staffordshire outlook Magazin e
Delivered to: Cannock, Burntwood, Cheslyn Hay, Hatherton, Shoal Hill, Hawks Green, Heath Hayes Norton Canes, Wedges Mills, Wimblebury, Hednesford, Huntington
November/December 2013 www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk
Great prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a luxury top to toe makeover with La Minky and Salon La Mink Win tickets for Sleeping Beauty at The Grand Theatre Win a Bosch Kitchen Appliance with Webbs, Cannock
November/december 2013
Inside: Restaurants, Motoring, Entertainment, Beauty, Home Furnishings, Interiors, Charities, Local News and Events. 01
Local magazine delivered to 20,000 selected homes and businesses*
Great Theatre at the Grand! TUES 26 - SAT 30 NOVEMBER
★★★★★
‘WILL YOUNG’S TRIUMPH. TomoRRoW doES INdEEd BELoNG To HIm’ TIm WaLKER · SuNdaY TELEGRaPH BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
WILL YouNG aS EmcEE
ONLY WEST S D MIDLANE DAT
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Follow us on
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Like us on Facebook: Wolverhampton Grand
Box Office 01902
42 92 12
BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk 02
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
A Message From The Hello readers, Welcome to the November/ December edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. This year has flown by, I cannot believe that Christmas is just around the corner so hope you are all getting ready for the festive season? You will see that the front page of the magazine has undergone a transformation, we hope you all like this, and a change is always good to keep the magazine looking appealing and fresh. The winners of the luxury overnight stay at The Swan, Fallen Angels at the Grand Theatre, and Family tickets for the Severn Valley Railway from the September/October edition are below.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We have had some great feedback off a few of the winners to let us know that they have really enjoyed the prizes they have won. Don’t forget to enter the competitions in this edition; you could be one of the lucky winners. Good luck!
If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in the Staffordshire Outlook magazine then please contact us on the details below.
The team at the Staffordshire Outlook are extremely grateful to the local advertisers who choose to advertise their business in the magazine, and to the readers who continue to support the Staffordshire Outlook. We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers!
Remember to keep this magazine at hand as we publish a useful numbers page at the back.
Congratulations to the winners of: Winner of a Luxury overnight stay at The Swan, Stafford Tracey Wetton, The Meadows Winners of Fallen Angels at the Grand Theatre Janet Toplis, Cheslyn Way John Bernard, Heath Hayes Wendy Martin, Burntwood Winner of Family tickets for the Severn Valley Railway Carly Griffiths, Huntington Frank Weatherer, Hatherton Katie Devey, Hednesford
Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Ltd 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ Tel: 01952 321334 Staffordshire Outlook Magazine is published by Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Limited www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Advertising enquiries Sharon Caldwell - Sales Director Email: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Editorial/What’s on information Mal Caldwell - Editor Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk
Editor
If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk
This will be your last issue before Christmas; therefore I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Enjoy your read…
Mal
Contents Private is another choice, why wait?
4 Gift Ideas at T.A Henn 6 Christmas at Cannock Shopping centre 8 Win tickets for Sleeping Beauty 10 Tile Choice at Grand Designs 12 A Reflection of our Sofa Company 13 Carvers Building Supplies 14 Wood Burning Stoves 16 Inviting Lighting 17 Christmas Trees at Standeford Garden Construction 20 Excavation at Cannock Chase 20 Time for You 21 Britannia Pine 22 Puzzles 24 CHAPS Phase 3 26 Food Glorious Food 26 Approval of 10p Parking 26 Harrisons Sports & Social Club 27 Recipe of the month 28 Blue Ginger win the Curry Cup 30 Wolverhampton Racecourse restaurant review 32/33 Winter Warmers at La Minky 34 Brewood Singers 36 Toms Tipp 36 Win a top to toe makeover 37 A proud history of specialising 38 in effective medical technologies Hair Unique and Beauty 40 The Old Mill Antique Centre 42 Dive for Dosh at Christmas 44 Sue’s Helpful Horse Tips 46 Hawkes Green Vets 47 Excellent results continue under new name 48 Private Tuition 49 No Relief for Property Business 50 Bosch, Winners for the 3rd Year 52 The History of JCB by Rob Van Der Does 54/55 The all new ADAM 56 The History so far 58 Four Ashes Renault 60 Jaguar XF Sport 62/63 Innovation, Accreditation & Restoration at Shorade 64 Useful Numbers 64 JM Cars and Commercials 65 Puzzle Solutions 66 Index of advertisers 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
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n Hospital to p m a rh e lv o W h lt a e Nuffield H Why Wait? ! e ic o h c r e th o n a is ” “Private If you’re waiting for an operation or the operation you need is no longer available on the NHS, you can choose to have private treatment, so why wait? Our services are affordable and accessible to everyone, both for customers with private medical insurance and for those who wish to pay for themselves. The following simple steps outline how you can get fast access to diagnosis or treatment at our hospital: • Visit your GP and ask to be referred to your local private Nuffield hospital. • Your GP can write an ‘open referral letter’ which will detail the care you need or they may suggest a consultant, in which case the GP will write a ‘direct referral letter’. • If you have Medical Health Insurance, call your insurance provider and they can confirm which consultants and healthcare professionals are covered under your membership and that the treatment you need is covered by your policy. They will issue you with a “pre-authorisation” number. However, it’s important that you liaise closely with your insurance provider before and throughout your treatment.
• Or if you are Paying for Yourself, following your initial consultation, you can pay for your treatment as a one off payment or you may be eligible to use our financial partner, First Medical Loans to cover the cost with more manageable payments. They will help work out what the best options are, enabling you to go ahead with your treatment without a delay or worrying about payment. With an interest-free loan*, there’s no deposit required and you simply pay back the cost of your treatment with 6 or 10 equal monthly payments.
The hospital has on-site physiotherapy with our therapists being leaders in their field and can provide you all you need to help you with pain relief and rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions.
• Contact us here at your local Nuffield Hospital and arrange an appointment that suits you.
• Matron-led care with a dedicated, friendly nursing team
Choosing us for your treatment means you will find a professional and caring environment, with spotlessly clean rooms and nurses who treat you like a person. We pride ourselves on combining the technology of the future with the values of the past that is why we have a dedicated and personable matron, who ensures the highest of standards throughout our hospital. We have undergone a £1 million refresh programme creating a modern, comfortable relaxed environment with the installation of the latest safety features – such as advanced nurse call systems and refreshing the operating theatres. We have 39 private rooms, each complete with a flat screen TV, wi-fi and en-suite facilities.
This article was provided by The Nuffield Health Group www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals 04
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
We also have an on-site pharmacy and pathology department with an imaging department capable of providing X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound and have the latest digital mammography equipment. In our hospital you can expect: • Rapid access to consultations, x-rays and treatment
• First class treatment and clinical standards • See the same consultant throughout your entire treatment • Guidance and support throughout every stage of your treatment • Private, en-suite rooms with excellent facilities So don’t wait, having private treatment may be easier than you think and it is reassuring to know that you DO have a choice! For further information on any of the above please call us today on 01902 267631 or visit our website www.nuffieldhealth.com *Subject to status. Terms and conditions available on request
What are you
waiting for?
At Nuffield Health, we wait for you If you’re waiting for an operation or the operation you need is no longer available on the NHS, talk to us today. Your local private hospital is affordable and accessible both for customers with private medical insurance and for those who wish to pay themselves. Here’s what you can expect from Nuffield Health: • rapid access to consultations, x-rays and treatment • • • • •
see the same Consultant throughout your entire treatment matron led nursing care first class treatment and clinical standards private, ensuite rooms financing options available through First Medical Loans*
*All loans subject to status. Exclusions apply. 0% APR typical. There will be a £55 admin charge. Please visit nuffieldhealth.com/loans for more information.
Don’t wait any longer. Call today on 01902 267631 wolverhampton_218x140_ad.indd 1
18/04/2013 15:01:00
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Gift ideas from the New Autumn/Winter Collections‌ For their La Bella Vita Collection, Ti Sento have beautifully combined the warmth of the rose gold with deep black faceted and handset stones.
New & Exclusive to T.A. Henn in Wolverhampton. In addition to Mi Moneda, T.A. Henn have added Virtue to their portfolio, a lovely silver range of composable lockets with endless colours & style variations to suit every outfit (available in rose gold or yellow gold plated).
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Receive a £150 voucher, when you spend £1,500 or more on Diamond Rings including Engagement Rings* T & Cs: Offer valid until the 31st of December 2013. The £150 voucher is valid on your next purchase at T.A. Henn across the store 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK except on Pandora and must be used before the 30th of June 2014. The voucher is |not valid in conjunction with any other offers.
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as Covered m st ri h C r u Yo s a H e tr en Cannock Shopping C
This Christmas, let Cannock Shopping Centre take care of all your wants, wishes and desires. Whether you are picking out the perfect present at Chatwins Jewellers, stocking up on festive cards at Card Stop, or finding a Christmas party dress at New Look or Trendy Tanya, Cannock Shopping Centre certainly has Christmas covered all under one roof. After a hard days shopping, why not pop into one of the centre’s many cafés such as Costa, Copper Kettle or Recess Café for a coffee and a festive mince pie to really get your taste buds tingling. Cannock Shopping Centre will also be hosting a variety of extra special Christmas activities and entertainment this festive season including a walkabout Santa so why go anywhere else this Christmas! Town Centre Christmas Light Switch On The annual Town Centre Light Switch On will take place on Friday 15th November from 4pm until 8pm. A
variety of entertainment will be on offer including Fireworks at 7pm, face painters, stalls and children’s amusements. Cannock Shopping Centre will be open until 8pm, however, visitors are advised that the multi storey car park will close at 5pm. Christmas Star In September, the shopping centre launched it’s Star Awards Campaign to find unsung heroes in the local community. So far a Star Grandparent and a Young Sports Star have been awarded. Now it is searching for a Christmas Star. Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty? Perhaps you know someone who does an incredible amount of charity work or gives up their time to help others in the community whilst looking after their own family. If so, why not put them forward? To nominate a Christmas Star simply email cannockstars@pmwcom. co.uk with an explanation of why they deserve to win. The deadline for nominations is Sunday 15th December. Remember to include your name, the name of the person you are nominating, their age and your contact details.
Opening hours for Cannock Shopping Centre during the Christmas period Monday 16th December to Saturday 21st December - trading until 6pm Monday 23rd December - trading until 6pm Christmas Eve - trading until 4pm Christmas Day - CLOSED Boxing Day - CLOSED New Year’s Eve - trading until 4pm 08
New2013 Year’s Day - CLOSED STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
The winning Christmas Star will receive a unique, engraved Star Award, as well as a prize from Cannock Shopping Centre. Santa comes to Cannock On Saturday 7th December, Santa will be bringing festive cheer when he visits Cannock Shopping Centre from 11am until 4pm handing out free sweets to visitors of all ages whilst posing for photographs with Christmas shoppers. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, come on down, Santa would love to say Ho Ho Hello! Everyone deserves a little Christmas treat! Most people tend to feel a little worn down after an indulgent festive season, with late nights and Christmas parties, you will no doubt be in need for a little TLC. Do not worry, Cannock Shopping Centre can help! Visit Hair EDZ or Nongs Hairdressers for a bang on trend hair style to see the New Year in. The centre also has a wide selection of beauty shops such as Body Care, Kiss and Make up and Klairs Beauty Bar to help you scrub up on your New Year’s Resolution.
ADVERTISEMENT
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!
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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
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Competition e tr a e h T d n ra G n to Wolverhamp
One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets for Sleeping Beauty on Tuesday 10th December at 7.15pm for you to join in all the Panto action this festive season! Wakey Wakey Wolverhampton, It’s time of year to gather up your family, friends and neighbours and get yourself down to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s spellbinding family pantomime Sleeping Beauty as Joe Pasquale, Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans star in this year’s fairy-tale Christmas extravaganza. Comedian, national treasure and stand-out star of ITVs Dancing On Ice 2013, Joe Pasquale will lead an all-star cast in the role of Muddles. Making his glamorous Grand Theatre panto debut this December is international cabaret artist and variety legend Ceri Dupree in the role of Queen Passionella. Completing this year’s fairy-tale line-up in the role of Princess Beauty is star of stage and screen Lucy Evans. Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, stunning sets and an abundance of comedy, this classic tale of love and enchantment will be magically brought to life in Wolverhampton’s biggest pantomime yet!
Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12. 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 30th November 2013. Winners will be notified by telephone.
