Staffordshire outlook december 2017 upload by Staffordshire Outlook

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December 2017/January 2018

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at The Grand Theatre Win tickets for the Shire Horse Society Show

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A Message From the Editor Hello readers, Welcome to the December edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Is it going to be a white one this year? Hopefully you are all getting ready for the festive season. We have lots of festive advertisers inside if you’re looking for real Christmas trees, places to eat, pampering for your Christmas party it is all inside this issue. The winners from the October/November edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We continue to have some lovely comments from the winners of the great prizes they have won in the magazine. Don’t forget to enter the fantastic competitions in this edition, including tickets for this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk at The Grand Theatre and tickets for the Shire Horse Society National Show. You could be one of the lucky winners, good luck!

advertise their business in the magazine, and to the readers who continue to support the Staffordshire Outlook. We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers! If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in the Staffordshire Outlook magazine then please contact us on the details below. If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Enjoy your read with a mulled wine……

The team at the Staffordshire Outlook are extremely grateful to the local advertisers who choose to

Congratulations to: Winner of a pair of tickets to Pam Ayres at the Grand Theatre Wendy Swan, Penkridge Winners of a pair of weekend tickets to the Winter Wine Festival Margaret Jones, Little Haywood

Winner of a pair of tickets to The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Pauline Jones, Parkside, Penelope Norton, Rowley Park Jackie Hall, Gnosall

Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Ltd Tel: 01952 321334 Staffordshire Outlook Magazine is published by Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Limited www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Advertising enquiries Sharon Caldwell - Sales Director Email: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Editorial/What’s on information Mal Caldwell - Editor Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Magazine design: Kate Dalgliesh - Graphic Designer Email: design@etakcreative.co.uk

Contents

Make your money go further 4 Shield Garage Roller Doors 6 The Grand Theatre Competition 8 Integrity Bedrooms 10 SI Cannock Planning Christmas 12 Christmas at Awesome Interiors 14 St Michaels Church 16 Tile Choice new Cannock store 16 Christmas food at Penkridge Market 20 Market a huge success 20 Chase Fire and Fireplaces 22 Puzzles 24 Tech Aluminium Systems Ltd 25 Peppermill Interiors 26 LF Home Improvements 28 Putting the Perennial Garden to Bed 30 Real Christmas Trees with Standeford 31 Rat Facts 31 Lock Master/Hydes Key Locker 32 Tracy Mason Travel 34 Shire Horse Society 36 Clearwater 38 Compton Hospice 40 Christmas Recipe 42 Eating out over the Festive Season 44 Get ready for a glamorous Christmas 46 The Chase CACI 50 Tile Choice and Wolves FC 54 Specialist treatment without waiting 54 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 55 Winter clothing donated to homeless 56 SI Cannock APP Speaker 56 Sue Starr Hypnotherapy 57 Keep your dog safe this Christmas 58 Local Pet Sitters named as Top Dog 59 Second national award for top golf course 60/61 Super Suzuki by Rob Taylor 62 Jaguar XE by Rob Taylor 63 Index of advertisers 64 Puzzle Solutions 64 What are Lasting Powers of Attorney 65 Trifocal Lenses 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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advertisement feature

Make your Money

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This month I would like to address several areas that I believe are relevant to many people in today’s economy.

Life Assurance

The savings are created by the employer paying the premium and the employee having the amount payable deducted on a salary exchange basis.

The vast majority of today’s working population are paying for life assurance from their net income. There are now policies that can be taken out and paid for before tax and National Insurance is deducted which can mean huge savings over the term of the policy.

The savings are considerable as both the employee and employer benefit. To give you an idea of the saving - on a premium of £100, a basic rate tax payer would save £53.21 per month, whilst a higher rate tax payer would save £76 per month.

This type of life assurance is known as Relevant Life Cover and can also include critical illness cover which, for those of you who are paying for this type of cover will know, is quite expensive.

If you would like to find out more about how you can reduce your cost of life cover, we would be more than happy to run you through the process and liaise with your employer.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Interest Only Mortgages Citizens Advice has recently conducted research that shows that there are over 3.3 million interest only mortgages with over 1 million of these having no repayment vehicle. The average amount outstanding is £71,000 and, for many of these homeowners, I would imagine that as the repayment date of the mortgage term draws closer, sleepless nights are endured. For the vast majority there is now a solution in the form of Lifetime Mortgages which, over the last few years, have improved immensely and payment rates are now available from 3.86% fixed for life with the option of making

payments or, if income is short, having the interest rolled up. If you have an interest only mortgage and would like to discuss your options please feel free to call us. Cash On Deposit We are constantly approached by our clients who are not happy with the amount of interest they are receiving from their deposit accounts and are looking for better returns. We have, for some time, been looking for a safe alternative and I believe that we now have an option for the risk adverse individual who is looking for safe returns. The investment we are comfortable with is Octopus Choice which is a discretionary managed portfolio of loans. Octopus Choice is not directly correlated to the stock market, yet will target a variable interest rate of around 4% per annum, paid monthly. If you would like more information on this and how you can invest please feel free to contact us and we can take you through the process. Inheritance Tax This is a voluntary tax and, for the vast majority of people, easily avoidable with careful planning without having to gift or lose control of your estate.

pension schemes and are looking at the possibility of transferring. There are some companies who are, by the size of the transfer value being offered, actively encouraging members to transfer however not all schemes are equal. There are some schemes that do not offer anything like fair value, most notably local government pensions and I think the reason for this can be traced back to the fact that pension schemes’ assets and liabilities sit on a company’s balance sheet and, for most companies, this is a risk they would like to move - local government have a completely different mindset. It is important that those of you who request transfer values ensure that before completing any transfer, the amount you are being offered is sufficient to reflect the benefits you would be giving up. For anyone who has preserved pension benefits and would like to explore your options, please feel free to contact us and we can ensure that, before you make any decision, you are well informed of the facts.

For anyone with estates valued in excess of £1,000,000 for married couples or £500,000 for non-married, please seek advice before it is too late. I believe that throughout one’s life you pay enough tax without having to share your wealth with the Government on your demise. For those of you out there with Financial Advisers, contact them at your earliest opportunity and start planning today. If, however, you do not have a Financial Adviser, please feel free to contact us and we can explain how simple it is to ensure your loved ones inherit your wealth without sharing it with HMRC. Preserved Final Salary Pensions This is without doubt our busiest area currently and we are inundated with requests from individuals who have been members of final salary

John Webb

John Webb is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, the highest accolade designated by that organisation. The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the Financial Advisory Profession in the United Kingdom, promoting the highest standards of technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice.

If you would like more information or need advice on your specific circumstances please feel free to contact the author John Webb of Midland Independent Financial Services Limited on 01543 468877 or john.webb@ midlandifa.co.uk Midland Independent Financial Services is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Midland Independent Financial Services Ltd, 153 Avon Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1LF. Telephone 01543 468877.

www.midlandifa.co.uk Throughout the year Midland Independent hold investment seminars with industry experts. If you would like to attend please email: info@midlandifa.co.uk

Would like to congratulate and thank MR & MRS Bonsall On being our 100th customer Shield Roller Garage Doors started trading in July last year and has gone from strength to strength. A small family run business offering what is often thought of as a luxury electric insulated roller garage doors at extremely competitive prices. All Shield Roller Garage Doors are CE certified and come with two remotes as standard.

Shield Roller Garage Doors The curtain is constructed from a double skinned insulated aluminium sections and comes available in 5 colours for you to choose from. Introducing Sheild Roller Garage Doors to the All of our doors bespoke, totoyour Introducing Shield are Roller Garagefitted Doors the garage on-site.

Pictured is Director of the company Paul Smith Paul would like to thank all customers over the presenting MR & MRS Bonsall We are new friendly family run last year for your business, andbusiness will continue We are a afriendly family run business hoping to hoping to with a bottle of champagne to strive to achieve the experience highest standards that serve youthe the best possible experience buying serve you best possible whenwhen buying and box of chocolates. we set ourselves. andinstalling installing your garage door. and your garage door.

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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK DECEMBER 2017 working hard to bring you the best quality garage

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Competition

Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum, a giant of a panto comes to Wolverhampton from Saturday 9 December 2017 – Sunday 14 January 2018! We’ve got a family ticket (4 tickets in total) to give away to the 7:15pm performance on Wednesday 3 January! Gareth Gates stars as Jack, with returning favourites Lisa Riley as Spirit of the Beans, Doreen Tipton as the Trot’s lazy next door neighbour, Ian Adams as Dame Trot and Adam C Booth as Simple Simon, joined by television star Graham Cole as the evil Fleshcreep. Gareth Gates rose to stardom in 2002 as runner-up in the UK's first Pop Idol. In a phenomenal career which followed he has sold more than 3.5 million records in the UK, released three albums and had four UK number one singles. Alongside his pop career Gareth has been seen on ITV1's Dancing on Ice and The Big Reunion 2014 for ITV. Gareth's theatre career has seen him play the role of Marius in the 25th anniversary tour of Les Misérables for Sir Cameron Mackintosh, in Loserville at West Yorkshire Playhouse and the UK tours of Legally Blonde and Boogie Nights the Musical. He has regularly toured in the concert Mad About the Musicals and is currently starring in the second leg of the UK tour of Footloose. Gareth appeared as part of the line-up Boys Aloud, recreating the Girls Aloud hit Biology for BBC's Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief. Lisa Riley captured the hearts of Wolverhampton as the Slave Of The Ring in last year’s pantomime, Aladdin. Lisa is a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women and is known for playing Mandy Dingle in the ITV1 soap Emmerdale from 1995 to 2001. Lazy Black Country internet sensation Doreen Tipton will appear as herself this year, it’s a lot of effort playing a different character. She won Best Panto Newcomer at the Great British Pantomime Awards for her role in Aladdin at the Grand Theatre last year. Adam C Booth who received great critical acclaim as Wishee Washee in last year’s production of Aladdin will play Jack’s brother Simple Simon. Adam is a regular on Keith Lemon’s Sketch Show. Graham Cole is best-known as PC Tony Stamp in the much-loved ITV serial drama The Bill, a role he played for over 25 years from 1984 until the programme ended in 2009. Join Jack Trot and his family and climb a beanstalk to Cloudland in this year’s spectacular family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil Giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams and the hand of the girl he loves.

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 Sunday 23rd December 2017. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Gareth Gates rose to stardom in which TV talent show?

A. B. C. D.

The X Factor Pop Idol The Voice Britain’s Got Talent

Competition Terms and Conditions

Panto Tickets are now on sale by visiting the Grand Theatre Box Office, calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night of the show, Wednesday 3rd January 2018. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Images supplied by Jonathon Hipkiss

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From shelving and drawers to shoe racks and hanging bars, we offer a huge range of flexible wardrobe interior options that will help you to maximise your bedroom storage space. Whether you need to house your extensive shoe collection, or simply like to have everything in its right and proper place all of interior solutions are developed to integrate perfectly with all of our fitted furniture.

Welcome to Integrity Bedrooms, we offer a bespoke fitted bedrooms and home office furniture service. Integrity is a family run business with experience in the industry for over 25 years in the local area. We can offer you the finest products the market has to offer, at prices to suit all budgets. We offer our customers a wide range of styles and finishes. We deliver our own visions that balance beautiful bespoke design and incredible functionality all in one.

It’s not just fitted bedrooms we do we also have made to measure sliding door wardrobes and fitted home office furniture. Our creative design consultants and precise fitters have transformed houses across the county, helping families discover the homes of their dreams. At Integrity Bedrooms anything is possible. We approach all of our projects, with one aim in mind, perfection. Our dedicated team handle every aspect of the project, simplifying the process to give you the best possible experience. Simply choose a day and a time that suits you and one of our friendly and highly experienced designers will meet you in the comfort of your own home and help you choose the style of fitted bedroom furniture and accessories to suit your style and budget.

