Staffordshire Outlook by Staffordshire Outlook

Delivered to: Stafford, Penkridge, Aston, Burleyfields, Little Haywood, Great Haywood, Forbridge, Western Downs, Hixon, Parkfields, Houghton, Gnosall, Littleworth, Milford, Rowley, Seighford, Derrington, Tillington, Acton Trussell.

Great Prize to be won inside this issue: Incarace - Family days out!

June/July 2012

Inside this issue: Local features including Stafford Rangers, Katherine House Hospice, Recipe of the month, Puzzles, Eating out review, local entertainment, plus lots more! 01

| MAY/JUNE STAFFORDSHIRELocal OUTLOOK 2012 magazine delivered

to 20,000 selected homes and businesses*

The Heating Experts

At Northern Gas Heating our mission is to deliver better service and better prices than any other central heating company. As a Northern Gas Heating customer we guarantee you will get an installation and a price that’s just right for you. Did you know you could be reducing the cost of your gas bills by upgrading to an ‘A’ rated - energy efficient boiler, whilst also dramatically reducing your carbon footprint?

New / Replacement Boiler Installations Complete Central Heating Systems Boiler Servicing

Do you qualify for help with your heating? To promote cleaner - more carbon friendly fuels, the A1 scheme aims to provide funding to help homeowners move to better heating alternatives. Just call for more details and to find out if you qualify.

Solar Technology & Renewables In addition to our high quality boilers and central heating systems, Northern Gas Heating offers a wide range of the very latest technologies to provide modern energy efficient solutions, tailored to the individual requirements of each home. Both Solar Thermal & Photovoltaic (PV) are fast becoming popular methods of either heating water or electrical power generation. To complement our solar options, we also provide proven Air Source Heat Pump solutions. Looking to go greener or simply take advantage of the convenience and potential efficiencies? Solar technologies & renewables are the modern choice for property upgrades, renovations and new builds.

Solar Thermal Photovoltaic (PV) Air Source Heat Pumps Don’t forget Northern Gas are always happy to help with anything heating related, always offering the best products at very competitive prices.

Why not call us and discuss your requirements. Contact today on:

Please quote Staffordshire

Phone: 01902 393393 Outlook when calling. www.northerngasheating.com

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Harrison House, Marston Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4NJ E-mail: contact@northerngas.net

ditor

A Message from the E Hello readers, Welcome to the June/July edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. We hope you’re enjoying reading our new magazine with this edition featuring our full restaurant review on the Brant Green Inn, Stafford Rangers feature, puzzles, horoscopes and lots more! Don’t forget to enter our Incarace competition with the winner being published in the next Stafford edition of the magazine, good luck. The winner of the Amerton Farm competition from the April/May edition was Mrs Heulwen Morgan from Parkfields, congratulations Heulwen and hope you enjoy your great prize thanks to Amerton Farm. If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please send an email to: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

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

If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in Staffordshire Outlook then please contact us on the details below. Remember to keep this magazine at hand as we publish a useful numbers page at the back. We would like to thank all of the businesses for supporting this magazine and hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises. All that’s left to do is relax and enjoy your new local magazine. Enjoy your read…

Mal

Contents Build a Conservatory 4 TA Henn - the Diamond Jubilee Hallmark 6 Chase Academty - Where Children Want to Be! 8 Longest Established Furniture Store - CRS 10/11 Katherine House Hospice 12 Recipe of the Month 14 Dine In Style! Barnt Green Inn Review 16/17 St. Michaels Fete 18 Fireside Factory 21 Win Family Tickets at Incarace 22/23 Gailey Fruit Farm 24 Puzzles 25 Stafford Rangers 26/27 New Beginnings at Stafford Ale House 28 Car Park Winners - the Guildhall 32 Toms Tip of the Month 32 Northern Gas 34/35 Fire-Fighters Charity 36 Total Glass Fittings 38 Horoscopes 40 A Name to Look Out for Louis Coupe 41 Making Memories Foster a Child 42 Antiques Extravaganza 44 Raising the Roof by Rob Taylor 46/47 Volvo V40 48 Useful Numbers 49 Index of Advertisers 50 Answers to Puzzles 50

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

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Building A Conservato

To many householders, a conservatory is a useful addition to their home. It can be useful to almost any property but especially to those where just a little more space is required but the need to move is definitely not.

Then there is the roof. The glass there will need cleaning from time to time and unless one is prepared to have scaffolding erected each time the window cleaner visits, self- cleaning glass should be the glass of choice. Naturally these specialist glasses are rather more expensive than normal window glass but they are essential to making the structure usable all-round the year.

individual heat source may have to be considered. However the heat is supplied, it will be necessary because even with special glass, it will get very chilly in there in winter.

So having made the decision to have the extension, the enthusiastic home owner goes off to make the purchase. This is unfortunately something of a mistake. Building a conservatory that is usable all-round the year requires planning and thought. Without these there is a danger the structure will be unbearably hot in summer and unbearably cold in winter with no really happy medium.

Size is very important. Conservatories can range in size from little more than a large porch to something covering half the garden. The size will dictate whether or not you will need planning permission. To be sure about this, once the size has been chosen, a visit to the local council’s planning department will soon put you right.

All this adds up to a pretty penny which brings us to the final consideration, cost.

First decide where the structure is to go. It is possible the design of the house dictates only one position which could be facing any direction of the compass. This is important because the glass that is used for the structure must be chosen carefully. For example, on the north facing wall the glass should be the sort that contains heat. On a south facing wall it should reflect heat. It is worth bearing in mind too that all the glass, of whatever type, will have to be toughened for safety’s sake and for security. 04

The size will of course depend on the use the conservatory will be put to. If it is to be an extra reception room then it will have to be large enough to accommodate a sensible number of easy chairs and other suitable furniture. If it is to be a dining room then a table, etc. should fit in comfortably. If it is to be a playroom for the children then its size will depend on their age and number. Then there is the matter of heating. Ideally an extension of the main house’s central heating should be fitted. This is not always possible for a number of reasons, so an

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Finally there is the matter of privacy. If it is destined to be a family room and it is in a position that is overlooked by neighbouring properties, blinds will be required.

Conservatories can cost from a couple of thousand pounds up to as much as one is prepared to pay. Don’t underestimate the cost of a ‘usefully sized’ structure. That small, economical extension may look useful in the showroom or catalogue but living with it might be a different matter. To be as sure as you can be about size, mark it out in the garden and then decide what furniture could be fitted into the space. You might be quite surprised just how large it will have to be. Accommodating two sun loungers and a small drinks table for around five thousand pounds might seem ideal, but it’s a lot of money to spend on just occasional use. Better by far to spend rather more for a really useful space that will also add considerably to the value of the property as a whole.

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The Diamond Jubilee Hallmark (1952 - 2012)

In the UK, precious metal items such as jewellery and silverware are hallmarked by law with a view to provide a quality control of the goods manufactured. This is the oldest form of consumer protection and has been going on for over 700 years. Generally, all items hallmarked in the UK contain at least two stamps: one for the metal quality, and one for the Assay Office in charge of the hallmarking process. However, this year in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee the Assay Offices have created a special Diamond Jubilee hallmark symbolised by a young Queen Elizabeth wearing an oversized crown in a diamond shaped surround. The mark can be struck on gold, silver, platinum or palladium and will be available until October 2012.

If you were thinking of collecting a piece of silverware then 2012 would be a perfect year to consider it in commemoration of the 60th year of HM Queen Elizabeth’s reign. It is likely to become highly collectable in the years to come with her Majesty the Queen being only one of two monarchs in the history of Britain to celebrate such an occasion; the other being the Queen Victoria. Silver gift items with the Diamond Jubilee hallmark are available at T.A. Henn, 3841 Princess Street, Wolverhampton. For specific requests, please feel free to contact us as we are always happy to help. For further information on hallmarking you can check the Assay Office website www.theassayoffice.co.uk or contact T.A. Henn directly on 01902 429 409.

Clogau - The Gold of Royalty Within every piece of Clogau jewellery is a touch of rare Welsh gold from the Clogau St. David’s Gold mine in Bontdu. The very same Welsh gold found in the Clogau jewellery has been used to create generations of Royal Family wedding rings. This tradition goes on since 1923 and most recently, the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding ring was crafted from pure Welsh gold gifted to Prince William by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Diamond Jubilee hallmark included on all items”

Silver & Diamonds £199

Gold & Diamonds £840

Royal Jubilee Pendants

In commemoration of 60th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth II to the throne, Clogau designed a Royal Jubilee collection inspired by the Crown Regalia especially created for 2012.

T.A. Henn 38 - 41 Princess Street Wolverhampton WV1 1HD 06

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Silver Pendant £109

Silver & Diamonds £189

Swan Royal Pendants

Mute Swans, as a tradition are protected and owned by the Her Majesty the Queen. Some can be seen in the gardens at Hampton Court Palace.

