Staffordshire Outlook September 2013 edition by Staffordshire Outlook

staffordshire outlook Magazin e

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

September/October 2013

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a luxury night out with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at The Swan, Stafford Win tickets for Fallen Angels at The Grand Theatre September/October 2013

Win family tickets for Severn Valley Railway Inside this issue: An extra 16 pages of local advertisers, local events, stories, eating out review at The Swan, Stafford, recipe of the month, puzzles and lots more! 01

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

Chase Grammar School

making the right choices

Individual Curriculum Excellent Results

Traditional Values Purposeful Environment

Family Atmosphere Small Classes

Open Day Saturday 5th October 2013, 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. STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 www.chasegrammar.com tel 01543 501800, St Johns Road, Cannock WS11 0UR

ditor

E A Message From The Hello readers, Welcome to the September/ October edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. You will see that the magazine has expanded and we now have 68 pages! The team at the Staffordshire Outlook are extremely grateful to the local advertisers who choose to advertise their business in the magazine, and to the readers who continue to support the Staffordshire Outlook. This edition of the Staffordshire Outlook features our eating out review at The Swan Stafford, Recipe of the month, puzzles and lots more! Don’t forget to enter the competitions in this edition including a luxury night out at The Swan Stafford with the winner being

published in the next Cannock edition of the magazine, good luck.

magazine at hand as we publish a useful numbers page at the back.

The winners of the Grand Theatre, Evita and Waterworld competition from the July/August edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.

We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers!

If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

All that’s left to do is relax and enjoy your bigger local magazine

If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in Staffordshire Outlook then please contact us on the details below.

Mal

Contents

Remember to keep this

Congratulations to the winners of: Evita at the Grand Theatre Paul Holder, Wedges Mills Noreen Pile, Cheslyn Hay Tim Ward, Heath Hayes Family ticket with lunch at Waterworld Susan Cross, Hatherton

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: The Kings Repose courtesy of Geoff Hall Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

Enjoy your read…

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Mi Mondeda at T.A Henn All Change! Win tickets for Fallen Angels Cannock & District Men’s Probus Club Exceptional quality always Donna Louise Children’s Hospice The better choice bathroom showroom Welcome to Uniseal Another award for Blue Ginger Recipe of the month The Swan restaurant review Win a fantastic overnight stay at The Swan La Minky & Salon La Mink Stretch mark reduction that really works! Welcome to Spray Heaven Why a Hot Tub? … Hydrotherapy! For keys and much more Tine For You Visit the Potteries by Rob Van Der Does Puzzles Reading – A thing of the past? Win Family tickets for Severn Valley Railway Thinking about Adoption? Evans Wedding Hire Update on a brave boy called Ismail Sole Trader – DSN Accountants Greeting cards of Stafford Bosch at Webbs Suzuki Swift Sport by Syd Taylor Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd The all new ADAM Peugeot RCZ GT Coupe Useful Numbers Toms Tipp Puzzle Solutions Index of advertisers My Tyre – Cannock Store

4 6 8 10 12 13 16 20 24 26 28 30/31 32 34 36 38 39 40 41 42/43 44 45 46 47 48 50/51 52 53 54 56/57 58 60 62/63 64 64 65 65 66

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

SWT) (E y p ra e h T e v a w k c o Extracorporeal Sh herapy T g in v e li e R in a P w e The N Constant, chronic pain can be draining and can significantly affect your quality of life and function. Pain can often limit the regular practice of sports such as tennis, golf, jogging and walking as well as restrict your performance at work. A new technology that is now available here at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital that allows non-surgical intervention is “shockwave therapy” (ESWT). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a highly effective treatment available for patients with chronic tendon disorders and may help when other treatments have proven to be ineffective. Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment and works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon. This increases the blood flow within the affected area, stimulating cell regeneration and healing, and decreasing local factors which can cause pain. How shockwave therapy works A probe is pressed on the affected area and the shockwaves are delivered through the skin (a gel like substance is also applied to the area to promote the process). The impulses are delivered through the skin as a shockwave that spreads inside the injured tissue as an aspherical ‘radial’ wave. These radial shockwaves initiate an inflammationlike response in the injured tissue that is being treated, and prompts the body to respond naturally by increasing blood circulation, the number of blood vessels and therefore metabolism in the injured tissue.

treatment will start with a low level of intensity and increase this to a point where you feel comfortable. Patients are typically treated as a day case patient and will not require any type of sedation or anaesthetic. Conditions recommended for treatment with shockwave therapy: • Plantar Fasciitis • Calcific Tendonitis Shoulder • Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow • Achilles Tendinopathy • Trochanteric bursitis (Lateral hip pain) • Patella Tendinopathy (Jumpers Knee) Advantages of having Shockwave Therapy over traditional methods: • No anaesthesia • Non invasive • No medication • No surgery • Fast treatment – 30 minutes per session, 3-4 sessions required • Fewer complications • Virtually painless after treatment

The shockwaves are felt as pulses which are a little uncomfortable but not painful. (A shockwave is a purely mechanical wave, not an electric one). The surgeon applying your

This article was provided by The Nuffield Health Group www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals 4

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

What happens prior to Shockwave therapy All patients will require an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon who will perform a clinical assessment to ensure that shockwave therapy treatment is the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Each treatment session takes about 30 minutes and it is usual to need 3-4 treatment sessions. As shockwave therapy is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) most private medical insurers will cover such treatment. However, it is essential that patients consult their insurance companies and obtain authorisation prior to their appointment. Self-funding packages are also available and treatment courses are from £250. For more information on this service or to book an appointment with one of the trained orthopaedic consultants please call 01902 267336.

Shock Wave Therapy -

The New Pain Relieving Therapy

This treatment is now available and can help with: • Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow • Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain) • Lateral Hip Pain • Hamstring Tendonopathy

• Patellar Tendononpathy • Achilles Tendononpathy • Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder

Contact your local Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital on 01902 267 336 for more information on this service or to book an appointment with one of our trained orthopaedic consultants

Get the Nuffield Treatment

WOLVERHAMPTON_218x140_AD V2.indd 1

20/06/2013 15:10:12

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Rihanna Spotted with Mi Moneda

MI MONEDA is the new style in jewellery that everyone is talking about! With a strong celebrity following including Rihanna, Halle Berry and the Saturdays, MI MONEDA is fast becoming the ‘it brand’ for women across the world. What does MI MONEDA mean? ‘My Coin’ in Spanish

A clever release system has been designed enabling you to change your coin’s design in seconds.

What is it about? – This exclusive new concept is the original interchangeable coin brand from Europe.

There are many different styles and colours of chains and coins to choose from & for you to have fun with and create a new look every day, with your own personal twist.

In ancient times, coins were used as amulets and made to wear close to the heart and inscribed with a special meaning. The story of the MI MONEDA brand began in Amsterdam, when designer Michelle Mentrop, who had a passion for old coins decided to turn this ancient idea into high fashion silver jewellery. How does it work? – All you need is to choose a chain, a pendant and an interchangeable coin amongst the many styles available.

Where can I find it? You can now find MI MONEDA locally; T.A. Henn is the official and exclusive stockist in Wolverhampton. Start your pack now and new coins could easily end up in your Christmas stocking. Come and try it in store, you will simply love it. Pendants start from £62 Chains from £31 Coins from £12.50!

Now available at T.A. Henn

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Keep an eye out for Competitions and Special Offers on our Facebook page

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All Change! Last year was one of momentous change for us at Chase Grammar School. Starting with the name change itself. Having deliberated at great length over what our new name should be, once the decision was made, things moved really quickly and overnight we became Chase Grammar School. The logo took a little longer with many ideas thrown into the mix. What eventually emerged was our desire for something simple and timeless. With the design sorted we then moved on to precision colours for the various formats which modern technology requires. Finally we were in a position to start replacing all the old logos including those on the uniform. It has been a steady and evolving process and it was only when the new badges were on the blazers that we realised that we needed a new tie to go with the new logo. Alongside these changes our landscaping projects have been progressing and our new planting is now flourishing and blossoming. We are starting to look beautiful and we can see that it will only get better. However, aesthetics aside we are a school. Our job is to educate; to teach our children to learn. Our academic results show how well we do this. These have not changed in the last few years. They are consistently good and we are regularly top of the tables in Staffordshire. We may have a lovely family friendly atmosphere here but we are serious about education. Our expectations are high with a strong focus on basic skills. Without strong foundations a building cannot be secure; without being firmly rooted a tree cannot grow. The same applies to students. If they do not have the basics they cannot properly develop their understanding. Likewise the classroom environment is important. It is this that makes the difference. Our small class sizes ensure all children are known we pay particular attention to the individual and the curriculum is personalised to suit their needs. 8

Many parents may never have considered independent education as an option. Our parents are ordinary people who want the best for their child. They want them to have choices in life and these are best provided through a good education. Of course it is easy to get good results when you select the very best students to fill your places. We do not cream the top off each cohort of students. Not all our students are geniuses. However, we provide them with the best environment possible where those who wish to learn are able to do so. We encourage students to aim high and many achieve more than they could have imagined. Our high flyers this year will be those who have worked hard. Students like Ben who has an average IQ but is predicted to achieve the highest grades. He will not mind me telling you of the conversation we had in January when he wanted to drop a subject because he was feeling the pressure. I suspect that even the charming Ben resorted to some less than flattering comments about my unwillingness to allow him to do this. It was the first time that he had come across a real academic challenge and rather than allow him to give in I suggested he persevere and just keep going for the time being. In the end he produced some excellent work which will give him four top grade A Levels which will set him

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

apart from those who only have three. Behind what was probably seen as a harsh refusal was the fact that I know Ben and I had faith in his abilities. We have seen many students reach this point where the work suddenly gets difficult. Our job is to keep them going through that. I hope that one day Ben will recognise that it was the right decision. Then we have Katie; almost the perfect student. She is hard working and sets herself the challenges. A well behaved girl who gets stuck into everything. She is sensible, mature and one could not ask for much more from a young girl. She pushes to get the top grades and she will achieve some excellent results which will get her into the university of her choice. Again, Katie has average ability. It is the environment and the personal attention that has allowed her to find out just what is required to make her work better. The other day we took a phone call from a parent of a former student. She was one of those average ability students. She was a lovely young lady but she was determined and undoubtedly a hard worker. The call was to tell us that she had just achieved a First Class Honours degree in Law. Now that is not average and I cannot tell you how pleased we are for her.

