should be backed up by rates holidays and rent assistance for new businesses and local jobs with grants/support to promote Community Shops, food production and services.

With fuel prices and the tax take rising at 20% per year, now is the time for sustainability grants and regulation of supermarket fuel prices and KVI’s to prevent the loss of rural garages and shops. The trouble is that Government

is part of the problem and uses environmental arguments as a justification for tax increases, whilst doing nothing about reducing the need to travel from rural areas by protecting rural shops and businesses.

With an ageing population that is living longer, the loss of rural shops, pubs and Post Offices is a time bomb waiting to explode. We may be able to live longer, but can we keep a car until the day we die, assuming we can afford to run a car?

Cheap and accessible places to meet like the village shop or Post Office is the glue that holds the community together in most villages. If Granny Smith does not collect her pension or pint of milk, then the postmaster knows to put the word out for a visit on ‘village broadband.’

For all the benefits that digital communications bring most villages, Facebook is still no substitute for a cup of tea and a chat, or a beer and a game of skittles. n Pictures courtesty of www.martonvillage.com

Have an opinion? Have your say on Facebook www.facebook.com/WeAreEdgeMagazine March 2012 59

www.edgemagazine.org Sweet tooth

SWEET TOOTH?

Childhood sweets from around the counties

G

one are the dayS where 20p could buy you a little paper bag brimming over with goodies, but with the return of traditional sweet shops, is the magic still there?

These days it seems many town centres are dotted with empty shop windows and ‘to let’ signs as another winter of discontent bites, but one type of shop that seems to be reinventing itself and re-appearing all over the counties is the traditional sweet shop.

But where did the notion of sweets come from? The answer is probably a lot further back than you realise.

It was around the 17th century that boiled sweets hit the streets of Britain, but it was only in the 19th century with industrialisation and with the boom in the sugar beet industry that boiled sweets became available to all. But looking further back through time, it seems that there were people all over the world that had a definite sweet tooth. It was the Aztecs who first discovered the love of chocolate although not quite as we know it now.

They drank the liquid from fermented cocoa beans, the first ever hot chocolate if you like. Through to the ancient Egyptians, who would sandwich together layers

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of fruit, nuts and honey to medieval Europeans who sucked on aniseed balls as a cure for indigestion. So, after having been around for so long, what caused the sudden decline and now reappearance of the traditional sweet shop.

So why are we having a sweetie revival? Is it the children of yesteryear regressing back to easier times and bringing back those childhood memories or is it the kids of today, following what has been done for generations and spending their pocket money on sweet treats. I must admit that nothing could beat the excitement of deciding from those big glass jars behind the counter exactly how and of what you wanted to fill your perfectly sized little paper bag with and then the race home to paw over and eventually consume the sugary goodies.

Izzy Wizzy Sweetiz , which started out as an online business making fun and delicious handmade ‘bouquets’ of sweets and chocolate, opened up their first high street shop in Droitwich last December. We asked Simon, who runs the shop with his wife Jo why he felt that a high street presence was so important for his

kind of business. His answer was simple, photographs could not do justice to the gifts they make and nothing can beat that feeling you get when you walk into a traditional sweet shop, even if you are the one working there! About 75% of their customers are adults, often bringing their children along too and encouraging them to try some of the old fashioned sweets instead of the selection of more modern sweets that are also stocked.

When asked what the best sellers were, old clearly triumphed over new, with the top being rhubarb and custards (one of my favourites), closely followed by the

}

It was around the 17th century that boiled sweets hit the streets of Britain~

strawberry bon bon (not so keen on these, I could have licked the strawberry powder all day long as a child but I was never certain if I liked the flavour beneath!).

