Staffordshire Outlook November 2014 edition by Staffordshire Outlook

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK MAGAZIN E

Delivered to: Cannock, Burntwood, Cheslyn Hay, Hatherton, Hawks Green, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Huntington, Norton Canes, Shoal Hill, Wedges Mills, Wimblebury,

November/December 2014 www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Great prizes to be won inside this issue: Win family tickets to the Santa Special at Severn Valley Railway Win tickets for Cinderella at The Grand Theatre Win a Parisian Afternoon Tea for two at Salon de ThĂŠ

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Inside: Eating-Out, Motoring, Entertainment, Beauty, Home Furnishings, Interiors, Charities, Education, Local News and Events. 01

Local magazine delivered to 20,000 selected homes and businesses*

Chase Grammar School

Educating your child from nursery to A level Family Atmosphere

Small Classes

High Expectations

Formerly Chase Academy

Independent Co Educational School for 3 - 18 Years Scholarships, Bursaries and Transport available Contact Karen Anderson, School Secretary to make an appointment to visit the school STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 501800, Convent Close, Cannock, WS11 0UR www.chasegrammar.com, tel 01543

A Message From The Hello readers, Welcome to the November/December edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. I cannot believe that Christmas is just around the corner! Hopefully you are all getting ready for the festive season? In this edition we have plenty of new advertisers including Chasewood who offer a beautiful range of handcrafted furniture, Tracy Mason Travel if you’re thinking of booking a holiday, and much more. The winners from the September/October edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We continue to have some lovely comments from the winners of the great prizes they have won in the magazine. Don’t forget to enter the fantastic competitions in this edition; including tickets for this year’s pantomime, Cinderella at The Grand Theatre, Afternoon Tea for two at Salon de Thé and Family tickets for the Santa Special at the Severn Valley Railway! You could be one of the lucky winners, good luck! Congratulations to: Winners of a pair of tickets for Thriller Live at The Grand Theatre Dora Tonkinson - Huntington, Karel Yates Hednesford, Ray Turley - Burntwood Winners of a pair of tickets to the Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Emma Clark - Hatherton, Janet Tongue - Cheslyn Hay, Dawn Jukes - Norton Canes, Marie Woodward - Heath-Hayes, Liz Ryley - Cannock

Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Ltd 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ Tel: 01952 321334 Staffordshire Outlook Magazine is published by Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Limited www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Advertising enquiries Sharon Caldwell - Sales Director Email: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Editorial/What’s on information Mal Caldwell - Editor Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

Editor

The team at the Staffordshire Outlook are extremely grateful to the local advertisers who choose to advertise their business in the magazine, and to the readers who continue to support the Staffordshire Outlook. We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers! If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in the Staffordshire Outlook magazine then please contact us on the details below. If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk This will be your last issue before Christmas; therefore I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Mal

Contents

Nufﬁed ??? Compton Hospice Senior Staffy Club Penkridge Christmas market Win tickets for Cinderella at The Grand Theatre Right Outside Chasewood Tech Alum Systems Ltd AJG Property Maintenance & Servicing Puzzles Cannock Soroptimists Military Wives ShireLiving Trust Recipe of the month Win Afternoon Tea for two Harrisons Club Blue Ginger Staffy Club Play Area at Hednesford Hawks Green Vets Tracy Mason Travel Pet Pics by Lyn La Minky Win family tickets for Severn Valley railway UltraSlim South Staffs Council Kate McGeary Skincare Shoe selection with Active Therapy Toms Tipp Brewood Singers Cannock Soroptimists 7 Guests Pension Freedom Cannock Rugby Club Learn 4 A Webbs Rob Taylor New Nissan Juke The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Rob Taylor Index of advertisers Puzzle Solutions

4 6 8 8 10 12 14 16 20 22 26 26 28 30 32 34 35 36 36 37 38 39 40 42 44 46 47 48 49 50 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 60 62 64 66 66

We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Staffordshire Outlook magazine and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert or editorial. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Staffordshire Outlook magazine does not ofﬁcially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in any retrieval system of transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photo copying or otherwise – without the prior consent of Staffordshire Outlook magazine.*total distribution 20,000 copies across two months.

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being Centre ll e W d n a h lt a e H ld e Nuffi Nothing is more important to Nuffield Health than getting people fit and healthy, that’s why they’ve recently taken over multiple gyms across the country - including the former Virgin Active site at Wolverhampton - to create their own Fitness and Wellbeing Centres, which bring everything needed to improve the health and fitness of the nation under one roof. We met up with Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital Director, Tony Avery and Manager of Wolverhamptons new Nuffield Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, Damion Groom, to hear about the exciting venture. SO: What was the motivation behind Nuffield Health creating their Fitness and Wellbeing Centres? TA: Nuffield Health has long been keen to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation and so made a decision to help highlight the importance of prevention, not just cure, with their strategy of establishing centres across the country that help people to improve their overall health and fitness. We have hospitals located all over the country and wanted to bring a Fitness and Wellbeing Centre to each of those areas. Although there are already plenty of centres up-and-running, we acquired nine Virgin Active gyms - including our Wolverhampton location - and one LA Fitness gym in August this year. SO: Are the centres open to everybody or just patients of the Nuffield Hospital? TA: The centres are open to everybody - we want everyone to benefit. We offer a great range of memberships to suit all requirements for the general public, corporate clients, as well as specialist rehabilitation pathways for our patients, which serves to help them with their recovery. The Nuffield is a not for profit organisation, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the

community and how we can meet the needs of the healthcare nation.

on and we’ll invite you to have another check three months later.

Our monthly awareness campaigns are designed to educate the public on common health problems.

We’ll also be launching our new interactive ‘Health Score’ system in January which will help members track things like how much exercise they’ve done, what their stress levels are if they’ve had enough sleep and adequate nutrition. It’s another useful tool to monitor your overall health and wellbeing.

SO: That sounds like a great idea, tell us more. DG: Last month we focused on women’s health as well breast cancer awareness, this month we’re drawing attention to men’s health issues. As well as providing lots of informationpacked leaflets, we also have a ‘Meet Our Experts’ event. Everyone is welcome to attend - whether a member or not - to hear an expert from the Nuffield Hospital speak on the subject. There’s plenty of advice about prevention and useful information from our personal trainers as to how you can tailor your work-out to address certain issues. SO: I can see that promoting good health really is a high priority at the centre. DG: Yes it is. When someone joins our centre they’re automatically offered a ‘Mini Health M.O.T’, which allows us to help them look at particular areas of their health and lifestyle which might need some attention. TA: We’re the only organisation to offer our members a service like this. Our 12 point check looks at things like your cholesterol, diabetes’s risk, BMI and stress levels. DG: Once we’ve looked at all of these factors we can help you work on areas you need to improve

This article was provided by The Nuffield Health Group www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals 04

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

SO: What can people expect to find at the Health and Wellbeing Centre? DG: We’ve got fantastic facilities, there’s both an outdoor and indoor pool, a well equipped gym, two aerobic studios, a sauna and steam room, we’ve got an on-site beauty salon and hairdressers, as well as a restaurant and crèche - where we hold lots of great activities to keep the kids entertained. We have our own team of eight personal trainers who are available to help you with your specific requirements. Both off and on peak membership are available, as well as short-term three month agreement. We also provide membership for 16 and 17 year olds. Our membership is competitively priced and offers real quality and value-for-money. TA: The facilities are great; we’re really excited about the venture and have plenty of projects and investment planned for the club over the next six months.

Our Orthopaedic specialists and Physiotherapists help you get back to doing the things you love Nuffield Health provides personal care before, during and after surgery to guarantee you a comfortable recovery. So when it comes to your bones don’t just go private, go personal.

Get in touch. And get on with your life 2

01902 275 241 Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE nuffieldhealth.com/wolverhamptonhospital

*Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. **Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention. ***Subject to status.

1217_Wolverhampton_Ortho_surgery_Ad V2.indd 1

15/05/2014 16:29

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Light up a life Christmas 2014

Remember a loved one, support a hospice

Making a donation If you would like a light shining on our tree, please complete the dedication / payment form across. For each donation we will:  Dedicate a light on our tree  Record the name of your loved one in our Book of Dedication, along with your short message  Send you a Light Up a Life Memory Card for you to display in your home  Invite you to our ‘Light Up a Life’ service taking place on Sunday 7th December at St Edmunds Catholic Academy Your message will be displayed in our online Book of Dedication and also handwritten into the actual Book of Dedication at the hospice. This will be available for viewing at the above mentioned service and on main reception thereafter.

The Service You are most welcome to join us as we celebrate the treasured memories of many special people this Christmas. The service of dedication will be led by Chaplain, Revd. Elaine Anderton on Sunday 7th December from 3pm to 4pm at St Edmunds Catholic Academy, Compton Road West, Wolverhampton, WV3 9DU. Guests are invited to join us at the School from 2.30pm until 4.30pm to view the Book of Dedication and enjoy a selection of refreshments.

For further information on this year’s Light up a Life service please call 0845 2255 497

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Remember a loved one, support a hospice “Today I lit a candle for you so that you might shine once more upon this world.” Christmas is a very special and poignant time to remember loved ones we have lost. Through our Light up a Life appeal, Compton Hospice offers a unique opportunity to honour those special to us, by dedicating a light on our celebratory Tree of Life. Throughout the Christmas period, hundreds of lights shine out from our tree which stands pride of place in the grounds of our hospice. Each light is a gift for that someone special, a way of remembering them, as they were, a shining light in our lives. Your gift to those who have meant so much will also be a gift to our patients and their families currently facing the challenge of living with an incurable illness.

Light up a life Christmas 2014 Payment Details

For every £1 you donate, we can collect up to nearly 25p more from the taxman! To sign up

Tel:

Email:

to Gift Aid your donation, simply tick this box.

Please find enclosed my gift of £_________ or, please debit my credit card with the amount stated (please make cheques payable to Compton Hospice, we cannot process debit cards at present) Name (as it appears on the card)

I am a UK taxpayer and would like Compton Hospice to treat this, and all future donations hereafter, as Gift Aid donations. I understand that I must have paid an amount of tax at least equal to the tax you reclaim on my donations.

I do not wish to ‘Light up a life’ but enclose a donation of £ to support Compton Hospice this Christmas.

Card No. Expiry date

Signature

(Please make cheques payable to Compton Hospice. For credit card payments please see opposite)

Date

Dedication Form Please complete the details below and return the envelope provided. I / We would like a light to shine this Christmas in memory of: (please write in CAPITALS as you wish the entry to appear in the 2014 Book of Dedication)

Further Dedications Name:

Name:

Please put in the Book of Dedication with this message (10 words maximum):

Please advise on the number of people you expect to attend the ceremony _______ (no tickets will be issued) If you no longer wish to receive correspondance from Compton Hospice, tick box 

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

mas Trucretioes Real Cndheforirdst n Garden Const from Sta

trees directly to your home in time for Santa! All trees come with free netting and blocking and we will even help you put the tree into your car.

Christmas only comes once a year! So make it one you won’t forget with a real Christmas tree from Standeford Garden Construction. From the 1st December Standeford Garden Construction will be selling real Christmas trees. We have a great variety to choose from including Nordmann Fir trees from 2ft to 20ft, Non shed pines and Holly Wreaths. We are offering a local delivery service to drop the

ta de o Standeford Garden Construction Established 1954

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Old Stafford Road, Coven WV10 7PH – Find us opposite The Harrows pub on the A449, or call 07748 636549.

• Block paving

Open 7 days a week from the 1st December.

• Site clearance

• Indian stone paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Slabbing • Fencing • All general landscaping • Suppliers of stone, soil, sand etc. Like our page •on Facebook Standeford Garden Construction

07748 636 549 01902 790 238

OLD STAFFORD ROAD, COVEN

stmas Market

hri Penkridge Victorian C With over 100 stalls of fabulous food and local crafts, as well as plenty of entertainment, it’s no wonder Penkridge Victorian Christmas Market is the event that truly marks the start of the Festive Season! This year it will be taking place on Friday 28th November from 5pm to 9pm on the site of Penkridge Market, and admission to the event is free! The Market will be brimming with local produce selling everything

08 8

you need for your Festive Feast; with the chance to sample local delicacies such as savoury scotch eggs, speciality cheeses, jams, chutneys and preserves. And if that’s not enough to satisfy your appetite there will be a wide variety of refreshments available, including a hog roast; jacket potatoes, pizza and doughnuts to name but a few! The Old Deanery Farm Cafe will also be open serving hot drinks and festive food, including a traditional Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings.

as well as Arthur’s Fun Fair, a fire eater and stilt walker!

In addition to all this fabulous food, there will be Craft Stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery, gifts and handbags to wooden toys, making it easy to find unique presents for all your friends and family.

Penkridge Market is located in the centre of Penkridge, which is just 7 miles from Stafford; 7 miles from Cannock and 10 miles from Wolverhampton and is easily accessible from the A449, A5 and M6 (junction 12). Parking and admission is free.

