Stafford, Penkridge, Acton Trussell, Little Haywood, Great Haywood, Forebridge, Hixon, Western Downs, Parkside, Walton-on-the Hill, Haughton, Gnosall, Littleworth, Rowley Park, Derrington, Castlefields.
Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a fabulous meal for two at Blue Ginger, Cannock Win tickets for Ladies Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse Win tickets for Evita at The Grand Theatre
June/July 2013
Inside this issue: Eating out review at The Dog & Doublet Inn, The Pressures of 11+ Grammar School Entrance Exams, Summer fetes, puzzles and lots more! 01
| JUNE/JULY STAFFORDSHIRELocal OUTLOOK 2013 magazine delivered
to 20,000 selected homes and businesses*
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
ditor
E A Message From The Hello readers, Welcome to the June/July edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. Well summer is finally here, and I am sure you will all agree that we deserve lots of sunshine after the awful winter we have had! So I don’t want to hear of anyone saying it’s too hot! This edition of the Staffordshire Outlook features our eating out review at The Dog & Doublet Inn, The Pressures of 11+ Grammar School Entrance Exams, Local summer fetes, Recipe of the month, puzzles and lots more! Don’t forget to enter the competitions with the winner being published in the next Stafford edition of the magazine, good luck. The winners of the Dog & Doublet, Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant, Grand Theatre and The Black Country Living Museum competition from the April/ May edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. Congratulations to the winners of: Luxury night out at the Dog & Doublet Valerie Hyde Meal for 2 at Padma Lounge Bar and Restaurant Mr & Mrs Alcock - Acton Trussell Blood Brothers at the Grand Theatre Nick Bratt - Hixon, Cliff Reid - Haughton, Linda Martin - Penkridge Family tickets to the Black Country Living Museum Mr Tite - Great Haywood, John Finney - Moss Pit, Judy Browning - Little Haywood
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: Summer at The Moathouse, Acton Trussell Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk
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 the magazine and hope you continue for the foreseeable future. We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers! All that’s left to do is relax in the sun and enjoy your local magazine. Enjoy your read…
Mal
Contents Weak at the Knees 4 TA Henns 6 Tile Choice wins award for the second time 8 Win tickets for Evita at The Grand Theatre 10 Bishton Hall Summer Fete 12 High quality sofas direct to you 13 Dream Kitchens & Bathrooms 15 Stafford Carpets your number 1 flooring supplier 17 Compton in the Park 2013 20 Brewood Singers celebrate 40 years 22 Relax… You can rely on Leisureline Spas 23 Ladies day at Uttoxeter Race-course 26 Win tickets for Ladies day at Uttoxeter Race-course 26 Recipe of the month 28 Win a meal for 2 at Blue Ginger, Cannock 30 Dog & Doublet Inn restaurant review 32/33 St Michaels & All Angels church fete 34 79 year old volunteer 35 A Proud History Of Specialising In 36 Effective Medical Technologies A Child Of Mine 38 Nepal Trek for Gurkhas 38 Happy New Tax Year 39 Department Store on the River Severn 40 See the all new ADAM at Brindley Vauxhall Cannnock 42 Puzzles 45 The Pressures of 11+ Grammar School Entrance Exams 44 Trentham Estate by Robert Van Der Does 46/47 Puzzle Solutions 48 Index of advertisers 49 Useful Numbers 49 Choices – Chase Grammar 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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Weak at the Knees?
Knee problems seem to be on the rise with treatment becoming increasingly restricted on the NHS. No fewer than 80,000 knee replacement operations take place every year in England and Wales, with figures going up annually by six per cent. This increase isn’t just down to our ageing population, according to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital: “The most common reason for a knee replacement operation is severe joint damage from arthritis. The knee is a weight-bearing joint, and the obesity epidemic means that many knees are increasingly under pressure and studies also suggest that we’re less prepared to put up with pain than in the past.” A study of 1600, 16-65 year olds carried out by Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity, showed that long term knee pain is common among all age groups, with almost a quarter (24%) of people saying they had lived with pain for up to two years, while a third (37%) had suffered untreated pain for five years or more. However, over 55s are most likely to suffer with acute knee pain according to the figures, with over a third (36%) of people reporting pain, a fifth (19%) saying they are in pain ‘most days’ and one in ten in constant pain. More than one in ten (12%) of people surveyed said they had needed time off work due to knee pain. Early knee replacement ops had a high failure rate but modern techniques 04
mean they are increasingly successful. “Only elderly people used to be offered knee replacements because they wouldn’t last longer than around 10 years and were difficult to repeat but today’s techniques mean that 90 per cent of artificial knees should last for at least 15 years,” say the surgeons. Surgery should only be considered if you haven’t been helped by medication, physiotherapy or weight loss and it’s affecting your quality of life. The knee joint is made up of three main bones each covered with a protective material called cartilage. If this becomes worn away, the bones rub against each other painfully, causing swelling, stiffness and mobility problems. During surgery the worn bones are cut and resurfaced with metal and polyethylene components to form a smooth artificial joint. However, there are several other surgical options, besides the traditional total knee replacement, depending on the extent of damage and where it is. If just the inner part is worn out then an osteotomy may be a better solution “especially for an active younger person who has had previous knee surgery” say the surgeons. There’s also a partial replacement, substituting just one of the three compartments of the joint. It’s a smaller operation using a mini incision so you recover quicker but it’s only suitable for a quarter of osteoarthritis patients.
Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) knee replacement A new procedure that is now being carried out here at the Wolverhampton Nuffield is Patient-Specific Instrumentation’ knee replacement. This allows a patient to have a
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
‘perfectly’ aligned individualised knee replacement which should improve longevity of the implant and function. Prior to surgery, patients’ have either a MRI or CT scan of the lower limb; this generates a 3D image of the limb. This image allows a computer to calculate how much bone must be cut from the thigh and shin bone to perfectly realign the patient’s mechanical axis. Accurate patient-specific cutting jigs are manufactured which are used at operation to allow these perfect cuts thus restoring perfect alignment. Unlike other replacement surgery, Patient-Specific Instrumentation surgery is quicker, reducing the risk of infection and deep vein thrombosis. More information on this type of procedure can be found at www. wolverhamptonhipandkneeclinic.co.uk Following knee replacement surgery most people will have dispensed with sticks by six weeks and will have almost completely recovered after six months and most total knee replacement patients should be able to enjoy hiking, golf or bowls afterwards. Those with a partial replacement are more likely to be able to play tennis and ski again. You could be back to work in anything from one to three months, depending on your job, with people who have had a partial replacement tending to return sooner. Not all consultants carry out all types of knee surgery so ask for your GP’s advice or contact us on 01902 793259. Once you are referred to a knee specialist they will discuss which option is best for your problem. Don’t suffer in silence! • Visit www.nuffieldhealth.com
You see
a lengthy operation.
We see
Mike taking long walks through the woods with Fliss the Labrador, like they did before the pain made things difficult.
Our Orthopaedic specialists help you to get back to doing the things you love.
For more information, scan this code with your smart phone*:
Don’t just go private, go personal. Nuffield Health provides personal care before, during and after surgery to guarantee a quick and comfortable recovery please call 01902 267 644 or go to nuffieldhealth.com/ wolverhamptonhospital Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE * Terms and conditions apply. App/download may be required which will be charged at the standard network rate. Other service charges may apply check with your operator.
wolverhampton_218x140_ortho_ad.indd 1
14/02/2013 14:49:04
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Bring some colour into your life… This year the trend is full on bright colours, they make us feel good and this has really been reflected in this year’s new collections. Many brands such as Ti Sento and Coeur de Lion have embraced the trend with fabulous creativity and designs. Here are a few examples from many pieces available.
