Edge Magazine - November Edition

EdgeMagazine NOVEMBER 2012 FREE EDITION

Your essential guide to Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands

MR BIRMINGHAM We talk to Neil Edginton about the Birmingham skyline

OPUS: A REVIEW We check out this fabulous restaurant

DETOX WITH A DIFFERENCE We put the new BioSignature detox programme to the test

URBAN VILLAGE

We discover Moseley

THE ARTRIX

A theatre with a difference

Food & Drink • Culture • Business • Fashion • Lifestyle

www.edgemagazine.org

M A R C O

P I E R R E

S T E A K H O U S E

B A R

W H I T E &

G R I L L

B I R M I N G H A M

The steaks are high...

Drinking and dining doesn’t get much better…..or higher!

Enjoy a devilish two-course meal for £15 or three-courses for £20. Dining is from the Table D’Hote menu and is available Monday - Friday from 12pm to 2.30pm. Or relax in our Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar and sample one of our signature Champagne cocktails.

To reserve a table visit www.mpwsteakhousebirmingham.co.uk or call 0121 643 2010.

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November 2012

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EDITOR’S BIT Welcome to the November edition of Edge Magazine.

No doubt you’re enjoying the spectacle of vivid autumn shades that surround us this month and as always we’ve got a bright and bold mix of features for you too.

We’ve got all you need to know to boost your immune system as well as the best in local spas and forward thinking natural products. We’re also introducing hair chalking; the new exciting way to colour your hair.

If you’re a theatre fan, then this month is really your month. We’ve reviewed the Artrix theatre and we’ve got a celebratory competition ticket giveaway to see the Birmingham Stage Company’s production of James and the Giant Peach this winter.

We’re celebrating Birmingham this November, with features on impressive businesses, the charm of Moseley and an interview with Neil Edginton, Mr Birmingham himself. We’ve also put together a trip guide for visiting the city and we’ve got all the details you need for the Birmingham Christmas Market.

If you like what you see in Edge Magazine, please show your support by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter, as well as checking out our website at: www. edgemagazine.org On behalf of the team at Edge Magazine, have a wonderful November and we hope to see you all again for our next edition in December.

FEATURES Detox with a difference...............................12 We put the new BioSignature detox to the test

Mr Birmingham... ........................................30 Edge Magazine talks to Neil Edgington about the Birmingham skyline

Opus: a review............................................22 We check out this fabulous restaurant

The Artrix.. ..................................................62 More than just a theatre

Urban village .............................................28 A bustling community in the heart of the city

November 2012

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

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

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

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

Visit our showroom and support your local independent retailer.

www.ktbgallery.co.uk

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

November 2012

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CONTENTS Revealed

10

The winner is...

48

Detox with a difference

12

Making a difference

51

The natural revolution

17

Celebration day

52

Spa Culture

20

Pershore abbey

55

Opus: A review

22

Aston manor

56

Natural ingreditent

24

Island delight

60

Recipe of the month

26

The Artrix

62

Urban Village

28

Seann Walsh

64

Mr Birmingham

30

Public enemy No1

66

36 Hours in Birmingham

34

Return on capital

67

Return to glory

36

Are you covered

70

Garden Ferns

41

Happy Birthday

72

An act of kindness

44

Christmas Fun

74

Play it again

46

THE TEAM

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

Alice Perrey - Sales Executive @alice_perrey - alice@edgemagazine.org

Tel:07714 490 943 Eileen O’Kane - Accounts Manager @Eileen_OKane - eileen@edgemagazine.org

Tel:07809 702 992 Lucinda Bunn - Copy Editor

Tel:0287 930 1067

@lucibunn - l.bunn@edgemagazine.org

Karim Zalaf - Distribution Director

INFO@EDGEMAGAZINE.ORG

TEL: 01608 682 749 OR

CONTRIBUTORS

07809 702 992

Sarah Rees

Lee Hall

Melanie Taffs

Kathryn Watts

Tom Ware

Vanessa Staite

Sarah Pracey

Felice Toccini

Hillary Collins

Mike Stafford

Tom Carroll

November 2012

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Health and Beauty Naturally

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

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

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

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

SP ECI

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

AL OF

F

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

ave ÂŁ

12 Bo o mo re k f o r 10 o r a f re e wn d ge t o ne ith th is a d ve r t.

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

www.thepotterypaintshop.co.uk Email: contactus@thepotterypaintshop.co.uk 8 EdgeMagazine

Feel great about yourself this summer For more information, call Priti on 07578 254 496 or visit our facebook page Health & Beauty Naturally @HealthBeautyNat

www.healthandbeautynaturally.eu November 2012

COMING SOON

www.edgemagazine.org

Edge Magazine’s Food & Drink Guide •15,000 copies •Over 300 bars and restaurants •Delivered to over 5,000 homes across 3 counties

For more information, or to enquire about featuring in our forthcoming edition, please call 07809 702 992 or email

foodanddrinkguide@edgemagazine.org November 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org Revealed

REVEALED: Government Art Collection opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 16 November 2012 – 24 February 2013

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fascinating exhibition unveiling some of the most prominent works from the Government Art Collection opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 16 November 2012.

Revealed will be the first time that these works, usually displayed in British Government buildings across the world, have been united under one roof and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has been chosen as the first venue outside London to display this intriguing exhibition. The exhibition will clearly tell the remarkable story of the Government Art Collection and includes important works by such distinguished artists as Edward Lear, L.S. Lowry, John Piper, Walter Sickert, Vanessa Bell, Bridget Riley, Grayson Perry, Callum Innes, Tracey Emin and Hurvin Anderson.

Across the five distinct themes of the exhibition, an individual or group of selectors will focus on a particular theme or aspect of the collection.

• A group of ministers, diplomats and senior civil servants, including former Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Head of M16 Sir John Sawers, have selected works for the theme At Work, casting a light on the intriguing role that art plays in politics and diplomacy.

• Artist Cornelia Parker selected Richard of York Gave Battle In Vain presenting over 70 works arranged as a colour spectrum and hung en masse in the style of a 19th century art salon.

Giving rise to some curious juxtapositions – old masters rubbing shoulders with young British artists – Parker’s stunning array allows visitors to see familiar works in a new light, while creating new meanings for many others.

• Simon Schama’s theme, Travelling Light, casts the international cultural and political commentator in the role

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of explorer, picking up on the excitement and trepidation experienced by an artist when setting out on a journey, yet never quite capturing it all.

• In 12 from No 10 a group of 10 Downing Street staff, including personal assistants, cleaners and facility managers, chose a favourite works of art from the many that have been on display in this historic London building over the years.

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• The GAC’s commissioning role is the focus for Commissions: Now and Then. Over the past 60 years, the GAC has commissioned art for new or refurbished government buildings in the UK and abroad. Central to this theme and to coincide with the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, is a new interactive commission by Mel Brimfield.

This touring exhibition will also be accompanied by The

November 2012

Story of the Government Art Collection in which rare items from the collection’s archives will be on display. Many of the works have fascinating stories attached and have provided a backdrop to some of the key events in British history for more than a century.

Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH 0121 303 1966 www.bmag.org.uk

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DETOX WITH A DIFFERENCE Cleanse your body and mind Vanessa Staite

I

Darren is one of the UK’s leading experts using a unique technique called BioSignature Modulation, a cutting edge fat-loss and health assessment method developed by world renowned strength coach Charles Poliquin.

Darren Putt, founder of Motus Training, and his team create bespoke fat loss, health and lifestyle programmes.

BioSignature is a system, based on thirty years of research, showing that where people store their body fat is an indication of their hormonal profile. In order to lose weight from these problem areas individuals need to correct their hormonal imbalances through specific steps

ntroducing a seven day nutritional cleanse protocol that really does make a difference.

Situated on Grove Business Park on the beautiful Alscot Estate, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, is Motus Training, a specialist personal training, nutrition and lifestyle consultancy centre.

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such as; nutrition, training, lifestyle modifications and a supplementation protocol.

After a thorough consultation with Darren, in which I was provided with my unique biological signature he recommended I undergo a seven day nutritional cleanse protocol under his personal supervision. This is something he has done himself three times and has used with many clients. The cleanse is based upon a protocol designed

by Doctor Robert Rakowski, clinic director of the Natural Medicine Centre in Houston, Texas. Dr Rakowski is one of the world’s leading experts on nutrition and functional medicine and uses such techniques to help people ranging from elite professional athletes to children and to treating critically ill patients with a variety of cancers, inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases. Dr Rakowski’s protocols were modified by Charles Poliquin to work alongside his BioSignature Modulation assessment tool.

The cleanse procedure is not a ‘fast’ or standard lowcalorie ‘detox’. Many people actually consume more calories, fat and carbohydrates than they do following their normal diet. It detoxifies and nourishes the body

November 2012

by flooding it with nutrients in order to promote healthy functioning. It allows your organs to be rested and replenished meaning they perform more efficiently when you resume your normal dietary routine. It improves performance both physically and mentally. People undergo the cleanse regime for a number of reasons; fresh start, to break through a plateau with training or weight loss and also people who suffer from health problems involving digestion like IBS. Many people see improvement in sleep, energy levels, mental clarity and mood, pain threshold and even sex drive. People emerge from the seven days feeling leaner and stronger and most importantly healthier and happier. On average people experience a weight loss of 5lbs and a body fat loss of 2%.

I’d been training for the Birmingham half marathon which took place on Sunday 21st October but I needed to train harder to achieve my goal, a time under two hours. I had successfully lost 18lbs but had started to reach a plateau and I had also been suffering from urticaria since April. All of the above reasons are why I agreed to undergo the cleanse protocol. Darren has never supervised somebody suffering from urticaria so we were

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Detox with a difference

both intrigued to see what the outcome would be.

We were hoping that the anti-inflammatory powers would help. In order to control my urticaria I was taking a combination of three tablets a day, two of which I had to take twice a day. For the purposes of the cleanse programme I decided I would stop taking all of these tablets.

The cleanse procedure consists of seven days of consuming ‘medical food’ shakes (which taste surprisingly nice), supplements according to your personal hormonal profile and your choice of a different vegetable each day which you can eat unlimited amounts of. It also requires you to drink plenty of water. Now this may seem a little daunting but you quickly adapt to the routine and believe me it’s worth every second.

I was warned that day one and two would be the hardest. I found day one to four hard! I experienced severe food cravings (every advert or television programme involved food), disturbed sleep, dizziness and tiredness. Also, on day one and two my urticaria flared nastily. However, by day five and six the hard part was over and I was beginning to feel the positive effects of the cleanse protocol. My tiredness had disappeared and I was feeling far more motivated and energetic and could notice the difference in my ability to concentrate. On the seventh and final day I was almost over-flowing with energy and motivation.

The change in my mood was phenomenal. I could also see improvements to the condition of my skin, especially skin around my nails which had been quite dry, and hair. I experienced a body fat loss of 3% and a weight loss of 6lbs. However, the most important

If you would like to know more about the nutritional cleanse protocol then contact Darren Putt.

Website: www.motustraining.co.uk Email: darren@motustraining.co.uk Telephone: 07736 324456

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outcome of the cleanse regime was that after months of pumping my body with antihistamines my urticaria had finally vanished. Completely! This was an outcome that was hoped for but not entirely expected but shows the huge systemic health benefits of the cleanse programme.

My first day back on my normal dietary routine felt like Christmas day and my birthday all rolled into one. I chose to begin my day with an ‘unorthodox breakfast’ of lamb’s liver, smoked bacon and onions.

Disgusting you might think? But so much better for your body than cereal or toast! Darren warned me I may experience a ‘euphoric feeling’. I didn’t. However, what I did experience was running my fastest ever mile of six and a half minutes! I was blown away by the change in my performance.

A week on it was clear the cleanse protocol was continuing to have a positive impact. I’d lost another 4lbs and my physical performance continued to improve. I ran a 12 mile training run in one hour thirty eight minutes meaning I was well on target to run the Birmingham half marathon in under two hours.I ended up running the 13.1 miles in a time of one hour, forty eight minutes and twenty eight seconds. I smashed my personal best by twenty minutes!

