Perton & Pattingham Pages April 2016 by Kay Garrison

APRIL 2016

Perton & Pattingham Pages MONTHLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY: INC: EVENTS ▪ GROUPS ▪ CLASSES ▪ NEWS ››› Find & Search Local Businesses ››› The Latest from your MP ››› Sandown to be an Academy ››› Learn a Language

p2 ››› South Staffs Cycling Scheme 4 p4 ››› Perton Carnival Details

p10 p18

p25 p5 ››› Classes & Groups 4 p7 ››› Wild about Perton Spring Festival p26

USE LOCAL : SHOP LOCAL : EAT LOCAL : SPEND LOCAL : ENJOY LOCAL

COMPLETE ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS FROM £19 PER MONTH: MAGAZINE: ONLINE: SOCIAL: MOBILE CALL 07734 461934 OR EMAIL CONNECTPAGESONLINE@GMAIL.COM 1

Perton & Pattingham Business Index Home& Garden Ala rms /CCTV/Home Se curity Ba throoms Blinds Builde r Ca rpe ntry Ca rpe t & Inte riors Cle a ning Se rvice s De cking & Fe ncing Dome s tic Applia nce s & Re pa ir Drivewa ys Ele ctricia ns Exte rna l Clea ning Flooring Ga rde n Ce ntre Ga rde ning & La nds ca ping Gutter Cle a ning Lighting Locksmith Ove n Clea ning Pa inte r & De cora tor Pla s te rer Plumbing & He a ting Prope rty Ma inte na nce Roofing Tre e Surge on Windows, Doors & Conservatories Window Cleaning

14 5,9 ,28 4,3 1 26 5,2 1 31 24,26 3,2 3 24 1 4,8 ,14 ,26 ,30 29 8 16,26 11,15,21,24 1,1 6 14 28 8,1 5 4,2 4,2 8,3 1 18,22,24,28 9,1 3,1 5,2 8,2 9 4,8 ,26 2,8 ,15 ,16 ,17 ,18 13,20 1,1 1,1 6,2 1,2 8,29 1

Eating & Drinking Pubs,Restaurants & Takeaways

4,2 5

Motoring & Transport Bodywork Ma intena nce Ta xi Service Classe s, Groups & Events Da nce Cla s s es Events Fitne s s & Sport Slimming Thea tre & Performing Arts Tuition IT, Finance & Property Compute rs & Repa ir Employment Opportunity Fina ncia l Advis er Prope rty Sa les & Lettings Lifestyle, Leisure & Retail Childca re & Schools Community Ca re Driving School Footca re Fune ra l Dire ctors Gifts & Homewa re Golf Clubs Ha ir, He a lth & Be a uty Ve nue Hire Animals & Pets Pe t Grooming Pe t Shop

3 9 3,21,30 11,17,20,21 10,18,26 2,15,29 4,24,32 20 7,18 10,12,17 3 6,9 21,22,23 5,19,25 8,10,31 17,28 28 12,17 15 1,22 13,22,24,29,31 27 11,16 11

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

VILLAGE BLINDS

NEW SHOWROOM AT 1 FINCHFIELD ROAD WEST 3 vertical blinds supplied for £75 up to 5' width.

Individual blinds supplied from £20 each ________________________________

Fitting service offered Free home visits with pattern books. ________________________________

All blinds are made to measure. We supply and fit roller blinds, aluminium venetian, wooden venetian, roman blinds etc.

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTATION 01902 766755 OR EMAIL village.blinds@hotmail.co.uk

A Word From Gavin Williamson...............