T.A. Henn has it all…

Tel: 01902 428486 info@tahenn.com Find us on Facebook www.tahenn.com

Clogau 3 Days Special Event From 31.05 - 02.06 T.A. Henn will offer a Silver Milestones charm bracelet worth £119 with every Clogau purchases of £249 or more*

Call in at our shop: 38 - 41 Princess Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HD ind 'Scan to f ial Or contact us on: 01902 429409 p s ec out about ore' or info@tahenn.com www.tahenn.com t offers in s *T & C: Special promotion valid from the 31st of May 2012 to the 02nd of June 2012. The Silver Milestones charm bracelet will be given free of charge for Clogau 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 07 purchases of a total value of £249 or over during these 3 days only and while stock last. Please note that the Milestones bracelet given will be without the charms.

to be! nt a w n re ild ch re he w e er Friendly, family atmosph

When I first visited Chase Academy ten years ago it was the atmosphere that drew me to the school. It is something that persists and I still delight when visiting parents and students comment on the warmth and friendliness of the place.

The facts:

That said, we are serious about education and it is perhaps surprising that we do not have entrance examinations for our students. Our intake is average in ability. Our students achieve more because we expect more.

• An individual curriculum for your child.

Emily joined our Junior School recently and when asked how she found it she said that she loved it. She gets lots of work done and there are no interruptions like at her old school.

Call to make an appointment to view the school and see for yourself.

Felicia was told in a previous school that she would never pass GCSE Maths but she did so, in fact two years early and she is now studying A Level a year early in Year 11. Oliver is about to head off to a top University with A’s and B’s at GCSE, and A’s and B’s predicted at A Level. Other students think that Oliver is a really clever individual because of his results. In fact Oliver falls into the average ability band who are predicted grade C’s. Another of our younger students, Hanna, came to us in year 5, a reluctant student to say the least. She did not want to be here and she certainly didn’t want to learn. With care and attention and a fair degree of firmness she has turned this around. She still finds Maths a challenge but having gone back to basics with her she is on track to sit her GCSE in year 9. This is someone who could easily have been dismissed as someone who would never achieve. The key is that we do not limit expectations. The teaching is excellent and teachers give freely of their time, especially for those who are determined to do well.

Jackie Williams Deputy Headmistress 08

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

• 16th Independent School in the UK for A Levels • Top school in Staffordshire for A Levels • An average of 75% A*- B grades at A Level over the last three years. • An average of 93% 5 x A*- C grades at GCSE over the last three years. • Maths GCSE completed two years early. • English GCSE completed one year early.

Telephone: 01543 501800 Lyncroft House, St John’s Road, Cannock WS11 0UR

Carpets & Floor Coverings The Whole Family will Love!

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01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

CRS

A family-run business delivering personal and quality service. After being in the carpet and furniture trade for 20 years David and Ruth Wallis decided to open their own Superstore being CRS. Why not call in and talk to our handpicked team of specialists, boasting over 100 years in the furniture and carpet trade we are dedicated in helping you to find that special purchase that is right for your home. We are delighted to be joined by our God-son Josh, and more recently by our daughter Samantha, we are very proud of our team and we are here to help! We open our arms and invite you to explore our fantastic store.

who has “made do all their life“ and are ready now to make that special purchase, or it may be a young couple on a limited budget after “the deal

We comprise of a two-floored showroom boasting quality products to fit everyone’s needs, the first floor is dedicated to sofas, classic, traditional and modern in both fabric and leather. The ground floor starts with dining suites and cabinets moving into beds, bedroom furniture and then into our extensive carpet area. We welcome everyone into the Store, whether it be, someone 10

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

of a lifetime” we have it all. We can help and fulfil that dream home. Over the years we have built relationships with all leading manufacturers and suppliers of Furniture, carpets, suites, dining room, cabinet, bedding suppliers, we visit the factories on regular basis so that we can see the quality of goods and products on the

We aim to make your experience as memorable as possible, come and see us at CRS and we will fulfil your dream home. Come and join us in store for our champagne evening on Tuesday 12th June from 6-9pm with special guest appearance, from Britain’s got talent Jean Martyn, we will have many unbelievable offers across the whole of the store. We invite you to come along and have a glass of champagne with us, and a browse around our store, bring the invite below with you and on the evening you will be entered into our free prize draw where you could win a “utopia 3000 pocket sprung divan and headboard” worth £1000

We pride ourselves on providing that personal service that we believe is so important. Carpets are where we specialise, we offer a free estimating service, where we will come out and measure your rooms, and bring out samples. The biggest selection of stock rolls and roll ends in the Midlands. Our buying power enables us to offer incredible deals on carpets. CRS prices are second to none! The range is vast, bargain roll ends to top quality Wiltons and Axminster Carpets. We have it all for you to choose from, Our new “Gold Service”, where we move your furniture, uplift your old carpets, dispose of your old carpet and fit your new whilst placing everything back into its correct position. We have been known to fit the same day of ordering! We aim to make your experience as effortless and memorable as possible. A service second to none! The Bedding department is run with by staff with a wealth of experience

to ensure you make the right choice for the perfect night’s sleep. Beds ranging from the budget bed for the guest bedroom, to the Bed of your dreams for your own! Oak, Leather, fabric frames all on offer. We of will of course deliver and dispose of your old bed if required. There are beds available for same day collection or delivery, for those emergencies! To accessorise those rooms we have have a selection of Pictures, Mirrors, ornaments, and a huge range of rugs for the finishing touches!



market, bringing the best products and choice to our store, Along with discontinued lines so we can always find the bargain everyone loves.

CRS, Walsall Road, Cannock WS11 0JB Tel: 01543 431321 Opening hours Mon to Sat 9-6pm, Sun 10-4pm.

You’re invited to our

Champagne Evening on Tuesday 12th June from 6pm-9pm Special Guest from Britains Got Talent Jean Martyn 

Lots of great deals and your chance to win the £1,000 spend in store raffle prize

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ice

Katharine House Hosp

Colwich & Haywood’s Support Group OPEN GARDENS DAY JULY 8th 2012 - 10.00am until 5pm The open gardens has become a real

homemade cake, light lunches, local

community day in the parish, when

picked strawberry cream teas.

villagers, friends and visitors have the opportunity to meet and enjoy each other’s company in pleasant surroundings. One of the features

Programmes and maps will be available at local shops and Post Office from Mid June, or on the day from any open

is the famous “Secret Garden” chosen by The Telegraph as one of best top fifty small gardens to visit nationally which featured in the T.V programme Gardeners World when visited by Carol Klein. Every garden has its own charm and beauty, and may help to find ideas for your own garden be it large or small, walking around you will see various baskets and tub displays, There are plants and produce for sale, as well as the opportunity to take morning coffee with a choice of 12

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

garden, signs will be out on the day. Entrance £3 admits to all gardens, children free. Contact Ann Jones 01889 882634

We supply and install windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries, kitchens, automatic garage doors and other permanent installations in both domestic and commercial properties.

new sho wroo opening m soon

No Salesman and No Gimmicks! Every conservatory or orangery we install is individually tailored to complement your home. We design each installation to naturally blend with your existing property. You will be able to choose from a range of material, glass and detail options to ensure that your conservatory is right for you and looks the way you want it to.

∙ Superb Energy Efficiency - Fully insulated base combined with A rated glass ∙ Wide range of glass options depending on your requirements ∙ Fully compliant with building regulations

Loft Conversions • Extensions • Block Paving Call today for a no obligation quote 01902 896267 Unit 10B Coppice Farm, Teddesley, Penkridge, Staffordshire ST19 5RP

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Serves 2

Recipe provided by Chef Jon Young The Barnt Green Inn, Kendal End Road Rednal, Birmingham B45 8PZ Tel: 0121 445 4949

Recipe of the Month Pan-Fried Hake with Pasta Primavera and Salsa Verde Pasta Primavera means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spring Pastaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and can contain almost any kind of fresh vegetables, the volume of vegetables to the dish is subject to your liking.

the ingredients and mix together. Once all the ingredients have been blended together it will create a herb oil dressing, add salt and pepper to your liking (You may need to add more olive oil if the mixture is too thick) the Salsa Verde is now ready.

INGREDIENTS 2 x Hake fillets approx 180g each 120g dried spaghetti Asparagus 1 garlic clove (finely chopped) Peas Green Beans Approx 80g Spinach Juice and zest of 1 large lemon Salt and pepper Salsa Verde 1 large bunch of flat leaf parsley (15g) 1 tbsp capers in vinegar 5g basil 5g mint 2 anchovy fillets 75ml extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 garlic clove

METHOD 1. To make the Salsa Verde add the parsley, capers, basil, mint, anchovies, olive oil, vinegar and garlic into a food processor and blend all the ingredients together. If you do not have a food processor, finely chop all 14

2. For the Pasta Primavera fill a large pan with salted water and bring to the boil. Now add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions, once cooked drain the pasta. 3. While the pasta cooks trim the asparagus and green beans and add to a separate pan of boiling water, cook off the asparagus and green beans until just cooked (Try not to overcook the vegetables as the asparagus and green bean adds texture to the pasta dish). Remove the Asparagus and Green beans and place into cold water, this it will stop the vegetables continuing to cook and keep their texture and colour. 4. In a new shallow pan add a touch of butter and the chopped garlic, fry for about a minute on a low heat (do not rapid cook as this will burn the garlic). Now turn the heat up and add the Asparagus,

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Peas, Green beans and Spinach and stir-fry for approximately 2-3 mins or until all the vegetables are hot and the spinach has wilted. 5. Next add the cooked pasta to the vegetables and continue to cook, stir to combine all the ingredients and add the lemon juice and lemon zest, season with salt and pepper to your liking, leave on a low heat to maintain the temperature. 6. Check over the Hake fillets for any fish bones and remove any you find. Place a non-stick frying pan on a low heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and place the Hake skin side down in the pan, turn the heat to a medium setting. When the Hake skin is golden and crisp, turn over and continue cooking for approximately 3 minutes or until the Hake is cooked through. Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the Fillet. 7. On a warm plate, place the hot pasta primavera in the centre ensuring each dish gets a good level of vegetables, remove the Hake from the pan and place on top of the pasta crispy skin side up. Now spoon the salsa verde around the pasta or over the fish and serve.