It is clear that the cleanse protocol produces a healthier individual with enhanced physical and mental performance. I would recommend it to anyone struggling with a similar issue or to anyone who simply wants to look and feel better and improve their quality of life.

On the 21st of October Vanessa completed the Birmingham half marathon in 1 hour 48 minutes

November 2012

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NEW THIS SEASON

Chopard

- Exclusive to Harrisons Opticians Stratford-upon-Avon

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

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

• Luxurious

OTHER COLLECTIONS

• Sophisticated

• Tom Ford • Roberto Cavalli • Mont Blanc

• Prada • Maui Jim • Oakley

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

November 2012

57 Ely Street | Stratford upon Avon

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

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The natural revolution www.edgemagazine.org

THE NATURAL REVOLUTION

www.serenityrose.co.uk

Lucinda Bunn

A

revolution is taking place in the Cotswolds; natural is back!

The Natural Revolution believe in total transparency when it comes to ingredients in their hand-made natural skin care products. Founders, Liz and Roger, have created their very own range of skin care and hair products.

They use natural, ethical and organic raw materials like jojoba, coconut and sweet almond oil as well as the finest essential oils like jasmine and sandalwood.

The Natural Revolution have made your skin a priority; from old favourites like day moisturisers and body lotion to modern favourites like facial oils, a 100% natural make-up remover and a scrumptious body scrub.

The Natural Revolution website allows you to tailor your search to your skin type, so if you’ve got oily skin, you’ll jump right to kiwi & clary sage facial oil or ylang ylang & geranium face cream. If you’ve got dry skin, you’ll find face cream with jasmine and neroli (orange blossom), as well as a luxurious night cream.

Imagine a sensory journey that soothes your body and nurtures your inner energy Imagine feeling uplifted, calm and relaxed Serenity Rose Spa exclusive, personal where guests return again and again for rejuvenating spa experiences spa breaks & wellness retreats day spa packages therapeutic massage & rituals ila spa treatments deluxe champagne manicures & shiatsu pedicures to share hydro-spa massages & razul mud treatments to purchase boxed gift vouchers Beyond organic, beyond pampering

Think of all the nasties that we find in our cosmetics these days, well, the Natural Revolution is staging a rebellion from these ‘miracle’ formulas. Their website includes detailed information on what goes in their products, as well as what doesn’t. They’ve even gone green with their 100% recyclable aluminium bottles and jars.

We’ve come a long way since our ancestors used the natural world to replenish and revitalise their skin but it’s time we remember our roots. So say goodbye to synthetics and hello to the natural you. www.thenaturalrevolution.co.uk

Serenity Rose Spa The Boutique Spa Near The Malvern Hills Hanley Road Upton upon Severn Worcestershire T: 01684 594 686

www.SerenityRoseSpa.co.uk November 2012

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CHALKING Are you bright enough?

Lucinda Bunn

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f you’re looking for the next trend in hair colour, look no further. The next big thing is chalking; it’s wash out colour you can have fun with. We’ve all watched in wonder as the dip-dye trend has taken off but the drama of the catwalk isn’t always easy to replicate in real life.

Well, Katie Mulcahy, Creative Director at the Lisa Shepherd Salon, Birmingham, has developed the idea to rub chalk onto slices of your hair to create vibrant highlights, rich lowlights and even grey-covering touch-ups. It allows you to be bold and daring without the hassle of getting your hair back to its natural colour.

Now we all love the look of coloured hair but it does take its toll on your tresses and the brighter the colour, the more damage it does. Chalking will give you the colour you want without harming your hair, so it’s completely guilt free. And hey, if dip-dye isn’t for you, chalking looks great on fringes and used as highlights all over.

The chalking colours range from bright oranges and lilac to electric blue and teal. At Lisa Shepherd, the team will consult you as to which colours will suit your hair type and colour. And if you want something natural and subtle, don’t worry, Katie suggests warm peaches and pale pink.

If you’ve always dreamed of blue undertones or dip dyed green ends, you can now get the look and wash it out before work the next morning.

To book a chalking appointment or for more advice from Lisa and Katie then call the team on:

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If you’d like to know more about chalking, check out the Lisa Shepherd Salon website at: www.lisashepherd.co.uk

0121 236 6981

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CHRISTMAS ESCAPE FOR TWO Get away from it all for a few hours with your partner or a friend. Or make it a special gift for the couple who have everything. Our ESCAPE package is the perfect mix of pampering and relaxation.     

4-hour visit with Spa use A welcome drink Light lunch in our Bistro 55-minute Facial 25-minute Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage

CHRISTMAS IN EVERY SENSE

ONLY £149 BUY ONLINE OR CALL TO BOOK NOW!

CONTACT US

01527 821900 Chessgrove Park Ditchford Bank Road Hanbury Worcestershire B60 4HS

See the website for all our treatments & packages

www.chessgrove.co.uk

November 2012

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SPA CULTURE A little luxury at Chessgrove Spa Lucinda Bunn

Over the last year, I’ve visited a few of the day spas in the area. Chessgrove Spa is definitely one of my favourites.

What I really like about Chessgrove Spa is the atmosphere.

At once I felt welcome and relaxed. I wasn’t plied with aromatherapy oils and Champagne; Chessgrove Spa is just more laid back. If you’re someone who needs your hand held, then perhaps Chessgrove isn’t for you. I’m not one of those people. I find it more relaxing to do what I want, when I want. No pressure. In some ways, I’d describe Chessgrove Spa as the independent guy or gal’s pampering retreat.

Chessgrove Spa is a stunning escape in one of the more rural postcodes of Worcestershire. The air feels fresher and the time seems slower. The converted oak barn is a modern, light and warm building. It’s open and spacious. In the same way the facilities encompass the outer courtyard, Chessgrove Spa seems to take the countryside in too with large glass panels lining the side of the bistro.

My first experience was the thermal suite. The vitality hydro pool has jet seats, there’s a foot massage setting and a water pump. It’s a spacious pool, so you couldn’t call it a Jacuzzi, but the concept’s the same. The thermal suite also has a sauna and a steam room. The really fun bit is the experience shower. You enter the tiled booth and choose what you want. There’s Caribbean Rain which starts with cold needle jets and then as if by the crackle of thunder, the heavens open and a monsoon breaks of soft, warm showers. You also get a fragrant spritz to reflect the experience you’ve chosen too. So for Caribbean Rain, there’s the refreshing and sweet aroma of island life. Opt for ‘mist’ and you’ll get billows of warm moisture as if

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you’ve been caught by the after-spray of an ocean wave.

There’s iced water to keep you hydrated and crushed ice to use as an exfoliator after the sauna and steam room.

What sets Chessgrove Spa apart is the outdoor whirlpool. If you nip across the courtyard in your robe, it’s well worth it to discover the heated pool, laid down with cobbled stones.

This area is perfect for al fresco fun with your friends. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can try the overhead splash bucket; pull the rope and drench yourself in cold water. It’s totally refreshing and reenergising. If you’re in the mood to sweat out the toxins, there’s also the Swedish sauna cabin. The outdoor area really does make you feel like you’re relaxing in the hot springs of Scandanavia.

Whilst the thermal suite allows some ‘me’ time on your own terms, if you book in for a treatment at Chessgrove, you’ll receive nothing short of 5-star quality in customer service and technical prowess. I went in for a full body massage, from the scalp to the tippy toes. It was fantastic.

The treatments at Chessgrove Spa range from body wraps, lava shell massage and reflexology to OPI gel manicures, an anti-ageing facial and a deluxe pedicure. You’ll also find treatments especially for the guys, pre-natal treatments and they’ve even got a dual treatment room so you can be pampered alongside your partner. At Chessgrove, the team of therapists also offer signature treatments designed by the leading product houses ESPA and Phytomer. The aim is to work with your skin’s natural processes to give you immediate, visible results and long term benefits. You can also purchase the product range on the Chessgrove Spa website.

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At Chessgrove Spa, there are fantastic packages for you and your party; you can go along for the day, or a four-hour treat. If you want to gain full membership to the spa, you’ll have access to the gym and the thermal suite with a great discount on treatments and use of the swimming pool.

Chessgrove Spa also has a modern bistro serving hot and cold food daily. Everything is freshly prepared by the chef; from mezze platters and fruit smoothies, to homemade cakes and afternoon high teas.

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Before Saint Nick gets a wreath around your neck, why not take some time out to prep for the holiday season? With all the hard work and partying you’re going to be putting in, you want to be feeling your best. Alternatively, make a treatment a gift this Christmas and that special person will be glowing into the new year.

Chessgrove Park, Ditchford Bank Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4HS. 01527 821 900

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www.edgemagazine.org Opus: A review

OPUS: A REVIEW

Fine dining in the heart of Birmingham Lee Hall

A

s the weather begins to turn, it’s a challenge for any chef to be able to celebrate the coming autumn and inspire diners as the inevitable cool temperatures descend upon us. Fortunately, Opus’ Chef Director, David Colcombe, has more than a few tricks up his sleeves.

Situated in the heart of the business district in Birmingham and surrounded by the stunning architecture that defines this area, proudly sits independent restaurant Opus. You would think that being situated near to Michelin star restaurant Purnell’s would be intimidating but not for this veteran of the Birmingham food scene which has been here since 2005, indeed a whole two years before its counterpart.

And whilst the exterior has an opulent feel to it with large windows and equally large text spelling ‘O-P-U-S’ for the world to see, it is contrasted by the warm atmosphere within attained through the use of a natural colour scheme of browns and forest green that feels very natural and country like – a theme that transcends the dining room and is inherent within the cooking also.

Tonight, Edge is here for the 5th annual celebration of the relationship between Opus and one of its primary wine suppliers, New Zealand based Isabel Estates. The star for the evening will be the array of wines, particularly those from the Tiller family winery, which has sat in residence at the estate since 2005 and with whom Opus also has a long-standing relationship.

Immediately upon arrival, you are given a glass of Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009, an aperitif to stimulate the palate in preparation for the delights ahead. Whilst some Sauvignon Blanc’s can be overt and overbearing, this one has a subtle, gentle fragrance that is perfect for the beginning of an evening.

Having joined the rest of the waiting crowd at the bar area, we are shown to our tables by the army of waiters and introduced to our host for the evening Adrian Burns, from premium wine agency Fields Morris & Verdin.

Throughout the evening, Adrian educated us as to why he has chosen each wine, along with fascinating stories of New Zealand wine culture and that of the Isabel Estate.

Then on to our first of four courses – King Edward potato velouté, pomme dauphine. A sumptuous soup-ish starter that has a delicate silky flavour that gently warms you. It is matched with a slightly darker Pinot Gris 2009, which is full bodied and aromatic with hints of blossom (or so Adrian informs us) creeping through the taste.

The second course consists of Lyme Bay scallop ravioli, pressed free range pork belly, white wine cream and red sorrel which has an exquisite array of textures and flavours, building once more on the creaminess of the starter without being over-powering.

At this point Adrian takes a moment to take us through more of the history of the Isabel Estate and of the Tiller family winery, which is one of only a handful of independents left in New Zealand. Regaling us with tales of wine giants attempting to muscle the small family winery out of business, along with the care that goes into the process of making each wine – somehow the stories enhance the flavour of the wine.

On to the main and a stunning dish of roasted grey leg partridge, braised leg pithiver, buttered swiss chard with leek and potato gratin that embodies the rustic colours synonymous with autumn and instills in one a ‘homely’ feeling.

It is matched by our first red of the evening the Isabel Estate Pinot Noir 2006, which Adrian professes we are ‘very lucky’ to be able to enjoy as it is an exceedingly difficult wine to get hold of in England.

After each course we are treated to the musings of Opus Chef Director David Colcombe who explains each of his choices. Often the wine is picked to complement the food but, on this occasion, David has had to deftly shape his dishes around the wine choices, all the while celebrating the theme of autumn.

David explains; “Venison would be too strong for this wine and lamb and beef are not yet in season. To compliment the flavours of the wine partridge is the perfect accompaniment.”

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And he is certainly right! The gamey taste of the meat is juxtaposed by the subtle hints of sweetness from the chard creating an enjoyable contrast that works sublimely.

You can learn a lot about a place from its people and the ethos behind its choices. Opus, we are told, try to ensure that 95% of their produce comes from Britain with great, humble food taking precedence over pomp and pretense.

