Staffordshire Outlook December 2019 by Staffordshire Outlook

December 2019/January 2020

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a pair of tickets to Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre Win a pair of tickets to Slade at the Birmingham 02 Institute Win a pair of tickets to the Shire Horse National 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! 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 or a new outfit 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, a pair of tickets to this year’s pantomime Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre, a pair of tickets for Slade at the 02 Institute Birmingham and a pair of tickets to the Shire Horse national Show. You could be one of the lucky winners, good luck!

The team at the Staffordshire Outlook are extremely grateful to the local advertisers who choose to advertise their business in the magazine, and to the readers who continue to support the Staffordshire Outlook. We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers! 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 This will be your last issue before Christmas, therefore I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Enjoy your read with a mulled wine …..

Congratulations to: Winner of a pair of tickets to A Taste of Honey at the Grand Theatre - Michael Hill, Beaconside Winner of 4 tickets to Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort Caitlin Campbell, Meadowcroft Park Winner of a pair of tickets to Totally Tina at the Victoria Hall Matthew Lawrence, Hixon Winners of a pair of tickets for The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Karen Appleby, Castlefields Carol Millward, Great Haywood Sue Buckman, Acton Trussell Ken Swan, Penkridge Brian Dutton, Stafford 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 Myrna Caldwell – Editor

Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Magazine design:

Kate Dalgliesh - Graphic Designer Email: design@etakcreative.co.uk

Myrna

Contents

Midland Independent 4/5 Shugborough Estate 6 Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre 8 St Giles Christmas events 10 Shield Garage Roller Doors 12 Christmas tree festival 14 Tree paintings 14 Leo, Charley and me 16 Puzzles 18 Empire Appliances 19 Lyndale Stairs 20 Daniel Wynn Interiors 22 Roll a Robe 23 Tech Aluminum Systems Ltd 24 Lowes Building & Maintenance 25 Canalside Farm wins award 26 Burnets for the Border 30 Standeford Christmas Trees 31 Paint Wizard 31 CHAPS National memorial 32 Roofix 33 Keep your dog’s safe this Christmas 34 Memorial website launched 36 SI Cannock Porridge day 36 JW Stonemasons 37 National Shire Horse Society 38 Recipe 40 Murder, Mystery evening 42 Eating out over the festive season 44 A Better Life Now 48 La Minky 50 The Dressing Rooms 52 Slade 53 DJM Jewellery 54 SI Cannock YBYR 58 Smilecrafters 59 Penkridge Runners 60 Stafford Walking Street 60 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 61 Suzuki Ignis by Rob Taylor 62 BMW 1 Series by Rob Taylor 63 What are Lasting Powers of Attorney 64 Index of advertisers 65 Puzzle Solutions 65 Midlands Water Softeners Ltd 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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Think carefully and Take advice before accessing your pension

I have had a client approach me for advice on transferring his preserved final salary pension benefits. This is the third time he has been to see me to access his pension and his story still gives me a shudder whenever I recall our initial conversation. In Early 2016 Gary called me to say that he had a preserved pension for which he had received a cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) of £87,937 and asked if I would facilitate a transfer so that he could cash in his pension to use towards a property purchase. I asked him if he was still working and he told me that yes he worked at JLR and he was a higher rate taxpayer. At this point I told him that firstly the scheme (which I was quite familiar with) were not 4

offering anything like true value for transfers and secondly as a higher rate tax payer he would pay 40% tax on 75% of the value. He then went on to tell me that he was fully aware of the tax payable as he had recently encashed his money purchase pension which had a value in excess of £100,000 and he had paid £36,000 in tax. He had used the proceeds to purchase a flat that he now rents giving a monthly income of £400 and believed that financially this was the right thing for him to do. Basically what he had done was turn a pension fund of £120,000 into a £88,000 flat with rental income. He made this decision without taking financial advice as he did not want to incur any costs and the only reason he was calling me now was because he had no option but to involve a financial adviser to facilitate his transfer.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Sadly I was too late to stop him making that mistake and although he was adamant at the time that he wanted to transfer his preserved pension, eventually I managed to convince him otherwise. He called me again early 2018 to see if it was wise to transfer and again I convinced him otherwise. This brings us forward to 2019 when he has just received his latest CETV and the scheme Trustees have obviously changed their stance and are looking to encourage members to transfer as the figure he has been quoted is now in excess of £220,000 over 2.5 times the initial amount. The first thing Gary said to me was “you were right John not to let me transfer in 2016, now the amount being offered has increased greatly I want to transfer and cash it in”. It doesn’t bear thinking about the amount of tax he would pay if he did actually follow

through with that idea however thankfully he now listens to me and will follow my advice. The changes in pension legislation in April 2015 whilst in my opinion were great for many individuals, they have resulted in consumers paying way too much tax in accessing money they did not need or where there were better alternatives. To give you an idea, savers withdrew a record £8.18bn from their pension pots in 2017-18, up by more than £1.5bn on the previous year according to figures from HM Revenue & Customs.

accessing their pensions and in turn rewarding the Treasury my message is this - before you decide to withdraw funds please meet with a financial adviser before it’s too late. In Gary’s case I cannot get back the £36,000 tax he has already paid although I can protect him going forward. The motto of the story is take advice before making any financial decisions regarding your pension.

In total, savers have withdrawn £25.6bn since the start of pension freedoms in April 2015. This can leave consumers exposed to a new set of risks including paying too much tax than what is necessary on withdrawals, or leaving the money languishing in low or near zero paying deposit accounts. The freedoms marked a radical change in the retirement landscape which is now almost unrecognisable from where it was before inception in 2015. Individuals now have much more control over their pension savings including allowing those looking for a more gradual transition into retirement the chance to work, combining reduced hours with part pension as they approach or move beyond traditional retirement age. Whilst the Chancellor is reveling in the fact that the public are

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

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.

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

Come and enjoy everything Shugborough Estate has to offer this winter. Come and enjoy Shugborough Estate with the whole family this December. The National Trust property in Staffordshire is the perfect place to get the most out of this magical time of year, with 900 acres of Grade 1 listed Parkland, and seasonal activities throughout the month, be sure to put it at the top of your list for a festive visit. The Georgian Mansion was thoroughly cleaned, conserved and decorated throughout November, and is now back open for you to explore. Admire the unique and grand decorations and discover the adventures, travels and triumphs of the Anson family with the festive display. Decorations are not limited to the mansion, venture out into the gardens with a hot drink and a camera and enjoy the creative interpretations of Christmas decoration inspired by the estate’s designed landscape. For more adventurous wanderers, The National Trust looks after land as far as Great Haywood Cliffs and Stafford Plantation, so make sure you ask for a winter walks map at Visitor Reception. You’ll see the impressive variety of tree species standing strong in the cold winter weather, as well as the rare and historic breeds of animal that the estate look after. Make sure to wrap up warm and don’t forget to finish your visit off with a visit to the Mansion Tea-room or Park Farm Café for a hot meal or a slice of cake. If you’re bringing your dog along for a walk, remember to take them into the café for a treat, there will be one waiting. As for festive activities, there are plenty to get involved in. Join local choirs with mince pies and warming drinks during the Carol Evening on 6 December. Or take part in this year’s Lantern Parades, which are happening on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December, book to revel in the magic of Shugborough after dark during this dynamic, engaging and beautiful evening event. Or if you fancy a whole evening of delicious seasonal food, paired drinks and themed crafts, book your place on the estate’s first Christmas Shindig. Details for all events can be found in the ‘What’s On’ section of Shugborough’s website nationaltrust.org.uk/shugboroughestate. Don’t miss your opportunity to find a unique gift from Shugborough this Christmas, visit one of the two shops on site to do some of your Christmas shopping and delight somebody

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

with your findings. Or treat yourself to a new decoration or something to bulk up your Christmas feast! Shugborough is open every day apart from Christmas day so pop in during a visit.

Staffordshire County Council gave back management of Shugborough Estate to the National Trust in November 2016, and the site has been open under the Trust since March 2017. This means that all members have to do is to scan their card for entrance to the entire Estate. The site is open year round, only closing on Christmas day. The National Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people who saw the importance of our nation’s heritage and open spaces, and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy. More than 120 years later, these values are still at the heart of everything the charity does. Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 778 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Almost 27 million people visit every year, and together with more than 5.6 million members and over 65,000 volunteers, they help to support the charity in its work to care for special places for ever, for everyone.

ÂŠ National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography ÂŠ National Trust Images /David Goacher

Make Christmas memories

at Shugborough Estate 30 November - 22 December 2019 Celebrate the festive season at Shugborough with carol singing, lantern parades, seasonal food, and grand and unique decorations inspired by the designed landscape of the estate. Social icon

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nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

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Competition

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets for DICK WHITTINGTON on Tuesday 10 December at 7:15pm This panto season at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre join our hero Dick Whittington on the ultimate rags to riches adventure as we help our hero outwit Queen Rat and take his rightful place a Lord Mayor of London from Sat 7 December – Sun 12 January.