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Brian Stanley feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted

up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when

we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Cannock and Stafford areas and Brian is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the

personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Brian a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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

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New Showroom Free Dishwasher with every fully fitted kitchen Bathrooms supplied and installed from £2,995 (including tiles)

Longford Island (Side of Shell Garage), A5 Watling Street, Cannock WS11 1SL 01543 500499 www.dreamkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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

Three lucky winners can each win 4 tickets to see Fallen Angels on Monday 30th September at 7.30pm. Just over a decade ago Bill Kenwright presented the year’s most sparkling and celebrated West End comedy hit at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue - Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels. Extraordinarily, the Champagne-corkpopping hit has not been revived since, until now… It graces the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre stage from Monday 30th September to Saturday 5th October. Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe star as best friends Julia and Jane, in a heavenly new production of Noël Coward’s divine comedy classic. With their passionless husbands away playing golf, a mutual long-ago-lover announces his intention to pay Julia and Jane an impromptu visit. All in a fluster, there’s clearly only one thing to do: hit the bottle! Or rather, pop open the Champagne!! As each successive glass of liquid courage is imbibed, tongues start to loosen, hidden jealousies surface, the claws come out, and all attempts at demure behaviour go out the window. But it’s not until the unexpected early return of their golfing husbands that the women’s evening really hits its frenzied peak… ‘Noel Coward’s euphorically funny champagne-fuelled comedy’ Independent on Sunday

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 23rd September 2013. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Julia and Jane’s Husbands are absent from the Champagne frenze due to which sport? A Football B Cricket C Golf Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Valid until Sunday 29th September

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

’s Probus Club en M t ic tr is D d n a ck o Cann “Don’t miss the boat in your retirement” is the message from Cannock and District Men’s Probus Club. A fish and chips cruise on the Trent and Mersey Canal is one of a series of forthcoming social events, it is hoped will help attract new members. Others include visits to Chillington Hall and Gardens, near Brewwod, the Rolls Royce Heritage Collection and Toyota car plants, near Derby and Birmingham’s Assay Office and BBC Studios. The club is launching a membership drive aimed at boosting its numbers from 40 to around 60 – and is

asking local bosses to pass on details to employees who have retired or are to do so shortly. “Our members are from a wide variety of career backgrounds and we welcome anyone interested to come along to one of our meetings, without any commitment to join until they are satisfied it is something they would like to do”, said Chairman Stan Williams. “We hold fortnightly meetings with talks by speakers on a wide and interesting range of subjects and are currently expanding our range of outside visits”. The club meets on alternative Monday mornings at the Unionist Club in High Green, Cannock. To find out more, contact secretary Barry Dowell on 01543 503320.

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

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

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

01543 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk 12

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

lways!

Exceptional Quality A Ralvern ltd manufacturers of sofas, settees, chairs, corner sofas, leather sofas, chaise lounge, occasional chairs and recliners, all made in Cannock Staffordshire. If what you are looking for is well made, something unique, with a personal approach to customer relations, then please feel at home with us. We include a lifetime frame, six inch coil springs, and exceptional build quality always. We have been renowned for our standard of finish and perfection for an outstanding sixty seven years since 1946! Our in house frame making gives you the option to create a lounge

from concept, because all of our frames are made from scratch. We only use the best materials, this gives you the freedom of sizes to fit your room and taste. As an alternative if you cannot part with your existing suite we offer an exceptional reupholstery service that goes above and beyond recovering your choice of fabrics and leathers. We can recreate the original or even better than the standards of the suite or sofa, chairs that you already have and cherish. As standard we strip your lounge sofas back to the frame and start all over again using superior foams, fillings, springs, cushions, then finished by our highly experienced craftsmen to achieve a truly unique lounge setting. We can pick your existing suite up from your home to reupholster, we also offer you a replacement suite while carrying out all work, and then when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve finished we deliver back to your home You are most welcome to come and see us in the manufacturing process, as we do it all in our factory showroom.

Our gallery of fabric books give a good reflection to our capacity to create almost any type of design, using all our experience, drive and passion. If you would like to view more of what the team at Ralvern ltd manufacture and reupholster take a look at our website gallery page for more inspiration. www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk You can contact us at any time via email at sales@ralvernupholstery. co.uk or call Simon or Chris Edwards on 01543 505539 Ralvern Ltd. Unit 19 Martindale Business Park, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7XN

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

complete

the look

28 celebrating

years

beyond expectation 14

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Sisool Tric Flooring by Crucial Trading

expect much more than a furniture store

Cousins are one of the UK’s largest family-owned furniture retailers, celebrating 28 years in business. SAVE AT LEAST AN

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confidence For 28 years, Cousins has been one of the leading family owned furniture retailers in the UK. During that time, the Company has continued to expand both in terms of the number of stores and the choice available. We are still very much a family run business - and our success has been built on offering high quality personal service to our customers and the widest selection of quality living room, dining and bedroom furniture, flooring, rugs and accessories from leading manufacturers, at prices that you can afford. Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, modern or classical, Cousins have the answer. The choice is enormous, all beautifully displayed in inspirational room settings.

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ospice Trust H ’s n re d il h C e is u o L The Donna

Stafford Borough Mayor and Mayoress Bryan and Lily Cross

No adult expects to outlive their child and few of us can fully understand the challenges faced by families who have a child with a life limiting condition. The difficulties with day to day planning or facing what could be round the corner can make normality a distant thing. Life limiting conditions may have existed since birth, have been contracted during early life or may have resulted from an accident. Whatever their cause, the impact can be far reaching. Help and support for these families is available at The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust, the only children’s hospice located in Staffordshire. In addition to providing

respite and end of life care, support is there for the whole family, including brothers and sisters. Community and bereavement support are also key parts of the service provided.

If you would like further information about our work, or if you think you can help, please contact the fundraisers on 01782 654444.

• Photos from Cosmopolitan The hospice serves the whole of night held in January 2013, which Staffordshire and South Cheshire and raised approximately £1500. is currently helping around 180 families across the area. The service is currently limited because of funding constraints. Some 85% of the funds needed come through community support and the fundraising team desperately want to achieve the £2.4 million annual Barbara Riddle, Chairperson, Emma, Fundraiser target in order to provide a from Donna Louise Hospice with Ray Barron who supported Stafford Friends with his Community complete service to those Fund from Staffordshire County Council. who desperately need it.

The Stafford Friends of The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice

We have the following fund raising events coming up

The Stafford Friends are a group of likeminded people who help to raise funds for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. Our group was founded in July 2009 and holds a number of fundraising events in and around Stafford throughout the year. The Group has been fortunate to receive support from the Staffordshire County Council through the Local Community Fund. By supporting our fundraising events you will be helping the hospice to continue it’s vital work in the region.

6th September 2013 Fashion show by “Next One”. A well known clothing at bargain prices also a jewellery stall, candle stall and quality home-made produce, jams, chutneys, cakes etc. (bar available). The event is being held at Stafford Rangers Football Club, Astonfields Road, Stafford ST16 3BX. £3.00 payable on the door. 25th September 2013 Themed James Bond night at Worston Mill, Stafford which includes a 3 course meal and live music. It will start at 7.30 pm £15.00 ticket only event.(see below for contacts) For tickets or any further information please phone Barbara Riddle, Chairperson 01785 226866 or Jenny, Press Officer 07952578451.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com

C A N N O C K ’ S L A R G E S T D I S P L AY OF FIRES & FIREPLACES

* Fireplaces made to measure *Over 100 fires/fireplaces on display * Delivery & installation services available * Free surveys

Gas & Electric fires from £199

*Choice of 45”-54” marble fireplaces ONLY £499 or complete with 3.9kw gas fire ONLY £599

Selection of fires & fireplaces in stock

* Open to the public * Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm * Saturday 10am - 4pm

1st Floor Units 6/7 Norton Canes Business Park Norton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS

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3 Amazing floors of style and choice Create the wow factor with our beautiful ranges of bespoke furniture and accessories

79A Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 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

plies Carvers Building Sup wroom” o h S m o ro th a B e ic o h “The Better C

Carvers Building Supplies are another step closer to getting back on the right track with the opening of another new showroom at their Littles Lane site. Carvers, a fourth generation builder’s merchants, established in 1896, lost a major warehouse facility last year after fire broke out in a wood-burning stove at the premises in the centre of Wolverhampton. The Better Choice Bathroom showroom is another welcome addition to the Carver portfolio, as the company continues its recovery through a major rebuild following the disaster last February. The long established, family-run business in Wolverhampton was determined to thrive despite losing offices, warehousing and stock. Director Henry Carver safeguarded the jobs of 200

employees and vowed to build the business back up again. After opening a temporary store/ warehouse facility last year, Carvers has been operating without a bathroom showroom. Now, with building work underway, a temporary, purpose-built showroom has been installed and kitted out with a wide range of bathroom suites, furniture, sanitaryware and brassware which is open to the trade and general public. The recent months have also seen some other exciting developments, with the launch of the brand new Trade Drive through Warehouse housing a complete range of insulation, plasterboards, cement, timber and joinery products, and allows trade customers to park next to the materials and therefore be quickly picked and loaded, whilst all under cover. In addition, groundworks are due to commence in early September for the build of the final phase,

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

the main Carver showroom and offices, including a new concept builders village. All of which, will expand previous trading facilities and offer a fabulous state of the art new customer showroom as part of the £4m rebuild. Sales Director of Carvers, Andrell Dinham, added, “Once we established that no one was injured in the fire, our immediate priority was to start re-building the business. It has been a long and emotional process, but bit by bit we are building a bigger and better Carvers. After operating for many months without a showroom of any description, the team is delighted to get back on their feet and reap all the rewards that a showroom can offer”. Better Choice Bathroom Showroom, Carvers, Littles Lane, Wolverhampton, WV1 1JY Tel: 01902 577090 www.carvers.co.uk

Better Choice Bathrooms Choice, Value, Advice & Price Visit our new showroom and view our exclusive range of traditional and contemporary bathroom suites and accessories, or call for our complimentary brochure. ROYAL LARGE TOWEL RAIL I916489

£252.58

Inc VAT

WINDSOR BLACK SLIPPER BATH 1720 X 730 X 810 DRAGON FEET (choice of 3) I916808

£676.69

Inc VAT

ONYX MONO BASIN MIXER I916181

SAHARA FLAT TOWEL RAIL 1200 X 450 I916357

£294.12

£58.96

Inc VAT

ONYX BATH FILLER I916192

£83.75

Inc VAT

QUBIC THERMOSTATIC SHOWER KIT I916588

£233.82

Inc VAT

Carvers Better Choice Bathrooms Littles Lane,Wolverhampton, WV1 IJY www.betterchoicebathrooms.co.uk Tel: 01902 577090