But due to the recent warm weather, the British partridge supply has been decimated, thus the partridge we have enjoyed is from France. However, as part of the ethical beliefs of the establishment, 50p from each partridge currently sold is being donated to helping British partridge farmers rejuvenate their supply – something that speaks volumes about the thinking behind Opus.

French or not, the partridge is delightful and the full, robust flavours of the wine do not overpower that of the food, it merely enhances its richness.

Finally, with little room remaining, we move onto the dessert. David has prepared a mouth-watering finale of poached William’s pear, rice conde with blackberries together with a stunning Isabel Estate Noble Savage 2006 – possibly the star wine of the evening for its uniqueness and beautiful colouring along with rich, strong orange overtones.

The brittle pear is perfectly contrasted the creamy texture of the rice pudding, whilst the black berries infuse a sharpness to the dish that was contrary to the sweetness of the wine, leaving your palette in a tug of war as to which flavour to savour the most (apologies for the appalling rhyme).

The evening ends with a coffee, an introduction to the (surprisingly young) kitchen staff who had worked so hard on the evening and a brief return to the stunning Pinot Noir 2006 we had enjoyed earlier – waste not want not!

All in all, a wonderful evening of wine and food, along with an education in both the workings behind choosing the right meal to complement a wine and vice versa. With more evenings planned in the near future, including a celebration of the Cigliuti Estate, Piedmont Italy, on the 15th November these nights are in danger of becoming a regular feature on my calendar!

The facts: celebration evenings cost £65 per head and include a four-course meal along with matching wines and service. Booking in advance is a must. Call 0121 200 23 23 for bookings.

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

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www.edgemagazine.org Natural Ingredients

NATURAL INGREDIENTS Immunity boosting foods Melanie Taffs

W

ith the winter setting in, it’s time to start boosting your immune system to ward off those nasty bugs and viruses.

Whilst washing your hands regularly will help, other preventative measures work from the inside. But don’t expect results overnight. If you start eating the right things now, you’ll have built up your immunity enough to fight viruses from December onwards.

Here are the ten top immunity boosting foods.

GARLIC Great for warding off colds and flu as it contains sulphur; this compound is very good at keeping a healthy immune system. It’s also a strong antioxidant and protects against free radicals in the body.

BERRIES strawberries, blueberries, elderberries, blackberries and goji berries all have a high vitamin C content; this in turn protects and maintains the skin which is the body’s first line of defence against microbes and viruses. It also increases the production of white blood cells which strengthen the immune system.

EGGS The highest quality protein of any food they contain choline which keeps invaders from getting into the body.

GREENS The most nutritious dense food, raw leafy greens are low in calories and are packed with nutrients that protect blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

You should eat a salad every day.

ONIONS They have anti-inflammatory properties which fight infection and bacteria. Eat half a cup daily.

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YOGHURT This contains probiotics (especially Greek yoghurt). These are friendly bacteria that line the stomach helping you to maintain a healthy gut flora.

It also increases white blood cells.

ECHINACEA TEA It’s made from the petals of the wildflower, purple coneflower.

It has immune boosting properties, stimulates white blood cell activity and drinking it regularly can cut down the chances of catching a cold by half.

FATTY-FISH Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and trout are rich in selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. These fats increase the flow of white blood cells that eat up bacteria. Oily fish has very powerful immune effects and is best eaten twice or three times a week.

GINGER A hot cup of ginger can provide relief from colds and coughs within minutes and also ward off the flu virus. It also helps with digestion problems. Add it to salads and in your recipes daily.

NUTS These also contain healthy fats and contain micronutrients, minerals, zinc, selenium, magnesium and protein which provide powerful cardiovascular benefits. Eat a handful a day.

Want to change bad eating habits for life? Want to lose weight and keep it off? Sick of fad diets that don’t work if so call Absolutely Flab-U-Less on 07792421080/ Email: melanietaffs7@gmail.com for your nearest group.

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Recipe of the month

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Scaloppine di vitello agli asparagi (4 people) Felice Tocchini

Ingredients: 4 veal escalopes White wine Salt and pepper Small bunch of asparagus 100 ml cream 1tbsp olive oil 40g butter

Method: 1. Place the veal escalopes between 2 sheets of cling film and pound with the flat end of a meat mallet, (a rolling pin can be used as an alternative).

2. Clean the asparagus and cut into 3cm pieces (discarding the hard part) 3. Season the veal with salt and pepper 4. Place the oil and butter in a frying pan and heat up, place the meat in the pan and cook for about 1 minute on each side.

5. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside. Place the asparagus in the pan and sautÊ for a couple of minutes. Add the wine and reduce by ž.

6. Add the cream and bring to the boil, return the meat to the pan, adjust the seasoning and serve.

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3/11/11 10:35:47 27 EdgeMagazine

www.edgemagazine.org Urban village

URBAN VILLAGE A bustling community in the heart of the city Tom Carroll

J

ust 2 miles from the big city lights of Birmingham City Centre lies the bohemian enclave of Moseley.

Dating back to the time of the Doomsday book, it is widely known as the inspiration for JRR Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings, the home to many great music artists spanning decades of popular and classical music and rapidly becoming a destination for late night revellers from around the country.

What few people may know is that it is also home to a protected nature reserve at Moseley Bog, an intimate and secure private park in the centre of the bustling village and the UK’s Best Farmer’s Market each month.

It’s this contrast, from the serine and quiet village feel during the day, to the loud, vibrant evenings that makes the tiny suburb such an interesting place for many visitors Long known for its eclectic and diverse music and pub scene, Moseley has enhanced its reputation for its evening economy in recent years, becoming a mecca for revellers from across Birmingham and even attracting vistors from all over the country. With over 30 licensed premises within a square mile, it’s not hard to see why Moseley has developed into a destination for party-goers throughout the region.

From the uber-cool Fighting Cocks and its range of ales and premium beers to the music centric, yet still warm and inviting Bulls Head, Moseley has a range of bars and pubs to suit most tastes. Added to wonderful restaurants such as the Tapas style La Plancha and the contemporary English taste of Carters, there is a thriving hospitality industry at work in the tiny village centre which continues to attract guests from far and wide.

Just a five minute walk away from the hustle and bustle of the bars and pubs is the ‘Balti Triangle’, a world famous (thanks in recent months to visits from luminaries such as Noel Gallagher and the Prime Minister David Cameron)

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strip of authentic Indian, Pakistani, Kashmiri, Bangladeshi and other South Asian restaurants offering the finest cuisine available for spice lovers. Most of the restaurants operate a bring your own drinks policy in accordance with the mixture of religious beliefs that exist in the area.

One of the jewels in the crown of Moseley’s nightlife is the Prince of Wales pub, a tardis like building which sits beside an antiques shop along the high street. The Prince, as it is affectionately known, is as far away from a chain pub as it is possible to be. With a huge range of cask ales, over 40 varieties of whiskey, an enormous beer garden complete with Tiki-bar and beach (and even a cigar humidor), the owners have tried to keep the unique vibrancy of Moseley alive.

Keith Marsden, who owns the Prince of Wales with his wife, understands the challenge that Moseley faces with its burgeoning success and growth in visitor numbers.

“Moseley has the potential to be regarded in the same way as Camden or Brighton in the next 5 to 10 years. At the moment it seems to be the undiscovered son of the undiscovered city. Moseley has a fantastic feel to it and its definitely moving forward. With more investment in the high street, it will begin to rebalance the night and day.

From our own perspective, the pub business has been very hard in recent years and that’s why we know that we have to offer something different. We have a great mix of customers, keeping that village feel in an urban pub. The community aspect of it is very important in maintaining a good feel to the pub as it offers a sense of continuity and independence, something missing from a lot of areas and something that makes Moseley a little bit different.”

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www.edgemagazine.org Mr Birmingham

MR BIRMINGHAM Neil Edginton talks to Edge Magazine about his vision for the City Michael Abu-Zalaf Editor in Chief

M

eet Neil Edginton. He’s the Director of Birmingham Development Company and the force behind some of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings. We caught up with him to discuss The Mailbox, the market and to find out how he foresees the skyline of Birmingham’s future.

How did you get started?

Well, I went to University and did a degree in town planning. But I knew I didn’t want to be a town planner for the city council. I just didn’t feel it was right for me.

I managed, somehow, to get a job as a trainee quantity surveyor. That was on the basis that I had to go back to University, studying in the evenings to get my second degree. By this point, project management was the buzz word in construction. The firm I was working for started a project management division, getting someone in at board level. They approached me about going to University again and going into the project management team so I went back and did a Masters. The guy heading up the division gave me a real insight into the project management side.

How did you get involved in The Mailbox?

I did some consultancy for the guys at The Mailbox. I did the project with them and got appointed to the board in 2003. It was a big learning curve and a great challenge.

We came to the end of the project and the last piece of the jigsaw was getting the BBC in. It was a massive coup, a £40 million fit out. It wasn’t just about bringing this crazy development to life; we also got to work with a lot of big names, like Ralph Lauren from the US. Each tenant had their own strong ideas about the way they wanted their unit, which didn’t necessarily fit in with our ideas. So there’s always got to be collaboration and compromise. It was a really interesting venture.

What has been your most challenging project to date?

We worked on a joint venture with Urban Splash on Fort

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Dunlop. The building had been empty for 22 years. Various people had a go at it, but it needed a lot of work. It wasn’t an easy building to bring back because it’s on the flight path, on the side of the M6. The planes get very low, directly above the site so a lot of people weren’t interested. We got planning consent, got a design and some tenants lined up. It’s fully let now. Urban Splash did the second half of the project, the building. It’s great.

Your career rocketed from a young age, what do you put your success down to?

For me, rightly or wrongly, my view has always been, if I work twice the number of hours a day as anyone else, I’m going to get more done than them. I’m going to read every document from the consultants; I want to know everything inside and out. Not everyone does that, it’s crazy. I want to know everything in detail and try and be the head of the pack. But I suppose everyone needs a big break. I’ve been lucky to work on some big projects, where your acquaintances and portfolio lead to other projects. There’s definitely a bit of being in the right place at the right time.

I work very hard and I hope that shows in the work.

Do you think you’ve set the bar for buildings in Birmingham?

We want every building we create to stand tall on the architectural world stage. I always think, if you were taken blindfolded into a city in a helicopter, they’d be plenty of buildings that wouldn’t identify the city to you. But there should be a few that do. I think we’ve done that with The Mailbox and The Cube.

How’s the property market looking at the moment?

I think if you’re in the middle of the market, where there’s a lot of stock, it’s difficult right now. If you’re popping your head above or below… that’s a different story. The student market is very strong and at the other end we’re

November 2012

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still selling residential properties at a premium. I’m not saying that everything’s rosy, but it’s easier than fighting the middle bit. Sadly, there’s a lot of distressed stock out there. But this brings opportunity. I mean, if you look at the amazing projects that have surfaced in this city, they’ve really happened because the entry price for the developer was low. Brindleyplace is the classic example.

We bought The Mailbox very cheaply too. So, now is an exciting time because you’re going to see people with the ability and resources to buy land and assets cheaper and in 5+ years time, these will be the next great projects for Birmingham.

What projects have you got coming up?

I get loads of stuff across my desk. But I always want something special. I want to be proud to show my loved ones a project that I’ve helped out with. I want to be immersed in it. I bought this building in Harborne. It’s a listed building, built in 1891. The building’s fallen into disrepair in quite a bad way and obviously it makes people nervous because it’s listed and it’s a mess. But actually, if you can see through that, through the scaffolding, there’s a really beautiful building there. I bought it in March this year. I’ve been trying to get some tenant done for it, to make it real, and make people believe it’s going to happen.

What’s the plan then and when will it be finished?

The plan is to create a number of restaurants set around a new public square. We want to do something really contemporary with the new building. We’ll hand that over to the various tenants to do their fit out in July next year. The tenants will be on a 2-3 month fit out so this time next year it will all be up and running. It’s an ambitious time scale but we want to get it up and running. We’ve also got to take the roof off which will mean everything’s going to be exposed to the elements so we’ll have to get a move on.