There will also be plenty to keep the children entertained. Father Christmas will of course be making an extra-special guest appearance,

For further information on the event, please telephone 01785 713419 or log onto the website www.penkridgemarket.co.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not

service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Cannock

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass? All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone

0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear... The Lighting Warehouse rsary Celebrates its 2nd Annive It’s hard to believe that its 2 years since Paul took over the reins at The Lighting Warehouse. The vision remains the same: To provide Quality Lighting and Mirrors at affordable prices with exceptional customer service. Theclocks have gone back and the dark evenings are drawing in. We withdraw into the comfort of our homes made more inviting by the glow of our favourite lamps. Paul would like to take this opportunity to thank his

customers old and new for their support. During the month of November – on production of this copy of “Staffordshire Outlook”. The customer is invited to choose from a range of promotional lamp bases to: - “Buy one get one free”. To complete the look we stock a variety of traditional and modern shades to compliment your colour scheme. Feel free to call in browse at our in store lighting and also to study the catalogues for further ideas. Our home consultation service is available to help achieve the effect you desire in time for Christmas.

The Lighting

Warehouse We stock an extensive range of traditional, modern and contemporay lighting.

We offer a home consultation service, to see your ideas lit up in your home. Unit 22 Longford Industrial Estate, Longford Road, Cannock WS11 0DG

Tel: 01543 572444 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Competition e tr a e h T d n ra G n to Wolverhamp

Two lucky winners can each win 2 tickets to see Cinderella on Tuesday 9th December at 7.30pm Have a ball at The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 2014/15 pantomime, Cinderella starring JULIAN CLARY and Hollyoaks star JOE TRACINI..! From 6 December to 18 January Julian Clary has established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable and popular stage and television entertainers. He has turned his hand to comedy, acting, presenting, writing and in 2012 Julian won Celebrity Big Brother. Cinderella will once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime who were behind the success of last year’s production

of Sleeping Beauty. Qdos have a reputation for producing large-scale West End quality shows packed with special effects and audience participation. Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomimes division said “It’s fitting that for Cinderella, the most magical family pantomime of them all, that we have been able to cast Julian Clary, the most glamorous of all pantomime stars, in our Wolverhampton show this Christmas. Julian is a fine actor and a first-rate comedian and is guaranteed to keep audiences laughing right up to the final curtain call”.

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12 or visit our website at www.grandtheatre.co.uk where you can also find details on our Accessible Performances. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Sunday 30th November 2014. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Cinderella has help from whom to get to the ball? A B C D

Fairy Bowbells Tinkerbell Fairy Godmother The Good Fairy

Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

usiness

ily B Award Winning Fam Right Outside are an award winning family run hard landscaping company based in Penkridge, covering a 20 mile radius from our base. We have been established since 1985. You can be assured that your landscape design will be turned into reality, using a company that has a proven track record of delivering a high quality service every time. Using high quality materials creates a professional finish, minimises ongoing maintenance, and gives you a landscape that lasts. Efficient management means a smooth-running project, delivered by experienced, hard-working, friendly staff that minimise the mess and disruption. We believe our customers value our personal, committed service and this is the reason we are able to get lots of repeat business from local customers and businesses. We are proud of our record so far and have many clients who can testify to our creations, changing their lifestyles. A happy customer is our personal goal. Right Outside can tackle any outside work, including Bricklaying, Innovative Decking, Stone Walling, Blocked Paved Drives, and Block Paving. With a design and build service, from a single homeowner property to commercial projects.

Director Andy Hartshorne worked for the BBC in the 90’s, carrying out garden construction projects, so you may have seen his work on your TV screens. Andy’s eldest son Sam joined the company in 2013, meaning this family run business will be around for many more years. We always aim to offer a value for money service by sourcing quality products from local trusted suppliers at competitive rates. For more information or for a free survey, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01785 281138 or 07814 463617 or email rightoutside@icloud.com. See our facebook page (Right Outside) for our recent projects.

Local family run business, estabilished in 1985

Working with local suppliers in all local areas.

Hard Landscape Specialists • Bricklaying Innovative Decking • Block Paving Stone Walling • Domestic & Commercial Work Carried Out Creating beautiful, bespoke outdoor living spaces.....practical landscaping solutions to suit your needs right outside

WE proMisE To bEaT any likE for likE quoTE Email: rightoutside@icloud.com

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Mob: 07814

463617

Tel: 01785

281138

Individually cut to taste Ralvern Fine Furniture & Reupholstery

Tel: 01543 505539 - Call for a brochure Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 7XN www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk

CREATING A NEW RELAXING SPACE

• Loft Conversions • Garage Conversions • Extensions • Manufacturers of Bespoke Staircases

Freephone: 0800 136 152 w: www.loft-conversions.com e: enquiries@loft-conversions.com

FREE DESIGN & QUOTATION DESIGN • PLANNING • CONSTRUCTION

50 Park Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0BT, UK

Company Reg no: 03668849 | Vat number: 715499802

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Chasewood The Chasewood brand of furniture has been manufactured in Staffordshire for over 20 years. As a family business we have been designing, creating and installing beautiful fitted furniture throughout the UK offering a reliable and friendly service. In June 2013 we opened our new showroom in Burntwood alongside our production facility. Making the most of even the smallest space is what makes our fitted furniture so utterly desirable. Our innovative storage solutions provide a place for most household items, ensuring the interiors of your furniture look immaculate open or closed. We will carefully consider the style of your room and the atmosphere you wish to create, providing creative solutions for any awkward corners, uneven floors or sloping ceilings. Our professional team will create a design tailored to your needs and life style. Your furniture will be manufactured in our Burntwood factory by our cabinet makers, some having over 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience. Our expert installation teams will then skilfully install your new furniture in your home. At Chasewood we also offer a huge range of free standing furniture available to view online. Visit chasewood-furniture.co.uk to view a wide range of designs and finishes to spark the imagination. To arrange for a designer to visit your home and carry out a free survey and offer advice and discuss design solutions, please call Freephone 0800 316 1078. Alternatively you can visit our website to view products and book online. Our stylish Burntwood showroom is open to the public 6 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday: 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

30% Sale now on selected ranges

Showroom open to the public 6 days a week. Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Saturday 10am - 3pm Unit 6, Ring Road, Zone 2 Burntwood Business Park. Burntwood, Staffordshire. WS7 3JQ

10 Year Guarantee

Freephone : 0800 316 1078

Call for a Free Home Visit

Visit our website: chasewood-furniture.co.uk

Call for a Free Brochure

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Tech Alum Systems L

Tech Alum Systems Ltd operates with some 36 years’ experience in the bespoke glass, aluminium and stainless steel business. Our very impressive portfolio includes domestic and commercial work. We manufacture, supply and fit from our Cannock based premises on Rumer Hill Industrial Estate. With an attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality and performance, our aim is to deliver a first class product, at a competitive price.

Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Glass production has developed so much over the past few years that almost anything is possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us with your bespoke ideas, plans and projects. Whether we are asked to create and plan original bespoke designs from your requirements or we are working with other architects and designers, we promise you that from the moment we take on a bespoke project, we will work very closely with our clients from the start to the finish of your project. With our wealth of experience you can be assured that our ability to transform some style into your property comes with an attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality and performance, our aim is to deliver a first class product, at a competitive price. After we have installed your product, we offer after sales care advice to maintain and increase the effective life of your bespoke glass product. • Curved Glass • Glass Balustrade & Balconies • Glass Partitions, • Glass Doors, Patio Doors, Bi-fold Doors • Shop Fronts, Canopies & Entrance Glass So if you are looking at updating your property and injecting style and the 21st century cutting edge chic, with a local Cannock based company, contact the team at Tech Alum Systems Ltd. Tech Alum Systems Limited, Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0ET Tel: 01543 467272 Website: www.techalumsystems.co.uk Email: admin@techalum.co.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

• Curved Glass • Glass Balustrade & Balconies • Glass Partitions • Glass Doors, Patio Doors, Bi-fold Doors • Shop Fronts, Canopies & Entrance Glass Tech Alum Systems Limited Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate Rumer Hill Road Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0ET

01543 467272 admin@techalum.co.uk

www.techalumsystems.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

SALE NOW ON

Visit our showroom to be inspired by the newest designs

Rootwood

House

.com

Interiors Italia t/a Rootwood House|79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton|WV1 4JD 01902 428489|rootwood@outlook.com|www.rootwoodhouse.co.uk 18

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

interiorsitalia luxurious contemporary living

Designer brands. Unbeatable prices. Showroom open 7 days a week.

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& Service e c n a n te in a M y rt e p AJG Pro rvices you can trust Property se

Are you looking at improving your home? AJG Property Maintenance and Servicing Ltd, provide an extensive range of property repair and maintenance services, including Household Improvements, Alterations & refurbishments, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Conservatories and Driveways. Our customers include private householders, commercial businesses and public sector organisations, like schools, GP clinics and leisure centres. We are proud that our impressive growth as a property maintenance company is almost solely due to positive word of mouth recommendation. But don’t just take our word for it, please see below a few testimonials from some of our clients: “Having contacted many other local property service companies, I could not believe the various quotes with many hidden costs, and how they did not listen to my plans. I called AJG Property Maintenance and Services and spoke with the owner Alex who came to my property and listened to me. I knew what plans and work I required, and Alex totally understood my plans and he took time to listen to my needs then gave me a honest, secure price, there was no hidden extras like other quotes I had received. Alex and the team at AJG are young and fresh and this reflects on the fantastic ideas that they had planned for my home. My home has been completely transformed by AJG and I cannot believe how smoothly the project has gone. I completely trust all of the staff at AJG and even gave Alex a key to my home whilst I have been away on holiday. They are so clean and tidy and even though this has been a long project as I have had my total house refurbished including a new conservatory, windows, kitchen, bathroom, shower 20

room, front door, driveway, lighting, flooring & fully decorated, it has been a stress-free enjoyable time. This is down to Alex and all the guys; I would definitely recommend AJG Property Services, to anybody who wants any work carried out on their home.” Liz Witwell, Penkridge “The people at AJG Property Maintenance and Services always do a very good job. We’ve been using them for four or five years now. We could be among their first customers and the fact that we still using them tells you how happy we are with their service. One of the first jobs they did for us on a regular basis was to cut our lawns. Then they re-pointed our roof and, after we had a break-in, they fitted a new side door with the latest security features which have given us real peace of mind. They are very reliable and we know they will do a very good job every time at a reasonable price. We even leave our keys with them if we need to go out. It’s so nice to be able to trust a company like AJG Property Maintenance and Services. The company’s staff are always polite and just get on with their work. They clean up after themselves and the only sign that they have been in the house is that the work is finished and the problem has been fixed. They are also very helpful. We bought a new petrol lawnmower and couldn’t get it to work. So we called Alex, the company owner for his advice, and he came right round and showed us how to get it started. He didn’t charge us for his time, he was happy to help. As pensioners, we need to be careful with our money and spend it wisely. AJG Property Maintenance and Services have reasonable rates which means we can get our repairs and improvements done. Also, they are very nice people so they are a pleasure to have around. We only have positive things to say about their service.” Eddie and Betty Sargeant

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Home and building makeover specialists

Household Improvements • Alterations & Refurbishments Conservatories • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Driveways AJG Property Maintenance and Servicing Ltd provide an extensive range of property repair and maintenance services.

We provide a friendly, clean and tidy service – we do all kinds of jobs, big or small, one-off task or complete projects.

Let us take the strain out of improving and maintaining your home to the standard you expect. We’re here to help.

We believe in four simple principles: Reliable: Do what we said we would, when we said we would. Quality: Provide first class work, meeting all required standards. Clean: No mess; tidy up as we work; recycle waste. Value For Money: Simply provide good value for money.

Please call us for an estimate on:

01785 715001 email: info@ajgpropertymaintenance.com

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Across 1 Ten years (6) 4 Pictures (6) 9 Level high land (7) 10 Tag (5) 11 Poem (5) 12 Selections (7) 13 Demolition (11) 18 Pharmacist (7) 20 Perfect (5) 22 Spoils (5) 23 Against (7) 24 Scale (6) 25 Grown ups (6) Down 1 Leave (6) 2 Absurd (5) 3 Lowest (7) 5 Greeting (5) 6 Used for smoking (7) 7 Spatter (6) 8 Commas, colons. (11) 14 Dusk (7) 15 Stumbled (7) 16 Afraid (6) 17 Play equipment (6) 19 Edition (5) 21 Artists frame (5)

SUDOKU

Pictograms 4 words

IREEDI 2 words

IDAHOHIO 2 words Puzzle solutions on Page 66

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

HELLO ÂŁ1

Quality Oak, Pine, Painted and Reclaimed furniture Deluxe Room Set

Specialists in Bespoke Oak, Pine, Painted and Reclaimed Furniture A huge choice of quality Furniture in our fantastic two storey showroom Designer Zenn Chunky Oak Range

Deluxe 100% Solid Oak Range

Made from 100% Solid Oak

Our best selling Milan Range 100% Solid Oak

Buy direct and save ££££ - In store or shop on-line

Shabby Chic Range

01543 379888 Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday & Bank holidays 10am-4pm

Painted dining room furniture made on premises

Reclaimed/rough sawn range made on premises

Shop on-line: www.britanniapine.com Visit our ebay shop: handcraftedfurnitureuk Unit 9b, A5 Watling Street Business Park, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 9XG | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 321334 Situated on the A5 01952 just before Brownhills heading from Cannock

Bespoke Furniture Ralvern Fine Furniture & Reupholstery

www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk

Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror wardrobes will enhance the decor of any bedroom by adding light and the impression of doubling the room size.