Edge banner March:Mr Chills 20:20 Simon also hadadvert an interesting idea, which 8/2/12 I had failed

to consider, as to why the traditional sweet shop was experiencing such a renaissance, and I think he may well have hit the nail on the head. Where else can you go, on the high street, or even in a supermarket where even if you only spend a pound, you enjoy spending that pound. You can go with the change that you have in your pocket and walk out with the feel good factor. The average spend for the sweets is about £3, I don’t think even Primark can match that and I have to admit, while chatting to Simon and Jo I had been scanning the jars and deciding what I would be taking home. I settled on pear drops for myself, liquorice for the other half and a couple of Dib Dabs for good measure.

So next time you’re out and you see a traditional sweet shop, pop in. You are bound to find some little treat that you had forgotten ever existed and it’ll only cost you pennies to bring back a whole world of memories and have some goodies to take home with you.

›

Page 1

All your favourites from a bygone era Weighed from jars by the quarter, served in candy-striped bags

www.mrchills-sweets.co.uk

Step back in time... visit our delightful, traditional shops at Bridge Street and the Country Park in Evesham, and Hurst Street in Birmingham

March 2012 61

www.edgemagazine.org Sweet tooth

› IZZY WIZZY SWEETIZ www.izzywizzysweetiz.co.uk This lovely little shop not only has almost 200 jars full of all your old favourite sweets, but also has a large range of Izzy Wizzy Sweetiz chocolate bouquets and gifts for you to view There are lots of other people selling chocolate and sweet gifts, but we wanted to put a real fun look to what we did and over the months have created some really fun but above all quality products, suitable for just about any occasion, birthdays, weddings, leaving presents, Valentines day, Mother’s day, Easter, Christmas, get well soon or just to say I love you, the list goes on.

So whatever the occasion Izzy Wizzy Sweetiz has just the right gift, after all everyone loves chocolate!!

16 High St Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 8EW.

MR CHILL’S TRADITIONAL SWEET EMPORIUMS www.mrchills-sweets.co.uk Birmingham-Recreated from designs and pictures of the self same

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shop from the 1930’s, the shop is decked out an the Edwardian Style with an antique NCR till (with old LSDmoney), Bakelite Radio and other period features. National Trust Back to Backs, 55 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TE Evesham-Sweets, Fudges, Tuck Shop Sweets, Hot Pop Corn and so much more. Again evoking the style of a 1930’s sweet shop, transport yourself back to a period in time where the customer was served in the traditional ways and you could by your sweets still by the ¼ or 1/2Lb. We even sell our own Evesham Rock and specially commissioned for the shop our incredibly popular Evesham ‘Plum and Custard’ Sweets. We also serve a full range of sweet gift ideas for all the family and for all occasions. 57 Bridge Street, Evesham. WR14 4SJ Evesham Country Park-This cute little shop is based in the heart of the retail area at the Country Park run by Mrs Chill so we have kept it in the family. This dainty shop has a 1950’s inspired theme and again along with an excellent range of traditional sweets and children’s favourites we produce home-made

fudge on site and have an excellent range of ice creams for those long hot summer English Days when you want to mess around in the countryside. Evesham Country Park, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4TP

HAMILTON’S OF BROADWAY OLD FASHIONED SWEET SHOP Broadway- Hamilton’s of Broadway was established in the Cotswold village of Broadway in 1986 by Andrew and Sheila Campbell. The desire was to put the fun back into buying sweets by creating an old fashioned sweet shop selling traditional sweets and luxury handmade chocolates.

11, Cotswold Court, The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7AA Stratford-upon-Avon- After four years of successful trading in Broadway a second shop was opened in a new Victorian styled shopping mall, close to Shakespeares birthplace, in Stratford-upon-Avon.