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T.A. Henn 38 - 41 Princess Street Wolverhampton WV1 1HD 06
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
T.A. Henn has it all…
£140
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Tel: 01902 428486 info@tahenn.com Find us on Facebook www.tahenn.com
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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e Opposition For h T t u O s y a L e ic o h C Tile dustry Awards In t A e im T d n o ec S e h T
L-R: Ian Kershaw - TTA Chairman, Gavin Maiden - Tile Choice Director, Kevin Beasley - Tile Choice Managing Director & Kevin Field - Mapei Sales Director
Leading Midlands independent tile retail chain, Tile Choice, is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for the second year in a row at an industry awards at the weekend (20th April 2013). Tile Choice, with its head office in Wolverhampton and 15 stores across the central region covering West Midlands, Shropshire, Derbyshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire, has won the ‘Excellent in Multiple Retailing Award’ from The Tile Association (TTA) Awards – the first time anyone has won this award for two consecutive years. This thriving company has celebrated an exciting 12 months of business with continued growth due to its successful business model – offering great value for money, high quality on trend products, coupled with excellent customer service to both domestic and trade customers. Testament to this is its staff training scheme which ensures high standards across all its stores. This is tested regularly by secret shopper visits to ensure all stores are performing above and beyond and regularly exceeding expectations for anyone who walks through the doors. Lee Rudkin, Marketing Director at Tile Choice, says: “After last year’s win, we were all delighted to finally be seen as a player in the industry. But to win this award for the second time is such an honour. We pride ourselves on offering 08
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
great service and superior products so to be acknowledged by our peers is a real boost to everyone here at Tile Choice. “The Midlands has some outstanding businesses that are performing well even in these times of recession and we want to continue to change perception that everything isn’t doom and gloom and the retail sector is alive and kicking. Exciting times are ahead for us and we are making a significant investment in digital marketing over the next few months to continue to grow the business and raise awareness of our offer. Here’s to another successful trading year.” Winning a TTA award is a statement of excellence, unparalleled in the wall and floor tiling industry. It is an achievement that provides a platform for success, elevating the winners’ standing within the industry and all awards are meticulously checked against strict financial, technical and service standards. An extra feel good factor about the TTA awards, hosted by Emma Jesson, were the kind donations of over £2,300 raised on the night for the Children Today Charitable Trust. This charity helps disabled children and young people up to the age of 25 to enjoy a better quality of life by providing them with the specialised equipment. Since 2010 the TTA Awards dinners have raised well over £20,000 for this worthwhile cause.
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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!
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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 Evita on Monday 18th August at 7.30pm Featuring some of the most famous and inspiring stage music ever written, including the classic songs Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a housand Stars, Oh What A Circus, You Must Love Me and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical EVITA embarks on a spectacular national tour. Bringing to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, EVITA tells the story from her young and ambitious beginnings to the enormous wealth and power she gained and her ultimate rise to sainthood. West End star and multi-platinum selling artist Marti Pellow joins the cast of EVITA taking on the role of Che. The Wet Wet Wet front-man and music legend has starred in the West End, on Broadway, in Japan and on National Tours in shows such as the smash-hit musical Blood Brothers, the soldout The Witches of Eastwick and Chicago. With more than 20 major awards to its credit, including the Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, and featuring one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, this smash hit show truly promises to be THE THEATRICAL event of the YEAR! ‘There has never been a musical as dramatically exciting as Evita’ - Time Out ‘A monumental musical!’ - Sunday Express
Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box
Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12 or online at: www.grandtheatre.co.uk
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 Monday 8th July 2013. Winners will be notified by telephone.
Marti Pellow was in which 80’s pop group? A Pet Shop Boys B Wet Wet Wet C Duran Duran 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 | JUNE/JULY 2013
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
11
ton Hall
Summer Fete at Bish
Bishton Hall
St Bede’s School at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, will be hosting a Summer Fete on Saturday, 29th June from 11am to 3pm. There will be stalls, games and children’s amusements and we are hoping it will be a fine day as we would like to offer refreshments in the gardens for all visitors. This will be a rare opportunity to visit the beautiful Georgian house and gardens and buy gifts, crafts, house wares and many other items as well as the chance to walk around and view the listed building, gardens and walled Temple garden. The Temple itself is based on the ancient temples of Rome and was built in the 1850’s and is the largest of its kind in the country. For those of you who enjoy riding or are thinking of taking it up, the Bishton Hall Pony Club will be on site. It started five years ago as an in house facility for St. Bede’s School but has grown successfully and now offers riding for the public at the weekends and school holidays. It particularly
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encourages new riders, children and those with disabilities. It is a licensed riding school which is close to gaining Riding for the Disabled status. Recently it has catered for both The Newman Trust and The Falcon Trust and a new cross country course has just been built and is due to open shortly. Ponies are not the only animals on site at St. Bede’s. Pedigree Rylands sheep are kept and with the weather becoming warmer we have had four recent additions! The adult sheep have just been sheared and together with a flock of geese, they will be on view during the Summer Fete. The School is currently offering bursaries for Reception year children starting in September 2013. If you would like more information, please contact the School Office directly on 01889 881277. We held a very successful Christmas Bazaar at the end of last year and we are hoping this new Summer event will be just as popular. We look forward to extending you a very warm welcome.
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
lity
a Passionate About Qu Ralvern ltd is a very well established family business that are passionate about quality manufacturing of lounge room settings, Sofas, chairs, recliners and much more. Our company was established in 1946 and we are renowned for meticulous quality finish, specialising in the making of bespoke sofas to fit the size of your lounge. As an alternative if you cannot part with your existing suite and would like a recommended quality upholstery service, we offer a very high level of service in our reupholstery. We can pick your existing suite up
from your home to reupholster, we also offer you a replacement suite while carrying out all work, then when we’ve finished we deliver back to your home. If you would like to view more of what the team at Ralvern ltd make and reupholster take a look at our website gallery page for more inspiration. 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 Ralvern Ltd, Unit 19 Martindale Business Park, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7XN
Bespoke Sofa Manufacture & Re-upholstery Specialist Our team of highly sk skilled professional craftsmen, create and design, for a living space that is truly unique. manufacture sofa’s from desig Coupled with our huge sselection of fabrics we have the ability to create almost any type of bespoke design. cre skills, we can also strip down your old suite Using traditional ski or sofa and re-create the original design o with our superior re-upholstery which is highly renowned for its finish and meticulous detail. FFor a truly unique and individual lounge setting we welcome you to our factory showroom to see what we can create for you. showr
Contact Simon Edwards or Chris Edwards on: 01543 505 539 sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire - WS11 7XN
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FIRESIDEGALLERY 01543 503 321 We don't do problems we do solutions
We have something for ever yone
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chen Or B Find Your Dream Kit Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms in Cannock is an established business that caters for your kitchen and bathroom needs. We have a large selection and choice of products in our showroom for you to choose for your kitchen and bathroom requirements. We also offer kitchen and bathroom planning, designing and installation service to help you make your house feel comfortable and make your house in to a home. Our designers are passionate about designing kitchens and bathrooms. Our staff offer the best level of service, be friendly and polite whilst remaining professional at all times. They aim to fulfill all your requirements but also design a kitchen or bathroom that suits your personality. We are very experienced at providing kitchens and bathrooms in Cannock to the highest quality. 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 have become the stylish centre to the home. Convenience lifestyles mean people are demanding new gadgets for all areas of our lives and the kitchen and bathroom are no exception. In the kitchen there are now integral televisions, wine coolers, and clever units which make maximum use of the space available. In the bathroom entertainment has arrived in the form of waterproof TV’s and splash proof radios. Luxury items such as custom showers with built in steam cabinets are also now available alongside more practical water and energy saving devices. Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms priority is to retain customer satisfaction at all times. This allows us to maintain our reputation for excellence. Our dedicated and enthusiastic team will ensure that your new kitchen or bathroom design project will be completed on time and will be hassle free. We also specialise in kitchen and bathroom fittings and accessories. Our showroom is filled with various
taps, tiles, flooring, dishwashers, microwaves and cookers to compliment your kitchen or bathroom. Come and visit our showroom to find your Dream Kitchen or Bathroom. Opening times Mon-Sat 10.00-5.00pm Sunday 11.00-3.00pm New Summer time, Thursdays we will be open till 7.00pm
New Showroom Free Dishwasher with every fully fitted kitchen Bathrooms supplied and installed from ÂŁ2,995 (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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201-205 Cannock Road Chadsmoor Cannock WS11 5DD
g Supplier n ri o lo F .1 o N r u o Y e B Let Stafford Carpets Here you will find our friendly service second to none. From the moment you visit or contact our store you have access to over 30 years of flooring experience. You will be looked after by one our trained members of staff who will oversee your enquiry from the initial order to ensuring your flooring is fitted at a day and time that is convenient to you. With over 60 rolls of carpet, over 30 rolls of cushion floor, and 100’s of remnants in store you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for at a price that will not be beaten anywhere else. In addition we have excellent quality laminates, luxury vinyl tiles, and solid oak flooring all in stock all at unbelievable prices. We have our Bed Showroom where you are welcome to “try out” our selection of beds in store and take advantage of our half price clearance lines.