Roll-A-Robe w w w. r o l l - a - r o b e . c o m

Sliding doors that move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors and so giving more living space, with the addition of planned wall to wall, floor to ceiling storage.

You will find that you have "More useful storage" than you thought! Unit 9 West Cannock Way • Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre Hednesford • Staffordshire • WS12 0QW

01543 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk 24

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

DG Fires is the brand name that is used by DRU for its wood stove products in the UK. The company has launched a new selection of DG Ivar and Keld wood or multi-fuel contemporary stoves that can burn wood, coke or coal. Ivar has a square finished door, whilst the Keld door has rounded corners. Each model features a High version and a Low version, which, as well as freestanding, can be installed into an inglenook chimney cavity All models have a 4.9 kW heat output and the energy efficiency rating on all of the models is an impressive 82%. All Ivar and Keld stoves have an optional external air connection, this helps achieve maximum clean burning and high efficiency. The chimney connections on all models can be made from the top or the back of the stoves for greater flexibility of installation. Both Ivar and Keld models have been awarded DEFRA approval to be used in UK urban smokeless zones.

For further information, visit: www.dgfires.co.uk

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

EXCLUSIVE TO THE AREA AT FIRESIDE FACTORY

MON-FRI 9am - 5pm SAT 10am - 4pm

FIREPLACES MADE TO MEASURE OVER 100 DISPLAYS OF GAS, ELECTRIC, SOLID FUEL & FIREPLACES

FREE SURVEYS* FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

01543 277366

FREE DELIVERY*

1st Floor Units 6/7 Norton Canes Business Park Norton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS w w w . f I r e s I d e f a c t o r y .w e b s . c o m

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Kate Young Kate Young became the youngest member of Cannock Soroptimists when President Janis Lomas inducted her into the organisation at the September business meeting. Kate is 36 and having worked for 12 years in local government as a Senior HR manager, she decided to change career after experiencing health issues and now is self employed as a success and wellbeing coach, helping people overcome the things that are preventing them from living a life they love! Kate read about SI Cannock & District in the local press and felt this was the organisation she was looking for as she had always wanted to do something more to support women suffering from issues such as FGM and domestic violence but was never really sure how she could make a difference herself. She told members that she has always been passionate about women’s equality both locally and internationally and has found SI to be an ideal blend of friendship with other like minded women locally whilst doing something worthwhile. She said that she felt she had found the way she can make a difference and had been so overjoyed with the friendliness of the Cannock SI group. She ended by telling them: “I almost immediately felt part of the club and am looking forward to making a long and active contribution!”

President Dr Janis Lomas with new member Kate Young

Other women are attending meetings with a view to joining; more information can be found on the website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district, by emailing si.cannock@outlook.com or by phoning 07971 494510 On a more sombre note, members were saddened recently when Margaret Young, a member of the club for over 46 years, died after battling with ill health for many years. Despite the situation she was in, Margaret was always cheerful, always pleased to chat to members and attended meetings and events whenever she was able. The club held a minute’s silence to remember her.

Military Wives Choir

Stafford

The Military Wives Choir Stafford is a group of ladies based in MOD Stafford who all enjoy singing. Military Wives Choir Stafford was set up in October 2013 by RAF wife, Sheryl Godwin with a view to giving the Stafford ladies the same positive and inspiring experience she previously had at RAF Benson. The choir has developed and grown since then and gives wives and other forces related members an opportunity to meet new people, to do something for themselves. We meet every Wednesday with our Musical Director, Simon Allen, giving us a chance to have fun, rehearse together and provide mutual support as we deal with the challenges of Service life.

Sheryl had arranged our debut performance at MOD Stafford Christmas Carol Service 2013 giving us only weeks to get ready to perform. We worked hard as a team and not only performed once before the end of December 2013, but numerous times at both free and paid events.

As one of over 80 Military Wives Choirs that have now been established across the UK and abroad, the Stafford Military Wives Choir is part of the Military Wives Choirs Foundation. The Military Wives Choirs Foundation is a network of choirs that reaches across the whole military community, to bring women closer together through singing. The Foundation is a registered subsidiary charity of SSAFA Forces Help. It provides guidance, funding and support for individual choirs, as well as the opportunity to bring choirs together through national projects.

There are now over a two dozen regular members on the books. We all look forward to our weekly rehearsals (our ‘me time!’), giving us chance to catch up for a chat and then to rehearse ready for our next event. We have found that we have a special bond and we have met people we would not have come across without the choir. It’s a fantastic network of ladies.

The Friends of St Mary’s presents the Military Wives Choir Stafford, plus Nigel Evans on Saxophone on Saturday 15th November at 7.30pm at St Marys Church Stafford. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be served. Tickets are available from Mews Music (opposite St Mary’s church) or from friendsofstmary@ gmail.com Tickets are £6 (£4 Children).

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AL SPECI

OFFE

20% OFF

Hygienic

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ShireLiving If you’re over 55 and thinking about moving, applications are now open for Chasewood; ShireLiving’s brand new independent living apartments in Cannock. When Chasewood opens in spring 2015, 63 modern one and two bedroom apartments will be available for affordable rent. Conveniently located just outside of Cannock town centre, off Longford Road, the apartments will be accompanied by a GP surgery, pharmacy and community hub. Purpose built for people over 55, Chasewood benefits from a 24 hour onsite team of friendly and supportive staff and a host of facilities designed to enhance independence. These include a residents’ lounge and coffee bar, assisted and pamper bathrooms and a restaurant which offers a variety of meals and snacks. The restaurant links Chasewood to the adjacent community hub giving residents an opportunity to get involved in wider social and community activities. The dedicated and experienced team offer a range of flexible care and support services which are tailored to individual needs and also organise social and leisure activities meaning the stresses and strains of life can be taken care of and residents are free to ‘live the life they choose’. These spacious apartments are designed with future needs in mind and offer total privacy and independence. Equipped with 24/7 emergency call and video door entry systems help is always on hand if needed. You will also benefit from a host of features which include a contemporary kitchen, built in cooker and accessible shower room. If you think that Chasewood could be the place for you then find out more by visiting www.shireliving.co.uk or call 0800 0232244.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Recipe Of The Month Turkey, cranberry and honey roast parsnip sausage roll with pickles and homemade carrot and cardamom jam. I love homemade sausage rolls, basically because I can make them using my ratio of 90% ﬁlling and 10% pastry. You can make a ruff puff pastry if you wish (see takefood. co.uk - chef’s recipes - baking essentials) but for ease and time saving purposes use a pre-made ready rolled all butter puff pastry from your local supermarket. These sausage rolls are a great way of using up leftovers from Christmas lunch and taste amazing. Makes 6 individual or 2 large ones. EQUIPMENT FOR BOTH RECIPES • • • • • • • • • • •

Pastry brush Small bowl for egg wash Large mixing bowl Sharp knife Chopping board Baking tray Preserving pan or heavy based pan Grater Large spoon Storage jars Serving board and small bowl for jam

Sausage Rolls INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

1 roll of ready rolled puff pastry - 350g 454g/1lb of sausage meat A few pickings from the leg of the left over cooked turkey 1 tbsp of cranberry sauce 2 medium sized honey roast parsnips 1 egg 3 sprigs of thyme 1 tsp cracked black pepper A few oats and seeds

METHOD Lay the pastry out on your board and turn the board to portrait then cut into 2 halves left to right so you have 2 pieces top and bottom ready to wash and ﬁll. Put the sausage meat into your bowl and sprinkle the thyme leaves and cracked black pepper, tear your turkey meat into the bowl, chop the parsnips and add to the bowl, add cranberry sauce and mix 30

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

gently - you don’t want to lose the cranberry sauce into the mix. Now egg wash your pastry and take half of the ﬁlling and roll out in the centre of the bottom piece then do the same for the top piece of pastry. Fold the pastry over ﬁlling, tuck in and egg wash the top, sprinkle with oats and seeds, cut into 4 then bake on 180oC for about 35 - 40 minutes.

Carrot And Cardamom Jam INGREDIENTS • • • • • •

500 grams of carrots, peeled and grated Zest of 2 and juice of 3 unwaxed lemons 1 small sized piece of ginger grated 1 onion fine diced Zest and juice of 1 large orange 1 tablespoon of cardamom seeds, (split open the green pods of the cardamom to find the seeds) • 500g granulated sugar METHOD Grate your carrots and blanch in boiling salted water for 30 seconds, strain and set aside. In a pan on a moderate heat soften the onion and ginger in olive oil and add the cardamom seeds. Now add the citrus zest, juice and sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved turn up the heat and allow to boil for about 6 minutes - keep your eye on it. To store the jam wash some old or new jars in hot soapy water, rinse in hot clean water and now dry in your oven on 100oC to sterelise. Pour in carefully and tighten lids on. As the heat of the jam reduces this helps to create a vacuum. SERVING SUGGESTION Serve your sausage rolls with any pickles that you find in your cupboard, your homemade carrot and cardamom jam, a lump of mature cheddar and a nice winter ruby slaw (see takefood.co.uk for recipe). www.instagram.com/mikewhitehurst_takefood www.takefood.co.uk mike@takefood.co.uk www.facebook.com/takefood! www.twitter.com/takefood

Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)

Christmas Bookings now being taken!

Indian Cuisine The Kings Repose have been awarded a 5 star award from rate my place for Kitchen Hygiene. Misbah the master chef can cook anything to suit customers requirements. All of the superb mouthwatering dishes being freshly prepared at the time of ordering, using only the finest produce.

Described by many customers as a culinary experience of a lifetime.

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

01902 307846 01902 738299

Eat in or take away

e t a r b e l Ce as at m Christ Bookings now being taken for the Christmas period

Christmas Fayre

From Monday 1st December through to Christmas Eve

Daytime Fayre - 4 courses - ÂŁ14.95 Evening Fayre - 4 courses - ÂŁ18.95

Tables available for groups of up to 20 people including table goodies to help you get into the festive spirit! ChilDrEn unDEr 10 halF priCE. DEposits rEquirED, plEasE ContaCt us For FurthEr DEtails

Entertainment every Friday Wine, dine with live music after nine

01543 503302 shoalhilltaverncannock@yahoo.co.uk SanDy LanE | CannoCk | StaFFS | WS11 1RF

Find us and our menus on

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

de Thé n lo a S t a 2 r fo a Te n o o Win a Parisian Aftern

To celebrate the launch of La Creperie’s new Salon de Thé we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a Parisian Afternoon Tea for two.

Not to mention a delicious range of scrumptious cakes from white chocolate, champagne and raspberry tart, angle glitter cake, profiteroles cheesecake, and melt in the mouth mini macaroons.

La Creperie, in Martin Street, Stafford, well known for its tasty Galettes and delicious gourmet Crepes is now expanding with a Parisian style tea room on its first floor.

For something different we also offer raspberry lemonade, or to really add that special touch you can add a glass of finest French Champagne.

The beautifully decorated venue is perfect for a special occasion from birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries or just simply for a fabulous treat.

Afternoon teas are served from 2.30pm till 5pm seven days a week for just £15 per person by reservation only.

Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of teas as well as delicious selection of food including, baby brioche filled with smoked salmon and crème cheese, mini bloomer loaves filled with honey roast ham or cucumber and cream cheese, Goats cheese, pear and pine nut tart and savoury muffins.

For your chance to win this fantastic prize please answer the following question: What time are Afternoon Teas served at Salon de Thé ? Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook. co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford. TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number. Entries to arrive by Sunday 30th November. Terms and Conditions: The competition prize will be an afternoon tea for 2 people. Booking will be subject to availability and must be taken by the 30th December 2014. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to La Creperie, Stafford.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

For more details or to make a reservation contact La Creperie on 01785 749706.

Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi fine dining experience in the longest established Indian restaurant in Cannock since 1971.

