Staffordshire outlook October 2013 by Staffordshire Outlook

staffordshire outlook Magazin e

Delivered to: Stafford, Penkridge, Acton Trussell, Little Haywood, Great Haywood, Forebridge, Hixon, Western Downs, Parkside, Walton-on-the Hill, Haughton, Gnosall, Littleworth, Rowley Park, Derrington, Castlefields.

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win tickets for New Jersey Nights at The Grand Theatre Win family tickets for Severn Valley Railway

October/November 2013

Inside this issue: An extra 16 pages of local advertisers, local events, stories, recipe of the month, puzzles and lots more! 01

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

Chase Grammar School

making the right choices

Individual Curriculum Excellent Results

Traditional Values Purposeful Environment

Family Atmosphere Small Classes

Open Day Saturday 5th October 2013, 11am to 3pm Formerly ChASE ACAdEmy Independent co-educational school from Nursery to A-level

Scholarships, Bursaries and Transport available

Contact Karen Anderson, School Secretary to make an appointment during the school day. STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 www.chasegrammar.com tel 01543 501800, St Johns Road, Cannock WS11 0UR

A Message From The Hello readers, Welcome to the October/ November edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. We have certainly had a great summer this year with some fantastic sunny weather, but the temperature has now dropped and autumn is here. We would like to remind our readers to put your clocks back on Sunday 27th October! You will see that the magazine has expanded and we now have 68 pages! The team at the Staffordshire Outlook are extremely grateful to the local advertisers who choose to advertise their business in the magazine, and to the readers who continue to support the Staffordshire Outlook.

This edition of the Staffordshire Outlook features our eating out review at Wolverhampton Racecourse, Recipe of the month, puzzles and lots more! Don’t forget to enter the competitions in this edition with the winner being published in the next Stafford edition of the magazine, good luck. The winners of the luxury overnight stay at The Swan, Dreamboats & Petticoats at the Grand Theatre, Waterworld and Wolverhampton Racecourse Ladies evening competition from the August/September edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Congratulations to the winners of: Winner of a Luxury overnight stay at The Swan, Stafford Tracey Wetton, The Meadows, Stafford Winner of 4 x Premier tickets for Ladies evening at Wolverhampton Racecourse Clare Gaunt, Hixon Winners of Dreamboats and Petticoats at The Grand Theatre Michelle Mosley, Great Haywood Kate Jones, Penkridge Lisa Proudman, Castlefields Winner of a Family ticket with lunch at Waterworld Lizzie Latimer, Gnosall

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: Autumn at Cannock Chase courtesy of www.ronevans.co.uk © Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

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

All that’s left to do is to put the heating on, relax and enjoy your bigger local magazine! Enjoy your read…

Contents Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Mal

New Wedding Ring Area at T.A Henn Halloween Hunt at Penkridge Market Win tickets for New Jersey Nights Cannock & District Men’s Probus Club Exceptional Quality Always Pace 2000 A Tasty event for Food- lovers Wood Burning Stoves Puzzles Hearth Products A Cut Above the Rest Local business celebrates anniversary Accessories at Blyth Group Recipe of the month Blue Ginger win the Curry Cup Wolverhampton Racecourse restaurant review Halloween at Compton Hospice Goodbye Lily’s of Shifnal Brewood Singers Welcome to Spray Heaven Stretch mark reduction that really works! Sue’s Helpful Horse Tips Evans Wedding Hire Win Family tickets for Severn Valley Railway La Minky and Salon La Mink Excellent results continue under new name Reading – A thing of the past? Visit the Potteries by Rob Van Der Does Greeting cards of Stafford Top 10 tips for CIS repayment claims Penkridge Market seeks New Apprentice For keys and much more Update on a brave boy called Ismail Suzuki Swift Sport by Syd Taylor Stafford Castle Classic Car Show Puzzle Solutions The all new ADAM Peugeot RCZ GT Coupe Useful Numbers Toms Tipp Index of advertisers The History So Far

4 6 8 10 12 13 14 14 16 20 21 22 24 26 28 30 32/33 34 36 36 37 38 40 41 42 44 46 47 48/49 50 51 52 40 54/55 56/57 58 58 60 62/63 64 65 65 66

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

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

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

Shock Wave Therapy -

The New Pain Relieving Therapy

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

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

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

Get the Nuffield Treatment

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20/06/2013 15:10:12

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New Wedding Ring Area at T.A. Henn In the second part of a major store refurbishment, T.A. Henn has dedicated an area to wedding rings showcasing their wide range available where couples can comfortably sit in a bright, modern and welcoming environment to choose their special rings.

Why choose T.A. Henn for your special rings? · Wide choice

· Additional services

Over 200 wedding rings to choose from.

Your rings can be engraved with your special message or date. No excuses for your future husband to miss out on any wedding anniversaries!

· Very good quality rings Made in the UK and Switzerland.

· Competitive prices Very keen prices. Many couples come back to us having done their market research in the jewellery quarter and realise that we offer good value for money; quality products combined with a very friendly service.

For all Brown & Newirth wedding bands (English made) purchased, we offer a free engraving, re-polish and sizing of your rings for up to 5 years after their purchase.

· Customer Service

· Customisation

Our people have over 100 years’ combined experience in the trade.

An imprint of your ring can be done in store for a perfect ﬁt with your engagement ring.

You will meet a friendly & genuine team, who simply love what they do.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

alf-Term…

H ‘Halloween Hunt’ this

Penkridge Market will be holding a ‘Halloween Hunt’ with a difference, on Wednesday 30th October. The Treasure Hunt will be conducted via the Market’s Facebook site, so visitors can pick up clues and post their answers on line, thus reducing the need for any paper. The Treasure Hunt will be free to enter and the first person to complete the Treasure Hunt will receive a prize. The event will run from 9am to 3pm, and with free admission and free parking, it’s a fantastic free day out for all the family. Matt Williams, Manager at Penkridge Market said: “We love to hold Treasure Hunts around the Market, as it makes it more fun for the children going around the Market, but we also want to do our bit for the environment and not waste paper or create litter. Obviously if any visitors haven’t got a smart phone, we will of course print a copy off for them, but we want to try and make it a paperless event, if we can.” Everyone is being encouraged to come in fancy dress, as there will be a prize for the scariest costume on the day, so raid your ‘Witch’s Wardrobe’ and come dressed to scare! The winner will be announced at 2pm, outside The Old Deanery Farm Cafe and there will be a treat in store for the best costume. All the regular market stall holders will be there selling everything from fabulous food and drink to gifts, cards, handbags and jewellery - a great place to start your Christmas shopping. Plus there will be plenty of activities for the children, including a Bouncy Castle. The Old Deanery Farm Cafe, will be serving a wide range of hot and cold food from a bacon sandwich to delicious fish and chips, as well as a variety of refreshments stalls on site. Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449. It is easily accessible from Junction 12 of the M6 and is only 6 miles from Stafford; 7 miles from Cannock and 10 miles from Wolverhampton (postcode ST19 5AP). For further information please telephone 01785 714221 or log onto the website: www.penkridgemarket.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/penkridgemarket Penkridge Market, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5AP. 8

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass? All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone

0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear...

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

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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

Three lucky winners can each win 2 tickets to see New Jersey Nights on Tuesday 19th November at 7.30. Direct from the USA the international smash hit show NEW JERSEY NIGHTS comes to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre as part of their world tour from Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd November. The show is a spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and takes the audience on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all times. From the back street studio in New Jersey where it all began, this vibrant production includes all of The Four Seasons greatest hits, Including Sherry, Rag Dolls, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man and so much more. The Production features an award winning cast of singers, dancers, unique stage sets and a rockin’ on stage band. NEW JERSEY NIGHTS has smashed box office records right across the USA and UK and is proving to be one of the most successful touring shows of all times. ‘The Standing Ovations say it all’ London Reviews

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Monday 4th November. Winners will be notified by telephone.