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Penkridge based - Cannock Chase Roofing Ltd is a recognisable Staffordshire company that specialises in all aspects of roofing works. Our established company has over 35 years of experience within the roofing trade, which means that our team can quickly establish the problem and effectively resolve it. Our services are easy to access, which begins with yourself contacting our office or sending us an email with your requirements. Then it’s our turn, we will respond to either your phone call or email as soon as you leave it, here we can arrange an appointment for our estimator to visit your property with our central Staffordshire location benefitting us, as we are able to travel to your property with ease. Your quotation will be sent out in the following

days after your first appointment, then it’s up to you whether you want our company to complete the roofing works you require. Customer satisfaction is paramount to our company; we want our customers to feel that they are treated in a personal manner, unlike many commercialised businesses. We feel that our family run business means that you experience a much more humble and hassle free service, which results in high standards of workmanship. Our new scheme of requesting testimonials is key to our company, as other customers can see other peoples experiences with our business. Over time we aim to build up a large collection of customer testimonials, which we hope are all positive representations of our business and the high quality services we offer. `We look forward to hearing from you’. - Cannock Chase Roofing Ltd. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Uniseal UK Limited is based in Burntwood, Staffordshire. We are a well established family firm providing a knowledgeable and courteous double glazing service that

is second to none. So if your old windows and doors need replacing, replace them with Uniseal UK uPVC windows and doors which are easy to maintain and they add value to you property. Another way to add value to your home is to have a quality Conservatory or Orangery installed. We specialise in Upvc windows, doors, conservatories and bi-folding doors. Be safe. Be warm. Be stylish. Improve your home today with high quality, PVCu double glazed windows, doors, conservatories from Uniseal UK Limited. All products have been tested to British Standards BS6735, BS7950, PAS23 and PAS24. Whether you want a conservatory that is built with timber or uPVC, your conservatory will be designed and built to the highest standards to suit your home. We will provide you with a huge choice of styles and finishing details for you to choose from, however we will be happy to offer expert advice if you request it. Your new conservatory will quickly become your favourite room with a view allowing you to enjoy it through all the various seasons for many years to come. Uniseal UK, Staffordshire conservatories supply a simpler, better, faster service we have a vast range of styles to choose from. VICTORIAN - One of the most frequently seen styles of conservatories, The Victorian can be distinguished by its traditional front elevation, comprising of 3 or 5 facets and use of ornate detailing along the centre of the roof. GEORGIAN - The Georgian (also referred to as Edwardian) style of conservatory is similar to the Victorian. The main difference is that they are rectangular on plan maximising the use of internal space. GABLE - Gable conservatories are recognisable from the rectangular floor plan. A major feature of this style is that the front elevation windows extend to meet the roofs apex. This helps to maximise the feeling of light and space. SUNROOMS - Sunroom conservatories are usually rectangular with a low pitch roof. The 24

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

ideal choice of bungalows or other homes where there may be a height restriction. Also known as Lean-to, Mediterranean and Studio rooms. COMBINATION - Combination conservatories offer you an increased flexibility by combining a variety of styles, or by adapting an existing style so that it can be used in the shape of a ‘P’, a ‘T’ or a ‘B’. Replacing standard windows and doors with double glazed PVC-U (also known as uPVC) windows and doors is a proven way to cut energy costs by providing better insulation for your home. Well-designed replacement doors and windows will also make your home more attractive and secure thanks to multi-point and shoot bolt locking mechanisms and security glazing. PVC-U windows and doors are extremely low maintenance and hard wearing, requiring little more than cleaning and occasional lubrication. uPVC CASEMENT WINDOWS - Casement windows is probably the most common house window throughout the UK, Uniseal UK uPVC casement windows usually are hinged on the side, and opened outward. All Our uPVC Casement windows are fitted with high security locks as standard giving you peace of mind. BAY WINDOWS - Bay windows are often used to give the illusion of a larger room, and they also maximizes the amount of light entering the room. A bay window allows views of the outside that would be unavailable with an ordinary window. SASH WINDOWS - If you want to recapture the classic, looks of sash windows, without the risk of drafts and poor security, Uniseal UK sliding sash windows offer the perfect solution. uPVC TILT & TURN WINDOWS - Uniseal UK Tilt & Turn style of window main benefits are the ease of cleaning. Again these windows are all fitted with high security locks as standard giving you peace of mind. ENERGY A RATED WINDOWS - Investing in double glazing will save you roughly a quarter of your heating bills, potentially hundreds of pounds a year. Houses with single-glazed windows lose about two thirds of the heat they generate during a day through their windows. It may seem obvious but doors are an extremely important feature of your home as in addition to keeping it safe and secure, they keep the cold air out and the warm air in. At Uniseal we’ve literally hundreds of combinations of doors from solid coloured panels, composites and stained glass to triple sliding patios and French doors. Each is made from quality uPVC with steel reinforced frames and fitted with high performance seals and superior security locks. For the best value Windows, Doors and Conservatories in Staffordshire call Uniseal now on 01543 674404. Check out our prices on-line www.uniseal-uk.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

r, Cannock

lue Ginge B r o F rd a w A r e th o n A The Blue Ginger, Cannock has been awarded for the second year running ‘The best Indian restaurant in Cannock and surrounding areas for 2013/2014’ at the MBA awards (Midlands Balti Association). This award is assessed on a number of criteria including food, service and atmosphere. The award was given by the midland curry enthusiasts club who are part of the Midlands Balti Association. Abdul Karim the owner of Blue Ginger who explained that he and his staff have been running the restaurant for 2 years, and they have new and returning customers every week. Abdul said “Our aim is, and has always been, to provide the finest in both food and service and to our gratification Blue Ginger has been voted for the second year the Best Indian restaurant in Cannock and surrounding areas for 2013/2014 by the Midlands Balti Association. We were also granted a five star award, awarded earlier in the year by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of excellent food hygiene and general standards”. Take a look at our Christmas Day menu on the opposite page, we are now taking bookings, please book early to avoid disappointment. Abdul says “we were delighted with the outcome for last year’s Christmas Day menu and we are hoping this year will be even busier, so I do advice to book early”. If you are looking for a venue to entertain you and your work colleague’s for the festive season

Picture – Abdul Karim, Owner of the Blue Ginger with MBA award for 2013/2014.

please contact the restaurant direct to reserve your table. We cater for large groups. Our range of different dishes suitable for all tastes & is suitably priced to make sure you get the best in both food quality & value for money. Opening hours: Sunday: 1pm – 10pm Mon – Thurs: 5.30pm – 11.30pm Fri – Sat: 5.30pm – Midnight Blue Ginger, Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock,Staffordshire, WS12 4NU

Telephone: 01534 500300 www.bluegingercannock.com

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Named best Indian restaurant in Cannock & surrounding areas by MBA (Midlands Balti-association) award for 2013-2014

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

Within 5 mile radius and on orders over £10.00

with every takeaway order above £25.00

01543 500 300

Christmas Day Lunch Menu Celebrate your Christmas Party at Blue Ginger, bookings now being taken.

IndIan dIshes

englIsh dIshes

Lassi or Mango Juice

Glass of Fruit Juice, Sherry or Beer

Chicken Cocktail or Paneer Chilli

Main Meal

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

Tandoori Murgh Mossalla, Kurci Lamb or Kurci Chicken

Roast Turkey, Roast Beef or Roast Chicken

appertisers starters

(Served with Vegetable Ahkni or Nan)

dessert Gulabjam or Rasmali Indian Tea

appertisers starters

Main Meal

(Served with Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Roast Potatoes, Mint sauce and Gravy)

dessert

Christmas Pudding or Ice Cream Coffee

Christmas day

First Sitting 12pm Second Sitting 2.30pm

Adult £24.95 Child £11.95

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

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

Recipe kindly provided by James Cracknell – Head Chef at The Moat House

Recipe Of The Month Griddled Asparagus, Panko Crumbed Free Range Hens Egg, Prosciutto Ham and a Grain Mustard Dressing - Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• Asparagus x 12 spears

1. First bring a pan of water to the boil add salt, white wine vinegar, stir water to create vortex, add the eggs, reduce heat to a simmer, cook until just cooked but still soft, then refresh in ice cold water bath.

• Olive Oil • Salt and pepper • 8 slices prosciutto ham DRESSING

• 2tbsp grain mustard • 2tbsp clear honey • 1tbsp white wine • Salt and pepper • 100ml olive oil PANKO CRUMBED EGGS

3. Heat oil in a pan to fry eggs, meanwhile remove eggs from ice bath and pat dry, then cook with seasoned flour, then the milk mixed with egg, then finally cover with panko breadcrumbs, then fry until golden and season.

• 2tbsp white wine vinegar

4. To make the dressing mix the mustard in a bowl with vinegar and honey add olive oil slowly ensuring it mixes together without splitting.

• 50g plain flour

TO ASSEMBLE

• 5 x free range eggs (4 for poaching)

• 100ml milk • 150g Japanese crumbs • Salt and pepper • Bunch of small watercress 28

2. Take the asparagus wash peel and cut ¾ of the way down towards base of the asparagus, heat griddle pan, drizzle asparagus with olive oil and place on griddle, season and cook until just soft, leave to one side.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Take a plate and in the centre arrange 2 slices of the prosciutto ham, re warm asparagus and arrange around the ham, top with the fried egg, garnish with the picked watercress leaves and drizzle with the dressing to finish.

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

Christmas Bookings now being taken!

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

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

01902 307846 01902 738299

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

Eat in or take away

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

Menu Choice Traditional Christmas Dinner or Traditional Indian Dinner 7 course meal Adult: ÂŁ27.95 Child: ÂŁ15.95 Bookings now being taken.

christmas With

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

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

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

The Swan, Stafford

The Swan is a former 18th Century coaching inn which has been part of Staffordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history for over 300 years. Situated in the heart of the historic town of Stafford, The Swan has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment inside and out, including new signage which has seen the hanging sign being reinstated after many years. The Swan offers accommodation of 31 en-suite bedrooms, an award winning brasserie/restaurant, two popular bars, a coffee shop and a beautiful Eco garden. The most recent award being the best restaurant and best coffee shop by the Pride in Stafford Business Awards 2013. On this wonderful sunny evening my partner and I had chosen to visit The Swan Brasserie in Stafford, and we were more than looking forward to eating great food, drinking and relaxing. Arriving at The Swan we were greeted by the Brasserie Manager Aiona who showed us to our table which was perfectly positioned in front of the huge bay window overlooking the town. The interior is simple and beautifully designed and there was a relaxing ambience throughout. Once seated and settled we were given the menu along with the wine list from which we ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio Italy to accompany our meal.

We began to browse the menu and both said we were spoilt for choice. We started with a sharing board of Fish platter as it looked too good to ignore, this consisted of potted mackerel, prawn toast, beer battered mussels, coley goujons, tartar sauce and rustic bread. Everything was fresh and tasty and got our taste buds working right away! For our main course my partner chose The Swan chicken Kiev served with lemon and black pepper wedges, griddled corn and watercress salad and I decided on 8oz sirloin steak served with roasted tomato, roasted field mushrooms, onion rings, chips and watercress and a serving of peppercorn sauce. When our main course arrived we both commented on the beautiful presentation. My steak was rich, juicy and cooked exactly how I liked it. My partner thoroughly enjoyed her chicken Kiev stating that the chicken was succulent. We both agreed that we would be having a dessert as the starter and main were so delicious. My partner was delighted as the dessert menu offers mini desserts, so she got to try two of her favourites being the lemon posset topped with vanilla cream and the seasonal berry Eton mess. I opted for the classic tart au citron finished with lemon sorbet. Again the presentation was spot on and the dessert was so good we were tempted to order another! The food we had this evening was great, the standards high, and we would gladly do it again!

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The new Summer Salad menu is now being served in the Courtyard Garden for outside dining. Prawn, avocado, green bean and new potato salad topped with poached egg and citrus dressing £8.50, Sun blushed tomato, Greek feta, watercress and artichoke salad with tomato and tarragon dressing £7.95, Chargrilled chicken breast and radish salad with wassabi peas and mango dressing £8.95, Pan roasted duck breast with watercress, rocket and peppered strawberry dressing £12.95. Tuesday Night is Vegetarian and Vegan night Available from 5.30pm the Vegetarian and Vegan night menu is priced at £23.95 for 2 courses for two people and includes a bottle of vegan house wine. Wednesday Night is Steak Night Available from 5.30pm the Steak Night menu is priced at £26.95 for two people and includes a bottle of house wine. Thursday Night is Fish Night Available from 5.30pm the Fish Night menu is priced at £26.95 for two people and includes a bottle of house wine.