With comedy legends Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi!, Oh, Doctor Beeching! and You Rang, M’Lord?) reunited for the Grand Theatre’s pantomime, you are guaranteed a dazzling family panto filled with side-splitting comedy alongside Coronation Street’s Ryan Thomas as Dick Whittington! DICK WHITTINGTON also sees the return of the Grand’s much-loved Dame, Ian Adams for a fourth consecutive year alongside Julie Paton as the Spirit Of The Bells – Fairy Bowbells! With comedian Aaron James along with all the ingredients which make the Grand Theatre’s pantomime so magical – beautiful costumes, stunning sets, breath-taking special effects, live music and a lot of audience participation! To book tickets, visit the Box Office, call

01902 42 92 12 or book online at grandtheatre.co.uk. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s riproaring pantomime adventure DICK WHITTINGTON runs from 7 December – 12 January and we have a pair of tickets to give away to the press night at 7:15pm on Tuesday 10 December! 8

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Thursday 5th December 2019. Winner will be notified by telephone. In which soap opera did Ryan Thomas play Jason Grimshaw? A) Coronation Street B) Doctors C) Emmerdale D) EastEnders Competition Terms and Conditions Winner to collect tickets from the box office on the night of the performance Tuesday 10th December 2019 at 7.15pm. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

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Christmas events

Cannock Friends of St Giles have recently presented a cheque for £2,000 to St Giles Hospice. Secretary Lynda Williams and Treasurer Trish Mellor presented the cheque to Dr Emma Hodges, St Giles CEO when they attended an event for all Friends’ groups. The group has organised many events, including speaker events with Lord Digby Jones and Colin Tebbutt, raising much needed funds for the work of the Hospice and promoting St Giles in many ways. On December 8th they will be holding the annual Light up a Life service at 6.00pm at St Luke’s Church. It is always a very emotional service when all those who wish to remember the life of a loved one join in a service of celebration and light. The Book of Remembrance will be available for viewing in the Lady Chapel both prior to and after the service and Cannock Friends will serve refreshments - which are offered free of charge - in the church following the service. Bel Canto will again be offering a musical section during the service. Everyone who wishes to join in with this service will be made very welcome. Cannock Friends will be at St Luke’s Church again on Thursday 12th December when they have been nominated to receive a donation from monies raised at a concert – “Swinging into Christmas” - given by Voices of Tantallon and organised by Cannock Chase Conservative Association. St Giles continues to offer a host of services: in-patient care, day patient and out-patient care, Hospice at Home, bereavement counselling - and so much more. The people of Cannock are always incredibly generous in their support of all that the local group of friends of St Giles does and that support is very much appreciated. 10 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Photo: Voices of Tantallon

Photo left: St Luke’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

Photo: Lynda Williams, secretary, Cannock Friends of St Giles; Dr Emma Hodges, CEO, St Giles Hospice; Trish Mellor, Treasurer, Cannock

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Christmas tree Festival: St Michaels Church, Penkridge As the Andy Williams Christmas song reminds us, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer”. However, one thing the evergreen Christmas track doesn’t mention is St Michaels Church in Penkridge as having its Christmas Tree Festival, helping everyone prepare for the “hap-happiest season of all”; the coming of Jesus into the world. Following the success of previous Festivals at St Michael’s Church, the Christmas Trees on display (within the villages only Grade 1 listed building) are keenly awaited. The backdrop of our wonderful 13th century church offers a unique experience, prompting us all to reflect on “the reason for the season”. Organisations, businesses and the local community are already eagerly supporting the festival resulting in a record number of trees on display, decorated in a vast array of styles and themes portraying what our local community is all about. The festival starts on Friday 6th December and carries on through the weekend to Monday evening, when the Salvation Army will round things off with their ever popular Christmas Concert. On Friday night we have our eagerly awaited “Family Christmas Sing-a-long” where we indulge in the community singing of Christmas favorites ranging from White Christmas to When Santa got stuck up the Chimney…. all with an abundance of cake to eat between songs! Throughout the

Tree Paintings at the National Memorial Arboretum There will be an exhibition of tree paintings at The National Memorial Arboretum,Croxall Rd, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AR. This is a British site of national remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Its objective is to honour the fallen, recognise service and sacrifice, and foster pride in the British Armed Forces and civilian community. The exhibition curated by Chris Ansell and Tim Craven runs from 6th December 2019 – 29th March 2020.The exhibition gallery is in the new visitor centre which although not large, will exhibit around thirty works from the Arborealist Group of artists one of whom is the British artist Philippa Beale. During the 1980s Philippa Beale was a well known conceptual artist, exhibiting internationally, polemics about the influence of advertising, sexual politics and consumer fetichism. Being raised in the countryside by a master gunmaker and a mother who had an orchard and an arboretum, in 2009 she naturally gravitated toward trees and their beneficial effects on our environment. We share 75% of our DNA with trees, without trees we die; they are our lungs, they provide shelter and fuel for humans and animals. Terrible war crimes and battles have taken 14

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

weekend there will be various community groups visiting, either conducting their own Carol Services, such as the Leisurely Ladies Group or having festive refreshments with Age UK. Saturday morning sees our Café Church offer a festive coffee morning with a backdrop of Christmas carols. There will also be “Mini Messy Church” craft sessions on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, helping children and their families become fully immersed with what’s going on. More details of St Michaels Christmas Tree Festival, including a full list of activities and opening times can be found on the church web site www.stmichaelspenkridge.co.uk and on Facebook (simply search “Penkridge Parish Church”). Come and be part of this ongoing and exciting venture for the community of Penkridge. Whatever your age, it will certainly be fun! Let the Christmas party begin! For more information please e-mail: penkridgechristmastrees@ gmail.com St Michaels Christmas Tree Festival is supporting Penkridge First Responders

place in forests; in Eastern Europe trees were worshipped and the wonder at the height of some trees provided the builders of great temples and cathedrals with their inspiration. So trees have their political side! The work Beale has at the National Arboretum, ‘Poplars Across the road’, certainly signifies a type of grove of a single genus and is real place opposite her bedroom window, which she draws often. Ducks fly over in season and huntsmen ‘knock off ‘a few off for the pot. The son of the man who planted this grove comes every year to cut down a few trees and turn them into fire wood. They represent for Beale, the passage of time, of a kind of living that is disappearing, no longer politically correct!

Image: Philippa Beale Black and White Landscape, the Poplars Across the Road 2017 - Oil on Canvas 98 x 73

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Leo, Charley & Me When Kim O’Donnell adopted Cocker Spaniel Charley she wanted her new pup to look stylish but still be able to splash around and get muddy.

Kim said: “It’s unusual to start a new business in your retirement but I’ve loved every moment, especially meeting dogs and pet owners at events.” “I’ve had to learn so much from website building, marketing and social media. It’s been a rollercoaster.

She looked for practical but pretty collars but struggling to find exactly what she wanted decided to create her own. Kim was working as a school nurse but would spend her spare time creating collars and bandanas for Leo and Charley.

But when I have lovely comments about my creations and customers send me photos of the dogs looking adorable it makes it all worthwhile. I love having more time with Leo and Charley too.” To find out more about Kim’s work and the Christmas Fairs she will be attending, visit https://leocharleyandme.co.uk/

When she showed them to her friends and family they were so impressed they asked her to make for their dogs too. Now Kim, 58, has retired and set up pet accessory business Leo, Charley and Me, named after her dog Leo the Labrador and Charley, the Spaniel who inspired her. “Everyone thought Charley was a boy. She is very bouncy and adventurous so was often wet and muddy after she’d jumped in the local streams.” “I really wanted accessories for her that could be washed and that were a bit more feminine too - so I decided to make them myself.” “I had so many comments about how sweet she looked, and felt really proud of my creations. Then I had the lightbulb moment to start a business.” In June 2018, Kim’s husband Clive retired, meanwhile Kim was working as a nurse and creating her pet products which she sold at local fairs.

Festive print, fabric dog collar and cute matching bow. The perfect present for your pampered pooch to wear this party season. Sumptuously soft, comfy, easy to wash and incredibly cute.

This summer she had a stall at the Staffordshire County Show in the Enterprise Zone and being around other entrepreneurs encouraged her to retire too and dedicate more time on her pet business.

A donation is made to Spaniel Aid UK from every sale of this stylish combo so you will also be supporting a fantastic dog rescue charity that supports pups less fortunate who are in need of homes this Christmas.

16 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

WINDOW FRAME DIRECT LTD Built on Quality Windows - Doors - Conservatories Tiled Warm Roofs Fascias-Soffits and gutters • Family business with No pushy sales reps • Great deals from the off • Anti-snap door locks fitted as standard • 20% END OF SUMMER SALE plus an extra 5% to beat any other quote • Free 12 months service check on all windows and doors on all orders that are placed

You call, we quote it’s as easy as that! All our products and services come with a fully insured 10 year backed guarantee plus certass certificate. Based in Cannock

01543 220474 www.windowframedirect.co.uk Info@windowframedirect.co.uk

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STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Has Your Double Cloudy2Clear Announce Empire is Cannock’s one-stop Kitchen Appliance shop.

Having just been award the prestigious ‘Sales Excellence’ Industry Award for 2019 by ERT, you can have peace of mind you are in safe hands. During the consultation Paige will get to know the wants and usage from your new kitchen to find the ultimate blend of design and practicality. Paige remains the makes goodprocess businessevery perhaps don’t Consumer champions Group Managing customerstradespeople point of contact throughitthe whole sense. 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Green Lane, Cannock, WS11 0JJ Telephone 01543 502536

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Spectacular Staircases at LyndaLe StairS Ltd a more traditional look, the choices of modern designs that are available now offer the beauty of natural wood in stylish and contemporary design.” If you’re keen to increase the storage space in your home you’ll be pleased to read that Lyndale also offer a loft ladder and boarding service too. “We can install loft ladders in all types of property; we have many different ladders available and we also offer customers the option to have insulation and boarding installed too which gives a complete finish for the roof space,” adds Neill.

You might not realise it, but your staircase can be so much more than just a functional part of your home.

The team at Lyndale offer a complete re-design service for new staircases as well as extensive refurbishments for existing staircases.

With the help of Burntwoodbased stair specialists, Lyndale Stairs Ltd, you can transform your staircase in to a stylish design feature that will complement your home interior style perfectly.

In fact, when it comes to materials, Lyndale’s choice of glass and wood designs suit all tastes and styles.

As Neill Parker explains: “Over the last twenty years we’ve worked tirelessly to help our customers revitalise their existing staircase through a range of different methods and services.”

“We use our vast selection of materials, fully skilled design team and our professional joiners and installers to achieve the perfect look for every customer.”

And what’s more, because the company offer superior service and quality products each and every job they undertake runs seamlessly.

For more information on Lyndale’s staircases and ladders visit their website

www.lyndalestairs.co.uk or, call into the showroom and let one of Lyndale’s sales team guide you through everything you need to know.

“We offer many types of glass products that will bring a contemporary look to any home. All our glass is toughened and compliant with British Standards as a minimum. We can install this type of product onto a new staircase or to your existing staircase using various methods and designs that all look spectacular.” Wood is always a favourite with those looking for traditional style but it can also have a modern twist too. “Although wooden balustrades provide

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | MARCH 2019 22 20 12

wolverhampton west magazine

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 21

WW I NITNETRE R I NITNETREIROIRO RD D E SEI SGING N By Daniel By Daniel Wynn Wynn – Interior – Interior DesignDesign www.danielwynninteriors.com www.danielwynninteriors.com ____________________________ ____________________________

Winter, Winter, for most for most of us of in us theinUnited the United Kingdom, Kingdom, is is

dark, dark, cold and coldmiserable. and miserable. We tend We to tend want to want to shield to shield ourselves ourselves away away from from the potential the potential snow,snow, rain and rain and dullness dullness from from outdoors, outdoors, and hibernate and hibernate insideinside our warm our warm and cosy and homes. cosy homes. It is only It is only human human nature. nature. However, However, whenwhen it comes it comes to being to being cosy in cosy style, in style, it canitbecan tricky be tricky for many for many peoplepeople finding finding the right the right colourcolour scheme, scheme, warmwarm textures textures and overall and overall designdesign over the overChristmas the Christmas and winter and winter period. period.