5, Bard's Walk, Off Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warkwickshire, CV37 6EY n

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

Book now on

www.edgemagazine.org Is wheatgrass as good as they say

IS WHEATGRASS AS GOOD AS THEY SAY? W

young “grass� stage of the wheat plant, harvested when it is between seven and ten inches tall. It is consumed freshly juiced, frozen, in tablet form, or mixed into other foods in a powdered format. It is said that wheatgrass provides chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and various healthful enzymes. There are plenty of claims surrounding wheatgrass, from curing illnesses, to providing extra nutritional benefits. heatgraSS iS SiMply the

Depending on how you prefer to take your wheatgrass, the dosage varies. If electing for a powder or tablet form, most nutritionists recommend consuming about 3.5 grams per day. If going with a juice, one 30 millilitre shot per day should suffice, however some recommend two to four ounces be taken anywhere from one to three times per day. It is important to note that if individuals who consume a poor diet take wheatgrass, nausea may occur.

There are plenty of opinions on whether or not wheatgrass is really as good as all of the claims. While there are many assertions, from general health and well being, to preventing cancer and promoting whole body detoxification, there has been no scientific evidence to back up any of the hype.

Some claims state that consuming a small amount of wheatgrass daily is equivalent to consuming a large amount of common vegetables. Research has proven that the nutritional content of wheatgrass juice is equivalent to that of any other fresh vegetable. Wheatgrass is also touted as being superior to other vegetables in the content of vitamin B12. Studies have found that wheatgrass does not actually contain any vitamin B12, however, the vitamin is a byproduct of the microorganisms living in the wheatgrass. As for the claim of promoting detoxification, there is no evidence of this.

Finally, wheatgrass contains a good deal of chlorophyll, which is said to promote blood flow throughout the body and aid digestion. None of these claims have been substantiated through testing. That being said, there is a small amount of new research that has been published that suggests diets rich in chlorophyll (found in green leafy vegetables) may in fact lower the risk of colon cancer. n

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SLOW BRAISED JACOBS LADDER That’s flat rib of beef to you and me!

Serves 6

METHOD

Ingredients:

Preheat the oven to 150oc, 300F or gas mark 2.

6 Jacobs Ladders, 450-500g

Add a little oil to a hot pan and seal and brown the Jacobs Ladder, then place into a deep roasting tray.

500g Smokey bacon, cut into strips 500g Spanish onions, diced 50g Garlic puree ½ Bunch of fresh thyme 1 Litre of good dark ale 1 Bottle of red wine 500g Frozen baby onions 2 Litres demi-glace/ gravy Mash and seasonal veg to accompany.

Soften the onions in a pan with a decent sized knob of butter, but be careful not to crisp them up or they will turn bitter.

Add the bacon and the thyme to the onions and fry until the bacon has a little colour to it.

Add the ale, red wine and demi-glace/ gravy to the bacon and onions and give it a good stir to incorporate all the flavours from the pan, pour over the Jacobs Ladder.

Place in the oven and cook until the beef is tender, but not falling apart. Approximately 4 ½ to 5 hours.

Serve with creamed mash, seasonal vegetables and garnish with a sprig of thyme.

March 2012 67

www.edgemagazine.org Looking forward to spring

LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING W Rob Price

first Cuckoo you know Spring is close, and it’s time to move away from those winter warming reds to perhaps a lighter red, or rosé, or maybe some refreshing white wine…

hen you hear your

My first thoughts are with France and those wines from the Loire Valley, where much progress has been made in the last few years producing exciting, delicious white, rosé and light bodied reds. The Loire is Europe’s longest river, along which all of the Loire vineyards lie, of which there are four major areas – Nantais, Anjou Saumur, Touraine, and the Central vineyards. Closest to the sea is Nantais, producing dry steely white whites from Muscadet. Muscadet Sur Lie is the best, with more flavour, and one to try is Fief Guerin, just £6.99 from Waitrose.

This has superb richness on the palate with wonderful fresh citrus zing.

If we move further inland, we come to the heart land of the Loire in Anjou Saumur and Touraine. Two vineyards to pick out here. First Vouvray, the home of Chenin Blanc and one of the top producers is Domaine Huet. Any of his wines are excellent, and Waitrose (again) have his Le Haut-Lieu Sec for £18.99. Slightly off dry and with a powerful palate of fresh citrus and green apples. Very delicious, very complex and very moreish... The next vineyard to pick

}

The Loire also produces some excellent sparkling wines~

out is Chinon, where is mainly red from the Cabernet Franc grape. One of my favourites is the Chinon Roche de Feu, a fresh Cabernet Franc full of vibrant red fruits and majestically refreshing. The Wine Society sells for £8.50.