Dining at The Swan, whether you eat in our relaxing Brasserie, Bar, Courtyard Garden or Coffee Shop you are guaranteed the pick of Staffordshire's local produce.

The Swan Hotel 46-46a Greengate Street, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 2JA

Our new Summer Salad menu is now being served in the Courtyard Garden for outside dining/drinking.

Tel: 01785 258142 Email: info@theswanstafford.co.uk

www.theswanstafford.co.uk

Download Our FREE Restaurant Diary Booking App

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

The Swan - Competiti This month we have teamed up with The Swan, Stafford for one lucky couple to win a spectacular prize of Dinner, Overnight Stay and Breakfast. Situated in the heart of the historic town of Stafford, The award winning Swan has recently undergone a stylish

refurbishment inside and out, including new signage which has seen the hanging sign being reinstated after many years. As unique as the historic building, the bedrooms offer comfort and luxury. Selected rooms feature original period stone fireplaces and exposed wooden beams, there are also a number of romantic four poster suites and four stylish executive suites. With 31 luxury bedrooms you can relax in comfort at The Swan Hotel, Stafford. The Lewis Partnership also runs The Moat House, Acton Trussell, The Dog and Doublet Inn, Sandon and The Bear Grill, Stafford.

Email: info@theswanstafford.co.uk Phone: 01785 258142 Address: The Swan Hotel, 46-46a Greengate Street, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2JA

For your chance to win this fantastic prize please answer the following question: How many luxury bedrooms does The Swan have? 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 Monday 23rd September 2013. Competition Terms and conditions The competition prize will be Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at The Swan Stafford. Prize is based on two people sharing a double room. Beverages will be charged for. Booking will be subject to availability and must be taken by the 31st October 2013. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to The Swan Stafford.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

La La Minky and Salon

Mink

Whether you’re in need of some pampering and de-stressing, or maybe a new hairstyle, we hope you’ll pay us a visit. We are based in a beautiful converted barn in Watling Street, Hatherton, Cannock. Salon Owner June Laing says “Having celebrated our first anniversary in March 2013, clients say they feel completely relaxed in the cosy surroundings of our salons, treatment rooms and relaxation areas.” La Minky is our beauty salon and we have a friendly team of therapists on hand to provide a wide range of treatments and offer any beauty advice. Offering a full range of services, including HD Brows, St Tropez tan Intimate waxing for Ladies and Gentlemen, Facials, Nails, Hand & Foot remedies, Massage and much more. One of our very popular treatments is the St Tropez original tan treatment. This is a luxurious tan that is applied and tailored by an expert. This treatment is a relaxing and pampering, hands on treatment that lasts approx. one hour. This includes a body polish, body moisturizer and tanning lotion. This hand applied treatment is massaged deep into the skin leaving an instant tan that intensifies after 3 hours, leaving skin with the most natural tan imaginable.

Russell Hickinbotham

Russell says “We have customers that travel for miles to experience the beautiful surroundings of Salon La Mink, along with the fantastic service that you thoroughly deserve. With my experience and knowledge of hairdressing you can be sure that you will feel fabulous when leaving the salon!”

- salon owner June Laing explains, “We’ve had lots of recommendations from existing customers and we wanted to give our longstanding customers more than just our thanks for their kind introductions. VIP Reward Cards enable us to track all recommendations and then when the new customers come in they benefit from 30% off their first visit and the customer that made the recommendation gets a separate thank you as well by way of 30% off their next visit. On a typical £60 spend that’s £18 off!

La Minky and Salon La Mink have launched VIP Reward Card to offer rewards and incentives for customers

Customers love it and it’s a great way for us to introduce new clients to our facilities-everybody wins!”

Russell has over 20 years in hairdressing including an advanced diploma in Colour with Wella and an advanced cutting diploma with GHD and Paul Mitchell. He has worked all over the world including LA and Hawawi.

We have some great offers available at La Minky, please see advert opposite and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook at time of booking. Salon La Mink is our hair salon where our teams of highly trained experienced stylists are waiting to make you look and feel fabulous. We are excited to announce that we have the very talented stylist Russell Hickinbotham at the salon.

Scan the QR code on your smart phone and you’ll be taken to viprewardcard.co.uk/laminky where the full benefits are detailed, plus there’s a video tour of the salons.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Spa Monday Buy one get one free express spa package.

only £50 Treat yourself and a friend to a bit of indulgance on Monday 7th October 2013

The package includes: 20 minute back massage 20 minute facial (cleanse, massage, tone and moisturise) Conditioning hair treatment, blow dry and finish with Salon la Mink. Booking required & non refundable payment is taken at time of booking, £50.00 is a 241 offer.

Sexy feet

3 step callous peel

for £15*

Foot scrub and Hot Paraffin wax

for only £20*

LaMinky

*Or both of the above treatments for the special price of £30

St Tropez

Bespoke Tan Treatment Full Leg £10 Half leg £5 Arms £5 Decolletage and face £5 Full Body usually £35 special offer with this advert £25

*Patch test required 48 hours prior to treatment

All offers subject to availability and must end 31st October 2013

Please mention this advert at time of booking.

Telephone 01543 500 340 www.salonlamink.co.uk

Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

really works! t a th n io ct u ed R rk a M Stretch all been confirmed by independent clinical trials and provides an effective alternative to laser skin-resurfacing. Topical anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort and treatment takes around 1 hour depending on the size of the area. In most cases, skin can tolerate mineral make-up application on the same day and normally settles within 2 to 3 days. The generation of new collagen begins 6 weeks after and continues for up to 6 months.

Unsightly stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body and they can often occur as a result of weight gain.

it encounters physical damage, such as cuts, burns and other abrasions.

Stretch marks pose no health risk and don’t compromise your body’s ability to function healthily. They are most likely to appear in places where fat is stored, including the thighs, breasts, abdomen, upper arms and buttocks. Much of the blame for the appearance of stretch marks can be laid at your parent’s door; a significant factor when considering why one individual may have them and not another, is their inherited genes. Weight gain from pregnancy or dieting, loss of skin elasticity and good old fashioned ‘bad luck’ all play their part. However they arise, the effects of stretch marks on self-confidence can be immense and debilitating.

The concept of ‘Skin Needling’ or ‘Collagen Induction Therapy’, Skin Needling allows for controlled induction of this self-repair mechanism. In turn, this re-models and tightens the skin, enhancing its architecture and improving overall skin appearance & texture.

The Cottage Surgery - established in 1992, has over 20years valuable experience in treating a variety of skin types with diverse problems, from acne and acne scarring to pigmentation and sun damage. They are at the forefront of innovative treatment methods and thoroughly test and monitor new programmes for efficacy and value for money. They are proud to be able to offer a non-invasive treatment that effectively reduces the appearance of unsightly stretch marks. Micro Needling Therapy (MNT) is a highly effective treatment which stimulates new collagen to form at a deep level; it is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever 36

Immediately after an injury to the skin, the body re-uses the damaged collagen and elastin fibres as well as other damaged skin components to produce new ones.

The Cottage Surgery has perfected the use of (MNT) using the Clinical Dermaroller to reduce the appearance of stretch marks for many of its clients. These are the professional use only devices, not the short needle devices often imported and unregulated via China! Dermaroller is a registered single-use medical device which is NOT available in salons or outlets without qualified staff. The Clinical Dermaroller used at The Cottage Surgery contain 192 sterile scalpel sharp needles, each one being 1.5 mm long and set at an exact angle of 87.5°. The rollers have been developed, to provide the maximum effect, with the minimum trauma, by stimulating a wound healing response deep within the skin, generating type 3collagen without the risk of permanent scarring. Micro Needling Therapy can also hugely improve acne or atrophic scars, facial and décolleté lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin and pigmentation. Even the backs of hands respond beautifully! This has

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

At The Cottage Surgery our objective is to provide effective anti-ageing and rejuvenation treatments at fair and affordable prices, under qualified supervision within an environment which is constantly monitored for its safety and efficacy of treatment. To find out more information or to arrange a free consultation please call 01384 940499.

The West Midlands’ Leading Cosmetic & Beauty Clinic The Cottage Surgery:

Treatments Include…

• 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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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 940499 • 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 31st October 2013 and mention this advert. Offer cannot be claimed alongside any other offer. | 01952 321334

WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ven… Welcome To Spray Hea At Spray Heaven our Spray tan therapists offer a friendly, professional, unique tanning experience from start to finish.

a specialist low pressure spraying machine which leaves the customer with a gorgeous natural looking tan! The guide colour you see after your tan will be showered off after your development time of 8 hours and with

Our therapists are fully trained and accredited by the Guild of Beauty Therapists in Sienna X spray tanning and will get you looking glam and gorgeous with a natural, sunless tan. Sienna X is a professional spray tan solution that is enriched with natural active ingredients to nourish and moisturise your skin, leaving you with a fabulous, natural – looking colour. Sienna X is a leading spray tan brand and offers different shades of tan suitable for all skin types.

the correct aftercare can last between 5-7 days. Your tan results will depend on how well you tan naturally. with natural active ingredients to nourish and moisturise your skin, leaving you with a fabulous, n Colour Spray tans are perfect for every occasion e.g. maintaining that ‘healthy glow’, hen parties, weddings, proms, dance classes, fashion shows, girlie nights out. We also offer a Bridal tanning service perfect for getting the best colour tan for your big day. We also offer Spray Tan parties for groups of 5 or more people. The host gets their tan FREE!! Spray tan parties are great fun and everyone will have a fantastic tan at the end of the evening. A truly enjoyable experience perfect for girlie nights in, weddings, birthdays, hen parties and loads more.

We offer the customer an easy, quick and safe spray tan in the comfort of their own home. We are also salon based. Our spray tan therapists are fully insured and use a pop -up spray tan cubicle to contain the spray. The tan is applied to your skin using

Once you’ve had a Spray Heaven experience you will looking forward to your next one. So book yours today.

w w w . s p r a y h e a v e n . c o . u k We offer you a quick, convenient and safe sienna x spray tan in the comfort of your own home. We are also salon based. We offer Spray Tan parties for groups of 5 or more people. The host gets their tan FREE! A truly enjoyable experience perfect for girlie nights in, weddings, birthdays, hen parties and loads more.

Special offer: book a spray tan for two people for £25 (must be taken together). Please mention this advert at time of booking.

Book yours today on:

or email:

07580 666234

sprayheaventan@gmail.com

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Spray Heaven

rotherapy! d y H ?… b u T ot H a y h W and muscles and creating a relaxing sensation of weightlessness.

