Perton Pages Feb 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

Perton & Pattingham Pages MAGAZINE ▪ ONLINE ▪ SOCIAL MEDIA ▪ MOBILE DEC

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO BUSINESSES, EVENTS & GROUPS Search & Find Local Businesses...........

Words of Wisdom.....

Word from your MP...........

Sandpiper Acoustic Folk Club...........

Slimming Success.....

2 for 1 on Main Meals..........

We partner with a range of great local businesses. Our Rev Cody offers some thoughts on love as the mont of directory will help you find what you need, when you valentines, love and romance dawns. Read what she need it.......... p2 has to say.......... p13

As the New Year dawns find out what Gavin Read all about the Sandpiper Acoustic Folk Club who Williamson has to say about the year just gone and the meet at the Pigot Arms in Pattingham to perform and year ahead .......... p6 enjoy music .......... p14

Slimming World success story from Sheena who runs Try out the Fox at Shipley with 2 for 1 on all main the Perton Slimming World group at the Civic Centre – meals all day, including their exotic meats from around See how on slimmer got on.......... p9 the world.......... p23

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Perton Business Index Home& Garden Ala rms /CCTV/Home Security Ba throoms Blinds Builde rs Ca rpentry Ca rpet & Interiors Cle aning Services Domes tic Appliances & Repa ir Electricia ns Ga rden Centre Ga rdening & La nds ca ping Kitche ns Lighting Locks mith Oven Clea ning Pa inter & Decora tor Pla ste rer Plumbing & Heating Property Ma intena nce Roofing Tre e Surgeon Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Window Clea ning Eating & Drinking Pubs Res ta ura nts & Ta kea ways Motoring & Transport Bodywork Driving School Ma intena nce Minibus Hire Ta xi Service Classes, Groups & Events Da nce Cla s s es Slimming Thea tre & Performing Arts IT, Finance & Property Computers & Repa ir Financial Adviser Ins ura nce & Advice Office Letting Property Sa les & Lettings Lifestyle, Leisure & Retail Childcare & Schools Community Ca re Footca re Funera l Directors Gifts & Homewa re Golf Clubs Ha ir, Hea lth & Bea uty Home and Building Supplies Ironing & Alterations Toy Shop Animals & Pets Pet Grooming Pet Shop

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11,12 15 18,19 3,9 17 17,19 2,4 19 1,4,12,13,21 7 3,4,9,20 5 12 23 5,21 2,15,19,20,24 4,16,21 4,15,21,23,24 4,5,15,20 5,6,17,20 20 8,10,11,13,17 6 16 19,23 13 3 15 17,24 17,24 2,7,9 2,4 11 14,16 21 1 20 7 1,22 3,11 18 4,10 9 6 18,20 3 18 2 23,24 23

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

Tel: 07976 152817 or 01902 753364 Email: sarah-2503@hotmail.co.uk

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SUDOKU – JUST FOR FUN

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PP/FEBRUARY

A Word From Your MP...............

Visiting local schools across my constituency is always

a real pleasure, whether it be for a ‘Question Time’ style grilling by pupils or a presentation of awards, highlighting the academic success of students over the past school year. We are extremely lucky in South Staffordshire to have schools offering such a high quality of education. Much of this is down to the extreme hard work and dedication of the teaching staff, but it is impossible for them to do their job without a continued financial support.

One of the schemes that the Government has introduced to improve Priority Schools Building Programme, which provides funding for school building renovations. So far, none of the schools in my constituency have benefitted from any of these schemes and have had a particularly poor time in terms of benefitting from any capital schemes in relation to school buildings, having not received any major investment for over two decades. It is time this changed and I have called on Ministers to consider South Staffordshire for funding schemes for much needed renovations.

I have recently visited schools which are in desperate need of renovation to buildings and upgrades to their facilities and have called on the Secretary of State for Education to look into these cases as a matter of urgency. I am keen to ensure that first class teaching that pupils receive and deserve are matched with a first class environment.

For far too long, rural constituencies, like South Staffordshire, have received far less in total national funding per head, compared to those in urban areas. In December of last year, I met with the Minister for Schools, David Laws MP, along with other MPs that represent constituencies in the Staffordshire region, to call on the Department of Education to push for equal funding for schools in South Staffordshire. David Laws agreed to conduct a review with Staffordshire County Council on funding to see if there could be better funding for schools in the area going forward. Funding for education in South Staffordshire is improving, but there is still much that can be done. Our pupils deserve an equal investment in their education and I intend to push Ministers to guarantee that students in South Staffordshire get the very best deal we can get for them. One of my aims since being elected as an MP is to fight for fairer funding for schools in South Staffordshire and I aim to continue this work to ensure that our schools gain a fair deal and that our pupils continue to receive the best education.