Moving west we arrive in the Central vineyards - Pouilly Fume and Sancerre - the traditional home of Sauvignon Blanc. At its best the most wonderful dry, refreshing, mouth watering Sauvignon around. And the absolute best examples are from Didier Dagueneau, whose Pouilly Fume is too die for. None are cheap, and unlike most other Sauvignon Blanc, his wines age particularly well. Available from mainly independent wine merchants, Tanners have his Blanc Fumé de Pouilly Didier Dagueneau 2008. Expensive at £34.90 this is the very top of the tree when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. Rich complex, and aged in oak, again quite unusual.

The Loire also produces some excellent sparkling wines, made the same way as Champagne, normally using Chenin Blanc rather than Chardonnay. Usually good value for money, look for the words Crémant de Loire – Crémant meaning sparkling in French.

LET’S MOVE ON TO ROSE WINE, WHICH IS IN EFFECT A LIGHTER STYLE OF RED WINE. Again France is a good place to start; this time in the South West of France, with good rosé from regions such as Bergerac and Fronton. Even top Bordeaux classed growths are getting in on the act, with Pichon Baron producing Rosé des Tourelles. Over in Burgundy, Lois Jadot is making a delightful Beaujolais Rosé from the Gamay grape, and moving further south, we end up in the Rhone Valley, in particular Tavel, which makes very consistent rosé wine. And coming all the way back to where we started in the Loire Valley, Anjou, makes rosé wines based on the Cabernet Franc grape including the Rosé d'Anjou and the Cabernet d'Anjou. The latter generally being of finer quality.

All Rosé wine should be slightly chilled, about 12ºC, and as it normally does not improve in the bottle, it’s best drunk young. Always choose the latest vintage available. Rosé wine is a good place to start if you’re normally not very keen on red wine. Most people find the tannin in red wine not to their liking and Rosé wine has some, but it’s never very dominating, and can introduce your palate very gradually to the wonderful array of flavours red wine has to offer.

One of my favourites is Domaine Condamine, l’Evêque Cinsault-Mourvédre Rosé, 2009 , a southern French blend costing just £5.95 from The Wine Society. This is a dry and full-flavoured Mediterranean rosé from Languedoc. Made from two parts Cinsault for finesse and delicacy and one of Mourvèdre for body and flavour.

Indeed the wine society has a wide range of delightful Rosé wines.

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Rosé is also a good food match. It is one of the few wines that can cope with strongly flavoured summer foods — from garlicky charcuterie to cold curried chicken. Good pink wines lack the crisp acidity of whites and the fruit and complexity of reds, but they have a terrific thirst-quenching quality of their own.

We also shouldn’t forget about English wines. There is a selection of sparkling and white wines worth considering.

Apparently we are trying to come up with a name for English parkling wine. Two being considered are Bretagne, and Merret. The latter after Christopher Merret the chap who in 1695 was widely accredited with putting the first bubbles in Champagne. I suggest you try South Ridge Cuvee Merret 2008. £16.99 from Laithwaites. “Lovely light gold, with a very fine mousse - always a sign of quality fizz - and an elegant, creamy character. Brimful of delicious melon and honey flavours the finish is soft and full. Delicious on its own and with canapés”.

For English wines in general try Waitrose (I know, but they do have around 36 different English wines) and specifically try Brightwell Bacchus which is similar to Sauvignon Blanc. Light citrus, with a soft texture. £9.49.

SO WHATEVER SPRING MAY BRING, UNCORK, OR UNSCREW A LIGHTER STYLE OF WINE… n Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company that offers fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses. For more information please contact Rob Price 0121 270 7359 or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com.