Which celebrity TV show did Joe Pasquale feature in this year? A Strictly Come Dancing B Dancing on Ice C Big Brother Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night of the performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
369
799
Cut out and keep this voucher, it gives you FREE Pillows with your New Bed from CRS but hurry it’s only valid until 1st December 2013.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Tile Choice conversions, extensions and renovating homes they were confident in Tile Choice as a brand, the expert advice and quality and choice of products on show. One of the popular tiles of interest was the slate splitface which was recently featured in the new series of Grand Designs along with the wood effect tiles which surprised many people thinking it was real wood, also the black quartz which was laid on the stand floor caught the eye of every passer by.
This year Tile Choice stepped out of their comfort zone into their first exhibition premiering at the Grand Designs Live Show in Birmingham.
Tile Choice would like to thank everyone that visited, and hope they enjoyed the show.
The exhibition ran from 4th - 6th October 2013 at the NEC and it was there biggest and best show to date. Based on the Channel 4 TV series, and presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, the event was packed with over 500 exhibitors, across six different sections, covering interiors, gardens, home improvement, selfbuild, renovations, technology and shopping. With a audience of over 60,000 across the 3 days Tile Choice a TTA Member and winner of the Excellence in Multiple Retailing for two years running experienced an unprecedented response and interest in the there tiles on display. With many visitors planing self builds, barn
Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror wardrobes will enhance the decor of any bedroom by adding light and the impression of doubling the room size.
Roll-A-Robe w w w. r o l l - a - r o b e . c o m
Sliding doors that move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors and so giving more living space, with the addition of planned wall to wall, floor to ceiling storage.
You will find that you have "More useful storage" than you thought! Unit 9 West Cannock Way • Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre Hednesford • Staffordshire • WS12 0QW
01543 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk 12
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
ompany C fa o S r u O f O n o ti c e A Refl Our experience of having our new sofa made by Ralvern in Cannock. Having seen an advert of theirs in a local magazine, I went on to look at their website which features hundreds of handmade bespoke sofas. The range of different styles and sizes, which would suit so many tastes. We searched through the Gallery pages and saw a style that we both loved, you are certainly spoilt for choice! We then went onto the fabrics gallery and found a fabric which matched our decor. The website is so easy
to use and has some fantastic information about Ralvern. We then visited the showroom and we were taken around the workshop where we saw a number of new sofas being made and also some reupholstery of some older furniture to match. The manufacturing process was a great experience, a real insight to how the sofas are made by team of craftsmen who can help you with colour, sizes and style to suit your taste. The style we chose was an Empress Sofa with two Ascot Wing back chairs in the fabric of our choice.
We have had our new suite now for a few weeks and the quality is floorless, everything is spot on and perfect! we are delighted that we have ended up with exactly the right size sofa and chairs to fit our room, and we are happy that this will last us for years. Thank you to you all at Ralvern, we are over the moon with how helpful you all were to us from start to finish. We both would recommend anyone who wants excellent customer service and high quality bespoke furniture to pay Ralvern a visit. Good Luck to you all at Ralvern. Mr & Mrs Benton
Bespoke Sofa Manufacture & Re-Upholstery Specialist Our team of highly skilled professional craftsmen, create and manufacture sofa’s from design, for a living space that is truly unique. Coupled with our huge selection of fabrics we have the ability to create almost any type of bespoke design. Using traditional skills, we can also strip down your old suite or sofa and re-create the original design with our superior re-upholstery which is highly renowned for its finish and meticulous detail. For a truly unique and individual lounge setting we welcome you to our factory showroom to see what we can create for you.
Contact Simon Edwards or Chris Edwards on 01543 505539 Email: sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire - WS11 7XN
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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plies
Carvers Building Sup
The Better Choice Bathroom showroom is another welcome addition to the Carver portfolio, as the company continues its recovery through a major rebuild following a devastating fire at the premises in February 2012. The long established, family-run business in Wolverhampton was determined to thrive despite losing offices, warehousing and stock in the blaze. Director Henry Carver safeguarded the jobs of 200 employees and vowed to build the business back up again. As part of the rebuild, a purposebuilt bathroom showroom has been installed and showcases a wide range of bathroom suites, furniture, sanitaryware and brassware. All of
which is available to the trade and general public. In addition, Carvers have well informed staff who can offer helpful advice and can even arrange to help out with installation too. Carvers Kitchen Studio compliments the bathroom showroom and inhabits the former Carver boardroom, left undamaged by the fire. The studio is fully equipped and offers a wide variety of kitchen displays, featuring modern, contemporary and traditional designs along with a whole host of accessories including all the appliances you need to make your kitchen the real heart of your home from Neff to Smeg, Meile to Kitchen Aid, they have appliances for every need and budget. Carvers also have a specialist Cooker Centre with in-house engineers who can provide service and repair for the entire cooker’s life. The Centre features on display a range of prestigious brands including Lacanche, Esse, Rangemaster, Falcon and Westahl. Exciting times are still to come at Carvers, as the groundworks for
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
the final stage of the rebuild are due to commence shortly and will incorporate a new showroom and office building, 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 and cafe as part of the ÂŁ4m rebuild. Better Choice Bathroom Showroom Tel: 01902 577090 Kitchen Design Studio Tel: 01902 577080 Carvers Cooker Centre Tel: 01902 577060 Carvers Building Supplies, Littles Lane, Wolverhampton, WV1 1JY 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. NIAGRA MONO BASIN MIXER I916126
£48.00
Inc VAT
RRP. £100.00
NIAGRA BATH SHOWER MIXER I916148
SIENNA MODERN FREE STANDING BATH 1680 X 730 X 570mm TAP NOT INC.
I916863
£707.51
Inc VAT
RRP. £1056.00
£133.33
Inc VAT
RRP. £199.00
OPAL GLOSS WHITE WALL MOUNTED CABINET
MIAMI SQUARE CLOSE COUPLED TOILET I916698
£265.99
1500 X 400 X 300mm. I917138
£261.46
Inc VAT
RRP. £397.00
Inc VAT
RRP. £392.00
QUBIC SQUARE TOWEL RADIATOR 1600 X 450mm 2607 BTU I916434
PARIS GLOSS FLOOR STANDING DRAWER WITH BUILT-IN BASIN TAP NOT INC. 800 X 600 X 460mm I917127
£361.13 RRP. £539.00
Inc VAT
£250.58
Inc VAT
RRP. £374.00
Carvers Better Choice Bathrooms Littles Lane,Wolverhampton, WV1 IJY www.carvers.co.uk Tel: 01902 577090
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Wood Burning Stoves With the three main heating commodities, electricity, gas and oil, constantly rising in price, you might like to consider the possibility of installing a wood burning stove. Naturally you will have to have a fireplace. If you haven’t used it for a little time it is essential you get the chimney and flue professionally inspected, by a chimney sweep who is a member of The National Association of Chimney Sweeps. You may find it will be necessary to have the chimney relined, or have an external flue installed. Wood burning stoves are generally cleaner than using coal and wood, wood is a renewable fuel source that is carbon neutral, so you will be doing your bit for the environment. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burnt but the amount given off is considered to be the same as was stored by the tree when it was growing. When considering installing a wood burning stove you should use a registered installer who will be familiar with the different types of stoves and will have knowledge of the local Building Regulations. There are hundreds of wood burning stoves of different makes, models and outputs, so there are several matters
Available from Fireside Factory
to take into consideration when choosing your first stove. Firstly, if you live in a smoke control area you will need a smoke control exempt stove. It will come with a certificate to show that it has passed certain tests and complies with the law. You will obviously need a stove that fits your fireplace and it must be able to heat your room adequately. But what actually do you want your wood burning stove to do? Do you want it to heat just one room? Do you just want to light it just at weekends, use
Available from Fireside Factory
it all winter through, or use it to make a real contribution to your heating? You will have to locate a source for your fuel. You may find a local joinery or timber yard where you will be able to obtain wasted wood and off-cuts. Country dwellers may be able to gather wood locally especially if trees have been felled either in their own gardens, or from homes in the area. Urban dwellers should seek out a source where they can obtain seasoned wood that has been kiln dried. This wood has had 90% of its moisture content removed, burns more efficiently, and uses fewer logs; it thus makes this source of heating more cost effective. Stoves do not like unseasoned wood and as a result burn less efficiently and may get clogged up with resin deposits. Do not use wood that has been painted, and certainly do not use old wood that has been treated for outside use, such as fence posts, because it can contain arsenic. You must also avoid using wood that has been treated with halogens, chlorine, fluorine and bromine. As stated above there are hundreds of stoves available on the market, and the best way for you to see this vast selection is to visit local stockists Fireside Factory, Norton Canes, who will be happy to give you their expert advice.
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
The Lighting
Inviting Lighting After 17 years working in retail lighting as manager of Aspect Lighting - a quality lighting showroom in Sedgley, Paul Longstaff decided to take over The Lighting Warehouse business.
service. Always on hand to advise - the right fitting can add the finishing touches or totally transform a room. Perhaps a mirror will help to reflect extra light or increase the size of the room.
Warehouse If you are looking for stunning lighting for your home call in and see us.
With this in mind Paul offers a home consultation service, already proving popular. Customers can see their ideas lit up in their own homes. Whether creating a feature or providing discreet subdued lighting, a home consultation ensures that the desired effect is achieved.
Using his experience he needed to adapt to the changing market place, by offering a wider choice in affordable lighting giving value for money, but also showing customers the variety of quality lighting available.
Paul invites you to visit the showroom to browse or thumb through the brochures for ideas to light up dark winter nights as they draw nearer.
Paul prides himself on outstanding customer
We stock an extensive range of traditional, modern and contemporay lighting. Unit 22 Longford Industrial Estate, Longford Road, Cannock WS11 0DG
Tel: 01543 572444
CANNOCK’S LARGEST DISPLAY OF FIRES & FIREPLACES
* Fireplaces made to measure * Over 100 fires/fireplaces on display * Delivery & installation services available
*Choice of 45”-54” marble fireplaces just £499 or complete with 3.9kw gas fire just £599
* Open to the public * Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm * Saturday 10am - 4pm
* Free surveys
1st Floor Units 6/7 Norton Canes Business Park Norton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS
01543 277366
www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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3 Amazing floors of style and choice Create the wow factor with our beautiful ranges of bespoke furniture and accessories
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79A Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Tel: 01902 428489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk
Open: Monday to Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11-4pm
www.interiorsitalia.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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mas Trucretioes Real Cndheforirdst n Garden Const from Sta
trees directly to your home in time for Santa! All trees come with free netting and blocking and we will even help you put the tree into your car.
Christmas only comes once a year! So make it one you won’t forget with a real Christmas tree from Standeford Garden Construction. From the 1st December Standeford Garden Construction will be selling real Christmas trees. We have a great variety to choose from including Nordmann Fir trees from 2ft to 20ft, Non shed pines and Holly Wreaths. We are offering a local delivery service to drop the
ta de o Standeford Garden Construction Established 1954
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
Old Stafford Road, Coven WV10 7PH – Find us opposite The Harrows pub on the A449, or call 07748 636549.
• Block paving
Open 7 days a week from the 1st December.
• Site clearance
• Indian stone paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Slabbing • Fencing • All general landscaping • Suppliers of stone, soil, sand etc. Like our page •on Facebook Standeford Garden Construction
07748 636 549 01902 790 238
OLD STAFFORD ROAD, COVEN
annock Chase
on On C World War 1 Excavati There has been great interest as people gathered to watch archaeologists as they painstakingly uncovered a fragile replica of the Belgian town of Messines, devastated during World War 1, on Cannock Chase, near Brocton in September. A few years ago Mr. Pursehouse from Cannock stumbled on the site of the model when his dog started digging at a root in the ground. Probing further Mr. Pursehouse discovered concrete under the surface. He contacted the County Council and the New Zealand Army Museum, and then set up the Chase Project as he researched the history of this unique replica. Buried by almost a century of undergrowth, the crumbling streets, railway lines, churches, shops and homes of Messines look exactly as they did after the battle of Messines Ridge in June 1917 where 50,000 men lost their 20
lives. All the buildings and walls are just a few inches high, and the site covers 40 square metres. Use of trench maps and aerial photographs ensured the model had a high degree of accuracy. It was painstakingly built by German prisoners of war under the supervision of New Zealand troops, and was intended as a training aid for frontline soldiers, who were based in camps on Cannock Chase, as well as being a lasting tribute to fallen colleagues. Funded by Natural England, a team of archaeologists has been working with great care to reveal the details of this amazing discovery. Kirsty Nichol, the project leader and member of No Man’s
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Land Archaeology Group explained “It is perfect in every way, every nook and cranny of this Belgian town was recreated by soldiers who returned from the war”. One feature, believed to be a viewing platform, still exists. Staffordshire County Council will be using laser-scanning technology to re-create the site as a 3D model that can be explored on line. Once it has been recorded the fragile original model will be reburied for its own preservation, and a replica or digital recreation will be installed in the Marquis Drive Visitor Centre to help explain how it was used for training purposes.