New Jersey Nights is a spectacular celebration of Frankie… A Dettori B Vali C Boyle Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

369

799

Cut out and keep this voucher, it gives you FREE Pillows with your New Bed from CRS but hurry itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only valid until 3rd November 2013.

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

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

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

Roll-A-Robe w w w. r o l l - a - r o b e . c o m

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

lways!

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

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

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

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We’re Short Of Men! These are some of the Members of PACE 2000, an over 50’s Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle group for both genders from Penkridge, celebrating news of our Big Lottery Fund award earlier this year. It will cover our on-going activities for twelve months under a pilot scheme run in the West Midlands area. The Big Lottery Fund distributes half of the National Lottery good cause funding across the UK and aims to enable others to make real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. PACE 2000 started in September 1999 but the men seem to be shy of joining us. We meet in the Haling Dene Centre on a Friday afternoon from 1.15pm to 4pm for 39 weeks of the year. Alwin Collins (centre front) is our qualified Fitness Trainer and she can sort out a workout to help anyone with health problems. We of course welcome ladies in the Penkridge and surrounding areas to join us as well.

More details can be found on our website www.pace2000.org.uk or by ringing Ann on 01785 713407. Our next thirteen week session starts at the end of September. On the 12th October we are holding a Craft Fair and Art Display by Rosemary Hale, a locally born artist. in

od A ‘Tasty’ Event For Fo

Canalside Farm Shop near Stafford will be hosting a ‘Tasting Event’ for all you Food Lovers on Saturday 16th November. The event will give customers a chance to sample some of the delicious local produce the Shop sells, as well as an opportunity to meet the producers. The event will take place between 11am and 3pm and admission is free. A wide range of local produce will be on display, with the chance to sample some new tastes and delicious treats - there’s sure to be something to get everyone’s taste buds tingling. 14

the Peace Memorial Hall, Penkridge, from 10am to 3pm. We hope to see as many visitors as possible. Ann Marston, Hon. Secretary. PACE 2000. www.pace2000.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1085858

Lovers…

Resident Butchers, Ashley Moore and Tom Lea will also be taking orders for Christmas – so don’t forget to let them know if you would like to order a Turkey from their local Farmer in Tamworth or a free-range Cockerel from Packington Farm. After last year’s success, they will also be ordering Geese from a local farmer near Burton-on-Trent, so why not have a change this Christmas and order one of their award-winning Geese.

With a wide range of fabulous food and drink, as well as being located right next to the Canal, there couldn’t be a more relaxing place to start your Christmas shopping!

And if you’re struggling to know what to buy someone, why not buy them a lovely Christmas hamper – just hand-pick all of their favourite foods, and the Shop Staff will make it up into a gorgeous looking hamper.

For further information please telephone 01889 881747 or log onto the their website www.canalsidefarm.co.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Canalside Farm Shop is located in Great Haywood, just 6 miles from Stafford. It is situated just off the A51, between Stone and Rugeley, or can be accessed via the A518 from Stafford, turning right after the University to Great Haywood (postcode ST18 0RQ).

Canalside Farm Shop, Mill Lane, Great Haywood, Stafford, ST18 0RQ.

This month only:

Solid Oak Flooring £30sqm Plus free cleaning kit whilst stocks last

Offer must end 31st October 2013

Open 6 days a week. Mon-Sat 8.30am to 5pm. Free parking. Free measure service. Stafford Carpets and Flooring Ltd Unit 9 Astonfields Business Park, Astonfields Road, Stafford ST16 3UF Tel 01785 600695 Fax 01785 601613

Stafford’s only independent stockist

STAFFORD CARPETS & FLOORING

C a r p e t s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ Wo o d s ∙ b e d s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ l a m i nat e s ∙ Wo o d s ∙ C a r p e t s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ Wo o d s ∙ b e d s

C a r p e t s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ Wo o d s ∙ b e d s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ l a m i nat e s ∙ Wo o d s

C a r p e t s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ Wo o d s ∙ b e d s ∙ V i n y l s ∙ l a m i nat e s ∙ Wo o d s 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Wood Burning Stoves With the three main heating commodities, electricity, gas and oil, constantly rising in price, you might like to consider the possibility of installing a wood burning stove. Naturally you will have to have a fireplace. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used it for a little time it is essential you get the chimney and flue professionally inspected, by a chimney sweep who is a member of The National Association of Chimney Sweeps. You may find it will be necessary to have the chimney relined, or have an external flue installed. Wood burning stoves are generally cleaner than using coal and wood, wood is a renewable fuel source that is carbon neutral, so you will be doing your bit for the environment. Wood releases carbon dioxide when it is burnt but the amount given off is considered to be the same as was stored by the tree when it was growing. When considering installing a wood burning stove you should use a registered installer who will be familiar with the different types of stoves and will have knowledge of the local Building Regulations. There are hundreds of wood burning stoves of different makes, models and outputs, so there are several matters

Available from Fireside Factory

to take into consideration when choosing your first stove. Firstly, if you live in a smoke control area you will need a smoke control exempt stove. It will come with a certificate to show that it has passed certain tests and complies with the law. You will obviously need a stove that fits your fireplace and it must be able to heat your room adequately. But what actually do you want your wood burning stove to do? Do you want it to heat just one room? Do you just want to light it just at weekends, use

Available from Fireside Factory

it all winter through, or use it to make a real contribution to your heating? You will have to locate a source for your fuel. You may find a local joinery or timber yard where you will be able to obtain wasted wood and off-cuts. Country dwellers may be able to gather wood locally especially if trees have been felled either in their own gardens, or from homes in the area. Urban dwellers should seek out a source where they can obtain seasoned wood that has been kiln dried. This wood has had 90% of its moisture content removed, burns more efficiently, and uses fewer logs; it thus makes this source of heating more cost effective. Stoves do not like unseasoned wood and as a result burn less efficiently and may get clogged up with resin deposits. Do not use wood that has been painted, and certainly do not use old wood that has been treated for outside use, such as fence posts, because it can contain arsenic. You must also avoid using wood that has been treated with halogens, chlorine, fluorine and bromine. As stated above there are hundreds of stoves available on the market, and the best way for you to see this vast selection is to visit local stockists Fireside Factory, Norton Canes, who will be happy to give you their expert advice.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com

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

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

Gas & Electric fires from £199

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

Selection of fires & fireplaces in stock

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

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

01543 277366 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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

79A Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Tel: 01902 428489 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk

Open: Monday to Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11-4pm

www.interiorsitalia.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1 Adept (4) 3 Relishing (8) 9 Large hard-shelled oval nut (7) 10 High quality porcelain (5) 11 Kinship (12) 13 Prickly plant (6) 15 A cylinder that revolves (6) 17 Lexicons (12) 20 A keyboard instrument (5) 21 Inflatable rubber toy (7) 22 Cherish (8) 23 Employs (4) Down 1 Precision (8) 2 Close to the area (5) 4 Thought (6) 5 Sometimes (12) 6 First (7) 7 Destination (4) 8 Directions (12) 12 Gifts (8) 14 Weather (7) 16 Thief (6) 18 Presses (5) 19 Blemish (4)

SUDOKU

Pictograms 5 words

WEATHUR 2 words

123_5 END 2 words Puzzle solutions on Page 48

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

VAD ERS

Hearth Products

Hearth Products may be a new business to the Stafford area, but it brings with it a wealth of heating and design experience. Located on Tollgate Industrial Estate, the business offers a complete fireplace design and installation service with an unparalleled knowledge base. The company has been trading for 10 years but its two directors have between them over 50 years of combined experience in the heating

industry. Sales Director Drew Cooper (pictured left) started his career in the business of helping people stay warm back in the mid-eighties when he worked in his family’s business of supplying heating fuels to the people of Staffordshire. Drew’s breadth of knowledge of the solid fuel marketplace provides a firm foundation for the company’s new developments in the growing UK stove market.