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went along and enjoyed talking to the many stall holders representing various organisations connected with women’s health, all concerned with helping women to feel better about themselves and with ways to look after themselves.

at Stoke Hospital. Like LGFB, her service gives an enormous confidence boost to women at a time when they have little self confidence. More information is available at www. uhnmcharity.org.uk

President Carole Holdcroft welcomed everyone, including

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Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror SI Midland Chasewardrobes Region President Alyson Green and Amanda Milling, MP for Cannock Chase. She also thanked Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror wardrobes will enhance the Cannock decor offor any bedroom Lions sponsoring the event. The first speaker will enhance thewas decor of anynewer bedroom one of SI Cannock’s and younger members by adding light and the impression Kate Young - who told the audience a little about herself, by adding light and the impression about Soroptimists and about her reasons, as a busy woman of doubling the room size. w w w. r o l l - a - r o b e . c o m time, for joining the international organisation. of doubling the working roomfullsize. She explained that it is the balance between working on w w w. r o l l - a - r o b e . c o m projects which support those women less fortunate than us: whether involved in domestic abuse, trafficking, needing help to develop skills to become independent or self sufficient, with the social side of Soroptimism - the fun and friendship - which appealed to her initially and which still appeals to her.

Sliding doors that move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors and so giving more Sliding doors thatwith move aside the ofwall, hinged doors and sostorage. giving more Kathy Coe, founder ofwithout Pathway, spokeintrusion a littlewall of living space, the addition ofthen planned to floor to ceiling manythe ways they provide support to women victims living space, the with addition of planned wall to wall, floor to ceiling storage. of Domestic Violence. Their service has developed so

Vicky Farmer, nutrition dispelled some of the myths You will find that you have "More useful storage" thanadvisor, you thought! much over the 22 years since it began: last year they gave about our diet. We need to maintain a balanced diet which You will find that you have direct help to 37 women in the"More Cannock area useful alone. Kathy storage" than you thought!

includes carbohydrates, fats, fibre and protein - cutting introduced a woman who has been a client of Pathway anything out completely can bring its own problems. and who now works with them supporting other women. evening gave the opportunity to talk to a colour analyst, She told the audience her 9 story and it was very powerful, Unit West Cannock Way •The Cannock Chase Enterprise nail technician, breast care specialist, podiatrist Centre and staff enabling others to Unit understand a little of the way a victim 9 West Cannock Way •from Cannock Chase Centre St Giles Hospice as well Enterprise as the speakers. There was Hednesford • Staffordshire • WS12 0QW of DV can feel. She said that the bravest thing she ever a free prize draw and lucky woman Hednesford • one WS12 0QWwon a basket did was to make that first step and call the help line - and• Staffordshire packed with pamper goodies. There was a great ‘buzz’ with although it has been a long process she has never looked everyone finding the evening informative and interesting back. The 24 hour help line number is 01543 676800. an added bonus for Cannock Soroptimists is that a number

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Alison Jackson of the worldwide charity Look Good Feel Better for cancer patients spoke of the free beauty workshops provided locally at New Cross and Stafford Hospitals. Cosmetics are donated by some of the large beauty houses and each woman who goes along to a workshop not only receives help and advice but also a bag of beauty goods valued at around £200. Anyone interested in knowing more can phone LGFB on 01372 747500.

SI CANNOCK & DISTRICT

find out more about the club and the organisation. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/SICannock or www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district/

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

who founded Fresh Hair, a bespoke wig fitting continents, embracing Cannock SoroptimistsFiona areFord, preparing for service for cancer patients and who is a past winner of SI the UN Sustainable Christmas! But not just for themselves: as in Development Goals and previous years, club members do what they the targets set out in SDG 6: Water. Increasing awareness can to provide a better Christmas for some of of the vital role of women as equal partners at all levels of those who may be in some sort of need this the water sector, ‘Women, Water and Leadership’ will work year. to ensure women and girls have the capacity, education and

They provide Christmas gifts for the women and children who will be living in a refuge run by the Pathway Project for women victims of domestic violence over the festive period. They send along toys, games, clothing, books, toiletries, jewellery - the recipients of the gifts are always touched that there are people thinking of them at this time. Soroptimist Carole Holdcroft will coordinate the club’s preparation, cooking and serving of a Christmas Dinner in December for those who use the Soup Kitchen in Mill Street Cannock. They fund a large part of this meal too and usually serve over 50 meals, complete with all of the Christmas trimmings – again, this service to members of the community is always appreciated. In lieu of sending cards to each other at Christmas, Soroptimists make donations to their International President’s appeal, held to mark United Nations Day on December 10th. The appeal this year is Women, Water and Leadership and will support at least five projects in five 12

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

experience to manage water resources, and gain careers in water-related professions. SI Cannock’s own Christmas Celebration will be held on December 12th at the Barns when President Val Jones will welcome members and guests to an evening of fun and fellowship with entertainment provided by singer James Michael. If anyone would like to donate a gift, funds towards the Soup Kitchen dinner or would like to know more about the Christmas Celebration, more information is available by emailing si.cannock@outlook. com

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Our skilled craftsmen can create any type of design, from ultra-modern to classically traditional. As an alternative if you cannot part with your existing suite, we offer an exceptional re-upholstery service that goes above and beyond recovering your choice of fabrics and leathers.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Awesome Interiors Get into the Festive spirit and call into the showroom to see our selection of Christmas accessories. We also stock a great selection of unique home accessories, including clocks, vases, floor & table lamps. We have a beautiful range of soft furnishings too including cushions, throws etc. All of our accessories are hand chosen and are quiet exclusive.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 15

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL ST MICHAELS CHURCH, PENKRIDGE Following on from the huge success of last year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Michael’s Church, Penkridge, it already seems that after only one year it has become one of the villages’ best loved annual events! Organisations, businesses and the local community are already supporting the initiative resulting in nearly doubling the amount of trees on display, decorating them in a vast array of styles and themes portraying what our local community is all about. To compliment this year’s extension of the Christmas Tree Festival, the festive fun begins on Wednesday 6th December right through to the following Tuesday when the Salvation Army will round things off with their extremely popular Christmas Concert.

and ambience. More details of St Michaels Christmas Tree Festival, including a full list of activities and times can be found on the church web site www.stmichaelspenkridge. co.uk and on Facebook; search “Penkridge Parish Church” (and why not “like us” at the same time.) Come and be part of this ongoing and exciting new venture for the village and community of Penkridge. Whatever your age, it will certainly be fun! For more information please e-mail: penkridgechristmastrees@gmail.com

In between we have on Friday night a performance of the Roger Jones Christmas musical “While Shepherds Watched” and then the Family Christmas sing-a-long on Saturday evening. This is where we indulge in the community singing of Christmas favorites ranging from White Christmas to When Santa got stuck up the Chimney. A shared supper is also planned. In addition there will be various community groups visiting, either conducting their own Carol Service, such as the Leisurely Ladies or having festive refreshments with Age UK. Saturday morning sees our Café Church offer a festive coffee morning with Christmas crafts to keep the children busy whilst others can enjoy the refreshments

Tile Choice Cannock RELOCATES TO BIGGER STORE Tile Choice Cannock is relocating to new premises on Walsall Road, Bridgtown. This exciting move will see the launch of an all new store design for Tile Choice branches. The larger premises has allowed us to incorporate bigger displays providing a better shopping experience for customers. The new store is in a more prominent location with access directly off Walsall Road and dedicated off-road customer parking. Stocking high quality tiles from leading suppliers there is a huge range of ceramic and porcelain tiles available as well as natural stone tiles. The larger store means more stock can be held on site and bulk stock discounts will be available. Our dedicated, experienced team of staff are always on hand to give advice to customers, from helping to choose the right tiles and tiling accessories to working out measurements. They are also able to recommend local tilers to fix your tiles. Here at Tile Choice we are constantly striving to improve our stores and with an all new in store design and an updated colour scheme we have created a much sleeker look. The increased display size allows customers to get a better visualisation of what the tiles will look like in the home making the buying process much easier. Alongside our large range of tiles we also supply all tiling 16

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

tools from top brands such as Vitrex and Rubi as well as Warmup underfloor heating and HardieBacker boards. There is everything you need to complete your tiling job under one roof. Opening mid December, pop in to see us in our brand new store.

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Penkridge Market CHRISTMAS FOOD & CRAFT MARKETS Penkridge Market, near Stafford will be holding a fabulous Fine Food and Craft Market on Saturday the 16th December. There will be a wide variety of stalls selling a range of festive treats, gifts, toys and crafts, as well as wreaths and decorations .The Market will be open from 9am to 3.30pm, giving you plenty of time to get everything on your shopping list. Admission and parking are free, and with an indoor market too, it’s a great place to shop, whatever the weather. Whoever you need to buy for this Christmas, Penkridge have got it all wrapped up. For little ones there will be stalls selling toys, clothes, DVD’s and computer games, as well as stocking fillers such as sweets, stationery and books. For the men in your life, there will be tools, watches, boots, phones and those fail-safe gifts such as socks, toiletries and chocolates. And finally for the ladies, you will find everything from clothes, handbags and jewellery to candles, perfume and toiletries.

ingredients for a fantastic Roast! Local farms will be selling their meat, poultry and game fresh from the farm, as well as the traditional fruit and veg stalls, for those all-important Brussel sprouts. There will also be a wide range of delicious local produce for sale, including cheeses, breads and pickles, to homemade cakes, puddings and preserves. And if all of that food shopping makes you hungry, there will be a wide range of catering stalls, as well as the Old Deanery Farm Cafe, who will be serving hot drinks and festive food, including a traditional Turkey Lunch with all the trimmings. There will be two auction sales of Christmas Poultry on Tuesday 19th and Friday 22nd December starting at 11am. It is anticipated that there will be 300 birds mainly oven ready or long legged turkeys, geese and chickens each day, all reared on local farms. These sales are open to the public and are an excellent way to buy a quality turkey for your Christmas table.

Plus stalls selling gift wrap and cards, making it easy to get all of your Christmas gifts and shopping done, in one place.

For further information on the event, please telephone 01785 714221 or log onto the website www.penkridgemarket. co.uk

If it’s your turn to cook the Christmas lunch, then there couldn’t be a better place to buy all of your

Penkridge Market NEW MARKET PROVES HUGE SUCCESS Penkridge Market near Stafford, say they have been delighted by the response to their new Children’s Market, which was launched in April this year. The new Market, which is entirely dedicated to children, proved so popular that the owners decided to hold the event again on the 1st of October. Thousands of people attended the event and the owners now say that it will be a regular feature on the Market’s calendar. Kate Kingsley, who was the brain child behind the event said: “We were absolutely thrilled by the response we had from visitors and couldn’t believe that we had even more people attend the second event in October. Everyone seemed to really appreciate the Market purely being aimed at children and they all said they’d had a great day out. We are now planning to hold it twice a year, the next one’s being on the 15th April and 30th September 2018.” The Children’s Market consisted of a wide variety of stall holders selling everything from nearly new children’s clothes, toys and books to personalised handmade crafts. There was also lots of activities to keep the children amused, 20

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

including a petting farm, bouncy castle and free craft area. Kate continued: “Not only could parents find great products at amazing prices, but there was plenty to keep the children entertained as well, so it felt more like a fun day out, rather than dragging the kids around the shops. I think anything that makes parents lives easier is much appreciated.” Parents also had the opportunity to make some money, by having a stall themselves, giving them the chance to sell all of those pre-loved toys, clothes and equipment, at a bargain price of just £10 a stall. Local children’s clubs, groups and organisations also attended the event, helping families find out more information about the services available in their local area. If you would like to book a stall for next year’s event, then please log onto their website www. penkridgemarket.co.uk and download a booking form or e-mail kate@penkridgemarket.co.uk

Christmas event Markets Christmas Fine Food & Craft Market

Saturday 16th December 9.00am start Christmas Poultry Auction Tuesday 19th December 11.00am start Second Christmas Poultry Auction Friday 22nd December 11.00am start

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | July 2017

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Chase

Fires & Fireplaces Ltd Local experts in custom design & made to measure

Celebrate with your friends and family this season in front of the fireplace you have always dreamed of. Whether it’s a traditional style adorned with festive garlands or a contemporary design that enchants you with its warm glow. We have over 20 years’ experience between us designing and installing fireplaces and fires, we have a comprehensive portfolio of previous work for you to view either on our website or within our warm and welcoming showroom. Here you will also find samples or over 60 different materials we have selected due to their quality and style, all of which are available across all designs or as part of our fully bespoke design your own service. DESIGN AlongsideEXPERTS a full rangeINofCUSTOM gas and electric fires to suit all budgets. Why not have exactly what you want! SPECIALIST GAS SAFE INSTALLERS

GAS FIRE REPAIRS & SERVICING FREE HOME CONSULTATIONS GAS FIRES - ELECTRIC FIRES - MARBLE LIMESTONE - WOOD - VENEER 1000’S OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

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If you are not looking for a full installation we also offer: • • • • • •

Made to measure hearths if you do not wish to have the added expense of changing your flooring. Fire only Fireplace only Gas fire servicing Spare parts Fire servicing & repair *where possible

Anything you require – no job is too big or too small for us

Our fully personalised service includes: • • • • • • • •

FREE Home consultations FREE Gas Safe surveys Expert product knowledge & Advice Custom design Creating bespoke packages Delivery Full professional installation service Access to 1000’s of products

16 Burntwood Shopping Centre, Sankeys Corner, Cannock Road, Burntwood, WS7 1JR

With free on-site parking the showroom is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible and open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm and Saturdays 10am until 4pm.

