Delivered to: Cannock, Burntwood, Cheslyn Hay, Hatherton, Shoal Hill, Hawks Green, Heath Hayes, Norton Canes, Wedges Mills, Wimblebury, Hednesford, Huntington.
Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a delicious meal for 2 at Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant The Grand Theatre - Win tickets for Hormonal Housewives
March/April 2013
Inside this issue: The History of Stafford Castle, Recipe of the month, Puzzles, Eating out at The Kings Repose review, local entertainment, plus lots more! 01
| MARCH/APRIL STAFFORDSHIRELocal OUTLOOK 2013 magazine delivered
to 20,000 selected homes and businesses*
RELAXING SPACE
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
ditor
E A Message From The Welcome to the March/April edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. Well after a few cold and wet months, Easter is approaching and British Summer time begins so we can all look forward to the light nights and hopefully some dry weather! This edition of the Staffordshire Outlook features our eating out review at The Kings Repose, The History of Stafford Castle feature, puzzles and lots more! Don’t forget to enter the competitions with the winner being published
in the next Cannock edition of the magazine, good luck. The winners of the Grand Theatre and The Harrows competitions from the January/February edition are below. Well done to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in Staffordshire Outlook then please contact us on the details below.
Remember to keep this magazine at hand as we publish a useful numbers page at the back. We would like to thank all of the businesses for supporting this magazine and 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! All that’s left to do is relax and enjoy your local magazine. Enjoy your read…
Winners of the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Grand Theatre
Contents
Karen Addis, Norton Canes
Be Clear - Get the facts on Bowel Cancer TA Henn Buckley Loft Conversion Service with a smile The Grand Theatre competition High quality sofas direct to you Tiles with style - Tile Choice Are you looking for unique lighting Make your dream a reality Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens MB Planning Standeford Garden Construction Keys and much more DSN Accountants Recipe of the month Win a meal for 2 at Padma Lounge The Kings Repose review Blue Ginger The History of Stafford Castle Webbs - Puzzles Local man donates a kidney to a stranger Cannock Rugby Club P-LAY Get fit for 2013 A sign of the times Why Independent Education Revision - Quality not Quantity Honda Civic by Rob Taylor Market Initiative for local businesses Toms Tip Puzzle Solutions Index of advertisers Useful Numbers
Paul Stewart, Cheslyn Hay Mandy Cranney, Hednesford Winner of the meal for 2 at The Harrows Paul Wilkes, Shoal Hill
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 Manager Email: Sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Editorial/What’s on information Mal Caldwell - Editor Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Cover shot: Nuthatch Bird taken at Cannock Chase courtesy of www.ronevans.co.uk (c) Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk
Mal 4 6 8 9 10 13 14 16 17 21 23 23 24 25 28 28 30/31 32/33 34/35 36 38 40/41 42 43 44 44 45 46/47 48 49 49 50 50
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.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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el Cancer
ts on Bow c fa e th t e G r a le C e B
Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, affecting almost 40,000 people each year. Both men and women are equally at risk and although it can affect people of any age, 95% of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer are over the age of 55. It is one of the most treatable cancers if caught quickly enough, and there is a high survival rate in patients diagnosed at an early stage. The main signs and symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in your stool, bleeding from your bottom and repeated loose bowel especially if lasting longer than three weeks. Other symptoms include a pain or lump in your stomach, weight loss for no obvious reason and feeling more tired than usual.
Some of these symptoms could be mistaken for other conditions such as haemorrhoids or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is why seeing your doctor straight away is important. ‘People need to become more alert to the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and to be aware of their own bowel habits, reporting anything abnormal’ say consultant surgeons and gastroenterologists at the Nuffield Wolverhampton. ‘Anyone who is worried about their bowels or experiences a change in their bowel habit lasting more than 4 - 6 weeks, or has rectal bleeding which is on-going should visit their GP for further investigations’. The NHS Bowel cancer screening programme began in July 2006 and currently screens all men and women between the ages of 60 and 69 every two years (www.cancerscreening.nhs. uk/bowel). The bowel screening test aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage which is when treatment will be more likely to be effective. The kit tests for hidden blood, the presence of which can indicate bowel cancer. All those eligible for screening will receive the kit by post. It is important that you take up this offer of screening and send the completed testing kit back. If you are over the age of 70 you can request a kit by calling 0800 707 6060. If blood is found in your sample, you’ll be asked to see your Doctor for further testing. If bowel cancer is found, treatment options will vary depending on the extent and stage of the cancer and could include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or a combination of all three. When caught early, treatment for bowel cancer can be very successful. The 5 year survival rate of patients diagnosed with very early stage bowel cancer is over 90%, but if
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
diagnosis is delayed and the tumour has spread, it may fall to as low as 10%. If you’re invited in after screening or have noticed any symptoms, your Doctor will examine you and may arrange further tests or referral to a specialist consultant. You can also ask to be referred privately to the Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital where you can get an urgent appointment to see a consultant, usually within a few days. Here at the Nuffield we have recently invested in state-of-the-art equipment with the most advanced flexible scopes on the market. The high definition HD+ scopes are flexible cameras that are inserted into the bowel, stomach, digestive tract and bladder to help detect and diagnose cancer. We are also working towards JAG (Joint Advisory Group) accreditation on GI Endoscopy. The JAG ensures the quality and safety of patients care is paramount by defining and maintaining the standards by which endoscopy is practised in the UK (www.thejag.org.uk).
BE CLEAR! None of us want to talk about our bowels and many people understandably find it embarrassing, but awareness of the symptoms of cancer and making an appointment to see your Doctor if you’re worried, could end up saving your life. For more information see www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk or www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer This article was provided by The Nuffield Health Group www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals
Bowel Cancer Awareness. If you would like further information call 01902 793259 or go to nuffieldhealth.com/wolverhamptonhospital Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE Don’t just go private, go personal
wolverhampton_218x140_bowel-ad.indd 1
04/12/2012 17:26:11
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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BUY ONE OF THE £18 SILVERSHINE CHARMS
AND GET THE BRACELET FOR FREE The invention and innovation that started it all, Nomination’s Composable Link Bracelet is made up of from a series of links that can be interchanged with different decorative designs to communicate everything from initials and astrological signs to special interests, passions, memories and emotions.
Made in Italy at the Nomination atelier studios near the Renaissance city of Florence, the bracelet links are made of the highest quality stainless steel to ensure your bracelet is hypoallergenic, will not tarnish and is strong enough to be worn everyday. Today this powerful communicative relationship continues with Nomination fans around the globe.
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Tel: 01902 428486 info@tahenn.com Find us on Facebook www.tahenn.com
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DESIGN • PLANNING • CONSTRUCTION
Buckley Loft Conversions have been established for over 20 years and is a family managed company based in Cannock Staffordshire, producing 1000’s of outstanding conversions and extensions all over the Midlands area, adding space, value and style with innovative designs and high quality construction. Whatever your budget or requirements a loft, garage conversion, or extension could be the ideal solution for your particular needs, without all the stress or financial considerations that a move can entail. With the added bonus of providing additional usable floor space, personal design input and the increase in value to your property, even in the current economic climate it still makes a wise financial decision. To help, we provide a Free Design and Quotation - We visit your property, discuss your needs and ideas and return, with hopefully a proposed design you will be delighted with. We are aware from experience that for many clients it is a stressful and confusing area. From the initial survey you will be given a fully inclusive quote. We will take care of the Architectural Plans, Building Regulations approvals and if necessary, any planning requirements through to completion. We will guide you through the process with the minimum of disruption, to achieve a first class finish that we are so proud of. For your peace of mind we are 08
members of Federation of Master Builders, Masterbond, Fairtrades and Staffordshire Trade Registered. We have our own in-house team of professionals, Surveyors, Architectural, Administrative and Construction personnel, which will design, plan and construct your project to suit your individual needs and budget. All our constructions are overseen by our Operations Manager, to help ensure minimal disruption, high quality workmanship and the necessary compliance with current Health & Safety legislation. How height, does the loft have to be? This is often one of the first questions we are asked. From the loft floor to the ceiling we advise around 2.3 metres. Anything below and it is not possible to construct a loft conversion, unless we are able to raise the roof to create the necessary additional height. This is an altogether a more complex and costly construction, but one we frequently undertake. If you are limited by height, you are still able to utilise the space, to provide a boarded storage area which provides useful storage, complete with a loft ladder for easy access.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Where loft height is limited, we have seen a substantial increase in the demand for Garage Conversions. We were approached recently by Real Homes Magazine to provide a case study of a recently completed Garage Conversion, which they featured in their September issue. The design was an instant hit with the magazine, it achieved a spacious kitchen - dining area, but also leaving a proportion of the garage as a useful storage area. We have extensive experience in all aspects of construction and a considerable amount of extensions are also built, sometimes concurrently whilst we are carrying out a loft or garage conversion. Our website www.loft-conversions.com shows a selection of these photographs that are reproduced with the kind permission of our clients. Please take a look for inspiration and to see the endless possibilities that can be developed to enhance your house and make it your perfect home. Our website only demonstrates out constructions, we do not use any studio, or Velux promotional literature, as we want our clients to see the quality of our work, although we have to give credit for the beautiful interiors to our clients.
For a Free Design and Quote Call 0800 136 152 and visit our website www.loft-conversions.com for inspiration and up to date news and features.
Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! ADVERTISEMENT
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Brian Stanley feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not
just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Cannock
and Stafford areas and Brian is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends
and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Brian a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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... 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Competition e tr a e h T d n ra G n to Wolverhamp
Three lucky winners can each win 2 tickets to see Hormonal Housewives on Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30pm Hormonal Housewives Starring TOYAH WILLCOX & JULIE COOMBE is on stage at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 2nd to Wednesday 3rd April 2013 Is your man more James May than Christian Grey? Then this is the show for you! Following on from their hugely successful 2012 tour the Hormonal Housewives are coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for the very first time. Featuring hilarious sketches looking at everything that make’s today’s woman tick (or ticked off), from the joys of teenagers, to the challenge of IKEA, the madness of holiday reps and the insanity of DIY.