Hearth Products owns the Wildfire appliance brand which it supplies nationally from its warehouse facility in Stafford, and is proud to offer this competitive range of products from its own retail showroom in Stafford.

Managing Director Chris Stonier has been developing heating appliances since 1989 and has been involved in the design and manufacture of an abundance of award winning appliances and technologies worldwide. Chris has developed appliances for companies in Canada, The United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, and owns 50% of a Chicago based business supplying electric heating appliances to North America.

FIREPLACE OUTLET for beautiful fireplaces at realistic prices Our free bespoke design service is offered to all of our customers.

01785 225401

We create 3D designs to ensure your new fireplace fits exactly as you intended. Call into see us in our brand new showroom on Tollgate Ind. Estate Find us right next door to Simmons Builders Merchants.

Unit 14 Tollgate Ind. Est. Stafford, ST16 3SU 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

2014 Calendar rd o ff ta S d n u ro A ls a Can t - A Cut Above The Res As well as the “Stafford and District Calendar” for 2014 Robert Cartwright has produced an additional calendar illustrated with his photographs of the local canal scene - “Canals Around Stafford”. For boat owners and those who enjoy a walk along “the cut” Stafford is well placed with the Trent and Mersey, the Staffs and Worcester and the Shropshire Union all within a few miles of the county town. Having photographed the canal scene for a number of years, Robert found it a difficult choice which scenes to include. From the twelve featured in the calendar he has selected three giving information about their location, along with one or two anecdotes…

The colourfull narrowboats

“For June I have selected a shot taken at a narrow boat rally held at Norbury Junction - a colourful line-up of boats showing off to good advantage the decoration characteristic of the traditional narrow boat, painted by artists who established their own unique style of design, with romantic scenes - “roses and castles” much to the fore and said to originate from Romany gypsies.

The lock picture at Great Haywood with the cafe in the background

“Great Haywood is another of my favourite locations. At the junction, the Staffs and Worcester branches off from the Trent and Mersey to pass under Brindley’s attractive roving bridge en route to Wolverhampton. The bridge is an ideal location for photography during the summer months, when holiday traffic is at its busiest. “A short distance from the bridge is Great Haywood Lock, which provides plenty of opportunity for good action shots. Such is the number of boats in both 22

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

The canal in the snow

directions that queues sometimes build up at the lock at busy times. My picture for the month of August shows a scene of much animation. In the background is the Lockhouse Restaurant and Café, a haven from where to watch the action, while enjoying some refreshment. “The third photograph from the calendar is called “Winter Moorings” - very appropriate for the month of December - a layer of ice and snow bringing a cold shiver, relieved only by the lingering Autumn tints that add a little warmth to the scene. It was taken from the iron bridge that spans the waterway at Great Haywood, looking in the Rugeley direction along the Trent and Mersey. On one occasion I was commissioned to photograph a traditional narrow boat is it came under the bridge. To ensure I captured the full side view of the boat I started to move back gradually - the end result being that I fell down into a ditch! The boat crew must have been as surprised as me - a very embarrassed cameraman! “June, August and December - a taster of the collection of photographs that will herald every month through 2014. I hope you will enjoy the scenes I have included, introducing you to familiar places and ones yet to be discovered.” Complementing the “Canals around Stafford” calendar is a collection of greeting cards illustrated with photographs of the canal scenes. All may be viewed on Robert’s website - www.ccstafford.co.uk - together with many designs of cards highlighting Stafford, Shugborough Hall, Doxey Nature Reserve, Cannock Chase and the surrounding countryside. The price of the calendar is £6.99

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

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

Customers… h it w s te ra b le e C ss e n Local Busi now using it for their weekly shop and many local farmers even using it to buy their meat! At the end of their second year of trading in the new shop, owners Chris and Wendy Barton reported an overall increase in sales of 26% compared to this time last year and an incredible 40% increase in sales on their Butchery counter. Owners of Canalside Farm Shop, near Stafford, celebrated with their customers on the 1st of August, after a hugely successful 2nd year, seeing sales rocket and the need to employ an extra Butcher, in order to cope with demand! Jo Stigwood, from Stone (pictured above) was the lucky winner of a prize draw on the day and received a delicious hamper, full of mouth-watering local produce. As most businesses report a decline in sales, the new shop at Canalside Farm, (which opened in August 2011), has simply gone from strength to strength, with many customers

Owners Chris and Wendy Barton said: “We are obviously delighted by how popular the new Shop has been and very grateful to all our loyal customers, for continuing to support us.” The family run Farm has been growing its own produce for over 25 years, specialising in strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, tomatoes and courgettes, as well as bedding plants. The owners are now hoping that they will be able to embark on the second phase of the project, which will include a new Canalside Café, serving locally produced food and drink, and is likely to create an additional 5 new jobs.

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Accessorise with the Blyth Group, new collection in store… Bronze lamp £49.99

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Everything from carpets, ﬂooring, fabrics, wallpaper, suites and furniture Now also selling home accessories and gifts Pretty Floral screen £99.99

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

Recipe Of The Month Strawberry Jelly, Elderﬂower Custard, Strawberry Sorbet, Lemon Meringues INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Strawberry jelly

1. First start by making the sorbet, de stalk and wash the strawberries, place in food processor with the sugar and blend, pass through a fine sieve, put the mixture into an ice cream machine then churn until set and place back in freezer until later. 2. For lemon meringues, in a mixing bowl whisk the egg whites and sugar add the vinegar with the lemon zest and juice and corn ﬂour whisk to from firm peaks. With a piping bag add meringue mix and pipe out small peaks onto greaseproof paper and cook for 1 hour at 100c keeping the meringues soft in the centre and nice and crisp on the out shell. 3. To make the jelly de stalk and wash the strawberries, place in a sauce pan with the vanilla pod, sugar and water bring to the boil and take off heat allowing strawberries to steep in the syrup for about 1 hour. Strain through fine sieve, soak the gelatine in cold water, add to warmed strawberry syrup, pour into glasses and chill until set. 4. To make the custard, place the egg yolks in a bowl along with the sugar and whisk until pale, bring the elderﬂower and cream to the boil in a thick bottomed pan pour over the eggs and mix, return to the pan and place over low heat stirring at all times to prevent from scrambling. When mixture thickens pull to one side, add gelatine pre soaked in cold water and dissolve, when cool pour onto the set strawberry jellies and re set in the fridge. 5. Once set take from fridge add quenelle of sorbet to centre, arrange the meringues over the top of the sorbet, garnish with slices of fresh strawberries & small mint sprigs.

• 500g strawberries • 110g caster sugar • 800ml water • 6 leaves gelatine • vanilla pod Elderﬂower custard

• 750ml double cream • 5 egg yolks • 100g caster sugar • 1 leaf galantine • 150ml elderﬂower cordial Lemon Meringues

• 2 egg whites • 6oz caster sugar • tsp white wine vinegar • Zest and juice of 1 lemon • 3/4 tsp corn ﬂour Strawberry Sorbet

• 800g strawberries • 110g sugar 28

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

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Christmas Bookings now being taken!

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

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up!

C Winners Of The Curry The Midland Balti Association (MBA) and Blue Ginger held an awards night on Sunday 1st September 2013 at the Blue Ginger Indian Restaurant in Huntington Cannock.