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 Are you tired of returning from work on a Friday with only the chores to greet you on the weekend? Imagine if you returned to find the cleaning already done, the bathroom sparkling and kitchen readied to entertain weekend guests. Imagine spending that extra time on family trips, treating yourself at the shops, or enjoying your favourite sports or activities. Time For You Domestic Cleaning aims to put the sparkle back into your home whilst allowing you to enjoy again your most precious of commodities – TIME. We understand allowing a stranger into your home is a big step, which is why all our cleaners undergo a thorough vetting process before we introduce them to any of our clients. The process includes:
week; we won’t send a different cleaner in to a house each week.
• All cleaners being interviewed in their own homes so we can see how they live and discover their idea of cleanliness.
We arrange a home visit for all our customers before commencing services so we are able to understand their requirements, enabling us to tailor our service to suit. Some of our customers request ironing and laundry services in addition to cleaning, which we are happy to provide. Cleaners will also make an introductory visit before beginning work.
• We follow up references from current or former employers of the cleaners. • Cleaners are police checked for our customers’ peace of mind. • We carry out identity and residency checks on all cleaners. • A cleaner will only enter your house if we’d be happy having them in ours. Our aim at all times is to make a suitable match between our customers and the cleaner we are providing for them. We also aim to ensure the cleaner is able to attend the job each
In addition to providing a weekly cleaning service we can also arrange one-off deep cleans or entry/exit cleans.
For more details or to discuss your requirements, CALL NOW on 01922 276676, or email us at: walsall@timeforyou.co.uk. Visit our website at: http://www.timeforyou.co.uk/Home-Cleaning/Walsall
STOP!
Advertising does NOT have to break the bank
Prices starting from just £42 - advertise in your LOCAL magazine
So leave piggy alone! Contact: Sharon Caldwell
t: 01952 321334
e: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk
01922 276676 No piggy banks were harmed in the production of this advertisement
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Furniture d te in a P d n A e in P , k a Quality O bedroom furniture, living room furniture, kitchen and occasional furniture. Our furniture collection is made to the highest industry standards using 100% solid oak. We also stock a full range of hand carved accessories including Vases, candle sticks, Mirrors and ornaments to compliment the furniture. Our goal is to provide customers with quality products at low prices along with personalised customer service. When you visit us, as well as a warm welcome, you will find our staff to be helpful and knowledgeable and we are sure that you will like the competitive prices that they will are able to offer you. All of the items you purchase are hand delivered to ensure that the product delivered to your door is of the same exceptional quality as the product you selected from our traditional showroom. If you do prefer to order your quality furniture online please visit our website where you can buy directly from us. www.britanniapine.com
Here at Britannia Pine we are family run businesses who have been established and trading for over 12 years. We are quality manufacturers and wholesalers of solid wood furniture in pine, oak and painted furniture.
Come and visit our huge two story showroom where you will discover the widest range of quality wood furniture. Our collection includes dining room furniture,
We are waiting to welcome you to Britannia Pine!
Britannia Pine
We aim to cater for all price ranges from low cost furniture to our more expensive ranges. Bespoke Furniture is our wealth of knowledge & passion for creativity to ensure our craftsmen deliver furniture beyond expectations with every bespoke piece of furniture made, designed by you! We can provide solid oak furniture to suit any room in your home be it classic, contemporary, traditional, or painted in many different colours and finishes.
Britannia Pine Ltd, Unit 9B Watling Street, Watling Street Business Park, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 9XG Tel: 01543 379888 Email: Britanniap@aol.com Website: www.britanniapine.com Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm, Sundays & Bank holidays 10am-4pm
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Britannia
Pine
Quality Oak, Pine and Painted Furniture Rustic Large Sideboard
Specialists in bespoke Oak, Pine and Painted Furniture A huge choice of Oak Furniture in our fantastic two storey showroom Designer Zenn Chunky Oak Range
Made from 100% Solid Oak
Our Rustic Oak collection is 100% Solid Oak
Our best selling Milan Range 100% Solid Oak
New container prices - Buy direct and save ££££ In-store only - web prices vary
Regency Stunning Range, made on premises
Vermont Solid Oak Range, with 50mm Oak Tops
Reclaimed Sawn Range, made on premises
01543 379888
Shop on-line: www.britanniapine.com
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm
Unit 9b, A5 Watling Street Business Park, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 9XG Situated on the A5 01952 just before Brownhills heading from Cannock | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 321334
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QUICK CROSSWORD
Across 1 Pulp (4) 3 Arrange (8) 9 Submerged (7) 10 Tablets (5) 11 Focused (12) 14 Short sleep (3) 16 Very angry (5) 17 Half a dozen (3) 18 Normal (12) 21 Innermost digit (5) 22 Very tired (7) 23 Mumbled (8) 24 Hence (4) Down 1 Drugs (8) 2 Piece of cutlery (5) 4 Pole (3) 5 Sequential letters (12) 6 Disease (7) 7 Not difficult (4) 8 Incredible (12) 12 Educate (5) 13 Detonates (8) 15 Factory output (7) 19 Follows eighth (5) 20 Stalk (4) 22 Perish (3)
SUDOKU
Pictograms 7 words
ATC
S
HEL
3 words
ni 12:34 4 words Puzzle solutions on Page 66
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
My Monday 1. Your Tuesday My Wednesday 2. Your Thursday My Friday
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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es [Chaps] c a p S c li b u P In s rt A Chase The extension of time, together with over 900 requests for named bricks – a figure which far exceeded CHAPS’ expectations – will result in a slight delay of the work commencing on site. It is hoped that the contract will now proceed in November of this year, weather permitting. CHAPS intend to organise a dedication of this latest phase sometime in April or May 2014, as close to the anniversary of the dedication of Phase II as possible.
CHAPS have been overwhelmed by the kind comments received and the response for named bricks to be added to the memorial to the miners situated in Hednesford Town Centre.
Such was the demand for application forms leading up to the 31st August deadline that the committee decided to extend receipt of requests until the middle of September. CHAPS sincerely hope that this will have been of benefit to all those people applying and fair to all concerned.
Chase Grammar Harvest Festival Food glorious food was the theme at Chase Grammar School’s Harvest Festival Assembly this week. Students and parents gave generously and the tables were groaning under the weight of lots of lovely food. The Sixth form gave the assembly and reminded us that we are a society that wastes too much food. Wasting food costs the average family with children £680 a year and if we all stopped wasting food the CO2 impact would be equivalent of taking one in four cars off the road. 26
The food will be donated to local charity Addiction Dependency Solutions who regularly have to give out food parcels to people having difficulties and who cannot afford to buy enough food to feed their families.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Bishop Nigel McCulloch has maintained a close interest in the memorial; he led the dedication service in April 2012. He has already been approached regarding the service to be held in 2014 and CHAPS is delighted that he has indicated his willingness to lead that service CHAPS thank everyone concerned for their support with this project and for their ongoing commitment to this worthy memorial.
ay Approval Of 10P Weekd Car Parking Scheme Cannock Chase District Council’s cabinet agreed last night to the pilot of a 10p weekday car parking scheme in the District to support Cannock and Rugeley town centres. Last night’s Cabinet meeting gained approval to a pilot scheme, where for a period of six months parking will be reduced to a 10 pence nominal charge on the Avon Road (Cannock) and Forge Road (Rugeley) car parks after 3pm on weekdays in a bid to increase usages and the footfall in its town centres. The pilot will start 2nd January to 30th June 2014 to provide a potential stimulus to Cannock and Rugeley town centres during the post-Christmas
shopping lull. The scheme is estimated to cost the Council £8,000 in lost income. Before introducing the scheme the Council want to consult with the Cannock and Rugeley Traders Associations through its Town Centre Regeneration Committee. Councillor Diane Todd, Portfolio Leader for Town Centre Regeneration said “We have listened to local traders and want to do all we can to help increase trade into our town centres. It is another example of the Council trying to support its town centres and sits alongside the funds the Council is putting in to the centres to improve their appearance and encourage retailers to take on vacant units.”
Harrisons Club Every Tuesday is DISCO NIGHT with music mainly from the 50s/60s/70s/80s played by our regular DJs Ron Dixon or James Weathers. Starts at 8.45pm till 11.45pm and its £2 on the door. We have live music every Saturday evening and Bingo on Wednesday nights.
All newcomers say the same, I never realised what a lovely place this is, Harrisons Club, if you have never been you should try it. A truly excellent family friendly environment. We are proud to boast being a real live music venue with DIXIELAND JAZZ BANDS on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month and COUNTRY BANDS on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. These are all top Midland bands and it is just £3, pay at the door.
Harrisons was built in the early 1900 and was given to the community by Col. Harrison a few years later to provide social and sporting facilities for the mining community. Over the last hundred years we have moved on to become a fully independent club serving the whole community. In addition to the regular entertainment we have Tribute Bands on Friday nights which is also used for private parties, but book early if you would like to use it. Look us up on Facebook (Harrisons Sports and Social Club) to view what’s on. Crib, Pool, Snooker, Darts, Fishing, Football and Crown Green Bowling facilities are available to our members.
Harrisons
Sports & Social Club Wharwell Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 6EU Tel: 01922 412138 or 07801 236481 Open from: 4pm Mon - Thurs, All day Fri, Sat & Sun.
Harrisons is the Great Wyrley branch of the Royal British Legion Headquarters and we support many other community organisations with fund raising charity nights. Look out for our St. George’s Day celebrations (nearest Saturday to 23rd April) we have a parade around the local streets followed by a fete on our beer garden. These raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Great Wyrley Carnival. We open at 4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with a Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm each day. Fridays we open at 1pm with a Happy Afternoon, 1pm to 6pm. start your weekend here. Saturdays and Sundays open all day. Good bar prices with real ales at just £2.50 a pint. We have a real ale beer festival on 14th/15th/16th and 17th of November. New members and guests are welcome. Come give us a try, you will love it. We are 200 yards off the A34 in Great Wyrley WS6 6EU
REAL ALE FESTIVAL 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th November
Excellent prices!
Happy hour 5pm to 6pm. November Thursday 7th Thursday 14th Friday 15th Thursday 21st Sunday 24th Thursday 28th
December Thursday 5th Thursday 12th Thursday 19th Friday 27th
Millennium Eagle Jazz Band John Wildwood And Country Friends Birmingham Blues Brothers New Washboard Sycopators Harley Street Duo (Open mic night) Knoxville Highway Country Band Chris Carmell's Vintage Jazz Band Ted Higgins And Country Rebs Barbara And All That Jazz Knoxville Highway Country Band
Dixieland jazz or country music band on every Thursday night. Only £3. 60s/70s/80s Disco Night every Tuesday 8.45pm to 11.45pm £2 at door Live entertainment Saturdays Bingo on Wednesday nights.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Recipe kindly provided by James Cracknell – Head Chef at The Moat House
Recipe Of The Month Strawberry Jelly, Elderflower Custard, Strawberry Sorbet, Lemon Meringues INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Strawberry jelly
1. First start by making the sorbet, de stalk and wash the strawberries, place in food processor with the sugar and blend, pass through a fine sieve, put the mixture into an ice cream machine then churn until set and place back in freezer until later. 2. For lemon meringues, in a mixing bowl whisk the egg whites and sugar add the vinegar with the lemon zest and juice and corn flour whisk to from firm peaks. With a piping bag add meringue mix and pipe out small peaks onto greaseproof paper and cook for 1 hour at 100c keeping the meringues soft in the centre and nice and crisp on the out shell. 3. To make the jelly de stalk and wash the strawberries, place in a sauce pan with the vanilla pod, sugar and water bring to the boil and take off heat allowing strawberries to steep in the syrup for about 1 hour. Strain through fine sieve, soak the gelatine in cold water, add to warmed strawberry syrup, pour into glasses and chill until set. 4. To make the custard, place the egg yolks in a bowl along with the sugar and whisk until pale, bring the elderflower and cream to the boil in a thick bottomed pan pour over the eggs and mix, return to the pan and place over low heat stirring at all times to prevent from scrambling. When mixture thickens pull to one side, add gelatine pre soaked in cold water and dissolve, when cool pour onto the set strawberry jellies and re set in the fridge. 5. Once set take from fridge add quenelle of sorbet to centre, arrange the meringues over the top of the sorbet, garnish with slices of fresh strawberries & small mint sprigs.