D EDS EI GS NI G NT IT PS IPS WhenWhen it comes it comes to classic to classic winterwinter designdesign styles,styles, many many peoplepeople will opt will foropt silvers, for silvers, cool grey cooland grey and Scandinavian Scandinavian white white themes themes – instead, – instead, takingtaking a noteafrom note traditional from traditional Ski Chalet’s Ski Chalet’s by luxury by luxury interior interior designers, designers, you can you change can change the atmosphere the atmosphere of your ofhome your home with these with quick these quick tips: tips: 

Fora classic For a classic colour colour combination, combination, layer textured layer textured fabrics,fabrics, from taupe from taupe wools,wools, bronzebronze and chocolate and chocolate velvets,velvets, through through to softto gold softsilks goldand, silksnaturally and, naturally the cosiest the cosiest of all faux of allfurs. faux furs.



The richness The richness of woods, of woods, such assuch oak,aswalnut oak, walnut and mango, and mango, are best arecomplimented best complimented with the with beauty the beauty of metallic of metallic accents, accents, including: including: weathered weathered effect bronze, effect bronze, antiqueantique brass and brass black andnickel. black nickel.



Utilizing  Utilizing the light theinlight yourinroom your when room when the nights the nights get longer get longer by installing by installing dimmer dimmer switches switches for for pendants pendants to control to control the ambience, the ambience, and flood and areas flood areas with candlelight with candlelight and uplighters and uplighters behindbehind furniture furniture and curtains and curtains for a cocooning for a cocooning effect.effect.



Opto for Opthe to for interior the interior designers designers ‘Harmony ‘Harmony of 3’ method of 3’ method – by placing – by placing objectsobjects in rowsinofrows 3 onofmantle 3 on mantle pieces,pieces, shelves, shelves, sideboards sideboards and coffee and coffee tables,tables, such assuch vases, as vases, bowls & bowls candles. & candles.

T OTPOPP I P CK I C‘ SK ‘ S

1. Mink Throw 1. Mink (ZINC Throw TEXTILE) (ZINC TEXTILE) 2. Louis Chandelier 2. Louis Chandelier (RV ASTLEY) (RV ASTLEY) 3. Song Tables 3. Song (LIANG Tables&(LIANG EIMIL).&4.EIMIL). Novella4.Table Novella Lamp Table (HEATHFIELD Lamp (HEATHFIELD & CO) & CO) 5. Hurricane 5. Hurricane Lamp (EICHHOLTZ) Lamp (EICHHOLTZ) 6. Sombra6.Vase Sombra (AMARA) Vase (AMARA) 7. Prickle 7. Brass Prickle Ornaments Brass Ornaments (POLS POTTEN) (POLS POTTEN) 8. Organic8.Bowl Organic (LUXDECO) Bowl (LUXDECO) 9. Shagreen 9. Shagreen Tray (AERIN) Tray (AERIN) 10. Kenza10. Cushion Kenza(KAI) Cushion & Guetta (KAI) & Cushion Guetta(ANDREW Cushion (ANDREW MARTIN)MARTIN) 11. Emma11. Chair Emma (KELLY Chair HOPPEN). (KELLY HOPPEN).

22 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Roll a Robe

Reliable family business, established since 1984.

The specialist team at Roll a Robe are a local, reliable family business, who has been established since 1984. We offer customers the best possible product coupled with excellent customer care! Having been trading since 1984, we have learned that people are individuals with individual tastes, so with this in mind we offer a broad range of styles with our wardrobe doors. Fitted mirror wardrobes will enhance the decor of any bedroom, by adding light and the impression of doubling the room size. All of our doors are hand made to order in our factory at Cannock Chase Enterprise Cente in Hednesford. We mix and match up to five different glass/woodgrain panels in each sliding door to create a look that’s unique to you, or keep it plain and understated the choice is yours! With a large

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

range of frame colour options including wood grain effects can be used with both safety backed glass and mirrors inserts or wood panel inserts. We can accommodate requests for the majority of glass colours and specialist glass products currently on the market, superior running gear for effortless movement, colour coordinated top and bottom tracks. Our sliding doors move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors so giving more living space. So with the addition of planned wall to wall, floor to ceiling storage, you will find that you have more useful storage than you thought! Create an elegant appearance with Roll-a-robe to your room with over 40 panels to choose from including mirrored or coloured glass finishes. We offer supply only to DIY/Trade Why not call us now on 01543 426425 or 07878 553289

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

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

You will find that you have "More useful storage" than you thought! You will find that you have "More useful storage" than you thought!

We now also offer supply only to DIY/Trade

Unit 9 West Cannock Way • Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre Unit 9 West Cannock Way • Cannock • Chase Centre Hednesford • Staffordshire WS12Enterprise 0QW Hednesford • Staffordshire • WS12 0QW

01543 426425 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk rollarobe@gmail.com 01543 01543 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk 07878 553289

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 23

Achieve your desired look Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Glass production has developed so much over the past few years that almost anything is possible to achieve your desired look. With our wealth of experience you can be assured that our ability to transform some style into your property comes with an attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality and performance, our aim is to deliver a first class product, at a competitive price.

maintaining a consistently high standard and quality Please do not hesitate to contact us with your bespoke ideas, plans and projects. Credit card payments now being taken. We offer supply only to DIY and Trade

www.techalumsystems.co.uk

We manufacture standard windows and doors, bi-fold and patio doors, curtain walling and balustrade at our factory in Rumer Hill, Cannock. We manufacture all of our products in house therefore

Tech Aluminium Systems Limited, Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0ET

T: 01543 467272

E: admin@techalum.co.uk

www.techalumsystems.co.uk

24 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019 24 DECEMBER 2018 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK 24 24 ||| NOVEMBER STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK DECEMBER 20182019 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK DECEMBER 2019 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK || DECEMBER

Images on this page are recent projects

Lowes Building & Maintenance Lowes Building & Maintenance are a reliable, honest and professional building company with 15 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience in the trade in the Staffordshire area. Our job is to take every project from idea to completion, we provide a full service to any homeowner willing to improve their home.

We provide excellent workmanship and service at highly competitive prices. We are able to offer a full range of services and solutions, from simple repair work through to bespoke solutions for large projects. As a company we aim to offer all of our customers with an outstanding quality service at a highly competitive price. With so many companies to choose from, making the right partnership for your home improvement or renovation project is a hard and very important decision to make. Here at Lowes Building & Maintenance we offer a full one stop service for all domestic, commercial and insurance work.

We will take the time to listen to your exact needs and offer a tailor-made solution. We will oversee your house building, refurbishment and renovation from start to finish, providing you with a dedicated, bespoke and caring approach to meet your requirements and expectations.

Please contact us direct on 07592 141405 or email lowesbuilding@hotmail.com We are based in Penkridge

DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL & INSURANCE WORK

FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES LOCAL AND RELIABLE SERVICE General Building

Extensions Garage Conversions Porches Alterations Brickwork Chimneys Refurbishments Roofing

Ground Work

Drainage/Sockaways Patios/Slabbing Block Paving Concreting Fencing Â

Internal Work Alterations Kitchens Bathrooms Plastering Tiling Wood Work

Please contact us 07592 141405 or email lowesbuilding@hotmail.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Since then the Farm Shop has been hugely successful and has seen the turnover quadruple, with nearly 30 new jobs created across the two businesses.

Local Farm Wins Prestigious Award... Canalside Farm near Stafford, are celebrating this week, after winning a prestigious award for their Farm Shop. The family-run farm were delighted to win a Silver Award at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards, for Farm Shop and Food & Drink Retailer of the Year. The owners of the farm, Chris and Wendy Barton were elated at receiving the accolade, especially after extending their Farm Shop at the beginning of the year. Owner, Chris Barton said: “We were absolutely thrilled to win this award, especially this year, as we went through a major refurbishment programme in January and extended the Farm Shop by a third. As part of the extension, we added a new Bakery and Production Kitchen, so that we are now able to make more of our own products on site, in conjunction with our Butchery, who make their own range of burgers, pork pies, and over 15 different varieties of sausage! We also now have a bigger delicatessen counter and new gift section, so that we can offer our customers an extensive range of high quality local produce.” The Farm has indeed undergone a major transformation in the last decade, opening a brand new Farm Shop eight years ago, and building a brand new business, their Canalside Café, five years ago. 26

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Chris continued: “The last eight years have obviously involved a lot of hard work, but it is extremely rewarding for us to see the farm develop and thrive as it has. We would like to thank all of our loyal customers and local producers for their support. Our aim has always been to source high quality, local food and drink, from farms and producers within a 30 mile radius, whilst continuing to produce our own fruit, vegetables and bedding plants, here on the Farm. Although we get great feedback from our customers, it is always very rewarding to win one of these awards and reassures us that we are providing a service that customer’s really want.” If you would like to visit the Farm Shop and Café, they are open every day from 9am to 5pm and are located in Great Haywood, just 6 miles outside Stafford. They are situated just off the A51, between Stone and Rugeley or can be accessed via the A518 from Stafford, turning right to Great Haywood (postcode ST18 0RQ). For further information please telephone 01889 881747 or log onto the their website www.canalsidefarm.co.uk

Christmas Food & Craft Markets…

If you’re looking for a great place to source local produce and unique gifts this Christmas, then Penkridge Market has events you won’t want to miss. They will be holding the Fine Food and Craft Market on Saturday 21st December, selling everything you need for a fantastic Christmas. There will be a wide variety of stalls selling a range of festive foods, gifts, toys and crafts, as well as trees, wreaths and decorations .The Market will be open from 9am to 3pm, 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. There will be a variety of stalls selling hand-made gifts and crafts, making it easy for you to tick off everyone on your Christmas list. For children there will be stalls selling toys, clothes, and personalised gifts, as well as stocking fillers such as sweets, stationery and books. For the men in your life, there will be tools, watches, jigsaws 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.