‘Hormonal Housewives will have you bouncing in your seat, clapping rhythmically and laughing uncontrollably! Catch it while you can…’ Thepublicreviews.com
Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12 or online at: www.grandtheatre.co.uk
Grab your girlfriends for a hilariously funny evening with the Hormonal Housewives – what they can’t teach you about modern womanhood isn’t’ worth knowing! 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 Friday 22nd March 2013. Winners will be notified by telephone.
Name the following Toyah Wilcox top ten hit - Echo A Beach B Ocean C Sea 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.
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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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 CANNOCK’S LARGEST DISPLAY OF FIRES & FIREPLACES
Over
ade to
ces m Firepla ry Delive
plays
ce dis
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re/fi 100 fi
ure
meas rvice
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ble availa
*Choice of Free surv eys 45”-54” marble fireplaces Open to just £499 the pub lic - Mo or complete with 3.9kw gas fire n - Fri S a tu just £599 rday 10 -4
1st Floor Units 6/7 Norton Canes Business Park Norton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
01543 277366 www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com
9-5
our living room
irect to y High Quality Sofas d Ralvern Ltd is a company that makes very high quality sofas direct to you and your living room. If you like what you see in our advertisement you will be amazed at what we actually do at our Cannock based factory showroom.
Our team of highly skilled professional craftsmen, design, create and manufacture sofas, creating a living space that is truly unique. Our gallery of fabric books give a good reflection to our capacity to create almost any type of design, using all our experience, drive and passion. Alongside our manufacturing, we also have a team of the same traditionally skilled craftsmen that can strip down your old suite or sofa
and recreate the original design with our superior reupholstery service, which is highly renowned for its finish and meticulous detail. For a truly unique and individual lounge setting you are most welcome to come to our factory showroom to see what we can create for you. You can contact us at any time via email at sales@ ralvernupholstery.co.uk Or visit our website www. ralvernupholstery.co.uk Call Simon or Chris Edwards on 01543 505539 We look forward to meeting you.
Bespoke Sofa Manufacture & Re-Upholstery Specialist
The Secret of True Quality is in the Fine Detail For those seeking quality craftsmanship, unique design and an array of choice from traditional to stark modern styles, we offer a stunning collection of furniture, all manufactured at our factory based showroom. We also offer a top quality re-upholstery service and a large fabric and leather range to choose from.
01543 505539 www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire - WS11 7XN
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS Tile Choice Limited is an independent tile & natural stone retailer, which was established in 1991, and has 15 individually designed stores throughout the central regions of the UK. Tile Choice prides itself on selling the highest quality products, sourced from some of the worlds leading manufacturers at competitive prices, along with exceptional levels of customer service ensuring that we have remained at the head of the tile industry. Tile Choice currently have a stock holding of 1.5 million pounds with 95% of our stock being imported directly from manufactures into our 30,000 square foot centralised Warehouse and Distribution centre. We make sure we stay up to date with all the latest developments and trends in this fast moving fashion-led industry, by investing in new displays throughout all of our stores. This way we're always one step ahead of the competition, and we can provide our customers with the best available choices. We cater for all types of customers, whatever they have in mind whether a stylish timeless bathroom, a cool contemporary ensuite, or a traditional homely kitchen. All of the Tile Choice staff are fully trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of the ceramic wall and floor tile trade and are happy to offer sound and practical advice, including how to plan your room layout properly, how to prepare your walls and floors, how to choose the right tiles and tools for the job, and how to make light work of cutting, fixing and grouting. Alternatively, one of Tile Choices recommended tilers will visit the customer at home and give a NO- OBLIGATION quotation. Tile Choice have their own vehicle fleet to service the stores on a daily basis, along with a customer delivery service available via every store.
www.tilechoice.co.uk 14
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Fitted Wardrobes
Lots of storage space at a fantastic price! Lots of designs of beautiful floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes to fit any size or shape of room
Covering the whole of Staffordshire
Our ‘Space Saver’ full width interiors is FREE with every wardrobe. Made-to-measure and then fitted by us in a day.
Please ring
0800 612 0932
FREE brochure & price list
FIRESIDEGALLERY 01543 503 321 We don't do problems we do solutions
We have something for ever yone
info@firesidegallery-cannock.co.uk
Gas and Electric Fires, Log Burners Fireplaces to suit all
Made to measure - Wood, Marble, Limestone, Granite and Slate
Gas Safe and Hetas approved installers All rubbish removed, relevant plastering, electrical and brickwork undertaken
Free Surverys Large Showroom Free local delivery Expert staff Even if we dont supply it, ask for a price for fitting it!
01543 503 321 Bridge Works, Walsall Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0JL info@firesidegallery-cannock.co.uk www.firesidegallery-cannock.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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irrors?
ighting & M L e u iq n U r o F g in k o o Are You L
you, we specialise in lighting and we can help you all the way with years of experience in the lighting industry, we can help you make any room into a warm inviting space that will have all your friends envious! leave it to the experts at Manor Lighting. We will help make your home a manor!
If you are looking for unique lighting and mirrors that are eye catching, something different, that’s not found in your usual high street shops then come and see us at Manor Lighting. New to the Hollybush garden centre at Shareshill, Manor Lighting Independent retail outlet are located in the Gift Area of the garden centre.
We stock an extensive selection of Modern, Contemporary, Traditional Lighting and Crystal Chandeliers for your home. We are suppliers of lighting, hand finished quality mirrors, mirrored furniture and a bespoke furniture service available on request. Choosing lights for your home needs to be done correctly, that’s where the experts at Manor Lighting can help
Our sister company are the well established D+P Electrical and maintenance contractors, NICEIC approved. You can be assured that if installation of lighting is a requirement then it will be carried out by a qualified electrician. There is something for everyone at The Hollybush Garden centre, and with free parking you can shop till you drop! So as part of a great day out come and see us at Manor Lighting you will be impressed with our bright light showroom. We look forward to meeting you.
Manor Lighting, Hollybush Garden Centre, Warstones Road, Shareshill WV10 7LX - 01922 419442
Make your home a Manor! We stock an extensive selection of Modern, Contemporary, Traditional Lighting and Crystal Chandeliers for your home,
If your looking for stunning lighting to suit all tastes call into see us... Hollybush Garden Centre ( new extension) Wa r s t o n e L a n e , S h a r e s h i l l W V 1 0 7 L X
Te l : 0 1 9 2 2 4 1 9 4 4 2
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Make Your Dream A Here at the all new Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms showroom in Cannock we have all the expertise and help you will need to make your dream kitchen or bathroom plan come true. We want to make the process of planning and installing a kitchen or bathroom as easy as possible, by offering a full bespoke service from the planning stage right through to fitting the final product. The old adage “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” is particularly true for kitchens and bathrooms. There are so many factors to consider, that if you don’t properly plan, then your dream kitchen or bathroom could become a nightmare, and your budget compromised. At Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms we offer a full design and measuring service, free of charge, where we take you through the process of thinking through;
What’s right for you? • Finding the right units/ suites at the right price • Accurate measures so everything fits • The whole package, fitting, tiling, appliances etc. • Special features • For kitchens 3D CAD examples so you can picture how it will look Making sure you get maximum value for money by being up front with; • cost of the goods • fitting costs • appliance costs • décor costs e.g. tiling There are no hidden costs and unwanted surprises. The overall budget takes into account the above points, if not you may have to cut corners leading to disappointment with the finished result. Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most complex rooms in the house to renovate, for a perfect result you need to plan well.
Reality A well designed kitchen and bathroom plays a vital role in the selling of houses according to research and in the current economic climate potential house buyers are looking for these important features. Higher aspirations, a decreasing housing market and greater inspiration from design shows and the internet have made people more demanding and now both the kitchen and bathroom has become the stylish centre to the home. Tim Chilton, owner of Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms says “the best way to ensure a successful kitchen or bathroom design is to formulate a plan with a project planner who will be involved until completion. Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms offer a personalised design and planning service, combined with their own fitters to help you create the perfect kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.”
New Showroom Free Dishwasher with every fully fitted kitchen Bathrooms supplied and installed from £2,995 (including tiles)
Longford Island (Side of Shell Garage), A5 Watling Street, Cannock WS11 1SL 01543 500499 www.dreamkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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3 Amazing floors of style and choice Create the wow factor with our beautiful ranges of bespoke furniture and accessories
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79A Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
SALE NOW ON!
UP TO 60% OFF Tel: 01902 428489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk
Open: Monday to Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11-4pm
www.interiorsitalia.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
itchens
s&K Willenhall Bathroom Enhance the space, comfort and value of your home with a quality fitted bathroom or kitchen from a highly respected family run business.
They offer a wide range of bathroom suites, wet rooms, accessories, mirrors, cabinets, wall tiles and flooring - including the increasingly popular and energy saving under floor heating system - ensuring that they have the ideal look that fits in your space, your style and your budget. They also offer a full design and installation service which includes new layouts, plumbing, plastering, tiling, lighting, ventilation and flooring.
The staff at Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens will do their best to ensure they provide you with excellent customer service, price and a quality product you deserve - they will also beat any like-for-like quote. In the current climate it’s neither practical nor affordable to move house, so the best way to maximise the space and comfort in your home, and to the value of one of the biggest investments you have, is with a new bathroom or kitchen. Willenhall Bathrooms provide you with an extensive range of bathroom sanitary ware, furniture, accessories and fitting with a choice of traditional and more contemporary designs to suit any style and budget. Their kitchen ranges include all the space saving features of fitted and made to measure furniture; in
addition to soft close doors, a range of worktops which include granite and other hard wearing options and a range of electrical appliances to help you complete the look. All are expertly designed using the latest computer design technology and expertly fitted, or provided on a supply only basis.
&
Managing Director, Adrian Nichols, is proud of the service he and his team provides: “we are happy to provide you with a free no obligation quote; either bring in your own measurements, or we’ll come to your home and do this for you. We pride ourselves on our no pressure sales.” The quality of their work, commitment to fair and honest trading practice and good customer satisfaction is recognised by Walsall Trading Standards team who have included them in their trader register.