March 2012 69

ADDING A DASH OF COLOUR TO YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER S colourful bulbs and primula but there are many top shrubs that provide great colour in spring.

pring iS knoWn for

Berberis Gladwy - ‘William Penn’ grows six foot high and wide and is evergreen. There are bright yellow flowers with a later flowering form in a strong orange. Thorns can be a problem but it makes an impenetrable thicket. Berberis thunbergii is a smaller deciduous variety.

Rhododendron – Evergreen shrubs of many forms and sizes from 12 inches to 12 foot. Some bloom from March and some in May. Many sizes and colours exist and one range is named after Snow White’s seven dwarfs.

Chaenomeles Japonica – Japanese Flowering Quince up to 5 feet high and wide with plain deciduous leaves. The flowers are large pink, red or white and the shrub produces quince fruit that can be made into jelly.

Viburnum Gwenllian - is evergreen and covered in buds or flowers for many winter and spring months. The buds are a pale pink and the flowers cluster in white and cream.

Ribes Sanguineum - is a red flowering currant which grows to about 6’ by 4’. This easy deciduous shrub flowers in panicles of red or pink in March and April.

Mahonia Aquifolium - Compacta’Oregon Grape Evergreen shrubs with spiky leaves grows to several feet tall. Produces beautiful yellow flowers in February and March with good scent. It also produces black edible berries.

Hammemelis intermedia – the witch hazel flowers before the leaves in yellows or oranges clustered down the twigs.

Forsythia - The yellow flowering twiggy shrub that can grow to 10 feet. It flowers before the leaves form and is a strong, bright yellow.

Large blossom varieties are now being cultivated but either way you get a mass of bloom.

Azalea Occidentale - are available in many varieties and colours. The Knapp hill hybrids are deciduous and the flowers arrive with the leaves.

They are strong colours of yellow, orange and pink. Azalea’s is a fragrant pink but flowers a bit later in May. The Japanese hybrids are wonderful when grown together. n

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www.edgemagazine.org Spring gardening tips

SPRING GARDENING TIPS March is an important month to prepare your soil and lawn ready for the long, hot (if we're lucky!) summer months. It’s also the perfect opportunity to tidy up the lawn, prune shrubs and bushes and even sow vegetables and early potatoes for the kitchen garden. Here we've given a few quick hints and tips to get you started.

SOW YOUR KITCHEN GARDEN Seed sowing outside can now begin, although in Northern parts it’s better to wait until late March or early April. Lettuce, radish, salad onions, peas, beans, cabbage turnips and beetroot can be sown now and if planted at intervals, will provide a succession of crops throughout the summer. Early potatoes can also go down in late March. If you’re short on space in the garden, why not try the Humax Organic Fruit & Vegetable range. With 10 different varieties, they're convenient to use and produce a great crop anywhere on the patio, garden or even in a conservatory.

PLANT CONTAINERS Small trees, climbers, shrubs and roses look fantastic on the patio in containers. Plant them in a soil based compost such as John Innes No.3 (this will retain moisture and nutrients much better than general purpose equivalents, and reduce the need for watering). If planting roses, prune to encourage growth.

Handy hint: Move pots containing roses into the shade to prevent scorching if the sunshine arrives!

GET THE LAWN TIDY The grass is starting to grow once again so it’s time to get the mower out and start cutting regularly (this will keep it green and healthy). Re-seed bare patches by roughening the surface and mixing and sowing grass seed with a good quality potting compost in equal proportions.

SOIL IMPROVEMENT Soil will lose moisture quickly as the weather dries out if left exposed.

Weed and then mulch with a thick layer of organic matter to retain the moisture. This will also reduce the need to water. Pay particular attention to new shrubs and trees. The mulch will preserve their water supply but also keep the weeds at bay. Well-rotted farmyard manure, garden compost, cocoa shells, chipped bark or even spent mushroom compost will all do the trick. n

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Take control of your pension Many old-fashioned pension savings plans confine your cash to a few dull managed funds. Let us tell you about today’s plans that give you control over your fund and a wider choice of investments that could see you earning much higher returns for your retirement fund.