If it’s your turn to cook the Christmas lunch, it’s the perfect place to buy all of your ingredients for a fantastic roast. Local farms will be selling their meat, poultry and game fresh from the farm, as well as traditional fruit and veg stalls, for those all-important Brussel sprouts. There will also be a wide range of local produce on sale, from delicious cheeses, breads and pickles, to homemade cakes, puddings and preserves. 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. And if you still need to buy your Christmas Turkey, there is no better place than at the Market’s Christmas Poultry auctions which will be held on 19th and 23rd December. There will be around 300 oven ready birds in each auction with entries expected to include turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens, all of which have been reared on local farms. These sales are open to the public and commence at 11am and are an excellent way to buy a quality turkey for your Christmas table. For further information please telephone 01785 714221 or log onto the website www.penkridgemarket.co.uk

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Burnets for the Border Salad burnet is a well-known herb nowadays used as a sharp, refreshing ingredient for a summer salad but recently I’ve fallen in love with its bigger and more exotic looking cousins for growing in the flower border. These are not edible but have lovely flowers and leaves.

The more upright flowers of the variety Hakusanensis are a softer pink, and the pure white flowers of the Japanese Burnet (Sanguisorba obtusa alba) grow on plants that are just 2ft / 60cm tall. Other burnets have smaller, less showy flowers but more of them at a time and often held tall on waving stems that rarely need staking. It is on these smaller flower heads that you can begin to see that burnets are members of the rose family – each tiny floret on the tight heads of flower resembles the shape and structure of a dog rose but in tiny miniature. This gives us some clues to what they like in the way of sun, soil and moisture. Ideally, they prefer a deep, rich, soil that holds some moisture in the summer. In reality they also cope with my poor, dry sand pretty well. They like some sun, but light, part or dappled shade is fine. One of the loveliest is also one of the tallest – the deep red Arnhem is 5ft / 150cm tall and in peak flower in early summer. The flowers are lovely when paired with white, like the early flowering white Phlox David.

Burnets, or Sanguisorbas to use their proper name, come in a wide range of heights and spreads and are easy plants to grow, flowering on and off through the summer. They come in shades of red, pink and white and many have large impressive flowers. Perhaps the showiest is the variety Lilac Squirrel who’s long, dangling, feather-boa flowers in glowing lilac pink adorn the 3-4ft / 90-120cm tall plants from July to September. Like most Sanguisorbas the leaves are very attractive from the moment they unfurl like a fern frond in March until they die back in winter. Lilac Squirrel looks lovely paired with fuchsia pinks like Phlox Flamingo or the rose pink of Achillea Pretty Belinda.

3030 STAFFORDSHIRE STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK| |NOVEMBER DECEMBER2019 2019

Pink Elephant is tall, and a soft shade of pink, Burr Blanc and Canadensis are white and all of these look wonderful waving in the breeze at the back of the border. For the front of the border, Rock and Roll is a good choice as he stays to around 2ft / 60cm tall and there’s even a variegated one with red flowers and green and cream leaves called Shiro Fukarin. Sanguisorbas are tough and hardy and form bigger clumps each year; indeed, some like Tanna can be a little invasive. You can divide them in spring but be warned an old clump has a very tough rootstock and is difficult to break up. They benefit from a light feed in spring and an occasional feed until August. We've not noticed any particular pests or diseases affecting them in the garden so all in all they are quite easy to grow. Allow 2-2 ½ ft / 60-75cm between the taller varieties and a bit less for the short ones. Sanguisorbas are becoming very popular with nurseries and garden designers so you should find a good number of varieties available to choose from. Martin Blow Janet & I run Special Perennials, our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. For full list of plant fairs for 2020 please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

...we make saving money perfectly clear... Real Christmas Trees from Standeford Garden Construction ur Transform yo rden this summer gaonly Christmas comes once a year! So make it one you If you are looking to transform yourwith garden won’t forget a this summer, then look no real Christmas tree further than Standeford Garden Construction. from Standeford We are a family run Business Garden Construcestablished in 1954, and are tion now into the fourth generation

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National memorial for miners A leading figure at the National Union of Mineworkers has voiced his delight over plans to pay tribute to coal workers’ efforts during the two world wars. A 5m high, 2m high and 1m wide monument, paying homage to coal industry employees who died while serving their country, will be installed at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. It will be a lasting legacy to the country’s mining heritage. Following years of campaigning, Chase Arts for Public Spaces (CHAPS) was given permission to site the monument at the Alrewas site. Once the necessary £100,000 has been raised, CHAPS hope an unveiling and dedication service will take place in June 2021.

Pictured: part of a drawing showing detail for the bronze frieze

A fundraising campaign has begun and donations can be made to: HSBC Chaps National Miners Memorial; sort code: 40–47–11; account number 33901335. Cheques can be made payable to Chaps National Miners Memorial and forwarded to honorary treasurer Mr R Ford, 13 Sunny Bank Park, Sunny Bank, Lapley, ST19 9QH. MPs in former mining constituencies have backed the initiative. The project has been supported by the NUM, who have for years called for the pit workers’ contribution to the war effort to be recognised. Chris Skidmore, Yorkshire area chairman of the NUM, pointed out that during the First World War, some 165 men and boys lost their lives in the Yorkshire coalfields alone. During the Second World War, a further 385 perished. He said: “It has been a long standing desire to recognise the miners who worked underground or served in the two world wars, many of whom lost their lives in service to their country. It is important their sacrifices are remembered and we are delighted that CHAPS has been able to gain permissions for a memorial to be erected at the national Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. It has our full support.”

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Pictured: A model of the memorial

Support has come from Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill, His own grandfather came from a coal mining family in Durham and served in the trenches in the First World War, but received injuries which invalided him out of the Army. Made from Derbyshire stone, the monument will be sculpted by Andy de Comyn, who is responsible for the Shot At Dawn Memorial at the Alrewas site as well as the mining monument on Rugeley’s Globe island.

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The name PROBUS is an amalgam of the abbreviation of the words professional and business. Our club was established in 1986 and has no political or religious affiliations.

We meet on alternate Monday mornings at 10:15 at the Cannock Conservative Club located at High Green, Cannock, WS11 1BE Forthcoming speakers and social event for your diary: • • • • •

4 Nov My Family in Cambodia – Crissy Caseley 18 Nov Astronomy – Michael Gallear 22 Nov Social Evening with Kevin Leeson 2 Dec Memories of the Seaside – Peter Cadman 6 Dec Joint Probus Carol Service – at St Stephen’s, Bideford Way • 16 Dec Looking After Inuit People in LabradorCaroline Parks (followed by Christmas Lunch)

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construction, based at Old make garden the Saturday November 30th sees the newyour Christmas Lights Stafford Road in Coven. envy of yourbeginning street! switched on! A day of activities is planned, at Standeford Garden construction Call now for a free no 11.00am with craft stalls and repairs children’s rides. At 3.00pm includes many components From small roof to new roofs obligations quote. awithin TowntheCrier willlandscaping announce the early evening proceedings garden · Salvation Dry Ridge Systems which begin with Army Band playing next to We also provide a supply sector ranging from the Driveways, only forRest Soil, Stone, Sand, Tarmac, Block-paving, Gravel, the Christmas Tree ·from 3.30pm. At 4.00pm Santa arrives Ridge Tiles and Repointed Logs and Kindlingon! There Fencing, in Town Turfing, –and atSlabbing, 5.15 lightsVerge will beSystems switched · the Dry General Site at 5.30pm will be aLandscaping, firework display round off the day’s Old to Stafford road · Chimneys Removed/Repointed Clearance and –much more. Slade Heath, Coven proceedings everyone isUPVC invitedcleaning to come along and enjoy · service WV10 7PH Overday. the 61 years that’ we the Damage 790238 have been trading, we· are Storm 01902 07748 636549 veryevent proudnew to saytothat ·we Flat Systems An Cannock is a Roof Lantern Parade which will have earned an excellent Like our page on take place on Saturday 21st December. Itnowill start from quote: the Call for a free obligation reputation for constructing Facebook - Standeford park opposite to Asda, participants gathering from 3.45pm 07979 836363 or 01785 878550 gardens to the highest quality. Construction for the Parade to start winding itsGarden way through town from All of our work is expertly 4.00pm. The Parade will finish near to the Christmas Tree crafted by trained professionals, in centretoofa very Town where a brass band will be playing andthe finished high

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Cannock Chase Remembers – World War 1 commemorative website goes live As a lasting legacy to the World War 1 commemorative period, the Council in partnership with Inspiring healthy lifestyles has developed an educational toolkit which is available to access from the District`s official World War 1 website. ‘Cannock Chase Remembers’ not only gives visitors information on local campaigns and events commemorating World War 1, but also shares personal memories of wartime from family, friends and survivors.

It is available online at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/ cannockchaseremembers and as an interactive school workshop tour which can be delivered by veterans. This Armistice Day, the District had a number of Remembrance Services and Parades. These took place across the District on Sunday 10 November.

It has a wealth of local information about local men from the area who lost their lives during the First World War and also highlights local wartime history. The educational toolkit compliments the website and highlights the role Cannock Chase played during World War 1 by including contemporary films on how to create wartime artwork, information on how to support or join local groups and showcases the District’s four year commemorative programme.

SI CANNOCK & DISTRICT World Porridge Day Cannock Soroptimists marked World Porridge Day on October 10th by holding a Porridge Breakfast at the home of one of the Club members. The idea began when the President Trish Smith invited a representative of Mary’s Meals to come along and talk to club members.

but this is the first time they have held a Porridge Breakfast event. It was well attended and everyone enjoyed their porridge: not too hot, not too lumpy – but just right! And they raised £125.00 which will feed 9 children for a whole year: Soroptimists proving again that they are women inspiring action and transforming lives.

Mary’s Meals is a registered charity which sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education. These life-changing meals attract hungry children into the classroom. The food fills their empty bellies so they have the energy and opportunity to learn, giving them the chance of a brighter future. The meals also support families struggling to feed their children while boosting the country’s wider economy. Mary’s Meals feeds more than 1.5 million children in 18 countries around the world every school day. In countries including Malawi, Liberia and Zambia, the children receive vitamin-enriched maize porridge. Mary’s Meals launched World Porridge Day to celebrate the huge difference our daily meals make to the lives of chronically hungry children. Cannock Soroptimists have supported Mary’s Meals in various ways for many years 36

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Photo: Club members and friends enjoy their porridge For more information on the work of the club please visit the club’s website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/SICannock;

With over 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, JW Stonemasons are renowned and trusted stonemasons who take pride in their quality handcrafted headstones, gravestones and memorials available in a range of beautiful coloured granite, marble and natural stone. We provide high-quality care for each individual during their grieving process. We can offer a free consultation at our memorials showroom, or if you would prefer, a representative will visit with you in the comfort of your own home. We are able to provide advice, inspiration and guidance on your individual circumstances, budget and requirements to ensure your chosen memorial is the perfect lasting tribute. We are based in Hednesford, Cannock and offer quality handcrafted memorials in granite, marble and natural stone. You can choose from our range of examples, or if you are looking for something unique, our design service will help you realise your visions.