6-7 Walsall Street Willenhall WV13 2ES 01902 606400 | fitted-interiors.co.uk Mon - Fri 9.30-5, Sat 10-4 Large FREE Car Park to rear of showroom
Treat Yourself to a Luxury Bathroom Makeover in 2013... Remove existing suite Replaster where neccessary Supply & fit bathroom suite Wall tiles to ceiling - up to 18m Floor tiles up to 5m Removal of all rubbish
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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ality
Turn Your Plans Into Re It’s about the time of year when your thoughts might be turning to building projects for the coming summer. MB Planning can help to successfully turn your plans into reality in 2013. You might be thinking about; • Extending your home or building a new garage. • A new property on a building plot in your garden. • A change of use of buildings or land, for instance a barn conversion or extending your garden. • New stables or pool in your paddock. • A new shop front or advert for your business. • New commercial projects or industrial buildings
MB Planning will talk through your ideas with you, design and draw up the proposals and deal with Planning and other permissions as required. You will be guided through the sometimes difficult planning process to ensure that your scheme has the best chance of succeeding.
MB Planning can also help you with; • Listed Building and conservation work. • Local and neighbourhood planning matters. • Planning appeals. • Planning enforcement issues.
Francis Biard provides a thorough and professional planning service. He has over 35 year’s local experience in the field and is a corporate member of The Royal Town Planning Institute and of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation. If you have ideas for your property or need guidance on planning and conservation matters MB Planning would be pleased to help. This is the right time of year to start by contacting MB Planning.
truction
Standeford Garden Cons Established in 1954 for Garden Construction and more! Standeford Garden Construction is a family run Business established in 1954 and is now into the fourth generation of the Wright family. Over the years we have earned a reputation for constructing gardens of the highest quality where preparation and attention to detail are paramount. We are the experts in Garden construction based at Old Stafford Road in Coven, Standeford Garden construction includes many components within the garden landscaping sector ranging from Driveways, Tarmac, Block-paving, Gravel, Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, General Landscaping, Site Clearance and much more. We also provide a supply only for Soil, Stone, Sand, Logs and Kindling. 22
Need Planning Permission? • House extension or outbuilding. • New house in your garden. • Change of use of land or buildings. • Listed building work. • General advice on planning issues.
Then secure experienced and professional help.
MB PLANNING Tel: 01785 226511 maisonbiard@gmail.com
Standeford Garden Construction Established 1954
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS All work is expertly crafted by trained professionals, and finished to a very high standard. We provide an extensive range of services to suit every taste and budget. So if you’re looking to transform your garden and outside space to the highest standard that will make you the envy of your street call now for a free no obligations quote. Old Stafford road Slade Heath, Coven WV10 7PH 01902 790238 07748 636549 Like our page on Facebook - Standeford Garden Construction
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
• Block paving • Indian stone paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Slabbing • Fencing • Site clearance • All general landscaping • Suppliers of stone, • soil, sand etc.
✆ 07748 636 549 ✆ 01902 790 238 OLD STAFFORD ROAD, COVEN
NewBuy & Part Ex available Terms & Conditions apply. Please ask for details.
With all this on your doorstep, what more could you wish for? Typical Monarch Park 3 bedroom exterior
Occupying a unique position, Monarch Park offers a stunning selection of 2 and 3 bedroom homes. Within walking distance of Cannock Chase with its spectacular woodlands and exhilarating activities, but close to the high street names and buzzing nightlife of Cannock Town Centre. With FirstBuy, all this could be yours from just £100,000* - so what are you waiting for? Prices from £125,000 to £179,000
Monarch Park Limepit Lane, Cannock WS11 4RH Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm.
Tel: 01543 877708
lovellnewhomes.co.uk * Based on an 80% FirstBuy price. Available on selected plots subject to terms & conditions and cannot be used with any other offer/promotion. Lovell cannot give financial advice but can refer you to an Independent Financial Advisor. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
23
ore!
much m d n a s y e k r fo r e k c o L Hyde’s Key “Hyde’s Key Locker” have added another new service to the business. We now offer number plates made up to suit your taste (legal spec) with or without flags or borders and plain, 3D or Carbon lettering. At the best price as always while you wait. In addition house signs, acrylic photos and other signs all can be designed by the customer exactly how they want it in the shop. We are open 7 DAYS a week 9am5:00pm Mon-Sat and 10am-4:45pm Sundays. We do all house keys, Cylinder, Mortice, Safe blanks and locker keys with a huge range of key blanks in the shop. If we do not have the key you require we will do our best to source it for you within 2 working days. If the plain “boring” house keys are not good enough you can choose from a big range of funkeys from colourful, glow in the dark to Betty Boo, Football teams or Disney Characters.
Our Engraving service is mainly used for pet tags and memorial plaques but we do a whole range of engraveable products trying our best to do every job the customer requires each as personalised as the last with no letter restriction and always open to ideas. A whole range of engraveable items are available to hand such as trinket boxes, Zippo lighters, compact mirrors and card holders are but to name a few. We recently started doing car keys, ranging from plain keys with no transponder, spare car keys with transponder to start the engine also, to the fully remote car keys with transponder as from dealer. Due to the flexible times to suit you the customer, friendly reliable service and prices set to beat any competitor it has taken off with force. The selection of locks and padlocks comes free with any advice needed on size or type along with our fire safety equipment and shoe care products. If a lock fitting service is
required it can also be catered for with ease, just ask in the shop for details. As a whole Hyde’s Key Locker aim to keep undercutting our rivals and provide a better, friendlier and more reliable service. If there are any problems or you require something out the ordinary do not hesitate to ask. The free parking offers convenience and all services are carried out while you wait including car keys and engraving so this will give you chance to have a look around and enjoy what Hollybush has to offer.
Car Keys Key cutting Engraving Security products Key accessories
House Keys
from £3
Funkeys
from £4
Plain Car Keys
from £7.50
Spare Car Keys with Transponder
from £30
Remote car keys as from dealer
from £70
Tel: 01922 411210 / 07581 041840 hydeskeylocker@yahoo.co.uk Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun 10am-4.45pm
24
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Hyde's Key Locker Hollybush Garden Centre (New Extension) Warstones Road Shareshill WV10 7LX
cy Firm Your Local Accountan DSN Accountants Limited is a firm based in Staffordshire and offers a full range of accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals. DSN Accountants is an established Accountancy firm in the Staffordshire area serving clients throughout Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Drawing on the years of experience gained with top accountancy firms we offer the complete range of audit, accounting and taxation services for sole traders to small and medium sized businesses. DSN Accountants offers the knowledge, expertise and service of the larger firms but with a more personal service at much lower rates. DSN Accountants are a small friendly firm that can offer the quality services of the larger firms at just a fraction of the cost.
Services • • • • • • • • • •
Statutory Accounts Statutory Company Audits Company and Personal Tax Planning Management Accounts Bookkeeping Tax returns CIS refunds VAT Payroll Business start-up’s
With a portfolio of clients in the local community that spans many industries and sectors such as, manufacturing, retail, investment, and, construction, we pride ourselves in offering a service that is specific to your individual needs. At DSN Accountants we consider all clients equal and offer the same prompt, efficient and quality service to all our clients whether they be a local builder or plumber right up to the larger limited companies we service.
• Statutory Accounts • Personal Tax • Corporate Tax • Management Accounts • Book Keeping • Payroll • Statutory Company Audits • CIS • VAT DSN Accountants Limited Top Corner Offices 1 & 2 Market Street,Penkridge Staffordshire Tel: 01785 716658 Mobile: 07826 840147 Email: dean@dsna.co.uk
www.dsna.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Find us on facebook
south_staffs
Learn to Swim
with Get Set Swimming Lessons Available at Wombourne Leisure Centre • Non-swimmers/beginners to advanced techniques and lengths • Qualified and experienced instructors • Short 30 minute sessions to ensure concentration is at its optimum • Reasonable class sizes to ensure good quality instruction • All sessions lifeguarded to ensure complete safety of you or your child • Seated spectator area so you can watch your child progress • Courses run during both term time and school holidays to ensure continual progression
Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre
01922 417790
Codsall Leisure Centre
01902 844032
Penkridge Leisure Centre
01785 714152
Wombourne Leisure Centre
01902 898202
visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure 26
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
38 - 41 Princess Street Wolverhampton WV1 1HD 01902 429 409 www.tahenn.com
Be inspired at pandora.net
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
27
Image courtesy of andy@sixashes.com
Recipe kindly provided by Stuart Plant from the Six Ashes, Bobbington.
Recipe Of The Month Serves 4
Scampi Of Pork Belly INGREDIENTS
METHOD
• 1 kg pork belly, skinned and boned • Goose fat to cover • 4 cloves garlic • 1 carrot chopped • 1 stick celery chopped • 1 onion chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 sprig of thyme • 1 egg whisked • Seasoned flour • Japanese bread crumbs
1. Season the pork belly and fry in a pan till golden on both sides and remove.
APPLE PUREE
• 3 bramley apples • 4 tbls caster sugar • 2 tbls water • salt & pepper RAVIGOTE SAUCE
• 2 tbls chopped gherkins • 2 tbls chopped capers • 2 tbls chopped shallots • 2 tbls chopped curley parsley • zest of half a lemon • 4 tbls extra virgin olive oil 28
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
2. Fry the vegetables and herbs in the same pan till golden and put into an oven proof dish. 3. Add the pork belly and enough goose fat to cover. 4. Cover with grease proof paper and cook in the oven on a low heat for 2-3 hours till soft and tender. 5. Take out and drain on a cake rack for 5 mins then wrap in cling film and press with a weight on top preferably overnight. 6. The next day, cut into 1 inch cubes, dust in flour; dip in egg wash then into the bread crumbs. 7. Deep fry for 1 min till golden then put into a pre-heated oven 180 for 5 mins, remove and drain on kitchen towel. 8. Peel core and chop the apples and put into a pan with the sugar and water and cook until soft, blend and season to make apple puree. Keep warm or re-heat as required. 9. Mix all the ingredients for the ravigote sauce together and season. TO SERVE
Serve the crispy pork belly in a bowl with the warm apple puree and ravigote sauce in separate dipping bowls.
Would you like to reach over 20,000 readers in Cannock, Stafford and surrounding areas?