To contact Gavin Williamson call 01902 846616 or 0207 219 7150 6

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Slimming World Success Story Fiona Gurmin weighed 16st 8lbs when she joined Slimming World at Perton Civic Centre last year." I wanted to get back to who I was; to be healthier for me and my family and to find my confidence again! " said the teacher. She realised when her young daughter Lucy was about 10wks old that she hardly had any pics of herself with her baby because she was so down with the way she looked.

Twelve months on and life couldn't be more different! "Its even better than I could have ever imagined. I have a new lease on life and feel so confident, happy and energetic. My fave meals have to be steak and slimming World chips and all the 'fake away' Indian, Chinese and kebabs".

Fiona went on to say "I love how Slimming World doesn't feel like a diet. It's a way of life, a healthy lifestyle, not just for me but my whole family. I love that you don't have to count calories or weigh food, I've never eaten so much but felt so good!! ..."

For more information about Slimming World contact Sheena on 07962 075980

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Perton Parish Council: News Update February 2015 Perton Parishioners interested in local affairs and activities are advised to regularly check local notice boards around the area and, for full details the Parish Council website on www.pertonparishcouncil.gov.uk or call 01902-745971

Parish Council Meetings: Monday 9th February & Monday 9th March: Perton Civic Centre @ 7pm Perton Good Citizen Award 2014-15: Closing date for Nominations is 27 th February.

Nomination forms available from Perton Civic Centre & Library Help make Perton an even Safer Place to Live; Look out for and join your local 'Neighbourhood Watch Scheme' 'Flicks in the Sticks' Movie Magic: Senior Citizens admitted Free of Charge, all others £3.50 intermission refreshments @ 50p per person • One Chance – the true story of Paul Potts, winner of Britain's Got Talent: Thursday 26th February 2015 @ 2pm Public Access Defibrillator sites: Volunteer Training Session – If you would like to be a volunteer llifesaver in the community please register your interest with the Parish Council on 01902 745971 PERTON PARISH COUNCIL: SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

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Words of Wisdom from Rev Julia Cody..........

As I sit here on a freezing January day, I’m trying to think of what’s happening in mid February as you read this… then, I remember - Valentine’s! The briefest look at almost any shop window would remind me - all those hearts and cute, sentimental gifts… is this really what love is about?

Next week I have the privilege of taking three funerals at church. I choose the word ‘privilege’ very purposefully. As odd as it perhaps sounds, taking funerals is one of the real privileges of my job. It’s a privilege to be invited into a family at such a time… a privilege to seek to help them do their best as they say goodbye… a privilege to sit and listen, to hear stories, and, amidst the sadness and tears, to watch them smile as they recall particular times with the person they loved.

These privileged times with a grieving family often give the most amazing insights into what love really is about.

I hear life stories, the ups and downs, of families choosing to stay together, choosing to forgive, making sacrifices, to keep loving even when it’s so hard - not fluffy, sentimental love, but committed, faithful, reallife, long-term love.

There’s nothing wrong with Valentine’s - I plan to give my lovely husband a card and hopefully we’ll enjoy a special meal - but let’s not mix-up romance with love.

And may we all try to be better lovers.

01902 750232 www.churchatperton.net

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The Sandpiper Acoustic Folk Club opened on the 19th September 2012 upstairs at the Pigot Arms Pub in Pattingham.

The club is organised by a five piece resident band called G.L.I.N.T who always begin the evening with a few songs of varying genre, some of which are self-penned. The rest of the night is then given over to visiting singers/musicians/poets etc.

The club caters for a wide variety of musical flavours and we actively encourage acts of any age (16+) and style of acoustic music. The number of acts varies from between 6 to 12 acts per club night.

The club is fortunate to have our own resident sound engineer. The club meets on alternate Wednesdays, doors open at 7:30pm for an 8pm start. We usually finish around 11pm, although this can vary due to the number of acts. Performers have free entry to the club and spectators are charged ÂŁ1 to enter.

The atmosphere is warm and friendly and respect is always shown for performing artists. The club has become a growing community and as we evolve are constantly looking for a wider audience and new acts to showcase. Acts who wish to perform at the club should ring Geoff on 07860557698 to book a spot. Alternatively, we will endeavour to accommodate acts that turn up on the night.