Our staff are fully qualified and experienced stonemasons and are able to perform renovation and restoration work on your memorials, to keep your treasured gravestones in a fitting condition. Our home visit service is completely free of charge and obligation. One of our knowledgeable staff will visit you in the comfort and privacy of your home to help you to choose a design, decide on an appropriate wording and answer any other questions you may have. Please note that any administration or correspondence with local authorities or cemeteries or church authorities is dealt with by JW Stonemasons on your behalf â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you will not have to worry about this aspect of the process. For more information please call us on: 01543 422023 http://www.jwstonemasons.com

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Shire Horse National Show 2020 The organisers of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses have announced the date of next year’s event.

The organisers of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses have announced the date of next year’s event. The Shire Horse National Show will take place for the fifth year running at Staffordshire Showground and will be held from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd March 2020. “We had a fantastic show at Bingley Hall at Staffordshire Showground in 2019 and we are delighted to announce that we will be returning to the same venue once again in 2020,” said Victoria Clayton, secretary of The Shire Horse Society. “Our event 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 1878, when our charity was named the English Cart Horse Society. “Staffordshire Showground is now firmly our ‘new’ home, and we are already looking forward to returning from 20th to 22nd March, when we will be joined by Shire horses and their owners and handlers from across Europe. “It’s a great day out for families – not just for those who are competing – and we were thrilled to have so many visitors to the show this year.” Ticket prices for the event will remain the same for 2020 and are now on sale via the Shire Horse Society’s website. The Shire Horse National Show generally attracts around 250 pedigree Shire horses from across Europe, which are shown in-hand, ridden or turned out. It’s the perfect chance to see the gentle giants of the horse world in all their finery and to learn more about this magnificent breed which has played such an important role in Britain’s history. Only a few decades ago, the breed was in danger of dying out. But it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, although it is still on the endangered breed list compiled by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with fewer than 300 pedigree Shire horse foals born in the UK every year. 38 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

The annual show is the flagship event for the Shire Horse Society – the charity that works to protect and promote the breed. As well as showing classes over three days, the event features trade and other stands, stable tours and children’s entertainment. Tickets for adults are £10 in advance or £12 on the gate. Ticket prices for children aged five to 13 years are £8 in advance, or £10 on the gate. Family tickets (two adults and two children) are £32 in advance or £40 on the gate. Under fives are free. Car parking is £2, payable on the day only. For more information and tickets please visit: www.shirehorse.org.uk/national-show. This month we’ve once again teamed up with the organisers to offer the chance to win a pair of tickets to this great event For your chance to win this prize please answer the following question:

How many Shire Horses are expected at the 2020 event? A) 300

B) 275 C) 250

Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Please ensure you include your name, address and telephone number. Entries to arrive by Friday 31st January 2020.

Competition Terms and Conditions Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by telephone. Prize is a pair of tickets to be used for the 20th, 21st or 22nd March 2020. No cash or alternative prize available.

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR Come Come and visit usvisit Vicky Come and and visit us us Vicky Vicky CUSTOMERS A MERRY on Dorema Stand 1010 on on Dorema Dorema Stand Stand 1010 1010 LouiseLouise onLouise Kampa on on Kampa Kampa stand stand CHRISTMAS AND Astand 1000 and 1104 1000 1000 and and 1104 1104 HAPPY NEW YEAR. THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVE SEASON WE SHALL BE CLOSING ON SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2019 AND WILL RE-OPEN ON SATURDAY 4TH JANUARY 2020.

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RECIPE

Mushroom boudin blanc with shallots, sage and apple Serves 6

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

Boudin blanc is a white version of a black pudding made of pork but without the blood. This version doesn’t involve the use of any animals what so ever. The reason I used the French term boudin blanc is because it sounds posh...

INGREDIENTS

GRAVY

BOUDIN BLANC

• • • •

allergens in bold red

• • • • • • • •

1 kilo of shroom dogs sausages contains sulphites

4 large banana shallots 1 can of butterbeans Fresh sage leaves Fresh thyme Bramley apple Nutmeg Maldon sea salt

•

• • •

Handful of dried mushrooms 3 cups of veg stock 1 tbsp of plant spread 1 onion fine diced 4 garlic clove roasted until a paste 3 tsp of cornflour Fresh rosemary and thyme Sea salt and black pepper

• • • • • • • •

100g petit pois Flat leaf parsley 600ml Water Vegetable stock jelly Maldon sea salt Thyme sprigs Garlic clove whole 3 tbsp of Nutritional yeast

PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO • •

METHOD

200g pearl barley 1 large leek trimmed and washed

• Peel the skin from the ‘shroom dogs contain sulphites or Linda McCartney Sausages work well too but they contain soya • Drain the liquid from the butterbeans and set aside for later. • Peel and quarter the red onions, toss in oil, thyme and 1 minced garlic clove and roast for about 30 minutes. • Mash the beans, onions and vegan sausages together thoroughly with grated apple and chopped thyme and sage leaves then roll in parchment paper to get a sausage shape. Go thin or fat it’s up to you. • Wrap with foil into a large Christmas cracker shape and roast for 1 hour (or less time if you make thinner shape) on your roasting tray. • Once cooked allow it to cool for about 20 minutes in the foil. Whilst cooling cook the pearl barley in veg stock. • Bring the water to the boil add in the veg stock, garlic clove, thyme sprigs and barley, boil for 5 minutes skimming off any scum that floats to the top. • Turn the heat down and simmer for 20 minutes then add in the diced leek and continue to simmer for 15 minutes then add in the petit pois and nutritional yeast. 40 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

• You need to retain some liquid from cooking so you can make your risotto creamy. If your barley looks dry add in some of the butterbean juice and then add in some chopped flat leaf parsley, check the seasoning, add Maldon if needed and sprinkle with more yeast and chopped parsley. • Unwrap your boudin blanc and serve on a carving board to the table with a knife for everyone to help themselves. (unless too young obviously). • Sweat onion in plant spread with chopped herbs and make veg stock in a jug. In a coffee grinder blitz the dried mushroom to a powder. Add garlic paste, cornflour, mushroom powder, and then veg stock and simmer until thick. • Serve with roasted vegetables and pearl barley risotto.

For Christmas tea, serve cold, carve thin slices of the boudin blanc and eat with takefood piccalilli madras and sour dough bread

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Super Sleuths Put Their Detective Skills to The Test at Weston Hall Murder Mystery Night DINERS were able to channel their inner Hercule Poirot and put their best Miss Marple impressions to the test during a murder mystery evening in Stafford on Friday night. More than 80 would-be detectives took part in the Great Gatsby-themed event at Weston Hall, which saw a team of trained actors stage a crime for them to solve. The actors mingled with guests, who were wearing an impressive array of 1920s clothing including oversized suits and flapper dresses, during a drinks reception to gather snippets of information to use in their act. When everyone was seated the murder mystery began, with an ‘Inspector’ guiding guests through a scenario while they jotted down clues which enabled them to unravel the other actors’ alibis. Jenny Dodd, event organiser at Weston Hall, said: “It was a very fun evening, and the actors were enthusiastic in getting everyone involved. “All guests seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the food our team created. We’re excited to continue to host events like these to showcase how versatile our venue is. “If you missed out on this event, there is still chance to book tickets for a Haunted House Whodunnit on January 31 which has a supernatural theme.”

42 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Weston Hall, in Weston Bank, provided the perfect backdrop to the sell-out event, with its many original Elizabethan features combined with customdesigned elegant décor. The Grade II listed building hosts weddings and offers afternoon teas, classic English dining at the Cellar Restaurant and eight bedrooms with views over the Staffordshire countryside, together with private event and corporate meeting spaces. The murder mystery was staged by Morecambe-based After Dark Murder Mystery Events, which provides a wide range of themed nights and cabaret dinners. Another Great Gatsby-themed event on November 22 already is already sold out but tickets are still available for the Haunted House Whodunit on Friday, January 31.

For more information visit weston-hall.co.uk or call 01889 271082.

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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.

happy the whole evening through. Party 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.

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.

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 44 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

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!

“Don’t make me laugh!” “I didn’t sleep very well last night” “Excuse me, where are the toilets?” If your inner chatterbox is constantly talking to you with things like that, then you’ll be aware of how energy sapping and time-consuming incontinence can be. Even the word isn’t nice – the images it conjures up are nothing like what you may be dealing with. But it does impact on your mental health, finances, confidence, personal relationships and leisure activities. It can be caused by so many things, and affects women of all ages and yet it’s still a taboo subject. The embarrassment and perceived stigma prevent many women seeking help and finding a solution. If you have gone to your GP, they may have given you little hope as, up until now, there have been very few effective remedies. Without invasive surgery, drugs and very little physical effort, Better Life Now can offer you a solution to those sleepless nights, little accidents and self-consciousness. Fully clothed, you are seated on the Esmella Chair which has been specially designed and engineered to use electromagnetic energy to exercise your pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises are notoriously difficult to do (and who remembers to do them anyway!?) but the Esmella Chair does over 11,000 Kegels in just 28 minutes in a non-invasive, pain-free way.

The treatment is simple, non-invasive and pain free; and is revolutionizing women’s lives in just six sessions over three weeks! The Esmella Chair was bought by Suzanne Morison who had suffered from urge incontinence for many years and was becoming increasingly isolated and anxious. Her days were planned around where the toilets were and what clothes she could wear to ‘hide’ any accidents. “After having my children, I noticed a few leaks which I hoped would stop in time. A busy life meant that I forgot to do my pelvic floor exercises and over time, the problem got worse. The pads I was using were getting bigger and it was affecting my confidence and marriage.” She felt it was something she was resigned to live with which is quite common and can impact hugely on personal relationships, mental well-being and leading a relaxed normal life. But the discovery of this chair transformed her life and after just six sessions, she has gone from wearing thick pads 24 hours a day to a thin one in the day and nothing at night.