01543 686220

If this is not convenient for you or you have trouble getting e. out sales@chasefires.co.uk to the showroom of hours appointments are available when booked in advance. w. chasefires.co.uk Visit us at 16 Burntwood Town Shopping Centre, Sankeys Corner, Cannock Road, Burntwood, WS7 1JR Find us at www.chasefires.co.uk Facebook - @chasefiresandfireplaces chase_fires Or need some inspiration check out our Pinterest board at chase_fires T: 01543 686220

Chase

Fires & Fireplaces Ltd Local experts in custom design & made to measure

EXPERTS IN CUSTOM DESIGN SPECIALIST GAS SAFE INSTALLERS GAS FIRE REPAIRS & SERVICING

16 Burntwood Shopping Centre, Sankeys Corner, Cannock Road, Burntwood, WS7 1JR

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GOLF E KILDARE

Manufactured and installed to provide maximum viewing areas, our bi-fold and sliding doors add the 21st century to any property. They can provide you with clearer access to your patio or garden bringing the outside in, just unlatch the high security locking and with a light push you have the access to your outdoor living area. When closed, Bi-fold and sliding doors offer shelter and warmth with little reduction in natural light, allowing you to stay connected to the outside from the comfort of your home. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your bespoke ideas, plans and projects.

Tech Aluminium Systems Limited Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0ET T: 01543 467272 Website: www.techalumsystems.co.uk Email: admin@techalum.co.uk 25

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MAY 2017

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Peppermill Interiors A FAMILY-RUN FURNITURE COMPANY WITH OVER TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE Peppermill Interiors has lots of contemporary furniture to view at its large showroom in Burntwood. Spread over two floors, the showroom has a selection of new, vintage and bespoke items on display, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Revamping your dining room for Christmas? Or maybe you’re welcoming the New Year with a new kitchen? We stock a huge selection of furniture in a range of styles to suit your needs. From luxury upholstered dining chairs, to vintage inspired leather seating and traditional wooden kitchen chairs. As well as seating, you can also pick up the perfect table for your home; choose from a selection of tables in oak, pine or elm. You could even go for a bespoke model that can be made to order to your size and specification in just a couple of weeks.

furniture. Our new showroom has a warehouse onsite, enabling us to keep most items in stock, ready to take away or be delivered to your door in a matter of days. We have over two decades of experience supplying furniture not only to domestic customers, but also to large restaurant chains like Nando’s, iconic brands such as Burberry, and a number of universities, independent cafes, and high-street shops in the UK and further afield. You would be hard-pushed to find a UK city centre that doesn’t feature Peppermill’s products! We pride ourselves on the level of service we offer our customers, which is why we see people return to us time and time again.

We also stock copper, zinc and brass top tables for those looking to add ‘WOW’ factor to their homes. And, it doesn’t stop at items for your culinary quarter! We supply lighting, armchairs, sideboards, garden furniture, decorative items, and have possibly the most unique collection of original vintage and industrial pieces in the UK (if we do say so ourselves).

In 2018 Peppermill will be launching a selection of new products; we will be introducing some new styles, and some old favourites will be reappearing with fresh fabrics and colours. We also have an exciting new website in the pipeline, which will allow our customers to complete purchases online and will better showcase our ever-expanding product range.

We have been at our new premises in Burntwood for almost two years now, but some of you may have visited us previously at our showroom on Watling Street Business Park. Since then, we have rebranded from Peppermill Antiques to Peppermill Interiors to suit our new focus of more on-trend, contemporary 26

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Pop into our showroom in Burntwood, we’d love to see you! Our friendly staff are on hand to discuss your needs and help you create the ideal interior for your home or business. We’re open six days a week; Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. Or you can browse online at www.peppermillinteriors.com

LF Home Improvements

Specialising in Roofing Services LF Home Improvements have been operating, as flat roofing contractors for nearly three decades. This experience means our knowledge of this trade is second to none and we take every step to make sure we never leave a customer unsatisfied. A very popular roof that we fit is the EPDM Rubber Roof. This is the world’s most widely flat roof material installed in one piece. EPDM Rubber Roof system offers a unique combination of features and benefits which have been demonstrated on hundreds of thousands of exposed roofs around the world. Suitable for House Extensions, Garages, Carports and Garden Sheds. It offers many great benefits: • • • • • • • • • •

One Piece Flat Roof System Pre-cut to fit your Roof No boiling tar used Environmentally friendly Attractive appearance and incredibly durable No chippings needed No Joins No Leaks Domestic, commercial and industrial Best value

We are skilled roofers who can promise you excellent repair services, which all begin with a full, honest assessment, backed by a free estimate service. We are professional roofers who have been repairing roofs for over 15 years. You can trust us to have your roof looking great again, and your home properly guarded against the wind and rain. One of the things in life people value the most is having a roof over their head and here at LF Home Improvements we never under estimate the need that people have to feel safe and protected. This is why we put so much hard work into ensuring that we provide the most comprehensive services for Roofing in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. As roofing specialists we only use the best quality materials in our work, but it isn’t only this that gives us such as excellent reputation for roofing in Cheshire & Staffordshire, it’s our work ethic. No matter what amount of work is needed, we approach every job with the same care and attention to detail. All of our work is completed to the highest standard and we know that you’ll be happy with the result.

Sooner or later a conventional flat roof will leak, due to lack of flexibility, weathering and failing joints. EPDM Rubber Roof is installed in one piece and will never split and are unaffected by weathering and have no joints.

LF Home Improvements offer a full range of roofing services for the domestic sectors. With vast knowledge and experience in the roofing industry LF Home Improvements offer both reliability and reassurance. Whether it’s a full roof installation, maintenance work or general roof repairs LF Home Improvements offer accredited roofing services in and around the Staffordshire areas. 2828 STAFFORDSHIRE STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK | | DECEMBER DECEMBER 2017 2017

We quote for each job individually, based on your requirements, and offer a wide range of roofing products and services from minor repairs to replacements. We know that roofing doesn’t just stop at the actual roof, which is why we can provide, Fascias, Soffits and Guttering as well, all of the best quality, and we can help you choose something that will blend in with the rest of your home. We come highly recommended with Checkatrade.com with our reviews coming in at an average of 9.95 out of 10.00. If you’re not content with anything but the best, then use LF Home Improvements. Just give us a call to find out more about what we can do for you.

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Putting the Perennial Garden to Bed for Winter Today I have been marvelling at the brilliant show of colour from our cone flowers (Rudbeckia) and as winter approaches and colour fades it’s time to think about what to cut back and what to leave standing in the perennial garden. Those cone flowers will be left until spring as the seed heads will continue to look interesting and also feed the finches over winter.

hasty to cut everything back: some perennials have wonderfully architectural bones in winter: sea hollies, bergamot, bubble mint and many others have attractive flower stems and seed heads that last through the winter. I simply remove any dead leaves in early winter and then tidy up the stems in early spring. In all cases don’t prune the new, fresh plantlets at the base of the stems. Ornamental grasses always give a good show through the winter. For those that keep green leaves the best treatment is to merely comb out dead leaves and cut out old flower stems in early spring. For ones where the leaves go brown, cut back quite hard before new growth starts in spring. I cut tall ones down to 1ft / 30cm high and shorter ones to about 6in / 15cm. Will it help wildlife? Another reason to leave old stems in place until March is to provide a home for ladybirds – plants with hollow stems are ideal hibernating places for them. Also seed heads are a welcome winter food for birds and small mammals. Will it self-seed? Some perennials are short-lived so leaving seed heads on helps ensure the next generation of plants. On the other hand, some plants are best cut back to avoid inferior self-seeds - examples include cone flower (Echinacea), Granny’s Bonnet (Aquilegia), Foxgloves, and yarrow (Achillea).

I get lots of people asking about winter “pruning” of different perennials. It’s not something many books cover. Most leafy perennial plants become dormant over winter and both novice and experienced gardeners are often worried about when and how much to cut back. The short answer is that you can cut down most herbaceous plants as soon as the leaves die off in late autumn to just above the point where new, living growth remains – often at ground level - but getting to know your plants can help you squeeze more enjoyment from them through the winter months. The following methods work well for us but most important is getting to know your garden and its own micro climate. Keep records of what is damaged over winter and what pruning and protection methods work for you. The first consideration is: does it need the extra protection given by the old growth? If you have a particularly cold, frost prone garden or are growing tender perennials it is sometimes worth leaving the top growth on until late winter as this provides a little protection to the crown (the part where new shoots and leaves appear from) of the plant. The old shoots trap some warmer air around the plant. This has helped me keep some fairly exotic plants, like the pitcher sage (lepechinia) from Hawaii, through the winter in Cheshire. If you do leave old stems and leaves on over winter, take care to choose a period of frost-free weather in spring when you do cut them back – cutting them back is like taking away their coats all of a sudden – they need time to acclimatise. Will strong winds be a problem? In windy areas it is worth shortening the stems to avoid too much wind rock which will disturb the roots. So, for example tall heleniums, helianthus all get cut down to a few inches above the soil once the leaves have died. Will the stems add interest over winter? Don’t be too

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Some perennials seed to excess and removing the seed heads stops them from sprouting like mustard and cress all over the garden in the spring. On the other hand, I leave the stems and heads on Verbena to encourage self-seeding of this slightly tender, shortlived flower. Does it need tidying? With ground hugging or mound forming plants, remove dead or damaged leaves and flower stems in early winter– cutting them back at this time saves damaging fresh leaves in spring. Trailing plants are also best cut back at this time. Some plants will keep leaf over winter but this will become damaged and ugly by the spring so it’s best to cut these back hard (provided they’re hardy). I do this with the evergreen day lilies, whereas Heucheras look good through winter and are best tidied in spring. Once you’ve cut back plants some benefit from a bit of insulation over winter. Shallow rooted plants like Phlox and Heleniums can be mulched with old compost, bark or leaves but watch out for slugs in spring. There is no reason why the perennial garden needs to be bare and barren in winter. There’s plenty to interest the gardener and wildlife if you avoid the urge to cut back too early! Martin Blow Janet & I run Special Perennials, our website www. specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs only throughout the season. Please see www.planthuntersfairs. co.uk We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at the National Memorial Arboretum, DE13 7AR on Saturday 17th March 2018, free entry to plant fair & arboretum P&D parking; The Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU on Easter Sunday/Monday 1st/2nd April fair & gardens £4 (less than half standard price); Middleton Hall, B78 2AE on Sunday 8th April fair, garden & hall entry £2 and at Consall Hall Gardens, Wetley Rocks ST9 0AG on Sunday 15th April, gardens and fair entry £3. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

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Rat Facts by The Pest Control Man Rats reproduce rapidly. A rat litter consists of up to 24 pups. Their pregnancy is just 28 days long. Rats’ front teeth grow 4½ to 5½ inches each year. Rats wear them down by continuously gnawing on everything around them, including cement, brick, wood, lead pipes, and other small animals.