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

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

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

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

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

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November 2012

National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo

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19 OctOber 2012 – 27 jANuAry 2013 ADMISSION FREE 0121 414 7333 / www.barber.org.uk Visit by train: University station The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS

• Sunday lunch from £9.50 • Christmas Party menus throughout December • Private Dining and function rooms available 8640 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath B94 5NW Tel: 01564 785 252 www.warwickhockleyheath.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org 36 Hours in Birmingham

36 HOURS IN BIRMINGHAM A weekend of family fun in the heart of the UK

H

ere at Edge Magazine, we’ve been looking for the best attractions and activities for a fun weekend out this November. And if you’re looking for some family fun, then Birmingham and the wider area is the place. Whether you’re with toddlers or teens, the city is jam-packed with exciting attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained.

From the coolest trendy bars and restaurants at Brindley Place, to a tour of Birmingham on water with a canal boat cruise, we’ve got the most interactive, educational and fun-filled weekend itinerary and we’ve even scouted out affordable accommodation and transport for you too.

DAY 1 Cadbury World: Discover how chocolate is made at Cadbury World, located in the beautiful village of Bournville. Cadbury World’s 14 amazing zones offer something for the whole family, from learning how your favourite confectionery is made to having a go at writing your name in warm liquid chocolate and jumping on board the magical Cadabra ride.

Brindleyplace: In the heart of Birmingham city centre, Brindleyplace houses a host of bars, cafés and restaurants. Set alongside Birmingham’s famous canals, you are sure to find somewhere to satisfy your hunger, with a wide range of family friendly restaurants to choose from including Café Ikon, Carluccio’s, Cielo and City Café.

Thinktank: Thinktank, Birmingham’s award-winning science museum offers an extraordinary, fun-packed day out for all visitors. Thinktank has over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology from the past, present and future. It also boasts a brand new interactive outdoor Science Garden and a spectacular digital Planetarium.

Accommodation: With 28,600 bed spaces in the city and wider region, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay. For stylish accommodation with affordable rates and a warm and friendly welcome, why not try Jurys Inn Birmingham? Located on Broad Street in the heart of the city, offers Jurys in offers 445 bedroom. The hotel is perfectly situated with many of Birmingham’s fantastic visitor attractions right on its doorstep including the Ikon Gallery and the National Sea Life Centre in Brindleyplace.

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DAY 2:

Canal boat ride: Black Country Living Museum Discover a fascinating world when you visit the open-air urban heritage park Black Country Living Museum; an old-fashioned village which dates back to industrial Britain. Visitors are transported back in time with costumed demonstrators bringing the historic buildings to life. Make sure you sample the museum’s famous fish and chips for lunch!

Away2Canal offer a range of canal boat cruises through the city centre, Gas Street Basin and along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

Grab dinner on board the Away2Dine canal boat, Birmingham’s only cruising public restaurant, and indulge in a candlelit meal with an ever changing view through the window.

Dudley Zoological Gardens Get closer to the world’s rarest animals at Dudley Zoological Gardens. Meet the Lemurs in their one-acre woodland home or visit ‘Monkey Tails’ where dozens of small primates roam free. You can also come face to face with Asiatic lions and the Sumatran tiger, Daseep, and her playmate, Tschuna amongst other weird and wonderful animals.

Travelling to Birmingham Visit Birmingham has teamed up with rail operator London Midland to offer great value 2-4-1 days out for visitors travelling by train. Get money off at fantastic family attractions until the end of December, including the National Trust Back to Backs, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Black Country Living Museum, Cadbury World, National Sea Life Centre Birmingham, Thinktank and The Electric Cinema. And that’s not all, to celebrate an Olympic year of sport and culture there is also a range of discounts across the region as part of VisitEngland’s 20.12% campaign, promoting the UK’s visitor offer throughout 2012.

To find out more on the above offers please see: www.visitbirmingham.com Cadbury World Address: Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU Telephone: 0844 880 7667 Website: http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/ Ticket prices: Adult £14.75, Child (4-15 yrs old) £10.75, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £45.00

Black Country Living Museum Address: Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ Telephone: 0121 557 9643 Website: www.bclm.co.uk Ticket prices: Adult £13.45, Young person (5-16 yrs) £7.15, Family (2+3) £35.95

Thinktank Address: Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG Telephone: 0121 202 2222 Website: http://www.thinktank.ac/ Ticket prices: Adult £12.25, Children (3-15 yrs) £8.40, Family of 4 £39.00

Dudley Zoological Gardens Address: Castle Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4QF Telephone: 0844 474 2272 Website: http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/ Ticket prices: Adults £11.80, Children (13-15 yrs)

Away 2 Canal Website: http://www.theawaygroup.co.uk/ Ticket prices: 1 hour boat trip: Adult £6, Children (under 14) £3, Under 3 free, family ticket £15.00 or 3 hour evening cruise with dinner: £47.95 per person

November 2012

Jury’s Inn Address: 245 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HQ Telephone: 0121 606 9000 Website: www.jurysinns.com Room rates: Jury’s Inn Birmingham is offering rates from £59BB until 16th December.

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www.edgemagazine.org Return to glory

RETURN TO GLORY The Star & Garter Leamington reopens Sarah Pracey

L

eamington’s Star & Garter has reopened. This lovely old town centre pub was officially welcomed back onto the social scene at a packed launch party on Thursday 11th October 2012, with over 250 guests enjoying their first glimpse of the newly renovated local.

Since being taken over by Peach, an award-winning independent pub company which started life a decade ago with The Rose & Crown in Warwick, the pub has undergone a complete restoration inside and out, to bring the building’s classic Victorian features back to life and give it a modern feel that befits a great gastropub.

“We’ve worked hard over the last few weeks to put the

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heart and soul back into this great building and make the pub a really smart place for the people of Leamington to come and enjoy themselves,” says Peach managing partner Jez Kynaston who is at the helm of The Star & Garter with his friendly team. “We were careful to make sure the bar remained front and central when you walk into the pub but have also created a comfortable eatery beyond, linked to a brand new kitchen, making it a more welcoming place to visit for food as well as drink and somewhere you’ll definitely want to linger.”

The generous bar area has plenty of snug corners where you can relax over a pint or have a bite to eat with friends, either in one of the sunny spots in the big bay windows

November 2012

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to the front of the pub or on bar stools round the vintage bass drum that has been up-cycled to make a quirky table.

Bold star wallpaper, rich red feature walls, an eco-friendly wood-burning stove, glowing vintage lights and the original floorboards make this a really lovely place to sit back and chat over a good bottle of wine or something tasty to eat.

Behind the bar is a smart, quirkily decorated eatery with a great view into the open kitchen. Slide into one of the striking curved booths or pull up one of the simple country style Windsor chairs made only a few miles up the road in Meriden by traditional craftsmen. These, along with the beautiful cut-glass pendant lights, the collection of coloured vintage glassware in the windows and softly painted panelled walls (decorated with a roll-call of some of the most famous Knights of the Order of the Garter that gave the pub its name) create an elegant yet relaxed setting for lunch or dinner.

Upstairs there is a new private dining room that’s the perfect place to hold a dinner or drinks party, or a business meeting. It’s an elegantly proportioned room with fulllength sash windows and its own private balcony with views into the secluded Dell gardens opposite. The room’s decorated with stylish star-studded wall paper, luxurious velvet curtains, vintage mirrors and Edwardian light fittings.

Light and airy by day it’s glorious by night too when lit by candles. The room’s available free for any party or function, with good food and drink, free Wi-Fi, an independent music system and great friendly service all on tap.

Unseen, but also very important, are the innovative measures taken as part of the refurbishment to reduce the

November 2012

pub’s carbon footprint. Solar panels occupy the flat roof at the back and are projected to supply more than 10% of the development’s energy needs. Most of the lighting is LED, the kitchen fridges and bar coolers are industry-leading in their low energy consumption, as are the hand-dryers in the loos. Extra insulation has been added wherever possible and the smart navy blue wood-burning stove in the bar is so efficient it’s the only one authorised for use in smokeless zones.

Food and drink Guests can watch head chef Tom Lilley and his team hard at work in the kitchen preparing the top quality fresh food that’s on The Star & Garter menu day and evening. Tom hails from The Betjeman Arms in London before joining Peach.

Simple but delicious dishes, inspired by the seasons and made with quality produce from British farmers are on the menu every day, with seasonal soups, home-made terrines and pâtés, warming stews and braises alongside great steaks, game and sustainable fish, seasonal vegetables and temptingly indulgent puddings to follow.

For autumn, there’s free-range chicken, leek and tarragon terrine with sauce gribiche and mini toasts and hearty roasted field mushrooms with spinach and tallegio stuffing, garlic cream and toasted sourdough for starters, as well as a tasty soup of the day. Or you can pick and choose from a great selection of deli boards which come piled high with cheese, cold cuts, fish or veggies and warm malted mini loaf or pitta bread, or one of a number of daily specials.

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www.edgemagazine.org Return to glory Mains are seriously satisfying, with dishes like pan-fried cod with roasted garlic mash, sautéed spinach and wild mushrooms, with an oxtail croquette or free-range pork rib-eye with celeriac Dauphinoise, Cheddar and sagestuffed apples and mustard jus.

The pub also does great steaks with 28 day dry-aged Aberdeenshire beef from Leamington’s own awardwinning butcher Aubrey Allen, and classics like Caesar salad, stuffed pancakes and wholesome superfood salads.

Desserts are all delicious and all homemade: this season it’s indulgent Valrhona chocolate tart with orange marmalade and Chantilly cream, Greek yoghurt pannacotta served with raspberries and granola or the classic temptation, sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and Jude’s vanilla ice cream. A well-chosen selection of expertly-matured cheeses supplied by long-time Peach supplier, Simeon Hudson-Evans completes the line up.

Well-kept real ales including Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Ruddles County are on tap, alongside continental beers and world lagers numbering Estrella Damm and Peroni amongst them. The pub also has a short but regularly changing wine list featuring some super wines for food; try a really satisfying Gavi de Gavi 2011 from La Giustiniana with roast chicken, or an award-winning Zinfandel from Seghesio in Sonoma Valley, California with game or steak. Even the familiar wines by the glass, such as Pinot Grigio or Marlborough Sauvignon, are sourced from top producers.

All the ingredients of a great gastropub A friendly, well-trained team behind the bar and in the eatery will be serving the good stuff every day, making sure each visit is as good as the last. “We want everyone who comes to find a warm welcome and to be able to relax and enjoy The Star & Garter, whether they come for a pint or a celebration meal with friends and family,” says Jez. “We work very hard to look after our guests and make them feel right at home.

“We’ve also arranged a packed programme of events and themed nights, like Game Night on a Wednesday when we’ll have a specials board full of the country’s best game and a pub full playing backgammon and traditional pub games. Every Monday night is Blues Night with acoustic blues acts and every Thursday we’ll be mixing mojitos and martinis to mark nearly the end of the week.

“We think we’ve got all the ingredients right to make The Star & Garter a great gastropub for the people of Leamington and we hope you’ll come and try us out soon. We can’t wait to see you”, he adds.

The Star & Garter is open daily from 10am (9.30am at the weekends) for breakfast or coffee and free toast. The kitchen serves hot food all day every day.

Make The Star & Garter your place by signing up for the pub’s members club to receive special offers whenever you use your membership card. There’s an exclusive launch offer of 15% off your bill before Friday 7th December. All you need to know is here www.starandgarterleamington.co.uk

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d n e k e e w g n ... o l d e r h a T f bo sur

Throughout autumn, The Oak will be offering a chance to sample their signature fish dishes to celebrate the coming winter months.

Christmas bookings now being taken Why not come and join us

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

www.theoakuptonsnodsbury.co.uk Duelling Pianos is the new high-energy entertainment bar opening in Birmingham on 1st November. The bar is bringing life back to the old Living Room venue on Broad Street just opposite Symphony Hall.

Duelling Pianos is an American concept, similar to the type of bars you will find in places such as Chicago and Las Vegas. Two pianists play against each other to win the affections of the crowd. The shows are 100% audience request with the resident pianists playing and singing songs ranging from the 70s and 80s to current rock and Lady Gaga.

“We really want to bring something to Birmingham that will give people a unique entertainment experience and a place for a great night out.” said Simon Toller, the owner of the new venue.