By working from the privacy and comfort of their home, Gloria and Suzanne aim to make their clients feel relaxed and unselfconscious about the treatment; soon becoming confidants. “We are happy to leave ladies on their own for some “Me Time” but often stay chatting and have found that talking about their issues makes a huge difference to them.” says Gloria. Another benefit of the treatment can be for those who want a boost to their sex life; whether they have an incontinence issue or not. By exercising the pelvic floor muscles, blood flow increases to the area and it can heighten sensation and awareness during sex. Suzanne and Gloria want this treatment to be accessible to every woman and offer a variety of payment plans to make sure that cost isn’t a barrier to stop women getting to live the best life they can. The treatment consists of just six visits over three weeks and prices start from £49 per month.

“Before the treatment, I would wake in the night and was unable to make it to the toilet in time. I was exhausted, embarrassed and frustrated! But now, I feel I’ve got my life back!” The results were so astonishing, Suzanne wanted to help other women with similar issues and so invested in the Esmella Chair. Working with her daughter in law, Gloria, they want to help as many women as possible get their confidence and lives back.

Suzanne Morison

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Get ready for a Glamorous Christmas

Winter is upon us and we all need to a bit of a lift. We have a range of treatments here at La Minky that will help pick you up and have you radiant and ready for the party season. Christmas Dry Hair Bar Let us add professional finishing touches to your hair, we will take all the stress out of your preparation work for a fabulous evening out at your Christmas shenanigans! All we ask is that you have cleaned washed hair and the choice of style is all yours! • Straight and smooth • Wavey • Curly or drop Curl • Heated Set • Pinned up All the above styles are just £20

Leanne Groom SPMU/Microblading FOR ALL AGES

Now is the perfect time to get your brows Microbladed to ensure they are healed in time for Christmas. Leanne will be a La Minky salon every Thursday & Saturday and will be adding more days soon, please call Leanne direct to arrange your appointment 07557 885162

Holistic Therapies with Carrie Carrie is new to the La Minky team and will be offering various holistic therapies including Reflexology, Hop Ear Candling and Reiki.

Reflexology has lots of fantastic benefits including nerve function, energy levels this promotes relaxation and well-being, pain reduction, digestive health, fertility, migraines and headaches and Insomnia. Ear Candling with lymphatic drainage and face massage this helps with cabin pressure on flights, can improve sense of smell and taste, relief from dizziness, and clearer thinking.

Have you tried every pencil, powder, pigment, gel and stencil at the makeup counter and still not satisfied with your brows? Then Microblading could be for you! Microblading is a form of tattoo artistry where pigment is implanted under your skin with a manual handheld tool instead of a machine. The tool is used to tattoo thin realistic hair strokes which mimic the look of natural hair. Microblading benefits: • Saves time getting ready • Low maintenance • Natural looking • Smudge free • Waterproof • Immediate results • Lasts 1-3 years • Adds shape, colour, length & thickness

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Reiki is known as energy healing where a technique called palm healing or hands on healing this can reduce stress and increase relaxation which triggers the body’s natural healing abilities. Aids better sleep, supports the immune system, balances the emotions and mind, pain relief, cleanses toxins, and can also help with migraines, asthma and eczema. Carrie is offering £5.00 off any treatment when quoting this advert. Please call Carrie direct to arrange your appointment 07926 788947. Remember to book your appointment as soon as you can, 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

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Exciting changes at

Rebecca Baddeley, Owner

There have been plenty of exciting changes taking place recently at Halesowenbased bridal boutique TDR. Owner, Rebecca Baddeley explains: “We are delighted to announce that our new build is complete. We’ve been working behind the scenes perfecting every fine detail and we are proud to announce that the TDR Group is all now all under one roof, which allows us to cater for your every need.” The company’s brand new extension has added 150 square metres to the premises, allowing Rebecca to bring together TDR Bridesmaids, TRD Menswear and Pandora’s Prom at the main bridal store in Manor Lane. “There are plenty of advantages that have come from having

the extra space: more stock, a seamless shopping experience - now that everything is under one roof – as well as a lot more fun! Since the new opening we have been crazy busy, it’s a buzz that we just can’t explain - we believe it’s an atmosphere you just have to experience.” TDR Bridal has been providing brides with a unique and exceptional service for 11 years and that experience has been applied to all aspects of the TDR Group. They have just won two categories in the Global Wedding Awards that took place in August 2019: Bridal Boutique of the Year 2019, West Midlands and Most Outstanding Customer Service, West Midlands A talented team of experts - individually trained in each sector – are ready and waiting to style you and your wedding party to perfection.

50 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019 86

“We are so proud of our team and the experience they create not only for our brides, but bridesmaids and grooms too and we know that everyone will have so much fun when they visit us. We believe that all brides deserve a magical life moment when buying their wedding gown and we also apply the same philosophy to bridesmaids and grooms too.” And, Rebecca and the team have got plenty of exciting in-house events planned for the future: “We are so excited for the future here at TDR and we have planned lots of events that will utilise our gorgeous new space. These events include designer trunk show weekends, summer sales and accessory events, so please keep an eye out on social media for exciting updates,” adds Rebecca. Why not pay a visit to TDR today and make your special day amazing?

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Aristocats

New Autumn/Winter 2019 Collections arriving daily

52 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

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It’s Christmas! And it wouldn’t be Christmas without Slade… Cum on feel the noise at Slade’s Picturedrome Christmas Party. SLADE - Without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain in the past 50 years. With their unique blend of perfect pop rock’n’roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, and no less than 23 Top-20 singles of which 6 were No-1 smash hits…. plus 6 smash albums, Slade have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world. SLADE’S chart career has spanned 5 decades and their enduring songs “Cum On Feel The Noize” and “Coz I Luv You” are still featured today in TV commercials for some of the World’s biggest companies. SLADE first hit the road in 1966, touring throughout Great Britain and Europe and becoming a regular concert attraction. Joining forces with the former Animals bass guitarist and Jimi Hendrix Experience manager, Chas Chandler, Slade achieved their first chart hit in May 1971 with the Bobby Marchan song “Get Down And Get With It” then, released in October of the same year “Coz I Luv You” was the bands first No-1 and a huge hit across Europe. Throughout the seventies, Slade became one of Europe’s biggest bands, touring and recording continually and making regular trips to America, Japan and other parts of the world. Slade’s catalogue of hits are synonymous with the era:- “Take Me Bak ‘Ome”, “Mama We’er All Crazee Now”, “Cum On Feel The Noize”, “Gudbye T’ Jane”, along with the many others provided a soundtrack to the Glam Generation and are still today, heavily featured on any retrospective of the time.

Tickets available from: www.eventim.co.uk/artist/slade/?affiliate=HEJ Box Office No: 0844 249 1000 54 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

At the beginning of the eighties, Slade were invited to appear at the Reading Rock Festival, a massive annual event which attracted over 100,000 people. They literally stole the show, giving some of the worlds biggest rock bands a serious run for their money whilst kindling new interest from a whole new audience. As a result, the band signed a new record deal and unleashed the anthem “We’ll Bring The House Down”, which reached the Top-10 in the UK in January 1981. Slade were back! The early nineties saw the bands “Radio Wall Of Sound” hit the UK Top-30 and thereby give Slade a solid 30 year chart run! Slade today is still one of the most exciting bands on the road, and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock’n’roll.

A date for your diary, Slade are back for Christmaaaas! To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Friday 13th December 2019. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Slade first hit the road in which year? A) 1976

B) 1966

C) 1986

Competition Terms and Conditions Winner to collect tickets from the box office at the Birmighmam 02 Institute on the night of the show on Sunday 22nd December 2019. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available.

We offer a complete jewellery restoration service for that item that has just been loved too much and is tired. For examples see before and after photographs on our gallery at www. djmbespokejewellery.co.uk I currently design and make jewellery for our retail jewellers Emporium 13, based in Sedgley, West Midlands. The shop has been established over 10 years and offers a diverse selection of jewellery not usually found on the high street.

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Contact me personally on 01543 328885 or email sales@djmbespokejewellery.co.uk for all your jewellery based questions I would be delighted to speak further with regards to any of our services.

I have worked in the Jewellery business for 18 years specialising in bespoke handmade designs providing that very personal approach from the outset by way of private consultation. This personal yet surprisingly affordable service enables the client’s involvement from concept to completion. I am proud to guarantee that every commission I make is a handmade, one off, unique design. We liaise with the client enabling them to translate their designs and thoughts and I can provide initial concept drawings where required. Over the years I have found that sentiment can often outweigh the intrinsic value of the specific piece of jewellery. In respect of this I regularly use clients old, or perhaps inherited unwearable pieces and remodel using original stones and precious metal in order to carry that sentiment through to something current, wearable and unique. A popular area with regards this service is the refashioning of inherited loved ones wedding bands and/or engagement ring which, I have found, regularly sit at the bottom of a drawer gathering dust. Clients are often surprised at the designs created from yesteryear pieces and are excited to discover that they could wear loved ones jewellery as a new exclusive designs. Clients are frequently surprised at the affordability of the service. As part of the design service photographs are taken before and during the melting process in order to provide provenance of use. However for extra reassurance, should you wish, we offer the option of you being present at the actual melt. In furtherance of this service it is intended that in the near future clients can actually become involved in the making of their piece. We provide a free inclusive care plan which includes three revisits to us over a period of 5 years during which your item will be checked for the setting of stones and re rhodium plated/polished where required. As this service extends to five years from the date of purchase it enables the item to remain looking ‘as new’.