Blue Ginger, Cannock has been awarded for the second year running ‘The best Indian restaurant in Cannock and surrounding areas for 2013/2014 at the MBA awards. This award is assessed on a number of criteria including food, service and atmosphere. The award was given by the midland curry enthusiasts club who are part of the Midlands Balti Association. Blue Ginger was also awarded Abdul Karim, John Richards (MBA), MP Elect Janos Toth, the Curry Cup which is the Christine Mitchell, Cannock Chase New Chairman Doris Grice most prestigious award. This is the highest award given by A great evening was had by all, with fabulous food and the MBA. You need to have received at least two awards before being considered for the Curry Cup, and must excellent service by Abdul and the team, Abdul said have consistent good food and first class service “It is great to be recognised by Asian Food Experts and is great to of been awarded the curry cup and the best The Curry cup was awarded to Abdul Karim at the awards Indian restaurant in Cannock and surrounding areas for night by the new Cannock Chase Chairman Doris Grice. the second year running. We were also granted a five star Fellow councillors in attendance were Christine Mitchell, award, awarded earlier in the year by the local council MP Elect Janos Toth, Bob and Irene Todd and Alison for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the Spicer. Other guests included members of the MBA. pursuit of excellent food hygiene and general standards”. Entertainment on the night included Natasha Marie, Take a look at our Christmas Day menu on the opposite Andy Plimmer, Trevor Santini and Daz James, also Radio page, we are now taking bookings, please book early to Derby DJ Ash Arnold showed his excellent magic skills who certainly baffled a lot of the guests he was fantastic! avoid disappointment. Abdul says “we were delighted with the outcome for last year’s Christmas Day menu Abdul Karim, The Blue Ginger Team, Cannock Chase New Chairman Doris Grice, and we are hoping this year Christine Mitchell, MP Elect Janos Toth. will be even busier, so I do advice to book early”. If you are looking for a venue to entertain you and your work colleague’s for the festive season please contact the restaurant direct to reserve your table. We cater for large groups. Our range of different dishes suitable for all tastes & is suitably priced to make sure you get the best in both food quality & value for money. Blue Ginger offers 2 for 1 on all dishes including specials (for dine in only) Monday to Thursday. For great food, excellent prices and a relaxed atmosphere we at Staffordshire Outlook would highly recommend Blue Ginger. 30

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

OPENING HOURS Sunday:1pm-10pm Mon-Thurs: 5.30pm-11.30pm Fri-Sat: 5.30pm-Midnight

SUNDAY BUFFET Dine in only Eat as much as you like from a wide range of our exquisite dishes. 1pm-10.00pm

Adults £7.95/Child £4.95 2 FOR 1 MEAL

20% DISCOUNT FREE HOME DELIVERY FREE BOTTLE OF WINE

On all dishes including specials Monday to Thursday - Dine in only

on all food orders collected

Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 4NU

Within 5 mile radius and on orders over £10.00

with every takeaway order above £25.00

01543 500 300

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

IndIan dIshes

englIsh dIshes

Lassi or Mango Juice

Glass of Fruit Juice, Sherry or Beer

Chicken Cocktail or Paneer Chilli

Main Meal

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

Tandoori Murgh Mossalla, Kurci Lamb or Kurci Chicken

Roast Turkey, Roast Beef or Roast Chicken

appertisers starters

(Served with Vegetable Ahkni or Nan)

dessert Gulabjam or Rasmali Indian Tea

appertisers starters

Main Meal

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

dessert

Christmas Pudding or Ice Cream Coffee

Christmas day

First Sitting 12pm Second Sitting 2.30pm

Adult £24.95 Child £11.95

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

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

t Out h ig N t a re G A , e rs u co Wolverhampton RabyceHelen Taylor

‘Eating-out doesn’t get much more exciting than this’ I thought to myself as my winning horse crossed the finish line at Wolverhampton Racecourse well ahead of the competition. The evening had certainly started well, and it only got better. I’d been looking forward to visiting Horizons Restaurant for sometime. Set high in the main grandstand, the restaurant boasts spectacular panoramic views of the racecourse as well as a private 32

bar, plasma TV screens and a well-designed modern interior. Offering diners the best in both entertainment and food, there’s no doubt that one visit will change what you expect from a night-out forever. After settling down from the excitement of a great win on the first race of the evening, I ordered my starter from a delicious choice of dishes - ‘Warm artichoke and goat’s curd tartlet, with rocket salad, toasted pumpkin seeds and sharp caper berry dressing.’ My friend, Vicky, chose ‘Crispy salt beef with braised radicchio and dressed leaves, served with a soy and honey sauce’.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

We usually have a lot to talk about, but on this occasion our eyes were firmly fixed to the mini TV screen on our table and we discussed only where to place our next bets. That was until the food arrived. Artistically presented, each dish certainly impressed on arrival. Every mouthful proved delicious, and the combination of flavours blended together perfectly. Looking forward to the next course, and having already decided on what we wanted, we hurriedly placed our order for the main meals. ‘Lightly spiced butternut squash, aubergine and tofu in a tangine sauce with fruit cous cous, vegetable cumin fritter finished with lavender

agreed that we haven’t ever had such a good time on a Monday evening - and it wasn’t over yet. Placing our bets for the next race, we felt confident that we’d chosen a winner and made our choices for dessert: ‘Lemon tart with fresh raspberries and crème fraiche’ and a ‘Selection of local cheeses - Double Worcester, Light Wood Chaser and Cromwell Bishop - served with celery, grapes and home made chutney.’ We didn’t win the race, but we were certainly well compensated when dessert was served. petals,’ and ‘Breast of chicken with crisp lye bacon, olive and tomato ravioli, crushed peas served with a stilton cream sauce.’ Each main course had been skilfully created and the unique combination of tastes in my vegetarian dish worked extremely well. Vicky was equally impressed, and enjoyed every mouthful of her perfectly cooked chicken breast. What’s more, the portion sizes were just right and left us nicely full, yet still looking forward to dessert. Getting back to the racing, we made the most of our prime position on the highest of the three seating tiers in the restaurant to watch the action unfold outside. Soaking up the atmosphere, we finished our bottle of wine and

The lemon tart was utterly scrumptious, so good in fact that I could have easily eaten another couple of helpings. Preferring a savoury end to her meal Vicky was more than happy sampling the choice of cheeses. The final race was upon us and as we placed our last bets we reflected on what a great night we’d had for such a small price (£39.95 each); the excitement of the racing, a fantastic three course meal in fabulous surroundings, coupled with exceptional service from the staff meant that every element had been well taken care of. We were looking forward to telling our friends all about it; so that when we next pay a visit there’s no doubt that they’ll be joining us too.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ospice H n to p m o C t A r la u c Halloween Spookta mile walk around Wolverhampton is open to anyone and everyone and registration is free. The course has been professionally measured and evaluated to provide a safe, scenic walk around town for all participants. This event is open to everybody and there is no entry fee to participate. Many of you may have noticed the chill in the air and the leaves on the trees beginning to fall. This can only mean one thing – Halloween is right around the corner and Compton Hospice will be hosting their Halloween Spooktacular and Trick or Treat Walk to raise money for their facilities. About Compton Hospice:

approximately one third of this funding from the government, the remaining £4 million is generated through fundraising activities and donations. To pay for one days care at Compton Hospice it costs £15, 890. Event Information: Compton Hospice has been hosting the Trick or Treat Walk and Halloween Spooktacular for three years and since conception has provided area families with a fun and safe place to celebrate the holiday! This year’s event will be no different and promises to be the best Halloween party in town!

Compton Hospice provides a range of services for patients with life limiting illnesses and their families including an in-patient ward, Woods Therapy Centre Day Unit, Care in the Home, Care in the Community, Complementary Therapies (including aromatherapy, Indian head massage and reflexology), Physiotherapy, Social Work Support, Bereavement Support and Lymphoedema support. Compton Hospice also employs a large team of highly qualified doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who are able to support the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of patients whose illnesses are no longer curable.

Compton Hospice, partnering with Signal 107 radio, will be putting on an evening filled with fun events for everyone! All Halloween events will take place at The Cedars site on Compton Road. Halloween festivities will begin at 6pm on 26th of October. Walkers participating in the Trick or Treat Walk will begin their route at 9pm. The site is secure and well lit and it is a safe area for families to enjoy the holiday together.