P.S. Just bring this advert along to the bar in November to get two cocktails for £5*.

November 2012

www.duellingpianobars.co.uk

We are opening on November the 1st!

*Excludes Saturdays. See web site for full terms and conditions.

Call on 0121 695 9206 to book or Email us on info@duellingpianobars.co.uk

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the perfect expression of love The Mastercut Collection is available at Cupitt Jewellers, Bromsgrove; D C Leake, Nuneaton; Francis & Gaye, Coventry; W H Peplow, Worcester; T H Baker, Kidderminster, Merry Hill, Shrewsbury, Stourbridge and Telford; Tustains, Leamington Spa.

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GARDEN FERNS Add form and texture Hilary Collins Envisage...gardens by design at Grafton Nursery www.envisage-gardens.co.uk

“

W

ell, ferns don’t really do anything, do they? “I mean, they don’t flower!”. With a sharp intake of breath, I paused, my pen held aloft midsentence, whilst noting down my client’s plant wish list.

Twenty minutes discussion on form and texture later, they enthusiastically select fifty ferns for their woodland garden.

Back at the nursery, I quietly wandered through the fern house, forced to confront this notion again. What is it about ferns I find so absorbing, that other people miss?

Firstly I am drawn by their lushness, dense carpets of bright apple green through to teal, jungle, olive and onto dark forest green, with every verdant hue in between. Subtle artistic highlights of royal purple, chestnut dances on emerging fronds, burgundy suffused stems or carmineedged leaves.

Their main role, however, is ornamental. Plant them to punctuate a large border, instil leafy serenity on busy floral displays or introduce a touch of ‘Jurassic Park’.

Who needs flowers? Combine Dryopteris atrata with Fargesia nitida and Pachysandra ‘Green Sheen’ for simple but sophisticated architectural style.

Ferns also have a long season of interest; fronds last for six months (all year for evergreen species). How many herbaceous perennials can claim that?

Try using ferns in a different way: Foliage for floristry: Dryopteris erythrosora and D. eryth.

‘Prolifica’, young chestnut coloured fronds mature through biscuit to deep olive green.

Complex lacy fronds (Dryopteris austriaca ‘Crispa Whiteside’), overlapping fans (Polystichum setiferum Congestum’), ruffled, crested (Dryopteris affinis ‘The King’), matt or glossy, fragile or thick and leathery (Polystichum polyblepharum): the variations of shape, texture and style is fascinating. No wonder the Victorians were smitten.

In pots for shady courtyards: elegant fronds of the Japanese Polystichum tsus simense or the diminutive Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Congesta’.

Secondly, in this oasis of calm, I am assailed by wafts of sweet, earthy aromas, evoking memories of childhood summers exploring pine woods. My first encounters with our native glossy-leaved Hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), the dramatic male shield fern (Dryopteris filix mas) and the delightful little Polypody (Polypodium vulgare). Thus began my lasting love affair with this ancient plant.

Asplenium trichomanes for tiny crevices.

Not known for making a significant contribution to global economies, some ferns are gathered as food crops, others clean contaminated soil, remove airborne chemical pollutants or feature in the world of medicine, art and mythology. Closer to home, they provide wildlife habitats in your own garden.

Grow in dry stone walls: where Asplenium scolopendrium is very happy; use

Superb under-story for tall deciduous shrubs: lime green fronds of crested Hart’s tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum Cristatum’) against fluorescent scarlet winter stems of Cornus alba ‘Westonbirt’ Generous drifts of aromatic Polystichum rigens under white stemmed Birch trees Tough, resilient and accommodating, there is nothing brash or gaudy in the fern world. Stately and elegant, they are often cast only in a supporting role. But give a fern the centre stage and they are capable of singing the full aria.

Find room in your garden for these gentle plants.

November 2012

EdgeMagazine 41

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

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42 EdgeMagazine

November 2012

Edge magazine 2012:Garage Doors Worcestershire

24/6/12

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Act now and don’t miss out. To discover how Eco2Solar could help you save energy and make money, call us on:

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or email info@eco2solar.co.uk or visit www.eco2solar.co.uk

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

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

info@gdoor.co.uk November 2012

www.gdoor.co.uk EdgeMagazine 43

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An act of kindness

AN ACT OF KINDNESS Bromsgrove residents give up their own time to help others Sarah Rees

B

ack in 2005 one man, Phil Haynes, had a vision to bring together people, groups, companies, schools, small charities and community help organisations, united for the common purpose of bringing kindness to a small Worcestershire town. He turned his vision into a reality and the Bromsgrove Day of Kindness was born!

Each year Bromsgrove is transformed for one special day, with locals enjoying a community get-together in the High Street, while across the town groups hold fundraising and social events. At the heart of the day is the simple reminder that one small act of kindness can make a very big impact.

Now in its eight year, the 2012 Bromsgrove Day of Kindness took place on October 18th.

Bromsgrove and District Town Twinning Association collected goodwill messages from residents which were sent to Bromsgrove’s twin towns, Gronau in Germany and St Sauveur Lendelin in France.

For those not lucky enough to have been in Bromsgrove for the event, there is a further opportunity to help make the world a kinder place. National Kindness Day takes place on November 13th. Introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, it is observed in many countries, including Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates.

“I think it’s really important to be kind, especially to people whose lives are grim - I try hard to cheer people up in as many ways as I can - if all else fails - I tell ‘em a joke!”

As the day unfolded, Bromsgrove truly became a better place. Members of the Bromsgrove Lions handed out free biscuits to shoppers, The Caribbean Express donated 50% of its takings to the Primrose Hospice and the Willows Hedgehog Rescue offered a free hug to anyone in need of a friendly boost.

Jo Brand

The highlight of the afternoon was live entertainment hosted by organisers Phil Haynes and Trevor T. The High Street really came alive with an interactive zumba session, a mass sing along of the The Beatles’ classic ‘All You Need is Love’, and the fun of an ever growing conga.

Source: kindnessuk.com

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Source: kindnessuk.com

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Mark Twain

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.”

William Wordsworth Source: kindnessuk.com

November 2012

Edge Nov 2012:Creations by Caroline

22/10/12

22:14

Page

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Millinery Creations

the wild collection

by Caroline

Introducing the new winter ‘Wild Collection’ An exciting collection of handmade hats and accessories in quality soft felts, faux fur, fabrics and trimmings. Styles available for ladies and children.

Inspired by exotic animals a donation will be made from the sale of every hat from the Collection to the Namibian Wildlife Conservation Trust, to assist projects relating to threatened and endemic species.

The perfect Christmas gift for friends and family.

To view the collection or order please call:

07734 257 210

Creations by Caroline 3 Nightingale Place, Droitwich Spa Worcestershire WR9 7HG www.creationsbycaroline.co.uk

November 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org Play it again

PLAY IT AGAIN Say it with a song

T

he idea behind ‘That’s my Song’ was born last year, when I spent weeks trawling the internet looking for unique and original gift ideas for a friend’s birthday. I found lots of ‘nice’ ideas, but they all seemed to be a little bit generic (and quite frankly boring) and I discovered nothing that was truly personal – which is what I am hoping to change!

What I have created is a unique gift that can be adapted to fit all occasions. Whether it is the number one song from a specific date for a special birthday or christening, a first dance song to mark weddings or anniversaries or just simply a favourite tune that brings back lots of special memories – each framed disk will be specially created to fit your needs and tastes.

Every framed record is made by hand and can be completely tailored to fit what you want. From the choice of frame, background, engraving and the inclusion of personal photos, the fact that I personally create each and every one of these gifts means that I can work closely with you to create the gift that is perfect for your loved ones. This of course means that no two frames will ever be the same – and you will therefore be purchasing a one-off truly unique gift.

So if you are stuck for an original and personal gift, then look no further. What better way to say it than with a song

Laura White Say it with a Song www.thatsmysong.co.uk Tel: 07786 000 907

Say it with a song....

Personalised framed records for every occasion. w w w. t h a t s my s o n g . c o. u k 46 EdgeMagazine

November 2012

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The White Hart • Striking Views • Fantastic Food

White Hart Lane Ufton, Leamington Spa • Christmas Warwickshire CV33 9PJ bookings now being T: 01926 612 976 taken E: TheWhitehartufton@gmail.com White Hart Ufton

@TheWhite_Hart

If you haven’t experienced the delights of The Mother Huff Cap, then this is the season to do it. The Mother Huff Cap is a traditional smoke house, serving quality food and luxury wines.

It’s a family friendly pub surrounded by the Alcester countryside; great for picturesque views and perfect for a long walk after lunch. The Mother Huff Cap team are taking bookings for Christmas Day so give them a call.

Spernall Lane, Great Alne, Warwickshire, B49 6HY Tel: 01789 488 800 November 2012

EdgeMagazine 47

www.edgemagazine.org The winner is...

THE WINNER IS...

Hillers scoops best farm shop in food and drink awards

Hillers Farm Shop of Dunnington near Alcester are celebrating being crowned Best Farm Shop at the Warwickshire Life & Worcestershire Life Food & Drinks Awards which took place this year at West Midlands Safari Park.

Fourth generation sisters, Sally and Emma said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded ‘Best Farm Shop’ by the readers of both Warwickshire Life and Worcestershire Life. We only found out about the awards last week and were asked to attend the awards evening.

The competition is tough and we truly had no thought of winning. The evening was superb and to come away with such a prestigious award means a lot.

The timing for the award couldn’t be better…

There is an exciting new development taking shape in the barn within the farm shop at Hillers. It will be the new home for Ragley Estate Butchers. This is great news, as there will now be an even bigger selection to choose from and a more spacious area in which to browse & shop, all within 10 paces from where the butchers are currently situated.

It all starts on Sunday 11th November when Ragley Estate Meats will close for three days whilst the refurbishment takes place. The farm shop will be open as usual over those days.

Hillers Fish shop will also be moving inside the new room, which is great news as we now head into winter. This means you can do all of your food shopping under one roof.

History of Hillers A H Hiller & Son Ltd was Arnold Hiller and his son Robert, who started as fruit growers with orchards and fruit fields leased from Ragley. Although picking and sorting methods

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have changed over the years since the 1920s when Arnold started out, the basic premise of the business has remained the same for decades, growing the best quality fruit for distribution to market across the country.

Now, the fourth generation, Sally and Emma, are at the forefront of this thriving retail business. Their ambition is simple: they want their children to grow up as they did outside on the farm, hands on in the shops helping their parents and learning lots.

The last few decades have seen many changes and development and the growing success for the business is due to the vision and business acumen of the family.

Richard and Rachel Beach developed the site and now their daughters have taken on the mantle of managing the business.

The delicatessen was added about 20 years ago bringing huge diversity to the farm shop. In those days they were the only business in the area selling all the independent brands you can see on display today. The individuality and uniqueness has now changed with strong competition and many farm shops in a small area. This has driven the family to develop their own Hillers branded products bringing exclusivity back to the shop. These products are made in one of their busy kitchens where they produce delicious cakes, tray bakes, desserts and many savoury items such as fish cakes, quiches and scotch eggs. The next few months will be spent extending the range so watch this space!

To celebrate their award Hillers are holding a taster day on Saturday 27th October from 10.30am until 2.30pm with many of the Hillers products on offer for you to try.

There will be some of their suppliers including a selection of cheeses from the cheese counter. Ragley Estate Meats & the Hillers Fish Shop will also be there with plenty to try making the day well worth a visit.

November 2012

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BATHROOMS GALORE...

At Hillers this Christmas The Garden Café Christmas Menu 3 courses £22.50 to include a beautiful roast turkey lunch (other delicious options on the menu). Available from 3rd – 23rd December.

To make a reservation call the restaurant on 01789 491950 Hillers Gifts and Interiors Visit the shops to see all our new and exciting gifts, furnishings, clothing & accessories, toys, books & stationery and make the best possible start to your Christmas shopping!

The complete installation service from concept to completion Bathrooms Galore, 49 Stoney Lane, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8RE

www.bathroomsgalore.co.uk Telelephone:

0121 783 9966

Hillers Farm Shop The Farm Shop are celebrating their recent award for Best Farm Shop in Warwickshire & Wocestershire! With the Christmas Stock now in and a wonderful range of local fruit and vegetables along with delicious products from the deli it couldn’t be a better time to visit!