Would you like to reach over 20,000 readers in Cannock, Stafford and surrounding areas?

Now is the ideal time to promote your seasonal menus, special offers or forthcoming events in

For further details on promoting your venue Call Sharon Caldwell on: 01952 321334

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

Indian Cuisine The only indian restaurant to 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

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reen Inn

rnt G ‘Dine in Style’ The Ba

For fine dining, delicious food, stunning surroundings and outstanding service then look no further than The Barnt Green Inn. Situated in a countryside location in Rednal, Birmingham The BGI is a well established country pub and eating house serving excellent food and drink. Customers visiting The BGI are presented with a stunning and impressive building with a huge summer garden overlooking the countryside. 16

This evening my partner and I visited The BGI after being recommended by lots of friends and we were not disappointed! As we stepped inside we were greeted by the very polite and helpful bar staff who went through the great selection of drinks with us. We chose to have drinks in the bar before our meal so as we could soak up the beautiful surroundings. The bar area with solid wooden flooring, soft lighting, log fires and lots of comfortable seating areas make The BGI the perfect place to unwind and relax with a great atmosphere.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Once we had finished our drinks in the bar we were asked by our very helpful waitress Rachael if we were ready to be seated at our table in the restaurant, to which we both were. The restaurant was a comfortable modern space with wooden floor and tasteful décor. Once seated we were given the main menu and also the specials menu which changes daily and specially prepared by Anton Clarke (Sous Chef) and Jon Young Junior (Sous Chef). There were lots of dishes to choose from, each one sounding delicious and all very reasonably

priced, with starters ranging from £4.95 - £8.95 and mains courses from £6.45 - £22.95.

button mushrooms were excellent with lots of creamy sauce, perfect for dipping the bread into.

on a crumble base. This dessert matched the high standard of the earlier courses all being excellent.

I decided on the sticky pork ribs with watermelon, ginger, soy and chilli sauce to start, with my partner choosing the button mushrooms with pinot grigio, cream, garlic and stirata romana bread. For our main course we opted for the salmon served with green beans, butternut squash, stuffed bell peppers, pistachio and feta pesto and from the specials menu my partner went for the classic beef wellington served with wholegrain mustard mash, tender stem broccoli and red wine jus.

Once we had finished our starters we both said that we were more than looking forward to the main courses and when they arrived both dishes looked and tasted superb.

Afterwards we chatted to Tom the Deputy Manager who explained that The BGI has a weekday set menu served Monday - Friday 1200 - 1900 and 2 courses priced at £12.95.

The beef wellington was described by my partner as “ heavenly” with the vegetables being cooked to perfection. My salmon was also absolutely delicious and the vegetables and stuffed peppers were the perfect accompaniment.

Also taking place at The BGI is the Diamond Jubilee Garden Party with live music, outside cocktail bar, BBQ and the best beer garden in Barnt Green.

From the extensive and very impressive wine list we shared a bottle of Mount Cook Lily, sauvignon blanc. Our starters arrived and we both commented on how beautifully the dishes were presented and we couldn’t wait to try them! The sticky pork ribs were divine with the pork falling off the bone, the

We both decided that we would share a dessert and Jon Young (Junior Sous Chef) was more than happy to create a dish for us. We were presented with a trio of desserts which were sticky toffee pudding with sticky toffee sauce and clotted cream, warm chocolate brownie with white chocolate chip and dark chocolate sauce and Gelato which is an Italian style peach ice cream served

Every last Thursday of the month there is live music at The BGI. My partner and I have both agreed that we will be returning to The BGI as soon as possible!! The Barnt Green Inn, 22 Kendal End Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8PZ Telephone 0121 445 4949 www.barntgreeninn.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Councillor - Isabel Ford

Fete Queen - Charlotte Cooper

ete St Michael’s Church F This year’s church fete will take place on Saturday June 16 in the extensive grounds of Penkridge’s Grade II listed building The Haling Dene Centre. In keeping with the village tradition the fete queen will officially open the event and will then visit all the stalls accompanied by her attendants. This year the fete will start at the earlier time of 1pm to allow patrons to take advantage of the barbecue which will be provided by Penkridge Round Table. Entertainment will be provided by a community choir, a gymnastics group and a karate club. Members of Staffordshire Performing Arts will also be in attendance along with Gentleshaw Birds of Prey. Other planned stalls for the afternoon include coconut shy, bric-a-brac, face painting, homemade cakes, plants, tombola, books, darts and the ever popular football penalty shot outs. Tickets will be on sale for the grand draw at the fete and in the village prior to the fete opening with a cash first prize of £100, a donated hamper for second prize and a free meal for two at a local eatery as third prize. Gates open at 12.30pm and refreshments will be available during the afternoon. 18

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

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.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Monday - Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm Saturday 8.00am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm

www.tilechoice.co.uk

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 • CHELTENHAM • GLOUCESTER • NORTHAMPTON • KETTERING • CORBY

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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Fireside Factory Are you looking for an amazing deal on your next fireplace?

Then buy direct… Marble suites from just £399 or as a package with a 3.9KW gas fire just £499. Other packages are available in a range of sizes and colours. We are able to offer you these amazing deals by buying direct from the factory, so no middle man adding to your costs. We also offer a bespoke “MADE BY US” selection of stone and marble fireplaces. Tell us what you would like, Choose your style, choose your material and tell us your measurements. Come and have a look at over 100 displays of fireplaces, gas fires and electric fires. We are open to the public: Monday - Friday - 9.00am - 5.00pm and Saturday - 10.00am - 4.00pm All our installations are carried out by our team of Gas Safe & HETAS approved fitters. Full delivery and installation service available.

1st Floor, Units 6-7 Norton Canes Business Park, Norton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS Tel: 01543 277366

Visit us online at www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com

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www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Incarace

Incarace have been a top name in the world of short track motor racing for many years and are the biggest promoters of the sport in the Midlands. A huge variety of different formulas race at Incarace especially at their flagship venue of Hednesford Hills Raceway, from the crash and bash of Bangers, to the high-speed side by side racing of the Hot Rods and the clang of metal bumpers in the all-action Stock Cars plus a massive mix of different events in between. There really is something for everyone at Incarace. Incarace have a long heritage in the sleeping giant of a sport that is short oval racing and a typical meeting will

feature more passing and close racing than an entire season of Formula One racing. Whether you are a dedicated ‘petrol head’ or just looking for a family day out, you are guaranteed fantastic entertainment, just choose your meeting and come and see the finest motorsport in the UK. Hednesford Hills Raceway has over 40 years of motorsport history and is the fastest short oval raceway in the UK, with the speeds many cars achieve around its fearsome steeply banked turns really having to be seen to be believed. Since the 1960s Hednesford Hills Raceway has provided stunning racing and great entertainment from Stock Cars, Hot Rods and Bangers in equal measure with a huge variety of other attractions in between. Some of the biggest events in the sport of short oval racing take place at the venue, with the annual Pre68 Classic Banger Day and 2 Litre Banger World Final seeing huge grids of cars raced to destruction, while the sky is lit up every Bonfire weekend with one of the Midlands’ biggest firework displays. The most spectacular event of the year is the annual National

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Championship Weekend for the Hot Rods, Lightning Rods, Stock Rods and Oval Track Legends at the beginning of August each year, whilst the annual Caravan Grand Prix on May Day Bank Holiday Monday always supplies the huge Bank Holiday crowd some incredible, not to be missed action. The circuit was built in 1954 utilising the site of a former reservoir. The track is a full quarter mile length oval, with two banked corners, and a tarmac track surface surrounded by an Armco safety fence. With the track built at the base of the reservoir, it has the advantage of being at the bottom of a large “bowl” and means that viewing is superb all around the track from its grass banks and two covered and seated grandstands, and there are excellent facilities to ensure a great day out for all the family.

other contenders including Marc DeLand and daz Rycroft. Support comes from the tail-sliding Lightning Rods, more Open Hot Rods and the budget racers and their hatchbacks in the Incahots.

This summer we of course enjoy an extra Bank Holiday on 4th June, and at Hednesford a celebratory meeting is headlined by something different - 4x4 SUV Banger racing! Everything from Range Rovers to Vauxhall Fronteras raced at this pioneering event last year - proof that Chelsea Tractors do have sporting potential! High-speed racing support comes from the Stock Rods, the small but spectacular UK Oval Track Legends and a mixed field of Open Hot Rods. Then on Sunday June 17th the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest yet fastest oval racers contest their biggest race of the year at the venue as the Grand Prix Midgets contest their World Final. Midget car racing is the oldest form of short oval motorsport in the UK, and the cars may be tiny but they are extremely quick in a straight line. Multi-champion Jonathan Pooley defends the World title with his father Gordon and brother Daniel set to be among his main rivals,

Then on 1st July the Raceway steps back in time at the annual Veterans meeting. The stars of the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past will make a one-off return to crashing action in the Veteran Unlimited Bangers, the V8 rumble of the Heritage F1 Stock Cars will shake the ground as original and replica cars from days gone by race together, and a full grid of Ford Escorts and Anglias will provide a great spectacle in the Classic Hot Rods. To celebrate these great events Incarace are giving away tickets to any of the above three events - see below for details. The track is situated high on Cannock Chase just one mile from the town of Hednesford in Staffordshire, and is easily accessible from the M6, M6 Toll and A5.