All of these services are delivered free of charge to patients across a catchment area of 1.3 million. This costs the Hospice just over £6 million every year. Compton receives

Our Trick or Treat Twilight Walk is a perfect for anyone wanting to work off those extra Halloween sweets while enjoying the outdoors and supporting a great cause. The six

Come before your walk and enjoy the Halloween Spooktacular where there will be plenty of food and fun on offer for those who want to skip on the scares; including Krispy Kreme donuts , sweet treats from Sally’s Sweet Oasis and candy floss and mulled wine and ciders! The Compton Hospice coffee shop will be on site to provide cooked food as well. Fancy dress in encouraged but not required. Admission is free and the fun is plenty. We will be hosting creepy Halloween critters for children to hold and learn about and there will be plenty of activities including crafts, face painting, fortune telling, games and lots of spooky fun for the young ones to enjoy. For those feeling very brave, have a walk through our Freaky Forest attraction (£3 attraction entry fee) where you’re sure to experience some frightful fun. The Freaky Forest is hosted by local actors and actresses who always put on a scary show for the guests! Please note that due to the frightening nature of this attraction no children under 10 will be permitted to enter without an adult after 7pm. The attraction will be child friendly from 6-7pm. This is a perfect attraction for teens and adults who still enjoy celebrating Halloween!

For more information about this year’s event visit Compton Hospice online at www.compton-hospice.org.uk/fundraising or email fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk. Alternatively, you can telephone the Fundraising department at 0845 2255 497. 34

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

TRICK OR TREAT 10K WALK FREAKY FOREST FANCY DRESS CONTEST RAFFLE PRIZES CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES FOOD & DRINK SPOOKY DISCO WITH SIGNAL 107 For further information please visit www.compton-hospice.org.uk/fundraising or email fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ifnal

Goodbye Lily’s of Sh It’s been almost six years since Jo Shotton opened independent ladies footwear boutique, Lily’s of Shifnal. In that time the business has grown and flourished and become a popular destination for local ladies in search of shoes and accessories for all occasions. Although Lily’s has been a great success, Jo has decided that it’s time for a change, and has announced that she will be closing her store at the end of August. “I’ve really enjoyed the past six years at Lily’s. I’ve achieved what I wanted to with the boutique and had a great time doing it, but I feel it’s time to say goodbye now and move on.” Having established a strong and loyal customer base, regulars to Lily’s will no doubt will have been shocked by the news, but Jo insists that it’s a happy occasion: “I want to celebrate what I’ve achieved at Lily’s and recognise how fantastic my time has been in the town. I’ve met a lot of lovely people and have really enjoyed spending time with my customers. Closing Lily’s marks a new era for me.” Jo is now looking forward to beginning a new chapter in her life and plans to spend more time with her family and friends, as well as enjoying some time to herself: “It will be nice to have more time for me and the opportunity to try out new things.”

All of Lily’s stock was reduced by 50% in August, meaning that ladies were able to get their hands on some of the boutique’s fantastic ranges at a bargain price. “I want to thank all of my customers for their continued support, Lily’s wouldn’t have been the success it has been without them. I’m really looking forward to the future,” adds Jo. We at Staffordshire Outlook wish Jo all the best for the future!

ears Still Celebrating 40 Y

Of Song

Their first carol concert will be given in Bilbrook Village Hall on Saturday evening 14th December. Thursday 19th December will see them in the church of Saint Mary and Saint Chad for the annual carol concert – to which they are hoping to welcome past members for this special 40th year concert. Christmas celebrations for The Brewood Singers culminate on the evening of Monday 23rd December when they entertain visitors at the Black County Living Museum.

The brewood singers are planning for a busy time up to christmas

More information is available at www.brewoodsingers.co.uk or call the Secretary Pat Mumford on 01902 850377.

“It’s been a really lovely year; a feel-good year” says David Brookes, Musical Director of The Brewood Singers who, throughout 2013, have been celebrating 40 years of performing concerts throughout the West Midlands and further afield. “And the celebrations will continue right up to Christmas” he says.

If you enjoy singing, and would like to join the Brewood Singers, whose membership ranges in age from early 20’s upwards, please contact the Secretary on 01902 850377, or Musical Director, David Brookes at singersbrewood@gmail.com. They rehearse in the Jubilee Hall, Brewood each Thursday between 8.10pm and 10pm.

On October 19th they will be singing at Saint Joseph’s church in Wolverhampton.

You can also find the Singers on Facebook ‘Brewood Singers’ and follow us on Twitter @BrewoodSingers.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cottage Surgery - established in 1992, has over 20years valuable experience in treating a variety of skin types with diverse problems, from acne and acne scarring to pigmentation and sun damage. They are at the forefront of innovative treatment methods and thoroughly test and monitor new programmes for efficacy and value for money. They are proud to be able to offer a non-invasive treatment that effectively reduces the appearance of unsightly stretch marks. Micro Needling Therapy (MNT) is a highly effective treatment which stimulates new collagen to form at a deep level; it is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever 38

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

At The Cottage Surgery our objective is to provide effective anti-ageing and rejuvenation treatments at fair and affordable prices, under qualified supervision within an environment which is constantly monitored for its safety and efficacy of treatment. To find out more information or to arrange a free consultation please call 01384 940498.

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

Treatments Include…

• Established since 1992 • Professional, affordable treatments • Trained, certified staff who use state of the art technology

BOTOX Treatment

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int’s

Sue’s Helpful Horse H An inspiring collection of proven practical horsey tips, the book ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hint’s’ by Staffordshire author Sue Palmer is now available! From Sue Palmer on 2nd September 2013 in Stafford, Staffordshire, UK Sue Palmer MCSP today releases her latest book, ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hints’. ‘Sue’s Helpful Horse Hints’ is an inspiring collection of proven practical horsey tips from Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist and Equine Behaviourist Sue Palmer. Thought provoking and guaranteed to make you smile, this book encourages the reader to look at life from the horse’s point of view and is a must for every tack room. This is Sue Palmer’s second book, the first being the well-received ‘Horse Massage for Horse Owners’, published through J A Allen. This exciting collection of practical tips encourages the reader to look at life from their horse’s point of view, with unique hand drawn cartoons that have them giggling to themselves while they read. In it you’ll find helpful hints you can use immediately with your own horse. Simple ideas and exercises give results that last a lifetime, enhancing your relationship with your horse and potentially improving his behaviour and performance. Sue says “I’m very excited that this book has reached publication, it’s been a real family effort. I post a ‘helpful horse hint’ on my Holistic Horse Help facebook page every day, which has over 2000 followers, and I send a weekly ‘helpful horse hints’ email to over 9000 subscribers. When I approached my mum, who has always loved drawing and painting, with the suggestion that she come up with

cartoons to go with the hints and we put them together in a book, she was as excited as I was. And with my husband Simon publishing the finished article, I’m exceptionally pleased with the end result!” About Sue Palmer, author: Sue Palmer MCSP, author of ‘Horse Massage for Horse Owners’, is a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist and Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate based in Stafford, Staffordshire. Also a BHSAI, Sue is committed to educating horse owners about the potential physical causes of behavioural problems, particularly ridden ones, and at the time of writing is physio on tour with Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks in the UK. (A valued member of Monty Roberts’ tour team in the UK for many years, Sue is currently cutting back on her touring duties to spend time with her 1yr old boy Philip)

About Sarah Brown, illustrator: Sarah Brown, artist extraordinaire, wife, and mother of three (including Sue), has enjoyed painting and drawing ever since she can remember. Horses have been a part of her life since she was a young child when she helped her father on his milk round with his pony and trap, and it is through Sarah that Sue developed her passion for the equestrian world. Although Sarah has won competitions for her artwork and one of her pictures has been displayed in the National Gallery, this is her first published work. This book is published by Simon Palmer, Into The Lens Ltd, and is available from: www.holistichorsehelp.com. If you would like a review copy please contact Sue Palmer directly (contact details below).