Hillers Hampers A Hillers Hamper makes the perfect present. We have readymade hampers or choose the items yourself and we will make it up for you. Pop in & ask a member of staff for more information.

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

November 2012

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REBATE

DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF IMAGINATIVE BESPOKE TIMBER CONSERVATORIES, ORANGERIES & GARDEN ROOMS

Conservatories

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November 2012

Making a difference www.edgemagazine.org

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Community support rallied to complete survey Kathryn Watts

The local community is again being asked to complete Evidence of Demand questionnaires as stipulated in the Department for Education’s Free School application process, as Holy Trinity International School (HTIS) applies to become a Free School from September 2014.

Speaking to families in the local and wider communities, HTIS Headteacher, Mrs Pamela Leek-Wright, stated: “We need to demonstrate to the Department for Education that Holy Trinity International School provides an invaluable service, and in doing so offers greater parental choice within both the local and wider communities.

“I believe that choosing a school, is one of the hardest decisions any parent will have to make and Holy Trinity, which is now a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB), Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma, offers something unique which widens educational choice and opportunity.”

Mrs Leek-Wright added further: “Parent enquiries and support clearly demonstrate a need, but we require all expressions of interest to be supported with a completed Evidence of Demand questionnaire. So please, if you have not done so already take a few minutes to submit a questionnaire, which can be either obtained from the school office (01562 822929), by email (contact@holytrinity.co.uk) or online (www.holytrinity.co.uk). All completed questionnaires need to be returned to the school no later than Friday 7th December 2012.

Inspiring, leading, caring and passionate about education... ...and that’s just the pupils!

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 7 - 18 years.

Academic, Music & Sports Scholarships and Assisted Places available.

School transport from many parts of the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

November 2012

Tel: 0121 705 4273 Email: enquiries@solsch.org.uk www.solsch.org.uk

EdgeMagazine 51

www.edgemagazine.org Celebration day

CELEBRATION DAY Which guy was it anyway?

Lucinda Bunn

C

onsidering the old ‘remember, remember, the 5th of November’ rhyme is still chanted today, it’s ironic that many aspects of the gunpowder plot have been forgotten. But perhaps the point was always to forget. After all, they say there is no better way of forgetting something than by commemorating it. But which history were we meant to forget. Was it the hazy details of gunpowder, treason and plot or the person who was behind it all? Tradition has certainly done a great job of demonising Guy Fawkes. But was Fawkes the right guy?

There were thirteen plotters in total; each bound by their Catholic beliefs and their disappointment at James I’s failure to promote greater religious

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tolerance in the aftermath of the Reformation.

There are a lot of conspiracy theories that surround the Gunpowder Plot, the most famous being that the whole thing was fabricated by Robert Cecil, the Secretary of State. Robert Cecil was ambitious and bitterly anti-Catholic. The theory goes that Cecil conducted the plot as a propaganda tactic to win favour with the King and discredit the Roman Catholics. So did the Government know more about the plot than first suspected? There is a lot of negative evidence that’s been used against the thirteen plotters; evidence that suggests the present accounts were botched together and true evidence was suppressed, for example, the gunpowder records from 1605 are conveniently missing from the Tower

November 2012

www.edgemagazine.org of London. It would be tedious to catalogue all of the bits that don’t add up but together they make a solid case for doubt over the traditional view.

Our celebrations on the 5th of November have evolved and rarely include the burning of a Guy. We’ve taken the meaning of Bonfire Night away

In light of evolution, we thought we’d improve our Bonfire Nights further. If you haven’t thought about how green your firework plans are, consider this: 14% of the UK’s annual dioxin emissions happen on and around November 5th. Here are a few things you can do to enjoy the night without damaging the environment.

Attend an organised event – Much like using public transport, going to a public firework display means less pollution per person.

Host an event for your street – If your neighbours usually host their own event, why not buddy up and make a community gathering yourself?

November 2012

from the politics and away from the persecution.

Bearing in mind the sketchy evidence of what really happened, that can only be a good thing. The evolution of our November the 5th leaves us with an evening of celebration. What we are celebrating doesn’t really matter.

Work with nature - You could create some alternative outdoor decorations using the nature around you. You could try colourful streamers in the trees in your garden, or bright sculptures to make with the kids.

Downsize – You could also reduce your emissions by going for small or indoor firework alternatives; table sparklers, Chinese lanterns and coloured light displays.

For all the saftey info go to: www.fireworks.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org Pershore Abbey

Images by Colin Reeves

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November 2012

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PERSHORE ABBEY A French connection

P

ershore Abbey was erected 1300 years ago. What remains of the Abbey today is the monks’ quire with its unique ploughshare vaulting, the combined triforium and celerestory and the magnificent tower with its lantern and free-standing ringing platform. It’s the sheer beauty of the building which makes it the perfect setting for classical concerts this winter. The Philomusica choir of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire will be performing this month and if you haven’t been to Pershore Abbey, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience its beautiful monastic features. If you happen to enjoy a serene recital of Requiem by Maurice Duruflé while you’re there, then so be it.

Pershore Abbey is one of the finest examples of Norman and early English architecture. After the Reformation, the Abbey was left in disrepair. The nave was destroyed and the north transept collapsed in the 1600s. However, the Abbey has stood the test of time and it’s the history of the Abbey that makes it so special.

Since the first collapse in the 17th century, there has been a constant battle at the Abbey between damage and repair.

The Abbey has survived fires, leaking pipes and the British weather. With age the Abbey walls have cracked and the building has needed a lot of work. So much so that in 1990, the south wall of the south transept was becoming so severely ruined, an appeal was launched to restore it.

Interestingly, an archaeological excavation in the mid-90s revealed Saxon foundations underneath the Abbey and the remains of 29 humans; one of which is thought to be a priest or monk as he was holding a chalice.

Restoring and maintaining Pershore Abbey is an ongoing process. The next project will be the approach to the Abbey at the west entrance. The plan is to remove the flight of steps which makes wheelchair access difficult and instead, raise the area outside the doors. This will make it easier for parishioners and visitors to access the Abbey and it will present the entrance in a way that reflects the improvements to the rest of the building.

If orchestral music and choir concerts are your thing, we can’t think of a better venue. Pershore Abbey holds a busy events calendar jam packed with local talent. Coming up this winter season, you can look forward to Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra, Pershore Choral and bringing us into the new year will be the Worcester Philarmonic Orchestra too.

This November, Pershore Abbey will showcase the returning talents of the Philomusica choir on Saturday 17th.

The group will be performing a programme of a choral works entitled ‘The French Connection’.

The concert is to be given in support of St. Richard’s Hospice and a retiring collection will be taken after the concert. St Richard’s Hospice provide an amazing service and care for our community and the concert is a great way to show your support.

So what is the French connection?

Philomusica conductor, Linda Parsons, says: “All the music on our programme is by French composers. There’s Fauré’s exquisite Cantique de Jean Racine and the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé. In complete contrast we’re going to sing a Mass setting by Louis Vierne, which includes a thrilling part for the organ. We’re really looking forward to singing all this wonderful music and supporting again the important work of St. Richard’s.” Linda will conduct the concert and the organist will be Simon Bertram.

Tickets for the concert, which begins at 7.30pm, cost £10, with accompanied children under-16 admitted free. The tickets will be available on the door or can be obtained in advance from: ‘Blue’, 19 Broad St., Pershore Alternatively, you can get your tickets online at: tickets@ philomusica.org.uk or by telephoning 01905 820140.

For more information on the Philomusica choir, head to: www.philomusica.org.uk And if you’d like to find out more about the work at St. Richard’s Hospice, go to: www.strichards.org.uk If you’d like to know more about the history of Pershore Abbey, how you can support the restorations or you’d like to check out the concert calendar, just head to: http://www.pershoreabbey.org.uk/index.html

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Aston Manor

ASTON MANOR

From orchard to glass Lucinda Bunn

Consider Cider

C

ider’s been through the mill. It’s only in the last decade that our local favourite has once again been considered the easy drinker’s drink of choice. For a while there we were getting bored of The Wurzels tumbling around in the hay. We needed something new, something that showed us that being a cider drinker was cool and refined. Well, we’ve found it.

Aston Manor is one of the leading independently owned cider producers in the UK, totting up a magnificent 2 million hectolitres to bottle last year. From the Malvern orchards they cultivate, to the apples they press and the cider they produce, Aston Manor are local through and through. But forget the yokel spin of times gone by because Aston Manor have given cider a chance to shine in the modern world.

With nearly thirty years of cider-making under their belts, Aston Manor have perfected the process. It is said, not without reason, that to make cider you simply squeeze apple juice into a container and wait. There is a little bit more to it than that. And going around the apple press you can appreciate both the complexity and simplicity of getting the most from the different apple varieties. From start to finish the apple is deconstructed; it’s puréed, pressed, juiced, sieved and dehydrated. The maturation takes between six months and a year, so production has a rolling calendar; these apples producing next year’s cider and so on.

The apples are shaken from the trees in the vast Malvern orchards and once they’re collected by harvesters, they’re brought to the mill within 48 hours, ready for pressing.

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November 2012

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The apple blossom begins in May and the apples grow until harvest in October. The cycle repeats annually. And this is a cycle. After the apples have been pressed and the juice has been extracted, what’s left is this mulch of dried apple core, pip and skin, called the pomace, which makes its way up a conveyor belt to be used as animal feed. Cider-making is a sustainable industry and Aston Manor do their part to reinvest their profits in the local economy and their internal services. They purchase pre-moulds and use their own bottle moulds to produce PET (recyclable plastic) bottles. This results in the reduced environmental impact of transporting large numbers of PET bottles.

More on packaging, Aston Manor use an on-going packaging waste scheme in which they commit to ensuring as much packing waste (that’s glass, plastic, paper) is recycled. Aston Manor are constantly looking at ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and elevating their corporate social responsibility.

No doubt you’ve come across some Aston Manor cider in your time. Not only have they been around for three decades but Aston Manor have also created over a dozen different cider brands, ranging from their Kingstone Press premium dry cider to their range of Malvern reserves; Malvern Oak and Malvern Gold. The interesting thing about cider, if you didn’t know already, is that this apple brew has the character complexity of fine wines. The components are the same really; balancing the sweetness, acidity and tannin levels. It’s a very complex flavour that’s produced and Aston Manor blend different apple varieties, giving their cider a broader spectrum of taste notes. The Aston Manor orchards are home to many varieties. Bittersweets, culinary and dessert apples all flourish in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the West Country and this is reflected in the depth of flavour in Aston Manor cider. We’ve had a continuous tradition of cider-making for at least a millennium in this country and yet cider still remains totally underrated. It’s time that changed.

Aston Manor are not replacing the jug-eared mugs of traditional cider, only showcasing cider as more. Aston Manor are celebrating the renaissance of cider as a modern and sophisticated drink to enjoy with your meal. Remember, in buying a decent cider, you’ll get the best artisanal products Britain has to offer, for the same price as the dullest, commercially produced and usually imported wine.

So next time you go to grab a bottle, consider cider.

November 2012

EdgeMagazine 57

Taxation

www.edgemagazine.org

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, REGISTERED AUDITORS & BUSINESS ADVISORS

FREE COMPANY HEALTH CHECK We offer a FREE business consultation for any size business, we will discuss company structures, tax planning opportunities and general business tips.

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58 EdgeMagazine

proactive service helping your business to grow

November 2012

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November 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org Island delight

ISLAND DELIGHT

Cleone foods sets the standard Lucinda Bunn

W

ade Lyn came to Britain from Jamaica to join his parents when he was seven years old.

He helped in the family business, a service station and petrol station, while still at school.

After graduating from Leeds Polytechnic in 1986 with a BA in Education specialising in Craft, Design & Technology, he was recruited as General Manager for Kon-Long Caterers of Wolverhampton, overseeing all areas of the business.

The company produced Jamaican patties, but frustrated by their failure to see the potential of these products in the mainstream market, he decided to leave and set up Cleone Foods Ltd in 1989.

