Perton and Pattingham Pages July 2016 by Kay Garrison

JULY 2016

Perton & Pattingham Pages MONTHLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY: INC: EVENTS ▪ GROUPS ▪ CLASSES ▪ NEWS ››› Find & Search Local Businesses

p2 ››› Local Classes & Groups

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››› Perton Childcare Solutions

p4 ››› Health & Beauty Offers

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››› 10% off Lighting

p6 ››› Look After Your Pet

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››› Local PGA Golf TIps

p9 ››› Carpet & Blinds Offers

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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

Perton & Pattingham Business Index Home& Garden Ala rms /CCTV/Home Security Ba throoms Blinds Builder Ca rpentry Ca rpet & Interiors Clea ning Services Decking & Fencing Domes tic Applia nces & Repa ir Drivewa ys Electricia ns Externa l Clea ning Flooring Ga rden Centre Ga rdening & La nds ca ping Gutter Clea ning Kitchens Lighting Locks mith Oven Cle a ning Pa inter & Decora tor Pla s terer Plumbing & He a ting Property Ma intena nce Roofing Tree Surgeon Windows, Doors & Conservatories Window Cleaning

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Motoring & Transport Acces s ories Bodywork Ma intena nce Ta xi Service Classes, Groups & Events Da nce Cla s s es Events Fitne s s & Sport Slimming Thea tre & Performing Arts Tuition IT, Finance & Prope rty Compute rs & Repa ir Fina ncia l Advis er Property Sa les & Lettings Lifestyle, Leisure & Retail Beds & Ma ttres s es Childca re & Schools Community Ca re Driving School Footca re Fune ra l Directors Gifts & Homewa re Golf Clubs Ha ir, Hea lth & Bea uty Venue Hire Animals & Pets Pet Grooming Pet Shop

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Tips From Your Local PGA Pro at Perton Park..... Try This Simple Game Plan on Shots over Water "Gotta carry something? Add five yards for a little cushion." You've got a nice fairway lie, comfortable iron to a big green. But the pin's up front, over a pond or a deep bunker. Using your range finder, you get the exact yardage: 151. Perfect 7-iron. But just when you need a solid strike, you miss it a touch. You watch in agony as your ball splashes in the water or disappears in the sand. First, if you always think 7-iron from 150 yards, you probably carry it 145 and it rolls another five. Those five yards can be huge when you have to fly something. Most golfers fail to factor in bounce and roll when they determine yardages to the pin. Do yourself a favour on all-carry shots: Add five yards to your actual distance. Second thing: When you're facing an intimidating shot, realize what it's doing to you. Now is not the time to firm up your grip. Do the opposite: Relax your body, especially your hands, arms and shoulders. This will allow a fuller turn, a freer swing and better contact. Your shots will fly higher and go farther. And forget about that front pin. Would you rather have a 30-foot putt from the middle of the green, or be in the hazard?

Jeremy Harrold, Tel: 01902 380073 or email: jeremy@pertongolfclub.co.uk www.connectpages.co.uk â&#x2122;Ś connectpagesonline@gmail.com â&#x2122;Ś 07734 461934

Words of Wisdom from Rev Julia Cody.... As I write, we’re exactly one week from the EU Referendum - headlines full of arguments: Brexit or Remain. Most of us are fed-up of the mudslinging, and concerned to make the best decision, concerned for Britain’s future. But… by the time Perton Pages lands on your doormat, the decision will have been made and we’ll already be beginning to see the ramifications of that choice unfolding. Realising that the vote itself will be ‘old news’ by the time you read this, has made me pause amidst the all-consuming EU frenzy today… and ponder our perspective. Of course it’s important to take seriously our democratic vote, and yet, if we step back… in terms of human history on earth, I wonder how important it really is as to whether a small island nation is, or is not, part of a slightly larger group of trading nations? In the light of eternity, are such decisions really worth worrying about? Jesus famously said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” That may not sound very positive, but I read it like a breath of fresh air - all we’re to be concerned with is today, doing our best today. In the same passage Jesus emphasises that God knows our needs, and what we’re to do is, “seek first his kingdom” - to live how God would want us to, loving God, loving ourselves and loving our neighbours, today, not worrying about tomorrow or beyond.

01902 750232

www.churchatperton.net

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Wild About Perton in July..... A recent TV advert from the RSPB regaled us all to give nature a home. But how do we create a home for nature? Making a small donation to a wildlife charity to support a special home for nature is relatively easy, but many of us who love nature want to make a difference on our own patch. Wild About Perton, now in our 11th year, is always looking for help with wildlife projects across Perton; from planting trees, bulbs and wild flowers, to constructing and erecting nest boxes, bat boxes and bee hotels, and, with our latest plan to create a hibernaculum. A hibernaculum is an underground wintering den in which frogs, newts and insects such as bees can hibernate. We are planning to create a hibernaculum nearby the wildlife pond so the many frogs and smooth newts which breed in the pond have somewhere nearby to over winter. Instructions for creating a hibernaculum to suit your own garden are readily available from the RSPB web site (www.rspb.org.uk) or on YouTube (www.youtube.com). For the last two years Wild About Perton has been monitoring the quality of our local river water using straightforward water quality testing kits. The results of these tests, led to the re-introduction of white clawed crayfish, one of Britain’s most endangered animals, by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust into the River Penk. The crayfish remain safely hidden so monthly monitoring of the river by Wild About Perton enables us to keep an eye on their progress and alert the Environment Agency to any pollution incidents. But we can do much more to improve the quality of our local river by habitat improvement and we need people in Perton to help. Join us on Thursday 21st July starting at 7PM for an Open Evening of displays, presentations, refreshments and chat about Wild About Beautiful Perton at Perton Library, Severn Drive, followed by a bat walk along the Upper Penk, with a mystery ending.