You often come across many spikey creatures in politics but none so much as the hedgehog. Hedgehogs used to be a common sight in our gardens in Perton but a glimpse of one is very rare. There is no definitive cause for the hedgehog’s decline, making it difficult for conservationists to curb the falling hedgehog population. I have recently supported Staffordshire Wildlife’s ‘Last hedgehog in Staffordshire’ campaign by building a hedgehog house in my garden at home. I have also recently called on Ministers to give hedgehogs the same protection as red squirrels. In doing this, developers will have to consider hedgehogs when they build and making the killing or injuring of the animal illegal. In addition to fighting on behalf of hedgehogs, I’ve recently taken the barn owl under my wing and become a ‘Species Champion’ as part of a campaign by the RSPB to protect certain species who face significant threats. The Barn Owl is such a beautiful bird which has been spotted in the wild in South Staffordshire close to Himley Park, Shoal Hill Common and on Baggeridge Country Park. After championing the barn owl I was delighted to hear about several projects that we already have to help the bird. In Bilbrook there is an Owl box in Jubilee Wood with another going up very soon under the guidance of a barn owl expert from Staffs Wildlife Trust. The World Owl Trust will soon be opening their centre in Himley which holds some of the finest and most diverse collection of breeding birds in the UK consisting of about 190 birds of 52 species and I am so looking forward to visiting some of our finest feathered friends. Protecting our environment is as important as protecting the wildlife that inhabit there. Unfortunately South Staffordshire has a continuing problem with fly-tippers. These environmental vandals dump household waste on our countryside causing our green spaces to become an eyesore and damaging the habitats of wildlife that live there. I was particularly concerned recently to hear about the fact that as a result of changes to the Law it is not possible to position cameras in order to crack down on fly-tippers. Incidents such as this are not only visually abhorrent, but can also be extremely damaging to our environment. I have urged Ministers to review these measures so that these acts of vandalism can be stopped and prevent our picturesque countryside becoming damaged beyond repair. We can do so much to prevent this damage having a lasting impact and help animals such as the hedgehog to survive by doing the simplest things like making holes in our fences for them to travel at night and putting boxes in trees so owls and other birds have a safe place to nest. South Staffordshire is a beautiful part of the country and the green spaces of Perton are home to a variety of fantastic wildlife, but many of our most iconic species are in decline, which is why we must do everything we can to protect and preserve it and their habitats for generations to come.

To contact Gavin Williamson call 01902 846616 or 0207 219 7150 4

Tips From Your Local PGA Pro at Perton Park.....

This method should help you find the gentle draw you are after, but if you’re still struggling, or are being let down by the strike, then some one to one time might be just the answer. Time to hit the course with the nights getting lighter and the “Golf Season” just around the corner.

Jeremy Harrold, Tel: 01902 380073 or email: jeremy@pertongolfclub.co.uk www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

The Banks and Building Societies have traditionally looked after us and our investments but many customers have lost faith and trust in them in recent years. The alternative is to seek out a Financial Adviser, which for may will be a scary prospect. All Financial Advisers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are charged with providing you as the client suitable Financial Advice. Financial Advisers don’t gamble with your money or guess what the markets are going to do, they use their knowledge, experience and skills to research the market and recommend the most suitable areas for investment that they can. Over the next few months we have Local Elections, Police Crime Commissioner Elections and of course the IN / OUT European Referendum. Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton may be the next American President and the Oil price may rise to $50 per barrel or more. Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn may even be the next Prime Minister, who knows ! We can’t predict the future but there is likely to be some market uncertainty, whatever happens both here in the UK and in the wider world. Uncertainty may affect the markets in the short term and potentially in the longer term. The question then follows ‘ what should I do with my savings and investments? ‘ You could put your money in the Bank or Building Society, seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser or put it in a suitcase under the bed. Whatever you choose there are risks involved and advantages and disadvantages. We would never advocate putting your money in a suitcase under the bed as inflation, theft or fire could seriously reduce your wealth. If you are going to invest in these uncertain times it is important to choose wisely and make informed decisions about your investments and your future. A Financial Adviser will complete a full factfind, assess your attitude to risk and choose the most suitable investment products and funds for you given all of your circumstances. There are investment products with a variety of different levels of risk, from low, low to medium, medium, medium to high and high risk. The returns on each will differ and your Financial Adviser can advise you on what’s best for you, your family and your future. If you would like an initial free, no nonsense, no obligation appointment with myself, Frank Cochran, Derek Baillie or Mark Mitchell then please give us a call or drop us an email. We will always try to place your money in the most suitable place, at different times to suit your personal requirements. Call: 01902 422333 Email: info@fscinvestments.co.uk Robin Place DipFA - Independent Financial Adviser, FSC Investment Services Ltd. The purpose of this article is to provide technical and generic guidance and should not be interpreted as a personal recommendation or advice. You are not certain to make money - you may suffer a loss. FSC Investment Services Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