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Rats spend a lot of their time washing and grooming: although they often live in rubbish tips and sewers (habitats created by humans), they are extremely clean. In the wild brown rats tend to stay within a restricted area, provided that it has sufficient food, so it’s territory is usually small. If food is hard to come by a rat will travel some way from its nest on the track of a tempting food supply. When crops ripen in the fields, brown rats will make journeys of 4-5 kilometres every night to find food If you need any treatment against rats in your property please contact Tim on 07519 613196

No Hidden Charges! Evening & Weekend Visits at no extra cost! If you need treatment against Mice, Rats, Bedbugs, Ants, Wasps, Birds, Coackraches and lots more please call

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NUMBER PLATES

CAR & HOME LOCKOUTS

All Number plates are done while you wait and take around 5-10 minutes. You can look on screen to view you plates before they are printed so you know exactly what you are getting. There are a few choices you have, i.e styles of writing, borders, flags etc. All these extras are at a fixed price unlike all other number plate providers AND at half the price too.

24 HOURS A DAY – 7 DAYS A WEEK Just Call Tom on 07951473779 and I will travel to anywhere in the West Midlands to get you into your Car or Home as soon as physically possible. A lot of local callouts I have got the customer into their home within 15 minutes of taking the phone call and aim to carry on with those stats. Most importantly there is no call out fee.

CAR KEYS & PROGRAMMING

LOCKS & LOCK FITTING

At Hyde’s Key Locker we have a good range of machines that allow us to duplicate a great percentage of car keys, I will always advise you (the customer) on the best option for your circumstances.

At our shop “Hyde’s Key Locker” we supply a whole range of high security Locks, Latches, Cylinders, deadlocks and Padlocks plus more all at trade prices.

We will ALWAYS advise to have at least a spare key that can start the ignition. (This way you always have a backup key to get you out of trouble). This may be just the blade to open the car manually and the chip programmed to start the engine. This is the cheapest option.

“Lock Master” provides the service of fitting any of these locks, if you want a lock fitting for extra security or weather you just want one replacing due to moving house or misplaced keys our prices are more than competitive and available to all our customers 24/7 – Call Tom on 07951473779.

I can also do Full Remotes, the same as from the dealer, this is a slightly more expensive option but in our experience to date and comparing our prices to the main dealer we will save you a small fortune.

UPVC DOORS AND MULTI POINT LOCKING STRIPS REPAIRED OR REPLACEMENT SERVICE TOO.

24 HOURS A DAY – 7 DAYS A WEEK JUST CALL TOM ON 07951473779 - WWW.LOCK-MASTER.CO 32

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

TROPHIES

KEY CUTTING

We have access to a huge range of trophies to suit all sports and occasions. You can take a catalogue away with you to have a good look at this range and pick the trophies that are perfect for you. These can all be engraved in store while you wait also.

There is nothing more annoying for a customer to have a key cut and to get home and it not work. This is a very rare occurrence at Hyde’s Key Locker. It is impossible for it to never happen but our customers always tell us of other local key cutters they have been too who’s keys have failed even after 3 attempts. Not only this but we are the cheapest about also if you need a number of keys cutting we will always do a good deal for you.

ENGRAVING The engraving machine we have in the shop is very high tech and all computer aided. So no free hand or old fashioned style engraving and personally I think it looks a lot better, more professional and very neat and tidy. It takes a matter of seconds to set up the engraving area for whatever the item is you would like engraving on the screen and you the customer can view and alter anything you wish there and then. ANYTHING you would like engraving, the item or the wording or pictures, just ask and we will see what we can do.

We cut all types of keys from normal front door keys to locker keys, keys to code, safe keys and of course car keys too.

REFURBISHMENT OF OLD & NEW LOCKS On some of the older buildings, houses churches etc there are some big old type brass locks that are just too good to get rid of, we can refurbish these to a very high standard and even make keys to fit the lock if they have all been lost. This also applies to the newer type locks also.

SPECIAL OFFER All while £75 FOR RENAULT you wait MEGANE KEY (except shoe CARD, FULLY repairs) PROGRAMMED

LOCKSMITH & AUTO • Car KeyLOCKSMITH Programming / Auto Locksmith • Key Cutting Of All Types

• Key Cutting

• House Signs, Names, Numbers, • Locks ‘Beware of theand Dog’ Lock etc

• Car Key Repairs

• Shoe Fitting Repairs

• Engraving (All to customers requirements)

• Watch Battery Replacements, • Car Keys Cut & Fully Straps and Repairs

WE WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE BY 10% FOR ALL JOBS AND • Trophies & Medals for all occasions SERVICES • Locks, Mortice and Cylinder (UPVC) and lock fitting serivce as CYLINDERS well as lockouts ANTI-SNAP • SILVER-GOLD-PLATINIUM Padlocks & Chains • Safes PACKAGES AVAILABLE • Number Plates PLUS FITTING

Programmed

• Gifts of all types and dog • Number Plates tags, zippos, tankards etc

• &Engraving • Fire Safety Equipment

• Dry (2-3 days) • Cleaning Car &Service Home • RangeLockout of hardware products 24/7 Service

Tom Hyde Mob: 07951 473779

Call mobile for any emergencies:

Shop: 01543 422936

hydeskeylocker@yahoo.co.uk

Out of hours Car keys Lockouts (car & home), etc

Opening times: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

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Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort, Caleta de Fuste ***** 5 Star Sheraton hotels are known for their excellent accommodation and impeccable service and the wonderful oceanfront Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf & Spa Resort truly lives up to Sheraton standards by providing a friendly, relaxing atmosphere, fine dining, excellent on-site facilities and supremely comfortable guest rooms. It is also family-friendly with a separate children’s pool, a mini club and family rooms. The hotel offers wonderful dining experiences to suit all tastes, from buffet style to Spanish flavours and Asian fusion dishes with delightful lunches and snacks served at the pool bar restaurant.

To help guests stay in shape a 24hr gym is available free of charge. Various training programmes are also on offer. Guests can also keep active with tennis, beach volleyball, archery and paddle tennis. Sheraton Fuerteventura has a true commitment to golf and is the perfect place to stay for those looking for golf in Fuerteventura. The hotel boasts two prestigious 18 hole golf courses with beautiful ocean views and indigenous flora and fauna. Guests staying at Sheraton receive premium access to the golf clubs and the hotel can also organise free transport and arrange golf school.

PROPERTY TYPE: Hotel ROOMS: 266 LOCATION: Fuerteventura NEAREST AIRPORT: Fuerteventura Airport TRANSFER TIME: Approx 15 minutes

For those who wish to be pampered, the hotel offers the Hesperides Thalasso Spa, where just some of the facilities include a steam room, sauna, hammam, ice fountain and a spa pool. Please note that the airport is only 8km away from the hotel so some aircraft noise may be heard during the day. This hotel is participating in Classic's loyalty scheme. Hotel Facilities • Indoor heated pool • Interconnecting rooms • Rooms suitable for people with disabilities • Fitness room • Spa/Wellness centre • Kids club (supervised) • Babysitting • Outdoor heated pool • Children's pool • Wifi in public areas • Internet computer stations • Tennis courts • Sports

Tracy Mason Travel is 100% financially secure and holidays including flights are ATOL protected by the

Government-backed Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under our ATOL. For holidays and travel arrangements which do not include travel by air, our financial protection is administered by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) under our membership L5132. Please call in to speak about your 2018 holiday, relax with a coffee and take your time deciding your next destination! For further details please contact Tracy Mason Travel 01785 712332

Tracy Mason Travel Stone Cross, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5AS T: 01785 712332 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK OUTLOOK || JULY 2017 2017 34 DECEMBER 34 STAFFORDSHIRE

BOOKING

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Competition Win tickets to see the world’s largest display of Shire horses – an exciting day out for all the family The largest gathering of pedigree Shire horses trots into Staffordshire once again in March – and we’ve teamed up with the Shire Horse Society to give away tickets to see these magnificent animals in all their finery. It’s an extra special show for the charity, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2018.

Photo courtesy of Mick Haynes taken at Shire Horse Show 2017

Around 250 pedigree Shire horses are expected at the three-day event to be staged indoors at Bingley Hall at Staffordshire Showground from 16th to 18th March. And it’s the perfect opportunity for visitors to find out more about the gentle giants of the horse world, their role in history… and to support the future of a breed that is still regarded as at risk. Watch the iconic horses being put through their paces in hand, ridden and in harness. See the colourful grand parade. Learn about farriery. Browse an array of trade stands. Discover what makes a champion horse. New for 2018 is the ridden quadrille – a choreographed ride to music which is often compared to an equestrian ballet. Plus, there will be guided tours of the stables on Saturday and Sunday where visitors can watch horses being prepared for the all-important showing classes and get up close to these amazing animals. And with a children’s animal petting area, it’s a great day out for all the family! “This will be the third year that we have held the National Shire Horse Show at Staffordshire Showground and we look forward to welcoming visitors and competitors to the event, which is regarded as the largest gathering of Shires anywhere in the world,” said Shire Horse Society secretary Victoria Clayton. “The show has been held at a limited number of venues in England over its long history, and is believed to be one of the oldest, almost continuous, horse shows in the world, having been held for the first time at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, in 1880, when the charity was named the English Cart Horse Society. “2018 is a special one for us as a charity because it marks our 140th anniversary, and we hope that hundreds of spectators will join us in Staffordshire to celebrate, along with our members who do such a great job of preserving this wonderful breed, which is still regarded as endangered and needs our continuing support.” Tickets for the 2018 show have remained at 2017 prices and are on sale via the Shire Horse Society’s website www.shirehorse.org.uk 36

Photo courtesy of Carol Stevens taken at Shire Horse Show 2017

We have two pairs of tickets to give away in a reader competition. To be in with the chance of winning a pair of tickets, answer the following question: Which anniversary is the Shire Horse Society celebrating in 2018? Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook. co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF& 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by 31st January 2018. Competition terms & conditions A pair of tickets is for two adults (or one adult and one child) and valid for one day – 16th, 17th or 18th March 2018. Winners will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by telephone. No cash or alternative prize available.

Come and visit us Vicky on Dorema Stand 1010 Louise on Kampa stand 1000 and 1104

Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all of our customers! We will be closed for Christmas from the 17th December and will open the 4th January 2018.

• • • • • • • • • •

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Self catering holiday cottages in Cornwall

Clearwater Carbis Bay If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed place to stay why not consider a holiday in Carbis Bay? Located on the outskirts of St Ives, Carbis Bay properties have the most superb sea views and many overlook the golden sands of Carbis Bay Beach. Enjoy the scenic train journey to St Ives or take a short stroll along the coast path - both routes have equally breath-taking outlooks.

beautiful and expansive communal garden, along which magnificent scenery accompanies you in either direction. Head right, passed Hawkes Point to Porthkidney Beach, or turn left and in half an hour be right in the heart of St Ives. Or, to make life that little bit easier, why not use the picturesque branch line instead? You’ll find Carbis Bay’s train station just around the corner in which St Ives can be reached within four minutes!

Kitchen/sitting/dining room

Enjoy a self-catering holiday in Carbis Bay and take advantage of having immediate access to beautiful coastal path walks which lead left to the vibrant town of St Ives and right to Lelant and Hayle. As well as being a stone’s throw from St Ives, Carbis Bay is also close to Hayle and the beautiful beaches of Gwithian. By choosing a self-catering holiday in Carbis Bay you can enjoy your stay in a peaceful location, whilst being ideally placed to visit many of the wonderful attractions Cornwall has to offer.

Two sofas, arm chair, SMART TV with Netfix, Blu-ray DVD player, table with seating for six, ceramic hob, electric oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, Tassimo coffee machine, sea views.

4 Gwel Marten is a luxury, first floor, spacious seaside holiday apartment with so much to offer. The unrivalled views from the large, open plan living area will simply take your breath away, and it’s the perfect place to spot dolphins when they make a visit. You also have the benefit of a private parking space to come and go as you please, totally stress-free. Both bedrooms are of a good size and one offers zip and link beds, which can make either twins to cater for families, or a super king-size for couples sharing fitting four adults comfortably. The apartment has been lovingly furnished and will make a great base for a holiday to remember!

Bath, shower, Jack and Jill basins, WC, washing machine in cupboard.

Bedroom 1

King size bed, SMART TV with Netflix.

Bedroom 2

Zip and link beds will be made as two singles unless a super king is requested, SMART TV with Netflix.

Bathroom

Outside area

Large communal garden, sea views.