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SI CANNOCK & DISTRICT YOUR BODY, YOUR RULES Cannock Soroptimists have trained their second group of Your Body, Your Rules Ambassadors within local schools. Your Body, Your Rules is a project which enables young people in schools (Ambassadors) to ensure younger students in their schools are aware of the issues surrounding sending nudes, something which is very common amongst teenagers - and children even younger. The training day, led by Soroptimists Jackie Prince and Trish Mellor, was held in the banqueting suite at Cannock Council offices and these young people, just like last year’s Ambassadors, showed that they will handle the role with great success. PCSOs Laura Bainbridge and Suki Mander were there to chat to the students and to give a police perspective.

badges and congratulated them on all that they had achieved during the day as well as thanking the members of the Club who had delivered the training and those who had provided refreshments - including a wonderful lunch - throughout the day. Certificates were presented by Clare Williams on behalf of Sue Arnold, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, who has supported the project from the beginning. For more information on the work of the club please visit the club’s website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-anddistrict or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ SICannock;

During the day they learned about the possible consequences - emotional as well as legal - of sending nudes on a phone. They learned that it is impossible to delete a photo, it will always be there somewhere within the world wide web- quite a disturbing thought. They learned of the legal implications: it is illegal for anyone to send or receive a nude or semi nude photo of anyone under the age of 18; many were shocked that, in the UK, the age of legal responsibility is 10. Schools represented at the training were Cannock Chase High; Cardinal Griffin Catholic College; Chase Terrace Technology College; Norton Canes High School and Staffordshire University Academy; they were joined by police cadets from the Cannock Cadet unit as well as some of the existing Ambassadors within the schools. Before the day ended each group had a plan for delivery within their own school, year 8 will again be the target group and the first presentations will be over the next few weeks. They will be supported throughout the project by members of Cannock Soroptimists. In addition, the new Ambassadors worked on a strapline for the project which embodies everything they want it to do. The one to be used came from our Norton Canes Ambassadors: The confidence to speak up; the strength to say No

Trish Smith, President of SI Cannock & District, presented the new Ambassadors with their YBYR 58

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

Photos attached: New Ambassadors, existing Ambassadors, school staff and Cannock Soroptimists at the end of a very successful training day

Happy with your Smile? Smiling and eating with confidence is something that most of us take for granted, but if you wear dentures this can sometimes be a challenge. As over time dentures can become worn and loose as the gums beneath them change shape and their chewing surfaces wear. This can often make a person look and feel older than they actually are and restrict their everyday pleasure of eating, talking and even smiling comfortably.Â If you are a Denture wearer, do your dentures feel a part of you? Yes, it is true that dentures will never feel the same as your natural teeth. But these days there are many choices and options and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our job as Dental Professionals to explain these choices without jargon. After all we are all different and one type of denture will never be suitable for all! Did you get a choice of denture or was it perhaps a case of accepting what you were given? Are you aware of the modern denture options? Lots of questions I know, but I am seeking to make an important point! After all, regardless of whether our teeth are natural or dentures, they say a lot about us and are an important part of our basic dignity. So, you have the right to make an informed choice.

British Dental Technology Clinically Compliant | Professionally Produced

Smilecrafters is a private denture clinic in Burntwood. Run by husband and wife team Adrian and Jacquelyn Rollings, who aim to provide a professional and discreet denture service for local people. This ranges from a denture repair or deep professional clean of your dentures through to brand new dentures, so the choice really is yours. Both Adrian and Jacquelyn are fully qualified Dental Technicians registered with the General Dental Council. Adrian has also undergone extensive further training to gain a Clinical Diploma that enables him to use the title Clinical Dental Technician. This means that he can make full dentures for you directly without the need for you to see a dentist and partial dentures if you obtain a prescription from a dentist.

So why not give Adrian & Jacquelyn a call and book your FREE initial consultation at our friendly ground floor clinic in Burntwood.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

PENKRIDGE RUNNERS 2020

Why not become part of our Award Winning Group? Join either our Couch 2 5k programme or our experienced group of runners and let us make 2020 your year to get fitter!

People start running for a variety of reasons. Some run because they want to lose weight, improve their health, compete in races or try something new. Whatever your reason is for running, you’ll experience many physical, mental and emotional benefits from the sport. One of the biggest benefits of running is that it’s good for your health. Penkridge Runners meet every Saturday morning between 9.15 – 11.0am at Penkridge Middle school and every Wednesday evening from 6:30 – 8.0pm at various venues. The sessions are varied and structured for all abilities to improve on general fitness, weight loss, endurance & speed.

Stafford Walking Street Stafford Walking Street took over the Town Centre again on Thursday 7th November, with a vast array of street food vendors, retailers and live music. Hosting the event was breakfast presenter Ian Keeley from 107.3 Stafford FM Road Show introducing Stafford WORD, young musicians 13 Meters , Pippa Attwood, Meatloud and DemenNus and the Harmouze Band , Didi Rugby and Stafford Salsa demonstrated their skill in the last opening Guildhall Shopping Centre. Organiser Lorraine Conkey said; “Another great turnout for this community event, it’s great to see people all ages coming into the town to enjoy. We have already got Christmas Stafford Walking Street organising side underway, it will be the best one to date, with Town Crier Peter Taunton and Deputy Mayor Peter Jones officially opening the event. There is an excellent line up of bands and carol singers, headlining will be glam rock band Hairy Eyeball, Sonic Harmony, 3/6d, Musical Theatre Stafford, Callum Mountford and Theatre 1 with Stafford FM Roadshow hosting. 60

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

We have a mixture of both beginners and established runners so we operate two groups depending on ability. Over the past 12 months we had 24 beginners complete our C25K programme and ran their first ever 5k, some even went on to do their first 10k and further. Many of our experienced runners have also achieved new personal best performances.

We also offer a personalised training plan for you to achieve your race goal. Penkridge Runners are part of England Athletics “Run Together” programme If you are up for a “new challenge in 2020” then email or visit us on Facebook for more details. e. penkridgerunners@aol.com w. penkridgerunners.co.uk We will have fantastic street food and mobile bars once again with late night Christmas shopping from the high street retail shops and free demonstrations within the Guildhall from Ballimano Belly dancers, Stafford Salsa, Dance Nuvo, Argentinean Tango, Stafford School of Music, Stafford WORD and of course late night shopping. The Ancient High House, St Chad’s and The Shirehall will be open to the public with Santa’s Grotto to add to our winter wonderland theme plus a pub scavenger hunt for adults, so something for all ages and tastes” The Christmas Walking Street takes place on Thursday the 12th of December between 3 pm and 9pm for more details you can find Stafford Walking Street on Facebook, Twitter and on website www.lrpartnership.co.uk Photos by Paul MilgateScarrott

New Year, New Legs, NewVEINS You New New New You 5 THINGS SHOULD KNOWLegs, ABOUT VARICOSE What Can Year, IYOU do About My Whilst these will help with symptoms, the only way to

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About 80% situated of varicose women, The clinic, in vein the patients legs atbut night, and at the Wolverhampton The men Vein Clinic Nuffield Hospital, varicose are veins. Mr Hobbs is 42% the with both For further information visit led Keep active: Regularvaricose exerciseveins helps pump blood out of the of men will develop by theintime they reach only surgeon the West Midlands by Mr Simon Hobbs, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, treats Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being affected equally. www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk leg and reduces the congestion in the veins. This particularly currently offering the VenaSeal their 60s many ofmedical these men suffer in silence. the vast majority of varicose veins as walk-in, walk-out uses theto–latest applies peopleinwhose jobs Closure involvesystem, sittingalongside or standing otherstill procedures, under local anaesthetic, with greatly enhanced technology to diagnose and treat popular treatments such as for Exercise long periods. 4. Promotes Long-Term Vein Health recovery compared to traditional surgical treatments. During Radiofrequency ablation, enabling the veins that are the underlying Physical activities such as walking, swimming, and staira consultation, an ultra sound scan will be performed to people to have their veins treated Lose weight: Excess weight can cause compression of the Before Procedure Post Procedure cause of improve unsightly and symptomatic climbing circulation. When your blood flows with minimal discomfort. detect the source of the problem and from the size and veins, especially groin sitting and varicose veins. in Mrthe Hobbs isare theless without restriction, your veinswhilst likely to exacerbate experience position, indicate the best treatment for you. the symptoms of the varicose veins. Even small amounts of the pressure causes veins. only surgeonthat in Westvaricose Midlands weight loss can help with symptoms. currently offering the VenaSeal Recognised bybyallallmajor Recognised majorMedical MedicalInsurers Insurerswe wealso also Closure system, alongside other accept self-referrals Wear compression stockings / socks:IsCompression 5. Professional Treatment the Only socks accept self-referralsfor forself-paying self-payingpatients. patients.For For help withtreatments the flow of blood out of the stockings legs back can to the heart further popular such as information to schedule a Consultation further informationorabout treatments visit www. Certain Solution Compression and can be cheaply fromveins, most but chemists. Radiofrequency ablation, enabling visit www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk simonhobbsveins.co.uk or to schedule a Consultation minimise thebought effects of varicose the onlyYour way to doctor may be yourself able give you medical grade stockings people to have theirtoveins treated contact Gill on (01902) Post 793216. completely rid of them is through treatment fromon Before Procedure Procedure prescription. with minimal discomfort.

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117

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VARICOSE VARICOSEVEINS VEINS are a source of are a source of discomfort and can discomfort and can also significantly also significantly affect your selfaffect your selfesteem. Having esteem. Having these assessed these assessed and treated could and treated could be easier than be easier than you think. you think.

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• • High quality varicose and High quality varicose and thread vein treatments thread vein treatments • • Minimally invasive local Minimally invasive local anaesthetic techniques anaesthetic techniques • • Walk-in, walk out Walk-in, walk out procedures procedures • • Quick recovery Quick recovery • • Insured and self Insured and self paying patients paying patients

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01952 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 117 57 01952 321334 321334 || WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 61

BY ROB TAYLOR

Suzuki Ignis

VERSATILE AND ADVENTUROUS

After spending some time driving Suzuki’s adorable Ignis, I really don’t know why I haven’t seen more of them on our roads. Surely its design and execution meets every one of today’s motoring challenges head-on: it’s infinitely parkable, full of interior space, has good road manners, is cheap to run, affordable to buy and is even sometimes labelled as a (city-compact) SUV. And now Suzuki has just announced the introduction of two further hybrid grades for the Ignis, in order to further reduce CO2 emissions across its range of vehicles – so it’s greener than you’d think too. As an exercise in buyer box-ticking it should be a no-brainer, but still the Ignis languishes behind many of its competitors in our nation’s affection. Why? My best guess is that it’s something subjective, like it’s the vehicle’s styling that puts off most buyers, although I’m rather fond of it and it certainly grows on you as you spend time with it. And if you choose to buy one that’s good, because it’ll last forever: Suzuki’s reputation for build-quality, engineering and longevity is formidable. However I feel the real reason why so few are amenable to 62

this ingenious little car is because it runs vaguely against convention; it doesn’t seem to put stock in the ideals that reign among most buyers right now. Of course, I see it as being all the better for this. Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system is now available across all manual transmission 1.2-litre Dualjet models: SZ3, SZ-T, SZ-5 two-wheel drive and SZ-5 Allgrip 4x4. This is a system which uses a battery pack and clever starter motor to improve efficiency (compared to the non-electrified versions) and provides a helpful boost of electric power, supplied by under-seat batteries, to help facilitate pulling away from standstill or when attempting to join traffic at speed. It’s a really useful and well-conceived piece of kit which makes itself known quickly to the driver: as such the Ignis feels pretty zippy, getting from 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds. Suzuki is a pioneer of the compact lowcost 12V hybrid system which is ideally suited to a small car; its components add little extra weight and reduce emissions by over eight per cent. The top-spec Ignis SZ-5 offers the option of four-wheel drive, although adding four-wheel drive defeats the point of the SHVS in terms of economy – going with a front-wheel drive hybrid engine is probably your best bet. Unless