Wild About Perton in April..... The Owl & Falconry Centre, located at the rear of Gardenland Garden Centre, just off the Bridgnorth Road, is not far from Perton or Pattingham. The Centre has had troubled times recently, like many of the owls and falcons it rescues, including a break by thieves and high winds at New Year which destroyed recently constructed enclosures. A visit, once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve negotiated the plants and sheds on the outside of the garden centre, is well worth it. Near the entrance is Queen, a snowy owl with one wing. This large strikingly white, yellow-eyed owl, is more at home on the tundra and high plateau of the far north than the gentle Staffordshire countryside. But Queen serves to remind visitors that the Centre was created by Keeper, Karl Law to rescue badly treated hawks and owls. Little Owls, Sage and Willow, harking from Scotland, are part of a special breeding programme for these small owls; roughly the same size as a blackbird but with a broad rounded head, long legs and short tail. Little owls are now scarce locally, but Perton, before the people and houses, was once a good place to spot them perched on a fence post looking out for a newt, ground insect or bird on which to pounce. Barn owls with their dark eyes, pale, heart shaped faces are always a welcome sight. The barn owl pair at the Centre are currently on eggs, so bedraggled baby owls may be around for a spring visit. Thankfully the barn owl has not disappeared from our local landscape, but is observed by many recently with its slow wavering flight, hanging over rough meadowland in the late afternoon and early morning. Barn Owls are on our target list for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dawn Chorus walk on Monday 2 May leaving Perton Library at 4.00AM.

or keith.elder@hotmail.co.uk. www.facebook.com/wildaboutperton 8

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

Words of Wisdom from Rev Julia Cody.... Yesterday I was at a friend’s and suddenly a movement in the garden caught my eye - a tiny bird. I’m no ornithologist, but I’m pretty sure it was a wren! She because in my head all wrens are named Jenny! - was busy darting around, pecking at the ground and in the long grass, seeming quite content and absorbed in her task, despite the fact she was so tiny and there were much bigger birds and a squirrel around - oh, and us humans! Her apparent contentment and focus brought to mind some great words of Jesus, “don’t worry about your life, what you’ll eat or drink. Look at the birds, they don’t sow, reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” The little wren certainly didn’t seem worried, she was fully engaged in what she was doing. My family is facing lots of uncertainty at the moment, from various sources. Some is unsettling, raising questions, uncertainty, and unknowns about the future. Watching the tiny wren, and being reminded of Jesus’ words, the futility of worrying struck me again. However, not worrying is much easier said than done! But what helps me, is consciously focusing and engaging in today; actively choosing not to worry about tomorrow’s unknowns; and instead, purposefully choosing to trust God’s love

01902 750232

www.churchatperton.net

Useful Numbers Lakeside Surgery: 01902 755329 Tamar Surgery: 01902 755053 Pattingham Surgery: 01902 700462 Perton Dental Practice (Anders Square): 01902 758120 Dental Surgery, Tamar Medical Centre: 01902 756114 Perton Funeral Directors: 01902 756830 Perton Clinic : 01902 758150 Perton Civic Centre: 01902 745971 Perton Library: 01902 755794 Church at Perton: 01902 750232 Lakeside Community Church: 01902 753595 St Chad's Church Pattingham: 01902 700257 Neighbourhood Police: 0300 1234455 Staffordshire Police: 08453 303132 MP: Gavin Williamson: 01902 846616 Souths Staffs District Council: 01902 696000 Staffordshire County Council: 01785 223121 Perton Parish Council Office: 01902 745971 Pattingham & Patshull Parish Council: 01902 701296

If there are any other telephone numbers you think would be useful, please email pertonpages@gmail.com

www.connectpages.co.uk â&#x2122;Ś connectpagesonline@gmail.com â&#x2122;Ś 07734 461934

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

PERTON CARNIVAL 2016 MONDAY 2ND MAY Arrangements are well underway for Perton Carnival 2016, which will take place again the centre of Perton, by kind permission of Sainsbury’s. Stalls run by local voluntary groups and local businesses will be in the central pedestrian area and The Church At Perton. Fairground amusements will be in the green area next to the Library and Classic Cars on the car park of the Wrottesley Arms. The Civic Centre will again host the refreshments, provided by Banks’ Bistro, and on the stage will be Georgie Keyes’ dancers and other groups. Picklelily Circus will be holding magic shows in the Terry Harding room. The parade will again start from the Pavilion car park, Gainsborough Drive and we look forward to welcoming the St Gregory’s Church Band from Wednesfield to lead. The Carnival Princess and Prince will be from Perton First School. Floats are welcome from groups, local businesses and individuals. The route will again be along the Parkway, turning right into Severn Drive and finishing at the Wrottesley Arms. Details will be in the programmes distributed to all pupils in school in the village. For the first time this year we have pony rides in the park. A family day of fun for all ages! Come and support our local voluntary organisations who receive the profits from the Carnival. For further information or a stall booking form telephone