COMPETITION

Win a family day out at Hednesford Hills Raceway. Questions: 1. W hat year saw the first racing at Hednesford Hills Raceway? 2. W ho will defend his Grand Prix Midget World Championship crown on Sunday 17th June at Hednesford Raceway. Answers (inc. name, address and telephone) on email to: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to: 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ Prize: Family Tickets Three Family tickets will be available for each of the events during June and July as detailed. A family ticket allows entry for 2 Adults and up to 3 children. Winners will be drawn the 2nd June for the 4x4 SUV Banger racing for event on 4th June. Winners will be drawn the 14th June for the Grand Prix Midgets for event on 17th June. Winners will be drawn the 27th June for the Veteran Unlimited Bangers for event on 1st July. Winners will be chosen at random from all correct entrants. All entry details will be forwarded to Incarace.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ift Fair…

od & G Gailey’s Fabulous Fo After last year’s successful event, Gailey Fruit Farm, near Penkridge have announced today they will be hosting another Fabulous Food & Gift Fair this year, on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June. The Fair will take place between 10am and 4pm on both days, and admission to the event is free of charge! This year’s event is set to be even bigger and better than last year, as there will not only be a marquee of local producers selling fabulous food and drink, but also an additional marquee full of Gifts! There will also be plenty of activities for the children, a barbecue and delicious cream teas - all the ingredients for a fantastic family day out! The new Gift Marquee will have a wide range of stalls selling everything from gifts, cards and jewellery to cushion covers, aprons and pottery. In the Food Marquee, local produce will be on sale with the chance to sample local delicacies from businesses such as Snoggable Garlic; the Great Little Honey Company; Mantinga Breads; Cheshire Cheese Company; Just Oil, and Sweet Retreat to name but a few! The fruit fields will also be open for those of you who want to ‘pick your own’, or if you don’t have time then the Farm Shop will have freshly picked strawberries on sale. And if that’s not enough to satisfy your appetite there will be a wide variety of refreshments available including a barbecue with local sausages, bacon and burgers supplied by Mears Butchers, as well as traditional cream teas with home-made scones and jam and freshly picked strawberries. There will be many other attractions including Traction Engine Rides, a Miniature Railway, Pony Rides, Hawkins Falconry and an ‘Animal 24

Zone’ where visitors can meet various animals including lizards, snakes, a racoon and even a honey bear. The Countryside Trust will also be running quizzes and competitions for the children, as well as activities such as face painting, sand art and glitter tattoos! And on the Sunday the MG owners club will also be there. Anne Geoghegan, Chair of South Staffordshire Tourism Association said: “We are delighted that the Food Fair is taking place again this year and it sounds like it’s going to be a great family day out. South Staffordshire has a brilliant selection of events and we really hope that people will come and enjoy themselves and see what we have to offer, right here on their doorstep.”

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Any local businesses wishing to join the South Staffordshire Tourism Association can do so by contacting Paul Geoghegan on 01785 713419, with membership fees at just £40 a year. Gailey Fruit Farm is situated just off Gailey Island, next to Dobbies Garden Centre, on the A5 and A449 junction. It is only one mile from Junction 12 of the M6 and is just 7 miles from Wolverhampton and 9 miles from Stafford (postcode ST19 5PP). Admission to the event is free! For further information please telephone 07791 872577 or log onto the website: www.gaileyfruitfarm.co.uk

Local paintball centre near Cannock est 25 years.

Tel: 01543 570062

Sudoku

Offering 70% discount on bookings. Free places if you organise a group.

We cater for Birthday, stag and hen parties, all ages above 11 years of age.

Trained staff, themed games, Laser and Airsoft sessions available.

www.paintballuk.com DIY for beginners Hang a simple shelf Decide where to place the shelf and check you won’t be drilling through a cable - look straight down for sockets! Mark the wall for the first bracket, check it is vertical with a spirit level then mark the screw holes. Drill, plug and screw to the wall. Do the same for the second bracket but make sure it is level with the first one using a laser level. Lay the shelf on top and attach with screws. Make sure the screws you use are short enough and won’t pop out of the top of the shelf!

2 1

6 3

5 8 5 2 1 6 9 5 3 9 7 3 1 8 4 5 7 1 Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!

CROSSWORD Across 8. Former Italian currency (4) 9. Outrageous (10) 10. A domineering woman (6) 11. Languor (8) 12. Farewell gesture (4) 13. Guide (10) 17. Sediment (4) 18. Lacquer ingredient (5) 19. Smudge (4) 20. Fanatic (10) 22. Require (4) 23. Neither urban nor rural (8) 27. Plaid (6) 28. Indiscretion (10) 29. One-quarter of a bushel (4)

Down 1. An annoying or frustrating event (10) 2. Budgie (8) 3. Relax (10) 4. It comes from sheep (4)

5. Adjoin (4) 6. Accomplish (6) 7. Cozy (4) 14. Letter before iota (5) 15. Coquetry (10) 16. Joyful enthusiasm (10)

19. Insolvent (8) 21. Hindquarters (6) 24. Utilizer (4) 25. What we sleep in (4) 26. Void (4)

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Stafford Rangers FC

Stafford Rangers FC was founded in 1876 and as many Staffordians will know play their home games at Marston Road, at the north end of town.

The football club, nicknamed ‘The Boro’, currently are playing football in the EvoStik Premier Division, and had its best spell as a football team in the 1970’s where it saw them visit Wembley on three occasions, winning the non-league trophy twice, league championships, county cups in addition to reaching the 4th round of the FA Cup.

The club itself has a great ‘local, family feel’ about it. Welcoming directors & volunteers, help the visitors to the club leave with the right impression - whether they are fans, sponsors or visiting directors & supporters. No matter what the result on match days, we want everyone to go away with a positive feel about the Club - making their decision to return a simple one.

Football as we know has changed a dramatic amount since the glory days of the 70’s. Nowadays there seems to be a direct correlation between football success and investment from a rich tycoon! We are not one of the fortunate clubs who have a Russian billionaire inject large sums of cash into the club - but we do have something a lot better - a loyal, committed fan base and passionate and supportive sponsors, who help see the Boro’ through each season.

The Club is also exceptionally fortunate to have a very large Social Club on site - offering facilities for parties, family gatherings, weddings, conference & events, funerals and dancing events. Rooms catering up to 200 guests make it an ideal venue for events. With 3 private bars available, a snooker room, SKY television for all of the major sporting events, the Social Club at Stafford Rangers has recently become the sought after place to hold an event. Quite rightly so - a lot

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

of time, money and elbow grease have been injected into the club over the last 6 months - and constant improvements are being made to the facilities. New fixtures and fittings, fresh coats of paint and most importantly a bit of TLC have certainly helped the club raise their game.

follow Stafford Rangers on Twitter (@SRFCofficial) or find them on Facebook (Stafford Rangers Football Club). The club are also very fortunate to have the helping hand of local media - Stafford FM, The Newsletter & The Express & Star - all ensuring Staffordians are kept up to date. Away from the club, the operational team are willing to get involved with the local community - over the last season, a number of the playing staff and volunteers, got involved with local football tournaments, supported the town parade, and even participated in charity events at local supermarkets. The club are keen to be in the ‘Heart of the Community’. Looking ahead, the club have already planned a charity cricket match against Stafford Cricket Club in aid of the Stafford based charity Katharine House Hospice. The club’s mascot, Bobby the Badger, has also made a record number of

appearances this year at a number events at the club and in the town. The club also runs successful events which not only are fun, but help raise much needed funds. Real Ale Festivals, Sportsman Dinners and Bowling Evenings are just some of the great fundraising events that have happened, that have always been well supported. It’s also great to see the club moving into the 21st century - marketing the club, and updating fans on latest news & events through e-newsletters and social media channels. It is something that is considered very important to the club moving forward. You can

Times are changing at Marston Road - and if you either never been, or simply haven’t been for a while, then perhaps it’s about time to pay us a visit. Stafford Rangers are already looking forward to the season ahead in 2012/13, and of course the local derby game against Hednesford Town which is always an entertaining affair.