You will have peace of mind that all of our flooring products are installed by professional fitters trained to the highest standards and all work is guaranteed. No job is too small! Whether it’s flooring for an ensuite or for a full house we will spend the time to show you all the options that are available to you. In addition to the excellent service, we carry out a free measure and quotation service.
Get in touch to arrange a FREE measure or to get advice, Ross or Vance are always on hand just call 01785 600695 or you can email your request to staffordcarpets@hotmail.co.uk Stafford Carpets and Flooring, Unit 9 Astonfields Business Park, Astonfields Road, Stafford, ST16 3UF
Struggling to get out? We will bring flooring samples for you to look at in the comfort of your own home. Busy during the day? No problem we can arrange an evening to come out and measure. We can move furniture, uplift and take away your old flooring and we will deliver any bed or mattress and dispose of you old one. So call in to see our extensive flooring collection, we always have the kettle on so you can have a cuppa while you have a look around.
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Tel 01785 600695 Unit 9 Astonfields Business Park, Astonfields Road Stafford, ST16 3UF staffordcarpets@hotmail.co.uk www.staffordcarpet.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 | JUNE/JULY 2013
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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‘Compton in the Park 2013’ On Sunday 16th June 2013 In West Park, Wolverhampton 9.30am till 5pm
Compton Hospice
Caring Together
Charity Reg No: 512387
Following the success of our last years ‘Compton in the Park’ fun day, staged in conjunction with BBP Security Services & Training Ltd, we are doing it all again! We will be taking over West Park in Wolverhampton to bring you a full family day of fun, activities and entertainment. Last year around 4,000 people came along to the fun day and a great time was had by all as you can see from some of these photos!
This year, get set to be wowed by sounds from some of the best live bands in the West Midlands and be entertained by the many arena acts we have lined up for you including cheer squads, dance groups, dog display team and street dance. Have a stroll around the many Compton market stalls, funfair rides, petting zoo and much, much more, or simply sit a relax with some food and drink provided by our very own coffee shop. Join in the fun with the Signal 107 radio roadshow who will
be broadcasting live across the county with presenter Dicky Dodd compering our arena and stage acts. Don’t miss the popular and very hilarious ‘It’s A Knockout’ competition. Watch brave teams slug it out in ridiculous foam filled races and water-soaked games. The louder you cheer, the wetter they get! This free family fun day will be kicking off at 9.30am with the start of our ‘Annual 5 Mile Sponsored Memory Walk/Fun Run’ and with other activities and shows starting at 10am. Also new for this year we are featuring “Dive for Dosh” - a 150ft Bungee Jump in aid of Compton Hospice! Be brave and take that dive!
For details of all events and activities and to enter teams in It’s a Knockout, to enter the sponsored memory walk or to take part in the bungee jump – contact fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk, call 0845 225 5497 and ask for the fundraising department, or visit www.compton-hospice.org.uk 20
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
Registered Charity No. 512387
Bungee Jump
for Compton Hospice
West Park
Sunday 16th June 2013
Wolverhampton
For further information and registration contact Fundraising on: or visit:
11:00AM – 4:00PM
0845 225 5497
www.compton-hospice.org.uk
Bungee Event Operated by
01833 695773 www.extremesensationsbungee.co.uk Minimum age 14. If aged 14-16, written parental consent will be required. Some medical conditions will exclude you from participating in this event. Please consult your GP for guidance or Fundraising for advice. This event is operated by Extreme Sensations Bungee Ltd who are fully licensed and insured. Please see www.extremesensationsbungee.co.uk for further information.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
21
heir 40th Year
ebrate T Brewood Singers Cel
Recently we held a ‘singing day’ where we invited other singers from around Staffordshire and surrounding areas to come and sing for a day with us, culminating in a wonderful concert in the evening. The day was a great success with 30 plus singing friends celebrating in song with us.
We at Brewood Singers are celebrating our 40th year with a concert at St Mary & St Chad Church Brewood. We take our members from all over Staffordshire with members living in Penkridge, Stafford, Brewood, Acton Trussel and other villages. On Saturday 6th July at 7.30 we’ll be celebrating in Brass and voice with our friends, the Championship section brass band - Jackfield Elcock
Reisen Band. Tickets are £8 and available from 01902 850377 or singersbrewood@gmail.com The Singers were started by a small group of people who enjoyed singing. We’ve grown to be a popular singing group who sing a wide variety of songs including ballads, pop songs and more choral songs too. We like to present a professional concert with well-rehearsed music and pride ourselves in giving music that has something for all.
Throughout this year we shall be featuring in our concerts a song especially composed for us in this special year by our talented Musical Director David S Brookes who is also organist and choir master at Polesworth Abbey. David has composed a lovely song for us called ‘Let us celebrate in song’. David said “ I was inspired to write something that expresses our enjoyment and friendliness when we get together to sing. I hope we continue to enjoy singing for many more years”. Brewood Singers website is www.brewoodsingers.co.uk and find us on Facebook ‘Brewood Singers’ also follow us on Twitter @BrewoodSingerss
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We can make almost anything you desire out of stainless steel and glass!
01543 277998 / 07525 209548 Unit 2, Union Street, Bridgtown,Cannock, WS11 0BY www.firstimpressions2010.co.uk
22
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
sureline Spas! ei L n o y el R n a C u o Y … Relax Tired… Stressed… Suffering from sporting injuries, arthritis or general aches and pains… If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the above then a hot tub could be just what you need! Leisureline Spas has been trading for over 10 years and recently moved from Mere Park Garden Centre to a spacious new indoor showroom at Unit 2 Springfield Industrial Estate, Newport. They are able to offer best in class products, from introductory spas through to top of the range high specification hot tubs or swim spas. Their new display area includes spas from companies such as Rotospa (manufactured in the UK) and VitaSpa (a well established American manufacturer with its innovative BlueMAAX insulation) and they are also proud to have the new Silhouette spa on display. Manufactured in Canada and offered by Leisureline Spas at factory direct prices, they offer
great value for money. Why not visit the showroom to see this fantastic spa! A wealth of information is provided on their web site www.leisurelinespas.co.uk Tony says, “When looking for your hot tub there are a few thing that you need to consider. Our “Hot Tub Buyers Guide” webpage provides vital information regarding what to look for regarding both the spa and the prospective supplier! Always remember that offers that seem too good to be true often are! To avoid upset and disappointment you should ensure that your supplier is BISHTA registered (this is the Trade Association for the Hot Tub Industry) As a local company we offer great service and after care. This helps give you, the customer, peace of mind. All hot tubs are NOT same and we often hear of people who have purchased from an on-line supplier only to find that the product is not what they expected. By visiting a showroom you can discuss your
specific requirements and we are sure that we can supply the ideal hot tub to meet your needs!” The key to enjoying the hot tub experience is correct water management and filter care. Leisureline Spas provide a large range of chemicals for the care and maintenance of both hot tubs and above ground pools. They also have in-house technical engineering so they can service & repair all makes of spas.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
23
Swimming Advert 218x140mm_Layout 1 19/04/2013 15:49 Page 1
Faceb ook
south_staffs
Learn to Swim
with Get Set Swimming Lessons • 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
www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure 24
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
Varied Range of Jewellery, Shrugs & Fascinators also Available Available in various colours with matching handbag
Many Brands Available: Bronx, United Nude, Riva, Irregular Choice, Lotus, Laceys, Ellie.d, Cefalu, Fitflop & many more
Discover THE BEAUTY OF SPRING
38 - 41 Princess Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HD 01902 429 409 www.tahenn.com Be inspired at pandora.net
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
25
e Uttoxeter RacyecOof uSrs ummer Racing! ous Da
Prepares For A Fabul
back and relax with a glass of bubbly on a summer’s afternoon.