Now is the ideal time to promote your seasonal menus, special offers or forthcoming events in
For further details on promoting your venue Call Sharon Caldwell on: 01952 321334
ge Bar & Restaurant un Lo a dm Pa at o Tw r fo Win a fabulous Meal offer all customers a wonderful dining experience with a taste of warm Indian hospitality. Fully licensed and recently refurbished to a very high standard. For reservations please call 01543 502101 or email info@padmalounge.co.uk Open: Sun-Thu 5.30pm till Midnight, Fri-Sat 5.30pm till 1.00am Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant, 8 High Green Court, Newhall Street, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 1GR www.padmalounge.co.uk
This month we have teamed up with Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant, to give one lucky reader the chance to win a delicious 3 course meal for two including a bottle of house wine. Padma Lounge was one of the first Indian restaurants in Cannock dating back to 1971 when they were situated at Walsall Road, this makes Padma the longest established Indian restaurant in Cannock. Having moved 3 years ago to their town centre location Padma Lounge brings top quality, authentic Indian and Bangladeshi fine dining to Staffordshire! The team at Padma Lounge are deeply committed to providing an excellent and quality service and to
For your chance to win please answer the following question:
What year was Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant established? 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 be received by arrive by Monday 15th April 2013 Competition Terms and conditions: To enter readers have to be at least 21 years of age. Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by telephone. Prize is a 3 course meal for two people with a bottle of house wine. Prize must be redeemed by the 31st May 2013. Booking is required and date is subject to availability. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to The Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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oksey Review by Michelle Co se o p e R s g in K The
The Kings Repose is a well-established, fully licensed Indian restaurant and takeaway which has been serving excellent food for 17 years and is situated in a countryside location in Featherstone near Wolverhampton. At the helm since 1996, hosts Misbah and Lee successfully brought it to a standard that won ‘ Rate My Place’ which is a prestigious five star award, awarded by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of excellent food and service which monitors food hygiene and general standards.
The restaurant is split into two sections, downstairs being the bar area with a great selection of drinks including my favourite, Cobra being served on draught.
Upon entering the free, fully secure car park, customers dining at The Kings Repose are welcomed by the beautiful establishment overlooking the gardens. My companion and I were greeted on this evening by Monseur the Restaurant Manager who took ours drinks order and showed us to a table in the bar area. 30
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
We were given the menu to look through by a member of the pleasant and very helpful waiting staff who also showed us the dishes on the specials board, he also explained that if there was anything that was not showing on the menu that the chef would be happy to make for us. Nothing was too much trouble! The menu - with main course prices from just £6.95 to £12.95 - with all
dishes having its own individual flavours and aromas from the herbs and spices especially prepared by the master chef Misbah.
We were more than ready to try our mains now as the starters were so tasty and when our main course was presented we were not disappointed.
After looking through all of the mouth-watering dishes I opted for the vegetable samosa, poppadum’s and dips with my companion choosing the king prawn with garlic and butter. For our main dishes I ordered the chicken jalfrezi and pilau rice with my partner opting for the chicken tikka masala with a peshwari nan.
The portions were generous and the taste and flavours were more than perfect and I can understand why so
many customers return to The Kings Repose and describe it a culinary experience of a lifetime. My partner and I were too full for desert on this occasion so decided on coffees in the bar but we have both said that we will be returning as soon as possible.
The Kings Repose New Road,Featherstone, Nr Wolverhampton WV10 7NW Telephone: 01902 307846 Website: www.thekingsrepose.co.uk Opening times: 7 days a week 5:30pm - Midnight
Once we had ordered we were shown to our table in the restaurant upstairs with the setting of a converted barn and our table from the window overlooking the beautiful gardens and surroundings. The atmosphere in the restaurant was very calming with the tables well spaced and a relaxed feel. Both starters arrived and lived up to the expectations, being each in its own way - simply delicious.
Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)
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
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Blue Ginger
The Blue Ginger Indian Restaurant is aimed at satisfying you, the customer. Our staff will endeavour to ensure that you relax and enjoy your experience whilst our team in the Kitchens will do their utmost to provide you with the freshest, most wholesome Indian Cuisine we can create.
Take a look at our full menu on the opposite page to see our range of different dishes suitable for all tastes & is suitably priced to make sure you get the best in both food quality & value for money, as we believe this will ensure you will want to return to us whenever you want an excellent meal.
Our aim is, and has always been, to provide the finest in both food and service and to our gratification Blue Ginger has been voted the Best Indian restaurant in Cannock and surrounding areas for 2012/2013 by the Midlands Balti Association. We have also been granted a five star award, awarded by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of excellent food hygiene and general standards. Top notch food, an expansive wine and beer menu, with a pleasant, warm and vibrant environment, we welcome everybody and thereby strive to live up to your expectations! Whether it be for a special occasion, corporate event, a romantic meal or simply just to eat out make sure you pay us a visit soon.
Named best Indian restaurant in Cannock & surrounding areas by MBA (Midlands Balti-association) award is for 2012-2013
OPENING HOURS Sunday:1pm-10pm Mon-Thurs: 5.30pm-11.30pm Fri-Sat: 5.30pm-Midnight
SUNDAY BUFFET Dine in only Eat as much as you like from a wide range of our exquisite dishes. 1pm-10.00pm
Adults £7.95/Child £4.95 2 FOR 1 MEAL
20% DISCOUNT FREE HOME DELIVERY FREE BOTTLE OF WINE
On all dishes including specials Monday to Thursday - Dine in only
on all food orders collected
Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 4NU 32
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Within 5 mile radius and on orders over £10.00
01543 500 300
with every takeaway order above £25.00
Starters Tandoori Chicken Chicken Tikka Lamb Tikka Sheek Kebab Shami Kebab Nargis Kebab Tandoori Lamb Chop Sizzling Chicken Korahi Kebab Chicken Tikka Shaslick Navrang Tikka Chicken Tikka or Prawn Puree Chicken Tikka Pakora Chicken Chat Chicken or lamb tikka Garlic Frey Chicken or Lamb Tikka Mushroom Garlic Frey Meat or Vegetable Samosa Panir Chilli Quorn Chat Tava Kebab Aloo Puree Betawada Onion Bhaji King Prawn Puree King Prawn Butterfly Tandoori King Prawn Monkfish Tikka Salmon Tikka Prawn Cocktail
£2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £3.25 £3.50 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.50 £4.95 £4.95 £4.95 £4.95 £4.95 £2.50
Chefs House Specialities
Seafood House Specialities
Clay-pot Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Muncharian Chicken
£6.95
Karahi Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Curry Bhuna
Zaljul Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Dhansak
Relish Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Tender spring chicken or lamb roasted in the clay oven and then cooked in chefs special Bhuna sauce
Lightly spice strips of chicken breast fried then cooked in a special hot sweet and tangy sauce
Diced chicken or lamb roasted in the Tandoori and cooked with green herbs, tomatoes, capsicums in a karahi sauce A fairly hot dish cooked with naga pickle in chefs special sauce
Traditional
Rogon
Chicken or lamb prepared with special blend of spice cooked in a coriander relish sauce with a touch of garlic and ginger
Phatia Dupiaza
Chopped onion with mushroom and capsicum in exotic spices
Jalfrezi
Cooked with mustard seed in a Bhuna style dish (madras strength)
Sagwella
Jaipur Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Mustard Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Red Chilli Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Saffron Chicken or lamb
£6.95
Kashmir Bengal Balti
Golden Chicken Clay
£6.95
Methi
Cooked with red chilli spice with hint of minced meat (madras strength) Cooked with garlic and green chilli in a deep sauce Tender spring chicken roasted in the clay oven. Cooked with boiled egg in chefs special sauce (sweet and creamy mild strength)
Garlic £6.95
Korma
Tandoori specials
Razilla Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Tandoori Chicken (half) Chicken Tikka Lamb Tikka Tandoori Lamb Chop Chicken or Lamb Tikka Shaslick Tandoori Mix Grill Tandoori King Prawn Tandoori King Prawn Shaslick
Murgh Amdhani
£6.95
Chicken, lamb and prawn Vegetable Chicken & Lamb Tikka King Prawn
Buttered Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Masala Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
Tandoori Mughi Masala
£7.50
Pasanda Chicken or Lamb
£6.95
All served with salad & mint sauce
£6.50 £6.50 £6.50 £7.50 £6.95 £8.50 £8.50 £8.95
Chopped garlic with green chilli in chef’s exotic spices Chopped green chilli with onions and tomatoes, coriander in a hot and spicy sauce
Mild
Succulent chicken tikka prepared in a Tandoori then cooked in an exclusive mango cream sauce a fruity mild cream dish
Barbecued chicken or lamb with chefs special sauce
Chicken or lamb barbecued in clay oven and delicately blended in subtle cream sauce Boneless chicken tikka strips and cooked with minced meat in a medium spice Cooked in fresh cream cultured in yoghurt ground almonds
English Dishes Fried Scampi Chicken Omelette Mushroom Omelette Chicken Salad Prawn Salad Chips
£6.50 £6.50 £6.50 £6.50 £6.50 £1.50
Bombay Aloo Sag Aloo Sag Bhaji Bhindi Bhaji Cauliflower Bhaji Mushroom Bhaji Bengan Bhaji Sag Pannir Chana Masala Makni Peas Panir Vegetable Koftu Curry Tarka Dhall Curry or Madras sauce
£2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.25
Side Dishes
Bread Essentials Plain Nan Keema Nan Dhanya Nan Garlic Nan Peshwari Nan Bullet Chilli Nan Chicken tikka Nan Cheese Nan Garlic & Cheese Nan Onion & Cheese Nan Paratha Chapati Tandoori Roti
Extras
Popadom Spice Popadom Chutney and pickle
£1.90 £2.00 £2.00 £2.00 £2.00 £2.00 £2.00 £2.00 £2.30 £2.30 £1.50 £1.20 £1.40
Sundries
£1.90 £2.00 £2.00 £2.50 £2.50 £2.50 £2.50 £2.50 £2.75
Blue ginger rice
£2.95
Basmati rice cooked with chicken, prawn, peas and ginger
Moti pilau
A delightful blend of rice with nuts and vegetable
£2.50
Navratan pilau rice
£2.50
Lemon chilli fried rice
£2.50
Sizzling rice
£2.50
Sag fried rice
£2.50
Pilau rice stir fried with mixed fruits
Natural basmati rice fried with fresh chilli and lemon Natural basmati rice cooked with spring onions, grated cauliflower and infused with liquid seasoning
Monkfish Clay Pot
£8.95
Special preparation of saffron basmati rice treated with delicate herbs and spices, served with a mix vegetable sauce
Chicken, lamb, prawn Vegetable Chicken or lamb tikka King prawn Persian Biryani
£7.25 £6.95 £7.50 £8.95 £7.50
House special Biryani
£9.25
Tempting diced fillet on monkfish lavishly spiced and grilled in the Tandoori the cooked in chefs opulent sauce
Vegetarian House Specialities Garlic Shabji Chilli
£5.50
Quorn Tikka Mossola
£5.95
Quorn clay pot
£5.95
Vegetable Munchurian
£5.50
Paneer tikka masala
£5.95
Vegetable mossola
£5.50
Mix Veg Relish
£ 5.50
A very hot dish of assorted veg extensively prepared with fresh garlic and chillies in a lingering piquant taste. Fillets of quorn marinated in a tantalising spices and tenderly baked in a clay oven, then delicately blended into elusive tangy cream sauce Chunks of quorn garnished and roasted in to a clay oven then cooked in chef’s special opulent sauce
A selection of veg cooked with a beautiful combination of spices, with vinegar and herbs, producing a sweet, sour and hot taste, a new version Diced paneer prepared with herbs delicately blended in a subtle cream sauce, garnished with nuts. Mix veg (fresh) delicately blended in an elusive tangy creamy sauce
A collection of various fresh vegetables prepared in a special blend of fresh coriander relish sauce with slight fusion of garlic and ginger.