Here’s to the new season - Up the Boro’! For more details on Stafford Rangers Football Club & Social Club, please contact Stuart Maun, Commercial Manger on 07540 124396 or stuart. maun@staffordrangersfc.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Ale House rd o ff ta S e th t a s g in New Beginn One of Stafford’s iconic buildings has re-opened its doors to the public as The Stafford Ale House. Previously known as The Pie & Ale House, and located at the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Crabbery Street, its new owners Ann Maydew and Peter Lythgoe are keen to keep some of its traditional charm whilst introducing some new family-friendly ideas. Whether you fancy a coffee and cake or a more substantial meal which might include pie and mash or sausage and chips, this remodelled public house is now a great place for mums to meet up and take the kids along. Not only is there a full children’s menu but there is also a kids soft play area including toddler and baby toys for pre-school ages and Fuzzy Felts for the older kids. 28

The Stafford Ale House was originally a 16th century town house which was converted to offices in 1967 and later opened as a café bar known as The Noah’s Ark. The building is perhaps the oldest building in Stafford. It would have been old when Queen Elizabeth I stopped there for a glass of wine on her way to Stafford Castle in 1575. Many of the old features remain with mullioned windows, winding staircases and beamed ceilings but new modern features including leather sofas and glass topped tables bring a stylish and vibrant feel to this new and exciting venue. With a large upstairs room suitable for private functions, live music or business meetings, this is an ideal town centre location that can cater for all your needs. Richard Ralph, Senior Surveyor for managing agents DTZ said “Ann and Peter have had an association with the pub for some years and it is great to welcome them back as the new owners of the property.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

This historic building is a gem in the heart of Stafford and there are some great plans to create a welcoming and relaxing venue that can be used by families and business people alike. We wish them every success with their new venture.” So for a special meal deal or a Pie & A Pint, call in at the Stafford Ale House where you will always get a friendly welcome … and don’t forget, if you bring your ‘Stafford Enjoy’ discount card with you, you will qualify for 10% off your bill. Opening times: 9am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm Sundays. For more details call the Stafford Ale House on 01785 226108 or go on line at www. staffordalehouse.com for more details of our menus and forthcoming live music events.

NEW EXTENDED SHOWROOM Create the wow factor with our beautiful ranges of bespoke furniture

Open: Monday to Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11-4pm 79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Tel: 01902 428489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk www.interiorsitalia.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Specialising in Hair Extensions for length, volume, colour or curls, fully trained by Connect - the choice is yours. Suitable for all types of hair.

Haircolour Design Styling Quality is important, we use MATRIX colours, shampoo and treatments. Also Joico – the art of healthy hair.

Creative Director Paul Aston has over 25 years experience in hair design. Paul trained in London and over the years has worked in London, New York, Melbourne, Paris, Sydney, competing in international hairdressing shows around the world.

Connect Hair Extensions London – the most prestigious name in the industry.

Connect are responsible for many A-list styles and their famed hair extensions are worn by TV and Film Stars, Singers, Celebrities and Socialites in the know. Why travel to London when Connect Hair Extensions are available on your doorstep. Call and book in for a FREE consultation.

You’ll find Paul and his team at : 1a Brantley Avenue, Finchfield, Wolverhampton WV3 9AP 30

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Tel: 01902 765975

FREE ADULT SWIM PASS Voucher must be presented at reception. Contact the leisure centres for details on pool opening times.

Valid until 31st July 2012. Vouchers can be cancelled at any time.

What we offer: Friendly atmosphere Great facilities Free inductions and trials* Flexible memberships Corporate memberships available Low cost memberships for those on a strict budget* Discounts for students

Additional terms & conditions may apply. Name:

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1 voucher per person, per offer.

Date: Leisure Centre:

SO2

Our facilities: ● Fitness suite ● Exericise classes ● Swimming pools

● Toning suites ● Sports halls ● Power plate

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre Codsall Leisure Centre Penkridge Leisure Centre Wombourne Leisure Centre

Our Venues: 01922 01902 01785 01902

417790 844032 714152 898202

Come and have a look around or why not give us a call to find out more: Leisure Services, South Staffordshire Council Telephone: 01902 696505 Email: s.osbourne@sstaffs.gov.uk *Terms and conditions apply

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Car Park e tr n e C n w o T r fo s rk Full Ma The Guildhall Shopping Centre’s multi storey car park has been recognized by Staffordshire Police for its high levels of safety and security. The prestigious Park Mark® Award was first awarded to the Guildhall’s car park in March 2009 and following a rigorous reassessment the award has been reaffirmed. The Park Mark® Award is awarded to those car parks that have quality management with good lighting, effective surveillance and a clean environment all of which contribute to low levels of crime - in short safer parking for everyone. Park Mark® is as much about reducing the fear of crime as it is in reducing actual crime in car parks and the intention

is that customers should seek out the Park Mark® tick when choosing where to leave their vehicle. Guildhall Shopping Centre Manager, George Demetriou said “We are pleased that our multi-storey car park has been identified as a safe place to park. We have recently upgraded the lighting so that we now have low emission LED lighting throughout and we are also improving the CCTV cover to have additional cameras on all levels. The whole car park is currently being re-painted and our cleaning teams work tirelessly to ensure everything is kept to the standards our customers expect.” Richard Ralph, Senior Surveyor for DTZ said “We constantly strive to maintain a high standard in our car

parks and we are very pleased that our efforts have been recognised by Park Mark®. Customers visiting the Guildhall Shopping Centre can enjoy their shopping experience with us confident that their car is in a safe and secure environment.” PC Gordon Scott, Architectural Liaison Officer for Staffordshire Police said “The Guildhall car park fully deserves to retain the award for their excellent approach and commitment to reducing car park crime.”

ammer Toes

onth: H M e th f o ip T p o T ’s m o T As the toe continues to be deformed, it will press up against the shoe and may cause corns.

• If a mallet toe has occurred, you are likely to suffer from a corn at the end of the toe.

There are two joints in the lesser toes and one joint in the large toe. If the deformity occurs in the lesser toes and in the joint nearest the nail, it is called a mallet toe.

• Infections and ulcers can also occur.

• If the deformity occurs in the lesser toes and in the joint nearest the foot, it is called a hammer toe • If the deformity in the lesser toes involves both of the joints, then the toe is referred to as a claw toe. • If the deformity occurs in the large toe, it is known as a trigger toe. • A hammer toe may be painful, especially when irritated by a shoe. • All four toe conditions may cause cramps in the toes, foot and leg due to the abnormal function of the tendons in the foot. 32

• A hammer toe may cause a corn on the top of the toe. • In severe cases a mallet toe, trigger toe, claw toe or a hammer toe may create a downward pressure on the foot, which can result in hard skin and corns on the soles of the feet.

Causes of Hammer Toes • Inappropriate shoes (high heels, tight shoes). • Flat feet can result in hammer toes. • High arch feet can also result in buckling the toes. • Bunions are a major cause of hammer toes. • Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Treatments for Hammer Toes • Wide fitting low heeled shoes & trainers.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

• Make sure stockings, tights and socks are not too constrictive. • Apply moisturising cream to keep skin soft regularly. • Moulded toe separators, toe props and dorsal crescents. • See a Chiropodist/Podiatrist for removal of corns & callous.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Northern Gas

Wolverhampton based - Northern Gas Heating is now recognised as one of the UK’s foremost national central heating specialists. Winning the H & V news award as Domestic Heating Installer of 2010, the Northern Gas the approach is simple. “Our mission is to deliver better service and better prices than any other central heating company,” states Marketing Manager Paul Coupe. He goes on the say that “as a 34

Northern Gas customer we guarantee you will get an installation and a price that’s just right for you.” Northern Gas is passionate about quality and dedicated to service, making sure that their range of products is designed to cater to a customer’s specific needs, taking the hassle out of heating systems and guiding people through the maze of different products to ensure that what is installed is perfect for both home and lifestyle. Above all, Northern Gas only installs products that comply fully with British Safety Standards - manufactured by leading brand names.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

When you choose Northern Gas you are opting for exceptional service, affordable pricing and therefore total peace of mind. And when it comes to safety there is no doubting that Northern Gas have a no compromise attitude, ensuring that all their engineers are fully trained utilising their sister company ‘Get Training’, with dedicated training centres in both Wolverhampton and Aylesbury. It almost goes without saying that a fully qualified GAS SAFE engineer undertakes every installation. In addition to high quality boilers and central heating systems, Northern Gas Heating also takes advantage of the very latest technology to provide

new developments have produced more efficient panels which are now available through Northern Gas Heating.” “To complement our solar options, we also take advantage of the latest technology to provide proven Air Source Heat Pump solutions that are tailored to the individual requirements of each home’. Air source heat pumps are similar in principle to a refrigerator but instead of cooling they take heat from the air and convert it into usable heat.” Historically serving a domestic market, Northern Gas now undertakes large commercially orientated installations as well as those for local authorities such as social housing. Northern Gas is also pleased to be associated with the A1 Fuel Switching scheme which is operated through a nationwide base of approved installers. Fuel switching involves moving from one type of fuel to another. As an effort to promote cleaner - more carbon friendly fuels, the A1 scheme aims to provide funding to help homeowners move to better heating alternatives.

a range of energy efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Mr Coupe says, “It’s another exciting area in which Northern Gas is well placed to provide solutions on a National scale. With the growing trend towards renewable technologies, heating your household water can easily be achieved though the companies solar thermal alternatives. Essentially, solar hot water systems convert both sunlight and daylight into hot water. They are extremely efficient and are able to effectively heat water all year round, even when it is cloudy. First, solar panels are installed onto the roof to absorb energy. When they are exposed to light, these panels quickly

warm up. The resulting heat is then simply and safely transferred to the water held in the storage cylinder. Your existing boiler or immersion heater can be used in conjunction with a solar hot water system to heat water further. The hot water produced can be used in the normal manner as and when it is required.”