The incredibly popular Ladies Day returns to Uttoxeter Racecourse on Friday 26th July… the perfect opportunity to get glammed up for a girl’s day out! As well as seven exciting races throughout the day, there will be live music after the racing provided by tribute act, Black Eyed Peaz. The July event follows the success of Ladies Night in June which boasted a fantastic atmosphere. Whether you’re family, friends or colleagues, grab your best shoes and put on
your favourite cocktail dresses for an afternoon of summer racing! David MacDonald, Executive Director at Uttoxeter Racecourse said: “Last year’s Ladies Day was such a huge success and proved to be one of our most popular hospitality days. This year the day has moved to a Friday afternoon which should make for an even more glamorous and exciting event-I am particularly excited about the entertainment after racing as The Black Eyed Peaz are one of the best sounding and visually stunning tribute acts around” Ladies Day really is the perfect occasion to get glammed up, sit
A selection of packages are available… the Champagne & Strawberries package includes a premier ticket and champagne & strawberries, meanwhile the Fabulous Fillies package includes your hospitality ticket, fine dining and unlimited drinks for those wanting to splash out and make the occasion even more special. Prizes are awarded for both best dressed lady and best hat, so it really is an opportunity to showcase your best outfit! A range of tickets are available, with prices starting from just £9.00. For more information on tickets and hospitality on Ladies Day, call the racecourse office on 01889 562561 or visit www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk Gates open at 12 noon, with first race at 2.00pm with last race at 5.20pm.
This month we have teamed up with Uttoxeter Racecourse for one lucky reader to win 2 Premier tickets to Ladies Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Friday 26th July. For your chance to win please answer the following question:
How many races will be held on Ladies Day? A: 6 B: 7 C: 8 Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number. Entries to arrive by Friday 5th July 2013. Terms and Conditions. Premier tickets only valid on Friday 26th July 2013. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. The winning recipients must be over 18. Any under 18’s are Free of charge and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All entry details will be forwarded to Uttoxeter Racecourse.
26
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
LADIES DAY FRIDAY 26 julY LIVE MUSIC AFTER RACING
Prizes for Best DresseD LaDy & Best Hat
BOO ADVANK IN CE &
SAVE
£££’s
*
KEEP U DATE WP TO OUR PA ITH CK OFFERSAGE ONLINE !
www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk 01889 562561 | info@uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply. For race times and full details please visit our website. 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 Braised Beef Bourguignon, Served With Creamy Mash, Spring Greens. INGREDIENTS
METHOD
• 1.5 kg blade of beef
1. Brown the meat in oil and drain. Brown the vegetables & herbs in the same pan then deglaze with the red wine and add the stock.
• 1x onion chopped • 1x carrot chopped • 1x stick celery chopped • 4x cloves garlic squashed • 1x sprig thyme • 2x bay leaves • Half a bottle red wine • 1 litre beef stock • 100g bacon lardons • 150g small button mushrooms • 150g baby onions • Flat leaf parsley • 60g butter • 2x heads spring greens sliced finely • 10 g butter • Mashed potato to serve 28
Serves 4
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
2. Return the meat to the pan, cover & braise on the top of the stove for 2 to 3 hours till tender. 3. Take the meat out and while still hot, wrap in cling film to form a sausage then leave in the fridge overnight to firm up. 4. Reduce the liquid down until it reaches a sauce consistency and season. 5. Blanch the bacon, mushrooms & onions in boiling water for 1 minute then drain & fry in butter till golden. Season. TO SERVE
Slice the beef into portions & pan fry in a little oil slowly until crispy & heated through. Warm the bacon, mushrooms & onions in the sauce & add some chopped parsley. Cook the greens till tender in a little water & the 10 g of butter. Spoon the greens onto a plate & top with the beef, pour the sauce over and serve with mashed potato
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
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
29
ger, Cannock
l For Two At Blue Gin Win A Fabulous Mea
For your chance to win please answer the following question :
What road is Blue Ginger located on? Email your answer, including your name, address and telephone number to info@staffordshireoutlook. co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford,TF7 4PZ. Entries to be received by arrive by Friday 5th July 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 August 2013. Booking is required and date is subject to availability. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to Blue Ginger.
Blue Ginger is an award winning fully licensed Indian restaurant located on the Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock. Granted a five star award, by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of excellent food hygiene and general standards. The menu features many traditional classics alongside popular fusion dishes created by Abdul and the talented team of chefs, and all at very reasonable prices. Blue Ginger is the perfect venue for any occasion and large groups and parties can easily be accommodated. With private booths and round dining tables for a social dining experience. This month we have teamed up with the award winning Blue Ginger, to give one lucky reader the chance to win a delicious 3 course meal for two including a bottle of house wine.
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 30
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 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
31
n
The Dog & Doublet In
Comfortably nestling in the beautiful village of Sandon, Staffordshire, The Dog and Doublet Inn offers luxury accommodation and a traditional restaurant.
was in the archway of the restaurant with absolutely stunning views out of the huge window.
Perfectly situated with easy access from the M6 and A51 The Dog and Doublet is a charming Arts and Craft period Inn and welcomes anyone who loves character and has a healthy appetite for delicious food!
Making a choice from the menu was really hard as everything sounded so appetising.
This evening my partner and I had chosen to dine at The Dog and Doublet Inn as so many people had recommended the restaurant to us in the past and we felt this would be the perfect way to finish off a fantastic day we had spent exploring Staffordshire. Driving through the countryside on this sunny evening we approached The Dog and Doublet Inn and both agreed that this was a truly impressive building in such a great location. Once parked on the adjoining car park we couldn’t wait to go in. Walking past the large outdoor area with plenty of seating we debated whether to eat outside but both said it wasn’t quite warm enough yet. On entering the bar we were greeted by the Restaurant Manager Eleanor who guided us to our table which
32
The restaurants décor, we described as a traditional country feel but with a modern twist! We were given the evening dinner menu and also ordered two glasses of Sauvignon Blanc from the extensive wine list.
We started with the crayfish, prawn and crab salad with my partner choosing the sautéed chestnut mushrooms, shallot, garlic and parsley, brioche toast, poached egg and truffle hollandaise. Both starters were perfect before our hearty mains. For our main course we opted for the beer battered cod with crushed peas, hand cut chips, lemon and tartare sauce and the 8oz Staffordshire burger, toasted bap, hand cut chips, sweet corn relish and garlic mayonnaise. When our mains arrived they were beautifully presented and were full of flavour and most enjoyable. Surprisingly there was space for dessert so I chose the raspberry bakewell tart with vanilla ice cream and my partner having the banoffee pie with ice cream. The desserts were both delicious and refreshing and were a wonderful end to a wonderful meal.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013 Download Our FREE Restaurant Diary Booking App
An “Early Doors Menu” is available Monday to Friday from 5.30pm until 6.30pm. Enjoy a main course for £8.95 or two courses for £10.95.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Dog and Doublet Inn and would recommend it to anyone visiting Staffordshire. The Dog and Doublet Inn main menu is served Monday to Saturday. The new “Garden Menu” includes sandwiches (served 12.00 - 6.00pm) and delicious Sharing Platters, Grazing Boards and Salads (served 12.00 - 8.00pm) and can be enjoyed either inside or in the garden if the weather allows.