Churchill Investments offers independent advice on savings, protection and investment.

Modern methods, traditional values.

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info@churchillinvestments.co.uk www.churchill.uk.net Churchill Investments plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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25/08/2011 10:16

www.edgemagazine.org Options for income

OPTIONS FOR INCOME L

have brought good news for mortgage holders, but they have been a disaster for those who need an income from their investments. The dilemma of how to build a longterm reliable income stream while not taking too much risk with capital has never been more pressing. There is no easy answer and to generate a higher income stream, investors need to take some risk. However, it should be remembered that there is also the potential for stronger capital appreciation in many of these investments and some may offer a better defence against inflation. oW intereSt rateS May

Investors still have three main choices when investing for income: dividends from shares, interest from bonds and rent from property.

1 SHARE DIVIDENDS A dividend is, put simply, the portion of a company’s profits paid out to shareholders. It is therefore vulnerable to the ebb and flow of corporate profitability, but many companies prioritise a high and growing dividend payout and have paid a consistent dividend for many years. The share prices of the solid UK bluechips may fluctuate, but the income stream is often reasonably consistent with companies such as Vodafone or GlaxoSmithKline currently paying around 5-6% annually to shareholders.

In theory, company dividends should keep pace with inflation because companies can raise their prices to reflect market conditions. The disadvantage is the income is not fixed and can vary. If a company goes through a difficult period – as was seen last year with BP - it may cut its dividend or not pay it altogether.

Previously, the UK – with its core of solid, bluechip companies – was thought to be all an investor needed. Many fund management groups deployed their best managers onto their equity income funds such as Neil Woodford at Invesco or Adrian Frost at Artemis. However, increasingly groups have looked at the opportunities available in global markets and many have launched global equity income funds. A number of these have been strong performers and should help investors diversify their income stream.

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2 CORPORATE BONDS Corporate bonds have traditionally been the first port of call for income seekers. The payout is fixed from a corporate bond, so investors generally know the level of income they will receive. At times of high inflation this fixed coupon investor will be a disadvantage as the purchasing power of fixed income will fall and with it the price of the bond. Inflation-linked bonds will help mitigate this effect, though many now look very expensive. The coupon on corporate bonds will vary with the perceived credit risk of the corporate bond. For example, so called ‘high yield’ bonds will pay a higher income because there is an increased risk that the company will go bust.

3 PROPERTY Commercial property has a bruising boom and bust and there are still pressures in certain parts of the property market, notably on the high street in areas of the country where the consumer is under particular strain. But property still has some notable advantages: Income is relatively high and secure and rental values will usually rise with inflation. In particular, prime property is not as vulnerable to the economic cycle as companies tend to be more secure and rents, therefore, more stable.

There may not be just one solution: Just as it is important to diversify an investment portfolio across different asset classes and geographic regions, it is important to diversify sources of income to maintain a steady, reliable income.

REMEMBER THE ISA ALLOWANCE All income paid out from an ISA is tax-free. Therefore wrapping any income-generating investment – regardless of the source – within an ISA makes sense.

Investing the ISA allowance into income-generating investments each year can generate a useful tax-free income stream that can support retirement income, pay for school fees or cover long-term care costs.

CONSIDER INVESTMENT TRUSTS Investment trusts have the ability to reserve income received in strong markets in order to pay it out in weaker markets. A number of trusts have built up strong reserves over the years and offer a consistency of income not available in open-ended funds. n 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.