• 500g strawberries • 110g caster sugar • 800ml water • 6 leaves gelatine • vanilla pod Elderflower custard
• 750ml double cream • 5 egg yolks • 100g caster sugar • 1 leaf galantine • 150ml elderflower cordial Lemon Meringues
• 2 egg whites • 6oz caster sugar • tsp white wine vinegar • Zest and juice of 1 lemon • 3/4 tsp corn flour Strawberry Sorbet
• 800g strawberries • 110g sugar 28
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
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
Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)
Christmas Bookings now being taken!
Indian Cuisine The Kings Repose have been awarded a 5 star award from rate my place for Kitchen Hygiene. Misbah the master chef can cook anything to suit customers requirements. All of the superb mouthwatering dishes being freshly prepared at the time of ordering, using only the finest produce.
Described by many customers as a culinary experience of a lifetime.
New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW
01902 307846 01902 738299
Eat in or take away
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
29
up!
C Winners Of The Curry The Midland Balti Association (MBA) and Blue Ginger held an awards night on Sunday 1st September 2013 at the Blue Ginger Indian Restaurant in Huntington Cannock.
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. 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. Blue Ginger was also awarded Abdul Karim, John Richards (MBA), MP Elect Janos Toth, the Curry Cup which is the Alison Spencer, Cannock Chase New Chairman Doris Grice most prestigious award. This is the highest award given by the A great evening was had by all, with fabulous food MBA. You need to have received at least two awards and excellent service by Abdul and the team, Abdul before being considered for the Curry Cup, and must said “It is great to be recognised by Asian Food have consistent good food and first class service Experts and is great to of been awarded the curry The Curry cup was awarded to Abdul Karim at the awards cup and the best Indian restaurant in Cannock and night by the new Cannock Chase Chairman Doris Grice. surrounding areas for the second year running. We Fellow councillors in attendance were Christine Mitchell, were also granted a five star award, awarded earlier MP Elect Janos Toth, Bob and Diane Todd and Alison in the year by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of Spicer. Other guests included members of the MBA. excellent food hygiene and general standards”. Entertainment on the night included Natasha Marie, Take a look at our Christmas Day menu on the opposite Andy Plimmer, Trevor Santini and Daz James, also Radio page, we are now taking bookings, please book early to Derby DJ Ash Arnold showed his excellent magic skills who certainly baffled a lot of the guests he was fantastic! avoid disappointment. Abdul says “we were delighted with the outcome for last year’s Christmas Day menu Abdul Karim, The Blue Ginger Team, Cannock Chase New Chairman Doris Grice, and we are hoping this year Alison Spencer, MP Elect Janos Toth. 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 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. Blue Ginger offers 2 for 1 on all dishes including specials (for dine in only) Monday to Thursday. For great food, excellent prices and a relaxed atmosphere we at Staffordshire Outlook would highly recommend Blue Ginger. 30
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 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
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t Out h ig N t a re G A , e rs u co Wolverhampton RabyceHelen Taylor
‘Eating-out doesn’t get much more exciting than this’ I thought to myself as my winning horse crossed the finish line at Wolverhampton Racecourse well ahead of the competition. The evening had certainly started well, and it only got better. I’d been looking forward to visiting Horizons Restaurant for sometime. Set high in the main grandstand, the restaurant boasts spectacular panoramic views of the racecourse as well as a private 32
bar, plasma TV screens and a well-designed modern interior. Offering diners the best in both entertainment and food, there’s no doubt that one visit will change what you expect from a night-out forever. After settling down from the excitement of a great win on the first race of the evening, I ordered my starter from a delicious choice of dishes - ‘Warm artichoke and goat’s curd tartlet, with rocket salad, toasted pumpkin seeds and sharp caper berry dressing.’ My friend, Vicky, chose ‘Crispy salt beef with braised radicchio and dressed leaves, served with a soy and honey sauce’.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
We usually have a lot to talk about, but on this occasion our eyes were firmly fixed to the mini TV screen on our table and we discussed only where to place our next bets. That was until the food arrived. Artistically presented, each dish certainly impressed on arrival. Every mouthful proved delicious, and the combination of flavours blended together perfectly. Looking forward to the next course, and having already decided on what we wanted, we hurriedly placed our order for the main meals. ‘Lightly spiced butternut squash, aubergine and tofu in a tangine sauce with fruit cous cous, vegetable cumin fritter finished with lavender
agreed that we haven’t ever had such a good time on a Monday evening - and it wasn’t over yet. Placing our bets for the next race, we felt confident that we’d chosen a winner and made our choices for dessert: ‘Lemon tart with fresh raspberries and crème fraiche’ and a ‘Selection of local cheeses - Double Worcester, Light Wood Chaser and Cromwell Bishop - served with celery, grapes and home made chutney.’ We didn’t win the race, but we were certainly well compensated when dessert was served. petals,’ and ‘Breast of chicken with crisp lye bacon, olive and tomato ravioli, crushed peas served with a stilton cream sauce.’ Each main course had been skilfully created and the unique combination of tastes in my vegetarian dish worked extremely well. Vicky was equally impressed, and enjoyed every mouthful of her perfectly cooked chicken breast. What’s more, the portion sizes were just right and left us nicely full, yet still looking forward to dessert. Getting back to the racing, we made the most of our prime position on the highest of the three seating tiers in the restaurant to watch the action unfold outside. Soaking up the atmosphere, we finished our bottle of wine and
The lemon tart was utterly scrumptious, so good in fact that I could have easily eaten another couple of helpings. Preferring a savoury end to her meal Vicky was more than happy sampling the choice of cheeses. The final race was upon us and as we placed our last bets we reflected on what a great night we’d had for such a small price (£39.95 each); the excitement of the racing, a fantastic three course meal in fabulous surroundings, coupled with exceptional service from the staff meant that every element had been well taken care of. We were looking forward to telling our friends all about it; so that when we next pay a visit there’s no doubt that they’ll be joining us too.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
33
inky
aM Winter Warmers At L
results offering an eventual blemish free smooth skin. Treatable skin blemishes including Thread Veins, Blood Spots, Spider Naevus, Skin Tags, Milia, Warts, and Moles. There are other skin conditions that can be treated please call La Minky for more details.
June Laing
Kim Shaw
With the winter months now upon us, indulge yourself at La Minky in our stunning salon and be pampered with some luxury winter warmer treatments. It may be cold outside but after visiting La Minky you will feel warm, relaxed and de-stressed! June Laing, Salon owner has been in the beauty business for 12 years. She studied at South Staffs College to level 3 standards where she passed all modules with distinctions including Electrolysis, Aromatherapy using Blended Oils and Aromatherapy (VCTC) Blending Oils, Intimate Waxing, Gel and Acrylic Nails. Further education included Jessica Zen Spa Level 2, Transgender Electrolysis, Male and Female Extreme Intimate Waxing (London),Brow Enhancement. June’s specialties are intimate waxing for female and males. June was recommended an outstanding student by a tutor at South Staffs College that student was Kim Shaw.
Skills team and was placed second in the regional competition. Kim excels in holistic therapies and particularly enjoys performing massage and facials. June says “The staff at La Minky including myself are mature, highly qualified and totally comitted to our clients satisfaction. This is La Minkys ethos. The treatments we offer are not conveyor belt treatments, our treatments are bespoke to the client’s needs. Our new and existing clients say they feel completely relaxed in the cosy surroundings of our treatment rooms and relaxation areas, in the beautiful converted barn. We are very excited to announce another fantastic treatment available at La Minky, Advanced Cosmetic Procedures, please see below for more information.” Advanced Cosmetic procedures (ACP) using electrolysis are becoming increasingly popular as knowledge about these fantastic treatments increases. A wide diversity of skin blemishes can be quickly and easily treated with immediate and effective
We are offering the readers of the Staffordshire Outlook half price treatments for all Advanced Cosmetic Procedures, please mention the magazine at time of booking (see advert opposite). La Minky offer 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. We have some great winter warm offers available at La Minky, please see advert opposite. Don’t know what to buy for Christmas presents? Buy a little bit of indulgence with our very own gift vouchers. When visiting us please ask for one of our VIP Reward Cards. This enables us to track all recommendations and 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! Visit www.laminky.co.uk where the full treatments we offer at both La Minky and Salon La Mink, plus there’s a video tour of the salons. Like our page on facebook - La Minky.
Kim Shaw also studied at South Staffordshire College up to Level 3 Beauty Therapy where she was awarded a distinction in this qualification. Kim was also awarded Beauty Therapy student of the year. During her time studying she was entered into the college World
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.
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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
We all need warming up on long winter days so we have decided to introduce a range of special offers to do just that.
Hot Oil Massage A truly deluxe massage
Soles of feet are painted with paraffin wax and body is drizzled with a dreamy hot aromatherapy oil followed by a luxurious back massage
for
£25,
full body
£40
Brighten up your skin this Winter with our
Instant Oxygen Facial Prepare your skin for that special night out or any other occasion
for £25 Follow us
LaMinky
The facial is a 4 step treatment to help brighten dull and tired skin: Step 1. Cleanse: removes impurities, hydrates, refreshes and revives dull skin Step 2. Mask: Oxygen molecules detoxify and fix tired skin Step 3. Moisturise: oxygenating ingredients and Vitamin C revives dull skin, promotes collagen, moisturises and brightens Step 4. Eye Gel: oxygenating ingredients refreshes and revives dull skin
All Advanced Cosmetic Procedures half price throughout December and January* *see opposite page for the Cosmetic procedures
All offers subject to availability and must end 5th December 2013
Telephone 01543 500 340 www.salonlamink.co.uk
Please mention this advert at time of booking.
Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
35
il Surgery a N t: is tr ia d o P e h T Ask Is it painful? Toenail surgery is carried out painlessly under local anaesthetic. This is achieved by using an anaesthetic injection similar to that used by dentists.
What does it involve?
Usually nail surgery follows an initial consultation to see if you are eligible to have the procedure.
A small piece of toenail is removed from the side that is problematic and a chemical is applied to prevent that piece of nail growing back again. Sometimes the degree of toenail problems means that we remove the whole nail.
package includes the nail surgery and two redressing appointments. The cost is variable depending on the amount of surgery and number of toes involved.
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
You can usually go back to work the day afterwards. You simply need to remember to keep your toe protected.
What conditions benefit from nail surgery?
How long does it take to heal?
•
Ingrown Toenails
•
Infected Toenails
•
Deformed Toenails Thick Toenails
•
Painful Toenails
The nail usually heals up over a period of 4 – 8 weeks if you follow all the advice given to you. Over this period we see you for re-dressings to ensure everything is healing well. The Nail surgery
ears Still Celebrating 40 Y
Of Song
Thursday 19th December will see them in the church of Saint Mary and Saint Chad for the annual carol concert – to which they are hoping to welcome past members for this special 40th year concert. Christmas celebrations for The Brewood Singers culminate on the evening of Monday 23rd December when they entertain visitors at the Black County Living Museum. More information is available at www.brewoodsingers.co.uk or call the Secretary Pat Mumford on 01902 850377.
The brewood singers are planning for a busy time up to christmas “It’s been a really lovely year; a feel-good year” says David Brookes, Musical Director of The Brewood Singers who, throughout 2013, have been celebrating 40 years of performing concerts throughout the West Midlands and further afield. “And the celebrations will continue right up to Christmas” he says. Their first carol concert will be given in Bilbrook Village Hall on Saturday evening 14th December. 36
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
If you enjoy singing, and would like to join the Brewood Singers, whose membership ranges in age from early 20’s upwards, please contact the Secretary on 01902 850377, or Musical Director, David Brookes at singersbrewood@gmail.com. They rehearse in the Jubilee Hall, Brewood each Thursday between 8.10pm and 10pm. You can also find the Singers on Facebook ‘Brewood Singers’ and follow us on Twitter @BrewoodSingers.
akeover M e o T o T p o T ry u x u Win A L n La Mink lo a S d n A y k in M a L h Wit This month we have teamed up with La Minky and Salon La Mink to give one lucky reader the chance to win a luxury head to toe makeover. 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 on Watling Street, Hatherton, Cannock. La Minky’s beauty salon specialises in intimate waxing and massages. You can be pampered with luxurious face and body treatments such as facials, manicures, St Tropez tans and their very latest treatment Advanced Cosmetic procedures. Salon La Mink’s hair salon has the very talented stylist Russell Hickinbotham who will make your hair look and feel fabulous!