Predating the modern concept of responsible business, from the establishment of his company there was a conscious decision by Wade that wherever possible ingredients and services would be sourced from other local independent businesses, retaining vital circulation of finance within the local community, while also providing direct cost savings from increased efficiency. This approach was based upon a desire to “do the right thing”, influenced by his experiences while growing up in Jamaica.

Family friendly policies were also emphasised from the outset for the same reason. In the Caribbean they try to

60 EdgeMagazine

make sure everyone is included and looked after, so that everyone then works together, like a family.

The original production shift was set from 9:30-3:00pm to facilitate employment of local people with school age children. Pastoral and social activities like the Christmas meal were also assigned high importance to promote staff morale and the feeling that Cleone Foods “is a good place to work”.

Staff members at operative level are actively encouraged to attend Basic English Language, Writing Skills and Basic Computer Literacy training, which is provided free of charge in an “After Work Club”, this scheme is supported by Sutton College.

The company has been fortunate to have been recognised for its growth and achievements by several important bodies, gaining awards from: Inner City 100, Investors in People, Afro-Caribbean Business Association and National Westminster Bank.

These have in turn led to wider recognition and progression for Wade Lyn. His vision and enthusiasm for generating success is now being widely recognised and utilised by other companies and organisations, including invitations to take up board level positions with other local businesses, including the Birmingham Assay Office, Greets

November 2012

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Green Partnership and Heart of England Radio Charitable Trust. He was voted as one of the Top 100 most influential Businessmen in the West Midlands in 2009. In 2011 he became a board member of the newly formed Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

He has been invited to advise House of Commons committees on the issues faced by SME’s and ethnic businesses. He has also participated as a speaker or in an advisory capacity for Bank of England, Advantage West Midlands, Business in the Community, The Prince’s May Day Network on Climate Change, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and many others.

Wade Lyn is also a founder member and the driving force behind the 12-8 Group; a peer to peer learning network comprising of six growth-oriented AfricanCaribbean business owners who share a commitment to developing successful businesses, while ensuring that their achievements assist in nurturing existing and aspiring African-Caribbean entrepreneurs in the community which in turn will stimulate economic growth. The group has since been successfully used as a template to setup similar schemes within other ethnic communities.

His company has enjoyed membership and engagement with several trade bodies and organisations including; Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ROSPA, Food & Drink Federation, Bodycote Food Science, The Vegetarian Society and HEFF (Heart of England Fine Foods), a trade organisation who promote Midlands based Food Businesses from farm to plate.

There has also been involvement and dialogue with public sector bodies including DEFRA, Carbon Trust, Energy Saving

November 2012

Trust and The Environment Agency, also BITC, HSE, AWM, Learning and Skills Council, Food Standards Authority, Competition Commission and the Ethnic Minority Business Forum.

Close relationships are maintained with several local schools, including Sutton College and Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. Cleone Foods’ HR Manager is also a trained teacher and is encouraged to use these skills in attending school with Education Business Links (EBL) by going out into schools to work as part of a team with students in their final years at school. This involves, practise interviews, completing application forms, discussion of qualification and training needs, interaction re students and people from different professions etc.

The Company also provides help and advice to other organisations, working with smaller companies and organisations that do not have an HR department or who are expanding and need guidance on recruitment etc. This includes various activities such as recruiting and contracting staff, Staff Handbooks, Employment Contracts, Disciplinary Procedures and legal compliance.

His Companies achievements were recognised in 2009 with a BITC Small Company of the Year award, also being recognised as a national “example of excellence”. This award was re-accredited in 2010 and 2011. Wade also received personal recognition by being named as HRH Prince Charles’ West Midlands Special Ambassador for Social Responsibility for 2010-2012. In 2012 the company was the full national overall winner of the category and became the “Santander Responsible Small Business of the Year”

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The Artrix

THE ARTRIX

More than just a theatre Mike Stafford

T

he best things in life are often right under your nose, and nowhere is this more the case than in Bromsgrove, where Artrix – the town’s multidisciplinary arts centre – provides an abundance of top quality entertainment in a fresh and funky setting.

Located just a hop off the A38, Artrix is home to both a spacious 300 seat auditorium and a dance studio, as well as a number of meeting rooms that play host to workshops and exhibitions throughout the year.

Events at Artrix range from stand-up comedy, where you’ll can get a first glance at high profile acts breaking their new material, to opera, with timeless masterpieces complemented by superb acoustics. Discerning theatre fans will also appreciate the packed calendar of fine plays throughout each season.

Artrix is the perfect setting for such a cultured and eclectic programme. It’s a tastefully modern brick building just opposite North Bromsgrove High. It boasts a generously sized foyer, with an equally generous bar, making it an ideal meeting place. All this is complemented perfectly by the friendliness of the staff.

Artrix isn’t just a place for an evening out though. The team run classes and workshops spanning a wide range of age groups and abilities, and cover every branch of the creative arts. Aside from traditional stage pursuits such as acting, singing and dancing, Artrix also offers classes in writing, life drawing, and crafts; everything the local community could need to let its creative spirit bloom. Finally, as if this

62 EdgeMagazine

weren’t enough, the auditorium also sees frequent use as a cinema, with screenings of a blend of blockbusters and independent film, coming in at comfortably below the ticket price of your local multiplex.

Just one of the touches of class to grace Artrix’s autumn programme was acclaimed Scottish comic Danny Bhoy – the saviour of roast beef Monster Munch himself – who played Artrix for one of the first dates of his ‘Dear Epson’ tour. Venting his frustrations with the iniquities of modern customer service, Danny showed off the cheeky Scots charm that has won him endless admirers across the globe.

‘Dear Epson’ sees Danny read a series of frustrated, offbeat missives, addressed to such organisations as Royal Bank of Scotland, FIFA and of course, Epson. Drawing on universally recognised irritations, this was traditional observational comedy but with the unusual twist of using letters at its heart. Relatable and witty, and refreshingly clean, Danny’s ‘Dear Epson’ was a delight.

A welcoming and slickly designed venue, with performances from a broad cross section of current talent, together with the tools and support for the next generation, Artrix really does have something for everyone.

For this reason and many more, it’s a venue that’s well worth an inclusion on any West Midlander’s cultural to-do list.

Slideslow Drive Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 1PQ 01527 577330 www.artrix.co.uk

November 2012

www.edgemagazine.org

November 2012

EdgeMagazine 63

www.edgemagazine.org Seann Walsh

SEANN WALSH Remember his name Lucinda Bunn

S

eann Walsh is one to watch on the comedy circuit. You may have noted his motor-mouth rants on Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week, BBC 1’s Live At The Apollo and Dave’s Argumental. If you haven’t had the pleasure of Seann’s natural observational talents, he was in Birmingham recently for the Birmingham Comedy Festival. We caught up with Seann to see what makes him tick.

They say writers should write what they know; does that rule apply to your writing process?

My living room is covered in post-its. I write down things that concern me, stuff that annoys me and I make connections between them. I went to America recently and I’ve realised that the point where you’re stood up, waiting to get off the plane is the slowest time will ever move. That got me to thinking that the window between last orders and closing is always the quickest time will ever go.

What does the stage mean to you?

Everything I do is about making people laugh, entertaining people. If things are going well out there, the stage is somewhere I can’t be hurt. I’m not being chased for bills, there’s no annoying phone calls and no real world obligations.

So I like that.

What do you fear more - a heckle, or a bad critic review?

I don’t really read reviews. I know it’s not always good. You don’t know what people listen to. But a heckle can be dealt with there and then.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

I’ve got loads. Most recently, I was drunk, like red wine drunk. I was telling my friend that Coldplay was my best friend.

Because Coldplay is always there.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I don’t know if it’s guilty but when I’m at home by myself, I eat badly on purpose. So I’ll be eating baked beans and I’ll just let a bean trickle down my chin. The sauce is always warm.

What’s the trait you dislike most in others?

People who are inconsiderate; people who eat crisps on trains.

What’s the key to your success? Is it your hair?

Yeh, people always seem to comment on my hair. I’ve always thought I had pretty rubbish hair and now it’s something to be talked about. TV changes the context of the person on it. All of a sudden, I’ve got ‘successful’ hair.

What’s the best thing about being on tour?

The free bottles of water. It’s so rock’n’roll.

What do you want to achieve most in life?

Travel. My recent trip to San Francisco has inspired me. I want to walk barefoot with flowers in my hair.

What other projects have you got coming up?

I’ve got a sit-com coming out on Comedy Central called Big Bad World. It’s got Blake Harrison from The Inbetweeners in it and Caroline Quentin.

For more on Seann Walsh, head to: http://www.seannwalsh.com

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www.edgemagazine.org marriot_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriot_light_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '"

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR AT THE BIRMINGHAM MARRIOTT! marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '"

We have a variety of events planned through December to suit

marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ everyone.

Whether you join us with colleagues, family or friends, ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '"

here you will find delicious food, a fantastic, festive atmosphere and the warmest of welcomes.

•Party Lunches•‘Join In’ Party Nights •Christmas Day Lunch •Boxing Day Afternoon Tea •New Years Eve Party Residential Package

Prices start at £15.95 per person To find out more call the hotel on 0121 452 1144.

BIRMINGHAM MARRIOTT HOTEL, 12 HAGLEY ROAD, FIVE WAYS, BirminghamMarriott.co.uk

Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

November 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org Public enemy number one

PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE The European banking crisis Tom Ware

T

he most recent summit of Eurozone leaders saw Spanish banks granted around ¤100bn and the Government given an extra year to pay debts, but few, if any, believe that this will draw the crisis to a conclusion. It has simply brought policymakers a little more time to work out a more enduring resolution, but until then the Eurozoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future is still uncertain.

What might that resolution look like? At the moment, in spite of the huge sums spent on bailouts, much of Europe is facing recession. Even the great engine of Eurozone growth, Germany, is seeing weakening economic data. There has been a significant backlash across Europe at the strictures imposed by austerity, including the rise of extremist parties.

In theory, the Eurozone can go one of two ways: It can move towards closer union, with parameters imposed on individual governments tax raising and spending powers; or it can break up the Euro with all the political and economic ramifications that would follow, including - potentially a substantial devaluation in the new currencies and the potential for capital flight.

makes meeting the conditions of the bailout more difficult.

However, Ireland has shown that it is possible to turn an economy around. The country has become a poster child for implementing austerity with its government succeeding in cutting the largest budget deficit in Europe. Its export sector has been given a boost from the improved efficiency.

What does this mean for investors? The Euro is depreciating, which acts as a headwind for investors in Europe. What they gain in rising share prices, they may lose partly in currency translation. However, this may be shortlived and investors should be looking over a longer time frame.

By historic standards and relative to the rest of the world, Eurozone equities are cheap. Some argue that they should be cheap, given that companies are facing

So far, the conclusion has been to draw countries closer, with full banking union now under discussion.

However, other solutions are still being mooted, such as the exit of Greece, or a

significant headwinds as Eurozone economies struggle to pull themselves out of recession. Others argue that the baby has been thrown out with the bathwater and there are great companies in Europe, drawing their earnings globally, that have been marked down alongside more domestically-focused companies. division between the North and South of the Eurozone.

Any closer union is a long-term solution. In the meantime, the pain for a number of Eurozone countries continues.

Greece is predicted to see a near-7% fall in GDP this year.

Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s output has contracted by 0.4% and 0.3% in the last two quarters.

It is a difficult decision. There are some excellent fund managers in the Europe ex UK sector and it can often be profitable to take a contrarian approach to investing, buying when markets look to be at their weakest. However, volatility is likely to remain until a more permanent solution to the Eurozone crisis is found. That is likely to be some way off.

This makes austerity measures more difficult, which in turn

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Return on capitalwww.edgemagazine.org

RETURN ON CAPITAL

The effect of QE on annuity rates Tom Ware

Churchill Investments plc 9 Woodborough Road, Winscombe. BS25 1AB Tel (01934) 844444 www.churchillinvestments.co.uk admin@churchillinvestments.co.uk

A

further round of quantitative easing may or may not have the desired effect on the British economy, but it almost certainly means bad news for the annuities market. Annuities were already low after falling interest rates and quantitative easing conspired to push gilt yields down to historically low levels.

guaranteed for five years, would have bought an income of £7,140 per year. By March 2012, the same annuity would have bought an income of £5,850. This is equivalent to a drop of 18%. The difference is even more profound looking back to 1990, when the same pension pot would have bought an income of £15,600.