For further information please contact us on our website: http://sandpiperfolk.webs.com/ or by email at Sandpiperfolkclub@sky.com or ring 07860 557698.

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Wild About Perton in January.....

A recent assessment of the state of nature in the UK painted a depressing picture of wildlife in decline, despite some successes, such as an increase in the numbers of birds of prey. In Perton, the high flying buzzards and sparrow hawks zipping at high speed from garden to garden, are both a welcome sight. The Upper Lake, once bare and eroded, is now busy with trees and vegetation; frequented by flocks of long tailed tits in winter and sedge warblers who frequent the great swaths of reed in summer. In the spring clumps of bright yellow marsh marigold encircle the island and the green foliage at the lake edge is dotted with wild flowers from the yellow iris to pink ragged robin.

But what have we lost. The marsh tits and willow tits heard during a dawn chorus walk 5 years ago have gone , as have the turtle doves which frequented the now neglected Smith's Rough. The cuckoo, once clearly heard from the back garden on a warm spring evening, is now a distant call only heard from the Staffordshire Way. Similarly gone from our landscape are the barn owl and little owl, both losing out to human progress.

But what can we do to change the situation, when in a sense we are the problem. Many of us support one or more local and national wildlife organisations: which can make a difference through local nature reserves such as Highgate Common, http://www.staffswildlife.org.uk Sandwell Valley http://www.rspb.org.uk or Preese Heath http://butterfly-conservation.org Thirty years ago a local landscape architect, Chris Baines spawned a revolution by creating a wildlife garden in Wolverhampton. The book which followed, How to Make a Wildlife Garden, is still an inspiration, showing how each of us, even with a small garden, can transform it into a haven for wildlife. Every little helps as they say.

To find out more about local wildlife organisations join us at Perton's Spring Festival on Saturday 25 April in and around Perton Library. Our monthly wildlife walks, leave Perton Library at 2PM every first Saturday of every month or join us for the Dawn Chorus on Monday 4 May leaving Perton Library at 4AM. For more information contact Keith Elder on 01902 754245.

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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

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

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

Hi Golfers, Here's “February's Quick Tip.” On the range I notice some times that Golfers take the club back too quickly in a rush to hit the ball. But more often I see more golfers have a back swing that is too slow.

When you take the club back too slowly, the tendency is to start the down swing too quickly from the top, which causes you to slow down at impact when you should be accelerating.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not advocating a fast back swing. Rather, take the club back at a nice, comfortable pace. It should be gradually accelerating as you make the transition from back swing to down swing.

I want you to concentrate on making the back swing with a smooth turn of your upper body away from the target (head still)--the club head is slightly outside your hands. Then cock your wrists and work the club head toward the sky. The movement is steady and unhurried. If I started "low and slow," as you often hear, I'd be tempted to jerk the club down from the top, destroying my rhythm. Give it a try and good luck. Why not come down and practise on the driving range at Perton. It's undercover so you will stay dry!

Get Kids into Golf at Perton Park.

Kids Golf Academy starts in March on Wednesdays & Saturdays get your Kids/Grandkids to join in the Fun! From age 7. Contact jeremy@pertongolfclub.co.uk to register Jeremy Harrold, Perton Park Golf Club Tel: 01902 380073 or email: jeremy@pertongolfclub.co.uk 18

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J D Plastering High quality work from a clean and reliable company Competitive rates & free quotes Plastering, Rendering, Coving, Tiling and Painting

contact James on 01902 758547 07786 176057

Perton Based

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE LOCAL GROUP WILDLIFE TRUST INDOOR PROGRAMME 2015 February 26th 2015: The Value of Hedges - Dr. Peter Thomas - A lecturer at Keele University, Peter is an expert on life in the hedgerow.

March 26th 2015: March Hares - Derek Crawley - Head of the Staffordshire Mammal Group with a very appropriate talk for March.

April 30th 2015: River Wye (Part 2) - Brian Draper (MBE) - The always popular Brian completes his journey down the beautiful River Wye May 28th 2015: Flora of Staffordshire - Sue Lawley - Sue is from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ and shows us the wild beauty all around us.

All talks are held at Wombourne Community Centre (Library) –Church Road –Wombourne –WV5 9EZ commencing at 7.30pm. Entrance fee £2.00.

A membership scheme is offered for our talks programme costing £10 per person for the years programme.

For further details, please contact Fred Davies 01902 892776 or fred.davies1@btopenworld.com Registered Charity number 259558 www.pertonpages.com ♦ pertonpages@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

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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 24