One lucky reader who wins this amazing prize will receive the following: • Luxury facial • Back massage • Nail polish and file • Callous peel pedicure • Hair treatment • Cut and blow-dry La Minky and Salon La Mink will leave you feeling revitalised, relaxed and looking fantastic inside and out this winter!
To be in with a chance to win this great prize, all you need to do is answer the following question: What two treatments does La Minky specialise in?
Email your answer including your name, address and telephone number to info@staffordshireoutlook. co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ. Entries to arrive by the 25th November 2013. Competition Terms and Conditions Winner will be chosen at random from all the correct entries and notified by telephone. Prize must be redeemed by the 5th December 2013 subject to availability. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to La Minky.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Medical Technologies e iv ct fe Ef In g in lis ia ec A Proud History Of Sp The Cottage Surgery was established in 1992 as a medical practice aimed at combining the real world experience of both a Midlands based Doctor with that of degree qualified Specialist Nurse, unusually both of whom also had medical research backgrounds. The Cottage Surgery was only the 3rd Laser Tattoo Removal centre to set up in the UK, and now has a remarkable and ever growing 21 years of invaluable experience in all things Medical Laser. Bringing this range of advanced laser light based technologies to several other cutting edge therapies, providing long term hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin pigmentation rectification, sun damage rectification, stretch mark reduction, and reducing the general signs of ageing of skin itself. Inventing new acne treatment The Cottage Surgery invented and introduced a new treatment in the fight against acne. One specific medical laser, initially introduced as a collagen building tool, rapidly demonstrated it was also achieving very good results on pitted acne scarring by repairing tissue loss in the hollows left by acne lesions. To follow, a full clinical trial carried out by specialist Acne Dermatologist, Dr Tony Chu of Imperial College London, showed that over a twelve week period, the number of active
lesions dropped dramatically and in fact, reduced even after just one laser treatment by this machine! Whilst treating a mixture of pitted scarring from old breakouts, as well as fresh problem areas, it became obvious to the team at The Cottage Surgery that they were actually controlling acne for a significant number of their patients by using laser treatments as part of the Acne programmes they had devised and developed. It is the continued structured application of a full range of acne treatments that gives The Cottage Surgery such a successful record against this life effecting condition. Not just lasers With the aim of providing the very best effects and long term improvements that the clinics laser therapies bring, they have naturally broadened their range of medical technologies, expertise and experience to move into other medical sciences. Due to the historical focus of the clinics medical bias largely being targeted on improvements to their patients skin, it was natural that other skin therapies were introduced, bringing a more rounded approach and becoming more of a one-stop-shop for all things skin, skin ageing, and skin pigmentation. This desire to treat more of the body’s skin and its associated problems, always with a focus on new technologies, has meant that alongside the invention of new and effective acne treatments the clinic also employs industry leading,
(as featured on television) hugely experienced and highly qualified medical injectors to provide both BOTOX and Dermal Filler treatments, all aimed at reducing or even reversing the natural signs of facial aging. Be assured that their practitioners only ever use the ‘original’ and best quality BOTOX, generated to the specified and correct dilution. They make this point, as many so called ‘lower cost’ injectors are not only using lower grade alternatives, but also offer lower prices by over diluting the injected formula. This means that the desired effects last less long, and thus really aren’t lower cost in the end, but are of lower value! As with all the Cottages treatments, they are proud to offer fully effective and long lasting injectable treatments at prices to suit the Midlands, not Harley Street. They don’t claim to always be the cheapest, but they do achieve their aim of offering the best treatments, which have the greatest effect for the longest periods of time, for a fair price. When this is combined with delivering these therapies from the hands of some of the most highly regarded experts in their field, offering the highest levels of safety and care, together with expertise, that are hard to beat anywhere, - not just in the Midlands. Another specialism The Cottage Surgery has invested in is cost effective, drug free Pain Relief, using a machine normally only to be found at world class sports clubs such as Inter Milan, and often therefore only being used on sports men and women with a multi-million pound price tag! This machine has the benefit of not only overcoming pain, but also has the remarkable ability to speed up the body’s ability to repair itself, thus returning to active life, (or the sporting theatre) far more quickly. Treatments to remove or reduce skin blemishes such as Stretch Marks, Birth Marks, Warts and Verrucae and Skin Tags are also part of the clinics focus.
Before 38
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
After
They have said that to arrange a confidential, friendly consultation that is totally free and without obligation, or to receive a Patient Guide fully explaining the process behind the treatment/s that interest you, please contact them on 01384 940499 or via their websites email contact page.
The West Midlands’ Leading Cosmetic & Beauty Clinic The Cottage Surgery: • Established since 1992 • Professional, affordable treatments • Trained, certified staff who use state of the art technology
BOTOX Treatment
Before
15% OFF ALL TREATMENTS*
After
“I look & feel so much younger, yet haven’t had to break the bank!” Shiela Graham , Dudley
Treatments Include… • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Acne & acne scarring Anti-ageing Birth marks Botox Chloasma Dermal fillers Electrolysis Laser hair removal Hyperhidrosis Tattoo removal Medical peels Melasma Microdermabrasion Non-surgical face lifts Pain relief Photo-rejuvenation Pigmentation Pigmented lesions/Liver spots /Sun spots/Age spots Port wine stains Rosacea Scarring Skin rejuvenation Skin tags Smoking cessation Sports injury Stretch marks Sun damage Telangiectasia Thread vein removal Verruca removal Wart removal Wrinkle reduction injections
Book Your Free Consultation Today Telephone: 01384 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 December 2013 and mention this advert. Offer cannot be claimed alongside any other offer. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39
uty
Hair Unique And Bea
Be the envy of your friends with our beautiful false eye lashes or have your own lashes tinted or permed to make you look and feel gorgeous for any Christmas parties you may be attending. Experience being pampered on the day of your wedding by professional hair stylists and beauty therapists. The bride to be and the whole bridal party can take advantage of the Bridal Hair studio which is solely for the use of your bridal party. You can also indulge in beauty treatments in the dedicated beauty room. The studio can also be used for proms, pamper parties, princess parties and make-overs. Please enquire for details and availability.
Here at Hair Unique and Beauty our goal is to make you look and feel sensational. We are located on Walsall Road, Great Wyrley and we provide a full range of hairdressing services and beauty treatments in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. With our vibrant décor we will exceed all your expectations of a beauty salon. We are passionate about our work and we always strive to do the best for our customers. Our skilled hairdressers offer advanced colouring and cutting techniques. All of our perms and colour services also include cut and finish see opposite advert for our very competitive prices. We use the very best products at Hair Unique and we are official stockists for the Moroccanoil range. Our therapists take pride in their consistent levels of quality and service and it is our aim to make you look fab on the outside and feel great on the inside. We take pride in your appearance to ensure you become one of our return customers. Whether it’s a refreshing facial or a full body massage, we are focussed in safe beauty treatments. We are proud stockists of Cuccio Colour Veneer Gel nails – Permanent gel polish that lasts for up to 3 weeks, strengthens your natural nails, never chips yellows or smudges, high gloss reflective mirror shine, scratch free finish and also ask about the colours being mixed so we can customise your own shade. We want your Cuccio Veneer nails to look good and last for as long as possible so please follow these tips and aftercare points below:
• Do not use nail varnish remover • Don’t pick at your nails • Wear gloves whilst doing housework/washing up • Do not try and remove them yourself • Return to the salon for regular maintenance • Apply cuticle oil daily We offer Sienna x or Fake Bake spray tans to give you that healthy glow even in the winter months. Take advantage of our fantastic offer with the Staffordshire Outlook magazine where this will cost you just £12 in November and December, please mention Staffordshire Outlook at time of booking. 40
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
and Beauty 185a Walsall Road Great Wyrley WS6 6NL
Tel: 01922 412560
Find us on facebook HairUnique AndBeauty
185a Walsall Road Great Wyrley WS6 6NL
01922 412560 Find us on facebook
and Beauty
HairUnique AndBeauty
Beauty Hair Prices from Cut & blow dry Blow dry Dry cut Wash cut Colours (permanent) Colours (Semi perm) Standard highlights (cap) Foils - half head Foils - Full head Perms Acid perms Gents dry cut
£20 £13 £10 £12 £39 £30 £30 £42 £52 £38 £44 £8
All colour & perm services include products, cut & finish
Special offers ber 2013 only)
(For November and Decem Fake Bake OR Sienna X Spray Tan - only £12 File & Polish on Hands OR Feet £5 - including a free mini foot spa
Please mention the Staffordshire Outlook magazine when booking
Lash Extensions Eyebrow tint Eyelash tint Eyelash perm
£15 £5 £6 £20
Waxing Full Leg 1/2 leg Underarm Eyebrow Bikini Lip Chin Lip and chin
£16 £12 £6 £5 £8 £5 £5 £9
Massages Back massage Full body massage Facials
Cuccio Colour
£15 £21 from £13
hands and feet
Cuccio gel polish Cuccio manicure Cuccio pedicure File & polish on hands or feet (including mini foot spa)
£15 from £10 from £12 £6
Spray tan Sienna X Spray tan Fake Bake Spray tan
£15 £15
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Centre by The Old Mill Antique
Denis Ridgway
roof needed attention, so we carried out some emergency repairs and left the scaffolding in place to protect the passers-by from any falling tiles. We then opened discussions with English Heritage about what we could and could not do with the building as it is Grade 2* listed. In the early days our views and that of English Heritage and Shropshire Council on what should happen to the building were very different and so discussions were protracted. Eventually by 2011, after a few personnel changes it all came together, grants were agreed in principle, architects chosen, tenders submitted, and eventually work commenced in September 2012 and the old scaffolding was taken down and substantial new scaffolding was erected.
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The building that fronts the entrance to the Old Mill Antique Centre is a Grade 2* listed building. A building was first built there in 1670 and part of this still forms part of the present structure.
remnants of Chinese wall paper that dates in its designs to around 1650.
The building was then extended in both the Georgian and Victorian era and it has always been a significant building in the Low town area of Bridgnorth. There are no records to show who built the early house or who lived there for the first 120 years. However whoever lived there in the early years must have travelled widely, because there are
My brothers and I bought the land and buildings in 1995 and opened the Old Mill Antique Centre in April 1996, for the first few years we let the ground floor of the Town House as offices, but the house needed a lot of restoration - particularly the roof and walls. In 2007 we erected scaffolding to inspect the roof and discovered that the chimneys and the
The Ridley family had owned the land and buildings from about 1850, first as Maltsters and then as Seed Merchants and on Friday 13th September 1957 there was a fire and the large Mill Building was seriously damaged and about half of the population of Bridgnorth were on the Castle Walk watching it burn. Luckily the Town House was untouched.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Halfway through June 2013 the scaffolding was taken down as most of the work had been completed. There was dancing in the street! Our neighbours have had ugly scaffolding spoiling the look of Mill Street for 6 years, and now as the pictures will show they have a very good looking building instead. They have been very patient and I hope they also agree that the building now looks great. The whole of the roof has been retiled with hand made tiles identical to the originals, chimneys have been rebuilt, Georgian sash windows have been restored and the stone work on the front of the building has been repaired and painted. There is still a front door to be fitted as the photo shows this will be fitted soon as the hand carved brackets are finished. Phase 2 of the refurbishment will hopefully be started before the end of the year when work on the side of the house will be begin; when more windows will be refurbished and the walls rerendered and painted. There will still be refurbishing to do on the inside but the building is sound and will be in safe and secure for another 100 years or more‌
Old Mill Antique Centre Make this Christmas Special - call in and see our extensive range of Fine Gold and quality Fashion Jewellery. Dress Rings 2 Engagement Rings Bracelets 2 Necklaces 2 Earrings Brooches 2 Hair Jewellery We have a huge selection and our prices will make your Christmas sparkle!