Korahi Mixed Vegetables
£5.50
CHRISTMA
Selected veg moderately spiced an cooked with diced onions, peppers and herbs in a thick korahi sauce, traditionally served hot on a sizzling ion skillet.
Appetisers Starters Soup Prawn Cocktail
Mixed with chicken, lamb, prawns and king prawns
Boiled rice Pilau rice Fried rice Egg fried rice Mushroom fried rice Keema fried rice Garlic fried rice Chicken tikka fried rice Special pilau rice
Pilau rice stir fried with chick peas, coriander & scrambled egg with light spices
£5.75 £5.25 £6.50 £8.95
Biryani
Decorated with a omelette and banana
£8.95
Fillet of salmon subtly marinated in tantalising spice and tenderly baked in clay oven then delicately blended in an tangy creamy sauce
Classic runny dish Cooked in a rich aromatic herbs and spices with dry onion, tomatoes & capsicum sauce - medium hot Cooked lentils, pineapple fresh herbs & spices sweet, slightly hot Cooked herbs & spices garnished with tomatoes, onions, capsicum A sweet, sour and lightly hot sauce Cooked in a blend of exotic herbs with tomatoes, capsicum & extra fried onions Cooked with fresh green chilli , chopped onions, garlic, ginger & tomatoes – slightly hot Cooked with spinach, exotic herbs & spices – medium hot Cooked with banana Cooked with egg & potato Cooked with onions, capsicum & tomato Cooked with fenugreek leaves & herbs Cooked with fresh garlic in exotic spices A delicate preparation with almond & coconut powder in a creamy sauce
North Indian Garlic Chilli
Salmon Tikka Masala
Natural basmati rice stir fried with spinach and garlic
Adult £2
V D
Under New Management Abdul
01543 500300
A
on collections
A34 STAFFORD ROAD
HUNTINGTON
FREE HOME DELIVERY
Within 5 miles radius and on orders over £10.00
OPENING HOURS
We are aware of the serious health risk to people who are allergic to whole peanuts, nuts or nut derivatives. We cannot categorically state that our dishes are 100% free of these products as with all food producers, there is always the possibility of cross-contamination at some point.
£0.50 £0.60 £0.50 Major Credit Cards accepted
Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS12 4NU
2 FOR 1 MEAL DEA
Mon - Thur, Dine in Sunday Buffet 1pm
www.bluegingercannock.com
Adult £7.95 Chi
Stafford Roa
www.bluegingercannock.com Cannock W SUNDAY BUFFET 20% DISCOUNT
THE CHASE GOLF CLUB
R P T R E Appetisers Starters Sizzling Chicken / Kebab Platter
Sunday: 1pm-10pm Mon – Thurs: 5.30pm-11.30pm Fri – Sat: 5.30pm-Midnight
ALL PARTIES CATERED FOR FREE PARKING AVAILABLE
Eat in only Eat as much as you like from a wide range of our exquisite dishes, between 1pm – 10pm every Sunday with a different menu each week.
Adults £7.95/Child £4.95
2 FOR 1 MEAL Monday to Thursday Dine in only
FREE BOTTLE OF WINE with every order above £25.00 on delivery & collection
Telephone: 01543 500 300 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
33
Castle rd o ff ta S f o ry to is H The es By Robert van der Do All images Courtsey of Steve Crampton www.electric-image.co.uk
Stafford Castle situated two miles west of the town of Stafford and just off the A518 Stafford to Newport Road, has towered over the local landscape for over 900 years. Built upon a mound that the Normans recognised as a prominent vantage point from which to survey all around them, it can be seen from the M6 motorway. It originated in the wake of the Norman invasion of England in 1066, when William the Conqueror issued an order for defences to be built against the rebellious, hostile native community. Robert de Toeni, who would later be known as Robert of Stafford, constructed a motte and bailey fortress in 1090. This was the typical castle design and structure that the Normans replicated across England during the 11th and 12th centuries, except that Stafford Castle included two baileys. The motte was simply the grassy earth mound, up to ten metres high, upon which a wood-stone tower was built. The baileys were timber courtyards, each protected by a ditch and palisade and with an entrance gate connected to a drawbridge. The outline of the castle’s defences can still be seen today. The castle’s fortunes and those of its owners the Stafford family fluctuated wildly during the medieval period. One such member, Ralph, a founder member of the Order of the Garter, oversaw the first stone construction- the keep on top of the motte- in 1348 and was then permitted a licence to crenellate and so 34
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
set about constructing the battlements. Three years later Ralph was named as the first Earl of Stafford. For two hundred years the castle and its occupants enjoyed a period of prosperity, highlighted by Humphrey Stafford becoming the Duke of Buckingham in 1444. Unfortunately it was not to last, with Britain during the Tudor years being a turbulent place and its rulers often brutally volatile and unsympathetic. Edward Stafford,
the son of Henry Stafford, the second Duke of Buckingham, was seen as a threat to Henry VIII on account of his royal blood and in 1521 was executed under the latter’s orders. There followed a short period where Stafford Castle and its three deer parks were in the hands of the crown. The castle was returned along with a small piece of land but it was not able to regain its former wealth. During the early part of the English Civil War the castle was defended by the Gallant Lady Isabel, a staunch Royalist, but the Parliamentarians won control in 1643 and its condition had worsened to such an extent that after a few months of abandonment they ordered its demolition. Throughout the subsequent century and beyond the site remained empty, until 1813 when it was rebuilt on its medieval foundations in the Gothic Revival Style. Sadly, it eventually fell back into disrepair until the Jeningham family restored it to a four storey keep. Although work was never completed on the castle, the keep remained lived in until 1949. The Stafford family moved back in originally and then in the twentieth century caretakers Mr and Mrs Stokes took residence. The Stokes’ used to provide tours of the site and served cups of tea and cakes to visitors. By 1949 much of the woodland surrounding the castle had been
felled and as a result the keep was exposed to strong winds, causing large pieces of masonry to fall from the towers. The castle was judged to be unsafe and vacated once again. In 1961 Lord Stafford gave the castle to the local authority and shortly afterwards a young boy was killed when the South Front collapsed. A year later all the walls had been reduced to the height of the North Front to considerably increase safety. Following significant excavation and restoration work in the 1980s, the castle is now listed as a Grade II building and considered one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in the country.
The 26-acre Stafford Castle site is open to the public. It includes the keep, inner and outer bailey, a visitor centre, carpark and woodland surrounding a restored medieval herb garden. Introduced following an inventory taken in 1537, the aromatic herb garden contains herbs relating to specific illnesses and serves as a reminder of the faith once placed in herbs and the importance they still hold today. Stafford Castle is also well noted in the local region for providing special events, including an annual Shakespeare production as part of the Stafford Festival.
| WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 01952 321334 321334
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ances
ppli Webbs - For Built-in A
Built in appliances form an integral part of many kitchens and today there are many exciting designs to chose from to enhance your home. Webbs as a leading Euronics member are proud to stock the exclusive range of Blomberg built in products. Blomberg products are only on sale in the UK through quality Euronics dealers. They have over 125 years worth of experience in manufacturing and produced their first washing machine in 1949, in Germany. Quality of construction, design excellence and outstanding economy in use are all clearly evident in the new Blomberg range which covers cooking, washing, and refrigeration. All Blomberg products are covered by a comprehensive three year parts and labour warranty to give absolute peace of mind to purchasers. Mark Tranter, built in specialist at Webbs, says “we really like the Blomberg products, they look fantastic, work well and the prices represent great value for money. Our customers really love the three year parts and labour guarantee too. This really shows the faith that Blomberg have in the quality of their products. It represents a great saving for our customers too because if they had to pay for that sort of warranty it would add a big cost to the price they would have to pay”. “As well as functionality, design is really important to a customer purchasing built in appliances for their kitchen. This is both in terms of really looking great, but practically too. The Blomberg products have a neat modern styling without being outlandish so they will suit nearly every taste. Just as importantly the company have put great thought into how people will have to live with them. They have been made very easy to use, a great comfort when youre trying out a new recipe”. Mark says “we find customers come to us for friendly help and advice, they’re often caught between kitchen fitters who really want to sell them a kitchen and the big sheds who more or less leave them to select products themselves. What we do is to talk to customers to really find out what they both need and want and to show them the most appropriate products for them. What we want is a happy customer who gets a product that exactly fits their requirements”. This level of service extends to after the sale too. Mark says “We offer a really comprehensive fitting service, because with built in products there can be snags for customers. So what we basically do is to take away any worry, fit the product to a very high standard, and make sure they are happy”. You can find out more about Blomberg and both the built in and freestanding ranges of appliances by visiting our website at www.webbs.tv. We look forward to seeing you soon. 36
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Webbs
Specialist In Built�In Blomberg BDO9564X Fingerprint Free Stainles Steel Finish Built-in Double Electric Oven AA Energy Rated 12 cooking functions
£549.99
3 YEAR WARRANTY
& professional fitting service available
Fingerprint Free Stainles Steel Finish Built-in Single Electric Oven A Energy Rated
£349.99 Blomberg BEO9414X 3 YEAR WARRANTY
& professional fitting service available
Blomberg MKN54322X
60cm Gas Hob 4 Gas Burners inc 1 Wok Burner
(Stainless Steel Frame)
60cm Vitroceramic Hob 4 cooking zones inc dual zone and extended zone
£229.99
Blomberg gEN53415E
£299.99
(Stainless Steel Finish)
3 YEAR WARRANTY
& professional fitting service available
Blomberg TSM1750U Built-in Larder Fridge Reversible Doors
£299.99 Matching freezer available for £319.99
3 YEAR WARRANTY & professional fitting service available
3 YEAR WARRANTY
ck +£30 cash ba . st 31 ar m until
& professional fitting service available
Fully Integrated Dishwasher A++ Energy Rated
£399.99
Blomberg gvN9483E 3 YEAR WARRANTY
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01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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CROSSWORD Across 9 Be fully aware (7) 10 Everlasting (7) 11 Hotel employee (7) 12 Finger joint (7) 13 An indeterminate place (9) 15 Bell, buzzer or siren (5) 16 Throw out of mental balance (7) 19 Regular payment (7) 20 What you sound like (5) 21 South African gazelle (9) 25 In the same town or district (7) 26 Hunting guide (7) 28 Examines (7) 29 Official permit (7)
6 Empowerment (10) 7 Pearls or a pendant (8) 8 Honored (8)
Down 1 Clans (6) 2 Cereal for infants (6) 3 Desire (4) 4 Persons (6) 5 Absense of light (8)
14 Urge to travel (10) 16 Evolves (8) 17 Parts of a freight train (8)
18 A writer of literary works (8) 22 Sell again (6) 23 Muscular (6) 24 Cutting utensils (6) 27 Skin irritation (4)
Sudoku 数独 6 5 3
3 9 9
CABARET CABBAGE CAGIEST
4 7 2
4 1
1 4 5
8
9
1 4 8 9 5 3 7
6
Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!