Contact details: Website: www.holistichorsehelp.com Email: sue@holistichorsehelp.com Phone: 07976 413488 40

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

10% off when mentioning this advert

Unique - Quality - Peace Of Mind

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

Evans Wedding & Events Hire

Visit out website to see our full product range

www.evansweddinghire.co.uk Mobile: 07980 334519

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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

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

In addition to Santa Specials the SVR operates ‘Santa Herald’ trains on December 20th, 23rd & 24th with a choice of departure times from Kidderminster throughout the day and Christmas Cracker trains for schools throughout the month. On the ‘Santa Herald’ service the train journey is longer but Father Christmas visits every fare paying child in their seats giving out presents. Christmas Cracker trains have a similar format but are only available for pre-booked school, nursery and playgroups. Christmas Luncheon and Evening Dining Trains operate throughout the month and make a super treat for a day or evening out with friends before or after Christmas. Buts that’s not all, on Saturday evenings in December you are invited you to join one of the Christmas Carol trains which operate between Kidderminster and the Visitor Centre at Highley. Community carol singing at various locations along the way, led by a choir, will put you right in the mood for Christmas. Advance booking is essential for all pre-Christmas services as follows: Santa Specials, Santa Heralds & Christmas Carol trains – 01299 403816. Christmas Cracker trains – 01746 862387. Restaurant Car Services – 01562 757515. After Christmas the Railway re-opens on Boxing Day. Why not sample the ‘Festive Season Service’ which operates for 16 miles over the whole length of the line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth (or reverse) through to January 5th 2014. For Festive Season trains there is no need to book, just turn up and pay on the day. Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ. Please ensure that you send your name, address and telephone number. Entries to be received by Monday 11th November 2013. Just answer correctly the three simple questions below for a chance to win one of these super prizes for your family.

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

La La Minky and Salon

Mink

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

Russell Hickinbotham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Spa Monday Buy one get one free express spa package.

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

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

Sexy feet

3 step callous peel

for £15*

Foot scrub and Hot Paraffin wax

for only £20*

LaMinky

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

St Tropez

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

*Patch test required 48 hours prior to treatment

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

Please mention this advert at time of booking.

Telephone 01543 500 340 www.salonlamink.co.uk

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

ame! N w e N r e d n U e u n ti n Excellent Results Co

72% A*-B grades at A level 100% pass rate 86% A-C Grades at GCSE including English and Maths It doesn’t happen often but like most of us there are days when I am a little weary and I wonder why I do the job that I do. But then along came the two Thursdays in August when the students come into school for results. It is at this point that I remember exactly why I do the job. The sense of pride that I have for the children on these days is tremendous. So much so that a tear often comes to my eye as I watch parents and children celebrate their successes. They are not my children but in a way they are. I feel like I have watched the children grow and develop into lovely young adults and I think that I feel almost as much pleasure as they do when they open the envelope to a great set of exam results. Chase Grammar School may have changed its name from Chase Academy earlier this year but thankfully the high academic standards remain the same as you can see from our statistics. 72% of the children achieved A*-B grades at A level and we have a 100% pass rate. At GCSE 86% of our children achieved A-C Grades including English and Maths. With a number of overseas students it is clearly too far to travel to collect results and so it is the Registrar Linda Davis who gives them the good news over the telephone. She was particularly thrilled to be telling Head Boy Edgar Lee that he has achieved seven A Levels with grades A* A* A* B, B B B. Edgar will be studying Maths at Warwick University. 46

Matthew Fung will be going to Nottingham University to study Pharmacy and his place has been secured with his results of A* A A C. Leo Liu another hard working students achieved A* A A B C and will be studying Maths at university. Day students at the school have done equally well with Ben Soen achieving A B B C. By all accounts an average ability students Ben has worked exceptionally hard and has excelled in an environment where he has been able to get the teaching needed to improve his grades way beyond the average. Head Girl Katie Wilson will be going to study English at Loughborough with an excellent set of results. She has achieved four B grades which is exceptionally pleasing for someone whose ability says she should achieve only C grades. Jamie Mitchell has achieved an excellent set of grades with four B grades allowing him to go to Lancaster University to study Business At GCSE the results are no less impressive with 86% of the students passing at least five GCSEs. Particular successes are Georgia Dowell 6x A, 7x B, 3x C Georgia Texeira 6xA, 7xB, 1xC Abigail Phillips 5x A, 6x B, 4xC Thomas Bourne 3x A, 5x B, 5x C Kathryn Prestidge 1x A*, 1x A, 9x B Kelsey Drewett 2x A, 9x B, 3x C Philippa Taylor 2x A, 9x B, 2x C Connor Bowdler 1x A, 8x B, 3x C Michael McGann 6x B, 7x C Of course it is the personal stories that capture the imagination and we have our share of those.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Twins Frederick and John Ho have achieved identical results which is even more remarkable as they have done it in one year. They each have A* grades in Maths, Science, Additional Science and Chinese and grade D in English. The latter will disappoint them but then they are studying in a different language and they have only been at the school for one year and even then the exams have been taken a year early. Challenges Michael McGann’s and Philippa Taylor’s achievements are remarkable as both have faced significant health challenges over the last two years. Michael was diagnosed with severe epilepsy but only after years of testing and psychologist and social worker reports. Once diagnosed Michael was able to manage his condition and has gone on to achieve beyond expectations. Philippa also struggled for some time last year when she suffered from paralysis of her legs after a running incident. Philippa went on to make a full recovery and has overcome all the time she missed from school and achieved some remarkable results. Also worthy of note is the fact that 90% of last years’ Year Ten students have already achieved their Maths and English GCSEs at grade C or above but most impressive is that 82% of last years’ year 8 students have passed GCSE Maths at grade C or above, that is a whole three years earlier than most students take it. I am and shall continue to be extremely proud of our students’ excellent achievements.

f The Reading – A Thing O

Past?

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

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

Learn more 4 A D i s cov e r Your Pote nt i al Mr Laurence Dalton

Private English Teacher Experience: Head of English, Head of GCSE's, GCSE exam marker, classified as 'Outstanding' according to Ofsted requirements.

Tel: 07525 206388 www.learnmore4a.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

otteries Visit RoTbehrtevaPn de r Does By

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

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

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

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

nt Claims

epayme Top 10 Tips For CIS R HMRC have published ten tips to help companies ensure their construction industry scheme (CIS) repayment claims are right first time. They suggest that taxpayers use the following ten tips as a checklist to ensure that they have covered all aspects before sending off any repayment claims.

If the company was incorporated during the year, ensure that its claim for repayment is only for deductions taken from the company’s payment and not for periods prior to incorporation.

Check the CIS deductions taken from the company’s subcontractors are correct and have been reported correctly on the monthly returns.

Ensure the company’s agent is authorised specifically for PAYE to act on its behalf for CIS repayments.

Check that the company has no oustand9ong (CIS300) in its capacity as a contractor within CIS.

Double-check that the unique taxpayer reference (UTR) and the company subcontractor’s name are correct on all documents.

Check that all the company’s payment and deduction statements that HMRC have requested to process the claim are sent and that they are for the correct period.

Ensure that form P35 or the final employer payment summary under real time information (RTI), showing CIS deductions taken from the company’s payments, has already been submitted.

Submit any information requested within the timescale specified by HMRC, such as after receipt of a ‘CIS suffered letter’ and ensure that you

have included everything that HMRC have requested. 9.

Where there are overpayments that do not relate to CIS, verify how these have arisen by providing supporting documentary evidence to HMRC along with the company’s claim for repayment.