Open Seven Days a week 10am until 5pm Old Mill Antique Centre Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG
Tel: 01746 768778
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Dive
or visit:
44
www.compton-hospice.org.uk
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
45
int’s
Sue’s Helpful Horse H An inspiring collection of proven practical horsey tips, the book ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hint’s’ by Staffordshire author Sue Palmer is now available! Sue Palmer MCSP today releases her latest book, ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hints’. ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hints’ is an inspiring collection of proven practical horsey tips from Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist and Equine Behaviourist Sue Palmer. Thought provoking and guaranteed to make you smile, this book encourages the reader to look at life from the horse’s point of view and is a must for every tack room. This is Sue Palmer’s second book, the first being the well-received ‘Horse Massage for Horse Owners’, published through J A Allen. This exciting collection of practical tips encourages the reader to look at life from their horse’s point of view, with unique hand drawn cartoons that have them giggling to themselves while they read. In it you’ll find helpful hints you can use immediately with your own horse. Simple ideas and exercises give results that last a lifetime, enhancing your relationship with your horse and potentially improving his behaviour and performance. Sue says “I’m very excited that this book has reached publication, it’s been a real family effort. I post a ‘helpful horse hint’ on my Holistic Horse Help facebook page every day, which has over 2000 followers, and I send a weekly ‘helpful horse hints’ email to over 9000 subscribers. When I approached my mum, who has always loved drawing and painting, with the suggestion that she come up with
cartoons to go with the hints and we put them together in a book, she was as excited as I was. And with my husband Simon publishing the finished article, I’m exceptionally pleased with the end result!” About Sue Palmer, author: Sue Palmer MCSP, author of ‘Horse Massage for Horse Owners’, is a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist and Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate based in Stafford, Staffordshire. Also a BHSAI, Sue is committed to educating horse owners about the potential physical causes of behavioural problems, particularly ridden ones, and at the time of writing is physio on tour with Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks in the UK. (A valued member of Monty Roberts’ tour team in the UK for many years, Sue is currently cutting back on her touring duties to spend time with her 1yr old boy Philip)
About Sarah Brown, illustrator: Sarah Brown, artist extraordinaire, wife, and mother of three (including Sue), has enjoyed painting and drawing ever since she can remember. Horses have been a part of her life since she was a young child when she helped her father on his milk round with his pony and trap, and it is through Sarah that Sue developed her passion for the equestrian world. Although Sarah has won competitions for her artwork and one of her pictures has been displayed in the National Gallery, this is her first published work. This book is published by Simon Palmer, Into The Lens Ltd, and is available from: www.holistichorsehelp.com. If you would like a review copy please contact Sue Palmer directly (contact details below).
Contact details: Website: www.holistichorsehelp.com Email: sue@holistichorsehelp.com Phone: 07976 413488 46
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
ry Centre
a Hawkes Green Veterin
Four Months On!
What a busy four months! Since our first day of opening on 20th May, we have extended our opening hours and tailored them around our clients needs, recruited additional staff, sponsored the Hednesford Salvation Army Newsletter, supported our local schools, entertained the community at our open day & given the pet loving local population a friendly veterinary service based on quality & devotion, gaining an average of sixty clients a month. We are also progressing sponsorship packages with local youth football teams and other community based projects, as we believe that community support is indeed reciprocal. Every client that joins our practice is greeted with a smile, has the choice of joining one of our money saving schemes, is entitled to free nurse consultations including weight clinics, six month health checks, behavioural advice & old age pet clinics, receives a newsletter introducing our dedicated & friendly staff & if they chose to join our Facebook community they can enter their beloved pets into our monthly “Cutest Pet Photo” competition.
Our vets are experienced & thorough all round vets, each with their own areas of interest & expertise and our nurses are dedicated, enthusiastic & empathetic. During October and November we are running promotional campaigns offering Neutering with 33% off. Working in partnership with Phil at Hawkes Green Pet Supplies we are already able to offer an extremely competitive pricing structure for you and your much loved furry friend, however this opportunity will save you a further 33%. Please contact the Hawks Green Veterinary Centre for further details of promotions on 01543 878625.
You’re going to cut off my
what?... What are the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet?
• Lowers male aggression • Prevents territory marking • Reduces mammary tumours • Can make pet more affectionate • Prevents the bitch/ queen from being harassed by roaming males • Can prevent ovarian/ uterine cancers
Call for details Unit 18 - 19 Brindley Business Park, Chaseside Drive Hednesford WS11 7GD. Tel: 01543 878 625 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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ame! N w e N r e d n U e u n ti n Excellent Results Co
72% A*-B grades at A level 100% pass rate 86% A-C Grades at GCSE including English and Maths It doesn’t happen often but like most of us there are days when I am a little weary and I wonder why I do the job that I do. But then along came the two Thursdays in August when the students come into school for results. It is at this point that I remember exactly why I do the job. The sense of pride that I have for the children on these days is tremendous. So much so that a tear often comes to my eye as I watch parents and children celebrate their successes. They are not my children but in a way they are. I feel like I have watched the children grow and develop into lovely young adults and I think that I feel almost as much pleasure as they do when they open the envelope to a great set of exam results. Chase Grammar School may have changed its name from Chase Academy earlier this year but thankfully the high academic standards remain the same as you can see from our statistics. 72% of the children achieved A*-B grades at A level and we have a 100% pass rate. At GCSE 86% of our children achieved A-C Grades including English and Maths. With a number of overseas students it is clearly too far to travel to collect results and so it is the Registrar Linda Davis who gives them the good news over the telephone. She was particularly thrilled to be telling Head Boy Edgar Lee that he has achieved seven A Levels with grades A* A* A* B, B B B. Edgar will be studying Maths at Warwick University. 48
Matthew Fung will be going to Nottingham University to study Pharmacy and his place has been secured with his results of A* A A C. Leo Liu another hard working students achieved A* A A B C and will be studying Maths at university. Day students at the school have done equally well with Ben Soen achieving A B B C. By all accounts an average ability students Ben has worked exceptionally hard and has excelled in an environment where he has been able to get the teaching needed to improve his grades way beyond the average. Head Girl Katie Wilson will be going to study English at Loughborough with an excellent set of results. She has achieved four B grades which is exceptionally pleasing for someone whose ability says she should achieve only C grades. Jamie Mitchell has achieved an excellent set of grades with four B grades allowing him to go to Lancaster University to study Business At GCSE the results are no less impressive with 86% of the students passing at least five GCSEs. Particular successes are Georgia Dowell 6x A, 7x B, 3x C Georgia Texeira 6xA, 7xB, 1xC Abigail Phillips 5x A, 6x B, 4xC Thomas Bourne 3x A, 5x B, 5x C Kathryn Prestidge 1x A*, 1x A, 9x B Kelsey Drewett 2x A, 9x B, 3x C Philippa Taylor 2x A, 9x B, 2x C Connor Bowdler 1x A, 8x B, 3x C Michael McGann 6x B, 7x C Of course it is the personal stories that capture the imagination and we have our share of those.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Twins Frederick and John Ho have achieved identical results which is even more remarkable as they have done it in one year. They each have A* grades in Maths, Science, Additional Science and Chinese and grade D in English. The latter will disappoint them but then they are studying in a different language and they have only been at the school for one year and even then the exams have been taken a year early. Challenges Michael McGann’s and Philippa Taylor’s achievements are remarkable as both have faced significant health challenges over the last two years. Michael was diagnosed with severe epilepsy but only after years of testing and psychologist and social worker reports. Once diagnosed Michael was able to manage his condition and has gone on to achieve beyond expectations. Philippa also struggled for some time last year when she suffered from paralysis of her legs after a running incident. Philippa went on to make a full recovery and has overcome all the time she missed from school and achieved some remarkable results. Also worthy of note is the fact that 90% of last years’ Year Ten students have already achieved their Maths and English GCSEs at grade C or above but most impressive is that 82% of last years’ year 8 students have passed GCSE Maths at grade C or above, that is a whole three years earlier than most students take it. I am and shall continue to be extremely proud of our students’ excellent achievements.
Hire? o T o h W w o n K I o D w Private Tuition – Ho
Private tuition is something the most parents entertain at some stage of their child’s education. Most parents feel that private tuition is something that will help compliment learning that is taking place at school and make a significant difference to examination outcomes. They are correct.
As I am sure you can imagine, we are all over the moon. I couldn’t have dreamed she would get an A, especially this early. She has a wonderful feeling at the moment, all her hard work has paid off. I am so grateful to you for the guidance you have given, your method really is unique. Thank you Mrs Mason
Yet there are many things to make sure you avoid when looking for that most productive private tutor. Some adults advertise, informing people that they are private tutors, but without disclosing that there are not actually qualified teachers. Did you know that anybody could advertise their services, declaring that they are a private tutor? The most important thing that you should ask for is whether they have a teaching qualification, and ask to see it. Other basic ways of checking credibility is asking for the CRB form and for references from satisfied clients. Good private tutors should also have more personal references to show you. I, for example, keep all of my thank you cards. Thank you cards reveal an end product. They reveal that a good working relationship has been forged over time and, most importantly, there has been an end result! Other things to ask about is what grading they used to get as a teacher, and if they can validate that with proof. Teachers are often observed, and are given four different classifications (Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory). If they are teachers, or if they have been teachers, they should be able to tell you what grade they used to get/do get and even offer some form of evidence (as I can that I am an ‘Outstanding’ teacher). Lastly, listen to what they suggest should be done to improve. How long this should take and what skills exactly they intend to improve. Do not fall into the trap of getting into a routine of seeing a tutor every week for months on end without something quantifiable being achieved for a certain time. I hope this helps! Mr Dalton
Learn more 4 A D i s cov e r Your Pote nt i al Mr Laurence Dalton
Private English Teacher Experience: Head of English, Head of GCSE's, GCSE exam marker, classified as 'Outstanding' according to Ofsted requirements.
Tel: 07525 206388 www.learnmore4a.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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siness
y Bu No Relief For Propert The availability of Business Property Relief (BPR) for inheritance tax (IHT) is critically important as it potentially saves an individual 40% IHT on death (or for relevant trusts the 6% ten year anniversary charge). However, a key point in securing this valuable relief is that the business (unincorporated or company) must not be ‘wholly or mainly of making or holding investments’. This requires a business to demonstrate that it is either a trading business or at least that the majority of its activities and/or assets are classed as trading rather than investment(s). Two important tax cases on BPR this year have focused on the specific issue of the property business. The first concerned whether a single dwelling commercially rented out as a furnished holiday letting (FHL) qualified as a trading business. In that case the Upper Tribunal decided that such lettings are essentially investment businesses and therefore no BPR was available. The result being that 40% IHT became due. The second case considered the same question on the commercial letting of a large office building called Zetland House in London. In the second case the building had been remodelled to provide smaller office units with more facilities and services to tenants to attract occupants particularly from computer, media and high tech businesses. This had resulted in the gross rent and service charges rising to around £2.4m, four times the level received ten years earlier. The building had a restaurant, gym, cycle arch, Wi-Fi, portage, 24 hour access, meeting rooms, media events, outdoor screens for viewing football matches and film shows as well as an art gallery area which therefore required additional staff to run it. The problem The HMRC stance in both cases can be summarised using the wording in the judgement from the FHL case ‘that the holding of land in order to obtain an income from it is generally to be characterised as an investment activity’. However, other tax case law exists which considers that there is a spectrum consisting ‘at one end of the exploitation of land by granting a tenancy coupled 50
with sufficient activity to make it a business’ and ‘at the other end … while land is being exploited, the element of services means that there is a trade, such as running a hotel or a shop from premises.’ The lack of clear HMRC guidance over the years as to what activities and /or services are required to constitute a trade explains why there is a growth in these types of cases as both HMRC and taxpayers challenge the boundaries. The decision The Tribunal acknowledged that with Zetland House, the business activity was not simply the receipt of rent from let property. Services were being provided and other activities were being undertaken. The question was whether those activities elevated the business from mere ownership or investment into a business
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
which would qualify for BPR. After considering in detail all of the services and facilities at Zetland House the Tribunal noted that the provision of services and facilities to a property business will usually be ancillary to the main investment business and so determined that overall it did not qualify as a business for BPR. This is because the purpose of the activities is largely to improve the building and its fabric and to keep the occupancy rates high. The services provided were mainly of a standard nature aimed at maximising income through the use of short term tenancies. If this is an area which may affect you please do contact us for further information and guidance, call DSN Accountants Limited on 01785 716658 or email info@dsna.co.uk
• Statutory Accounts • Personal Tax • Corporate Tax • Management Accounts • Book Keeping • Payroll • Statutory Company Audits • CIS • VAT DSN Accountants Limited Top Corner Offices 1 & 2 Market Street, Penkridge Staffordshire
DSN Accountants are proud sponsors of
Tel: 01785 716658 Mobile: 07826 840147 Email: dean@dsna.co.uk
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Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun 10am-4.45pm
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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e Third Bosch Winners For Th Bosch has won the coveted “Which?” Best Home Appliance brand for the third year in a row. To celebrate this amazing achievement they have launched a massive cashback promotion. Simply purchase a qualifying Bosch appliance from Webbs and Bosch will send you a cheque for upto £100 At Webbs, Bosch are the top selling appliance brand. Store Manager Mark Tranter says ’Our customers trust Bosch, they like the quality and reliability’ ‘We all attend training sessions at their HQ, they’re very good. We also have appliances plugged in so we can demonstrate some of the great features, and show people how easy they are to use’.