Menu Choice Traditional Christmas Dinner or Traditional Indian Dinner 4 course meal Adult £26.95 Child £15.95 Bookings now being taken.

christmas With

Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant 8 High Green Court Newhall Street Cannock Staffordshire WS11 1GR

Tel: 01543 502 101 / 01543 572 040 Email: info@padmalounge.co.uk

www.padmalounge.co.uk

Call ICare Community Meals on

community meals

www.icarecuisine.co.uk • www.icaregroup.co.uk

01543 275015

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

rrisons

he Ha A great night out at T Looking for a great night out, in great surroundings, with nice people, watching a live band, well the venue you want is Harrisons. Every Thursday evening there is a band performing with 5/6 band members, Country music on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, and foot tapping hand clapping Dixieland Jazz on 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Pay just £3 at the door. Visitors are always welcome. Buy a couple of drinks and you will get your entrance fee back due to our very competitive bar prices. These are great nights so come on drag yourself away from the TV, you will enjoy it. Every Tuesday night is DISCO NIGHT, with DJ Ron Dixon and music mainly from the 50s/ 60s/70s/80s this is just £2 on the door, it’s a good fun night and an ideal place to make new friends. Saturday evening we have live entertainment acts and Wednesday is Bingo night. Visit us on facebook

– Harrisons Sports and Social Club, you can see what’s on. Harrisons opens at 4pm on Mondays to Thursdays with a Happy Hour 5pm to 6pm each day. We are open from 1pm on Fridays and it’s a Happy Afternoon 1pm to 6pm, it’s a great start to the weekend. Saturday and Sundays we are open all day. Cask ales are available. We look forward to celebrating Christmas 2014 and during Christmas

week the entertainment will start with a XMAS DISCO PARTY with DJ Ron Dixon on Tuesday 23rd December. This will start at 8.30pm till 12 midnight. Fancy dressers welcomed. Why not come and join us for a Christmas tipple on Christmas Day? Come on give us a try, you will love it. We are 200 yards off the A34 in Wharwell Lane Great Wyrley WS6 6EU.

Harrisons

XMAS DISCO PARTY

Wharwell Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 6EU Tel: 01922 412138 or 07801 236481

Tuesday 23rd December. 8.30pm till 12 midnight.

Sports & Social Club Open from: 4pm Mon - Thurs, All day Fri, Sat & Sun.

with DJ Ron Dixon

Fancy dressers welcomed.

Happy hour 5pm to 6pm. NOVEMBER Tuesday 4th Thursday 6th Thursday 13th Friday 14th Thursday 20th Thursday 27th

50s/60s/70s DECADES DISCO (every Tuesday night) CHRIS CARMELL'S VINTAGE JAZZ BAND TED and the COUNTRY REB'S 50s/60s ROCK and ROLL SHOWBAND (tickets available) MILLENNIUM EAGLE JAZZ BAND KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY COUNTRY BAND

DECEMBER Thursday 4th Thursday 11th Thursday 18th Tuesday 23rd Saturday 26th Sunday 27th

CHASE JAZZMEN BAND PETER BODDIS COUNTRY BAND NEW WASHBOARD SYNCOPATORS BAND XMAS DISCO PARTY (tickets available) CATHY CHRISTIAN'S CHRISTMAS SONGS KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (tickets available)

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Dixieland jazz or country music band on every Thursday night. Only £3. 60s/70s/80s Disco Night every Tuesday 8.45pm to 11.45pm £2 at door Live entertainment Saturdays Bingo on Wednesday nights.

Cannock , er g in G e lu B r fo ce Certificate of Excellen Blue Ginger has been awarded a 2014 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. This prestigious award is based on the quality of reviews and opinions they have earned on TripAdvisor over the past year. Abdul Karim the owner of Blue Ginger who explained that he and his staff have been running the restaurant for 3 years, and they have new and returning customers every week. Abdul said “Our aim is, and has always been, to provide the finest in both food and service and to our gratification Blue Ginger has

been granted a five star rating and the Certificate of Excellence. We are all so happy and at Blue Ginger, have a look at all of our great reviews on trip advisor; we have shared a few below: “Excellent menu, always tastes as it should. I have tried most off the dishes now, and never disappointed! Great, friendly, efficient service. One of my favourite restaurants!” Bob, Reading “We have dined at this restaurant often over the past year and l have to say they do the most amazing food I’ve had in a long time. The staff are very friendly yet very professional they attend to your every need and the choice of food is mind blowing.

Overall l would recommend you try this restaurant and wallow in their delights the bill won’t scare you of and you too will become a regular.” Loadie, Stafford “My wife and I enjoy eating out and this was one of the best experiences we have ever had. The staff were excellent and even accommodated our wishes by changing their menu to our required tastes. The food is original especially their chef’s specialities and the taste is mouth-watering. The restaurant is very clean and car parking facilities are ample. I would recommend this restaurant to anybody.” Ian, Stafford

Christmas Day Lunch Menu

Celebrate your Christmas Party at Blue Ginger, bookings now being taken. IndIan dIshes

englIsh dIshes

Lassi or Mango Juice

Glass of Fruit Juice, Sherry or Beer

appetisers starters

Chicken Cocktail or Paneer Chilli

Main Meal Tandoori Murgh Mossalla, Kurci Lamb or Kurci Chicken (Served with Vegetable Ahkni or Nan)

dessert Gulabjam or Rasmali Indian Tea

appetisers starters

Soup of the Day, Vegetable or Chicken Soup or Prawn Cocktail

Main Meal

Roast Turkey, Roast Beef or Roast Chicken (Served with Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Roast Potatoes, Mint sauce and Gravy)

dessert

Christmas Pudding or Ice Cream Coffee

Christmas day First Sitting 12pm Second Sitting 2.30pm

Adult £24.95 Child £11.95

Blue Ginger Indian Restaurant, Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 4NU

Tel: 01543 500 300 info@bluegingercannock.com www.bluegingercannock.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Senior Staffy Club Senior Staffy Club was set up in 2012, when our founder adopted a senior staffy who was overlooked by everyone, because of her breed and her age. This seemed so strange, as she was house-trained, knew commands and was a friendly girl, just looking for some love! Senior Staffy Club then began to grow, with more volunteers coming on board, and earlier this year, we became a registered charity. We now look after at least 10 seniors at any given time, whether in foster or our kennels. We rescue and re-home senior (7 years plus) Staffordshire Bull Terriers and staffy crosses. We take in these dogs directly from the pound, or from homes that can no longer care for them. We aim to help the seniors most in need, take them in to our kennels or foster care, and offer them back-up for the rest of their days, should they need it. We promote them, and find them new homes, which we stringently check ourselves, so they do not end up in the same situation. ALL our dogs are neutered / spayed before moving on from us, so that we can help to lessen the ongoing problem of over-breeding.

our kennels and foster homes; facilitating meetings between our dogs and potential adopters; maintaining a website and facebook presence to promote the dogs, and also advising members of the public on welfare and behaviour issues. We are always in need of more volunteers, funds, homes and foster homes, as the demand grows with every day. Do you think you could help? Then please get in touch via email – seniorstaffyclub@ hotmail.co.uk or by phone – 07817 559 886.

There are so many staffies in pounds and rescues, and the seniors are even more difficult to re-home. We re-home nationally, so we have a constant workload including: looking after the dogs in our care; undertaking any necessary vet treatment, neutering, vaccinations etc; full assessment of the temperament of our dogs in order to match them to the right home; organising a dog-walking rota for the kennel dogs; fundraising; attending shows to raise awareness and promote the dogs, as well as to raise funds; home-checking potential adopters and foster homes; transporting dogs from pounds to

rk ea plans for Hednesford Pa ar ay pl er ov es ey rt pe ex Young people cast their Young people got the chance to quiz the companies who are hoping to deliver the new play areas as part of the major improvements at Hednesford Park. Children from local schools ran their expert eyes over the company’s designs and grilled representatives after they had presented their company’s visions for the play areas. The five prospective suppliers had all designed their play areas based on children’s ideas from a consultation event in 2012. There will be two new play areas in Hednesford Park as part of the improvement works – a junior and toddler play area, and an area for older children including a skate plaza. They will be located next to a refurbished pavilion, which will feature a ground-floor café. Cllr Christine Mitchell, Cannock Chase Council Culture and Sport Portfolio Leader, said: “Right from the start we have tried to involve young people from Hednesford in our plans for the park. They’re the ones who are going to be using the new play areas, so it’s really important that they are happy with what’s planned. Once the supplier is selected to provide and install the new play areas, local young people will continue to be involved.” The installation of the new play areas will commence in the spring of 2015, starting with the skate park and senior play area. Major improvement works are now under way at the park following the award of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 36

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Local schoolchildren at the event at Cannock Chase Council’s Civic Centre in Beecroft Road, Cannock

December 2012. New tennis courts have already been installed and a raft of other improvements will be made up to 2017, including a refurbished pavilion, new play areas, skate park and outdoor gym, extensive planting, increased parking and more. For more information about the improvement works at Hednesford Park – including a community activity plan and volunteering opportunities - call Lynn Evans, Cannock Chase Council’s Community and Education Officer for Hednesford Park, on 07896 239717 or email lynnevans@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

ry Centre

a Hawkes Green Veterin Hawkes Green Veterinary Centre was founded with the idea of being slightly unconventional, offering superior veterinary care to the local community at gold standard and low prices. With nominal overheads we were able to offer this service on a more permanent basis rather than on an introductory offer. Due to Hawkes Green Veterinary Centres success over the last 12 months and the strong relationship between us and Hawkes Green Pet Supplies, we are now in the process of building a fully equipped surgical suite on site. Every client that joins our practice is greeted with a smile, has the choice of joining one of our money saving schemes, is entitled to free nurse consultations including weight clinics, six month health checks, behavioural advice & old age pet clinics, receives a newsletter introducing our dedicated & friendly staff. In terms of client care and service, there is no compromise and every client and their beloved furry companion will continue to receive our 5 star treatment at competitive prices.

We have a great promotion available during November, offering Neutering with a discount of 33% off. We are already able to offer an extremely competitive pricing structure for you and your much loved furry friend; however this opportunity will save you a further 33%. Please contact the Hawks Green Veterinary Centre for further details of promotions on 01543 878625.

The ethos of the Lockwood group is to continue to offer world class service and value for money. This ethos runs very deep throughout the group and through all members of the team.

You’re going to cut off my

what?... What are the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet?

• Lowers male aggression • Prevents territory marking • Reduces mammary tumours • Can make pet more affectionate • Prevents the bitch/ queen from being harassed by roaming males • Can prevent ovarian/ uterine cancers

Call for details Unit 18 - 19 Brindley Business Park, Chaseside Drive Hednesford WS11 7GD. Tel: 01543 878 625 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Sheraton hotels are known for their excellent accommodation and impeccable service and the wonderful oceanfront Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf & Spa Resort truly lives up to Sheraton standards by providing a friendly, relaxing atmosphere, fine dining, excellent on-site facilities and supremely comfortable guest rooms. It is also family-friendly with a separate children’s pool, a mini club and family rooms. The hotel offers wonderful dining experiences to suit all tastes, from buffet style to Mediterranean flavours and Asian fusion dishes with delightful lunches and snacks served at the pool bar restaurant. For those who wish to be pampered, the hotel offers the Hesperides Thalasso Spa, where just some of the facilities include a steam room, sauna, hammam, ice fountain and a spa pool. Please note that the airport is only 8km away from the hotel so some aircraft noise may be heard during the day. Features of Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf & Spa: • All rooms feature air-conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, tea & coffee making facilities and safe • Some interconnecting rooms • 3 outdoor swimming pools (1 heated), children’s pool (towels, sunloungers and parasols) • Hesperides Thalasso Spa offering a range of massage and beauty treatments, indoor heated pool, ice fountain, sauna and steam room (min 18 years, children allowed 9.30am-2.30pm) • 18 hole golf course 1km away

• Tennis court • Los Arcos buffet restaurant, Wok-N-Zen Asian fusion restaurant, El Faro Mediterranean restaurant, Le Veranda poolside restaurant • Piano lobby bar, pool bar • Children’s club (4-12 years) • Not all facilities are complimentary and are subject to seasonal demand • 266 bedrooms and suites • Private transfer time is approximately 15 minutes from Fuerteventura airport The Canary Island of Fuerteventura is second in size to Tenerife and the closest to the North African continent. Luxury holidays in Fuerteventura cater for those who wish to relax and, those who are looking for action. Boasting a relaxed and typically Spanish way of life, it is fantastic for water sports enthusiasts, with a year round sunny climate and a fabulous coastline of sandy beaches. Fuerteventura is blessed with miles and miles of lovely soft sands and its beautiful coastline attracts visitors seeking glorious beaches and fantastic waters. Inland, the rugged peaks of extinct volcanoes are separated by wide lowland plains dotted with small traditional villages and old-fashioned windmills. The relaxed and typically Spanish way of life combined with more than 150 splendid beaches of soft sand and virtually constant sunshine, entices sun worshippers and watersports fanatics, and beginners, ideal for luxury holidays in Fuerteventura all year round. Geographically, Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands. It lies 12 miles to the south of Lanzarote and is the closest to the African continent with Morocco lying 60 miles to the east. For further details please contact Tracy Mason Travel on 01785 712332

Special Offer 5*Sheraton Fuerteventura – BB Fuerteventura – 7 nights 7th January 2015 Prices from £639 per person

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Welcome to Tracy Mason Travel, we are a privately owned travel agency located in the pretty market town of Penkridge. The Tracy Mason team are made up with Director Tracy, Paula and Jackie. They all share between them years of travel experience, and can provide clients with a wealth of knowledge and expert advice. We offer the highest levels of personal service and care and are dedicated to sourcing the perfect holiday to suit you and your budget. We specialise in an extensive range of travel from UK breaks, to around the world tailor made holidays to your dream destinations. We book through all of the well-known operators including Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook, Jet 2, Olympic and Kuoni. With our 10th anniversary approaching next year, which is a great achievement for us and we will definitely be celebrating, watch this space! Over the years we have

acquired many loyal clients who have now become great friends. We want to thank all of them for their continuing support. We look forward to welcoming new clients and with our professional and friendly level of customer service; you too will be booking your travel requirements for many years to come.