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C
C
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
C Fit the words into the honeycomb. Each word begins with the letter shown and must surround that letter. Words can be either clockwise or anti-clockwise.
w o r g o t Room your life e r a h S . m o o r e Rent your spar
skills
Help a local teenager from care become independent t Training and suppor ard Huge emotional rew Professional fee of £180 per week
For more information go to
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/supportedlodging or call a member of the team on 0800 169 2061 The county council’s Supported Lodgings Scheme helps vulnerable local teenagers become independent adults by finding them ‘hosts’ who can teach them the life skills they need. As a host you could receive a professional fee of £180 per week. Lesley and Ian are hosts for Sean who is 17. Lesley says: “We were interested in looking after teenagers rather than youngsters and the way the scheme works meant that we could still work if we wanted to. “There is an element of parenting but it’s mostly about teaching young people to become independent. We teach them things like how
to run a house, manage a budget and cook for themselves. “One of the biggest rewards we get from the scheme is knowing that we’ve given a young person the confidence and skills not to fall flat on their face when they leave to live on their own.” Becoming a host is a big step to take, but if you can get that mutual respect, you can’t go far wrong. We don’t regret it at all.” If you have a spare room and some spare time, please get in touch.
Supporting
you
to make a difference
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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ny Burgess To n a sm es n si u b l ca o L a stranger! - donates a kidney to a bone marrow donor myself. Soon after, I went to the ‘Anthony Nolan’ website to check whether I would be a suitable donor and unfortunately (due a previous bout of sciatica) I was ‘rejected’ as unsuitable on the site’s questionnaire. I was disappointed that I could not help in this way.
For years we have been doing and advocating / encouraging others to do ‘Random Acts of Kindness’. It feels really good to give and it can make a positive difference in the world too. Proactive kindness (random or otherwise) can be the small things: making a point of thanking people who don’t get noticed and thanked very often, paying for the person behind you in a queue (egs at a toll road booth or at the petrol station or at a drive through takeaway etc), leaving an appreciation card for someone you see helping someone, affixing coins to a parking meter or a vending machine, carrying someone’s shopping or their bags, leaving a great book for someone in a waiting room or on a train, dropping by to check on a an elderly neighbour … and so on. Some acts of kindness may be bigger than others and they all count! Imagine if everyone had proactive kindness on their dayto-day agenda - the world would definitely be a better place to live! I was attending Shrewsbury Folk Festival in August 2011 with my partner (Julie) and friends and amongst the bands playing there, a new band ‘Bad Anna’ were showcasing. The lead singer and fiddle player, Anna Esslemont, spoke of her personal journey where she had massively benefitted from a bone marrow transplant - and one of her songs was about how a stranger (the donor) had in effect given her her life back. It was very moving. I can remember at that point feeling determined to look into becoming 40
Around October / November 2011, I was driving whilst listening to BBC Radio 2 and the Jeremy Vine show was on. The feature was about ‘Altruistic Kidney Donation’ and there was a Doctor speaking about the great need for kidney transplants and how people were dying whilst waiting for one and that it was now possible and legal to donate to a stranger (not just to close family). He was speaking about how healthily people can go on to live with just one healthy kidney. There were also people speaking on the show who had been directly affected or had relatives that had been directly affected by successful transplants (or in some cases how they had been affected by the lack of one). Again it was moving and inspiring. If I couldn’t donate bone marrow, perhaps I would be a suitable kidney donor? I sent an email via a website that listed regional transplant centres and asked how I could find out more about becoming an altruistic kidney donor. Soon after, I was sent information and a DVD and the name of a local ‘transplant co-ordinator’ based at the hospital in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I discussed it with my partner (Julie French) and she was supportive of my intention to look into it further. By March 2012 I had agreed to go through the quite lengthy process of being thoroughly checked out to see whether I was suitable for kidney donation. Even at this early stage, we tentatively set aside in our diaries the week beginning 10th December as a target date to have the operation (the operation at that time was looking like it would happen at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth hospital). Julie and I run our own business and because I knew that I would be unable to drive for 5 or 6 weeks after the operation, we thought December would be a good period so that I could get much
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
of my healing done over Christmas and New Year so that the effects would be minimal on the business. The following months involved a lot of scans, tests and hospital appointments and in late November 2012 it became clear, unfortunately, that although I was almost certainly suitable as a donor, there was no longer availability to provide the surgery in December at Birmingham QE hospital. I was hugely disappointed because to delay things to January or February would have a much more significant impact on our business and also all I could think of was some poor person that might die waiting on the register. I pushed for alternative options and they transferred me to Coventry (Walsgrave) hospital and they said they would be able to do the surgery on 21st December. Although not perfect timing (Christmas being so close) I thought my kidney donation would make an amazing early Christmas present for someone and so we went ahead and had the final checks and appointment with the Human Tissue Authority (who give final permission for the surgery to go ahead). On 17th December, the most suitable match was found from the national transplant register and I was told that the recipient would be a 55 year old man. Now I had someone to imagine as the beneficiary and it all became even more meaningful for me. Until Summer 2012 I had originally intended for this to be a private journey, only telling family and close friends of my intentions. As we got
into the second half of 2012 however, a few people said to me that they thought that being a bit more ‘public’ about what I was doing may inspire others to do similar or at least to consider other acts of kindness that they could carry out. I liked the idea that there could be such positive ‘ripple’ effects and if just one person were to be inspired to also become an altruistic kidney donor as a result of my choice then that would be such a bonus and make the whole thing even more worthwhile. So I started to post about it on social networks (facebook and twitter etc) and on 5th December 2012 we made a video capturing my thoughts about it all and posted it on youtube: http://youtu.be/AEdncVkOlhQ This prompted lots of responses and so many people were supportive and encouraging and also inspired to consider what they themselves could do. Quite a number of people that have given a kidney, received a kidney, know someone who has benefitted from receiving one (or died waiting for one) contacted me with their personal stories and reinforced what an important difference this was going to make and I felt more ready that ever to go ahead! (As an altruistic donor, I did actually have the opportunity to back out of having the operation all the way through to the day of the operation itself although I never had any doubts
about my decision). Two people have personally contacted me saying that they are seriously considering becoming kidney donors as a result of watching my video and hearing of my own story (Wow - how amazing!!!). Another person has committed to becoming a bone marrow donor (brilliant!!!). At least 4 people have now contacted me saying they have signed up to become blood donors (fantastic!!). Others have contacted me to say that it has got them thinking carefully about how they can step up their proactive kindness in 2013. I have been SO pleased with these positive ripples that may turn into positive waves that grow and grow! It confirmed for me that it had been the right decision to be more public about my choice to become a kidney donor. I was admitted to hospital at 4pm on 20th December in readiness for a morning operation on 21st December. I was taken down for surgery (Mr Lam was the main surgeon) around 8:40am and I was awake and starting my recovery by 1:30pm. Most of the work is done by ‘keyhole’ surgery, so that means I have three small wounds where surgical tools and the camera had been inserted. There is also a larger wound along what they referred to as my ‘bikini line’ where my left kidney was actually removed from my body. Although some dissolvable stitches have been applied to help my deeper muscle tissues to heal, the surface wounds were surgically ‘glued’ and so I could wash and shower etc almost immediately. During surgery, my body was deliberately ‘inflated’ to allow the surgeons to have room to carry out the surgical procedures. This did lead to aches and pains throughout my upper body after surgery. There was also the soreness of the wounds. The trickiest bit was getting in and out of bed. On the Saturday morning (22nd) I passed out after managing with a struggle to get myself out of bed. This was all bearable though (compared to people living on dialysis I reckon this was all minor!) and every day it was becoming easier to deal with and healing and recovery was clearly going to be fairly rapid for me. By the afternoon of 22nd I was walking ‘laps’ of the ward (albeit slowly). I was very sleepy on and off for a few days, which I was told
was due to the after-effects of the general anaesthetic. Unfortunately, I missed my daughter Sophie’s 8th birthday on 23rd December (although I had prepared a video message for her and my partner and family still made it a great day for her). I was ‘discharged’ from hospital just before 6pm on 24th December (Christmas eve) so I was home in time for Christmas! At the time of writing (31st December) I am continuing to heal and recover well and I am taking a daily walk around our village (Derrington nr Stafford). I am looking forward to getting back to driving and also to being able to start my daily run again (not for another 5 or 6 weeks). I have not yet been able to find out how successful the recipient’s surgery has gone. It may be another week before I can get that information. I may never meet the recipient they have every right to remain anonymous. They are encouraged to write about 3 months after their operation to let the donor know how the transplant has made a difference for them. They are not obliged to and I am happy either way. Some donors do get to meet the recipient at some point in the future and I’d be happy for that but only if it was what the recipient wanted. So it is done! I am now a kidney lighter and someone else is a kidney richer! I am now keen to embrace 2013 and will continue to find more ways to make a positive difference as I go through life. Tony Burgess Tel: 07989 469 570
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d a £85,000 grant! de ar aw b lu C ll ba ot Fo Cannock Rugby Union Cannock Rugby Union Football Club is delighted to have been awarded an £85,000 grant from the Rugby Union through their Capital Investment Programme. The CIP is the capital funding element of the RFU’s Whose Sport Plan funding allocation secured from government. Responsibility for delivery is in the hands of each national governing body, with targets agreed on a sport by sport basis. Cannock chairman, David Taylor, said “We are delighted to have been successful in our bid for support from The RFU. This will mean that we will be able to proceed with the extension and modernisation of our changing facilities and washroom suite which will allow us to continue our planned growth of rugby in Staffordshire. We will also be able to provide excellent premises for community use.” Cannock was also supported with a loan from The Rugby Football Foundation which, is a charitable trust established by the Rugby Football Union, aims to promote and develop community rugby in England. Cannock Rugby Club have now completed their funding with grants from Sport England, The Rugby Union and Staffordshire Environmental Fund to allow them to proceed with their Extension and Modernisation project which will give them four state of the art changing rooms, two referee’s rooms, a first aid room and a full suite of washroom facilities. This work will allow the Club to continue its five year Business Development Plan to grow the membership to four Senior Male teams, a minimum of five Mini and Youth Teams and at least one Ladies Team. This will ensure that Rugby will be available to all within the Cannock area immaterial of age, ability or gender. The Club House will also be available for use by local community and sports groups requiring a modern cheap location for meetings, functions and fund raising events.