Year!
time when they’re in a hurry. This uses a little more energy, but it’s great when you’re in a rush. Or they extend the time and save 50% of the energy, it’s their choice. When this feature is demonstrated to customers and they can see how simple and effective it is they love it’. ‘Bosch products are packed full of really useful features like this. That’s why it’s so important customers buy from a great retailer like Webbs who will demonstrate to them. If the dealer can’t be bothered to show you, do they deserve your custom?’ ‘We’ve got a really great Bosch display, we’ll demonstrate, we’ll deliver the same day and install it too’.
‘For instance their washing machines have a feature called Vario Perfect. Customers can very easily select their preferred programme and vary its time. They can speed the programme up and save 65%
This month we have teamed up with Webbs for one lucky winner to win either a Bosch Kettle, Toaster or Iron
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To be in with a chance of winning this great prize you must visit www.webbs.tv and tell us :
Email your answer including your name, address and telephone number to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ.
What brand are offering up to £300 Reward Giveaway?
Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Entries to arrive by the 30th November 2013. Competition Terms and Conditions and notified by telephone. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to Webbs.
on selected models from your local independent electrical retailer - Webbs.
KGn34vw20G
£499.99 Frost Free Fridge Freezer energy: a+
Cashback valid: 1st October - 9th December 2013
wae24369Gb
£399
wvd24460Gb
£549
£349
£499
£399.99
7Kg wash load 1200 spin energy: a+++
washer dryer 1200 spin
12 Place setting dishwasher energy: a+
8Kg wash load 1400 spin energy: a+++
7Kg dry load sensor dry Condenser
.99
.99
sMs40C02Gb
.99
waQ28461Gb
.99
wte84301Gb
VOUCHER OFFER:
Free local delivery and connection of all bosch Products. offer Finishes 09.12.2013
Many More deals at www.webbs.tv
Tel: 01543 505062
open Monday to saturday 9.00-5.30pm. Free parking opposite store. saMe day delIvery. webbs of Cannock ltd, 201-205 Cannock road, Chadsmoor, Cannock ws11 5dd | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK *offer of up to £75 applies to selected models only. 01.10.13 - 09.12.13. telephone/online claims only (with copy purchase receipts) to be received by 20.12.13. 01952 321334 Full t & Cs available on bosch-home.co.uk/cashback. Cashback is sent as a cheque. sold as an agent For euronic limited.
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Origins to e ir sh rd o ff ta S le b m u From H ry of JCB to is H e h T : n o ti a in m o Global D bert van der Does By Ro
Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB
JCB is today a huge multinational giant of manufacturing, practically synonymous with machinery used in construction and demolition, especially the famous digger, or Backhoe Loader to give it its more accurate name.
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Since 1950 company operations have been run from a large plant in Rocester, East Staffordshire, but, as is the case with most corporations that go on to enjoy major success, the origins of JCB were very modest. There are surely very few people in Britain today who are unfamiliar with JCB, but it may surprise many people living within the local Midlands region that this major brand, whose short name is emblazoned across equipment found around building sites and warehouses the world over, actually began life in a garage in Uttoxeter. One man is behind JCB, his name was Joseph Cyril Bamford, hence the abbreviation that gives the brand its name. Bamford passed away in 2001, but the firm remains in family hands in the form of his two sons, who were actually given control in 1975. Sir Anthony Bamford, Joe’s eldest son, is the long-standing chairman of the corporation. JC Bamford was a man with a vision and his pioneering ambition was such that the business he started from a rented lock-up garage in his home town of Uttoxeter in 1945 has expanded and expanded to the point that in 2013 JCB boasts 18 factories across Europe, Asia, North America and South America and sells products in over 150
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
countries. While most associated with Backhoes, excavators and diesel engines, JCB currently produce about 300 types of machine, including many for agricultural purposes. It was in fact an idea to improve agricultural efficiency that made JCB’s name. Joe had bought a second-hand welding set for £1 and with it he built a tipping trailer for a tractor using surplus steel from air-raid shelters. He sold the trailer at a local market for £45 and immediately set about making another. Both the welding set and that first trailer have been preserved for posterity and can be seen at an exhibition at the base in Rocester. By 1947 demand for Joe’s designs was high enough to make a move to bigger premises necessary and he now also had three employees. A year later the company, now comprising six employees, were making four-wheel rather than two-wheel trailers and developed the first hydraulic tipping trailers in Europe. In 1949 came the innovation that has been credited with revolutionising farming methods: the JCB Major Loader, designed to attach to the Fordson ‘Major’ tractor. It was later redesigned for the fitting requirements of a range of other tractor manufacturers and sold in its thousands.
The 1950 relocation to the company’s current headquarters, a larger, former cheese-making facility in Rocester, emphasised the company’s startling progression in just the five years since Joe had started the business. Here was a man who possessed not only a rare combination of ingenuity, innovation and business acumen, but also an exemplary work ethic. They were austere times when Joe began the trade, with Britain just coming out of six years of war. Earning a decent living meant working extremely hard and this attitude was ingrained in Joe, a teetotaller who grafted from 9am to 11pm every working day. He demanded high standards from his staff but he paid them very fair money, which in return afforded him an extremely flexible workforce. Indeed, it’s reputed that during the heavily strike-affected era of the 1970s to early 80s JCB employees were seven times more productive than other British manufacturing workers. It was in 1952 that JCB began painting their machinery in the trademark yellow, the same year that the company’s trademark product was born: the Backhoe Loader; a Fordson tractor with a hydraulic excavator at the rear and Major Loader at the front. A great number of the products JCB have released since have essentially been variations on this machine and they have generally been ahead of the field. JCB have managed to maintain their position as the world’s foremost brand in regards to construction industry manufacture since 1960, when their hydraulic tractors first entered the North American market. The company continued to make enhancements to their machinery
throughout the 1960s 70s and 80s, with each new product offering superior digging capabilities and selling in thousands. Production levels were so high by the end of the 60s that the Rocester site ran out of space, so a redevelopment programme was started that included a 10,000ft landscaping of the surrounding area. Advancements in technology since the start of the 1990s have seen huge investments in new developments, including the high speed, full suspension JCB Fastrac tractor. Since 2001 JCB have concentrated on engine design and manufacture and have really spread the corporation’s influence across different parts of the world. Since the first overseas factory was opened at Whitemarsh
in Baltimore, USA in 1970, numerous others have followed suit. Anthony spotted the growth potential of the Indian market in 1979 and a joint venture with a local manufacturer enabled JCB to become the country’s market leader. The company now have 22 plants across the world, including ones in China and Brazil, and a worldwide force of about 10,000. In the UK JCB have largely remained loyal to Staffordshire; aside from the operations base at Rocester, there are three factories each in Cheadle and Uttoxeter and one in Rugeley. In 2009 a £40 million investment was made in India to create the largest backhoe loader factory in the world and one year later JCB proved they were still on top of their game, 65 years after fruition, by designing Eco-machines which have taken productivity to new levels. Visitors to the headquarters at Rocester can attend the JCB Factory Tour which takes place twice a day from Monday to Thursday and at 10am on Fridays. A Tour Guide directs visitors, who must be over 15 years of age, through a theatre presentation and then on to the new “Story of JCB” exhibition, before moving into the factory itself and the assembly line of the Backhoe Loader machine. Visitors can conclude their tour with lunch in the Hospitality Suite, for a combined price of £25 per head.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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xhall Cannock u a V y le d n ri B t A m a d See The All New A
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
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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 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Stars and stripes Limited Edition – Special Price
CORSA STING from £8,995
• Alloy wheels • Body graphics • CD player • Electric windows • Electric door mirrors
New Corsa Sting. Put the fun back into driving.
WARRANTY 100,000 MILE
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall Corsa Sting: Urban: 39.2 (7.2) – 53.3 (5.3), Extra-urban: 62.8 (4.5) – 80.7 (3.5), Combined: 51.4 (5.5) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions: 129 – 110g/km.#
On the road prices include number plates, delivery, Vehicle Excise Duty, first registration fee, VAT and metallic paint where applicable. Offer is subject to availability and is available to private individuals and small businesses 1-24 (purchase only, excluding B2B). All other sales categories are excluded; cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Prices shown are list price at time of publication, for details refer to Vauxhall’s current price guide. UK-supplied vehicles only. Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of first registered keeper, 100,000 mile limit. Terms and conditions apply. #Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors.
BRINDLEY VAUXHALL CANNOCK Main A5, Cannock WS11 1SH
01543 466466
www.brindleyvauxhall.co.uk
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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The History So Far
It all started in 1968 when John Craddock purchased a 1948 Series One Land Rover for £50.00 and like so many enthusiasts he was smitten by the charisma of the vehicle: its simplicity, reliability and ability to cover any terrain in four wheel drive. In the late 60’s and 70’s Land Rover rallying became a popular pastime for John, who spent many weekends away with the Land Rover clubs. Like many successful businessmen he happened by chance on a niche market though his hobby and passion. Parts for the older Land Rovers were becoming scarce and the only way to get hold of them, dare I say it, was to dismantle the older ones for spares. Fellow enthusiasts were soon purchasing parts from John, until it became impossible for him to continue supplying parts in his spare time. John Craddock Limited became an entity in 1970. When your passion becomes your business you invariably make a resounding success of it and this was true for John Craddock Ltd who now supplies parts to virtually every country in the world. Behind the company is a committed team of experts in Land Rover parts and 4 x 4 wheels and tyres, whose sole aim is to give you a first class service.
We look forward to hearing from you. John Craddock Ltd. North Street Bridgtown, Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0AZ UK Customers : 01543 577207 Overseas : + 44 (0)1543 577207 Service Centre : 01543 572134 Vehicle Sales & Salvage: 01543 572134
Email: general@johncraddockltd.co.uk Website: www.johncraddockltd.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Sunday: Closed
How to find us: (Just off A5)
At the premises in Cannock we have an extensively stocked shop where many of the parts, wheels and tyres are on show. Behind the shop is a dedicated tyre bay, where we can supply and fit our vast selection of wheels and tyres for a wide range of off road vehicles.
From M6 North exit junction 12 (Do not use Toll Rd) and from M6 South exit junction 11. Follow signs to Cannock.
All second hand vehicles and parts are sold through the workshop and vehicle sales section which surround the main building.
At the mini roundabout turn left into North Street and John Craddock Ltd is immediately on your right, opposite Bridgtown Primary School
Our Service Centre can service and fit accessories for any marque of Land 58
Rover. To aid diagnosis and provide power upgrades we use “Autologic for Land Rover” which enables us to give a comprehensive and efficient service all at reasonable rates.
At the Cannock roundabout (McDonalds & Shell Garage) follow A5 signposted Brownhills for 1/2 mile. Turn left at Nissan / Mitsubishi Garage along Delta Way for 250 yards. Turn right at island along Longford Road for 250 yards.
From M6 toll travelling east to west take junction T7. Go right then left through the roundabouts and pass under the railway bridge on the right signposted A34 Cannock.
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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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. 60
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 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 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
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portbrake S S F X r a u g a J : it b a H e Braking th by Syd Taylor
The shopping list begins: eggs, cornflakes, kitchen towel, latest edition of Writing For Dummies… Already at this point my eyes have glazed over; the tedium of shuffling through endless supermarket aisles at a glacial pace behind Mr and Mrs Turnip of Acacia Avenue, while being assailed by cheery pop music and ignored by disgruntled staff members, is not my cup of tea. Tea bags are also listed. I yawn. 62
A shopping trolley may have four wheels, but it is of little consequence to me. However, what has piqued my interest - stirring some Canderel sweetener (also listed) into this mind-numbingly mundane exercise - is the brandnew Jaguar XF Sportbrake TDI S so, since my wife hasn’t failed to notice the capacious boot-space, shopping it is. “And you can take Thomas for a walk while you’re at it - there’s room for him in there too,” she bellows, over the sound of our
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
black Labrador frantically barking and pawing at the tailgate. It’s true too, with 550 litres of boot-space this latest XF from the luxury marque is already man’s best friend’s new best friend, but don’t call it an estate: it’s a shooting brake. Except no-one likes estates (sorry, shooting brakes) anymore do they? Haven’t SUVs bullied them into oblivion? You see, unlike Thomas, I’m a tougher nut to crack. Walnuts; I must remember to buy walnuts. This is only the second estate in Jaguar’s long and esteemed history,
so for it to emerge now after the poorly-received X-Type estate is no doubt meaningful. But that’s best left for men with Powerpoint presentations to explain, because, for the moment, the meaning escapes me. I’m too busy soaking up the cool and contemporary cabin. Soft-touch plastics, robust switchgear, cutting-edge tech, ambient mood lighting and leather upholstery all point to Jaguar’s aspirations, eschewing memories of its past, when big Jags were the preserve of country gents most keen on the similarities between their car’s interior and their Victorian drawing room. The matter is best summed up thus: Jaguar is breaking all the rules.