Stone Cross Penkridge Stafford ST19 5AS

Please call in to speak about your next holiday, relax with a coffee and

T: 01785 712332

as Gift?

Why not treat your family or friends to a beautiful portrait of either their pet or child, with Pet Pics by Lyn Kelly. I have now been painting for 14 years. Many people began commenting on how good my work was, and encouraging me to start selling my work. I have now taken a massive step of turning my hobby into my career, and finally

See the page opposite for a fantastic offer with a Classic Collection holiday.

Tracy Mason Travel is 100 % ABTA and ATOL protected; being part of one of the largest independent travel agencies, Hays Travel.

Looking for a Christm With Christmas just around the corner, are you looking for a Christmas gift thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little different?

take your time deciding your next destination!

living my childhood dream with my business, Pet Pics by Lyn. Having always painted pets, a colleague of mine asked if I could paint a portrait of her daughter which I did, and she was so happy, I then decided to add this to my services. I work in all kinds of medium but particularly pastels and acrylic. Pastels give a luminous and velvety feel to a painting, whereas acrylic can be vibrant and bold, but add texture. All I need is your favourite photograph and I can create a beautiful and unique hand painted portrait.

Pet Pics by Lyn

Have your favourite pet or child photograph transformed into a beautiful unique hand painted portrait!

Tel: 01889 881473 Mob: 07817 168949 Email: lynkelly333@btinternet.com

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

d and preened te in a p , ed er p m a p e, b ‘Tis the season to Experience chip-free manicure technology with the superior CND® SHELLAC® with 14+ day nail colour. CND Vinylux

Winter is upon us and we all need a bit of a lift.We have a range of treatments here at La Minky which will help pick you up and have you radiant and ready for the party season. Pamper your skin Why not try our AHA facial peel treatment.It can really help with dull and tired winter skin.The product we use is infused with extracts of lavender, helps to fade hyperpigmentation from sun damage or acne, reduces the appearance of fine lines, exfoliates dry skin without being abrasive and reduces acne breakouts.We have varying strengths to suite different skin types and needs with a scaled price range to match.You can have a one off treatment for a quick fix but we recommend a course for longer lasting results.(Patch test required 48 hrs prior to treatment). AHA 30% - £20 for a single treatment.A course of 5 treatments at the reduced price £60 AHA 50% - £25 for a single treatment. A course of 5 treatments at the reduced price £75 AHA 70% - £30 for a single treatment.A course of 5 treatments at the reduced price £90 Whichever course you choose your skin will feel smooth and ready for that office party. Get Painted! Be on trend this party season with our range of varnishes from CND Shellac, CND Vinylux and OPI. CND Shellac

This is a week-long wear polish that has a fast service time and dries in 8 minutes. Each colour has a built in base coat and the top coat gets stronger with exposure to natural light; colour is locked in, no chips and no cracks for up to a week! OPI

Christmas Curl Bar

With such rich colours and so many to choose from this is a quality nail polish for any occasion. Pretty and preened

Don’t forget to treat your lashes and brows to a bit of pre-party preening. We offer a range of services to make the most of your peepers.They are the windows to the soul after all… Eyelash tint £8, Eyebrow tint £5, HD Brows £12, Lash & Eyebrow tint combo £11,Eyelash Perm £15 and for that wow 40

factor try our glamorous flare lashes at £25 or single wear strip lashes for £15

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Why not take advantage of our onsite hairdressers Salon la Mink and complete your look with a stylish hair-up or glamorous curls at the curl bar.We will be offering this service Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 1st until the end of December. See advert opposite for offer. Remember to book soon so you don’t miss out and beat the Christmas rush. We all look forward to seeing you over the festive season. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team x

Tis the season to be pampered, painted and preened…

Take advantage of our “Party Polish Offer” On CND Shellac polish for hands and have a CND Vinylux paint on your toes for free (normal price £15).

£20 Escape the stresses of winter With a upper body, face and neck massage and receive a relaxing complimentary back massage (normal price £20).

£20

Massage offer available Wednesdays and Saturdays only.

LaMinky

Christmas Curl Bar Glam up your Christmas party entrance With our latest hair offer: Dry work curls. Available Thursday, Friday and Saturday

£15

(supplement £5 for a hair-up) All offers run from November 1st to December 30th 2014

All offers subject to availability.

Telephone 01543 500 340 www.salonlamink.co.uk

Please mention this advert at time of booking. Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 321334

Santa Special Servic

receives a present from Santa and you can then choose which train to catch for the return journey to Kidderminster. On the return journey many families take a break in their journey at Bewdley, where a short walk will take visitors into this lovely Georgian town, on the banks of the River Severn, with its Christmas tree seasonal decorations and lights.

When the children and the grandchildren have grown up Moms and Dads and Granny’s and Granddads still enjoy a Christmas season visit to the Severn Valley Railway! The ever popular ‘Santa Special’ services will be operating on the Severn Valley Railway once again this year. Trains operate every weekend in December before Christmas. All ‘Santa’ services leave from and return to Kidderminster Town station which is conveniently located next to the mainline station. Why not leave the car at home and let the train take the strain! With the Santa Special Service you are invited to take an atmospheric steam train journey from Kidderminster to Arley, right out in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. All seats are reserved for you on the outward train of your choice. At Arley visitors leave the train to meet Santa in his grotto. With Christmas lights, and seasonal entertainment, usually by a choir or band, you are certain to get into the mood for Christmas. Every fare paying child

In addition to Santa Specials the SVR operates ‘Santa Herald’ trains on the 19th, 22nd and 23rd December with a choice of departure times from Kidderminster throughout the day and Christmas Cracker trains for schools throughout the month. On the ‘Santa Herald’ service the train journey is longer but Father Christmas visits every fare paying child in their seats giving out presents. Christmas Cracker trains have a similar format but are only available for pre-booked school, nursery and playgroups. Christmas Luncheon and Evening Dining Trains operate throughout the month and make a super treat for a day or evening out with friends before or after Christmas. Buts that’s not all, on Saturday evenings in December you are invited you to join one of the Christmas Carol trains which operate between Kidderminster and the Visitor Centre at Highley. Community carol singing at various locations along the way, led by a choir, will put you right in the mood for Christmas. Advance booking is essential for all pre-Christmas services as follows: Santa Specials, Santa Heralds & Christmas Carol trains – 01562 757900 (option 1). Christmas Cracker trains – 01562 757900 (option 1). Restaurant Car Services – 01562 757515. Festive Season Luncheon Trains – 01562 757515. Festive Season trains refer to the standard service which runs from December 26th to Sunday 4th January. Enquiries regarding this service would be made on 01562 757900. Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ. Please ensure that you send your name, address and telephone number. Entries to be received by Monday 17th November 2014.

Our friends at the Severn Valley Railway would like readers to join in the Christmas fun and have provided three sets of tickets for three lucky families to travel on a Santa Steam Special on Saturday December 6th 2014. your train will depart from Kidderminster at 12.15pm. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic family prize, simply answer the following questions correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook. co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Just answer correctly the question below for a chance to win one of these super prizes for your family.

Where do all ‘Santa’ services depart from? Winners will be notified by telephone by Severn Valley Railway who will reserve the winner’s seats over the telephone. Tickets are for Saturday 6th December 2014 only and cannot be exchanged, and no cash alternative prize available. Family tickets are for 2 adults and up to 4 children. All entry details will be forwarded to Severn Valley Railway.

Old Mill Antique Centre Make this Christmas Special - call in and see our extensive range of Fine Gold and quality Fashion Jewellery. Dress Rings 2 Engagement Rings Bracelets 2 Necklaces 2 Earrings Brooches 2 Hair Jewellery We have a huge selection and our prices will make your Christmas sparkle!

Open Seven Days a week 10am until 5pm Old Mill Antique Centre Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG

Tel: 01746 768778

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Looking For The Perfect Body Without Surgery?

Imagine a non-surgical fat reduction procedure that costs a fraction of what most treatments cost, is permanent, and tackles those tough spots like ‘love handles’ and belly fat. UltraSlim LipoFreeze Cryolipolysis and Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo are the most effective non surgical body sculpting treatments available on the market today. Inches can be lost off any given area of the body with a short, simple treatment administered in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze (Fat Freezing) delivers controlled cooling to reduce fat by up to 40% during a single treatment, while Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo & RF delivers instant results for fat reduction, in addition to targeting cellulite, reducing stretch marks and tightening loose skin after child birth. We are shaped by what we love, but you’ll love the shape you can achieve at UltraSlim Clinics. Before

After

Before and After 1 UltraSlim LipoFreeze™ Treatment’

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS Target Excess Fat & Reduce Cellulite • Treat up to 4 areas simultaneously to reduce time and costs • Clinically Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective • The latest treatment to banish unwanted fat permanently • Undeniable results by up to 40% in only one treatment • No Surgery, No Scars & No Downtime • The treatment all the stars and celebrities have been shouting about

ULTRASLIM LIPO™ CAVITATION & RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS Target Excess Fat, Cellulite & Tighten Skin • Instant Results for Fat Reduction • Totally Non Invasive, • No Surgery, No Needles, • No Pain, No Side Effects, No Downtime!

UltraSlim Clinics 36-38 Berry Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HA T: 0844 288 7297 E: info@ultraslimclinics.com

www.ultraslimclinics.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

cil facilities n u o C e ir sh rd o ff ta S South South Staffordshire Council operates four leisure centres all of which offer a great range of facilities at affordable prices. Some of the facilities available include:

There are however flexible membership packages available for people who intend on using the facilities on a regular basis, with packages starting from just £20.00 per month…that’s just £5.00 per week! Why not give some of our facilities a try? Cut out the vouchers below and

FREE Off Peak Exercise Class

FREE Adult Swim Pass

bring them into your nearest South Staffordshire Council leisure centre which includes Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne.

FREE Toning Suite Trial

(Monday-Sunday 9.00-5.00)

* Terms and conditions apply. This voucher can only be used for off-peak classes

* Terms and conditions apply.

* Terms and conditions apply. This voucher is for new customers only and can only be used at Penkridge or Wombourne leisure centre’s.

Name……………………............................

Postcode...................................................

Contact No.................................................

Leisure Centre………………….................

Class Date/Time………………..................

Swim Date/Time………………..................

Toning Trail Date/Time………..................

Staffordshire Outlook – November Edition 2014

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014



• Fitness Suites • Exercise Classes • Swimming Pools • Toning Suites • Squash and Badminton Courts

Facilities are available to suit every age and ability, and you don’t have to be a member, you can simply pay as you go.

rapies

ic The Kate McGeary Holist I am very excited to be able to offer Reﬂexology treatments to my clients. Take some time to de-stress before the Festive Season begins. Christmas is a joyous time of year, but it can also be incredibly busy and stressful. Treating yourself, or a loved one, to a Reflexology treatment is a wonderful opportunity to relax and escape from the extra pressures this season can bring. What is Reﬂexology? Reflexology is a holistic, complementary therapy that has been around for thousands of years. The theory is that the whole body may benefit from the treatment because each individual section of the human body can be ‘mapped’ onto the feet. So, as the feet are massaged and gentle pressure is applied systematically to specific areas of the feet, each individual part of the body may be said to be ‘treated’.

A Reflexologist cannot claim to diagnose or cure a health condition, but a series of treatments can help clients to manage stress more effectively. Clients often experience a very tangible sense of wellbeing following a treatment. What should I expect from a Reﬂexology treatment? At your first session you will be asked to complete a client consultation form which will help me to understand your needs more thoroughly and to identify whether there is any reason why Reflexology wouldn’t be right for you at the present moment. As I will only be working on your feet and ankles, you don’t need to remove lots of clothes – just your shoes and socks or tights.