On Sundays The Dog and Doublet Inn offer a Sunday lunch menu from 12.00 - 4.30pm and from 5.30pm - 8.00pm along with a Sunday snack menu available until 6.00pm.
At The Dog and Doublet Inn we take pride in our home cooked wholesome food. We use only the freshest and most seasonal produce which is locally sourced wherever possible. Our new "Garden Menu" includes sandwiches (served 12-6pm) and delicious Sharing Platters, Grazing Boards and Salads (served 12 - 8pm) and can be enjoyed either inside or in our Garden if the weather allows.
Dog & Doublet Inn Sandon Stafford ST18 0DJ
Tel: 01889 508331 Email: info@doganddoubletsandon.co.uk
www.doganddoubletsandon.co.uk
Download Our FREE Restaurant Diary Booking App
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
33
urch Fete
ngels Ch St Michael’s and All A
All photographs by Debbie Cooper
Fete Queen
Fete Queen and attendants
Mr and Mrs John Caine run the pancake stall
This year’s church fete will take place on Saturday June 15th in the extensive grounds of Penkridge’s Grade 11 listed building The Haling Dene Centre on the Cannock Road. In keeping with the village tradition the fete queen will officially open the event and will visit all the stalls accompanied by her attendants. The fete will be opened at the earlier time 1pm again to allow patrons to take advantage of a lunchtime BBQ which 34
Splat the Rat competition with Will and Toni Mackrory
The lads from Penkridge Round Table run the BBQ for us
will be provided by members of The Round Table. Other refreshments will be available during the afternoon. There will be a varied programme of entertainment including dancers, a martial arts group and a school choir. Members of Cannock Performing Arts Musicians and Band will also be performing. This year there will be a ‘Made in Penkridge’ event which will include competitions for designing a plate garden, a piece of craft work and a ‘Bake off’ competition. All competitions are open to adults and
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
The Ladies of Penkridge Inner Wheel run a tombola stall
Penkridge Middle School pupil Thomas Cooper on the children’s tombola stall
children. Entry forms are available from Lisa Hibbert on 07724 946372. Other stalls planned for the afternoon include a coconut shy, bric-a-brac, face painting, homemade cakes, plant sales, books, darts, tombola, football penalty shoot outs and the ever popular bouncy castle. Raffle tickets for The Grand Draw will be on sale at the fete and in the village prior to the fete opening with a cash first prize of £100, and a donated hamper for second prize. Gates open at 12.30pm, admission fee 50p.
ire Man Finds sh rd o ff ta S ld O r ea Y 79 Volunteering In e if L f O se ea L ew N He might be edging on 80 but local elderly action man Peter Broomhall is more outgoing than your average teen, volunteering 40 hours in the past month at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Furniture & Electrical Store in Stafford. Peter has been so busy captivating the locals that he’s even been named BHF Stafford’s ‘BFG’ (Big Friendly Granddad), keeping shoppers smiling whilst helping the BHF Furniture & Electrical Store in its fight for every heartbeat. Shifting sofas might not be in Peter’s remit but meeting and greeting people, enticing them into the Stafford Furniture & Electrical Store is his new found talent. Peter says; “It’s really helped me to meet so many people from the community - soon I’ll be on first name terms with everyone in town! “It’s great to know that I’m keeping active whilst helping towards such a good cause. And I can avoid getting under the wife’s feet!”
The retired Stafford General Electric employee whose interests are rugby, cricket and green bowls, now gives up his time to volunteer for the BHF Furniture & Electrical Store in Stafford, between running rings around his 11 grandchildren. Chris Spencer, Area Manager said: “Peter has been a wonderful addition to the Stafford BHF Furniture & Electrical Store. His charismatic nature has helped us to win over many new customers and raise vital money to fund the BHF’s lifesaving research. “We are however in urgent need of unwanted furniture and electrical items and we’d like to remind all locals who are thinking about updating their home to donate any of their unwanted items to us. You can even book a free collection online at bhf.org.uk/free.” “When you consider that selling two sofas could fund one of our young scientists for a whole day, it really puts it into perspective how much this Store can help those in need.”
All the money raised from the Stafford Store will help the BHF fund pioneering research and continue its fight for every heartbeat. The Stafford Store also offers a free collection service for unwanted household items which can be booked online at bhf.org.uk/free or by calling 0844 848 9618 so having a clear out has never been so easy!
Unwanted furniture & electricals? We’ll collect them for FREE to help save lives Call or book online at bhf.org.uk/collection Suites, Lounge furniture, Tables, Beds, Bedroom furniture, TVs, DVDs, Hi-Fi’s, Washing machines, Fridges, Dishwashers and Small electrical items
British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical Store 12 Princes Street Stafford ST16 2BN Tel: 0844 848 9618*
beating heart disease together Please don’t be disappointed if we are unable to accept items for reasons of safety or quality. Free collection on small items is at the discretion of the Store Manager. Our van drivers will make the final decision on any donations collected. *Calls cost 6p per minute from a BT landline. Charges from other providers and mobiles may vary. Registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)
BHF SO 100513.indd 1
03/05/2013 11:54
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Medical Technologies e iv ct fe Ef In g in lis ia ec A Proud History Of Sp The Cottage Surgery was established in 1992 as a medical laser practice aimed at combining the real world experience of both a Midlands based Doctor with that of a Degree Qualified Specialist Nurse, both of whom had medical research backgrounds. The Cottage Surgery was one of the first three Laser Tattoo Removal Centres to establish themselves in the UK, and now has over twenty years valuable experience in all things medical laser. Bringing a range of advanced laser based technologies to other cutting edge therapies has enabled the Cottage Surgery to provide long term hair removal, skin rejuvenation, sun damage rectification, stretch mark reduction and to reduce the signs of aging for hundreds of satisfied patients from many different age groups and ethnic backgrounds. Inventing new acne treatment The Cottage surgery invented and introduced a new treatment in the fight against acne. One specific medical laser, the N’lite; initially introduced as a collagen building tool, rapidly demonstrated its ability to achieve very good results on pitted acne scarring by repairing tissue loss in the hollows left by acne lesions. A subsequent clinical trial carried out by Dr Tony Chu of Imperial College London, showed that over a twelve
week period, the number of active lesions dropped dramatically and in fact, reduced even after just one laser treatment with this machine! Whilst treating a mixture of pitted scarring from old breakouts, as well as fresh problem areas, it became obvious to the team at The Cottage Surgery that they were actually controlling acne for a significant number of patients by using laser treatments as part of the Acne programmes they had devised and developed. It is the continued structured application of a full range of acne treatments that gives The Cottage Surgery such a successful record against this life effecting condition. Not just lasers With the aim of providing the very best effects and long term improvements that the clinics laser therapies bring to a variety of conditions, they have naturally broadened their range of medical technologies, expertise and experience to move into other medical sciences. Due to the historical focus of the clinics medical bias being largely targeted on improvements to their patients skin, it was natural that other skin therapies were introduced, bringing a more rounded approach and becoming a respected onestop-shop for all things skin. The use of laser and other light based therapies, specialised therapeutic products, direct skin surface treatments and individually designed skin care programmes has lead The Cottage Surgery to become
one of the most respected skin care providers in the West Midlands. Additionally the clinic employs industry leading, (as featured on television) hugely experienced and highly qualified medical injectors to provide BOTOX and Dermal Filler treatments, all aimed at reducing or even reversing the natural signs of facial ageing. Be assured that The Cottage Surgery company policy guarantees that only the ‘original’ and best quality BOTOX and filler, generated to the correct dilution is ever used on patients. They make this point in order to stress that many so called ‘special offers’ and ‘low cost’ deals can only be viable if lower quality products and/or weak dilutions are used. ‘Lower cost’ invariably means ‘lower value’ as the desired effect lasts for a fraction of the expected time. As with all treatment on offer at The Cottage Surgery they are proud to offer fully effective and long lasting injectable treatments at prices that suit the Midlands- not Harley Street. When this is combined with the level of experience and expertise held by its practitioners, it really is hard to find another provider anywhere – not just the Midlands - offering such a long established and highly regarded service. Another specialism the Cottage Surgery has invested in is cost effective, drug free pain relief, using a machine normally only found at world class sports clubs such as Inter Milan. This machine has the benefit of not only overcoming pain, but also has the remarkable ability to speed up the body’s ability to repair itself, thus returning to active life, (or the sporting theatre) far more quickly. Treatment to remove or reduce skin blemishes such as Stretch Marks, Birth Marks, Warts, Verrucae and Skin Tags are also a part of the focus.