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www.edgemagazine.org Voice in a million

VOICE IN A MILLION A Choir Show Inspired by One Couple's Struggle to Adopt a Child

T

he voiCe in a Million Choir, now in association with the British Adoption & Fostering Association (BAAF), was founded in 2009 by Jo and Robert Garofalo. An inaugural concert took place at the 02 Arena, London, in January 2010 and followed in 2011 with two further arena events including a 7,500-strong children's choir drawn from across the UK at the O2 Arena; and a theatre tour.

THE 02 CONCERT WAS THE FIRST OF MANY PLANNED WORLDWIDE. Jo says “We hope to achieve our goal of one million children making a difference. One million voices singing in harmony, throughout the world, bringing awareness of all the children who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment. Children who need a new mother, a new father, a new home – a new family for life.”

The company’s latest show, will be staged at the Birmingham LG Arena in April and our journalist went along to watch the auditions in January. Created by Jo's husband, the musical production features 5,000 schoolchildren from the Birmingham area.

"When I read it, I was in tears, I knew it would move an audience," said Jo. "But there is also something uplifting about it. The show is inspiring as well."

Jo could never have imagined where her struggles to adopt would lead. Jo and her husband, Robert, are now the proud parents of Samuel, 6 who was adopted in Morocco and 17-monthold Alicia. But it was their 5 year struggle and experiences of the endless delays in the British adoption system – something recently highlighted by Prime Minister David Cameron – that ultimately had another happy consequence and Voice In A Million was born.

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‘Smile’ recorded by the talented and spirited children of Voice In A Million was released to coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.~

Jo & Robert wanted to increase awareness of the millions of children orphaned, abandoned or separated from their birth parents worldwide that needed a family.

"It just grew and grew because we are so passionate about it," said Jo, who is based in Surrey.

"The more you get involved, the more you realise how many people are faced with these delays. It is becoming a bit of a crusade. And we hope that through the Voice in a Million Choir others will be encouraged to take that same journey.”

The Children of Voice in a Million have recorded this album, not only to celebrate those ’few’, but also our present day heroes. Those brave young men and women fighting a very different war in Afghanistan. Get Involved. n www.voiceinamillion.com Schools and Local Choirs are able to get involved via the website www.voiceinamillion.com or by calling the head office on 01784 438700.

For further information please contact ben.williams@voiceinamillion.com or call 01784 438700

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March 2012 77

www.edgemagazine.org In your county

IN YOUR COUNTY TWO GREAT CHEFS HERALD FRESH START FOR CANAL-SIDE PUB Award-winning Bromsgrove chef and businessman Lorenzo Richards, owner of The Wildmoor Oak pub and restaurant, has gone into partnership with chef Dylan Johnston, to reopen the Queens Head Inn at Stoke Prior, which has been closed since Autumn 2011.

The venue has much to offer with real ales bar, cosy snug, canal-side restaurant and a large function room catering for celebratory events for up to 100 people.

The attractive garden is perfect for al fresco dining on warmer days.

“The Queens Head Inn has huge potential – it’s a wonderful place where people can enjoy a drink, a relaxing meal, or hold a special celebratory party,” says Lorenzo.

Chef Dylan Johnston brings to the venue fifteen years of culinary experience. His new menu is based on classic British dishes with a modern twist, fresh fish and game and European influenced cuisine will also be on offer.

01527 877 777 www.queens-head-inn.co.uk.

CAROLINE’S CHARITY TREK REACHES NEW HEIGHTS A Worcestershire business woman has raised almost £5000 for the Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity in Bromsgrove. Caroline Butcher, who runs Droitwich-based Creations by Caroline - a millinery business, embarked on an eight day trek to Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, on October 1.

The challenging venture required Caroline to trek for six hours per day through dense jungle conditions in 36 degree temperatures, with humidity of 98 degrees. Survival techniques were essential to cope with monsoon downpours and the difficult terrain. Bitten constantly by sand flies, mosquitoes and leeches, she also woke to find cockroaches in her sleeping bag one morning!

“I loved it,” says Caroline, who admits to relishing a challenge. “It was gruelling at times but was a once in a lifetime journey where I knew my sacrifices were made for a very deserving cause.”