For instance, a homeowner whose house is primarily heated by electric or coal may be helped through the scheme to switch to gas or oil. But there are many different situations which may qualify for funding so it’s definitely worth checking with the company to determine if you qualify for any help.

“Employing solar energy through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels is also fast becoming a popular method of electrical power generation. By installing PV solar not only will you be generating your own electricity but you’ll be able to sell any excess back to the National Grid. As demand for this technology has increased,

The company feels that that it offers a comprehensive service for an array of different types of customers and as a consequence looks forward to continued growth over the coming years. Northern Gas Heating, Harrison House, Marston Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4NJ Tel: 01902 393393

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

f need’ o s e m ti in y it n u m m o ‘Helping the fire c The Fire Fighters Charity is the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families. Our vision is to make a positive difference by supporting people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need. Our mission is to place beneficiaries at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that the fire and rescue community can rely on The Fire Fighters Charity as its primary point of contact for advice and support. We aim to provide practical assistance and solutions to make a real difference to the lives of members of the fire service community.

as recuperation breaks that provide the chance to relax in peaceful and tranquil surroundings, which can aid emotional recovery following illness, injury, or bereavement. It costs £9m every year to meet the needs of our beneficiaries, and with no government funding, we rely entirely upon donations from the general public and the fire and rescue community. In order for us to improve our services year on year, it is vital for us to have a reliable source of income that we can depend on. There are lots of ways that you can support us. You can donate to The Fire Fighters Charity by joining our Regular Giving scheme, playing The Fire Fighters Lottery, leaving a gift in your will, recycling your unwanted clothing and textiles, or by making a one-off donation. With everything

Our Beneficiary Support Service offers a free confidential and impartial helpline for the fire and rescue community - providing advice and support on a broad range of issues - as well as having a nationwide network of professional staff and trained volunteers available to help locally. Our three centres in Devon, Cumbria and West Sussex offer rehabilitation programmes to serving and retired members of the fire and rescue community, as well 36

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

from Car Washes to Ladies Driving Challenges and overseas treks to bake sales, we also have a range of events for everyone to get involved with!

Why donate to The Fire Fighters Charity? Across the County, from Kidsgrove and Longnor in the north, to Wombourne and Kinver in the south, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is at the heart of your local community. The Service works tirelessly with its partners to make your County a safer place to live and work. Your local fire fighters do all they can to improve the lives and wellbeing of everyone in Staffordshire, and in particular they want to reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by accidental fires in the home. Through a mixture of pioneering campaigns and home fire risk checks, they’re doing just that!

Any amount you can afford helps us to provide practical assistance and solutions to make a real difference to the lives of members of the fire service community. Donating just £6 a month via our Regular Giving scheme allows us to take advantage of the Government’s Gift Aid policy, so we can claim an extra 25% (£1.50) at no cost to you or the Charity! And as little as £50 allows a fire service employee and their family to attend a day’s recuperation at one of our centres following cases of injury, illness, or bereavement.

BBQ SUMMER SAFETY POSTERv6_Layout 1 05/04/2012 10:31 Page 1

Having a a BBQ? BBQ? Having Wedon’t don’t want want to We to turn turnup up tosave save your your bacon! to bacon! ForBBQ BBQSafety Safetyinformation information visit For visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk Staffs Fire and Rescue

Staffs Fire and Rescue

@staffsfire

#lookwhenyoucook

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ngs UK Total Glass Fitwti are Specialists rd

The Architectural Ha

Specialists in architectural glass components and systems, Total Glass Fittings UK are the premier choice for those looking to modernise and improve their home using the most upto-date and innovative glass products. Situated in Chapel Ash, near to the hub of Wolverhampton’s city centre, the company offer bespoke and inventive solutions in stainless steel and glass that are perfect for the modern home. Glass shower enclosures, balconies, partitions, doors and beautiful balustrades can transform a plain, tired and dated space into a sophisticated and thoroughly unique living area that showcases cutting edge design and style at it’s very best. Creating the illusion of endless space, glass additions offer a seamless and uninterrupted continuity between areas. And it’s not just homes that benefit from the stylish fittings on offer at Total Glass Fittings, the team cater for commercial projects too.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

“Our mission is to develop and supply complete hardware solutions by being the experts in stainless steel architectural glass products. We have an extensive range of single toughened and toughened laminated hardware products for both architectural and domestic purposes,” explains director Jamie Wilkes. Employing their years of experience in the glass and glazing industry, where they have specialised in balustrades, canopies, structural glazing, glass partitioning and more, the team at Total Glass Fittings offer expert information and advice to their customers and a level of service that is second to none - from start to finish. “Our goal is understanding, satisfying and exceeding our customers expectations, combined with delivering the quality and excellence you would expect from a leading supplier. We have a strict quality policy and deliver the highest standards of customer service,” says Jamie. So if your property is crying out for an injection of style and 21st Century cutting-edge chic, contact the team at Total Glass Fittings UK today.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Your Monthly Horoscope ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Finances are in the spotlight this month as the Sun illuminates all areas of earning and spending. Income may be somewhat erratic, but after the alignment of the Sun and Jupiter on the 12th you should get a better handle on the situation and a lucky break could come your way. TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 A month of personal growth and transformation as abundant Jupiter gets close and personal with your Sun. You will be looking at the way others perceive you and how you could strengthen your sense of self and gain in confidence. Hard work and accomplishment are possible now GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 Its all systems go with your domestic life this month, energetic and fiery Mars provides you with extra energy, motivation and power to move forward with your plans. Money might be invested in your home, and turning a long-standing dream into reality is now possible. CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 Communication is high on your agenda this month as energetic Mars stirs you into action. You could surprise those around you who are used to you demure and conciliatory approach to life. The full moon on the 6th is very favourable for bringing your determination to the forefront. LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 Finances are still high on your agenda during May and new and innovative earning potentials can come to the forefront. The spectacular alignment of the Sun and benevolent Jupiter on the 12th occurs in the career angle of your chart. You could receive the good news that you’ve been waiting for. VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 Mighty Jupiter smiles favourably on you during this month, helping you to treat minor inconveniences with a positive attitude and also boosting your morale. Neptune may well be casting a veil of confusion over partnership matters, but on the whole romance can flourish and bloom. 40

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 The Sun and optimistic Jupiter are aligning themselves very nicely in one of the financial areas of your chart. This could be a very auspicious month for Librans. Financial opportunities will most certainly present themselves to you, and the 12th could turn out to be very lucky. SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 The month begins with a full moon in your sign on the 6th. This could turn out to be a rather introspective month. Transformational Pluto also encourages you to look within for buried treasure. You could uncover facets of your personality that you haven’t yet accepted or acknowledged. SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 A busy month for you as the spectacular alignment of the Sun and expansive Jupiter on the 12th brings the culmination of an important work project. Events occur that highlight your responsibilities in your professional life. You might also use this time to reassess your romantic goals. CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Romance is in the spotlight this month as the Sun cuddles up to expansive Jupiter on the 12th. You have been evaluating what you need in a relationship and are probably quite surprised to find that freedom is very important to you. Don’t push yourself too hard, relaxation is important now. AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 Enthusiasm and optimism should be high on the agenda for you this month. You’ll have big ideas about how to increase your income. While you continue to brainstorm money making potentials, your attention also turns to learning, networking and communicating in exciting new ways. PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 The alignment of Sun and Jupiter put you in a courageous and optimistic mood. Your path to greatest fulfilment is through avoiding becoming too dependent on others and recognizing your ability to stand alone. In the past this has not always been easy, but in this new cycle it can become second nature.

r A name to look out fo At only 15 he’ll entertain you with a cross section of music covering several decades. He’ll play you sing along rock and roll one minute and one of his own compositions the next. Ask him for an Elton John hit and he can play you them all. If The Beatles is your thing he’ll do most of their hits too. Coldplay, James Morrison, Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder as well as rock songs from Queen, the list and variety is endless and just about everything is played from memory. This versatile singer - song writer will mix it up with all ages and have people tapping their feet in no time. The name to look out for by the way is Louis Coupe. Having appeared in several stage shows, Louis has a wealth of experience as both actor and accomplished singer. Through his appreciation of stars famed for influencing pop, rock and jazz, Louis has been inspired to emulate names from a broad spectrum and mixture of styles.

Louis Coupe

Without any formal piano lessons Louis was quick to learn, gaining a spot in ‘Telford’s Got Talent’ final in 2009 after just 4 months at the piano! Louis revisited the event in 2011 and walked away with third spot for his efforts. Louis can’t help but impress when playing the songs from the past. To hear Louis breathe new life into hits from all our yesteryears is something to behold. If you’re old enough to remember the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, you’ll love watching Louis cover songs like Great Balls of Fire or Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On. If you’d like to relive the days of Chuck Berry and hits like Johnny B. Goode and Route 66, Louis is more than happy to oblige. At the age of just 15, he looks set to make a big impression through his own song writing and musical collaborations. 2010 saw Louis front his school (Thomas Telford) choir at the Royal Albert Hall during the Youth Proms. Over the past 18 months his song writing has been prolific. “Sometimes the lyrics come first, sometimes the music.” Says Louis. “There’s no one particular

approach, it just happens if I’m feeling creative. If I hear something that I like the sound of I’ll be keen to try and produce a song in a similar style”. His favoured instruments are the piano or guitar although the harmonica, mandolin and ukulele also play their part. To date Louis has self-produced two albums with the most recent now available to download from iTunes. Louis goes on to say “I just play what I like the sound of. I’ll spend hours practicing because I only concentrate on the music I love. I don’t think formal lessons would ever have suited me.” Louis plans to take his musical and performing interests forward. He’ll be studying Performing Arts when he starts sixth form later this year and then he eyes a position at stage or musical school in a couple of years time. It seems we can all look forward to plenty more of what we’ve seen so far. Look out for Louis as he will be performing in and around the region in the coming months.