The treatment time lasts about 45 minutes, but you are usually with me for about an hour. What is the treatment room like? All treatments are provided in my beautiful purpose built therapy room based in Wimblebury, Cannock. The treatment room offers clients a calm and private space within which they can relax knowing they won’t be disturbed or rushed. To book an appointment or to find out more about Reﬂexology treatments, please call 07540 724701 or email: katemcgearyskincare@gmail.com

“In my opinion, Reflexology is THE most relaxing form of complementary therapy. Kate’s treatments are gorgeous and I especially love the hot mitts she uses at the beginning, they immediately relax you and let you know you are in for a very special treatment!” Alison, Wolverhampton

Kate McGeary Skincare

Facial Rejuvenation Massage (the ‘natural facelift’)

simple clean fresh

Most of us would like to find a way of keeping our skin healthy and youthful looking for as long as possible.

Look Beautiful this Festive Season If you are looking for gorgeous gift ideas for friends and family, then look no further than the beautiful NYR Organic range of products. I am offering

20% OFF

a selection of NYR Organic products.

At Kate McGeary Skincare we are very pleased to be able to offer Facial Rejuvenation Massage as a natural approach to looking our best, whatever our age. Facial Rejuvenation Massage is an intense lifting treatment for the face, neck, head and mind. Smoothing away facial line expressions and providing a lifting effect on the skin.

Kate McGeary Skincare is delighted to announce that we are expanding our range of services and are now able to offer you Reflexology treatments. So, treat yourself or a loved one to a very special skincare or reflexology experience (Gift Vouchers available) and get ready for the Party Season.

To book an appointment or to find out more about our treatments please call: 07540 724701 or email: katemcgear yskincare@gmail.com Salon based at Wimblebury, Cannock.

www.katemcgearyskincare.com

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Therapy e v ti c A h it w n o ti c le e S Shoe

In this article I will address the area of shoe selection for runners and discuss some of the misconceptions that continue to be published despite research evidence to the contrary. How many times have you been told you ‘over-pronate’ and because of this you need a specific form of motion control running trainer? The fact is that pronation is an entirely normal part of the gait cycle and pronation has never been shown to be strongly predictive of injury! So why would we want to control it? Well this all seems to have started historically in the 1940’s with the ‘Wet foot test’ outlined by Harris & Beath which was then used as the basis for shoe selection in the 1980’s and continues to be utilised by many retailers and running magazines. This system assumes that if you have a ‘flat/ pronated’ foot you need a motion control shoe and if you have a ‘high/supinated’ foot you need a

neutral/cushioned shoe. We know that research actually suggests that selecting your shoes in this manner is not evidence based and potentially injurious (Richards et al 2010 & Ryan et al 2010). This system also assumes that ‘aligning’ the lower limb would in some way reduce your injury risk and again there is no evidence which supports this to date! There is a high degree of variation between us all and mild/ moderate pronation is observed most commonly in studies to date. So then where does this leave you when you are selecting shoes for running? Well there are some key points below which may help you to select shoes in an evidence informed manner 1. Comfort – Research does suggest that selecting shoes on the basis of comfort may reduce injury risk but also leads to customer satisfaction and comfortable running!. Go for shoes with adequate toe box height and width to allow your foot to function and also ensure you have adequate length to avoid black toe nails!

2. Lightest you can tolerate – Research suggests that for every 100g you reduce your shoe weight you reduce oxygen consumption by nearly 1%. That can equate to 15-20 mins time reduction over the course of a marathon. However you have to ‘earn the right’ to be in a lighter shoe and transition steadily over several weeks (see below) 3. Transition steadily – When changing shoe type then transition slowly. I generally advise 1 minute more per run in new shoes i.e start run in new shoes and swap back and gradually add minutes 4. Only change shoes for good reason – If you want to perform better, you are injured or have a history of recurrent injury then these are good reason to alter your footwear type. If you are happy with your performance and not injured then stick with the shoes you are running in! Active Therapy is a specialist running clinic and provides treatment, rehabilitation, gait analysis and shoe selection advice for runners of all standards.

Please contact us on 07970 110526 or admin@active-therapy.com Andrew Caldwell BSc (Hons) MSc MCSP – Clinical Director & Consultant Physiotherapist Active Therapy 48

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

� PHYSIOTHERAPY

£10

� SPORTS INJURIES � SPORT SPECIFIC REHABILITATION

OFF INITIAL ASSESSMENT WITH THIS ADVERT

� PRE AND POST SURGICAL REHAB � SPECIALISED RUNNING CLINIC � GOLF PERFORMANCE CLINIC � ACUPUNCTURE � KINESIOLOGY TAPING Active Therapy are recognised providers for all major healthcare schemes such as Bupa, AXA-PPP, Aviva and many others.

Call: 07970 110 526 www.active-therapy.com The Chase Golf Health Club & Spa Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5RN

RECOVER Targeted, evidence based treatment aimed at achieving great outcomes.

PREVENT Specific advice and exercise programming to reduce the risk of recurrence

PERFORM Restoration to full function and sports participation using the latest screening and rehabilitation techniques

of gout s se u a C t: is tr ia d o P e Ask th A high level of uric acid in the blood (called hyperuricaemia) is the main cause of gout.

eat purine-rich food, they develop hyperuricaemia as a consequence.

When there is too much uric acid in your blood, it can no longer dissolve and it crystallizes into urate crystals. Your body then attacks these crystals, causing the tissues to become inflamed. The crystals usually settle where blood circulation is poor, such as the joints in your extremities. This is why most gout attacks first occur in the big toe. Even though the symptoms of gout may subside within a few days, you may still have too much uric acid in your blood, and future gout attacks are likely. While the exact causes of gout are not fully understood, some factors are known. Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop gout. Gout may also be related to other medical conditions. Diet also accounts for some gout; foods that contain purines, a kind of protein found in meat and fish, produces uric acid in the body. Some people have poor uric acid metabolism, so when they

• Warm, burning pain with swelling in and around a joint, such as fingers or knee. Gout usually starts in a big toe joint. • Pain usually begins during the night. Even light pressure from a sock or sheet is intolerable. • Pain or discomfort suddenly increases and lasts most of the night, then gradually subsides over several days. • Peeling itchy skin that may appear red, angry, shiny and infected around the affected joint. • Limited mobility in the affected joint. • Lumps or nodules (called tophi) appear around the affected area.

Symptoms of Gout

Treatment For those people with an on-going gout episode then Colchicine is prescribed to return the urate crystals back to uric acid fluid.

For some people prone to gout episodes then Allopurinol is usually prescribed. This is taken one a day for life. Some people have to have both medicines, but this is unusual. Chiropodists/Podiatrists are often the first professionals to diagnose gout due to frequent patient contact.

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist

HCPC registered See a Podiatrist/Chiropodist for an assessment and treatment if you’re desperate, or call Tom Casey on 07828 613615.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Christmas already? The event is always well attended and is instrumental in enabling the Singers to continue making major donations to the churches in Brewood village. ... And seek new members to maintain their success At its recent annual general meeting, members of the Singers were told of how their concerts had, over the last year, benefitted churches in the surrounding area as well as youth organisations and charities to the tune of more than £1000. In his annual report, Musical Director David Brookes stressed the need for new members, explaining that the continued success and popularity of Brewood Singers’ concerts was very much dependent on recruiting new members, particularly tenors and basses.

Brewood singers plan for a busy few months. Carol concerts, already being planned by the Brewood Singers, will be given at a number of venues this year, culminating on Thursday 18th December in the Church of St Mary & St Chad in Brewood. This traditional concert has become a firm favourite for almost 40 years. New music is always a feature of this popular concert and, this year, will include carols written especially for the Brewood Singers.

If you enjoy singing, and would like to join the Brewood Singers, whose membership ranges in age from early 20’s upwards, please contact the Secretary on 01902 850377, or Musical Director, David Brookes at singersbrewood@ gmail.com. They rehearse in the Jubilee Hall, Brewood each Thursday between 8.10pm and 10pm. You can also find the Singers on Facebook ‘Brewood Singers’ and follow us on Twitter @BrewoodSingers.

Cas Bailey If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen was the title of the talk given by Cas Bailey, a former Staffordshire Police Officer. Cas spoke to SI Cannock &District at their September speaker meeting about her life in the Police Force in the 1970s, when being a white male was really the only thing to be! She told of her time as a Police Cadet in Walsall when she wasn’t allowed to do the College course as she was already over qualified for the job and when being the only female Cadet made PT sessions something of a trial! When she became a Police Officer in Walsall she was the only woman on the shift, the same was almost true when she became Sergeant and was moved to Wolverhampton. Her tales of life at this time were akin to the TV programme “Life on Mars” and had her audience roaring with laughter. 45 years ago, life was very different to now - remarks and actions we would now consider sexist, ageist, racist were the norm - Cas told her stories with a light hearted humour and a knowledge that mostly, no harm was ever meant by the things that were said or done. 50

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

President Dr Janis Lomas with Cas Bailey

In her vote of thanks, Pat Preece told Cas that Soroptimists enjoy all of their meetings but she had never known them laugh as much as they had all done on this occasion - and she was right!

An International Tab

One world, one website…

you are invited to dinner The launch of 7GUESTS the leading online friendship portal has quite simply started to change the way people all over the UK make and meet new friends.

The possibilities are endless, maybe you will meet a best friend over your starter, a new family to meet for holidays your main or perhaps love over desert or even just someone to meet for dinner to save solo dining? www.7guests.com

With an international window of opportunity of meeting new friends, 7GUESTS headed by Malcolm Mallia has now launched into Malta fusing together members from all over the UK to the beautiful Island. Structured to launch throughout Europe and further afield over the next few months, the principle behind 7GUESTS is becoming a viral craze. Amalgamating traditional dinner party relaxed dining environments, the platform uses dining within a restaurant as the footprint for all 7GUESTS events whereby a member “the host” invites 7 members “guests” to join them at their event. Statistics and research show that the ambiance over dinner is far more suitable to encourage friendships between diners than that of more rigid circumstances. Living within a technological society, a world which is busier than ever with everyone seeking the perfect career, higher incomes, bigger homes, the traditional values of meeting new friends can be subconsciously side tracked as we live within our own daily whirlwinds. Malcolm Mallia, the principle founder of 7GUESTS, says: “The importance of friends is imperative to us as a race, we are social butterflies and need that interaction with other people. Our website encourages people to find the time to enjoy the experiences of meeting new friends simply over dinner, within a safe environment” And indeed, Malcolm is correct, the 7GUESTS website literally bring people from all different walks and societies in life together. Ideal for families who have moved to new regions and need to make new friends, people who just want to expand their local friendship circles or even individuals who find it hard to mingle and make new acquaintances, 7GUESTS provides the opportunity to explore and make new friends. Membership stands at a modest £4 per month, and allows members, who can be single or a couple, to join and start to make new friends. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

April 2015 er ft a k or w ill w s g in th Pension Freedom: How In the last Budget, George Osborne announced some revolutionary changes to the way retirement savers can draw their money from their pension, when he said: “Pensioners will have complete freedom to draw down as much or as little of their pension pot as they want, anytime they want. No caps. No drawdown limits.” The changes will give pension plan holders more flexibility over how they access their money. Similar changes have been introduced in Australia and the United States and suggest that when given more freedom over their finances people do act responsibly. From April 2015, if you are aged over 55, you will be able to access your pensions with complete freedom. Instead of being mandated, under Government rules, to convert savings into a chunks of annual income, you will be able to take out as much or as little as you like and as often as required. Historically, most savers with personal pensions have bought annuities, which turns a pension into a regular income that lasted for life. The alternative for wealthier savers was to use “income drawdown”, where the money remained invested as an income was taken. However, a restriction on withdrawal limits applied for all but the very wealthiest who could evidence at least £20,000 annual income from other pensions. From April 2015, you will have three main choices: •

Withdraw all of your pension money immediately;

•

Leave it invested and take withdrawals, in the form of lump sums or income, when required;

•

Buy an annuity.

The ability to draw up to 25% of your accumulated fund as tax free amount remains. Withdrawals over the 25% threshold will be liable for income tax, with this payable at your highest marginal rate. This is an important point, as it could mean you paying an avoidable tax bill if you access a large amount of your pension fund in a single tax year. If you’re in a private sector defined benefit scheme (ie. a company pension which will pay an income linked to your years of service and salary), you’ll have the choice to transfer it to a more flexible kind of pension, if you wish to take full advantage of the new rules. That choice applies before you start taking the pension. The option to transfer is also available for people who are in public sector schemes which are ‘funded’ (eg. the Local Government Pension Scheme and Universities Superannuation Scheme). There’s an important safeguard here – before you go ahead with this kind of transfer, you’ll need to take advice from a professional financial adviser who is independent from the pension scheme and authorised by the regulator. There’s a lot to weigh-up when considering whether to transfer your guaranteed pension. As the Government said “for the

majority of people, but not all, it will remain in their best interest to stay in their defined benefit scheme”. To limit the potential for abuse of the new rules, there will be a limit on the amount you will be able to pay into your pension. It will drop from £40000 to £10000, if you take over and above the 25% tax free cash limit. The Government is going to increase the minimum age at which people can access their private pension under the new tax rules, from age 55 to 57 in 2028. This affects those born from March 1973 onwards, and means people will need to wait until their 57th rather than 55th birthday to take money out of their private pension. This change is also being extended to public sector schemes, except the Police, Fire Service and Armed Forces pension schemes, where the qualifying age isn’t changing. To help you the Government has decided that every saver will be entitled to obtain basic guidance, at no cost, from either the Pensions Advisory Service or the Money Advice Service. These two organisations are linked to the Government and do not sell products. For tailored advice, savers will still need to pay for an independent financial adviser. Call Paul Gorman for more information.

