Perton Pages Magazine November 2014 by Kay Garrison

November 2014

Perton Pages

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE - BUSINESSES, OFFERS, INFO & NEWS Find a Local Business...........

Christmas Card Competition..........

Need New Windows or Doors?..........

Protect Your Home.........

Christmas Tree Festival...........

Pantomime Tickets to Win.........

We partner with a range of great local businesses. Our See details of how to enter a design a Christmas Card directory will help you find what you need, when you competition run by Learning Ladder Toyshop and win a need it.......... p2 voucher and your design made up.......... p20 South Staffs Windows are now advertising with us Add an extra layer of protection with 10% off CCTV offering great deals on windows, doors & and alarm systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; protect your home for less. conservatories.......... p3 Systems to suit all budgets..... p26 St Nicholas Church Codsall is once more holding their Codsall Dramatic Society are putting on their annual Christmas Tree Festival with wonderful displays performance. This year it is Sleeping Beauty - Win a created by the community.......... p18 pair of tickets to opening night.......... p27

DIRECTORY LISTING OF LOCAL & PERTON BASED BUSINESSES INSIDE NOVEMBER 14 EDITION

Al a rms /CCTV/Home Se curi ty Anti que s & Vi nta ge Ce ntre Ba l a nce Bi ke s Ba throoms Bl i nds Bui l de r Ca fe ,Pubs ,Re s ta ura nt, Ta ke a wa y Ca ke s Ca rpe ntry Ca rpe ts & Inte ri ors Ca rs , Ma i nte na nce & Va l e ti ng Chi l dca re Chri s tma s Cl e a ni ng Se rvi ce s Communi ty Ca re Compute rs a nd Re pa i r Da nce Cl a s s e s Dome s ti c Appl i a nce Re pa i r El e ctri ci a n/El e ctri ca l Contra ctors Eve nts Fi na nci a l Advi s e r Footca re Fune ra l s Ga rde n Ce ntre Ga rde ni ng/La nds ca pi ng Gol f Cl ub Gra phi c De s i gne r

17,21,26 13 26 24 19,20 5,13 14,19,27,28 5 16 16,19 6,7 9 1,2,8,11 4,17 7,18 4,15,17 5,26 19 12,17,21,25 1,2,8,18,27,28 10 20 7,20 2 13,23,26,27 13 12

Ha i r & Be a uty Ha ndyma n Ki tche ns Li ghti ng Locks mi th Mi ni bus Hi re Offi ce Sui te to re nt Ove n Cl e a ni ng Pa i nte r a nd De cora tor Pe rs ona l Shoppe r Pe t Groomi ng Pe t Shop Pi l a te s Cl a s s e s Pl a s te re r Pl umbi ng a nd He a ti ng Prope rty Le tti ng & Sa l e s Prope rty Ma i nte na nce Roofi ng Shop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Home & Gi fts Sl i mmi ng Cl a s s Ta xi Se rvi ce The a tre Arts School Toy Shop Tre e Surge on UPVC doors & cons e rva tori e s Ve ti na ry Cl i ni c Wi ndows Wi ndow Cl e a ne r

6,18,23 17 22 21 14 1 23 12,15 4,17,19,23,24 5 5,14,25 14 19 6,10,12 12,13,14,24,27 11 17,18,23,24,25 10,16,17 5 10,18 1 4 20 16 3,6,15 7 3,6,15,24,25 10

if you would like to add your business please contact us on pertonpages@gmail.com or 07734 461934

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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

Wild About Perton in November..... Dippons Lane is a permanent feature of our local landscape, reminding us that Perton had a history long before the houses and shops were built. The history of our local landscape has yet to be adequately described with little detail except for the impact of the airfield and its associated camps after World War 2. Dippons Lane is clearly much older, having provided a means for many generations of travellers to reach their destination by a route which avoids natural obstacles, a surface for wheels and feet and a boundary with the surrounding countryside. But what is its current purpose? The Lane between Yew Tree Lane and Gainsborough Drive is a much used commuter walking route with untidy edges much loved by wildlife. In damp places, badger tracks can frequently be found with their distinct 5 toe pads and long claws, and in places small scratchingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and diggings as these night time commuters search for a meal. From Gainsborough Drive to Westcroft Road, the character of Dippons Lane changes. If one had rose-coloured spectacles it could be described as a pleasant country lane, bounded by mature oak and ash trees with an understory of holly, damson, blackthorn, bramble, hawthorn and hazel much loved by birds and insects. No longer a commuter route, it is a place for more leisurely walkers, and their four legged companions, the occasional vehicle accessing nearby fields, large tractors cutting the grass verge and churning up the road surface. And then you find that most marvellous of fungi, King Alfredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cakes, always on an ash tree, and recalling events 1500 years ago. Dippons Lane is also now a place where people fly tip, filling the two side ditches created long ago to prevent flooding, with building rubble, garden refuse and the byproducts of illegal drug manufacture. Once a road to somewhere increasingly Dippons Lane is a road to nowhere and going downhill fast. It is in need of tender loving care from our community. Join us for one of our wildlife walks leaving Perton Library every first Saturday of every month at 2PM. For further information please call Keith Elder on 01902-754245