For further information contact Keith Elder on 754245 or keith.elder@hotmail.co.uk. www.facebook.com/wildaboutperton www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

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 at Perton Civic Centre on Wednesdays 6-6.30 & 6.30-7 also Thursdays 9.30-10am. Call Simon on 07470221041 ADVICE: South Staffs Work Club, Perton Library 2.15pm - 4pm every 1st 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 and ability. For 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 ( ÂŁ2 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 Centre Birches 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.

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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

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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

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

In the middle of a busy day of constituency events in, there is nothing better than stopping at one of our many wonderful butchers for a pork pie or a scotch egg. Now I already knew that we have the best butchers in the country, but Pattingham butcher Craig Thomas recently proved we have one of the best butchers in Europe right on our doorstep. Recently I visited Martin Thomas’ Butchers in Pattingham to congratulate Craig, who won gold in Frankfurt for his black pudding. We are spoiled for choice in South Staffordshire, with so many different food producers to champion. We have fantastic wine produced at Halfpenny Green Vineyards, ale from Enville, McCains which produces millions of pounds worth of products in Wombourne and the brilliant Essington Fruit Farm who recently produced their own Staffordshire Sausage to celebrate Staffordshire Day. For this reason, I was delighted to lend my support to the Great British Food campaign that was launched by the government last month. The five-year campaign will give a boost to chefs, entrepreneurs and food producers to promote British food and drink at home and abroad. The campaign is well underway with 2016 designated the Year of Great British Food. The Great British Food Unit will support the campaign, turbo-charging our exports, supporting inward investment and championing the excellence of British food and drink at home and abroad. I recently had a very productive meeting with members of the National Farmers’ Union and the farming community in South Staffordshire and discussed a range of important topics including the dairy industry, supermarket conduct, red-tape in agriculture, flytipping and the European Union. Farming continues to be an incredibly important sector for the UK and contributes significantly to our national economy and the preservation of our environment. It is vital for our economic future that we make British food and farming all it can be – we will do that by backing big business, supporting our local South Staffordshire start-ups and embracing our rich food heritage. South Staffordshire has some of the very best produce that the UK has to offer and there has never been a more exciting time for the UK’s food, drink and farming industry and I for one want to show the rest of the world just how great we are.

To contact Gavin Williamson call 01902 846616 or 0207 219 7150 www.connectpages.co.uk ♦ connectpagesonline@gmail.com ♦ 07734 461934

PP/JULY 16

HOW MUCH DOES INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE COST? This is a thorny subject as Independent Financial Advice (IFA) firms all over the UK are at liberty to set their own charging structure. Some charge an initial set fee for preparing a report, then they charge an hourly or percentage fee based on the time spent preparing and completing the advice. Others charge a flat percentage of how much you invest others charge a pure hourly based fee. All appear to work, but as you may appreciate some may suit you better than others. Transparency in what exactly you pay I fear is a bigger issue than what the IFA tells you on their terms and conditions of business letter. Let me explain: There appears to be a common thread throughout the industry that I personally don’t like. This trend is relating to how the company actually manage your money. Once the IFA has determined which financial product is best suited to your own needs or aspirations the next step is to perform a detailed (well ours is detailed I can’t speak for anyone else’s) risk and capacity for potential loss assessment. The results of the risk profiling exercise is that the IFA will then determine what level of risk, volatility and appetite for movement in the value of your capital that you want to take. After this the IFA needs to determine the spread and mix of investment funds that are going to be needed to achieve your desired results, and this is where the problem lies. Many companies are now ‘outsourcing’ this to a platform or Discretionary third party manager. In simple terms you pay for a third party to make the decisions on which funds your money is going to be invested into. So you end up paying for your IFA’s fee, Your Product Providers plan fee, the Discretionary Fund Managers fee and finally the fee to the management team who actually run the fund. Now as you can imagine this amounts to quite a number of mouths to feed before you get anything like a net return on your investment. Where FSC Investment Services Limited differ is that we have chosen to employ our own internal Research and fund advisory team who are responsible for selecting and managing your funds directly. This cuts out the extra cost of the third party managers, we also in many cases negotiate discounts with the product providers and direct fund management houses which will result in lower costs and greater potential for you to make money if two identical portfolios are matched head to head. We are immensely proud of the fact that due to our way of doing things each and every client has a bespoke portfolio which has been hand selected for them and them alone, this ensures a perfect match initially to the clients risk analysis profile, which is regularly reviewed. The Discretionary or platform method often results in the client being ‘pigeon holed’ into a fund that ‘closely reflects the clients attitude to risk and reward’. We are also able to demonstrate that our custom built portfolios out perform the Association of British Insurers (ABI) averages for each sector and fund group. We only choose and select our portfolio funds after intensive research and analysis and benchmarking against the best in sector funds. Our aim is that all our clients have portfolios built using best of breed funds, and these are then managed and swapped as and when market conditions change (with the clients approval). We are so confident that our system is more economically superior to any other model currently on offer that we are willing to offer a “Price Match Guarantee’. We will match or beat the charges on any portfolio that you may be offered by any other Qualified firm of IFA’s. All we ask is you provide us with the report from the IFA showing the full costs (ie The IFA Fee, Product Costs, and fund management charges and all other related costs), we will then provide you with our detailed report using our custom built portfolio and the costs appropriate to that investment, we will then guarantee to match or beat the charges on the other IFA’s quotation. To test our ‘Price Match Guarantee’ please contact us on 01902 422333 or email info@fscinvestments.co.uk Frank Cochran - Managing Director & Independent Financial Adviser FSC Investment Services Limited. 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.

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