Additional information

We accept bookings all year and offer short breaks too. Unfortunately we cannot accept pets. Electric storage heaters, undercover parking for one car, communal gardens, high chair and travel cot provided, please bring your own cot linen. WiFi,

Gwel Marten Apartments sit in an enviable position perched on Headland Road, the final road before making the final descent to Carbis Bay’s Blue Flag accredited beach. With commanding, 180 degree views across Carbis Bay beach to St Ives in one direction and Godrevy Lighthouse and Hayle Towans in the other, from Gwel Marten you can take in everything from the comfort and tranquillity of your own sitting room. Gwel Marten is also privileged to have direct access to the South West Coast Path via the apartments’

Call - 01736 754242 https://www.aspects-holidays.co.uk/cornwall/west-cornwall/ carbis-bay/p/clearwater

STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK || JULY 2017 2017 38 DECEMBER 38 STAFFORDSHIRE

Brilliant holiday. Loved Carbis Bay. Clearwater made it extra special for us as really comfy and nicely furnished. We all sounded oooooooooo as we walked through the door. Accommodation doesn't always look like it does on websites etc and disappoints. Clearwater was better than the pictures! Ms Heminsley June 2017

comfort of their own home. Your pound really will help to make a huge difference.”

ONE WEEK. ONE POUND. ONE GOAL One week. One Pound. One goal: to fund care for families living with incurable illnesses This December Wolverhampton based charity Compton Hospice will launch a brand new Christmas campaign which aims to raise much needed funds for the care of families living with the effects of incurable illnesses. ‘Quid for Compton’ will run from 11th to 17th December and encourages people to give just £1 to Compton Hospice. “It doesn’t sound much, after all a pound won’t buy you much day to day,” explains fundraiser Vicki Wootton “however, donated as part of this new initiative, your pound could go towards the cost of providing a room on our Inpatient Unit for a patient to receive respite care, or help to fund a bereavement session for a grieving family member. It could go towards supplying craft materials to deliver an art therapy session in our Woods Day Centre, or fund a nurse to provide care and support to a family in the 40

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Compton Hospice has been caring for families living with the effects of incurable illness for 35 years and to date has supported over 35,000 people. Services include medical, social and spiritual care and the Wolverhampton site also houses one of the largest Lymphoedema clinics in the country. Currently the charity is only part government funded and the annual cost of running the organisation stands at £7.9 million. “We would not have been able to help our patients and their loved ones without the dedicated support of our local fundraisers and volunteers,” Vicki explains “we are so grateful for all of your contributions that help us continue to provide this excellent care. However, with demand for our services growing year on year, we need your help now more than ever.” Support Compton Hospice to have a very Merry Quidmas by donating £1 between 11th and 17th December. Donations can be made in person at any of Compton’s 27 charity shops or online at justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/comptonhospice/ quidforcompton For more information on how you can support Quid for Compton please call Vicki Wootton on 0845 2255 497, email fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk or visit www.compton-hospice.org.uk

RECIPE

Serves 6 by Mike Whitehurst instagram.com/takefood www.takefood.co.uk

Makes 8

By Mike Whitehurst

ROGAN Christmas Eve JOSH BURGER

Sometime during the morning your POTATOSALMON IN TEACAKE BUN WITH get SWEET FRIES & RAITHA Christmas dinner prep under way, you will PUMPERNICKEL TOASTS Something for your thismorning coming certainly different be relieved on barbecue Christmas summer - if your a Saturday you if you do. Getbarbecuing everythingonready to finishing need to start this recipe on a Thursday evening point. For example; peel and blanch vegetables to allow flavours to develop inside the meat.

ready for roasting, peel/wash/chop and cook BURGER PATTIE INGREDIENTS vegetables such as cabbage and carrots ready • for1 re-heating thumb sized in piece of fresh ginger - peelthe andnext grate boiling salted water • day. 8 cloves of garlic also grated Stuff and wrap the turkey, make other • stuffing’s 1 tsp of turmeric and sauces, wrap the sausages with • streaky 1 tsp ofbacon groundetc…Now cinnamon all that’s left to do is what of time your turkey needs to be in • calculate 1 small bunch chopped fresh mint leaves oven and setwhite youroralarm Now your • the 1 tsp of crushed blackclock. peppercorns pleasurable chores, treat • free 1.4of kilotomorrows of good quality shoulder of lamb minced yourself to this. Thoroughly mix the above ingredients together and store in the fridge overnight

Captain Morgan’s spiced rum Egg Nog • served 1 onionwith finely diced or gratedtoasts topped with pumpernickel • mascarpone, 2 red chillies, smoked deseededsalmon, and finelyseaweed diced caviar • and 1 tbsp dill.of fresh coriander stalks finely sliced

• 4 green cardamom pods remove seeds, toast and crush in pestle and mortar MORGAN’S SPICED EGG • CAPTAIN 4 cloves toasted and crushed in pestle and mortar • NOG 2 tsp of cayenne pepper • 2 tsp of Maldon sea salt • INGREDIENTS 1 tsp of tomato puree • the 3 Organic free-range - as freshinto as possible Mix above into the lambeggs mince, shape 8 - separated large burger patties (they will shrink) and return • to 600ml double cream back the fridge over night - you may need to sit • chopped 200ml of full fat milk the ingredients in a sieve for a while as • don’t 150gwant of caster sugar you the mix to be wet. If the burgers do appear a littleofwet just add in some breadcrumbs. • 350ml spiced Captain Morgan’s rum •

Nutmeg

TEACAKE INGREDIENTS • 400g of strong white bread flour Equipment • pinch of sea salt • Electric whisk • 7g sachet of fast action yeast • Mixing bowl • • 1 tsp Jugof ground mixed spice • 1 tsp of cinnamon • Fine grater • 1 tsp of grated nutmeg • zest of half a lemon • METHOD 50g of caster sugar Whisk 3 egg yolks with 150g of caster sugar • 50g of diced unsalted butter until thick and creamy then pour in 300ml of full • 150ml of milk fat milk and 600ml of double cream followed • 1 medium egg beaten by 400ml of spiced rum, grate a tsp of nutmeg • 125g of green raisins into the drink and whisk lightly to mix well. Set • a spray can of oil aside in the fridge until ready to use. When ready TEACAKE METHOD simply pour one out for everyone and grate a little nutmeg on top. apart from the raisins. Mix themore dry ingredients together Slowly warm the milk and butter together in a pan

42 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017 38

INGREDIENTS • • • • • •

Sliced Pumpernickel bread Smoked salmon Mascarpone Dill fronds Seaweed caviar (black pearls) Lemon

Equipment •

Chopping board

•

Bread knife

•

Teaspoon

•

Small cranked spatula or butter knife

METHOD Cutthe the pumpernickel into squares until butter has melted slices then remove from theor heat and whisk in the egg.and Make a well theoven centre small rectangles toast in in the forofabout the flour and pour in the warm mix stirring until 8 minutes on 180oC. Allowmilk to cool then spread a thickly dough comes together. Turn slice the dough out ontointo with mascarpone, the salmon a squares floured surface andeach knead for 5 minutes then and roll square up intoand a roll then add the on fruitthe andmascarpone. make sure it isTop evenly distributed place with seaweed throughout the dough. Spray a glass bowl with oil caviar, fresh dill and a squeeze of fresh lemon and place the dough inside covered with a piece juice. Serve with the egg nog. of oiled cling film. Leave this for about 2 hours or Enjoy. doubled in size and bounces back when pressed in. Divide the dough into 8, roll into balls folding the corners in on each other and tucking underneath then roll out to about 1cm thickness. Place on your baking tray and cover with oiled cling film and then leave to rise for about an hour. Remove the clingfilm and bake for about 18 minutes at 190oC. Once risen and golden allow to cool ready to be toasted. GARNISH • 1 small fennel bulb very finely shaved on a mandolin or grated • half a cucumber with seeds removed and very finely sliced • 1 finely sliced red onion • a few sprigs of dill • leaves from the coriander • paneer cheese RAITHA • 500g of natural yoghurt • 1 red onion finely diced wolverhampton west magazine | april 2016

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Eating out over the Festive Season THERE’S SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL ABOUT A PERFECTLY PREPARED MEAL There’s something very special about a perfectly prepared meal, served with panache in beautiful and comfortable surroundings. It can help celebrate in a very unique way, any special time of year. Christmas is of course the most special time of the whole calendar, and eating out over the season, a perfect and traditional way to enjoy the festival with all your family and friends.

bookings of this sort are usually tremendous bargains and can be about the best value for money in dining out, it is possible to find. Of course, the very best value for money is wining and dining out on Christmas Day. This is becoming more popular with every passing year. It offers several very real advantages. It relieves at least one member of the family of all the work. It doesn’t require clearing up afterwards. It allows the lonely the opportunity of enjoying this festive meal in company. And because it is prepared by professionals, it is always a meal worthy of the occasion and a joy to eat in itself. Christmas Day menus are well worth the booking. Normally several courses of mouth-watering traditional foods are offered, with one or two luxury alternatives for those with special dietary needs or simply a requirement to have something a little different for once. Diners can be sure too that the wines ordered to accompany the food will be of excellent quality and served at just the perfect temperature.

Caterers, no matter how excellent at other times of the year, still pull out all the stops at Christmas. Special menus are devised. Special meals are created. Restaurants, whether standing alone, or part of pubs, clubs and hotels, are decorated in the traditional, seasonal way. Party bookings are particularly welcome, and special entertainments are put on, to help the party mood go with a swing. There are several good gastronomic ways of marking the coming of this very gastronomic season. You can have a traditional Christmas lunch, most restaurants put these on daily for several weeks before Christmas actually arrives. The menu usually comprises Christmas fare with all the trimmings, with thoughtful additions for those who might just prefer something else. This provides an ideal opportunity to entertain business colleagues, clients, customers, friends or relatives, with an intimate, festive repast. Then there are the evenings. Party bookings enable groups of colleagues, entire departments, whole firms, complete family groups, associations, club members, or just good friends, to gather together and enjoy a memorable evening out. Special menus, seasonal trimmings, discos, bands and groups, are laid on by caterers to please their guests and keep them happy the whole evening through. Party 44

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Of course all this costs a little bit more. However, when you think of the service that is provided, not to mention the cooking and clearing away, really the Christmas Day meal is probably the ultimate bargain of all. This year, try a festive meal or two at your favourite restaurant, at some time during the hectic weeks leading up to The Day. Gather a group of friends or colleagues together and book a party meal and entertainment. And if you really want to give mum the very best present of all, book a Christmas Day meal for all the family. That way you can be really sure, everyone you know and love, will have the very best Christmas ever!

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 45

Get ready for a Glamorous Christmas GET RADIANT AND READY FOR THE PARTY SEASON

Winter is upon us and we all need to a bit of a lift. We have a range of treatments here at La Minky which will help pick you up and have you radiant and ready for the party season.

Spray Tan offer price of £22

Get that golden glow

Be on trend this party season with our range of varnishes from CND Shellac and CND Vinylux

(price before promotion £27.50) . Patch test required 48 hrs before treatment. Offer subject to availability and runs until December 22nd 2017

coat and the top coat gets stronger with exposure to natural light; colour is locked in, no chips and no cracks for up to a week!