Paul Gorman, Chartered Financial Planner, Principal Partner Tel: 01902 863494 Email: pgorman@beaufortplanning.co.uk Web: www.beaufortplanning-westmidlands.co.uk 52

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

• Portfolio Management • Retirement Planning • Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning • Later Life Advice • Financial Plans & Lifetime Cashflow Paul Gorman APFS Chartered Financial Planner & Prinicipal Partner Beaufort Planning Suite 46 Hilton Hall, Hilton Lane, Essington, Staffs, WV11 2BQ "Planning for Your Life, Your Future, Security & Independence"

www.beaufortplanning-westmidlands.co.uk

Tel: 01902 863494 Email: pgorman@beaufortplanning.co.uk

Beaufort Planning is a trading name of Beaufort Financial Planning (West Midlands) Ltd. Beaufort Financial Planning (West Midlands) Ltd is an appointed representative of Beaufort Financial Planning Ltd, Beaufort House, 85-87 Basingstoke Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0HA, which authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

One year on It is a year since we at Cannock Rugby Union Football Club in Stafford Road, Huntington officially opened our new £275,000 extension to give us one of the best facilities in Staffordshire. During these past 12 months we have : Consistently fielded 3 Senior Men’s Teams. With 3 teams out we collected 3 trophies. Our 1st team won the Staffordshire Owen Cup. They reached the fifth round of the Junior Vase and also narrowly missed promotion to level 8. Our 2nd team won their Merit League and our 3rd team were runners up

in their Merit League. We hosted the Cannock 7’s which is a popular fixture on the Staffordshire 7’s circuit. We have formed a Women and Girls Section within the club and now have both a Contact Team and a Touch Team competing in Staffordshire Leagues. We have over 30 members including a number of girls 13+ who can play in touch rugby games. 6 of our women were part of the Staffordshire County Team. This is a fantastic achievement in 12 months.

Our Mini and Youth Section has grown from around 20 members to well over 50 regular attendees. We have played a number of games in the U15’s, U13’s U 10’s and U 8’s. The Cannock Schools Tag Tournament for years 3 and 4 continued to attract good numbers. We now have a rota of 14 coaches who dedicate their time to develop life skills through rugby. We have been accepted by the RFU as A Kids First Club which means that we at Cannock gear all we do towards putting Kids First. We are also involved in a Schools Project with The RFU and Staffs RU which provides rugby coaching to 4 Cannock Secondary Schools. We also held our first Mini and Youth Presentation Evening which saw all our members being acknowledged for their efforts throughout the season. Our Senior Presentation Evening was a fantastic success and attracted a record 146 members and supporters. The Club has grown tremendously in stature over the past 12 months and are now considered to be one of the clubs in the Midlands with the Development Plan and the Volunteers to keep on growing. We have full Club Accreditation and are determined to live up to our Philosophy Statement which is “Cannock Rugby Union Football Club

is fully committed to fulfilling and upholding the core values of the rugby community, and providing the highest quality rugby experience for all of our members, volunteers and families, regardless of age, gender or ability “. We have 1 level 3 coach, 4 level 2 coaches and 10 coaches through Rugby Ready and are determined to continue our growth. We have 6 referees, a Pysio, 6 First Aiders and over 20 additional regular volunteers. We also have facilities which are more than acceptable to the community for parties and meetings and have been delighted to provide our venue for a number of such occasions. Further Improvements This “closed” Season we have reclaimed around 6000 Ms of ground and have turned our second pitch through 90 degrees and thus created a Junior pitch and dedicated training area. We have laid 1400 Ms of turf, installed 650 m of drainage and sewn 4000Ms of new grass. The new pitches and training area will be floodlit. We have created a further car park for 20 cars. We have also put a new roof on our existing club house. Everyone at Cannock is committed to the Fabulous Game of Rugby Union. Whether you wish to keep fit, have an occasional game, play serious rugby, play touch rugby, be a social member, become a valued volunteer or use our facilities for a celebration then check out our web site or contact David Taylor on 07976 811278 or marvid.taylor@gmail.com.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Exam? is Th ss Pa To h ug no E d oo 11+ Is My Child Really G How does your child perform under pressure? I run Assessment Days for potential 11+ students, and it is very interesting to observe that students average grades goes down by about 15% when they first sit these exams with me. The psychological side of things are so important. Do you feel that your child would be able to cope with these conditions? I do hope that this guidance helps you. If you feel that you want to talk further about your child then please feel free to give me a call and I would be very happy indeed to offer any help I can. Kind Regards Mr Laurence Dalton BA in English Literature, PGCE

Having taught 11+ tuition for quite some time now, I am struck with how many students are preparing locally for the entrance exams for the local Grammar Schools. I do feel for parents and students who are, unfortunately, duped into thinking that they are on a pathway to success. Last year saw 1500 students enter the exam for one local Grammar School, and my thoughts are that at least half of them were nowhere near the standard required.

Hi Mr Dalton, As I am sure you can imagine, we are all over the moon. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have dreamed she would get an A, especially this early. She has a wonderful feeling at the moment, all her hard work has paid off. I am so grateful to you for the guidance you have given, your method really is unique. Thank you, Vanessa

So why is it that this is happening? The clear answer is that parents want the very best for their children. Of course, I do too for my son and it is a natural desire to want to give the very best opportunities to your children. Yet a true and honest preparation for the 11+ entrance exam is difficult, emotional and saturated with hard work. So any parent who is considering starting this journey would do well to consider the following guidance to assess whether their child really is capable of sitting this exam: Do they really want to study hard and pass this exam? In my experience, this is the key issue. Parents may well want the success, but if the child is an unwilling learner my suggestion would be that you really are wasting effort and money. Are they on the higher table/sets at school? To speak bluntly, only the top students in local schools stand a chance of success. Be realistic. If your child is not being recognised at school as being educationally gifted, then this should be an indication for you regarding whether to continue. Do you have time to help them prepare for this journey? Parents, it really is not enough to just hire a tutor and expect all the learning/development to take place in that lesson. I, for example, give my parents a structure for what they need to do at home as well to ensure that learning is taking place there. Do you have time to commit to this?

Learn more 4 A D i s cov e r Your Pote nt i al Mr Laurence Dalton

Private English Teacher Experience: Head of English, Head of GCSE's, GCSE exam marker, classified as 'Outstanding' according to Ofsted requirements.

Tel: 07525 206388 www.learnmore4a.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

at Webbs s ie g lo o n ch te n o si vi le New te Two new television technologies are completely changing TV for the better – right now. As you’d probably expect Samsung are at the forefront of both with some amazing new products. Curved TV is now possible and its led to some gorgeous designs; these new Samsung curved LED televisions really do look as good switched off as they do with your favourite show on. But it’s far from being all about stunning good looks. There are performance advantages to the new curved screens. The first advantage is a vastly improved sense of depth and realism thanks to Samsungs Auto Depth Enhancer which makes you feel as if you’re actually there. It analyses different parts of the screen and applies contrast enhancements to each to provide a superior sense of depth. Secondly the curved screen naturally produces a wider field of view and more natural viewing angles.

These important benefits allow you to see clear detail even in the corners of the screen. No matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy the best possible viewing experience. The third benefit is improved contrast levels for a clearer picture. On a curved screen, unlike a flat one, light naturally travels towards the viewer, so no matter what angle you sit at to watch, you’ll see a crisp detailed picture. A great delivery and installation service is important too, we’ll even go out to our customers home to advise on the best screen size and where to site the new TV. We deliver promptly and install to a professional standard whether on the wall or on furniture. The second major leap in television technology is all about picture quality. It is of course 4K Ultra High Definition. With astonishingly high detail levels the picture is so life like and realistic it’s amazing. Samsung UHD televisions deliver 3840x2160 pixel resolution levels. The picture shows up to four times the level of detail of even the best high definition sets currently available.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Mark says “If you’re looking to replace your TV, you want something better than you’ve already got, or else why change? 4K UHD is much, much better and it means you can sit closer to a bigger screen without any problems. We’re seeing lots of customers trading up to Ultra High Definition, but also to bigger screen sizes. With ultra slim frameless designs people can get them in without dominating their living rooms and they’re delighted with the quality”. Coupled with the fact that Samsung have now started a Christmas promotion push with fantastic savings such as: • reward schemes where you can claim up to £300.00 cash back on selected models • package savings involving soundbars • 5 year warranty on selected tvs Now really is the best time to invest in a state of the art tv. So if you are in the market for a new TV you really should check out the all new Samsung curved Ultra High Definition range. All you need then is a top quality retailer – so visit Webbs.

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b Taylor Into the Wilderness by Ro

Another week, another car. Time to spank the map. This time: Scotland. Not a road trip into some dim, distant fantasy locale conjured up by reading too much Robbie Burns and Sir Walter Scott, but some real-life plundering of the freshly faithful linchpin of British unity. Lacking the funding to deliver the Subaru Outback into its Australian namesake, I must venture into the closest thing the UK has to offer, being particularly mindful not to cross paths with any hirsute Highland caber-tossing cavemen, still seething from the vote against Scottish Independence. Needless to say they have been known to be hostile to scrawny, civilised English gents in times past. Monolithic chaps with names like Wallace and Bruce are as fearsome-looking as any foe south of Berwick’s border, but still this newly refreshed Outback SX Lineartronic is so tough it makes them look like big ginger jessies in tartan skirts. Owing to new body-coloured cladding around the wheel arches, silver roof rails, and a new nose and spoiler, the Subaru carries greater road presence than ever; its Dark Grey Metallic paint melds with the as-standard 17” gunmetal-finished alloys to evoke a foreboding spectre, as it cuts through the Cairngorms. The Outback has always been as strong as a bear and as agile as a mountain goat and this fourthgeneration example does nothing to interfere with the winning formula. The all-wheel drive system and significant ground clearance is easily a match for any tartan terrain and prodigious pulling power of 258lb ft torque makes it the heaviest hitter this side of the locos on the West Highland Train Line. Tinkering with front and rear suspension has improved ride comfort to the point where distance commensurate 58

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

with the Outback’s hulking physical size can be dispatched effortlessly. Revisions to an old friend assist as well, as now mated to the legendary 2 litre diesel Boxer engine is a CVT Lineartronic automatic gearbox, which is, to car anoraks, a “world first” (because the Boxer engine is horizontally-opposed); to everyone else, a thoroughly purposeful tool which averages a realistic 44.8 mpg, breaks wind at a rate of 166 km/ C02 and does everything you could ever ask a genuine ‘crossover’ vehicle to do. And do remember that the Outback is one of the original proto-crossovers, its lineage in the UK stretching back to 1996. And it’s still most keenly priced at £31,495 (range starts at £29,995). Performance from 0-62 mph is recorded at 9.7 seconds and top speed is 120 mph; not that the figures are in anyway relevant to how you use this vehicle. Revving away into the upper reaches of the rev-range is counterintuitive; it’s more pragmatic to just surf the wave of torque, keeping the needle down around 2000 rpm. It’s just better this way and besides, who’d want to go tearing around when the Scottish scenery is this good. There are countless gadgets now fitted as standard inside this LX spec model which make mincemeat of the miles: cruise control, heated front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, Bluetooth functionality, and a rearview camera all feature. Then there’s the space. And there’s just so much of it - a 526 litre luggage area to be precise, without even dropping the rear seats - that I seriously consider forgoing the tourist gift shop to bring home some Highland cattle as a souvenir instead. As always what is most rewarding about life with the big Subaru is how infectious its ethos of unpretentiousness really is. Never purporting to be a poncy SUV, it instead impresses with its rugged, unfussy approach to motoring. And in so doing it befriends you.