Everyone can benefit from hydrotherapy. Soaking in the hot, swirling water of a hot tub leaves you feeling both mentally and physically relaxed. The spa experience can also provide great fun for you, your family and your friends. There are three factors at work in a hot tub – heat, buoyancy and massage: 1. Immersion in hot water raises the body temperature and causes the blood vessels to dilate resulting in increased circulation. 2. The buoyancy of the water reduces the body weight by approximately 90% relieving pressure on joints

3. Sending a mixture of air and water through jet nozzles creates a massaging action. This “energized” stream of water relaxes tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. Tony Goodwin of Leisureline Spas says ‘In both Eastern and Western medicine, doctors, trainers and physical therapists routinely prescribe hydrotherapy to alleviate the symptoms of muscle strains, sprains and other injuries. It can accelerate the healing process and relieve the pain caused by some types of arthritis and short-term injuries.’

to see our range of hot tubs – or why not book a wet-test?’ Contact Tony or Christine at Leisureline Spas for more details (call on 01952 810168 or email info@leisurelinespas. co.uk) or visit their website www.leisurelinespas.co.uk for more information regarding their range of hot tubs, saunas, accessories and chemicals.

‘Over the years I have been amazed at how much our customers have benefited from using their hot tubs.’ ‘Why not find out for yourself? Come and visit our showroom at Springfield Industrial Estate to discuss your requirements and

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ore!

much m d n a s y e k r fo r e k c o L Hyde’s Key “Hyde’s Key Locker” have added another new service to the business. We now offer number plates made up to suit your taste (legal spec) with or without flags or borders and plain, 3D or Carbon lettering. At the best price as always while you wait. In addition house signs, acrylic photos and other signs all can be designed by the customer exactly how they want it in the shop. We are open 7 DAYS a week 9am5:00pm Mon-Sat and 10am-4:45pm Sundays. We do all house keys, Cylinder, Mortice, Safe blanks and locker keys with a huge range of key blanks in the shop. If we do not have the key you require we will do our best to source it for you within 2 working days. If the plain “boring” house keys are not good enough you can choose from a big range of funkeys from colourful, glow in the dark to Betty Boo, Football teams or Disney Characters.

Our Engraving service is mainly used for pet tags and memorial plaques but we do a whole range of engraveable products trying our best to do every job the customer requires each as personalised as the last with no letter restriction and always open to ideas. A whole range of engraveable items are available to hand such as trinket boxes, Zippo lighters, compact mirrors and card holders are but to name a few. We recently started doing car keys, ranging from plain keys with no transponder, spare car keys with transponder to start the engine also, to the fully remote car keys with transponder as from dealer. Due to the flexible times to suit you the customer, friendly reliable service and prices set to beat any competitor it has taken off with force. The selection of locks and padlocks comes free with any advice needed on size or type along with our fire safety equipment and shoe care products. If a lock fitting service is

required it can also be catered for with ease, just ask in the shop for details. As a whole Hyde’s Key Locker aim to keep undercutting our rivals and provide a better, friendlier and more reliable service. If there are any problems or you require something out the ordinary do not hesitate to ask. The free parking offers convenience and all services are carried out while you wait including car keys and engraving so this will give you chance to have a look around and enjoy what Hollybush has to offer.

Car Keys Key cutting Engraving Security products Key accessories

House Keys

from £3

Funkeys

from £4

Plain Car Keys

from £7.50

Spare Car Keys with Transponder

from £30

Remote car keys as from dealer

from £70

Tel: 01922 411210 / 07581 041840 hydeskeylocker@yahoo.co.uk Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun 10am-4.45pm

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Hyde's Key Locker Hollybush Garden Centre (New Extension) Warstones Road Shareshill WV10 7LX

e, And Affordable bl ia el R , ly d en ri F A Would You Like Your Home? an le C To er an le C ed Police-Check Time for You (Walsall) is part of the Time For You Domestic Cleaning franchise established over ten years ago. We now clean over twelve thousand homes across the U.K. every week. In exchange for competitive rates and a police-checked cleaner, you can begin to enjoy that most precious of commodities once more – TIME FOR YOU. Your cleaner will have been interviewed in their own home, referenced, and police-checked for your own peace of mind. Cleaners only make it onto our database after this thorough process, and they only enter your house if we would be happy to have them in ours. We will be happy to visit you at home to discuss your requirements, and you will have the chance to meet your cleaner before they begin house cleaning services for you.

Your cleaner will be happy to come to your home on a weekly basis and at a time that is convenient for you. Their duties can be tailored to your needs. Our fee is typically £10/hour for a weekly service. Prices may be requested for deep cleaning, exit cleaning, or one-off cleaning. Some of the benefits of choosing your cleaner through Time For You are: • The same vetted, policechecked cleaner each week. • Domestic cleaning requirements aren’t fixed, and can be tailored to suit your needs. • Insurance cover for your peace of mind. • Your cleaner will use your own cleaning materials to prevent crosscontamination between houses. • One-off cleans can be arranged.

If our home cleaning service is something which may be of use to you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Time For You Domestic Cleaning Walsall on: 01922 276676 www.timeforyou.co.uk Find out more on www.timeforyou.co.uk or contact us by email: walsall@timeforyou.co.uk

ta de o Standeford Garden Construction Established 1954

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS • Block paving • Indian stone paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Slabbing • Fencing • Site clearance • All general landscaping

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otteries Visit RoTbehrtevaPn de r Does By

All pictures supplied by Robert Cartwright, for calendars and greeting cards e-mail: robertandrew.cartwright@virgin.net

The Staffordshire Potteries is an industrial area of the English midlands that became renowned for ceramic production during the seventeenth century. The area comprises the six towns of Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton which together now constitute the city of Stokeon-Trent. The Potteries position as the centre of the ceramics industry grew through the availability of salt, clay, lead and coal in the region. Business became considerably more profitable in the Victorian and Edwardian eras thanks partly to an increase in transport links

from the nineteenth century. The industry is now sadly in decline. The Potteries skyline was once dominated by thousands of bottleshaped brick structures known as “bottle kilns”, which were adjoined to factories and used for firing the pottery ware. It is estimated that there may have been as many as 4,000 during the region’s heyday and half that number still stood in the 1950s. The Clean Air Act led to a rapid decline in the usage of the smoke-breathing ovens and only 47 now remain- all of which are listed buildings. Longton, with 20, has retained the most of any of the six towns. The area around the Potteries has long been associated with industry. Iron is alleged to have been produced in Tunstall, the most northern town, as far back as 1280. It is believed pottery

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

was being produced by agricultural workers in the fourteenth century, but it wasn’t until the seventeenth century that ceramic production became an industry when farmers sensed a huge opportunity to improve their income. The growth in industry led to a simultaneous increase in the population, which by 1840 had almost trebled. The demand for goods and the expansion of factories brought about numerous associated trades such as crate making, engraving and colour making. While the industry brought rich rewards and prestige to this area of North Staffordshire, life for workers

and families in the potteries was often gruelling. Children as young as 11 were made to work very long hours and had to put up with the heat of the kilns, poisonous substances and the requirement to break down and carry heavy clay. Visitors to the Potteries sometimes incorrectly presume the small town of Stoke-upon-Trent to be the full extent of the city of Stoke-on-Trent. In fact the former equates to just one small part of the latter, whose main centre is actually at Hanley. That the Potteries has become known as Stokeon-Trent owes simply to Stoke being the controlling parish of the area. Hanley is the most populous of the six towns that make up the Potteries and boasts the largest shopping centre. It was an important manufacturer of china and earthenware from the eighteenth century onwards and is still a centre for ceramics to this day. It became a federated city in 1910 and boasts a cultural centre

including two well-renowned theatres: the Regent and the Victoria Hall; a popular concert venue. Hanley is home to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, which stands on the site of the old Bell pottery. It is open between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. The venue not only celebrates the product the region has become famous for through a vast collection of ceramics but also boasts a works of art display, a World War II spitfire- in honour of local-born designer Reginald Mitchell- and a secret garden. The town of Burslem is often considered the “mother of the Potteries” due to a reputation for producing the best classes of pottery in the country. Josiah Wedgwood, among the most famous and esteemed of all potters, was born here in 1730. Wedgwood and Sons today belongs to a private equity firm based in New York, USA, but it was founded in May 1759 and operated from the Ivy House in Burslem. Wedgwood’s first major achievement was the creation in 1765 of queensware, a new earthenware form that sold extremely well in Europe.

The following year he purchased Etruria, a large Staffordshire estate to live and work from. Here Wedgwood developed a number of innovative pottery wares, such as jasperware and basaltware. His design motifs generally bore the influence of ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultures that were being rediscovered at the time and he shrewdly catered to the fascination of people in high society by producing replicas of ancient artefacts. When Wedgwood- who was the grandfather of Charles Darwin- died in 1795, ownership of his company was succeeded through the family. A multi-million pound Wedgwood museum is based at the Etruria works and features a visitor centre and galleries showcasing Wedgwood pottery, designs and artifacts. Aside from Wedgwood, other potteries that have survived from the at least the nineteenth century include Burleigh, Doulton, Minton and Twyford. The great majority of the established family firms have now been absorbed into larger companies and it is their responsibility to ensure the continued success of the pottery industry to the region.

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Across 7 Request company of (6) 8 Music bands (6) 9 Car storage space (4) 10 Scare (8) 11 Land workers (7) 13 Waste pipe (5) 15 Operating (5) 17 Adjoins (7) 20 Vital (8) 21 At end of finger (4) 23 Take away (6) 24 Tracked down (6) Down 1 Unfasten (4) 2 Target of crime (6) 3 Act on stage (7) 4 Repeat (5) 5 Female parent (6) 6 Desire for food (8) 12 Soaked up (8) 14 Conveniences (7) 16 Country (6) 18 Tent fabric (6) 19 Spiral fixer (5) 22 Brainwave (4)

SUDOKU

Pictograms 4 words

SIGH_ 2 words Maguire, Pollock, Connery, Paul, Bean, Good, Wright-Phillips, Young, Penn, Williamson, Ryder

5 words Puzzle solutions on Page 48

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

INDI N A

f The Reading – A Thing O

Past?

Yet, for me, reading also has a higher purpose. As human beings, we are all confronted with a unique set of problems, dilemmas and philosophical questions during our life’s course. They may be unique to us. But these human dilemmas, problems and questions that we all have are not unique to the human race. Many human beings have faced similar probing issues, problems and questions about humanity and existence, and they have recorded their thoughts and considerations is books. I never fail to be astonished when I am reading to suddenly, with immense delight, stumble across a sentence or a paragraph that seems to pose the same questions that I have. Books make you aware that your mind is not alone in its thoughts. Books can very well help people to make sense of the life that they have been given. Is reading a thing of the past? As long as human beings want to retain civilization, knowledge and a sense of purpose then books must remain an essential part of our world.

Reading is something that English teachers eternally seem to recommend at parents evening. When I am discussing with my clients the importance of reading, I too find myself muttering the question ‘and does he read?’. Red faced looks follow, with an admittance that ‘they used to enjoy reading when they were younger, but now they very rarely look at a book’. Teenagers just don’t read. Yet is reading really as important as we English teachers suggest? Is it something that parents should strive to encourage? The answer must of course be a resounding yes. Reading is crucial. Reading can make the difference to not just grades, but the way a person intellectually and psychologically grows. A life without reading is a life without knowledge. A life without knowledge is a very poor life indeed. In school, it is important to digest as many books as possible because they demonstrate all of the key skills that the student needs to be aware of: variety of sentence structures (simple, compound and complex), punctuation, vocabulary, paragraphing and plot development. Where else can all of the essential English skills be demonstrated like this? The phrase ‘reading to the mind is what exercise is to the body’ is also true. In making a regular habit of reading, a student is ensuring that the mind is regularly exercised, as the imagination is harnessed and new words and ideas are introduced.