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If you want the confidence to show off your pins this party season why not try our St Tropez Spray tan. You can get that healthy golden look in minutes with the new St Tropez revolutionary Spray Tan Express. It lets you select how dark you want to go by choosing when you shower. It is great for those busy pre-Christmas days or party nights out as you can develop a light, sun-kissed glow after 1 hour, or if you have more time why not go for a golden tan that takes only 2 hours to develop. Or the ultimate deep, dark bronze result after 3 hours or more before showering. Once showered your skin feels smooth and silky. 46

CND Vinylux £15.00

This is a week-long wear polish that has a fast service time and dries in 8 minutes. Each colour has a built in base coat and the top coat gets stronger with exposure to natural light; colour is locked in, no chips and no cracks for up to a week! The easy 3 step service (prep, polish, top coat) has a polish and top coat which work together to keep your nails looking good for longer. Each colour has a built in base

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Why not take advantage of our onsite hairdressers Salon la Mink and complete your look with a stylish hairup or glamorous curls. Remember to book soon so you don’t miss out and beat the Christmas rush. We all look forward to seeing you over the festive season. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team x Gift vouchers available for that perfect gift

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Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 321334 Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD 47

ready etet ready WHAT IS LIPOFREEZE? Christmas is the season to ‘eat, and be merry’, but with this comes Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or Fat Freezing) is adrink new phenomenon and proven non-invasive Lipo procedure. It uses cooling technology that results in localized fat reduction. The technology behind Cryolipolysis, was a host of events, where you are expected to be at your most fabulous. If designed and developed by dermatologists at Harvard Medical University. Their analysis revealed that fat of donning your little black dress tofills with dread; not.crystallize cellsthe are thought more responsive to the effects of cold in contrast theyou surrounding tissue.fear Fat cells in breaking down the fat cells whilst at different temperatures causing complete cell death. It is A revolutionary new treatment called LipoFreeze from UltraSlim Clinics sparing all the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve

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HOW DOES IT WORK? most treatments cost, is permanent, Freezing) delivers controlled cooling to A special vacuum suction cup/handpiece with cooling plates isfatpositioned theduring selected body area. The and tackles those tough spots like reduce by up to on 40% a single area‘love is then chilled fat cells are especially sensitive to cold exposure. Cooled fat cells crystallize handles’ and belly fat. UltraSlim treatment, while Ultrasound Cavitation and as a result no longer function in their usual way and breakdown (Apoptosis) via the body’s natural functions.

LipoFreeze Cryolipolysis and Ultrasound Lipo & RF delivers instant results for fat Cavitation Lipo are the most effective reduction, in addition to targeting cellulite, WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS AND ARE THEY PERMANENT? non surgical body sculpting treatments andhappen tightening This depends on the individual, the fat thickness, andreducing the area stretch treated. marks Changes over a number available on thepatience market istoday. Inches loosethe skin after child Wethe are shapedresult, of weeks, so some required - 12 weeks being estimated timebirth. to see maximum can be lost off any given area of the by what we love, but you’ll love the shape although some of our clients begin to see changes at around 2-3 weeks. In clinical trials 12 weeks in the treated area when comparing postbody treatment, out of simple 10 people saw an undeniable with a9 short, treatment you reduction can achieve at UltraSlim Clinics. measurements and photographs. The fat cells that will are crystallized through the Cryolipolysis procedure are absorbed by the body’s natural processes. Once destroyed the fat cells cannot grow back as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing a permanent fat reduction in the area treated.

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www.ultraslimclinics.com

Target Excess Fat, Cellulite & Tighten Skin • Instant Results for Fat Reduction • Totally Non Invasive • No Surgery, No Needles • No Pain, No Side Effects, No Downtime!

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise DOUBLE AWARD WINNING CLINIC The official start of winter is December 21st, during this time we experience cold, wet and windy weather and then, when we come indoors, the central heating is turned up high to warm us up again! These two extremes combine to have a potentially very negative effect on our skin. Now is the time to prepare and protect your skin for the cold months ahead. We spend huge amounts of money at gyms to make our bodies fit and healthy for the summer then cover them up for the rest of the year. Our faces are permanently exposed to nature; surely we should devote a little more time and effort to make them fit and healthy too, ready for next summer? The huge technological and scientific advances that have been made over recent years help us; the ravages of time and the ‘dirty’ modern world that we inhabit can be mitigated to a high degree. The Chase CACI Clinic provides a balanced approach, ensuring that all clients are given up to date information regarding available treatments in a caring and tranquil environment. The client then discusses a personal treatment plan with their practitioner to provide a mutually agreed outcome. We specialise in this unique approach to ‘Bespoke Packages’ – no two are alike and each one is tailored to the needs and wishes of each and every client. Our extensive stable of top of the range equipment, world renowned products and caring staff allows us to make this claim. We now have CACI Ultimate, Quantum and Futur Tec machines, each of which has their own individual specialist treatments that cater not only for the face but also for the body. The Apilus Pur Electrolysis machine can help with unwanted hair, milia and skin tags. The Radio Frequency equipment stimulates the production of collagen and the Crystal Clear Oxygen machine infuses pure Oxygen into the skin. Our very latest addition; The Neo Elegance LED mask uses photon therapy which harnesses the natural healing power of light. The LED face mask treatment works on the skin at the cellular level, targeting a variety of skin issues – acne, ageing and pigmentation. Transforming the skin from the inside out! We also offer Medik8 (skinrolla) which makes use of microneedling techniques. Skin needling is a noninvasive skin rejuvenation procedure that enhances the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely, with minimal recovery time.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

The specially designed device dramatically increases production of the skin’s natural components such as collagen and elastin, creating younger looking skin. The precision engineered microneedles penetrate through the epidermis and pin prick the dermis, inducing the skin’s natural healing response. This leads to new collagen formation and tissue remodelling. To have this extensive range of equipment and treatments at our disposal allows us to finely tune the ‘Bespoke Packages’ that we offer. It may seem a little daunting when you look at the amount of choice – this is where skills and caring ethos of our staff come into play to guide you through the myriad of options available. We then add the very finest of products, notably ‘Heaven by Deborah Mitchell’ into the equation to provide a complete service to all our clients. At The Chase CACI Clinic we are looking forward to a wonderful 2018 whilst looking back on 2017 and the amazing experience it has been; we can reflect on very satisfying results and positive feedback. We are very proud of our retention rate for clients, many of whom are now firm friends. Why wait - visit our website, email, or give us a call if you have any queries, or to book your free consultation.

• The latest top of the range CACI Ultimate and Quantum machines • Apilus Xcell PUR Electrolysis Machine • Crystal Clear Oxygen Machine • The very latest Synergy Radio Frequency and Light Therapy equipment. • All combine to give the very best outcomes for discerning clients. • Stockists of ‘Heaven’ Products by Deborah Mitchell • Stockists of Tropic Skin Care

Please contact us about

Christmas Gift Vouchers WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 51 01952321334 321334| | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952

Aristocats Autumn/W inter

2017

• Aldo Martins • Basler • Claudia C • Eugen Klein • Faber • Frank Walder • Georgedé • Joseph Ribkoff • Just White • Michaela Louisa • Olsen • Oui • Rabe

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm Ample parking behind the premises in New Street or on the road opposite the Esso petrol station.

Co-ordinated Day Wear • Coats • Cocktail & Evening Wear Lingerie • Accessories • Belts • Bags • Jewellery • Hosiery 234 Coalway Road, Penn,Wolverhampton WV3 7NN

Tel: 01902 344003

Wolves have struck up a new partnership with Midlands company, Tile Choice for the 2017/18 campaign. fans, it made perfect sense for us to increase our presence at the Molineux.” The company has been in business since 1991 and have gone on to design 17 stores across the Midlands including in Bilston, Wolverhampton, Cannock, Walsall, West Bromwich, Birmingham, Kidderminster and as far as Shrewsbury, Northampton and Derby – ranging from 3,000 square feet to 19,000 square feet. left to right - Jess Beasley (Tile Choice), Leo Bonatini (Wolves Forward),Romain Saiss (Wolves Midfielder), Lee Rudkin (Tile Choice).

Although the two companies have worked closely in recent seasons, this is Tile Choice’s first as an official Wolves partner and in return the club will promote their brand and offers across the season.

Tile Choice also boast a centralised warehouse and distribution centre, which is stocked with over £5 million worth of tiles. With huge stock and selection of porcelain and ceramic tiles, along with natural stone, Tile Choice prides itself on selling high quality products, sourced from the world’s leading manufacturers.

Tile Choice became the first external company to associate their brand with the club’s new LED video walls.

Tile Choice maintain that customer service and product knowledge is key to their business. Whilst their staff continue to deliver a high standard and offer helpful information and advice in all aspects of the customers tiling project, keeping them ahead of the game in tiles.

Lee Rudkin, Managing Director of Tile Choice, said: “We have several branches locally and, as many of our staff members and customers are committed Wolves

Website: www.tilechoice.co.uk Telephone: 0800 1 560 560 Email: info@tilechoice.co.uk

SPECIALIST TREATMENT WITHOUT WAITING Nuffield Health Wolverhampton hospital is easily accessible to a wide area, being located just 4 miles from the M54 and an easy 8 mile drive from the M6 and is open to everyone. Specialists at the private hospital provide an extensive range of healthcare services without the wait, from superbly appointed facilities in Tettenhall. Hospital Director Karen Pattison explains what the team's been developing in the last 12 months, We now provide a one stop breast clinic and have added a dedicated cancer suite to our superb facilities. We have continued as official medical services supplier to Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, we have installed and commissioned a £1.8 million imaging suite which is open six days a week, providing rapid access and no waiting lists, so you can get better faster. During 2017, the number of consultants has increased across a number of specialties, to avoid the need to wait. We have increased specialists in oncology, spinal, dermatology, cosmetics so that you no longer have to wait for assessment, diagnosis or treatment. For patients requiring cataract or varicose vein surgery, we offer some of the very latest treatments to give the very best outcomes. Our highly trained staff are totally dedicated to delivering high quality care in spotlessly clean rooms. The expert consultants who work with us are all leaders in their clinical fields.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

At Nuffield Health you can obtain treatment without the need for private health insurance. You can choose to pay for your treatment when you need it and we offer interest free loans to help you spread the cost. We are open to everyone and our treatment prices are all inclusive, covering everything from your procedure through to your recovery. We are a well-established healthcare provider, having achieved and maintained the highest levels of patient satisfaction for nearly 40 years.” Set in five acres of tranquil woodland grounds, the purpose-built, well-equipped hospital has 25 ensuite private rooms, an MRI suite which is open 6 days a week, mobile CT scanning, two operating theatres, treatment rooms, a dedicated cancer suite and a JAG accredited endoscopy unit.

Leading the Way in Varicose Vein Treatment First in the West Midlands. The Vein Clinic, lead by Mr Simon Hobbs, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, is the first in the West Midlands to offer the latest in technology for treating varicose veins. The clinic, situated in the Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, has introduced the VenaSeal Closure system as a minimally invasive treatment option for visible varicose veins, which enables people to have their veins treated with less discomfort. The VenaSeal Closure system uses a medical grade super glue to seal off the damaged veins responsible for causing unsightly, bulging varicose veins in the legs. This treatment is performed as a walkin, walk-out procedure under local anaesthetic, with greatly enhanced recovery compared to traditional varicose vein treatments. Compared to other minimally invasive treatments such as laser or radiofrequency ablation, the VenaSeal Closure system involves many fewer injections in the leg and there is often no need to wear compression stockings

afterwards. This treatment takes the discomfort out of having your veins treated and means that you can be quickly back to full activity enjoying the benefits of healthy feeling and great looking legs.

affected equally. If veins are left untreated, they can lead to bleeding, eczema, phlebitis, brown skin discolouration and potentially leg ulcers, which take a long time to heal.

Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction of valves in the veins. When the vein valves fail, pooled blood can cause painful and unsightly bulges at the skin’s surface.