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

of course the mercury drops below zero, then the 4x4 function will be an inspired choice. I really doubt many buyers will deliberately go off-roading. Interior proportions seem to defy logic when you look at this car and consider its tiny footprint and skinny-tyre set-up. Confronting the driver inside is a simple dash, a very intelligible infotainment system and masses of headroom, which tricks your eye into thinking you’re at the wheel of a much larger vehicle. Lots of kit comes as standard, thankfully, so very little is optional: this top-spec SZ-5 has all the headline stuff as standard, including keyless entry and go, climate control, a reversing camera, lane departure warning system and very clever a brake support system that can warn of impending collisions, prepare the brakes accordingly and even operate them automatically if the driver doesn’t react quickly. Prices start at around £12,000 and top out at around £15,000, so it’s brilliant value for money too. The Ignis drives well – especially in the city, where it is very keen to change direction – and has a diminutive turning circle that makes it feel very manoeuvrable. It is billed by Suzuki as being ‘versatile and adventurous’ and, frankly, it is; but more importantly: are you?

BY ROB TAYLOR

BMW 1 Series

A DEFINITE FRONT-RUNNER IN ITS CLASS

Giving the people what they want is by no means a stupid strategy. Time-honoured and tested in almost every walk of life, it is the story of the new BMW 1 Series. For the first time the German brand has abandoned rear-wheel drive and you’ll no longer be able to get one with a six cylinder engine either.

The arrival of this third generation 1 Series is still a big deal, but for less than traditional reasons. It features a dynamic design, roomier interior, copious bleeding-edge technology and all of the aforementioned positives (or negatives, depending on if you are among the one per cent or belong to the 99 per cent). It looks great, with its shorter bonnet, new standard LED headlight arrangement, trademark wedge-shaped profile and prominent ‘kidney’ grille.

BMW has realised that not giving an enormously high percentage of its customers what they want (i.e exactly what this new 1 Series has is spades: more space, less weight and more efficiency) for the sake of a few is not good business. Apparently, only one in 20 sales of the outgoing model were six-cylinders. And, hardly any appreciated the benefits of the 1 Series being rear-wheel drive. Worse still, few customers even knew which wheels were driven, which brings us to the heart of the matter: more and more people care less and less about cars – in the purist sense at least. Of course, buyers abide by their own criteria and practical concerns, but beyond this, cars are just white goods. But don’t worry, if you still care about cars, hang on for the forthcoming 2 Series – but more on that another time.

Its footprint is almost the same as the previous iteration however cleverly – because of new front-wheel-drive architecture, transverse engines and a lower centre tunnel – occupants enjoy more space – especially in the rear. Boot space is also up by 20 litres to 380 litres; its tailgate can be operated electronically, for the first time, if you choose this add-on option. My experiences with such Tech leaves me aching for old school attitudes to what is patently a non-issue. BMW has always managed to distinguish itself when it comes to interior ergonomics. Dominating proceedings inside is a driverorientated touchscreen control display of the highest order, which is easy to use. The iDrive Touch Controller is still used to control the infotainment system. Everywhere

features high-quality materials and subtle flourishes, such as backlit trim strips. Headline features are Head-up display, BMW Digital Key, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Live Cockpit Plus – and all will surely do much to move metal through showrooms. Prices start at a reassuringly expensive £24,430, however. The 118d will inevitably be a big seller, subject to how tightly the government turns the screws on diesel. A better bet may be the 118i. Both are similarly quick, although I prefer the diesel: quiet for a transverse diesel and with ample torque, it is well matched to the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 1 Series is a highly useable tool, good for city and country and it is as rewarding to sit in as it is to drive. By removing some small amount of choice BMW has given more buyers even more reasons to buy. It’s fair to say that the company had no choice in this matter and that it shouldn’t be penalised for it and yet I am among the one per cent. Even though this is a very good car and a definite frontrunner in its class, I always prefer the option to choose for myself.

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Across: 7 Breeze, 8 Reckon, 9 Ugly, 10 Subtract, 11 October, 13 Needy, 15 Twice, 17 Staying, STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019 20 Pamphlet, 21 Aids, 22 Hovers, 23 Opened. Down: 1 Tragic, 2 Deny, 3 Measles, 4 Probe, 5 Scarcely, 6 Forced, 12 Occupied, 14 Station,

Goodwills 65

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1. NO END IN SIGHT 2. BEANS ON TOAST 3. PART OF THE FURNITURE

9 2 17

rney’? What are Lasting Powers of Attorney? need ttothem? ofI A er do owwhy g PAnd

hy do I need a ‘Lastin W Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are documents

So, we should all have LPAs prepared to ensure that if the

problem arises then we know who will be looking after our in which you decide who will make your decision making. then someone, generally, possibly for years, for making decisions the event you losing occur, capacity. After ainWill, oneofof your decisions for you. but notyour always a family member You make those decisions and you chose the most important Goodwills Legal Services Ltd provides a home visit service attorneys while you are still in goodmust mental make application to the which makes the process comfortable for our clients. Thevery answer is very simple, have documents that you all chose would health. The attorneys typically Court of Protection for to be Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We them can prepare your LPAs prepared now, while be your spouse, your children, or close family.by that court to make authorised adults should have you can clearly make your own When giving instructions for LPAs to your local Goodwills

your decisions. This process is very a Lasting decisions about who should Ifin theplace problem is occurs suddenly, like a stroke or even a car Estate Planning Consultant, you nominate your attorneys long and complex and expensive. It be the named attorneys. crash, and if those LPAs are not prepared, then only the and our legal team generate the required documents. Power of Attorney. can take up to 9 months and several

court, The Office of Public Guardian can chose who will be Forbring further These documents, ‘LPAs’, enable thousands of poundsYour in fees. your attorneys. local Consultant will the information, prepared documents advice and guidance call Mike back to you for the signing process. you to personally choose who will be This is athis very painful process Each year thousands of families have to go through very Humpherson who is the local authorised to make your decisions memberTo tomake have to difficult process because the person who hasfor losta family capacity the LPAs legallySenior functional our legal team then take Consultant representing should you loose mental capacity. did not have LPAs prepared before the problem arose. on your behalf. the LPAs through the process of registration with the Office of undertake Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. Public Guardian. Do not think loss of mental capacity This process through the court can take months and And, you may end up with someone A home visit service is provided to is only a problem for the very elderly involve very significant costs. And of course the may registered and legally LPAs can for thenyour be used youcourt would not haveThe chosen takefunctional your instructions Wills perhaps with dementia. It is not an choose someone who you would not have wanted to make immediately, if needed, or can be placed into safe storage yourself having the legal authority and Lasting Powers of Attorney. age related Anyone can decisions forproblem. you. until perhaps needed later in life. to make your decisions for you. loose capacity at any age. Sadly all it Contact details: There two LPAs, as one dealsas with Property and Financial Please contact your local Goodwills Estate Planning takes are is something simple a fall Even worst is the case where Mike Humpherson decisions, and one with Health Consultant, Mike Humpherson, for further information. or a car crash, or a deals stroke. And this and Welfare decisions. the court may have to choosedetails a T: 0845 678 7010 Contact are: can happen to anyone at any age. professional as attorney, M: 07771 992717 You can chose different people to make decisions for you person in M: 07771 992717 T: 0845 678 7010 each if that works best for you. E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk who will then be charging E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk If youarea do not have the documents www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk www.goodwills.net W: www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk in place and the problem does your estate significant fees,

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

WHO ARE WE? Midlands Water Softeners are a family run business powered by Harvey Water Softeners who have over 30 years experience in the industry. We offer a professional service with professional advice minus the hard sell. Our goal is to provide an exceptional product for all whilst maintaining the highest levels of customer service.

and what you, as a customer, want from our product. Our revolutionary water softener is an industry leader across UK and Europe, designed in Harvey Water Softeners purpose built factory in Old Woking, Surrey. Here at Midlands Water Softeners we feel it’s important to let you know that we only install the Harvey Water Softener. The reason behind this? It’s the No.1 Water Softener on the market and we take great pride in only supplying the best product for our customers.

We are the Harvey Water Softeners dealership for the We have that much faith in our Harvey Water surrounding Midlands area and we can assure you that when you invest in a Harvey Water Softener you’re Softener that it comes with a 10 Year Parts Warranty and a 2 Year Labour Guarantee also! in good hands. Did we mention that they are known to last for What’s our secret? The truth is simple. We take the time more than 20 years also? to listen and educate. We understand the UK market

NEVER HEARD OF A WATER SOFTENER? Not to worry, we’ll explain… A water softener removes calcium, magnesium and other metal cations that can be found in hard water (our tap water). The Midlands area as a whole is a hard water area, this is because we are built on top of Limestone – unlike areas like Wales and Scotland for example which are built on top of Granite (these are soft water areas). The calcium and magnesium in hard water causes us various problems which you may

Midlands Water Softeners Ltd Tel: 0800 038 5926 / 01902 924234 Suite 8, Hilton Hall, Hilton Lane, Essington WV11 2BQ

Email: info@midlandswatersofteners.uk Website: www.midlandswatersofteners.uk 66

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2019

have already noticed, such as;

• Limescale build up/damage inside household appliances

• Hard to remove water droplets around wash basins and taps

• Dry skin and the potential development of Eczema (proven by a University study) • Dry, dull hair and hair loss • Faded laundry

• Hard, crispy towels and clothing after being dried

create your own amazing space

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE UK CANNOCK

173 Walsall Road Bridgtown Cannock WS11 0JH

01543 469400

WALSALL

Birchills House Birchills Ind. Est Green Lane WS2 8LE

01922 746666

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

LICHFIELD

13 Titan Way Britannia Ent.Park Lichfield WS14 9TT

01543 264795

BILSTON

WOLVERHAMPTON

01902 405526

01902 715482

7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

for your nearest store

Carvers Littles Lane Wolverhampton WV1 1JY

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