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

d A Day! n e p S o T y a W l u rf e d A Won On the return journey many families take a break in their journey at Bewdley, where a short walk will take visitors into this lovely Georgian town, on the banks of the River Severn, with its Christmas tree seasonal decorations and lights.

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

In addition to Santa Specials the SVR operates ‘Santa Herald’ trains on December 20th, 23rd & 24th with a choice of departure times from Kidderminster throughout the day and Christmas Cracker trains for schools throughout the month. On the ‘Santa Herald’ service the train journey is longer but Father Christmas visits every fare paying child in their seats giving out presents. Christmas Cracker trains have a similar format but are only available for pre-booked school, nursery and playgroups. Christmas Luncheon and Evening Dining Trains operate throughout the month and make a super treat for a day or evening out with friends before or after Christmas. Buts that’s not all, on Saturday evenings in December you are invited you to join one of the Christmas Carol trains which operate between Kidderminster and the Visitor Centre at Highley. Community carol singing at various locations along the way, led by a choir, will put you right in the mood for Christmas. Advance booking is essential for all pre-Christmas services as follows: Santa Specials, Santa Heralds & Christmas Carol trains – 01299 403816. Christmas Cracker trains – 01746 862387. Restaurant Car Services – 01562 757515. After Christmas the Railway re-opens on Boxing Day. Why not sample the ‘Festive Season Service’ which operates for 16 miles over the whole length of the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth (or reverse) through to January 5th 2014. For Festive Season trains there is no need to book, just turn up and pay on the day. Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ. Please ensure that you send your name, address and telephone number. Entries to be received by Monday 14th October 2013. Just answer correctly the three simple questions below for a chance to win one of these super prizes for your family.

Our friends at the Severn Valley Railway would like readers to join in the Christmas fun and have provided three sets of tickets for three lucky families to travel on a Santa Steam Special on Sunday December 1st. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic family prize, simply answer the following questions correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights,

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

1. How long is the Severn Valley Railway? 2. Where do all ‘Santa’ services depart from? 3. Where do Santa Steam Specials go to? Winners will be notified by telephone by Severn Valley Railway who will reserve the winner’s seats over the telephone. Tickets are for Sunday 1st December 2013 only and cannot be exchanged, and no cash alternative prize available. Family tickets are for 2 adults and up to 4 children. All entry details will be forwarded to Severn Valley Railway.

tion?

Thinking About Adop

For this reason a group of regional information events have been set up to provide you with a wealth of information about adoption and the process involved. The impact you can have on the life of a child is immense, however many people hesitate believing they are not special enough to adopt a child - they are wrong! People who adopt children are ordinary people and live in ordinary families. But, the one extraordinary fact about them is that they have made a decision to give a child or children, a loving permanent family. We need people like these. We need people like YOU.

Making the decision to apply to adopt is momentous, and one you will need as much information about as possible before making a final decision.

STOP!

We understand how nervous and anxious, yet excited and hopeful you may feel when applying to adopt, and we hope this web site answers your questions, alleviates some of your concerns but most of all encourages and inspires you to become a child’s forever family. To find out when and where your next local info event is please call 0800 073 0597 or log onto adoptionblackcountry.co.uk

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01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Evans Wedding Hire At Evans wedding hire we are striving to provide centrepieces that are popular in the wedding and events industry, our unique and outstanding glass wear range is perfect for someone wanting to create a lasting impression for their guests! We are a West Midlands based company covering Staffordshire, Shropshire and all of the West Midlands and surrounding areas. We specialise in both quality and attention to detail, whatever the occasion our centrepieces are perfect for weddings, corporate events such as; conferences, cocktail parties, award ceremonies, anniversaries and much more. We are always updating our product range with new and exciting centrepieces as we strive to leave that lasting impression on your special occasion. From glassware to candelabra and table plan easels, we are proud to offer our unique selection of quality centrepieces to meet all your requirements. All of our items including our beautiful easels are individually beautiful and we are sure our customers will find something to suit their needs. We provide not only quality products, but a professional and friendly service and help you eliminate the need to compromise by supplying products for any budget. For further details and to see our product range visit www.evansweddinghire.co.uk

Unique - Quality - Peace Of Mind From glassware to candelabra and table plan easels, we are proud to offer our unique selection of quality centrepieces to meet all your requirements.

Evans Wedding & Events Hire

Visit out website to see our full product range

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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

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mail

A Brave Boy Called Is

Lee Hickens is the King behind the well-established Kings Repose Restaurant. Lee and Misbah have run the restaurant since 1996. Lee and his wife Jan spend a lot of time in Northern Cyprus and this is where they have met the bravest young boy Ismail.

The Staffordshire Outlook featured “Ismail’s Story” in January and I wanted to personally thank the anonymous donations that we have kindly received from the readers of this magazine.

have another check-up for 6 months. Jan and I went to see them about a month ago and spent a few hours with them and we took Ismail and his little brother and sister to the local shop (oh and a couple of their friends).

Here is the promised update of Ismail. He is doing pretty well at the moment and he does not have to

We bought them Ice Creams just like normal kids in the UK can do, but they had never done it before, they simply cannot afford it. We got some strange looks walking through the little local village with 5 kids holding our hands just as it was getting dark I think the locals thought we were kidnapping them. I also took him a chess set, and for his age he is very good. I had not played for about 25 years, so luckily enough when he was beating me we had to stop for food so we called it a draw. We took them lots of colouring books and crayons and felt pens, this is what they adore. Like I did in the 60s, you did not have expensive toys or computer games and we would spend hours drawing and painting. Ismail has a kitten he has named it Gilbert after a cartoon show. But he pronounces it Gil Berrt the French way.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

on any adaptions or similar that maybe we could purchase in the UK. Then my email address is obtainable through this magazine. We see this as an ongoing situation and we need to keep the fund open to be able to support this family and also hopefully help when Ismail is well enough to be reassessed for a replacement limb, in the meantime of course we have to carry on with his ongoing cancer treatments and this costs money. If anyone would like to help this appeal we do have an account with HSBC bank in the UK - Ismail’s Appeal Account No. 40079324 Sort Code: 40-10-39

Unfortunately now his mom has been in and out of hospital, she is only 29 and she has serious stomach ulcers due to the amount of stress tension and worry she has been through.

organisation, just a few friends trying to support Ismail and his family. Also please one more request, if anyone could offer me advice

Thank for taking the time to read this and I am contactable through this magazine. I would like to thank Sharon at Staffordshire Outlook for giving me the opportunity to tell you Ismail’s story.

I have managed to get some second-hand clothes and also some friends have brought a few outfits back from the UK and another friend has given me some money to get him some shoes. We have some funding ring fenced for travel to hospital and any treatments we may have to pay for, but if the big guy above is good to us then we can may be in the not too distant future try to get back on track and get Ismail a Prosthesis. He is a very bright boy for his age and his smile could light a room. Unfortunately he has had a bad start in life, losing his left arm in tragic accident, and then a year or so later being diagnosed with a very nasty cancer in his right arm. If anyone could help us in the UK? What would be the possibility of obtaining a second hand false limb, I can furnish a supplier or hospital department with stump size etc. So that Ismail could just simply try it out before we endeavour to purchase one. The reason being because we are concerned that he may not adapt to it. I have learned that they can be quite cumbersome, and tend to be more cosmetic. With our financial situation and Ismail’s on-going Cancer treatment we just simply could not afford to waste the funds. We are not a big

If you have not already read the Ismail story read it on www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ompany?

imited C Should You Form A L Recent tax changes have made it even more important to consider carefully, when running a business, whether it is best to trade as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company. As business advisors to many small local businesses this is the one of the most frequent questions we are asked. The reality is that there is no easy answer. Each situation has to be judged individually. As well as the obvious issues of tax and national insurance contributions (NICs), there are many other potentially relevant factors. In the early years of a business, the privacy and fewer administrative obligations of operating as a sole trader or partnership may be attractive. Business funds can be used with fewer restrictions than in an incorporated environment. This guide looks at some of the advantages and disadvantages of trading as a limited company. It is important to discuss your specific situation with us.

Possible advantages of incorporation • Incorporation normally provides limited liability. If a shareholder has paid fully for his or her shares, he or she cannot normally be required to invest any more in the company. .

• NICs) but strict company law formalities must be observed. • The national minimum wage does not apply to directors (as they are office holders) unless they have a statement of terms and conditions of employment. • Growing businesses can re-invest profits after a corporation tax charge of 20% (if profits are below £300,000), compared with 40% • for higher rate or 45% for additional rate tax paying sole traders and partners together with a 2% class 4 national insurance charge on profits over £41,450. • Corporate status is sometimes thought to add to the credibility or commercial respectability of the business. • The liability of executors acting for deceased shareholders, or of trustees, is clearly defined.

Potential disadvantages of incorporation • Formation of a company incurs legal and administrative costs, which may include new accounting records and possibly systems, new PAYE system, new business tax reference, new VAT registration, requirement to file a corporation tax return, new stationery etc. • Customers, suppliers and service providers must be informed of a change to limited company status. • A company’s accounts must be filed on public view with the Registrar of Companies.

• A company enjoys legal continuity - it can own property, sue and be sued.

• An Annual Return must also be submitted to the Registrar of Companies together with a filing fee of £40 (£13 if filed online).

• Shareholders can be paid in dividends (currently free of

• There is a severe penalty regime in force for failure to file on time.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

• The company will be taxed on its profits of each accounting period, as opposed to the income tax ‘current year’ basis for sole trader and partnerships. A company must file a corporation tax return. • Funds withdrawn from a company normally give rise to tax liabilities, whereas owners of unincorporated businesses can generally introduce and withdraw cash without tax implications. • Remuneration for directors is subject to both employee’s and employer’s National Insurance liabilities - currently up to 25.8%. • For example on a remuneration of £30,000 there is a NI liability of £5,754.43. Both the company and its directors are liable to NIC on many benefits in kind and a form P11D must be prepared for each director, whatever the level of earnings. • This can lead to extra work in filing a tax claim for reimbursed expenses etc. for which individual tax relief is available. • The ‘IR35’ legislation relating to personal service companies could be relevant, especially for IT contractors and other service providers who work for only one customer. • An individual has greater flexibility in dealing with trading losses. • A company director is more at risk of criminal or civil penalty proceedings, e.g. for late filing of accounts or for breaching the insolvency rules. There can be no substitute for a detailed analysis, and we are happy to help you in any way we can. If you require further information on the above issues or any other query you may have please do not hesitate to get in touch.

• 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

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he World Web

fford On T ta S f O s rd a C g in et re G A range of greeting cards featuring scenes of Stafford and District by Stafford photographer Robert Cartwright can now be viewed and purchased on the web. www.ccstafford.co.uk The collection is illustrated with photographs from Robert’s extensive digital library. They highlight Stafford, Shugborough Hall, Cannock Chase, Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve, local villages and the canal scene. The cards are blank within, making them suitable for all occasions, and can be supplied cellophane wrapped if required. Cards ordered by E-mail, via the website, will be delivered personally by Robert to addresses in Stafford and district.