10. Where the company has ceased trading, remember to send in all outstanding returns for the subcontractors. Any repayment claims or correspondence relating to this can be sent to the following HMRC office address: PAYE Employer Office, Room BP4009, Benton Park View, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ. If you would like more help or advise on CIS repayment claims or any area of CIS/PAYE please do not hesitate to get contact DSN Accountants Limited on 01785 716658 or email info@dsna.co.auk

• Statutory Accounts • Personal Tax • Corporate Tax • Management Accounts • Book Keeping • Payroll • Statutory Company Audits • CIS • VAT DSN Accountants Limited Top Corner Offices 1 & 2 Market Street, Penkridge Staffordshire

DSN Accountants are proud sponsors of

Tel: 01785 716658 Mobile: 07826 840147 Email: dean@dsna.co.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

www.dsna.co.uk

A Child of Mine In September 2007 our family was complete, we were blessed with two beautiful children, Georgia, 4 and a new baby boy called Lewis, we were happy and very much looking forward to our future together. Sadly, 8 months later Lewis became ill. He was diagnosed with a disease we all dread, the word that sends shivers down our spines and that most of us have will have been touched by at some point in our lives. Lewis was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma,

an extremely aggressive childhood cancer; our world had fallen apart. We remained positive, our way of coping maybe. But we also prepared for a fight and we were definitely not going to give up on Lewis. The next two years certainly had their highs and lows, Lewis fought hard, took everything in his stride and always with a smile. Yet, despite such a strong and courageous fight, Lewis’ little body was weak, and he died peacefully in my arms on 3rd July 2010. A day that will remain embedded in our souls forever. In the months after Lewis’ death, we were aware of many gaps that existed in bereavement care. Like many families who have faced a challenging journey, they want to give something back and we were no different. Our vision was to create an information source, somewhere to include as much information as possible specifically to help anyone affected by the death of a child, regardless of their age, or circumstance and so A Child Of Mine was born. Initially we

established our website achildofmine. co.uk, which still remains to be a comprehensive resource centre for bereaved parents, with information and guidance on all aspects of losing a child, from the practicalities of when a child dies, to more sentimental ideas. But, we have come a long way in the last 18 months and now work with some of the leading healthcare professionals and children’s hospitals in the UK. We research and advise information required by either families or professionals and are now in a position to offer more direct services and financial assistance to families within Staffordshire. We also have an application pending with the Charities Commission to become a fully registered charity.

he World Web

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

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

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

pprentice… A w e N s k e se t e rk a M Penkridge

Are you a young budding entrepreneur - An Alan Sugar in the making? Well Penkridge Market may be the start of a very successful career. The owners of Penkridge Market have announced today that they are launching a new initiative to help school leavers start their own business. They are offering any young entrepreneur, the opportunity to take a free stall on the Market, for two weeks, to see if their business idea works. If the stall is a success, the candidate will then be entered into a competition to win a long term pitch on the stall at a discounted rate, plus help and advice from the Market Manager and other Market Traders. The competition is open to anyone aged 16 – 19 years old, who lives in Penkridge or the surrounding area. The winner will receive a 6 month pitch on the Market at a discounted rate, plus advice on marketing, sourcing suppliers and general business support from the Manager and other experienced Market Traders.

UK! He started by simply selling car aerials and electrical goods out of his van and then moved on to selling homemade shampoo! At the grand age of 21 he started his most well-known and successful business, Amstrad, and the rest, as they say is history! Matt is kindly offering a 10 foot pitch on the Market on a Saturday and if you don’t have the necessary equipment, he will even provide you with a table. The Market attracts up to 5,000 people every Market day, from around the Region, including people from as far as Telford, Stoke and Walsall. It is therefore a great place to test out a business idea and to attract new customers. Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449 (postcode ST19 5AP). For further information and to book a stall on the Market please call Matt Williams on 01785 714221. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Matt Williams, Manager of Penkridge Market said: “We know how tough it can be to start up a business at any age, but especially when you’re young. We’ve noticed one or two really bright, enthusiastic young people on the Market and we just wanted to give everyone a chance... and who knows where it might lead to – we could have another Alan Sugar in the making!” Lord Sugar did indeed start his career at the tender age of 16 as a Market Trader and is now reported to be worth an estimated £770 million, making him one of the richest people in the 52

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

ore!

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

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

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

Car Keys Key cutting Engraving Security products Key accessories

House Keys

from £3

Funkeys

from £4

Plain Car Keys

from £7.50

Spare Car Keys with Transponder

from £30

Remote car keys as from dealer

from £70

Tel: 01922 411210 / 07581 041840 hydeskeylocker@yahoo.co.uk

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

Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun 10am-4.45pm

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

mail

A Brave Boy Called Is

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

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

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

t Sport Suzuki Swifylo r by Syd Ta

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

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

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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

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

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

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

r Show

ic Ca Stafford Castle Class On Sunday, 4th August, The Stafford Castle Classic car show took place. Despite the weather, thousands of visitors came to see the 150+ exhibitors at the show, in its ninth year at Stafford. The event is organised by the Stafford Borough Council. Cars, trucks and motorcycles of all eras from the 1920’s, till today, were on display, as well as several classic car clubs. There

were also trade stalls and children’s activities in the Castle visitor centre.

rain which you do not expect in August, it was a great success”.

It has now established itself as a major event in the Stafford calendar.

The main sponsors of the show were Ray Herrits (RPH Motors) and AA Sport. ASDA Stafford has also sponsored the prizes, through their local Community programme.

The Mayor of Stafford Borough, Cllr Angela Laughran, attended the awards presentation and presented the trophies for Best cars in class, and car of the show as well as sponsors prizes. Mike Hartwell, Director of Heritage sites in Stafford Borough Council and show organizer said “it was the busiest show so far with many more visitors this year, despite the

Sheriff Hegazy, ASDA Community Officer, said: “It is a great event for the whole family and Stafford Castle is a fantastic venue. It is getting bigger every year, and the car park was absolutely full. We are proud to be involved in this event.”

Braving the weather: Exhibitors, & Sponsors Sheriff and Karen Hegazy, from ASDA Stafford, in front of their Classic 1984 Mercedes 280 SL Convertible.

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

PICTOGRAM

1. A bad spell of weather 2. Foregone conclusion 3. Space invaders

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

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

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

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

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

WITH ANY SERVICE

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

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

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

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

all Cannock xh u a V y le d n ri B t a M A See the all new AD

Vauxhall’s all-new model, the ADAM, perfectly epitomises the customised car. With over a million combinations possible, this car is literally a blank canvas, ready to be customised. It is available in 12 unusually named colours such as ‘Purple Fiction’, ‘White My Fire’ and Papa Don’t Peach’ to get your imagination bursting out of the twinkling star-effect roof headliner design (if you choose). The ADAM is available in three trims, Jam (for the fashionable and

colourful types), Glam (for the elegant and sophisticated) and Slam (for the racy and sporty). The combinations cover all areas of the car – design, style and comfort. Choose the seat cover material, alter the pedal design or include foot-well coloured lights. The changes we make to our cars reflect the passion we have for them and creative ways to instill our character, proving that cars, today, are generally not left in a one-size fits all state. NOW with 5 years o % finance at Brindley Vauxhall Cannock IN STOCK NOW FROM £10,999

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

BRINDLEY

VAUXHALL OFFERS

FINANCE

UP TO

yrs

UP TO

WARRANTY 100,000 MILE

TO PAY

£2000 FINANCE DEPOSIT

(PAID BY VAUXHALL)

1 YRS FREE INSURANCE ON SELECTED MODELS‡ BULK PURCHASE ON CORSAS & ASTRAS READY FOR DELIVERY

NOW!