many volunteers who have given of their time and energy over the years to the continuous improvement and development of the club. Whatever your needs are we at Cannock Rugby Club offer you a friendly sociable place to relax and enjoy your leisure time so please contact us via the one of the lines of communication detailed below. Contacts www.pitchero.com www.facebook.com search @Cannock Rufc www.twitter.com search@ cannock RUFC 07976 811278 Cannock Rugby club held an event “The Golden Oldies” this was to celebrate the Ex-Chairman, Jim O’Sullivan’s 60th birthday. We had all the old boys we could trace down playing. The oldest player was David Ptolomy at the young age of 71.The event will be repeated again this year and could even be part of the official opening of the new facilities. The photographer was Jim’s daughter Rhiannon Greenaway who is going to carry on the Cannock Rugby Club connection by forming our ladies team for the 2013/14 season.
Work started on the 4th February and be completed by mid-June in time for the Cannock 7’s on the 13th July. This is a terrific achievement and is down to the hard work of a great 42
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
P-LAY Fitness P-LAY Fitness was established in 2010 Since this time P-LAY has worked with a variety of clients... ranging in age, ability and fitness levels. P-LAY Fitness offers a great quality service of fitness training, nutrition, theory, massage and more, you will receive a service that is tailored to suit your needs. This service operates in the Staffordshire and West Midlands region. P-LAY Fitness is fully insured and up to date with all the relevant training, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that you receive a high standard of fitness from a quality instructor. • Leading health related activity • Personal Training • Gym Instructing • Massage • First Aid
P-LAY Fitness takes pride in training and is sure to make an impact on your training and lifestyle, whether it’s your diet, your training or your whole lifestyle. Whether you are looking to destress, awaken muscles, or just looking to enjoy the sensation of a relaxing massage? You will be taken into a high level of relaxation, using candles, relaxing music...within a comfortable and warm environment. Massage will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. You will be given an intensive 1 hour full body massage. Areas covered are:
comfort of your own home then P-LAY Fitness have the equipment and can come to you. Here are a few words from happy clients: Jay - “P-LAY Fitness is fantastic personal training. I struggled on my first session, but as the weeks go by I am finding that with the knowledge and support P-LAY Fitness has provided me with has enabled me to complete my sessions and even push myself further. There is no doubt in my mind that tells me that I won’t be able to achieve what I want a P-LAY Fitness has set clear and made visible to me that I will get there. Thanks” Bassi - “Very good trainer, P-LAY Fitness gets you results and will always motivate you and keep you in fit shape.”
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chool S r a m m ra G se a h C t A sign of the times a New gates and signs are on the cards for Chase Academy. After recently installing the impressive new gates complete with the school logo Chase Academy are going to have to make some alterations. It has been announced that the high achieving independent school in Cannock is now called Chase Grammar School. Mark Ellse the school’s Principal for seventeen years says that the name change has been sparked by confusion caused by the government’s programme of converting schools to academies. “Academic achievements at our school are some of the best in the county with A level results being among the best in the country. We are independent and offer a different kind of education to the increasing number of academies in Staffordshire”
Chase Academy was established in 1976 and was developed from the former convent school on the site dating back to 1879. The school has approximately three hundred students and retains a family feel
with all the students being known well, even by the Principal. The school has traditional values at its heart and the name Chase Grammar School reflects those values.
ucation?
Why Independent ed An education at an independent school is a significant investment by anyone’s standards. Many parents forego exotic holidays or new cars, preferring to spend the money on school fees.
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So in this challenging economic climate why is it such a good idea to commit to a long term investment? In reality there is no better time to provide your child with the best education that you can. A better education means greater choice and with fierce competition for the best University places and for jobs, every student needs to equip themselves with the best education and the best choices. At Chase Grammar we focus on traditional subjects which are valued by Universities and employers. We do not follow educational fashions and our expectations are high for every child. We encourage students to complete as many qualifications as possible. We guide them to the best combinations of subjects which allow them to keep options open. In this competitive world it is vital that students have options that they set themselves apart.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Our parents do not choose us because we are an independent school. They choose us for the small classes, the excellent behaviour and the fantastic results. They choose us because we expect more for and from their child. Probably what they like most about us is that we are a school of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and between us we are giving their children the best choices possible.
uantity Q t o N ty li a u Q : n io is Rev Hi Parents/Students, Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Laurence Dalton, and I am a local private English tutor. My CV, I would like to think, offers a great degree of authority in my advice that I will offer you in this magazine, in every publication. I have been Head of Department, GCSE Manager, Monitoring and Assessment Manager, a GCSE Exam marker, an A Level exam marker and I am also consistently classified as ‘Outstanding’ according to Ofsted requirements. I will look forward to sharing my knowledge with you and hope that it helps. With all kinds of examinations approaching, parents and students alike often consider the most productive way to revise. Let me share with you my thoughts. Revision is all too often overdone, leaving students feeling tired and ambivalent towards their examinations: even the most energetic students can simply burn out at the key time. I would certainly advise revision being completed in very small chunks of time. Thirty minutes maximum. Research has suggested that our brain works at its optimum level only for fifteen minutes before it starts to tire, so thirty minutes would be a maximum. I would then suggest a small break (exercise being the best break as it helps to re activate the mind) and then another half an hour. I would repeat this process for no longer than three hours in the evening (six hours at the weekend).
promised. Makes learning interesting and obviously committed, enjoying his work. Highly recommended! Parent in Stafford Thanks you so much for the fantastic work that you have put in with my daughter for her GCSE English. The progress she has made is quite unbelievable! I would recommend you to anyone thinking of having tuition, you have given my daughter so much knowledge and confidence in the time you have spent with us. Thank you so much. Parent in Cannock I have no hesitation in recommending Mr Dalton as a personal tutor, he has spent six months after school helping my son to get better exam results and grades. I have found his attitude professional and courteous. The decision to get a personal tutor for a few hours each month was the best money I have ever spent on my sons education, although Tom attends a good school having a personal tuition plan focused on his specific needs and weaknesses, has made a difference to his prospects and confidence. Mr Dalton has great patience and has taken care to explain everything carefully I have been very impressed, Tom has even missed his football practice to attend a special seminar without any complaints! Parent in Norton Canes
It is also well known that revision is best ‘digested’ in unfamiliar circumstances or places, using unfamiliar resources. Going for a brisk walk whilst listening to an audio recording of your notes is fantastic, as is placing key notes on a post it note and placing them in slightly strange places (like in your toothbrush bag, or in your lunchbox to look at as your open up your lunch). The key to effective revision is completing it in a manner that contradicts normality: so you remember it! Why not try making a podcast of revision notes, a power point presentation to deliver to friends or even creating a rap to sing to remember key factors in each exam? Silly? Who cares! If it works and gets the grades, go for it! I hope this advice helps. Happy revising!
Mr Laurence Dalton. BA in English Literature, PGCE
Learn more 4 A D i s cov e r Your Pote nt i al Mr Laurence Dalton
Private English Teacher A few testimonials from parents who children have been taught by Mr Laurence Dalton: I have been quite staggered at the pace of improvement in my sons work, he has stated that he has learnt more in three sessions with his tutor then he has in nearly four years at secondary school. Good mix of internet based and home visits, tutor obviously organised setting and marking work on time as
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
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otion By Ro Theory of Perpetual M
b Taylor
Riding the wave of diesel-mania which is sweeping across Europe at the moment, the new Honda Civic is back to its best. Rob Taylor explains. They say if a shark stops swimming, it dies. The same is true of car design and production, anything other than constant evolution is to egg on obsolescence. And in this respect, there’s something fishy going on at Honda. The screaming rev-tastic petrol engines familiar to Formula 1 in the late 1980s and so synonymous with the marque’s Type R heritage are today out of favour. Diesel is now in vogue in a big way. People want gutsy low-down torque, mid-range overtaking punch, low emissions, improved fuel economy and they want it now. And Honda is listening. 46
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
For those of you too impatient to wait for their hotly-anticipated 1.6 litre diesel engine, which is soon expected to slot into the range, this 2.2 litre I-DTEC EX 5-door Civic fills the void, answering the People’s diesel-fuelled desires. This thoroughly overhauled ninth-gen incarnation of the British-built hatchback is a testament to progress. Casting off the picky criticisms levelled at its bigger brother and responding to substantial market research, the new Civic is a return to form. Yet this Japanese stalwart is still decidedly unique among its faceless European rivals: in short, customer focus groups haven’t turned it into a Focus - the Civic is not the spawn of a committee meeting at a Civic Centre. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the car’s appearance. The futuristic cubism of the previous model is still here, but more refined. And in inky blue paint, it’s a handsome machine. Riding compliantly on its 16” alloy wheels it is as smooth and quiet as its 350Nm torque, 150bhp engine. It cuts a dash through town and city with avant-garde styling, then scythes through B-roads with aplomb; with its aero fins (one dorsal), plastic wheelarches and active grille shutters reducing drag and making the experience a lot kinder to your wallet. Official combined fuel economy is 67.3mpg; I managed nearly 60mpg with considerable ease and with considerable thanks to a clever stop/start system and a Econ-driving mode, which boosts economy by tweaking throttle response. This all results in just 110g/km of Co2, so it’s sure to be popular with anyone living behind the River Thames flood barrier.