Before 36
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
After
To arrange a friendly confidential consultation that is totally free and without obligation or to receive a Patient Guide about the treatment that interests you please call 01384 940498 or via www.cottage-surgery.co.uk
The West Midlands’ Leading Cosmetic & Beauty Clinic The Cottage Surgery: • Established since 1992 • Professional, affordable treatments • Trained, certified staff who use state of the art technology
BOTOX Treatment
Before
15% OFF ALL TREATMENTS*
After
“I look & feel so much younger, yet haven’t had to break the bank!” Shiela Graham , Dudley
Treatments Include… • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Acne & acne scarring Anti-ageing Birth marks Botox Chloasma Dermal fillers Electrolysis Laser hair removal Hyperhidrosis Tattoo removal Medical peels Melasma Microdermabrasion Non-surgical face lifts Pain relief Photo-rejuvenation Pigmentation Pigmented lesions/Liver spots /Sun spots/Age spots Port wine stains Rosacea Scarring Skin rejuvenation Skin tags Smoking cessation Sports injury Stretch marks Sun damage Telangiectasia Thread vein removal Verruca removal Wart removal Wrinkle reduction injections
Book Your Free Consultation Today Telephone: 01384 940498 • Email: enquiries@cottage-surgery.co.uk Website: www.cottage-surgery.co.uk * To gain 15% off any treatment, please book your treatment on or before 3rd August 2013 and mention this advert. Offer cannot be claimed alongside any other offer. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
37
A Child of Mine In September 2007 our family was complete, we were blessed with two beautiful children, Georgia, 4 and a new baby boy called Lewis, we were happy and very much looking forward to our future together. Sadly, 8 months later Lewis became ill. He was diagnosed with a disease we all dread, the word that sends shivers down our spines and that most of us have will have been touched by at some point in our lives. Lewis was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma,
an extremely aggressive childhood cancer; our world had fallen apart. We remained positive, our way of coping maybe. But we also prepared for a fight and we were definitely not going to give up on Lewis. The next two years certainly had their highs and lows, Lewis fought hard, took everything in his stride and always with a smile. Yet, despite such a strong and courageous fight, Lewis’ little body was weak, and he died peacefully in my arms on 3rd July 2010. A day that will remain embedded in our souls forever. In the months after Lewis’ death, we were aware of many gaps that existed in bereavement care. Like many families who have faced a challenging journey, they want to give something back and we were no different. Our vision was to create an information source, somewhere to include as much information as possible specifically to help anyone affected by the death of a child, regardless of their age, or circumstance and so A Child Of Mine was born. Initially we
established our website achildofmine. co.uk, which still remains to be a comprehensive resource centre for bereaved parents, with information and guidance on all aspects of losing a child, from the practicalities of when a child dies, to more sentimental ideas. But, we have come a long way in the last 18 months and now work with some of the leading healthcare professionals and children’s hospitals in the UK. We research and advise information required by either families or professionals and are now in a position to offer more direct services and financial assistance to families within Staffordshire. We also have an application pending with the Charities Commission to become a fully registered charity.
s
a Nepal Trek For Gurkh Retired Major Rob Cross served with The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers in Hong Kong, and then in Kathmandu, where he and his wife, Margaret, lived for 3 years. On retiring to Staffordshire they began fundraising for the Gurkha Welfare Trust of which Rob is Chairman of the North Midlands Branch. The Gurkhas are famed throughout the world as brave and fiercely loyal soldiers who have served the British for almost 200 years, in many conflicts world wide including, of course, Afghanistan. The Trust supports approximately 8,000 ex-soldiers and their widows living in Nepal, with a welfare pension of about £41 per month. In a country with no state pension this is a life-line. 38
There is no National Health Service in Nepal, and so the Trust also pays medical bills and sends doctors to run medical camps in the hills. At the medical camps anyone who attends will be treated, ex- Gurkha or not. The Trust also installs water projects, builds bridges and schools, and has built Nepal’s first retirement home. Rob 71, and Margaret 68, have trekked in Nepal many times, sometimes on treks to support Trust projects (planning and designing three bridges, and two water projects) and sometimes just for pleasure. This time they will be leading a group of (unsuspecting) friends to the foothills of the Himalayas on a sponsored trek in Nepal. They will the oldest members of the group, on a trek which will gain and lose 1,000 metres a day. As part of the trek they will visit the retirement home, two of the
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
Trust’s 19 Welfare Centres, be shown some of the community aid projects and meet pensioners. As an on-going fundraising project, Margaret gives talks on the Gurkhas, the work of the Trust and Nepal. For more details email: crosses@crossimages.plus.com or telephone 01889 577721 If you would like to sponsor the two old codgers on their trek you can find details on www. justgiving.com/Rob-Margaret-Cross or telephone 01889 577721.
– Owners Salary r a e Y x a T w e N y p p Ha The 2013/2014 tax year started on 6th April and with it come changes to tax and NI rate bands and limits.
At the salary level suggested neither you nor your company will pay NI, but the good news is you will still receive a full years NI credit to your state pension records.
Directors (who are also shareholders) who wish to extract profit from their company in the most tax-efficient way might need to tweak their salary to make the most of the new rates. The general idea is to set your salary at a level where no tax and NI is payable
A salary of £7,696 per year isn’t going to pay the bills, so you’ll want to top this up with income which doesn’t count for NI purposes. Usually this means dividends, so you should pay regular dividends, say quarterly, at the most tax efficient level; this will depend on the tax free allowances and rate bands available to you.
NI Limits Increase The NI thresholds for 2013/2014 will mean you won’t pay NI where your salary and bonuses for the year don’t exceed £7,755. But your company’s NI will start at £7,696, so from April 6th, the lower salary figure is optimum. ie £7,696 per year or £646.25 per month.
Total Income
The most tax efficient combination (for people with standard tax free allowances) would be a salary or £7,696 and annual dividends of (including tax credit) £34,779 or £31,301 ignoring the tax credit complication.
& Dividends
Overall this would give the individual a total annual income of £42,475 without having to pay any tax or NI.
Remember… All directors must register to complete a self-assessment tax return regardless of whether any additional PAYE/ NI is due to HMRC or not.
But… Dividends can only be paid if the company has sufficient profits to distribute, if there aren’t enough profits available then no dividends can be taken. If you would like any more information on any of the above issues please do not hesitate to get contact DSN Accountants Limited on 01785 716658 or email info@dsna.co.uk
• 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
DSN Accountants are proud sponsors of
Tel: 01785 716658 Mobile: 07826 840147 Email: dean@dsna.co.uk
www.dsna.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
39
The Department Store On Bridgnorth’s Old Mill Antiques Centre is still attracting as many visitors as it always has since its opening back in 1996, when people flocked to the Low Town venue to see the opening of the new centre.
watercolours, oil paintings, silver, collectables, linen, upholstery, antique furniture and quality reproduction furniture - the list just goes on and on. “People come here to browse and buy from all over the country, often spending hours here and having a break in our tearooms, which opens for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. I think part of the attraction is that people can browse at their leisure, there is no pressure from our sales team - they are just on hand to help and advise if called upon.”
Operating in the historic premises of a former riverside seed mill, the antiques centre is one of the biggest in the country and offers four floors of displays and stands featuring literally something for everyone.
”We are not on an expensive retail park” says Denis Ridgway, “and so we do not have to charge our dealers expensive rents and that saving is passed on to our customers, which means all of our goods are very competitively priced.”