CORSA 1.0 S 3DR

146

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ASTRA 1.4 ENERGY 5DR

199

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Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) & CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range (excl. Ampera): Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 20.6 (13.7) - 85.6 (3.3). CO2 emissions: 324 - 88g/km. *Finance available on selected models only. Subject to status. Terms & conditions apply. Finance supplied by either Vauxhall Motor Finance RH1 1SR or Vauxhall Finance, PO Box 6666, Cardiff, CF15 7YT. 24-60 month term. **Vauxhall Deposit Contribution excludes ADAM, Mokka, Cascada & New Insignia (MY14) models. Offers & prices correct at time of going to print. ‡First year insurance offer available on new Corsa models (excluding Expression, S & VXR). The offer will cover the full premium (motor policy only) for drivers aged between 21-75. Drivers must have held a valid full UK licence for a minimum of 1 year. Only available through Vauxhall Insurance. Policies are underwritten by Ageas Insurance Ltd. Other insurance specific terms & conditions apply. Vauxhall Lifetime warranty covers lifetime ownership of first registered keeper, 100,000 mile limit. Terms & conditions apply. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers, commission may be received. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes & actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions & other non-technical factors.

BRINDLEY VAUXHALL 01543 466466 Main A5, Cannock WS11 1SH

www.brindleyvauxhall.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now, if only Peugeot made a convertible version…

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

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

Rowland’s Pharmacy

01785 212707

St. Michael’s C of E First School

01785 712344

St. Pauls C.E (C) Primary School

01785 356634

Stafford Grammar School

01785 249752

The Grove Primary School

01785 356412

The Co-operative Pharmacy

0500 970348

White House Pharmacy

01785 712829

Wolverhampton Road Pharmacy

01785 258181

& Nursery Units

COUNCILS

Tillington Manor Primary School

01785 356880

Penkridge Parish Council

01785 714157

Vernon Lodge Preparatory School

01785 850568

Staffordshire Borough Council

01785 619000

Wolgarston High School

01785 788400

Staffordshire County Council

03001 118000

South Staffordshire District Council

01902 696000

Yarlet School

01785 286568

Staffordshire Parish Council Association 01785 277499

DENTISTS

HOSPITALS Stafford Hospital

01785 257731 01785 238600

Elite Dental Clinic

01543 505070

Rowley Hall Hospital

(24/7 Emergency line)

07552 947394

Nuffield Private Hospital (Wolverhampton) 01902 267644

01785 355540

POST OFFICES

EDUCATION All Saints Church of England (VA) Primary School, Bednall

Blessed William Howard Catholic School 01785 244236

01785 661836

Charnley Road Post Office

01785 252624

Great Haywood Post Office

01889 881213

Blessed Mother Teresa’s Catholic Primary School

01785 356405

Brooklands School

01785 251399

Highfields Post Office

01785 241799

Castlechurch Primary School

01785 356772

Littleworth Post Office

01785 223769

Midlands Co-operative Post Office

01785 216880

Penkridge Post Office

01785 712201

Stone Road Post office

01785 252103

Chase Grammar (Formely Chase Academy) 01543 501800 Copsewood Primary School

01785 258482

Doxey Primary School

01785 356100

John Wheeldon County Primary School 01785 356636

Cannock Road Post Office

King Edward VI High School

01785 258546

Marshbrook First School

01785 712780

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

St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School

01785 663128

Staffordshire Fire Service

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

101 08451 221155

Index Of Advertisers Accountants DSN Accountants 51 Bathrooms Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms 9 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Blyth Group 27 CRS 11 Interiors Italia 18/19 Roll-a-robe 12 Stafford Carpets & Flooring 15 Beauty La Minky 45 Spray Heaven 37 The Cottage Surgery 39 Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS 11 Stafford Carpets & Flooring 15 Car Sales/Services Brindley Vauxhall 61 Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd 59 John Craddock 67 Charity/Hospice Compton Hospice 35

Driveways Standeford Garden Construction 24 Education Chase Grammar 2 Learn 4 A 47 Entertainments and Leisure South Staffs Council 43 Fire Place/Stoves Fireside Factory 17 Hearth Products 21 Furniture/Furnishings CRS 11 Interiors Italia 18/19 Ralvern Ltd 13 Garden Construction Standeford Garden Construction 24 Hairdressers Salon La Mink 45 Hospital (Private) Nuffield 4 Interior Designers Blyth Group 26 Interiors Italia 18/19

Jewellers T.A. Henn Kitchens (Supply, Design & Fit) Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms Locksmiths Hyde’s Keylocker Loft Conversions Buckley Loft Conversions Restaurants Blue Ginger Kings Repose Roofing Cannock Chase Roofing Tiles Tile Choice Tyres John Craddock Wedding Hire Evans Wedding Hire Windows Cloudy 2 Clear

7 9 53 25 27 29 23 52 67 41 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

The History So Far

It all started in 1968 when John Craddock purchased a 1948 Series One Land Rover for £50.00 and like so many enthusiasts he was smitten by the charisma of the vehicle: its simplicity, reliability and ability to cover any terrain in four wheel drive. In the late 60’s and 70’s Land Rover rallying became a popular pastime for John, who spent many weekends away with the Land Rover clubs. Like many successful businessmen he happened by chance on a niche market though his hobby and passion. Parts for the older Land Rovers were becoming scarce and the only way to get hold of them, dare I say it, was to dismantle the older ones for spares. Fellow enthusiasts were soon purchasing parts from John, until it became impossible for him to continue supplying parts in his spare time. John Craddock Limited became an entity in 1970. When your passion becomes your business you invariably make a resounding success of it and this was true for John Craddock Ltd who now supplies parts to virtually every country in the world. Behind the company is a committed team of experts in Land Rover parts and 4 x 4 wheels and tyres, whose sole aim is to give you a first class service.

We look forward to hearing from you. John Craddock Ltd. North Street Bridgtown, Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0AZ UK Customers : 01543 577207 Overseas : + 44 (0)1543 577207 Service Centre : 01543 572134 Vehicle Sales & Salvage: 01543 572134

Email: general@johncraddockltd.co.uk Website: www.johncraddockltd.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Sunday: Closed

How to find us: (Just off A5)

At the premises in Cannock we have an extensively stocked shop where many of the parts, wheels and tyres are on show. Behind the shop is a dedicated tyre bay, where we can supply and fit our vast selection of wheels and tyres for a wide range of off road vehicles.

From M6 North exit junction 12 (Do not use Toll Rd) and from M6 South exit junction 11. Follow signs to Cannock.

All second hand vehicles and parts are sold through the workshop and vehicle sales section which surround the main building.

At the mini roundabout turn left into North Street and John Craddock Ltd is immediately on your right, opposite Bridgtown Primary School

Our Service Centre can service and fit accessories for any marque of Land 66

Rover. To aid diagnosis and provide power upgrades we use “Autologic for Land Rover” which enables us to give a comprehensive and efficient service all at reasonable rates.

At the Cannock roundabout (McDonalds & Shell Garage) follow A5 signposted Brownhills for 1/2 mile. Turn left at Nissan / Mitsubishi Garage along Delta Way for 250 yards. Turn right at island along Longford Road for 250 yards.

From M6 toll travelling east to west take junction T7. Go right then left through the roundabouts and pass under the railway bridge on the right signposted A34 Cannock.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS If you are looking for an up to the minute design for your bathroom or en-suite, a traditional style kitchen or a modern and contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory. Tile Choice can meet your every requirement at exceptional prices. Our fully trained and experienced staff will assist you in planning your room layout, how to prepare the surfaces to be tiled and advise you on the correct tiles and tools to complete the project with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

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TILE

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all tiles

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

CANNOCK

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

01543 469400

LICHFIELD

13 Titan Way Britannia Ent Park Lichfield WS14 9TT

01543 264795

WALSALL

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

01922 746666

BILSTON

7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

01902 405526

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

See instore displays & inspirations with our GOOGLE walk thru at 68

www.tilechoice.co.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013