If you’re interested in learning more about Louis he’s easy to find - just Google him. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Making Memories

Can you help a Staffordshire child make memories? There are many children, in Staffordshire and beyond, that need a second chance to live in a happy and secure home. Staffordshire County Council needs to recruit at least 65 new foster carers over the next three years to make sure that the children placed in the local authority’s care have the best start and life, and go on to reach their potential. The county council’s Fostering Service offers unrivalled training and access to nationally recognised qualifications, support and social activities for the whole family, a professional fee, and an inflation busting allowance to help support the foster child. “Ask any of our foster carers and they’ll tell you that fostering is very rewarding and satisfying,” said Cabinet Member for Children’s Wellbeing, Mike Lawrence. “Many even say that it’s the best move they’ve ever made for their family, career and themselves.

And for the child it’s giving them a secure and happy home, the result of which could be better grades at school, seeing them open up to new experiences or just seeing them smile. Fostering for the county council means that you’re more likely to be able to care for a child sooner than if you foster through an Independent Fostering Agency. We approach our own approved carers first, before talking to other agencies, because we have that personal relationship with the people that we have trained to be the best they can be. We’re also delighted that we’ve been able to increase the allowances that we pay to foster carers to help support the children. We value our foster carers and want to give them every possible support.” Fostering with the county council means that you’ll be supported every step of the way. The Fostering Service has been officially recognised by Ofsted

as an ‘Outstanding’ service because of the level of support and training provided to foster carers and their families. The Molyneux family from Cannock have been fostering for a number of years and have never looked back. “The county council has been excellent, and we’re finding fostering a great personal experience. It’s helping us to grow ourselves, as well as obviously giving the children a happy home; something that everyone has a right to, but that most of us take for granted.” Although some people want to foster on a long term basis, there are many different ways to foster a child that can fit with a busy lifestyle. Short-term care, fostering at weekends and giving children with disabilities a break, are all possible. Foster carers don’t need formal qualifications; just a willingness to share their home and their love with a child in need.

Ring 0800 169 2061 or go to www.care4child.org to find out more! 42

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

r u o y Use

to care

Fo s t e r in g m e a n s f a m il y

e ir h s d r o f f a t S Can you help a ies? r o m e m e k a m child

www

rg o . d l i h c .care4

Scan this with your Smartphone to find out why you should foster for Staffordshire

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

erside Mill

za In Riv n a g a v a tr x E s e u q ti n A Any seeker of vintage treasures would do well to visit Bridgnorth’s Old Mill Antiques Centre - housed in an historic seed mill - on the banks of the River Severn. The centre has been open for 16 years and is as popular today as it was when it opened in 1996 - when literally thousands of visitors poured through the doors during the opening weekend. The Old Mill is one of the biggest antiques centres in the country, offering four floors of displays and stands featuring literally something for everyone. Traders from all over the UK and Europe sell their wares at the centre and it has continued to flourish at all times, despite occasional downturns in the antiques market. “We have always been successful and managed to weather difficult times within the industry,” says Old Mill co-director Denis Ridgway. “We try to appeal to everyone, not just the informed antiques collector. Our view is that antiques and collectables are of general appeal and can be displayed in any home whether period or contemporary.”

“You don’t have to be wealthy to collect and appreciate antiques, there are many items available at very affordable prices.” The choice at the Old Mill is tremendously varied. Jewellery, porcelain, militaria, pop ephemera, watercolours, oil paintings, prints, vintage furniture, silver, musical instruments - the list just goes on and on. Jewellery on sale includes a fantastic selection of engagement rings (both period and reproduction), costume jewellery and crystal, and ranges in price from just a few pounds right up to several thousand for items featuring precious stones. “We have 90 dealers operating at the Old Mill, from as far afield as Brussels and Berlin,” says Denis. “The range of items on sale is vast, catering for all kinds of tastes and budgets - and that’s why the Old Mill is so popular.” “People come here to browse and buy from all over the country, often spending hours here and having a break in our tearooms, which open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Some people stay all day!” “We’re always busy, especially at weekends and during bank holidays. I think part of the attraction is that people can browse at their leisure and buy if they wish, there is no pressure from our sales team - they are just on hand to help and advise if called upon.”

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

The Old Mill also sells a range of reproduction furniture, including pine and oak refectory tables made to measure, and period items include church pews, desks, dining tables and chairs, chaises, beds, day beds, wardrobes, armoires and cupboards. “Vintage furniture is lovely but sometimes the chairs in particular are not practical for everyday use in modern times - we’re a little heavier today than we were centuries ago,” says Denis. “Reproduction furniture provides all the old-fashioned charm and style with a more robust approach, plus sizes can be tailored to modern rooms - what worked in a Georgian mansion would not fit easily into the average home today!” The Old Mill is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm. Parking is free and a UK-wide delivery service is available. The Old Mill’s sister company, Perry and Phillips Auctioneers, hold sales of antiques and collectables. Perry and Phillips dates back to 1835 and is a highly respected auction house attracting both vendors and buyers from all over the UK. Sale valuation mornings are held at Mill Street every Wednesday, from 10am until 2pm, and valuations of large items can be arranged in situ by making an appointment with auctioneer John Ridgway. Viewing is always the weekend and Monday prior to the auction and catalogues are available.

Old Mill Antique Centre At The Old Mill Antique Centre we have 4 floors of antiques and quality reproduction furniture – and literally thousands of gift ideas for everyone – all displayed in charming and elegant room settings

Antique & Reproduction Furniture 1000’s of Gift Ideas Bespoke Furniture Beautiful tables made to your design & specification in-house using only the best quality seasoned Oak or Pine.

Tea Room Serving Delicious Homemade Cakes & Snacks Open Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm Car Parking Available Mill Street, Low Town Bridgnorth WV15 5AG Tel: 01746 762248

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ylo Raising the Roof by Rob Ta

Rob Taylor lifts the lid on three of today’s hottest convertibles and discovers that open-top cars are best served by an open mind. Our eyes met at the traffic lights. I wasn’t at my best; hair unkempt, sunglasses askew, a gaily-coloured knitted scarf - a present from Granny - tied tight around my neck. But I was in an open-top Audi TT convertible and we’ve all seen enough TV car commercials to know how the story goes from here. Even the melodious irony of Lionel Richie’s Dancing on the Ceiling, now booming from the Bose sound system, couldn’t interfere with yet another example of ‘automotive aphrodisiac facilitates union of two beautiful people’. Well, I’d love to tell you that life does indeed imitate art and that beside me in the next lane of traffic sat some irresistibly beautiful siren, staring back at me with smouldering brown eyes. However, I was, in fact, looking into the cabin of a decrepit Ford Transit van, up close and personal and staring down the taunts of Wayne Murphy - building contractor at large - and his toothless workmate, Lee, while sitting in a unsettlingly effeminate, virgin-white convertible, accompanied by a cosmetically enhanced 62 year-old singer in a leather jacket, on a dreary morning in a deprived backwater of the concrete jungle. TIME TO PUT THE ROOF UP I’ve never been a fan of convertibles, viewing them to be impractical, irrelevant in this part of the northern hemisphere and chiefly the preserve of posers, who are besotted with the fatuous notion that one day rain and congestion will be blown away to leave an Edenic world of play. That, or they’ve been watching too much TV. So then, just like Mr Murphy and his hideously misspelled promise of ‘All tipes of work undertaken - no job two big’, my test trio of Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Sport, Mercedes SLK 200 Blue Efficiency Sport and BMW z4 2.0i sDrive had their work cut out. North Wales seemed to be a natural testing ground, with fast-flowing and windy roads, unfathomable Welsh road signs which resemble a game of Countdown - ZTTSLK - and more rain than the deluge visited upon Noah. If this group of shiny sybaritic metal was ever going to win me over it was going to have to be on my terms. After all, a slow ponce down into the city didn’t work. 46