During a consultation, an ultra sound scan will be performed to detect the source of the problem and from the size and position, indicate the optimum treatment. Recognised by all major Medical Insurers. For self-paying patients, the consultation fee is £150 and an ultrasound of both legs is £99. For more information visit www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk

Symptoms include aching and itching, swelling and restless legs at night and the sensation of throbbing over the vein, with both men and women being

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Cannock Rotary Club WINTER CLOTHING DONATED TO THE HOMELESS Helping the homeless and needy in the Cannock Chase area has always been a priority for The Rotary Club of Cannock but with the start of the winter weather the club has now purchased a £1000 worth of warm clothing to help those in need. Following meetings with representatives from a number of local charities to establish what was best suited to help the homeless community, the Cannock club set about raising funds for the project. With the help of a district grant the Cannock club raised £500, an addition £500 was generously donated by a club member which raised the amount of funds available to £1000 which has already been used to purchase waterproof coats, jumpers, hats, gloves, socks and shoes. The club purchased these items from local charity outlets so that they could also benefit from the funds raised. On Thursday 26th October members of the club assisted by volunteers from Pye Green food distribution unit on Beecroft car park in Cannock handed out the first batch of winter clothing to

those in need. The remainder of the clothing will be distributed to local charities for them to distribute to those in need of support. The food distribution cabin situated on Beecroft car park was purchased from funds raised by the Rotary Club which they donated to the community over 8 years ago. During this time the Rotary Club of Cannock has continued to support this worthwhile charity and only a few weeks ago they donated £1200 to ensure the volunteers had funds to ensure the unit remained open throughout the winter months and into 2018. On average the volunteers manning the unit, who include members from local Lions Clubs, provide 800 meals per month to the homeless and needy in and around the Cannock Chase area. For more information about The Rotary Club of Cannock visit www.cannockrotary.co.uk or email secretary@cannockrotary.co.uk Photograph Rotary Members and volunteers preparing to distribute winter clothing

SI CANNOCK & DISTRICT

ACTION ON POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS [APP] Action on Postpartum Psychosis [APP] is one of the charities being highlighted this year by President Val Jones, Cannock Soroptimists. It is a small and little known charity; in fact, prior to President Val naming it only 3 members of the club had ever heard of it! The condition Postpartum Psychosis is actually as common as Down’s Syndrome and one of the aims of the charity is to raise public awareness of the condition: Postpartum Psychosis is a frightening and devastating form of postnatal mental illness. Jocelyn Ellams, a volunteer for APP and someone who suffered from the condition herself following the birth of her son, gave a most interesting, emotional and enlightening presentation to club members. APP is run by health experts and by those who have suffered from the condition, they have 700 members. Some facts about PP are: PP is the most severe form of postnatal mental illness. It affects between 1 and 2 pregnant women in 1000 and so is as common as Downs Syndrome. Onset is within the first two weeks following childbirth and the acute phase can last for weeks Sufferers need immediate medical help Women DO recover from PP.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Joss was herself a sufferer of PP and she bravely told us her story, explaining thoughts that she had at the time which in one sense she knew could not be true though she could not control them. She made it possible for us all to have some understanding of the dreadful experiences she had at that time – and also proved she has completely recovered. Soroptimist Kate Young hosted Joss and thanked her for giving up her time and, more importantly, for her honesty in telling us about how she was affected. She gave Joss a donation towards the work of APP from SI Cannock and told her that at the end of President Val’s year there would be a further donation. More information about Action on Postpartum Psychosis can be found at www.app-network.org and about Cannock Soroptimists at www.sigbi.org/ cannock-and-district or on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/SICannock; Photo: l to r: Joss Ellams of APP with Val Jones, President, SI Cannock & District

Sue Starr

ESTABLISHED CLINICAL THERAPIST With a background in corporate coaching and development; Sue Starr has been an established clinical therapist for nearly 6 years and has seen many clients with a range of different issues. Developing strong links with GP’s and schools, Sue has experience with a vast range of personal challenges and symptoms that people have been struggling with, sometimes for years.

many of the cases of my clients. It helps them know they are not alone in their feelings and that there are ways to help make positive change”.

As an example, a recent report in the Daily Express demonstrated how for one client, hypnotherapy helped for their sugar addiction. The report quotes the NHS as advising “Hypnosis is widely promoted as a treatment for various long-term conditions and for breaking certain habits”and continues “hypnosis does seem to have an effect, though scientists disagree about how it works”.

www.suestarr-hypnotherapy.co.uk www.teenageemotionalstresstherapy.co.uk

Through her work with schools, Sue has built a range of tools and techniques specifically to support younger clients from age 6 upwards. These techniques along with a natural affinity, connection and passion for supporting young people, has meant many parents now go to Sue to help improve the welfare of their children.

The range of success stories cannot be denied, Sue adds “testimonials I have received demonstrate that through commitment from the client, genuine life enhancing changes can take place”. Many people believe they are alone in how they feel and behave in certain situations and that there is no help for them. Sue adds “whilst individual circumstances may vary, there is more commonality than differences in

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How to keep your dog safe and happy this Christmas IN EXCITING TIMES IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER NOT TO FORGET OUR FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS The season of joy and goodwill is nearly upon us. Christmas is a very exciting and busy time for us all, but it’s important we don’t forget about our four-legged friends in the midst of all the excitement! Their usual home environment is filled with trees, flowers and other decorations and there are odd noises such as crackers and fireworks. Your routine is likely to change and there may be unfamiliar visitors coming to the house. Here are a few top tips to keeping dogs safe and happy this festive season.

The Christmas Tree Purchasing and decorating a Christmas tree in your home is a big part of celebrating this wonderful time of year. However, did you know that real trees can cause your dog irritation due to the mildly toxic oils contained within them? To avoid this becoming a problem for your pet, you can purchase a smaller tree and raise it off the floor, or alternatively opt for a fake tree. If you’re leaving the house, don’t forget to keep your dog out of the room where your tree is located to avoid injury while you’re away. Most species are low toxicity but may cause a mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhoea) if chewed. Pine needles in themselves can get stuck in paws and cause irritation as well as potentially causing irritation or perforation of the intestines if eaten. Vacuum daily and ideally keep plenty of water in the bucket to help reduce the number of fallen needles.

Decorations Dogs love to chew on all sorts of items around the home and your Christmas decorations are no exception. Place lightweight and delicate baubles out of reach, high up on the tree, so that your dog can’t bite through them and damage their mouth and teeth. Christmas decorations are designed to look attractive and beautiful; unfortunately this usually means they are also tempting to your furry friends. Whilst not often toxic in their own right they can still cause significant problems if ingested. 58

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017

Baubles will tend to splinter or smash into shards which can cause irritation, perforation or blockages and dogs tend to eat tinsel a little like spaghetti - often consuming an entire ribbon of tinsel in one go! Again these are often not especially toxic (even if not particularly nutritious either) but can bunch up and cause blockages or, more worryingly start to work their way through the guts whilst some is still in the stomach, this effectively runs a thread through the intestines and causes a linear foreign body which can be extremely serious! Your dog may also get a nasty shock if they chew through the electrical cable for your Christmas lights! Festive Foods We all love to tuck into a tasty meal, treats and sweets during Christmas, but remember that certain foods aren’t good for your dog to consume. Foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, sultanas, onion and alcohol can be damaging to your pet’s health, so keep these away from your dog at all times. Be cautious of food that’s left on kitchen surfaces or food that falls from your plate whilst you’re eating. Cover up any leftovers on work surfaces and push them towards the back of the worktop so that they’re well out of reach. Remember you can always feed your pet their normal dinner or some dog treats of their own if you’re feeling extra festive. Presents One area where people can come unstuck is with Christmas presents. We put a lot of effort in hiding away potential problems but then wrap up auntie Flo’s big box of chocolates to place under the tree. Although we can no longer tell what it is... our dogs can! Apart from the irritation of having them unwrap someone else’s present and having diarrhoea in the living room on Christmas day, there is likely to be an emergency trip to the vets needed. Make sure any tasty or tempting presents are placed high enough out of the way so that your dog can’t help themselves.

wanted

Join our local host community

Local Pet Sitters Named as Top Dogs! BARKING MAD DOG CARE STAFFORD CELEBRATES Everyone at Barking Mad Dog Care Stafford is celebrating this week after being awarded the title of ‘Best Sitter’ by public vote, in the Dog Friendly Awards 2017. The Dog friendly Awards, held in association with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, are described by organisers as: “The public’s opportunity to recognise and reward pet and non-pet businesses and places that go the extra mile for the benefit of the UK’s 9.4 million dogs and their owners.” The local dog holiday specialists, part of the 5* rated Barking Mad UK network, were delighted to see founder, Lee Dancy, accept the award on behalf of everyone involved. Karen Hegan of Barking Mad Stafford said,

hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm of our network of local business owners and hosts. We all absolutely love what we do and that simply shines through. We’d also like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who took the time to vote for us, it really does mean so much.”

Companionship, friendship funtoare guaranteed! “We areand so proud receive this award! To be publicly• voted the best dog sittinglifestyle service in the UK Dogs to suit your is such a great honour. It really is a testament to the • Completely flexible • Trial stays to ensure compatibility • Full support and advice • A playmate for your own dog

Dog lovers wanted

What are the Dog Friendly Awards?

Founded in 2003, Dog Friendly helps businesses to welcome responsible dog owners. They give members access to the largest database of dog friendly places to visit, safe in the knowledge that their dogs will be as welcome as their owners. Dog Friendly has spent many years working alongside the Kennel Club as part of their Be Dog Friendly campaign to encourage places across the UK to adopt a dog friendly policy.

BarkingMad.uk.com

Join our local host community

0845 8623845

The Most Dog Friendly Pet Businesses section of the awards is supported by My Pet People.co.uk, the public facing website from the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the UK’s largest trade association for pet business. The best UK dog sitters, dog groomers, dog kennels, dog walkers and pet shop are all chosen by public vote. Companionship, friendship and fun are guaranteed! • Dogs to suit your lifestyle • Completely flexible • Trial stays to ensure compatibility • Full support and advice • A playmate for your own dog

BarkingMad.uk.com

If you would like to know more about Barking Mad Dog Care Stafford to find your dog’s home from home care or would like to join our award winning business as one of our dog caring hosts please call Karen on 01785 472511 or email Karen.hegan@barkingmad.uk.com we would love to hear from you.

0845 8623845 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 59

Top Golf Complex voted BEST IN BRITAIN A renowned West Midlands based Golf Complex has been voted by the public to win their second national award.

3 Hammers Golf Complex, Wolverhampton have been honoured by winning The 2017 Golf Facility Of The Year award where they were voted as the most forward thinking venue that delivers golf in a fun, friendly environment that is accessible to all.

collected their award in front of a packed audience at a glittering gala awards event held at The Belfry. Complex Owner Ian Bonser said “3 Hammers continues to go from strength to strength. We are delighted to win this award as it again recognises us on a national scale as the best in the UK.

Amongst industry experts and tour players, the Complex

3 Hammers philosophy is to provide first class services with

the latest technology and expert staff – all at an affordable price”. The annual National Golf Awards celebrate some of the inspirational people and venues who through their hard work, dedication and experience enable more people to get into golf. The pioneering Coven based Complex shone above all competition last year to win their first national award

range outfield to resemble a real golf course bringing the Complex truly into the 21st century”. In recent years the Complex have expanded their facilities to enable the teaching of golf on a much wider scale with the design and commission of a purpose built Learn 2 Play Zone, the first of its kind in the UK. At over 10,000sqft the Zone is fully netted, astro turfed with synthetic putting green and an undercover pavilion.

from the Golf Foundation for their superb efforts with junior golf. 3 Hammers has beaten contenders from all over the UK to now be a multi national award winning Golf Complex which includes 6 full time PGA Golf Professionals at the Complex’s unique facilities in Wolverhampton. Trailblazers in the golfing world, 3 Hammers continually invest in their facilities which Owner, Ian

Bonser, believes contributes to their continued success “As with any business – success is only achieved by keeping on top of your game. The latest technology, expert staff, upgraded facilities and a lot of hard work make the Complex what it is today. In the last 12 months we have installed the latest automatic powertees, state of the art Trackman 4 and the latest Toptracer system as well as upgrading their driving

They are close to completing an impressive £250,000 investment project including cutting edge upgrade of their 20 bay driving range and renovation of their esteemed 18 hole golf course making it even more accessible for beginners, juniors and golfers of all standards - elevating the Complex to stand head and shoulders above other golfing venues across the UK. Ian Bonser added “This award represents a unique opportunity for us to be recognised for our passion, commitment and hard work inspiring golfers and growing the game of golf. We’re overwhelmed with the number of people that voted for us and are delighted to be recognised with such a coveted award.”