Annuity pricing is determined by a variety of factors, but the yield on UK gilts is a key influence. This is because insurance companies buy long-term gilts to fund the payouts on annuities. Gilt yields are determined by the level of interest rates and demand for gilts. Quantitative easing creates artificial demand for gilts, pushing prices higher and yields lower. Over June alone the 10 year gilt yield dropped from 1.63% to 1.59%. In 2000, the same rate was nearly 6%.

The problem is even more acute when factoring in inflation. Inflation, as measured by CPI, is currently running at 2.4% (June) and has proved stubbornly high. Although quantitative easing has not yet led to a rise in inflation, this is a potential consequence of printing money in the long term. Investors are facing higher living costs at a time when their income is diminishing.

The impact on retirement income can be significant.

According to data released by MGM Advantage, in March 2007, a £100,000 pension pot for a male aged 65,

November 2012

However, the outlook is not completely gloomy. It does not follow that annuity rates will drop indefinitely. The majority of bond fund managers, for example, believe that gilt yields are unlikely to fall much further as the effect of quantitative easing diminishes with each successive round.

EdgeMagazine 67

www.edgemagazine.org Return on capital Yields are currently at 1.59%, which does not leave much room for further compression.

Equally, if there was some measure of economic recovery, interest rates could rise and the Government may start to pull back from its quantitative easing programme. This could lead to a swift rise in yields, which would quickly improve the situation for those purchasing an annuity.

That said, with economic recovery still some way off, it would be unwise to predict any imminent let-up in the annuity problem. The Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, has said that he believes that the UK is less than half-way through the crisis, suggesting that interest rates will stay low for a lot longer yet, with â&#x20AC;&#x201C; potentially â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a further ÂŁ375m of quantitative easing.

For those who need to buy an annuity now, the key is to examine the options carefully. It may be that the provider of your pension has a good range of annuity options, but it is worth looking outside to test the theory. The difference between the best and worst rates can add up to thousands of pounds, especially for the many people who qualify for enhanced rates due to medical or lifestyle conditions.

It is also worth asking whether you defer all or part of your annuity purchase. A valid argument can be made for annuity rates to move in either direction from here, but investors may want to hedge their bets. There are plenty of alternative sources of income that may be appropriate for some or all of your pension pot. With any additional income at a premium, it is worth planning carefully.

The effect of quantitative easing Quantitative easing, alongside lower interest rates, has been the main solution of central bankers to deal with the economic crisis. It is designed to create liquidity in the banking system, encouraging banks to resume lending with the hope that this will feed through into economic growth.

Its results so far have been mixed. It has not yet provided a clear stimulus for the economy, though it has undoubtedly boosted equity markets. It has also supported the bond market, providing a buyer for UK government bonds. The risk, ultimately, is that it creates inflation, but policymakers believe that they have the tools to deal with some inflation in the system. The alternative is deflation and no-one has yet found a satisfactory solution to that.

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

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Inspirational gift idea www.edgemagazine.org

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 todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

01934 844444

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

November 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org

ARE YOU COVERED? Speak to the professionals

I

n the current economic climate, it has never been more important to make sure that all of your documents are in check and that if the worst happens, you are prepared and covered.

A recent study by Barrett Corp & Harrington showed that some 96% of commercial premises - including factories, workshops, warehouses, offices, shops and hotels - are lacking adequate insurance cover.

Insurance protects your premises, material goods and staff, but the insured value is often left to the insured party, leading to drastic differences between the cover taken up and the cover needed. It is thought that one of the main reasons that consumers are falling short is due to the recession. Insurance premiums are often considered a necessary evil and when only looked at on price, people can be inclined to just go with the cheapest quotation which can leave you underinsured, or even worse, not covered at all.

It is also believed that people are undervaluing their properties; as the price of property has dropped, people presume that the insured value decreases, but as the value is often based on rebuilding (rather than market value) the difference in price between the two can often be two very different figures, leaving you out of pocket.

Ellis Clowes & Company Limited have pledged to be ‘a service driven broker for the fast moving world’. The origins of the company are the iconic and highly respected Lloyd’s Broker, TL Clowes, whose expertise was motor sport insurance. Over time, the Ellis Clowes name has expanded beyond this remit and established itself today as a company providing flexible insurance solutions with unparalleled levels of service and expertise. The Ellis Clowes team is well known for delivering a personal service, understanding business environments and providing specialist, bespoke cover for a range of businesses.

Ellis Clowes Commercial can help with: •Buildings and Contents •Material Damage, Burglary, Theft, Stock and Goods in Transit •Employers' Liability: required by UK law if you employ staff •Public and Products liability •Business Interruption •Stock and goods in transit •Money: either held on the premises or by an authorised employee •Personal Accident and Travel Insurance Contact Colin Jones or Michele Drinkell at Ellis Clowes for a comprehensive review of all of your commercial insurances.

Ellis Clowes (Commercial) Limited 27 Horsefair Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 0AE 01295 221190 www.ellisclowes.com

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5 Reasons to choose Ellis Clowes • Personal and professional service

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Ellis Clowes (Commercial) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Ellis Clowes & Company Limited who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

November 2012

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www.edgemagazine.org

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 20 years the Birmingham Stage Company Lucinda Bunn

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his year the Birmingham Stage Company are celebrating their 20th anniversary. The company was first started by Birmingham student Neal Foster.

Neal persuaded the Council to rent him a city centre theatre, he then convinced stage stars such as Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench to let him interview them for free on stage to raise money for his first production.

Since then, the BSC has gone from strength to strength and twenty years later, it is one of the UK’s leading producers of family shows. The BSC also present shows regularly for the West End, where Neal is currently starring in ‘Barmy Britain’ at the Garrick Theatre.

This Christmas, the BSC have five great shows around the UK, including Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach in Birmingham. We caught up with Neal to find out more about his company and his upcoming production.

You’re celebrating your 20th anniversary as the Birmingham Stage Company and what an amazing achievement that is. What do you think has contributed to the long running success of the BSC? I would hope it is due to the quality of our productions. If we are honest with each other, I think most people would agree that more than 50% of theatre shows in Britain are pretty boring. So we have always made a supreme effort to choose the most interesting plays and to produce them with absolute integrity to ensure they are exciting and dramatic experiences. I always think that for a show to be successful, it must send the audience out of the theatre feeling different to how they came in. At its best, maybe they will understand other people or know themselves a little better having experienced the drama unfold in front of them. If it has worked, they will have left their seat in Birmingham and they’ll have been transported into the world created on the stage.

What draws you to take on certain productions and not others?

I always ask myself - what will this do to an audience. It must do something. I don’t mind if it simply makes you laugh out loud, or makes you think about yourself differently or hold onto the edge of your seat in fear and excitement. But I look for plays that take you on a journey and give you an insight into the human condition. I use the same criteria whether they are plays for children or adults or both.

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Happy birthday www.edgemagazine.org Have you got a favourite production?

I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in an amazing show every single year of our twenty year history, so choosing one production would be impossible. But perhaps in my top ten would be She Stoops to Conquer, Cat on the Hot Tin Roof, The Crucible, Speed-the-Plow, The Dice House, Proof, Skellig, Collision, George’s Marvellous Medicine and Horrible Histories. What is interesting about that list is that it is a mixture of classic, contemporary, world premieres and children’s shows, which typifies the BSC’s work. We want to do great shows - it doesn’t matter where they come from or which audience they are aimed at. I do like American plays very much - they often have a more powerful emotional impact than most English plays. Four of the plays in my top ten are American.

Is the theatre as glamorous as it seems?

You can find yourself in a room above a pub playing to 60 people - or standing in Trafalgar Square performing to 8,000 people. The BSC has been lucky enough to be invited to perform in cities as diverse as Hong Kong, New York, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and Damascus - so yes, you could say it is pretty glamorous at times. But it often depends how clean the toilet is backstage at the theatre!

Who are some of your favourite actors and actresses who have worked with the company?

My favourite actors we’ve worked with who are well known to the general public would be Stephen Mangan in our production of She Stoops to Conquer, Sally Oliver in Proof (she then went into Emmerdale) and the American actor Richard Dreyfuss who directed our production of Hamlet. But again, I have been lucky to work with some amazing actors who your readers would not have heard of - people like Nathan Constance and Alison Fitzjohn, who are fantastic to be on stage with. I like acting with people who are so good that you really have to be at your very best to keep up.

Why should our readers go and see James and the Giant Peach this winter?

James and the Giant Peach was Roald Dahl’s very first book and it is an amazing adventure, full of thrills and excitement. It features a young boy who accidentally spills magic crocodile tongues beside an old peach tree, and not only does the peach grow to an enormous size, but so do the insects that were inside it. So James becomes involved in an epic adventure to escape his terrible Aunts Spiker and Sponge and steer the peach to safety across the ocean. We have already seen a model of the set and it looks absolutely fantastic, so everyone who gets tickets are promised an experience they will never forget!

To celebrate two decades of successful productions, Neal and the BSC team have offered an amazing opportunity for one lucky family to win tickets for James and the Giant Peach.

Roald Dahl’s very first children’s book and one of his most popular stories, ‘James and the Giant Peach’, is Birmingham Stage Company’s Christmas show this year at Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre running from 14 Nov to 2 February.

Box office 0121 245 4455 or book online at: www.birmingham-box.co.uk & tickets start at only £11.

This is a great show for all the family ages 4 upwards.

You could win a family ticket for this ‘peach’ of a show to see the matinée performance on Sat 12 Jan by answering this question.

Who wrote James and the Giant Peach?

JK Rowling Roald Dahl William Shakespeare Send your answer 1,2 or 3 either on a postcard to: Peach/Edge competition, 30 Telegraph St., Shipston on Stour.

Warks CV36 4DA or by email with Peach/Edge competition as your subject to: jcheston@tiscali.co.uk

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www.edgemagazine.org Christmas fun

CHRISTMAS FUN

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

W

inter in Birmingham brings the familiar sight of craft and confectionary stalls lining the streets and the mouthwatering smell of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread in the air with the largest authentic Christmas market outside Germany descending on the city from 15th November – 22nd December.

Birmingham is home to the biggest Christmas market in the UK – packed with handcrafted gifts and traditional festive treats including mulled wine, beers, sausages, sweets, breads and pastries. It started with just 24 stalls in 2001 – over a decade later, the market in 2012 will see more than 180 stalls, in combination with the Birmingham Craft Fair, generating an incredible vibe and a unique shopping experience, creating the feel of a small, bustling village within the heart of the city centre.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the pinnacle of the festive calendar for locals and visitors alike with stalls spilling out across Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square and New Street selling everything from handmade toys, Christmas decorations, original jewellery, craft goods and traditional food and drink. The market brings an undeniably infectious atmosphere to the city year on year. Now in its twelfth year the Frankfurt Christmas Market continues to celebrate Birmingham’s link with Frankfurt as one of its ‘twinned’ cities.

No other city in the UK has been able to reproduce the size, scale, diversity and quality of Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, which continues to be the world’s largest German market outside of Germany and Austria – and one of the top five in the world!

In 2011, Visit Birmingham welcomed 114 coaches to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, bringing 5337 passengers to the city.

Visitors to previous years’ markets have praised its accessibility and the proximity of the coach drop-off point to the stalls. The Meet and Greet service offered by Birmingham’s Street Wardens is extremely highly regarded, adding to a fantastic atmosphere.

What’s more, the city’s top quality shopping offer is just a few minutes’ walk from the market.

Dates: 15th November – 22nd December 2012 Time: 10am – 9pm Admission Price: Free Number of stalls: Over 180 (Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair combined) Onsite facilities: Visit Birmingham tourist information point Contact details: Birmingham offers a free ‘Meet and Greet’ service for visitors arriving by coach to the Christmas markets. If you wish to enquire about the Frankfurt Christmas Market Meet & Greet service please email visit@marketingbirmingham.com or call 0844 888 3883 Website: http://visitbirmingham.com/frankfurt-christmas-market-craft-fair/ http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket

74 EdgeMagazine

November 2012

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