In fact, Honda British Touring Car racer Matt Neal would struggle to drop it much below 50mpg, as, thanks to the genius of Dr Diesel, every bit of the power is accessible, every bit of the time in normal driving conditions. An old school Civic Type R won’t be that much faster in the everyday - 0-62mph takes 8.5 seconds, top speed is 135mph - but it’ll be a whole lot more expensive to run. And louder. This new model really does impress when up and running at speed because it has a cabin that could double as a recording studio. Whisper-quiet sounds can be discerned easily inside, it is ergonomically spot-on and quality plastic on the dash and steering wheel is easy on the eye, rewarding to touch. Sensuous leather upholstery is bonded to finely formed seats which, when heated, nurture better than a warm bath. Everything but a comely Japanese masseuse is here to ease the monotony of a weekday drive home from work. Class-leading boot-space, clever ‘magic’ rearseats - which flip-up cinema-style or fold flat - and a reversing parking camera - which negates reduced rear-visibility - provide a sound rebuttal to anyone thinking style and design flair has come at the expense of practicality. It’s good value as well: the 5-door range starts at £16,995 (model tested: £24,575). But this is not a car to be driven wearing only your sensible shoes - it’s fun too. The steering is direct, the handling is composed and even though a touch wider than the outgoing model, the Civic is agile enough to be threaded through any road you throw at it. This car really does encourage you to keep on the move. And with fuel consumption as good as this, there won’t be anything stopping you.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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l Businesses ca o L r fo ve ti ia it In et Mark
Penkridge Market has announced today their plans to help new entrepreneurs and local businesses in 2013. They are offering any new or existing business in the Parish of Penkridge the opportunity to take a free stall on the Market, for one day, to help ‘test’ their business idea or to promote their existing business to new customers. The Market, which attracts up to 5,000 people each Market day, draws people in from around the Region, including people from as far as Telford, Stoke and Walsall. It is therefore a great place to ‘test’ a new business idea or to promote an existing business to new visitors to the area.
The pitch can be used to sell your products or to simply promote your business by handing out leaflets, running a competition or raising money for charity. If you do not have the necessary equipment the Market will even provide a table. Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449 (postcode ST19 5AP). Admission and parking is free! For further information and to book a stall on the Market please call Matt Williams on 01785 714221. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Matt Williams, Manager at Penkridge Market said: “From our Market Research we have realised we are attracting a large number of people from outside the area and who are unfamiliar with the businesses in Penkridge. We therefore want to help businesses promote themselves to a new audience and to hopefully gain new customers, as we know how tough it is for any business during this difficult economic climate.” Matt is kindly offering local businesses a 10 foot pitch on the Market on either a Wednesday or a Saturday. Each business can use the pitch for one day, per year, on a first come first served basis. 48
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
Useful Numbers CHEMISTS
Cornwell`s Chemist Colliery Pharmacy Bain’s Pharmacy Healthcare Lloyds Pharmacy Minster Pharmacy The Co-operative Pharmacy Boots Northwood Dispensing Chemist
COUNCILS
Hednesford Town Council Cannock Chase Council Cannock Chase Countryside Service Burntwood Town Council Staffordshire Borough Council Staffordshire County Council South Staffordshire District Council
EDUCATION
Chase Grammar School (formerly Chase Academy) Cannock Chase High School St Dominics High School for Girls
01543 509434 01543 462453 01543 279415 01543 422512 01543 504219 01543 577512 01543 572272 01543 573149 01543 424872 01543 462621 01543 450018 01543 677166 01785 619000 03001 118000 01902 696000
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School St Marys Catholic Primary School Sherbrook Primary School Bridgtown Primary School Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School
HOSPITALS
Cannock Chase Hospital South Staffs Healthcare NHS Trust Stafford Hospital Rowley Hall Hospital
POST OFFICES
Burntwood Post Office Co-operative Post Office Heath Hayes Post Office Norton Canes Office Pye Green Post Office North East Post Office
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LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS 01543 501800 01543 502450 01902 850248
In an emergency always call 999 For general enquiries: Staffordshire Police Staffordshire Fire Service
0300 123 4455 08451 221155
g me!!!”
is killin Tom’s Tip: “My back Lower back pain can be related to abnormal foot function which can cause an imbalance in the skeletal framework, but not many people realise this.
Understanding Human Biomechanics:
The joints and muscles of the body function most efficiently when they are in physical balance. During standing and walking, our bodies are subjected to natural forces and postures that can inflict mechanical stress and strain throughout the interrelated chain of joints and muscles. When foot imbalance is present, there is a negative impact on the knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. Some patients must have these abnormal forces reduced before they can achieve improved spinal function.
Understanding Pronation:
Pronation describes the rotation of a foot downward or inward (rolling in). It is actually a normal motion that occurs when walking; however, if it happens
excessively, pronation can cause global postural problems. The major cause of over-pronation is a decrease in the arch height.
Postural Effects from Imbalances in the Feet:
A loss of arch height will cause a flattening and rolling in of the foot— this is termed excess pronation and because everything is connected, the bones of the leg also inwardly rotate. Excessive rotation of the bones of the leg (tibia and femur) will cause unnecessary stresses on the knee as well as twisting of the pelvis and spine. If the pronation is more prevalent on one side, there can be a resultant unlevelling of the pelvis and a functional scoliosis. Tilting of the pelvis places tension on muscles and connective tissues, which can eventually lead to chronic back problems. High levels of heel-strike shock can result from breakdown of the body’s natural “shock absorbers.” The shock wave then transmits up the kinetic chain causing painful symptoms all the way up to the head, slowed
recovery of leg and spine injuries, and aggravation of other conditions.
Benefits of Orthotics:
Properly fitted orthotics/insoles support the foot to control excessive and unwanted pronation and supination. This helps to reduce unwanted stress on the body. Improved shock absorption reduces repetitive stress on joints and muscles, permitting smoother function and decreasing arthritic symptoms. If you think you have foot related back and neck problems, have an assessment with a Podiatrist/ Chiropodist who can analyse your needs and provide custom orthotics/ insoles where appropriate.
Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist HPC registered
See a Podiatrist/chiropodist for an assessment & treatment if you’re desperate, or call Tom Casey on 07828 613615
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Index Of Advertisers Accountants DSN Accountants
25
Bathrooms Dream Kitchens & Bathrooms Willenhall Bathrooms
Fire Place/Stoves Fireside Factory Fireside Gallery
17 21
Fostering Staffordshire County Council
Beds & Bedroom Furniture CRS 11 Easy Living 15 Interiors Italia 18/19 Roll-a-robe 12 Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS Children’s Activities South Staffs Leisure Centre The Grand Theatre
11 26 51
Electrical Stores Webbs Entertainments & Leisure South Staffs Leisure Centre The Grand Theatre
39 11 13 18/19
Garden Construction Standeford Garden Construction 22 Heating Northern Gas
20
Hospital (Private) Nuffield
4
45
Interior Designers Interiors Italia Manor Lighting
18/19 16
37
Jewellers T.A. Henn
7 & 27
26 51
Kitchens (Supply, Design & Fit) Dream Kitchens & Bathrooms 17 Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens 21
Driveways Standeford Garden Construction 22 Education Learn More 4A
Furniture/Furnishings CRS Ralvern Ltd Interiors Italia
12 15
Ladies Fashion Lily’s of Shifnal Loft Conversions Buckley Loft Conversions
50
SUDOKU
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013
2
Lighting Manor Lighting
16
Locksmiths Hyde’s Key Locker
24
Personal Trainer P-Lay
43
Planning Consultant MB Planning
22
Property (New Build) Lovell Homes
23
Restaurants Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant 29 Kings Repose 30/31 Blue Ginger 32/33 Theatre The Grand Theatre
51
Tiles Tile Choice
52
Windows Cloudy 2 Clear
Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD
27
HONEYCOMB
9
Great Theatre at the Grand! TUES 19 - SAT 30 MARCH
TUES 9 - SAT 13 APRIL
starring DON WARRINGTON and GWEN TAYLOR
TUES 2 - WED 3 APRIL
MON 29 APRIL - SAT 4 MAY
‘GRITTY, GRIPPING, SUPERB... IT’S A MUST!’ MAIL ON SUNDAY
WRITTEN BY JULIE COOMBE AND JOHN McISSAC
★★★★★
★★★★★
EVENING STANDARD
SUNDAY EXPRESS
WONDERFUL
Follow us on
@WolvesGrand
TERRIFIC
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Box Office 01902
42 92 12
BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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CANNOCK
Units 25&26 Longford Ind.Est Longford Rd WS11 0DG
01543 469400
LICHFIELD
13 Titan Way Britannia Ent Park Lichfield WS14 9TT
01543 264795
WALSALL
Birchills House Birchills Ind.Est. Green Lane WS2 8LE
01922 746666
BILSTON
7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ
01902 405526
Also at: BURTON • DERBY • SHREWSBURY • WEST BROMWICH • BIRMINGHAM • PERRY BARR • KIDDERMINSTER • BROMSGROVE • NORTHAMPTON • KETTERING • CORBY
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH/APRIL 2013