The website indicates a list of stockists where the cards can be purchased in the Stafford area. The cards are printed to a high standard by Jason Cornish, Managing Director of the Calendar Company of Brocton. All the images can be supplied loose or as framed prints, making them suitable for hotels, offices and the home. The sale of cards has exceeded all expectations since they were launched 4 years ago. To achieve his goal of 10,000 cards sold Robert has decided that the time is right to join the world wide web in order to reach a much wider market, while at the same time showing off, through his photographs, the attractions of Stafford and District for more people to discover. Also available, and included on the website, are two calendars

for 2014 – “Stafford and District” and “Canals around Stafford”. A 50 minute DVD “Stafford – A Stroll down Memory Lane” is also available, containing archive film footage, between the years 1934 – 1982. Included in the programme are Stafford Laundry, the Salt works and Stafford Rangers at Wembley.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Buy Bosch at Webbs they make three different ranges to suit all tastes and pockets.” “The Classix range is their practical range of entry level products, still with Bosch build quality and sensible features. The Exxcel range with more features and high performance and the Logixx range with cutting edge design and advanced technology.” “Overall Bosch are our best selling appliances we do really well with their washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers. We have the washing machines plugged in so that we can actually show people how simple they are top use.”

Bosch has been at the forefront of kitchen appliance manufacturing for over 125 years. Their appliances are renowned for their quality, reliability and performance. As you would expect from German engineering, there are no gimmicks or frills - just pure, clean lines and beautiful functional simplicity that will enhance any kitchen. For the second year running Bosch won the prestigious Best Home Appliances Brand in the Which? Awards 2012. That was the third time in 4 years Bosch have won the award. At Webbs we like to sell Bosch appliances, they look good, work well and they last.

“We have all attended Bosch training courses at their head office. We know the products backwards and inside out. We can show our customers how long wash programmes will take for instance. With Bosch machines customers can control the programmes.” Mark says “It’s really clever, for instance if you’re in a hurry you can almost halve the programme time, but it costs a little more. If you have lots of time select Eco perfect and although the wash takes longer it’s much cheaper. It’s just like driving a car you’re in control. But it’s really easy to do and we can demonstrate it instore.”

It is true that there’s a small premium over budget brands but we believe it’s a price well worth paying.

“Another great feature an the Bosch washing machines that people love is the self cleaning drawer on some models. They have smooth walls and jets in each corner that flush the chambers clean. You don’t get a sludgy mess left at the end of the wash.”

Store manager Mark Tranter says “Bosch recognize that people all have different priorities and so

“It’s not just the washing machines that have all these great features. Some of the dishwashers can

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

use just 6 litres of water to do a 13 plate sittings, to do that lot by hand would use 49 litres.” “Bosch fridge freezers are really efficient which really matters because they’re on 24:7. Some have A+++ energy ratings which uses 40% less electricity than an old A rated one. That can save a lot of money over a five year period say. They have a great little design features too like the Big Box freezer compartment which lets you store bulky items and find them again easily.” “Bosch products are very clever and need proper explanation and demonstration. We can do that at Webbs. We take proper care to make sure every customer gets the right product for them. We can deliver quickly, often the same day, and professionally install it and remove the old one. No fuss no hassle.” Visit us soon or check out our website at www.webbs.tv

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Low Frost Energy: A+

was £439.99 now £379.99

KGn30vw20 Fridge Freezer

Full 2 year warranty

wvd24460 washer dryer 5KG Wash Load 1200 Spin

was £549.99 now £469.99 Full 2 year warranty

bsG8Pro1Gb vacuum Home Professional Cylinder

was £349.99 now £249.99 Full 2 year warranty

waQ28461 washer

wae28490 washer 7KG Wash Load 1400 Spin Energy: A+++

8KG Wash Load 1400 Spin Energy: A+++

was £469.99 now £399.99

was £499.99 now £449.99 Full 2 year warranty

Full 2 year warranty

voUCHer oFFer: Free local delivery, connection and your old appliance recycled on any Bosch freestanding product with this voucher worth up to £37.50. Valid until 30th September 2013.

Many More deals at www.webbs.tv Open Monday to Saturday 9.00-5.30pm Free parking opposite store.

SAME DAY DELIVERY Webbs of Cannock Ltd

01543 505062 www.webbs.tv

201-205 Cannock Road Chadsmoor Cannock WS11 5DD

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

t Sport Suzuki Swifylo r by Syd Ta

Latest research findings suggest that motorists are currently feeling the pinch where the fun factor is concerned. Drivers are actually saying that no longer is driving a delight. Indeed - it’s a bit of a nightmare and folk would sooner be putting their feet up in front of the telly than pressing the pedal to the metal. 56

Yes, indeed we know that it can be grim out there on the highways of commuting hell - but take heart, for a new season of motoring excitement is about to dawn. There is a niche market of fun-loving drivers that manufacturers are eager to reward: hence the arrival of the latest generation of two-door small cars with perky performance.

even when compared to rocketry costing squillions of pounds from the likes of Lambastonarri.

The new Suzuki Swift Sport soars high in this select category. It’s an attractive, compact, smartly styled little wonder that has been rated as one of the top ‘fun’ cars by a specialist motoring magazine -

If you’re in the market for a smart and sporty experience, the Swift Sport will answer your prayers and more. On a sun-dappled twisty road it twists and turns and flashes in the light. (Bear with me

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

One look at its cheekily purposeful lines and you’re smiling. Get behind the wheel and there’s a wonderful sensation of freedom. This is a car that doesn’t just take you there but feels like it’s just taking to the air.

on this) It grips the road so tightly it seems to lift the highway up into the clouds where everyday cares are diminished and hitherto inaccessible peaks shrink to the size of molehills! If you want to feel free, unfettered, feisty and fun-loving, the new Suzuki Swift Sport certainly delivers - and all for just £13,749. The new Euro 5 compliant 1.6 136HP VVT engine loves revs, drives the front wheels and gives the car a top speed of more than 120 mph Now with a sixth gear, it’s quite refined at motorway speeds and you can settle down and use cruise control - but motorways are not where you want to be in one of these. Pains have been taken to ensure that all subservient systems are perfectly complementary to the performance available, enabling the Swifts road behaviour to be specifically matched to the engine. And careful provision for the driver to be entirely in control while remaining wholly at ease makes it the very epitome of the performance hatch. Its balance is fine and the faster you go the better it feels: the car seems to thrive on hard driving, always responding with alacrity and reassuring

precision. Stable and sure-footed, this Swift invites fun, not fuss. For the first time in a long time I took to the road with a twinkle in my eye, inserted the most comely passenger I could find, boasted that the sky’s the limit and headed off with a carefree chuckle to confront the stationary tailback at the traffic lights. I said to my passenger, Frances Shonfield, as we waited in the queue, “You might wish to stretch out, for there is plenty of room and once we get clear of this it’ll be vroom, vroom, vroom!... and so it proved. Once all impediments were cast aside and I was able to extend the splendidly engineered machine, there was scarce time between vocal exclamations of pleasure to extol its virtues. For its class, it certainly can turn up the heat. It’s called the Swift and it lives up to its name. It’s a peerless purveyor of perpetual enthralment and even on dark days it twinkles like a fairy light in the gloom. And yet, despite its sportiness it’s as economical as an austerity grocer, returning over 45mpg.

For fun per pound per mile it’s hard to beat, being such a good package that other manufacturers are finding it hard to swallow. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

sts Ltd

peciali Four Ashes Renault S

Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd is a well-established family run business situated just off the main A449 Stafford Road between Coven and Gailey. Now in our 8th year of trading the company has gone from strength to strength offering our excellent skills and services to the motor vehicle servicing / repair industry for both retail and trade customers. Four Ashes Renault Specialists are the alternative to using manufacturers main dealership to service and maintain your Renault vehicle, there is no compromise on the quality of the workmanship and we will save you £££ off your repair costs and we always offer the same parts and labour guarantee as any main dealer would. Here at Four Ashes we are considered by many as one of the best Renault diagnostic specialists in the country. We have Renault ‘CLIP’ diagnostic equipment, which is essential when working with Renaults and a highly skilled team with many years’ experience, our main technician is a Renault main dealer trained Master Tech and won the car maker’s UK Co-Tech Challenge, seeing-off competition from all the other technicians, which won him place at the international final in Paris. Therefore you can be assured you have one of the best Renault technicians in the country looking after your vehicle. We charge a £48 diagnostic fee but if we carry out any of the repair work relating to the diagnostic we waiver the diagnostic fee. 58

If your vehicle is still under manufacturer’s warranty we still can service your vehicle. We service all vehicles to manufacturers’ requirements and use genuine Renault parts, along with stamping your service book (if available). Because we follow the correct guidelines and use genuine Renault parts your warranty is NOT affected. If you have an extended warranty on your vehicle with companies such as the AA, RAC, Warranty Direct, Motorcare and all other companies, we can carry out the repairs to your vehicle. We are also members of the 1LINK network of approved repairs. We offer a free local pick up and drop off service within a 5 mile radius for all servicing and MOT’s or alternatively we can provide you with a free courtesy car (conditions apply). If required we can service your vehicle whilst you wait, we have a waiting room with TV and free refreshments or alternatively some of our customers pop to the local café or pub. In the event of a breakdown we have our own recovery truck this enables us to offer very competitive recovery rates.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

We also have a vehicle accident repair bodyshop catering for all makes and models. So if you have a minor scratch or have extensively damaged your vehicle we can provide you with a free repair estimate and all insurance work is undertaken. Four Ashes Renault Specialists is also an authorized treatment facility for End-Of-Life vehicles. We have an extensive parts department offering new and used parts, all come with a minimum 90 day guarantee. So if you own a Renault and are looking for a fast, reliable, trustworthy and competitively priced company to maintain, repair and service your vehicle look no further! Give us a call there is nothing Renault that we don’t do, so be it a fault with your automatic gearbox, engine or gearbox replacement, an electric window not working, fault displayed on your dash, a service or just a part, we are here to help and most importantly save you money!

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

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

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

10 Reg Vehicles (3 years old) - Your MOT is (or soon will be) due - Check your date of registration on your vehicle log book.

• MOT testing arranged • Large stoock of new and used parts • Computerised diagnostic (main dealer equipment) • Accident/mechanical repairs & insurance work undertaken • All work is fully guaranteed! • Courtesy Cars free of charge • Pick up and Drop-off service* • Servicing while you wait *conditions apply, please call for more details

WITH ANY SERVICE

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

08 Reg and 58 Reg Vehicles DONT FORGET YOUR CAM/TIMING BELT! Most Renaults require Cam/Timing Belt change at 72,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). Cam/Timing Belt failure will result in serious engine damage, so make sure yours is changed at the correct intervals. Call us for more details.

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

01902 790123 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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). 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. NOW with 5 years o % finance at Brindley Vauxhall Cannock IN STOCK NOW FROM £10,999

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

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WHILE STOCKS LAST Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 20.6 (13.7) - 85.6 (3.3). CO 2 emissions: 324 - 88g/km. Pictures for illustration only. Offer subject to availability. We are licenced credit brokers. Finance subject to status. Written details upon request. *Terms and conditions apply.