3 Hammers Golf Complex Old Stafford Road Coven Wolverhampton Staffordshire WV10 7PP www.3hammers.co.uk Golf Reception and Academy 01902 790428 Bar & Bistro 01902 791917 American Golf Store 01902 544470 Email info@3hammers.co.uk 18 hole short course

Super Suzuki

BY ROB TAYLOR

SPORTY NUMBER

My memories of Suzuki cars are fond and take me back to my salad days when I was acutely aware of every hatchback from every manufacturer, in nearly every incarnation, available to buy. I remember the second-generation Swift well. Launched in 2005 with a TV campaign involving a lot of balls and a boyish Cristiano Ronaldo at the wheel it made a big splash (unlike, ironically, the Suzuki Splash) and has remained a popular favourite in the UK ever since. It was certainly an early frontrunner for me when I came to choose my first set of wheels around that time and the appeal was – and still is – obvious. This was a car which seemed by the standards of the time to be relatively fresh, lithe and agile when other hatchback staples suffered from middle-age spread; it proved that a car could be cute and practical, zippy but not fast enough to bother insurance premiums; stylish and robustlybuilt, above all else, it did it at an affordable price. Today the Swift name is over 30 years old and so much has changed in that time. The brand now has an enviable range of vehicles to call its own and this is due in no small part to the success of the Swift. Before it came along Suzuki was known primarily for its 62

motorbikes and for SUVs wearing spare tyres above their rear number-plates. Now it’s 2017 and so much is new this time out for the thirdgeneration model: gone is the option of a three-door version, out goes the cheapest trim entry – now there’s just SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 – and in comes new engines, lightened construction, a shorter footprint – although the wheelbase is longer, promising extra passenger space – and increased fuel economy. Built for the urban environment the Swift excels in its latest guise. Forward visibility is excellent, controls are well-weighted, and the car has a light touch which allows for accurate placement on the road and a sense of heightened agility – it’s just as good to drive as a Ford Fiesta (today’s benchmark) because of direct, responsive steering which harkens back to when driving a modestly-powered small hatchback was actually fun. Improved handling does bring an element of firmness to the ride but only in trace amounts. And you can park it with just as much aplomb because Suzuki fits a reversing camera to all but entrylevel cars to help you. It cruises happily on the motorway too, with only a touch of wind noise and tyre roar affecting refinement inside. This new Swift is much more spacious with noticeable

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER NOVEMBER 2017 2017

improvements in head and legroom, both front and rear. Boot capacity is now listed at 264 litres – up 54 litres from before. Build quality is high also, control layout is simple and the entertainment systems are easily intelligible. The Swift comes with three and four-cylinder engines. The 1.0-litre SHVS Boosterjet triple I have here steals the show, however. It offers a class-first hybrid SVHS system to harvest braking energy and briefly boost power. Economy is up 4.3 mpg because of it (I averaged just over 50mpg, which is hugely impressive), but more importantly driveability is up enormously. Fantastically refined for a three-pot at idle and at low revs, it pulls hard for the red line with a wanton abandon almost unheard for its size, making the dash to 60 mph feel much quicker than 10 seconds. Entry level SZ3 Swifts are well equipped and come with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, airconditioning and a leather steering wheel, although you are denied the funky engine. If you want it and 16-inch alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with full smartphone connectivity and a rear view camera you’ll need the SZ-T at £12,999. It’s the one you’ll want to buy. With a standard model this good I can’t wait to drive the forthcoming Suzuki Swift Sport.

Jaguar XE

BY ROB TAYLOR

EVERYTHING JUST SCREAMS QUALITY

History has not been kind to the Jaguar X-Type of the early noughties: a rebodied Ford Mondeo driven almost exclusively by people wearing driving gloves it was beloved by nobody and represented the Coventrybased manufacturer’s first real swipe at the Germans. Like some plucky British boxing amateur squaring up against a Pro, you just knew it was destined to fail even though you desperately wanted it to succeed. And yet today’s Jaguar is another matter. The XE dealt a hammer blow to the Germanic trinity when it was launched into the small prestige saloon class in 2015. An all-new model back then – which featured a new aluminium chassis and bristled with the company’s latest tech, most of which has subsequently appeared in the second-generation XF – it is now lightly tweaked for 2017, today powered by a new range of 2 litre petrol and diesel engines as well as the proven 3 litre V6. After stepping inside I’m no

longer interested in history lessons however, because I’m too busy soaking up the cool and contemporary cabin. Softtouch plastics, robust switchgear, cutting-edge tech, ambient mood lighting and leather upholstery all point to Jaguar’s aspirations, eschewing memories of its past, when big Jags were the preserve of country gents most keen on the similarities between their car’s interior and their Victorian drawing room. The XE’s exterior profile is striking and quite handsome. It’s priced handsomely as well: this Prestige 2.0i petrol automatic is listed at £29,295. All models of the XE are well equipped – with sat-nav, cruise control, DAB radio and many advanced safety systems coming as standard. Paying a little more to upgrade this big cat to ‘Prestige’ spec gets you heated leather seats, which toast derrieres like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Everything about the Jag just screams quality. It wafts its way through town and country with consummate ease, always delivering ample power from

the seamless automatic gearbox. Torque is key to this effortlessness, but I prefer to concentrate on enjoying the legendary Jaguar ride quality. Get it up to speed and at a cruise and there’s barely any wind noise or tyre roar. You sit cocooned inside a cabin laden with top tech, strewn with sumptuous materials in a great driving position. At the wheel of a Jaguar XE really is a wonderful place to be – especially for long journeys. Figures of 0-60 mph and top speeds seem distinctly vulgar in this context; notions of Co2 emissions seem pious. The 99g/ km CO2 emissions of the entrylevel model will be welcome news to company car drivers, however. Fuel economy, to all of us without shares in petrochemical conglomerates, is noteworthy: 45.1 mpg. But nobody buys a Jaguar on statistics alone: they buy it because it’s British. It is like rarefied air being pumped through a copycat buying smog - a statement car that states you are not part of the herd. And a luxury tool which can drive me the length and breadth of Britain any day.

I want one.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Beds & Bedroom Furniture Interiors Italia Integrity Bedrooms Roll a Robe

Peppermill Interiors 27 Ralvern Ltd 13 Rootwood 18

19 11 12

La Minky 47 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 55 The Chase CACI Clinic 51 UltraSlim 48/49

Cannock Caravan Accessories 37

Tech Alum Systems Ltd

Charity/Hospice 41

Golf Course

Hypnotherapy

3 Hammers Golf

Dog Sitting Barking Mad

Sue Starr Hypnotherapy

Driveways

Interiors Italia Peppermill Interiors

Financial Adviser

Restaurants/Café 2

60/61

19 27

4/5

Fireplace & Fires Chase Fires Awesome Interiors Interiors Italia

Lyndale Ltd

X E C

E 20

O K 18

P T

N 15

S U E

Tile Choice

Wills

N V

T M

L E

K E

T H

I 24

All Seasons Windows Cloudy 2 Clear

2. The Hills Have Eyes

I I

H S

A L

Across: 1 Easy, 3 Phantoms, 9 Execute, 10 Visor, 11 Contemporary, 14 Ski, 16 Match, 17 Ear, 18

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2017 Overwhelming, 21 Pulse, 22 Easiest, 23 Treasure, 24 Plan.

1. Iron Man

PICTOGRAMS

35 39

Windows

E Y

Goodwills 65

S S

R E

E A

H L

E E

R R

R W

A E

SUDOKU

V R

S T

Tiles

PUZZLE ANSWERS CROSSWORD

Staircases

Locksmiths

Buckley Loft Conversions

15 19

LF Home Improvements

Tracy Mason Travel Clearwater Carbis Bay

Loft Conversions

Furniture/Furnishing

Roofing

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17 9

ey’? ttorn What are Lasting Powers of Attorney? I need them? fA r odo owewhy sting PAnd

d aare‘La nee(LPAs) doof IAttorney Lasting hyPowers W documents in which you decide who will make

problem arises then we know who will be looking after our decision making.

your decisions in the event of you losing then someone, generally, possibly for years, for making After aYou Will, ofdecisions occur, Goodwills Legal Services Ltd provides a home visit service capacity. makeone those and you your decisions for you. but not always a family member which makes the process very comfortable for our clients. the most important chose your attorneys while you are still in good Wetocan must make application theprepare Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of mental health. The attorneys would The answer is very simple, have Attorney. documents that all you chose Court of Protection for them to be typically be your spouse, your children, or close your LPAs prepared now, while authorised by that court togiving make instructions for LPAs to your local Goodwills adults should have family. When you can clearly make your own

your decisions. ThisEstate process is veryConsultant, you nominate your attorneys Planning in place is a Lasting decisions about who should andexpensive. our legal team the required documents. and acomplex and It generate If the problem occurs suddenly, like a strokelong or even car be the named attorneys. Power of Attorney. crash, and if those LPAs are not prepared, then can only take the up to 9 months and several local Consultant will theinformation, prepared documents court, Office of ‘LPAs’, Public Guardian who willofbepoundsYour Forbring further TheseThe documents, enable can chose thousands in fees. back to you for the signing process. your attorneys. advice and guidance call Mike you to personally choose who will be This is a very painful process Humpherson who is the local authorised to make your decisions To make the LPAs legally functional our legal team then take Each year thousands of families have to go through this very for a family member to have to Senior Consultant representing should you loosebecause mental the capacity. the LPAs through the process of registration with the Office difficult process person who has lost capacity undertake of Public Guardian. Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. did not have LPAs prepared before the problem arose.on your behalf. Do not think loss of mental capacity And, you may end up with someone A home visit service is provided to is only a problem for the the court very elderly The registered and legally functional LPAs can then be used This process through can take months and not haveimmediately, chosen your for your Wills if needed,take or can beinstructions placed into safe storage perhapsvery withsignificant dementia.costs. It is not involve Andanof courseyou the would court may yourselftohaving authorityneeded later until perhaps life. Powers of Attorney. choose someone who Anyone you would make the legal and in Lasting age related problem. cannot have wanted decisions for you. to make your decisions for you. loose capacity at any age. Sadly all it Contact details: Please contact your local Goodwills Estate Planning There are two LPAs, one deals with Property and Financial takes is something as simple as a fall Even worst is the case where Consultant, Mike Humpherson, for further Mike Humpherson decisions, and one deals with Health and Welfare decisions. or a car crash, or a stroke. And this information. details the court may have to choose a ContactT: 0845 are: 678 7010 can can happen todifferent anyone at any age. M: 07771 992717 T: 0845 678 7010 You chose people to make decisions for you in professional person as attorney, M: 07771 992717 E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk each area if that works best for you. who will then be charging E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk If you do not have the documents www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk www.goodwills.net W: www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk in place and the does yourthat estate significant fees, So, we should all problem have LPAs prepared to ensure if the

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Trifocal Lenses Allow Clear Vision Without Glasses Specialist Eye Surgeon

Patient Mr Richard Banks can now see clearly and will never need glasses, having undergone trifocal lens cataract surgery on both eyes at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital. Uniquely the latest generation trifocal intra-ocular lenses give clear 20/20 vision at all distances, with minimal glare and few halo effects at night. Until a few years ago, artificial lenses used during cataract surgery could correct vision for one or two distances only. So this same person could have their artificial lens adjusted for one focusing power, usually for distance vision, but would still need to pick up reading glasses to see up close. The latest generation lenses are called trifocals because they also offer clear vision at middle distances, which is generally anything at arm’s length. This is in addition to providing near and far vision. Uniquely trifocal lenses allow a person to switch effortlessly between all three distances; near distance - for reading, long distance and the in between distances. Vision is clear at all those points, which is something the previous multifocal lenses couldn’t achieve. Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Balasubramaniam Ilango, who performs 2,000 lens implants every year, is delighted with the outcome for his patient and explains, “Mr Banks’ eye sight was deteriorating due to cataracts. I operated on his first eye 18 months ago to remove the cataract and implant the trifocal lens and I was extremely pleased with the result. Recently he returned for the same surgery on the second eye and now is unlikely to need glasses at all. His vision is clear for intermediate as well as distance and near vision, so he is able to switch naturally between all distances. With tri-focal lenses, his sight has been restored to near perfect high resolution views, under all light conditions.”

Richard Banks, 52, who travelled to the private hospital in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton from Newport, Shropshire, says, “It’s brilliant to have the freedom from ever needing to wear glasses. My restored sight is now crisp and clear and the recovery time for the second eye was even quicker. Being a sporty outdoor person, it is great to be able to see in 3D all the way to the horizon! Even little things, like being able to see the football score in the top corner of the TV screen again from across the room and also to read menus in poor light in restaurants, makes a huge difference.” The average age for people having tri-focal implants is 55 - prices per eye for tri-focal lens implants, only available privately, start at £2,900. It is worth noting that they remove the need for glasses permanently, so there will be a future saving on the regular repeat expense of glasses that are no longer needed. At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, in addition to specialist eye surgeon Mr Ilango, there are 12 other consultant ophthalmologists.

Pictured: Eye surgeon Mr Ilango in clinic at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

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