The Blue Cross help with a wide range of animal support, including the rehabilitation of animals, re-homing, hospital treatment, pet bereavement and animal behaviour specialist care.

Caroline’s passion for adventure took her to Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009, raising £3,300 for Scope, which supports cerebral palsy sufferers.

“Setting up my own business in 2009 has allowed me to embark on these trips,” says Caroline. “I can now be flexible with time, juggling workload commitments with time off. I would like to thank all those who sponsored me because they have given me the chance to see parts of the world many people never get to experience ... but it’s not exactly a holiday!”

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RAJDOOT......AMBASSADORS OF EXCELLENCE The Fine Dining Restaurant The Rajdoot in Cutnall Green, celebrated the arrival of the authentic Indian vehicle The Ambassador, that has been imported from India, the defintion of Rajdoot is Ambassador, hence the connection and the Rajdoot are Ambassadors for everything they do !

Guests enjoyed an amazing meal created by the 5 star team of chefs, and entertainment from the Bollywood dance troupe Desi Nach. The evening was a true success as stated by the Proprieter Nina Tiara.

A SPECTACLE TO BE SEEN A Worcestershire optician recently became consultant to the stars, when he was asked to supply and fit eyewear for the cast of BBC1s Hustle.

Shafik Haji had created glasses especially for Robert Vaughn for the previous series. The producers were so impressed they asked him to supply all the glasses and sunglasses for Series 8.

The main cast members wear a variety of designer frames in the hit BBC show, including designs by Tom Ford, Tom Davies Bespoke, EM Eyewear, Lindberg Rimless Eyewear and ic!Berlin – all of which are available at Eye Opticians in Barnt Green and Edgbaston, Birmingham.

“We had a lot of fun putting together different looks,” says Shafik. “The characters are professional con artists and are often seen in disguise so different pairs of glasses were essential.”

Shafik specialises in professional dispensing, guiding clients to achieve the right look based on career and lifestyle facial characteristics. While many opticians let a customer browse the shop to find glasses they like, Shafik takes a more proactive role, helping them to choose frames which best suit their professional status.

If you missed any of series 8 of Hustle, you can view episodes again on BBC iPlayer.

For more information on specialist dispensing call Eye Opticians on 0121 445 4545.

“EMMA SKIPP AND FRIENDS” VARIETY NIGHTS AT MR CREATON’S COFFEE SHOP, REDDITCH Local Singer Emma Skipp is raising money for local and national charities when she launches her brand new variety night on Saturday 3rd March..

I will be creating the atmosphere of an ‘old school’ jazz club with candle lit tables, where they will be entertained by various musical delights. Audiences are guaranteed to experience an array of phenomenal talent, including, comedy, poetry, Art and Photography.

Guests will receive a free glass of ‘bubbly’ on arrival. The Mayor of Redditch, Anita Clayton will be opening the first event .

Tickets are £7, available from the centre itself on Battens Drive, South Moons Moat, Redditch, B98 0LL n 01527 464008 www.mrcreatons.co.uk.

March 2012 79

www.edgemagazine.org Next month

NEXT MONTH BILL MACK

Sculptor Bill Mack works in such a rare art form that coming up with a name to describe it has been only slightly less arduous than creating the art itself. He has no mentors. There is nowhere to go to learn his art. No one teaches his technique.

CADBURY WORLD TOUR We take a tour of the Cadbury factory in Bournville to show you how chocolate is made.

TRAVEL ABROAD Israel & The Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Fought over by countless civilisations throughout the centuries, Edge Magazine explores this special place.

LOOKING AT MEN’S HEALTH Baldness is a condition which affects men in many different ways, we find out how West Midlands based company His Hair have come up with a revolutionary new technique to address the problem

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WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL An extraordinary celebration of Shakespeare by theatre companies from across the UK and around the world. – We’re taking a sneak peek and telling you what’s on. n

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March 2012

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