BRINDLEY VAUXHALL 01543 466466 Main A5, Cannock WS11 1SH

www.brindleyvauxhall.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

n’s Roar io L e th sh a le n U e: p u o Peugeot RCZ GT C by Rob Taylor I don’t care how fast your car is, it’s actually really slow. Motoring in modern Britain can be a cruel and spiteful business, ruined by a myriad gnomic minions all hell-bent on buying gnomes from garden centres. At least that’s my take on things today as I unhappily trundle behind a serpentine trail of slow-pokers, in my quest to exploit the potential of the newly-updated Peugeot RCZ GT Coupe. Yes, it’s sunny and, yes, it’s a mid-week morning, but surely asking to reach third gear and 25 mph shouldn’t be out of the question. Uh-oh, what’s this? ‘Roadworks ahead for 1 mile.’ It’s time to revise my outlook. After all, driving briskly is all about ‘time and place’ and since conditions dictate otherwise, I turn on the airconditioning, snuggle back into my leather throne and enjoy a good pose. I’d even lower the roof, if I could. For this surely has to be the most visually arresting Peugeot ever. Sleek and swooping contours of glistening metal run seductively from its menacing prow towards the ‘double-bubble’ rear window to excite a fire inside the breast of even the most cheerless passer-by; so too does the evocative rumble of the twin exhausts. This car gets attention.

It certainly has my attention now as the road opens up, serving up curves, kinks and freedom from nondescript hatchback tyranny. I deploy the active rear spoiler for some aerodynamic advantage (read: theatricality) and putting myself in mind of former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen’s legendary ascent of Pikes Peak in his Peugeot 405 T16, I engage this bold, bad road with all that the RCZ has to give. Now for a poser: will this pretty promenade poser prove itself here too? The RCZ certainly rides well enough on its 19” ‘Technical’ alloys and is disturbed by only the biggest, small-child gobbling potholes; it covers ground disconcertingly quickly as well- despite its modest 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, 156 bhp and 240 Nm of torque - for the simple reason that all of its power is usable, all of the time. Forget heady supercar top-trump statistics, in the real world less is more.

mph and this performance is never really too detrimental to fuel economy, which is officially recorded as 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle. But if you want to go faster still - and care even less about the tedium of taxation class, insurance ratings and other statesponsored misery - there’s soon to be a 267 bhp version known as RCZ R. Settling down to a steady cruise, calm descends inside the cabin, which can just as easily cocoon and comfort you from the cacophony of outside chatter, if the fancy takes. The RCZ really impresses with its levels of refinement: a wealth of comfort aids come as standard, including parking sensors, auto-lighting, heated seats, hill-start assistance but, more importantly, the build quality and ergonomic logic is spot-on.

Less traffic equals more fun too and I’m now keen to learn yet more about the soul and character of this willing engine: tractable and free-revving, it’s a joy to take up and down the silky smooth six-speed manual gearbox, exploiting a chassis far too competent to be upset in normal road conditions.

This is a quantum leap forward from the uninspiring plastics that are typical of many cars at this price-point. In fact, one of its greatest strengths is that all of this style and substance is very affordable: the range starts at £21,600 (as tested: £24,745). Yet despite this egalitarianism of pricing, there’s a cachet to the RCZ because it’s an individualistic choice - one without obvious rival.

This car is no slouch, either: 0-60 mph is up in 8.3 seconds; top speed is 133

Now, if only Peugeot made a convertible version…

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Useful Numbers CHEMISTS

Cornwell`s Chemist Colliery Pharmacy Bain’s Pharmacy Healthcare Lloyds Pharmacy Minster Pharmacy The Co-operative Pharmacy Boots Northwood Dispensing Chemist

COUNCILS

Hednesford Town Council Cannock Chase Council Cannock Chase Countryside Service Burntwood Town Council Staffordshire Borough Council Staffordshire County Council South Staffordshire District Council

DENTISTS

Elite Dental Clinic (24/7 Emergency line)

01543 509434 01543 462453 01543 279415 01543 422512 01543 504219 01543 577512 01543 572272 01543 573149 01543 424872 01543 462621 01543 450018 01543 677166 01785 619000 03001 118000 01902 696000 01543 505070 07552 947394

EDUCATION

Chase Grammar School (formerly Chase Academy) Cannock Chase High School

01543 501800 01543 502450

St Dominics High School for Girls St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School St Marys Catholic Primary School Sherbrook Primary School Bridgtown Primary School Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School

HOSPITALS

Cannock Chase Hospital South Staffs Healthcare NHS Trust Stafford Hospital Rowley Hall Hospital Nuffield Private Hospital (Wolverhampton)

POST OFFICES

Burntwood Post Office Co-operative Post Office Heath Hayes Post Office Norton Canes Office Pye Green Post Office North East Post Office

01902 850248 01543 512230 01543 510380 01543 510216 01543 510201 01543 502215 01543 572757 01543 686224 01785 257731 01785 238600 01902 267644 01543 679064 01543 425431 01543 279200 01543 279223 01543 871734 01543 279223

LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

In an emergency always call 999 For general enquiries: Staffordshire Police Staffordshire Fire Service

0300 123 4455 08451 221155

s Toms Top Tip: Bunion Bunions Why have I got a bunion like my mum? Bunions are medically known as Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV). This is a condition in which the big toe is deflected towards the outer side of the foot and held there in a fixed position. This creates an enlarged and prominent joint which may become painfully inflamed due to irritation of ill fitting shoes. The joint itself may also become painful during walking, as there is limitation of movement or even total fixation in the joint. When the foot is about to push off the ground the force exerted on the joint is great, but the joint can’t flex and therefore becomes painful.

What causes a Bunion? Some suggest that the hereditary factor is the cause of bunions. This is not quite true; though it is the case that the shape and action of a person’s foot is determined to some extent by genetics, just like other parts of body, it is also accepted that with proper 64

foot care the incidents of inherited bunions can be dramatically reduced. The main cause of bunions is incorrect function of the foot during walking (poor biomechanics). Because the foot is rolling in (pronation), the toes turn out and great pressure is then applied on the big toe joint which over the years gives way and the toe is then pushed further out, constantly damaging the joint. Ill fitting footwear will accelerate bunion development if present.

Reduce your chances of developing a Bunion It is therefore very important to wear good shoes that can accommodate the enlarged joint. In the first place a bunion should be treated conservatively by fitting correct insoles or orthotic devices that will eliminate/reduce the rolling in of the foot and therefore reduce the force on the big toe joint. The area of the prominent joint should be protected to reduce the pressure and friction and so prevent the area from

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

becoming inflamed. See a chiropodist/ podiatrist for an assessment if you are concerned. There are different stages of bunion development. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chances of preventative treatment being successful. Exercise the joint as much as possible in order to keep it mobile as long as possible. The more the joint is fixed the more painful the condition becomes. Always exercise when the foot is nice and warm. If the condition becomes very painful and debilitating, you will be wise to seek medical advice about surgical correction.

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist HPC registered See a Podiatrist/chiropodist for an assessment & treatment if you’re desperate, or call Tom Casey on 07828 613615

Index Of Advertisers Accountants DSN Accountants 53 Adoption Adoption in the Black Country 47 Bathrooms Carvers 21 Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms 9 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Cousins 14/15 CRS 11 Interiors Italia 18/19 Roll-a-robe 12 Beauty La Minky 34 Spray Heaven 38 The Cottage Surgery 37 Building Material Suppliers Carvers 21 Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS 11 Car Sales/Services Brindley Vauxhall 61 Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd 59 Mr Tyre 67 Charity/Hospice Compton Hospice 49

Cleaning Specialist Time For You 41 Conservatories Uniseal 25 Driveways Standeford Garden Construction 41 Education Chase Grammar 2 Learn 4 A 45 Electrical Appliances Webbs 54 Entertainments and Leisure South Staffs Council 33 Fire Place/Stoves Fireside Factory 17 Furniture/Furnishings Cousins 14/15 CRS 11 Interiors Italia 18/19 Ralvern Ltd 13 Garden Construction Standeford Garden Construction 41 Hairdressers Salon La Mink 35 Hot-tubs/Spas Leisureline Spas 39 Hospital (Private) Nuffield 4

Interior Designers Interiors Italia 18/19 Love Lane Interiors 22 Jewellers T.A. Henn 7 Kitchens (Supply, Design & Fit) Carvers 21 Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms 12 Locksmiths Hydeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keylocker 40 Restaurants Blue Ginger 27 Kings Repose 29 Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant 29 The Swan 31 Roofing Cannock Chase Roofing 23 Tiles Tile Choice 52 Tyres Mr Tyre, Cannock 51 Wedding Hire Evans Wedding Hire 48 Windows Cloudy 2 Clear 9 Uniseal 25

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

PICTOGRAM

1. No end in sight 2. Good intentions (Good in 10 Seans) 3. A drop in the ocean

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Mr Tyre - Cannock

Mr Tyre Ltd, the Midlands based chain of tyre and auto centres are celebrating their second anniversary in Cannock. Their Cannock store opened their doors in the 2nd week of June 2011 and they have had one of the best starts in the history of Mr Tyre, which spans and incredible 40+ years! Cannock Manager, Drew Lloyd is keen to point out that the majority of their customers find out about Mr Tyre through recommendations from their friends and family, and such is their popularity that some families have multiple members using the Cannock store. 66

Drew and his team of Shaun, Zack and Craig carry out tyre checks and replacements, exhaust fitting, air con service, servicing facilities and now engine re-mapping which can improve performance as well as fuel economy. Future additions to the facilities over the next 12 months will include on site MOT testing and custom fit stainless steel exhaust systems. Mr Tyre’s Servicing offers have proven hugely popular with customers as Interim Servicing starts at only £49.00 and with Full Servicing starting at £89.00 there are huge savings to be made on dealership prices. Not only that but Mr Tyre don’t compromise on parts quality either as only leading brand named parts are fitted.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Whether it’s for a tyre or brake check, full service, exhausts check or wheel alignment just pop don’t and the lads will look after you and your car. They will offer a no obligation quote and give good honest advice.

Mr Tyre Cannock 99A North Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, WS11 OAZ www.mrtyre.com Opening Hours Monday: Friday 08.30 - 5.30 Saturday: 09.00 - 4.00 Sunday: CLOSED

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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ROOM DEALS 15sqm Selected Wall Tiles 4 Sheets of Stone Mosaics 2 x 10lt Supergrip Adhesive 1 x 3.5kg White Grout 500 2mm Spacers

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all tiles inc. natural stone See instore displays & inspirations with our GOOGLE walk thru at

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CANNOCK

R O F TH E ILE

Units 25&26 Longford Ind.Est Longford Rd WS11 0DG

01543 469400

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WALSALL

Birchills House Birchills Ind.Est. Green Lane WS2 8LE

01922 746666

BILSTON

7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

01902 405526

Also at: BURTON • DERBY • SHREWSBURY • WEST BROMWICH • BIRMINGHAM PERRY BARR • KIDDERMINSTER • BROMSGROVE • NORTHAMPTON • KETTERING • CORBY

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 OPEN 7 DAYS A |WEEK

LICHFIELD

13 Titan Way Britannia Ent Park Lichfield WS14 9TT