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

“Vicars only work one day a week!” Perhaps something you’ve heard - I certainly have! As with anyone else’s job, how can I expect you to know what I get up to during my working week? I truly love my job and even get to drink cups of tea with others and call it ‘work’! But recently I’ve been confronted by the frantic busyness of the next few months. Last week I was at a meeting, which ended by setting the date of the next meeting in January and the secretary saying that by then, we must have decided our Lent plans!!! What?! I’ve not got my head round Christmas yet, let alone Lent 2015! From September the diary seems to rattle past, highlights include: back to school, Harvest, Remembrance, Memorial Services, Advent courses, Christmas services - you get the idea! And this is just work, we all know the challenges of trying to balance work and family. So often we arrive at Christmas shattered and frazzled. Wouldn’t it be great just to stop… pause… take a deep breath… enjoy a little peace… a space for you… to gather your thoughts… be still… ponder… reflect… take care of your inner self… your spirit… Why not join us and do exactly this - an hour of peaceful reflection on Thursdays 4th, 11th and 18th December at 7.30pm. Come to one or all and take time for you, because - and you really are… “you’re worth it!”

01902 750232

www.churchatperton.net

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

One of the unspoken privileges of attending events as an

MP, though not always that good for my waistline, is that I’m always so generously catered for, so it’s always nice to have the opportunity to be able to give something back. This month I had the chance to attend one of Macmilla n’s Coffee Mornings at The Church at Perton. The coffee morning, hosted by 1st Perton Guides, was one of many that were held across the country. The ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Mornings’ have become such an iconic charity event raising money for an excellent cause, supporting patients and families suffering the devastating effects of cancer. Macmillan is such a fantastic charity and the support they provide to people is invaluable. I can’t imagine the struggle that families have to go through when they are faced with fighting such a dreadful disease such as cancer. This year’s event has already surpassed the £20 million national total from last year, with money from across the country still coming in. I was delighted to see the Guides so enthusiastic about doing something to raise money for such a good cause. In addition to the tea, coffee and cakes sold, the Guides had a second hand bookstall which contribute towards a fantastic total of £180 which will go a long way to supporting patients and their families. I am always so proud to see South Staffordshire, particularly the young people in the constituency, playing their part to help people that are much less fortunate than themselves and to support people going through life changing circumstances. It was great to hear that so many Coffee Mornings were held across the constituency, and I was disappointed that I couldn’t visit more, but I have heard that they raised loads of money for a wonderful cause.

To contact Gavin Williamson call 01902 846616 or 0207 219 7150 10

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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

Fully Insured

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

For more advice on your game, or try some new wedges pop into Perton Golf Club or contact Jeremy Jeremy Harrold, Perton Park Golf Club 01902 380073 or email jeremy@pertongolfclub.co.uk

PP/NOVEMBER

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Perton Parish Council: News Update November 2014 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 10th November & Monday 8th December: Perton Civic Centre @ 7pm Perton Good Citizen Award 2014-15 – Nomination forms available from Perton Civic Centre & Library 'Flicks in the Sticks' Movie Magic: Coming soon Senior Citizens admitted Free of Charge, all others £3.50 intermission refreshments @ 50p per person • Mrs Brown's Boy D'Movie (No Intermission) Tuesday 18th November 2014 @ 2.00pm • Jersey Boys Tuesday 13th January 2015 @ 2.00pm PERTON PARISH COUNCIL: SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

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LANDLORDS is your property ready for winter? ......