The exterior profile is striking and quite handsome, despite received wisdom dictating that estates are uglier siblings. This may be due to it being the top-spec diesel S model, which rides on 20” inch alloys, has the full ‘Portfolio’ finishing kit and costs £56,465. But if you buy an entry-spec version for 20k less, it won’t look, feel and drive a great deal differently. However, that’s not to say I’d swap this incarnation for any other. It wafts its way through town and country with consummate ease, always delivering ample power from the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Torque is key to this effortlessness - and there is a lot of it: 442 lb ft; 271 bhp from its 3 litre V6 - if you care about the ‘how’; I prefer to concentrate on enjoying the legendary Jaguar ride quality. Figures such as 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph seem distinctly vulgar in this context; notions of Co2 emissions, pious. Fuel economy, to all of us without shares in petrochemical conglomerates, is noteworthy
however: 46.3 mpg. But nobody buys a Jaguar on statistics alone: they buy it because it’s British and gives a two-fingered salute to the many soulless Teutonic also-rans out there. Yes, you can push this 1880kg leviathan to make it ‘handle’ in a preposterously incongruous eulogy to Top Gear - in which case it’ll barrel along with the irresistible force of Jonah Lomu running down the wing - but why risk meeting an immovable object? I have a dog to consider and I rarely sideways-drift into parking bays at Waitrose. This XF Sportbrake really does take the cake (cake is unlisted and, to quote Basil Fawlty, is an oversight on my wife’s part) and is a perfect way to break the SUV habit. It is like rarefied air being pumped through the SUV-buying smog - a statement car which states that you are not part of the herd. And a luxury tool which can drive me to the shops without driving me nuts. Nuts; now I must remember the nuts.
01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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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
EDUCATION
Chase Grammar School (formerly Chase Academy) Cannock Chase High School St Dominics High School for Girls
01543 509434 01543 462453 01543 279415 01543 422512 01543 504219 01543 577512 01543 572272 01543 573149 01543 424872 01543 462621 01543 450018 01543 677166 01785 619000 03001 118000 01902 696000 01543 505070
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
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
01543 501800 01543 502450 01902 850248
In an emergency always call 999 For general enquiries: Staffordshire Police Staffordshire Fire Service
101 08451 221155
n at Shorade
Restoratio & n o ti a it d re cc A , n o Innovati Local business; Shorade Accident Repair Centre (Cannock), were delighted to receive the Innovation Award at the Bodyshop Industry’s main calendar event; The Bodyshop Awards #be2013 held at the Hilton, NEC. The black-tie event began with Champagne reception and dinner, followed by the awards ceremony hosted by Bodyshop Magazine Editor, Mark Hadaway and Comedian, Dom Joly. Shorade are the first Bodyshop in the Industry selected for the exclusive Innovation Award, received due to Shorade’s recent expansion facilitating a new state of the art Customer Experience Centre, Aluminium/ Carbon Fibre workshop and innovative approach to business. The award has been displayed in the Customer Experience Centre. Following the awards; Shorade have been accredited by prestige automotive manufacturer McLaren Automotive as a McLaren authorised body repairer; a fantastic addition to Shorade’s existing manufacturer approvals – Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan. Shorade celebrated the McLaren accreditation by welcoming local McLaren dealership; Rybrook McLaren Birmingham to Shorade for the day, bringing with them two stunning McLaren MP4-12C’s. Giles Rowley; Dealer Principal from McLaren Birmingham commented; “Congratulations to Steve and the team, we are very much looking forward to working with Shorade.” Shorade and McLaren Birmingham will be 64
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Photo caption: from left, Mark Hadaway - Editor at Bodyshop Magazine, Shelley Parsons – CEO at Bodyshop Magazine, Steven Shore – MD at Shorade, Vic Ray – Marketing at Shorade, Dom Joly, Mark Thornsby – GM at Shorade.
hosting a McLaren open morning in November welcoming both McLaren customers and Motor Enthusiasts to Shorade. If you would like information relating to bodywork and accident repair or Shorade’s specialist services including; wheel refurbishments, geometry alignment, customisations, superior waxing and conference facilities or would like to visit Shorade’s new Customer Experience Centre please contact 01543 462240 or www.shorade.co.uk. Alternatively, visit the team at the Lancaster Insurance Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham! Shorade recently won a Porsche #911Restoration project in collaboration with Porsche Cars GB and Porsche Centre Sutton Coldfield; the winning Porsche 964 will be displayed 15 - 17 November.
ls Ltd
rcia JM Cars And Comme As one of the leading independent Mercedes-Benz specialists in Wolverhampton, Cannock, Walsall, Dudley, Telford and surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of Mercedes-Benz car and van care including service and repairs to suit the customer’s needs. We understand that in these times of financial hardship not many people want to visit a main dealership and pay the frightening hourly rate that they charge. So Specialist Mercedes-Benz service and repair companies are the best alternative. JM cars and commercials Ltd of Wolverhampton can help solve this problem. We offer a very reasonable hourly rate which is easily 50% cheaper than main dealerships on service and repairs. With fully trained experienced technicians you keep the
quality every Mercedes-Benz owner is looking for. We only use quality parts to maintain your Mercedes, whether original Mercedes-Benz parts or OE spec alternatives. JM has specialist Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment that will read fault codes and program any replacement part that requires fitting. Many normal garages cannot pin point faults or reprogram and this can be very costly as longer labour hours, more parts used and the welfare of the vehicle can be compromised. Plus nobody wants to be without a vehicle for long periods.
The modern day Mercedes-Benz has so much technology that independent specialists like us can save you time, money and sleepless nights. “We will service any Mercedes vehicle whatever model or year, petrol or diesel, we can help!” Any queries or questions about your Mercedes-Benz then please do not hesitate to call or come and see us in Wolverhampton. We could save you a substantial amount of money and time with our friendly reputable service that you can trust.
JM Cars and Commercials Ltd, Unit 1, Astra Industrial Estate, Cable Street, Wolverhampton WV2 2HX Telephone: 01902 456 277 Mobile: 07970 592 665 Website: www.jmcarsandcommercials.co.uk Email: contactus@jmcarsandcommercials.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.45am to 6pm, Saturday 8.45am to 2pm, Sunday Closed.
Disclaimer: JM Cars and Commercials Ltd of Wolverhampton are in no way associated with any Mercedes-Benz or Daimler Chrysler dealer franchises in Wolverhampton or surrounding areas and trade soley as an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist company.
JM Cars and Commercials Ltd Independent Mercedes-Benz Specialist of Wolverhampton
"We will service any Mercedes vehicle whatever model or ye ar, petrol or diesel, we can help!." • We carry out vehicle diagnostics on all models of Mercedes • We can save you 40-50% on main dealer prices • We can save you time and money by effectively locating and dealing with issues • 1 year guaranteed for Mercedes parts • No additional work will be carried out on your vehicle without your approval
If you would like to receive any more information about our services, feel free to contact us today on 01902 456277 or email: contactus@jmcarsandcommercials.co.uk
www.jmcarsandcommercials.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK
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Index Of Advertisers Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill Antique
43
Charity/Hospice Compton Hospice
45
Hospital (Private) Nuffield
4
Accountants DSN Accountants
53
Cleaning Specialist Time For You
21
Interior Designers Interiors Italia
18/19
Bathrooms Carvers Dream Kitchens & Bathrooms
15 9
Beds & Bedroom Furniture Britannia Pine 23 CRS 11 Interiors Italia 18/19 Roll-a-robe 12 Beauty Hair Unique & Beauty La Minky The Cottage Surgery
41 35 39
Building Material Suppliers Carvers 15 Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS
11
Car Sales/Services Brindley Vauxhall 57 Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd 61 John Craddock 59 JM Cars & Commercials Ltd 65 Mr Tyre 67
Driveways Standeford Garden Construction 20
Jewellers T.A. Henn
Education Learn 4 A
49
Electrical Appliances Webbs
Kitchens (Supply, Design & Fit) Carvers 15 Dream Kitchens & Bathrooms 9
53
Entertainments & Leisure Harrisons Sports & Social Club South Staffs Council
Lighting The Lighting Warehouse
17
27 25
Locksmiths Hyde’s Keylocker
51
Fire Place/Stoves Fireside Factory
17
Furniture/Furnishings Britannia Pine CRS Interiors Italia Ralvern Ltd
23 11 18/19 13
Garden Construction Standeford Garden Construction 20 Hairdressers Hair Unique & Beauty Salon La Mink
41 35
Restaurants Blue Ginger 31 Kings Repose 29 Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant 29 Tiles Tile Choice
68
Tyres John Craddock Mr Tyre, Cannock
59 67
Windows Cloudy 2 Clear
SUDOKU
PICTOGRAM
1. Let the cat out of the bag 2. Back in time 3. Your days are numbered
66
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
9
Vets Hawkes Green Veterinary Centre 47
Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD
7
t Y R E s • E X H a u s t s • B R a K E s • B at t E R i E s • s E R v i C i n g
LOW PRiCEs Big savings tOP BRanDED tYREs from £22.95 Brand Price 155/70R14 77T continental premium contact 2 £22.95 175/65R14 82T Goodyear EfficientGrip compact £43.95
satisfaCtiOn guaRantEE
Size
185/55R15 82V 195/50R15 82V 195/60R15 88H 195/65R15 91V 205/55R16 91V 205/55R16 91V 235/40R18 95y
Bridgestone RE040 uniroyal Rain Expert uniroyal Rain Expert Dunlop BluResponse Bridgestone T001 Dunlop BluResponse Avon ZZ5
£62.95 £49.95 £57.95 £55.95 £65.95 £67.95 £114.95
Got a better price? We’ll try to beat it!
sERviCing FROM £49.00* EXHausts FROM £27.95 † Includes fitting
LaRgE RangE Of fuLLY guaRantEED ECOnOmY tYREs from £29.95 Size
Price
Size
Price
165/70R13 79T 175/65R14 82T 185/65R15 88H 185/55R15 82V 195/60R15 88H
£29.95 £33.95 £39.95 £41.95 £39.95
195/65R15 91H 205/55R16 91V 225/45R17 91W 225/40R18 92y 245/45R18 100W
£41.95 £44.95 £52.95 £55.95 £78.99
* based on corsa standard model 1.0 12V (GM306) † based on corsa, punto, Saxo, Micra.
fREE FITTING, WHEEl BAlANcE, STANDARD VAlVE, TyRE DISpOSAl
CaLL us nOW fOR a gREat PRiCE Tel: 01543 469900 99A NORTH STREET BRIDGTOWN
CannOCK WS11 0AZ OPEn: MON –FRI 8.30AM –5.30pM, SATuRDAy 9.00AM – 4.00pM www.mrtyre.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WHEEL aLignmEnt • WHEEL BaLanCing • PunCtuRE REPaiR67
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS If you are looking for an up to the minute design for your bathroom or en-suite, a traditional style kitchen or a modern and contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory. Tile Choice can meet your every requirement at exceptional prices. Our fully trained and experienced staff will assist you in planning your room layout, how to prepare the surfaces to be tiled and advise you on the correct tiles and tools to complete the project with the minimum of fuss and disruption.
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all tiles
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
CANNOCK
Units 25&26 Longford Ind.Est Longford Rd WS11 0DG
01543 469400
LICHFIELD
13 Titan Way Britannia Ent Park Lichfield WS14 9TT
01543 264795
WALSALL
Birchills House Birchills Ind.Est. Green Lane WS2 8LE
01922 746666
BILSTON
7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ
01902 405526
Also at: BURTON • DERBY • SHREWSBURY • WEST BROMWICH • BIRMINGHAM • PERRY BARR • KIDDERMINSTER • BROMSGROVE • NORTHAMPTON • KETTERING • CORBY
See instore displays & inspirations with our GOOGLE walk thru at 68
www.tilechoice.co.uk
STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013