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Keen to get into something more masculine after the TT, my attention was piqued by the z4. Whereas the TT looks like it was hewn by the hand of the Divine, the z4 has something of the night about it. Forged in Satan’s chimney by minions enslaved to endlessly pound its body panels into an ultra-macho form, the z4 is more visceral than its test partners. More aggressive and harder riding, it is the fastest from 0-62mph (6.9 seconds), its 2 litre turbocharged engine delivering the 184bhp sweetly and seamlessly and, with 199lb ft of torque available as low as 1250rpm, it has more grunt than a Maria Sharapova forehand. Quiet and refined with the metal roof up, loud and raucous when dropped, this entry level model excites on a primitive level. It handles well too, even when things get hairy the z4 just hoovers up any lost follicles and sticks them to your chest. The SLK is all about quality and refinement and is a little less driver-orientated. Like the TT it has a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine and is a car you can live with everyday. Ingenious creature comforts such as neck-level heating system ‘Airscarf’ and ‘vario-roof’ (essentially a translucent panel set into the metal) promote sensory pleasures rather more civilised than a guttural exhaust note. But that’s not to say that the SLK is as soft as the TT’s roof: far from it, especially when fitted with the optional dynamic handling pack, which can be activated at the touch of a ‘sport’ button. This autobahn cruiser tops out at around 149mph and does 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds - so it’s no SLacKer in the speed stakes. In fact, if it falls down anywhere it is in the style stakes, mainly because of its newly homogenised ‘corporate face’ front-end, which - while proportionate on the SLS et al - seems awkward on such a dainty roadster. Like the meshing of ‘efficiency’ and ‘sport’ in its official title, it feels like an oxymoron. And so to the TT and my earlier unease. A few hours of spirited driving and games of ‘dodge the witless road-dwelling sheep’ later and I’m thoroughly convinced that it’s a proper driver’s car. It sounds great, handles well - especially with the optional magnetic ride dampers - has a fine driving position - low-slung with well spaced pedals - and its 158bhp and 184lb ft of torque feel ample and entirely capable of whisking you from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and onto 139mph. All three return around 42mpg, defecate roughly 150g/km of Co2 and cost - with scant attention to options - just under £30,000. So you really can go topless without needing bottomless reserves of cash. And after experiencing all three in near idyllic conditions, I must confess, I’m a bit of a convertible convert. My earlier experience at the traffic lights, I’ll just chalk up to Murphy’s Law. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

t to arrive in style New V40 se dley Wolverhampton at Brin

In just a few months’ time, the newly launched and much acclaimed Volvo V40 will saunter into the showroom at Brindley Wolverhampton. With on the road price starting at just £19,745, it’s no wonder that the order books at the dealership in Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, are already filling. “We knew this car would generate a huge amount of interest but we have been quite stunned with the volume of enquiries,” comments dealer principal Peterjohn Durrell. “First demonstrators will be in the showroom this summer and we think the order book will soon be bulging.” The premium hatchback emits CO2 as low as 94g/km for the D2 version with an accompanying fuel economy of 78.5 mpg*. Its 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115 hp and 285 Nm of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function which means V40 drivers will benefit from improved running costs and the lowest vehicle tax bands (starting at £0 and subsequent years’ vehicle tax of £0**). Innovative and class-leading safety features include the world’s first

pedestrian airbag, which helps reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact, and Volvo’s City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system City Safety, which has been further developed to operate at speeds up to 31 mph (currently 19mph on other models). Not surprisingly, the new V40 is aiming for a full star rating in the new, tougher 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests. Company car users will benefit from strong Benefit In Kind (BIK) figures, with the V40 D2 at £43 and £85 for 20% and 40% tax payers respectively. The V40 D2 offers the best BIK figures of all the premium 5-door hatchbacks, beating the BMW 116d ED (£45 and £90) and the Audi A3 1.6 TDI (£48 and £97). Designed to be a head-turner, the new V40 has a low and wide front look with a bold, expressive grille and an overall sporty feel. A panoramic glass roof exudes spaciousness whilst the ‘large car’ feeling is continued inside with features such as a wide instrument design. Due to appear on UK roads in September, the all-new V40 will be available in ES, SE and SE LUX trim with features that include:• Bluetooth is standard across the range

• Electronic Climate Control • World-class audio technology • Mobile app enable drivers to stay in touch with the parked car via a smart phone • Optional Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) • Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system • Advanced Stability Control • Corner Traction Control • Driving aids including Blind Sport Information System (BLIS); Lane Keeping Aid; Cross Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Driver Alert Control • Full set of safety features include a safety cage; new driver’s knee airbag; and Roll Over Protection System

Orders are now being taken whilst advance test drive bookings can be made with: Brindley Wolverhampton on 01902 841931. *Fitted with 205 tyres / on the combined cycle **On the Volvo V40 D2 model

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

Useful Numbers CHEMISTS

St. Austin’s R.C Catholic School

01785 356765

Asda Late Opening Pharmacy

01785 782010

St. Dominic’s High School for Girls

01902 850248

Browning Street Pharmacy

01785 252541

St. Johns C.E (C) Primary School

01785 251960

Cornwell’s Chemist

01785 250151

St. Leonards Primary School

01785 356890

Lloyds Pharmacy

01785 225851

St. Michael’s C of E First School

01785 712344

Rowland’s Pharmacy

01785 212707

St. Pauls C.E (C) Primary School

01785 356634

0500 970348

Stafford Grammar School

01785 249752

White House Pharmacy

01785 712829

The Grove Primary School

01785 356412

Wolverhampton Road Pharmacy

01785 258181

& Nursery Units

The Co-operative Pharmacy

COUNCILS

Tillington Manor Primary School

01785 356880

Vernon Lodge Preparatory School

01785 850568

Penkridge Parish Council

01785 714157

Wolgarston High School

01785 788400

Staffordshire Borough Council

01785 619000

Yarlet School

01785 286568

Staffordshire County Council

03001 118000

South Staffordshire District Council

01902 696000

Staffordshire Parish Council Association 01785 277499

HOSPITALS Stafford Hospital

01785 257731

Rowley Hall Hospital

01785 238600

EDUCATION Blessed William Howard Catholic School 01785 244236

POST OFFICES

Blessed Mother Teresa’s Catholic Primary School

01785 356405

Cannock Road Post Office

01785 661836

Charnley Road Post Office

01785 252624

Brooklands School

01785 251399

Great Haywood Post Office

01889 881213

Castlechurch Primary School

01785 356772

Highfields Post Office

01785 241799

Chase Academy

01543 501881

Littleworth Post Office

01785 223769

Copsewood Primary School

01785 258482

Midlands Co-operative Post Office

01785 216880

Doxey Primary School

01785 356100

Penkridge Post Office

01785 712201

Stone Road Post office

01785 252103

John Wheeldon County Primary School 01785 356636} King Edward VI High School

01785 258546

Marshbrook First School

01785 712780

LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Parkside Primary

01785 617205

In an emergency always call 999

Penkridge Middle School

01785 355545

For general enquiries:

Princefield First School

01785 714050

Staffordshire Police

0300 123 4455

St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School

01785 663128

Staffordshire Fire Service

08451 221155

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Index of Advertisers Emergency Services

Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill

Bathrooms Eago Bathrooms

CRS

10 & 11

9 10 & 11

Children’s Activities Incarace South Staffs Leisure Centre Skirmish Paintball

22 & 23 31 25

Education Chase Academy

South Staffs Leisure Centre

Total Glass Fittings

38 & 39

Jewellers

22 & 23

T A Henn

Fashion/Retail

Paintball

Skirmish Paintball

Fire Place/Stoves Fireside Factory

Staffordshire District Council

Restaurants

Kings Repose

Fostering 52

Interior Designers

Lily’s of Shifnal

Car Sales Brindley Volvo

Stargaze

Incarace 29

Carpets (Supply & Fit) Telford Carpets

Staffordshire Fire Service Entertainments and Leisure

Beds & bedroom Furniture Interiors Italia

Hairdressers

Solar Energy Installations

42 & 43

Northern Gas

Furniture/Furnishings

Tiles

Interiors Italia

CRS

Tile Choice

10 & 11

Windows and Conservatories

Glass and Hardware Specialists

UPVC Direct

Total Glass Fittings

Unique Windows & Developments 13

38 & 39

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

5 8 9 4 6 1 7 3 2 50

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY/JUNE 2012

4 2 3 8 9 7 5 6 1

1 7 6 5 2 3 4 8 9

9 6 5 2 3 4 1 7 8

2 1 8 6 7 5 3 9 4

7 3 4 9 1 8 2 5 6

8 9 7 3 4 2 6 1 5

6 4 1 7 5 9 8 2 3

3 5 2 1 8 6 9 4 7

Which school designs the curriculum for your child?

Top 20 Independent School

A* Level 82% A-B Grades - 1135.7 average points per student GCSEs 95% A-C Grades

CHASE ACADEMY Expecting More! Open Day

Saturday 16 June - 11am to 3pm Scholarships and Bursaries available

www.chaseacademy.com Tel: 01543 501 800 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 321334 Lyncroft House, St John's Road, Cannock WS11 0UR

Flaunt it from every angle

XC90 D5 R-Design Premium Auto RRP £42,570

SAVING £8,112

NOW FROM

£34,458 OTR

The R-Design adds even more attitude to the XC90. With sport chassis, stainless steel scuff plates, sport seats and double exhaust pipes, it is a design that will turn heads.

BRINDLEY WOLVERHAMPTON

Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1HF Also now at

BRINDLEY STOURBRIDGE Grange Lane, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 7HH

www.brindley4volvo.co.uk

T. 08430 225525

T. 08430 224295 CALLS CHARGED AT LOCAL RATE

Fuel consumption for the Volvo XC90 D5 R-Design Premium Auto in mpg: Urban 25.7, Extra Urban 41.5, Combined 34.0, CO2 emissions 219 g/km. Price based on non metallic. Offer on stock vehicles only. Prices supersede

all previous offers and are correct at time of going | MAY/JUNE 52 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK 2012 to press. Pictures for illustration only. Part of the Brindley Garages Group – keeping the West Midlands motoring since 1931.