Autumnal weather is well and truly upon us and now is an ideal time to ensure your rental properties are ‘fit for purpose’ as the weather gets colder. Follow our tips below to ensure your property is in peak condition in time for the winter months. Carry out a boiler service: When was the last time you had the boiler serviced in your rental property? Regular gas checks are essential as part of your tenancy agreement. If you’ve neglected this mandatory part of your obligations as a landlord, now is the perfect time to service the boiler and any other gas appliances in your property. For landlords who carry out mid-term inspections or who let their properties through a reputable estate agent this should be routine. Our advice is, don’t delay – have you ever attempted to secure the services of a gas engineer during a cold snap? Check all pipes and guttering: All pipes and guttering should be thoroughly secured to the walls and, together with brickwork, checked for leaks, fractures and blockages. Leaking pipes may freeze and burst during the winter months and in this case prevention is certainly better than cure. Pay attention to bathrooms: From our experience of property management at Redstones, we know that bathrooms can often suffer from excessive condensation and damp, resulting in loose or cracked tiles which lead to leaks and water damage. Check bathrooms thoroughly for any telltale signs and rectify any potential problems immediately. Carry out regular checks if your property is empty: ‘Void’ periods – the times when your property does not have a tenant – during autumn and winter months mean that you must pay extra attention to your property. Carry out regular visits and checks to ensure your property is secure and your heating is working properly. If you are struggling to find a suitable tenant, consider contacting a reputable lettings agent who specialises in your local area and can help you to find a tenant quickly. Insulate your property: With all landlords required to provide EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) on their rental properties, insulation is essential. Check the cladding around your pipes and boiler, ensure that your taps aren’t leaking and seal windows and doors with appropriate draft excluders. Keep your tenants fully informed: While the maintenance of your property is your responsibility as a landlord, it is worth investing some time putting together an information pack for your tenants. Include advice on operating the boiler, locating stopcocks and ensuring heating is on if they are away during the cold weather. With the arrival of darker nights, it is also vital to ensure your property is thoroughly secured with deadlocks and burglar alarms. Carry out tests on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: While these should form part of your regular inspections, with colder weather approaching, it is essential to ensure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functional. Make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date: Insurance can be a grey area for many landlords as maintenance issues aren’t always covered by landlord policies. For your peace of mind, Redstones Financial Services provides a full range of financial services. Make your life easier. With Redstones fully managed option you know your property is in safe hands. - Updesh Gidda MARLA MAIPI Redstones Wolverhampton – Sales, Lettings, Property Management & Auctions T: 01902 504455 M: 07528 365365

PCB Plastics & Roofing • • • • •

PVC-U fascia and soffits, bargeboards & cladding Eaves Protection System supply & fit Verandas, Porches, Tiled Canopies Guttering/Dry verges General roof repairs and tiles replaced

07504 472459 or 01902 753482 Tyninghame Ave, Tettenhall

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Christmas Trees galore! Christmas Tree Festival St Nicholas' Church 12th-14th December 2014 Once again St. Nicholas’ Church in Codsall is holding a Christmas Tree Festival, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. There will be many trees, decorated by many different groups from the village - and we can expect a wide range of styles. The Vicar of St. Nicholas, Revd Simon Witcombe, said, ‘It’s always wonderful to see all the trees, as well as enjoying live music, something seasonal to eat and that special feeling as we come up to Christmas. I’ve heard about the ideas for some of the trees and I can’t wait to see them!’ Homemade seasonal refreshments will be served throughout the weekend. Opening times: Friday 2-7pm, Sat Noon-5pm, Sunday 1pm -5pm. Admission: Adults £3, Children £1 (5-12s) Under 5s free 18

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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

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Win 2 Tickets to the Opening Night - 27th November 2014 7.30pm performance of Sleeping Beauty At Codsall Village Hall To be in with a chance of winning send the answer to the question below together with your name and contact telephone number by text to 07734 461934 or email tettenhallpages@gmail.com by 6pm on the closing date of 20th November 2014

In the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty what is the name of the princess? a) Ariel b) Aurora c) Belle www.pertonpages.co.uk â&#x2122;Ś pertonpages@gmail.com â&#x2122;Ś 07734 461934

Useful Numbers Lakeside Surgery: 01902 755329 Tamar Surgery: 01902 755053 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 752129 Neighbourhood Police: 0300 1234455 Staffordshire Police: 08453 303132 MP: Gavin Williamson: 01902 846616 Souths Staffs District Council: 01902 696000 Staffordshire County Council: 01785 223121 Parish Council Office: 01902 745971 28