Traders from all over the UK and Europe sell their stock at the Old Mill, ”We have 90 dealers operating at the Old Mill, from as far afield as Brussels and Berlin”, says Co-director Denis Ridgway “and that enables us to offer the enormous variety of goods that gives the centre its popular appeal.” The choice at the Old Mill is almost endless, it is a lot more than just an Antiques Centre it is really a Department Store on the banks of the River Severn, and is therefore ideally located to spend a day out. The range of items on sale is vast, catering for all kinds of tastes and budgets - and that’s why the Old Mill is so popular.
The Old Mill is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm. Parking is free and a delivery service is available. The Old Mill Tea Rooms are also open every day and is a very pleasant place for ladies to meet and have elevenses or afternoon tea in very pleasant surroundings.
Jewellery, porcelain, militaria and weapons, pop ephemera,
40
River Severn
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
Old Mill Antique Centre
Antique & Reproduction Furniture 1000’s of Gift Ideas Bespoke Furniture At The Old Mill Antique Centre we have 4 floors of antiques and quality reproduction furniture – and literally thousands of gift ideas for everyone – all displayed in charming and elegant room settings
Beautiful tables made to your design & specification in-house using only the best quality seasoned Oak or Pine.
Homemade Cakes & Snacks Open 7 days – 10am to 5pm Car Parking Available
Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG Tel: 01746 762248
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
41
all Cannock xh u a V y le d n ri B t a M A See the all new AD
Vauxhall’s all-new model, the ADAM, perfectly epitomises the customised car. With over a million combinations possible, this car is literally a blank canvas, ready to be customised. It is available in 12 unusually named colours such as ‘Purple Fiction’, ‘White My Fire’ and Papa Don’t Peach’ to get your imagination bursting out of the twinkling star-effect roof headliner design (if you choose).
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The ADAM is available in three trims, Jam (for the fashionable and colourful types), Glam (for the elegant and sophisticated) and Slam (for the racy and sporty). The combinations cover all areas of the car – design, style and comfort. Choose the seat cover material, alter the pedal design or include foot-well coloured lights. The changes we make to our cars reflect the passion we have for them and creative ways to instill our character, proving that cars, today, are generally not left in a one-size fits all state. * Price from £10999.00 PLUS 0% finance up to 48 months.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
SPECIAL OFFERS NOW ON BRAND NEW Vauxhall Astra Energy 1.4 5dr Limited Edition Alloys, Bluetooth,
0 5 %
yrs deposit NO
CD player, aircon. COST NEW £17,555 SAVE £4,000
UP TO
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£13,555 PLUS BRINDLEY PRICE
.00
BRAND NEW Vauxhall Corsa Energy 1.2 3dr Limited Edition Alloys, Bluetooth,
AND
AFTER FDA £2,000
0 5 CD player, aircon. COST NEW £13,335 SAVE £2,086
%
UP TO
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yrs deposit NO
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BRINDLEY VAUXHALL 01543 466466 Main A5, Cannock WS11 1SH www.brindleyvauxhall.co.uk
Subject to change, please call for latest offers
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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CROSSWORD Across 1 Illumination (8) 5 Drooped (6) 9 Macabre (8) 10 Morals (6) 12 An abnormal condition of the lungs (9) 13 Not outer (5) 14 Colored part of the eye (4) 16 The systematic study of things (7) 19 From Mexico 21 Beep (4) 24 Eighty-five in Roman numerals (5) 25 In an illegal manner (9) 27 Emigrant (6) 28 Important (8) 29 Three equal parts (6)
Down
30 Bracelet (8)
1 Carried (6)
8 Abandoned (8)
20 Invalid of Zero (4)
2 Grouchy (6)
11 Pats (4)
21 Nevertheless (7)
3 Flavourful (5)
15 Cured or healed (9)
22 Practical (6)
4 Numerals (7)
17 Tiniest (8)
23 Grommet (6)
6 Gradual wearing down (9)
18 Eighty-eight in Roman numerals (8)
26 Sea eagles (5)
7 Smiling (8)
LOUDEST LESSENS LEDGERS
8 6 4
5
8
1 7
6
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
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2 9
4 2
7
6 3
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6 5
9 4
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trance Exams n E l oo ch S r a m m ra G The Pressures Of 11+ I, as a parent, want the very best for my boy. Every parent does. Grammar school examinations, or 11+ examinations, are becoming an increasing dilemma for parents wanting the very best for their children. Are grammar schools really going to make a difference to the education of your child? Are they that important? The simple answer to that question is yes. I often say to the parents that I work with that their child going to a grammar school does not necessarily guarantee better teaching, but it does guarantee a better quality of student. Students who want to be successful, who have worked hard to be there and who want to be the best. What a fantastic environment for your child to be immersed in! Yet preparation for the 11+ examinations involves a lot of potential pressures. Many of the tuition centres that exist today unfortunately do not seem to be happy until they have saturated young children with literally hours of work on a daily basis: not to mention the hours of group tuition during each weekend! Many tutors also suggest that it is necessary to teach five to six hours a week to ensure success.
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
This really is not necessary. All this does is place an unwelcome burden on your child’s life, and an unwelcome burden on your finances. What is necessary are frequent lessons, an hour a week, that focusses not on quantity of work, but on quality learning and teaching; making sure it is the right type of learning of course. Worksheet after worksheet really does very little for children, at any age: let alone very bright students who are hoping to pass a very difficult exam. So parents. Should preparing your child for grammar school remain a priority for you? Absolutely. Do you need to sacrifice thousands of pounds and your child’s childhood for them to succeed? Absolutely not.
Mr Laurence Dalton. BA in English Literature, PGCE
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
Learn more 4 A D i s cov e r Your Pote nt i al Mr Laurence Dalton
Private English Teacher Experience: Head of English, Head of GCSE's, GCSE exam marker, classified as 'Outstanding' according to Ofsted requirements.
Tel: 07525 206388 www.learnmore4a.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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nthademr DoEesstate The TByre Robert van
The Trentham Estate, home to Trentham Gardens, can be found on the A34 between Newcastle Under Lyme and Stone, in Staffordshire. The site was once the location of an elegant mansion named Trentham Hall. Encompassed within the 725acre estate today is a large complex featuring a shopping village and Premier Inn in addition to the famous Italianate gardens and a natural lakeside environment. Perhaps most unique is the Monkey Forest, where families can walk alongside 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques. The significance of the site on which the estate stands can be traced to the Domesday Book, where Trentham is first referenced in the year 1086. Trentham Priory, a monastery house, occupied the land up until the dissolution of the monasteries. In 1540 the property was sold to the Leveson
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
family and various houses were built then knocked down or altered over the course of the next 300 years. The last Trentham Hall was built in the 1830s and resided in by George Granville Leveson Gower, the Marquess of Stafford, among other noble titles. The mansion was designed by Sir Charles Barry, who remodelled the previous hall built by Henry Holland. The hall was raised to the ground in 1912 by its owner the 4th Duke of Sutherland after his offer to give it to the people of Stoke-on-Trent was rejected. Thankfully its gardens and the ornamental park with the lake and woodlands have been preserved. It was the great Capability Brown who began the design of the gardens as a serpentine park in 1758, but what have become today’s formal gardens can trace their heritage to those laid out by Sir Charles Barry in the 1840s, which have in modern times been restored. It was only as recently as 2000 that Trentham Gardens underwent a huge redevelopment as a leisure destination.