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san New Nissan Juke - Nis

Design Studio

Personalisation becomes an integral part of new Juke ownership with the Nissan Design Studio personalisation packs available on the Acenta Premium and Tekna grades. The customisation packages provide opportunity to add individual touches to the new model, with an array of colours and quirks to tailor the look of the interior and exterior. In standard form, the Juke interior theme is a sophisticated grey on Visia and Acenta, but Nissan designers have found ways to make the interior even more bold and dynamic on the higher grades. The all new Nissan Design Studio interior personalisation pack allows for brightly coloured inserts to be added, free of charge on Acenta Premium and Tekna. With a choice of black, red, white or even bright yellow - you can change the centre console, door finishers, air vent rings, and even the stitching of the gear knob, steering wheel, seats and meter hood lid leather cover. Depending on the model, there are two styles of fabric for the seat upholstery - Premium cloth on Acenta Premium and leather trim on Tekna. To keep the Juke as one of the most distinctively designed vehicles on the roads, the exterior pack also comes equipped with the choice of the four new colours (red, white, black and yellow) with customisation options available for the mirror cap covers, headlamp finishers right through to the front and rear bumper finishers. Finally, not only does the Nissan Design Studio offer record levels of

personalisation options for the interior and exterior of the new Juke but now, an array of styling options for the alloy wheels are also available. The new Juke’s latest colour palette of red, white, black and bright yellow can be customised onto the 18 inch alloy wheels to coordinate with the rest of the exciting new styling options. Changes have also been made to the shape of the trunk area in two-wheel drive models to boost luggage space by an impressive 40 per cent, taking the overall capacity to a class-leading 354 litres. Unlike rivals, Juke can carry a large and a medium suitcase at the same time, and is also deep and wide enough to carry a chassis-type pushchair. Versatility is further enhanced with flat folding rear seat, making it easier to load large objects, while the inclusion of a two-stage floor in the luggage area makes the space even more flexible. A further final option opens a whole new world to Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna owners - literally. A large open-air panoramic glass roof allows

not just daylight to flood into the cabin but also fresh air as required. When opened, the panel sits on top of the rear portion of the roof so as not to steal interior headroom. The glass panel measures 964mm wide by 837mm long and covers two thirds of the roof area. This is matched by an opening width of 693mm and an opening length of 301mm to add to the feeling of airiness in the cockpit. The Juke, as with the rest of the Nissan crossover family, comes with the latest generation of NissanConnect, which now offers smartphone connectivity with access to a variety of apps ranging from social media platforms to entertainment - including internet radio - through a large, 5.8in colour touch screen. The latest generation satellite navigation system integrates Google Online Search. This application offers the most up-to-date location based information: fuel stations hotels, restaurants, among many others. All these points of interest can be searched through Google’s handsfree voice command and categorized by distance and customer ratings. A send-to-car function also allows drivers to search for their destination at home and send instructions to NissanConnect system at the click of a button. The system includes Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone integration as well as Aux-in and USB slots. When not in infotainment mode, the screen doubles as a monitor for the newest version of Nissan’s pioneering Around View Monitor which gives a complete real-time 360 degree ‘helicopter’ view around the car to make manoeuvring as safe and easy as possible.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

New Nissan Juke With Added PersonAlity

ALL NEW NISSAN X -TRAI

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BRINDLEY NISSAN Delta Way, Cannock WS11 0BE 01543 406728 506216 | brindley-nissan.co.uk Opening hours 9.00-18.30 Monday to Friday, 9.00-17.30 Saturday and 10.30-16.30 Sunday

X-TRAIL Fuel RANGE:consumption URBAN 45.6-50.4MPG (6.2-5.6L/100KM), EXTRA URBAN 60.1-62.8MPG (4.7-4.5L/100KM), COMBINED 53.3-57.6MPG (5.3-4.9L/100KM) CO2 EM figures for Juke range are: URBAN 28.8-48.7mpg (9.8-5.8L/100km), EXTRA Model shown is an X-Trail Tekna. Terms and Conditions apply. Nissan Motor GB (Ltd), The Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9YS.

URBAN 47.1-67.3mpg (6.0-4.2L/ 100km), COMBINED 38.2-58.9mpg (7.4-4.8L/100km), CO2 emissions 169-124g/km. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

HEV Is Leading P er d n a tl u O i h is b su Mit Cannock In ip h rs le ea D r o F e rg The Cha THE Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV became the bestselling vehicle eligible for the Government’s Plug-In Car Grant in July, beating the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). And the plug-in hybrid vehicle is proving a hit at Brindley Mitsubishi in Cannock, which has already sold more than 100 Outlander PHEVs since they went on sale in early June.

awareness, increasing sales of all models in our range. “The Outlander PHEV is the first SUV plug-in hybrid in the UK market that boasts 4WD capability with an EV range of 32.5 miles and emissions as low as 44g/km. The vehicle is extraordinary, it’s very different to other hybrids and our customers love it.” There’s more good news on the financial front too. With just 5 per cent benefit in kind (BIK) over 12 months, a company car driver getting behind the wheel of a PHEV enjoys a virtual pay rise of thousands of pounds per year.

The SMMT statistics show the highly anticipated Outlander PHEV took 43% of all the successful applications for the Government’s £5,000 grant in July. Prices for the Outlander PHEV range from £28,249 to £34,999 (post-grant). The Outlander PHEV has received huge levels of interest, driven by the vehicle’s outstanding fuel consumption of 148mpg and low emission credentials of 44g/km, meaning no Vehicle Excise Duty is payable. Peterjohn Durrell, Dealer Principal at the dealership in Delta Way, said: “The addition of the game-changing Outlander PHEV to our vehicle line-up has helped boost Mitsubishi brand

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

This is an exciting time for the dealership and Mitsubishi Motors in the UK. Sales volume has been growing at a rapid rate since the start of 2013. It was the fastest-growing mainstream car brand last year and sales in 2014 are equally impressive, up 32% on 2013. The latest SMMT sales figures show Mitsubishi passenger car sales were up 197% in July, with all models (Mirage, ASX, Outlander, Shogun and L200) showing an increase. To find out more about the Outlander PHEV or to arrange a test drive, contact Brindley Mitsubishi on 08430 221144.

STEAM ENGINE

THE WHEEL

ENVIRONMEN ALISM 1960’S

MOON LANDING

WE HAVEN’T JUST MADE HISTORY. WE’VE MADE A GALLON OF PETROL LAST 148 MILES1. With the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, we haven’t just made a vehicle – we’ve made stopping at petrol stations a distant memory. Come and discover the fusion of electric and petrol technology that delivers a staggering 148 mpg and creates such low emissions that it’s exempt from both road tax and the London Congestion Charge. We’ve made history – you just need to make time for a test drive.

We call this Intelligent Motion.

FROM £28,249 - £34,999 THE WORLD’S FIRST 4WD PLUG-IN HYBRID SUV

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Including £5,000 Government Plug-in Car Grant

01543 406629 Make time for a test drive

1. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 2. Prices shown include VAT (at 20%), exclude VED and First Registration Fee. Metallic paint extra. Model shown is an Outlander PHEV GX4h at £33,399 including metallic paint. Prices correct at time of going to print. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants.

Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: inﬁnite, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Fuel your desires by Rob

I’m doing 76 on the motorway, but I’m not speeding. The dashboard display is showing mpg, not mph. Yes, you read that correctly: 76 mpg. And it’s still climbing. I know what you’re thinking: I must be taking part in some geeky RAC fuel consumption study; hypermiling in a fashion to cause tailbacks longer than those inflicted by an asthmatic pit-pony pulling a gypsy cart, or maybe that I’m some state-sponsored boffin on a simulator in a laboratory in Brussels, responsible for producing vehicles’ ‘official fuel consumption figures.’ But I’m not, honestly. I’m driving in the real world, as I normally do, in the latest Renault Clio. And I’m getting numbers which are tantamount to a motorist’s wet dream. Coming at a time when drivers are more suspicious than ever of manufacturers’ claimed fuel consumption figures, this particular version of Renault’s fourth generation Clio is just what’s needed to restore confidence in what have become spurious statistics at best. At the heart of the matter is a 1.5 litre diesel engine which manages to do a lot more than just achieve its attentiongrabbing promise of 78.5 mpg on the combined cycle. The little 90 bhp four cylinder can more than pull its own weight, being as it is both refined and tractable at low revs, so it never requires a great deal of effort to keep pace with traffic. Which is, of course, great for driving down costs. And if you want to go one better, there’s even the option of deploying the ECO button - which is standard on this Dynamique S MediaNav iteration - to 64

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Taylor

make savings of a further 12%. Plus, you won’t have to pay road tax due to admirably low emissions of 90g/km. But if you really have a burning hatred for fuelling stations and want to turn the knobs all the way up to 11, spec the ECO pack, which fits low-rolling resistance tyres and boosts savings up to a titanic class-leading 88.3 mpg. And I for one believe such numbers. Yet not everything is for purposes of pleasing parsimonious Papa, so what about Nicole? Never before has a Clio looked this good; its sleek, sexy lines embody the very style and verve which has made the French marque famous. A set of the most stunning 16” alloy wheels I’ve ever seen maintain the effect, as does the optional Flame Red metallic paint. And it’s loaded with high-tech systems - like Renault’s brilliantly intelligible R-Link multimedia system with Bluetooth and USB function - to keep you entertained while you’re looking good. Refusing to allow five door practicality to corrupt its design purity, the little Renault confuses many car-savvy passengers with its disguised rear-door handles; just as it boggles their minds when they experience a comfortable and refined ride atypical of most cars in this class - especially when considering the as-tested model costs only £17,625. Similarly, the Clio is chock-full of creatures comforts, unlike most of its competitors: satellite navigation, cruise-control, air-conditioning, auto-windscreen wipers and parking sensors all feature. All of which complement a driving experience which is in itself thoroughly rewarding; the steering is direct; the visibility, good; the handling, composed. Oh, and the fuel economy. Did I mention the fuel economy?

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Index Of Advertisers Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill Antiques 43 Artist Pet Pics by Lyn 47 Bathrooms AJG Property Maintenance & Service 21 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Chasewood 15 CRS 11 Interiors Italia 18 Rootwood 19 Roll-a-robe 24 Beauty Kate McGeary Skincare 47 La Minky 41 UltraSlim 45 Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS 11 Car Sales/Services/Repair Brindley Nissan 61 Brindley Mitsubishi 63 Burntwood MOT 59 Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd 67 Mr Tyre 65 Charity/Hospice Compton Hospice 7 Community Care I Care 33 Council South Staffs Council 46 Dating 7 Guests 51

Driveways AJG Property Maintenance & Service 21 Right Outside 12 Standeford Garden Construction 8 Education Chase Grammar 2 Electrical Appliances Webbs 57 Financial Planning Beaufort Planning 53 Fires/Fireplaces Fireside Factory 25 Entertainment Harrisons Club 34 South Staffs Council 46 Furniture/Furnishings Britannia Pine 23 CRS 11 Interiors Italia 19 Ralvern Ltd 13 & 24 Rootwood 18 Garden Right Outside 12 Standeford Garden Construction 8 Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum Systems Ltd 17 Hairdressers Salon La Mink 41 Hospital (Private) Nuffield 4 Hypnotherapy Sue Starr 53

Interior Designers Interiors Italia Love Lane Interiors Tech Alum Systems

Independent Living Apartments ShireLiving 29 Kitchens AJG Property Maintenance & Service 21 Lighting The Lighting Warehouse

Loft Conversions Buckley Loft Conversions

Physiotherapist Active Therapy

Restaurants Blue Ginger Kings Repose Padma Shoal Hill Tavern

35 31 33 31

Tiles Tile Choice

Travel Agent Tracy Mason Travel

Tyres Mr Tyre

Windows AJG Property Maintenance & Service 21 Cloudy 2 Clear 9

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

PICTOGRAM

1. Read between the lines 2. United States 3. Money talks

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

19 27 17

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

Servicing with us at Four Ashes will not affect your Manufactures Warranty. We also service all other Renault models out of the warranty period.

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

www.fourashesrenault.co.uk NOW OPEN FOUR ASHES ACCIDENT REPAIRS LTD ALL IN-HOUSE FACILITY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BODYSHOP SERVICES

FOR ALL MODELS AND MODELS! Including: * Accident and Insurance Work * Full and Partial Resprays * Scratch and Chip Repairs * Alloy Wheel Repairs

Had an accident, in need of a respray? Give Us A Call!

11 Reg Vehicles (3 years old) - Your MOT is (or soon will be) due - Check your date of registration on your vehicle log book. • MOT testing arranged • Large stoock of new and used parts • Computerised diagnostic (main dealer equipment) • Accident/mechanical repairs & insurance work undertaken • All work is fully guaranteed! • Courtesy Cars free of charge • Pick up and Drop-off service* • Servicing while you wait *conditions apply, please call for more details

MOT WITH ANY SERVICE

£25 *All models over 3 years old and out of Renault warranty period. Prices start from as listed. Please call for more details and exact price for your vehicle.

09 Reg and 59 Reg Vehicles DONT FORGET YOUR CAM/TIMING BELT!

Most Renaults require Cam/Timing Belt change at 72,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). Cam/Timing Belt failure will result in serious engine damage, so make sure yours is changed at the correct intervals. Call us for more details.

FOUR ASHES RENAULT SPECIALISTS Station Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7BU

01902 790123

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014