01902 758140

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

PP/APRIL 16

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

Brian Breakwell Painter & Decorator Semi-Retired with over 40 Years Experience Cheap Rates All Work Guaranteed

Tel: 07490 496006 or 01902 753364 Email: sarah-2503@hotmail.co.uk

LOCAL CLASSES & GROUPS: PERTON & PATTINGHAM CHOIR SINGING: If you are interested in joining the popular choir, singing light and popular music with the occasional challenging piece, why not come along to one of their weekly rehearsals held in Pattingham Village Hall on Wednesdays at 7.30pm, or for more information, contact Gena Richards on 01902 700188 or Alan Hickman on 01902 744653. SLIMMING: Slimming World on a Thursday at Perton Civic Centre 5pm and 7pm and run by Sheena who can be contacted on 07962075980 WILDLIFE WALKING GROUP: Monthly wildlife walks, leave Perton Library at 2pm every first Saturday of every month. For further information contact Keith Elder on 01902 754245 or keith.elder@hotmail.co.uk. FITNESS CLASS: Mondays at 6pm at Perton First School fitness class suitable for all the family. Booking is advisable text Liz on 07913168343 FIT 2 Box: Exercise classes held on Tuesdays at Perton First School, Juniors 6-6.30pm and adults 6.30-7.30pm. There is also an adult class on a Friday at Perton Civic Centre 7-8pm and a Fit2Box 30 class on Thursdays at Perton Civic Centre 9.30-10am. Call Simon on 07470221041 ADVICE: South Staffs Work Club, Perton Library 2.15pm - 4pm every 1 st and 3rd Thursday of the Month. The Work Club offers advice and support to local people in preparation for the introduction of Universal Credit. The services are completely free and offer advice on Benefits, Debt, Career Coaching, CV development, Volunteering and much more. CYCLING GROUP: The SSCS promotes cycling as a fun and safe way to stay active and healthy by providing guided inclusive community based cycle rides ( from Perton ) in order to increase physical participation and improve well being across a range of age groups and ability levels. For contact and ride details please see www.connectpages.co.uk KNITTING CLASS (KNIT & PURL): The classes are open to anyone who is interested in knitting. Experienced knitters are quite happy to teach anyone who does not know how to knit, adults or children, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet in the New Room, Civic Centre, Perton on the second Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. The classes are informal, lots of chat and refreshments. Everyone knits their own thing; some knit for charity, some for family and friends. Contact details are 07946 861057 or pedged@supanet.com ( £2 a class ) PRE SCHOOL DANCE CLASSES: Every ThursdayPerton Diddi Dance hold a Funky Pre School Dance Class for boys and girls. Classes are held at The Church at Perton from 2.00pm - 2.45pm. Call Svenja on 07846 337910 for more details. DANCING: Classes for all ages in Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics, Disco and Musical Comedy held at Holy Cross Church Hall, Bilbrook. Annual Shows at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton and exams with MASD. Contact Carol on 01902 398710 or email carol@suttieschoolofdance.co.uk. DANCING: Classes for all ages in Ballet,Tap, Acrobatics, Disco and Contemporary held at the United Reformed Church hall, Tettenhall Wood and at the Bradmore CentreBirches Barn Rd. W-ton. Shows and Examinations. Contact the Fusco Academy of Dance established 1972. On 07713126218 or e mail annafusco22@aol.com or hazel.fusco@yahoo.co.uk Next show 6/3/16. TO FIND OUT HOW TO ADD YOUR CLASS OR GROUP PLEASE CALL 07734 461934 OR EMAIL CONNECTPAGESONLINE@GMAIL.COM

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

Visiting Foot Care Service NOW available in this area Nails Trimmed Corns Removed Painful Toenails Verruca Treatment Fungal Conditions Cracked Heels Hard Skin/Callus Reduction

Call 01902 687814 for appointments

www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934