Nowadays, to most people the Trentham Estate is synonymous with its gardens. In 2010 Trentham Gardens won a European Gardening Award for “Restoration, Enhancement or Development of a Historic Park or Garden”. The gardens comprise the Italian Garden, the Rivers of Grass, the Floral Labyrinth and the show gardens. The Italian Garden was revived by esteemed, multi-Chelsea Flower Show medal-winning designer Tom Stuart-Smith and is recast in a contemporary scheme merging herbaceous perennials with ornamental grasses. Among the notable highlights in the design are the prominent fountains and the David Austin Rose border which runs the length of a trellis walkway. The Rivers of Grass and Floral Labyrinth were both designed by renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf, another Chelsea Gold medal winner. The former is a vast naturalistic meadow where specifically selected plants and grasses grow unrestricted, as nature intended. The latter consists of a labyrinth of paths adjacent to the River Trent that are almost concealed by 30 beds of tall, colourful and aromatic planting. The show gardens meanwhile aim to provide inspiration and domestic ideas for visitors by using reconstructions from around the world. The gardens, however, hold just a small apart of Trentham’s appeal. While perousing them provides a serene experience, families are equally likely to spend their visit relaxing and eating a picnic overlooking the mile-long lake, enjoying one or more of the numerous walks through the extensive woodlands, exploring the famous Monkey Forest or shopping in the village. The Monkey Forest is an exciting feature that has helped to entice millions of visitors to Trentham. The monkeys are free to wander around and interact with humans in a
60-acre site with no fencing to separate them, however visitors are forbidden from touching the animals and wardens are always close at hand to ensure the safety of visitors and intervene should they feel the need to. The surrounding woodlands, into which 10,000 native oak trees were planted in 2012 as the choice of the Royal Diamond Jubilee wood, are home to a herd of black fallow deer and various other mammal species. Trentham Lake supports abundant birdlife, including one of the largest heronries in the country. Further attractions exist for families in the form of Aerial Extreme; a high rope adventure, the Hide and Speak maze, the barefoot walk and an adventure playground. The Trentham Estate even plays host to rock concerts at weekends throughout the summer months. The Trentham Estate is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, but opening and closing times do vary according to the time of year. From 29 March to 1 September the North Entrance is open to day ticket holders between 9am and 6pm and the South Entrance between 10am and 4pm. Some attractions operate seasonally, such as the barefoot walk and the boat and miniature train. An adult day ticket costs £8.50 while day tickets for children aged from 5 to 15 and concessions for seniors and students all cost £7.25. Note. Attractions such as the Monkey Forest are operated separately and as such have their own management, opening times and pricing. The Trentham Estate website at www.trentham.co.uk provides a thorough guide on these matters.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Index Of Advertisers Antiques and Autioneers
Education
Old Mill Antiques
41
Accountants DSN Accountants
39
Bathrooms Beds & Bedroom Furniture Interiors Italia Roll-a-robe
11 18/19 12
Beauty Treatments The Cottage Surgery
37 43
Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS
11
Stafford Carpets & Flooring
17
51
21
4
16
Interior Designers Interiors Italia
18/19
South Staffs Council
24
Uttoxter Race-course
27
Jewellers T.A. Henn
7 & 25
Electrical Stores
Entertainments and Leisure
Fire Place/Stoves Fireside Gallery
14
Fireside Factory
9
CRS
11
Ralvern Ltd
13
Interiors Italia British Heart Foundation
18/19 35
Standeford Garden Construction 14
Driveways
Glass & Stainless Steel Specialist
Standeford Garden Construction 14
First Impressions 2010
22
Kitchens (Supply, Design & Fit Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms 15 Ladies Fashion Lily’s of Shifnal Loft Conversions Buckley Loft Conversions Restaurants Kings Repose Blue Ginger Dog & Doublet Inn Tiles Tile Choice Windows Cloudy 2 Clear
Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD
48
23
Hospital (Private) Nuffield
Garden Construction
Charity/Hospice Compton Hospice
Chase Grammar School
Furniture/Furnishings
Car Sales Brindley Vauxhall
45
Webbs
Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms 15 CRS
Learn More 4A
Hot-tubs/Spas Leisureline Spas
SUDOKU
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
HONEYCOMB
25 2 29 30/31 33 52 9
Useful Numbers CHEMISTS
St. Austin’s R.C Catholic School
01785 356765
Asda Late Opening Pharmacy
01785 782010
St. Dominic’s High School for Girls
01902 850248
Browning Street Pharmacy
01785 252541
St. Johns C.E (C) Primary School
01785 251960
Cornwell’s Chemist
01785 250151
St. Leonards Primary School
01785 356890
Lloyds Pharmacy
01785 225851
St. Michael’s C of E First School
01785 712344
Rowland’s Pharmacy
01785 212707
St. Pauls C.E (C) Primary School
01785 356634
0500 970348
Stafford Grammar School
01785 249752
White House Pharmacy
01785 712829
The Grove Primary School
01785 356412
Wolverhampton Road Pharmacy
01785 258181
& Nursery Units
The Co-operative Pharmacy
COUNCILS Penkridge Parish Council
01785 714157
Staffordshire Borough Council
01785 619000
Staffordshire County Council
03001 118000
South Staffordshire District Council
01902 696000
Staffordshire Parish Council Association 01785 277499
EDUCATION All Saints Church of England (VA) Primary School, Bednall
Tillington Manor Primary School
01785 356880
Vernon Lodge Preparatory School
01785 850568
Wolgarston High School
01785 788400
Yarlet School
01785 286568
HOSPITALS Stafford Hospital
01785 257731
Rowley Hall Hospital
01785 238600
Nuffield Private Hospital (Wolverhampton) 01902 267644 01785 355540
Blessed William Howard Catholic School 01785 244236
POST OFFICES Cannock Road Post Office
01785 661836
Charnley Road Post Office
01785 252624
01785 251399
Great Haywood Post Office
01889 881213
01785 356772
Highfields Post Office
01785 241799
Chase Grammar (Formely Chase Academy) 01543 501800
Littleworth Post Office
01785 223769
Copsewood Primary School
01785 258482
Midlands Co-operative Post Office
01785 216880
Doxey Primary School
01785 356100
Penkridge Post Office
01785 712201
Stone Road Post office
01785 252103
Blessed Mother Teresa’s Catholic Primary School
01785 356405
Brooklands School Castlechurch Primary School
John Wheeldon County Primary School 01785 356636 King Edward VI High School
01785 258546
Marshbrook First School
01785 712780
LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Parkside Primary
01785 617205
In an emergency always call 999
Penkridge Middle School
01785 355545
For general enquiries:
Princefield First School
01785 714050
Staffordshire Police
0300 123 4455
St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School
01785 663128
Staffordshire Fire Service
08451 221155
01952 01952 321334 321334 || WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
49 49
Choices
Life is all about choices. Some are important and affect our lives profoundly while some are only of minor significance when viewed in the grand scheme of things. Some choices are well informed and some are intuitive or even guesswork. Some are led by our emotions and others are rational decisions. Making the decision to send your child to an independent school is one that requires proper consideration. It is a commitment to your child’s future with the aim of providing your child with more choices in life. It is an important choice because the consequences are so great. Our children too are faced with decisions throughout their time at school. We talk every day to students advising them about the choices they make whether it is about GCSEs, A Levels or Universities. Our advice is to keep options open as long as possible. Students are advised not to take popular or fashionable subjects because in the end they will fall out of favour and will not be viewed as valuable qualifications. Traditional subjects are valued and will provide more options.
but the choice is about environment. You are choosing an environment where your child is able to work hard, where your child has the right opportunities. The classes tend to be smaller than the state sector. Student behaviour is generally better because poor behaviour can be dealt with effectively. Children are known as individuals and the curriculum in a smaller school can be much more flexible. At Chase Grammar School 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
An independent school will not claim to change your child’s natural ability 50
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
best combinations of subjects which allow them to keep options open. In this competitive world it is vital that students have options and that they set themselves apart. 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. Our Next Open day is Saturday 15 June, 11am to 3pm.
Chase Grammar School
making the right choices
Individual Curriculum Excellent Results
Traditional Values Purposeful Environment
Family Atmosphere Smaller Classes
Open Day Saturday 15 June, 11am to 3pm Formerly ChASE ACAdEmy Independent co-educational school from Nursery to A-level
Scholarships, Bursaries and Transport available
Contact Karen Anderson, School Secretary to make an appointment during the school day. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK www.chasegrammar.com tel 01543 501800, St Johns Road, Cannock WS11 0UR
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JUNE/JULY 2013
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