Staffordshire Outlook February/March 2020 by Staffordshire Outlook

February/March 2020

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a family ticket to West Midland Safari Park Win a pair of tickets to Curtains at the Grand Theatre Win a pair of tickets to The Overtones at the Victoria Hall

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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 Images on this page are recent projects.

A Message From the Editor Hello readers, Welcome to the February/March edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. I hope you’ve all had a great Christmas with family and friends! I want to wish all of our advertisers and readers a Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2020 is a great year for us all! In this edition we have also have plenty of new advertisers including Clair’s Composite Doors for your new stylish doors, Polka Dot Travel for your 2020 holiday and GB Dog Training to get your furry friend trained. All this inside and much more. The winners from the December edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We continue to have some lovely comments from the winners of the great prizes they have won in the magazine. Don’t forget to enter the fantastic competitions in this edition, including a family ticket for West Midland Safari Park, a pair of tickets to Curtains at

The Grand Theatre and a pair of tickets to The Overtones at Victoria Hall, Stoke on Trent. 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

Congratulations to: Winner of a pair of tickets to Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre Natalie Cross, Acton Trussell Winner of a pair of tickets for Slade at Birmingham 02 Institute Pat Earle, Little Haywood Winner of a pair of tickets to the Shire Horse National Show Jody Fowler, Penkridge 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

Enjoy your read …..

Contents

Midland Independent 4/5 Shugborough Estate 6 Win tickets for Grand Theatre 8 Stafford U3A 10 CHAPS 10 Shield Garage Roller Doors 14 Chemical drill in Cannock 18 Puzzles 20 Daniel Wynn Interiors 22 Empire Appliances 23 Tech Aluminum Systems Ltd 24 Lowes Building & Maintenance 25 Win tickets for The Overtones 26 Roofix 27 Linwoods 28 Perfect Primulas 30 Standeford Garden 31 Paint Wizard 31 Top winter weather tips for your pets 34 Stafford Grammar 36 Cannock Caravan Accessories 38 West Midland Safari Park 40/41 GB Dog Training 42 Recipe 44 The Dressing Rooms 47 Exclusive weddings 48 DJM Jewellery 49 New Year, New You 52 A Better Life Now 53 Valentine’s Day 54 Smilecrafters 55 Staffs Fest 58 Sue Starr 59 Stafford Christmas Show 60 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 61 Skoda Kodiaq by Rob Taylor 62 Mercedes by Rob Taylor 63 What are Lasting Powers of Attorney 64 Index of advertisers 65 Puzzle Solutions 65 Clair’s Composite Doors 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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I have had to write this prior to the outcome of the general election so hopefully the contents are still relevant. For regular readers of this column you will know that my pet love is pensions and for the vast majority of individuals especially those approaching retirement, I have highlighted a few examples below.

Employers Workplace Pension These are a “must have” for every employee no matter how old you are. What I find increasingly is that employees nearing retirement feel it is not worthwhile when in essence these are the group that will benefit first.

For example, for anyone with 12 months to retirement on a salary of £20,000 per annum, their gross pension contribution would be £1,000 which after tax relief costs £800. In addition to their contribution the employer will also contribute at least £600 giving a gross total contribution for the year of £1,600. If, after retiring, they then decide to withdraw the full amount, after tax they would receive £1,360 – an additional £560 more than what they paid in. I do not know of any other way to achieve a 70% increase on any savings with no risk whatsoever.

Pension contributions for retired nil rate tax payers This is a little exercise I do for all my retired clients who do not fully utilise their personal allowance. You are allowed to contribute up to £3,600 per annum into a

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

pension if you have no earnings which, after tax relief of £702, actually costs you £2,800. If you then withdraw the £3,600 and it falls within your personal allowance there is no tax to pay so you have received a 25% return on your contribution, again with no investment risk.

Marriage Allowance Again for married couples where one does not utilise all of their personal allowance and the other is a basic rate tax payer, you can transfer 10% of the unused personal allowance saving £250 in tax.

Pension Contributions for higher rate tax payers nearing retirement This is the one area that so many people miss out on. I regularly meet higher rate tax payers who are nearing retirement and are saving into either a

cash or equity ISA rather than investing into their pension. The simple reason why this does not make sense is that for every £600 received net of tax, a higher rate tax payer has earned £1,000 and paid £400 in tax so by saving into an ISA every £1,000 gives you £600. If however this £1,000 was contributed into a pension, the full amount is retained. Then, assuming that on retirement you become a basic rate tax payer, you can withdraw the full amount and after tax you would receive £850, an uplift in excess of 40%. In simple terms, there is no comparison between the two methods of saving.

Over the years the investment opportunities have improved dramatically and investors with smaller pots can now have access to a range of Discretionary Fund Managers that offer portfolios diversified way beyond what was previously available which in turn generally reduce volatility whilst giving the opportunity of better returns. Although, as with most things in life apart from taxes, nothing is guaranteed!

Lifetime ISAs for first time buyers For anyone between the age of 18 and 40 who intends on purchasing a property in the future, a lifetime ISA is a must have savings option. You can save up to £4,000 a year until you are 50 years of age and then when you purchase a property the Government will give you a 25% bonus on your savings.

Ensure your savings are invested in a diversified portfolio that meets your needs and objectives This is something that everyone with savings should regularly review to ensure that their savings are working for them, whether it be cash deposits, equity ISAs or pensions, the difference a well-managed portfolio can add is substantial.

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

Enjoy the great outdoors at Shugborough Estate this February.

Whether you’re looking to make half term plans or simply wish to enjoy all that the estate has to offer this month, be sure to plan a visit soon. The National Trust property in Staffordshire boasts of a historic farm yard, acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, and a dog friendly café and a tea-room for you to enjoy all year round. The Servants’ Quarters are open from February half term, and the Georgian mansion will reopen on 16 March.

Step inside the Mansion Tea-room, perfectly located by the shop, and treat yourself to a larger lunch or a newly launched vegan cream tea. Or, pop into Park Farm Café after your dog walks and grab a light bite and a warming hot chocolate, right in the heart of our farm yard. It’s a great place to stop and recharge your batteries. Every cup of tea you enjoy at Shugborough helps to look after estate now and into the future.

If you visit before 1 March, you will enjoy off peak admissions pricing. You’ll pay just £10 per adult and £5 per child to enter the estate. A family offer is also included at £25 per family or £15 per family with one adult. To take full advantage of this offer, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate and read about their facilities so you can plan a whole day out with the family. Follow Shugborough Estate on social media to keep up to date with their offer and to interact with other visitors. Go greener this February half term with Shugborough’s Green February trail which is free and encourages families to be kinder to nature with easy-to-follow tips. During your visit, drop into the play area, Explorer’s Wood and let the kids run around and enjoy the zip wire for a while before a hearty lunch in the Mansion Tea-room. Advice on which activities from the ’50 things’ list are best to do at Shugborough is available on the website, whether it is cloud watching or making a home for wildlife that your little one wants to do, there are plenty of opportunities at Shugborough. The Estate covers 900 acres of Grade 1 listed Parkland. Take a walk off the beaten track with family or four legged friends and enjoy the misty mornings and the last of the winter colours. You don’t have to stay near the mansion; Shugborough’s ranger team also look after land as far as Great Haywood Cliffs and Stafford Plantation. Make sure you ask at visitor reception for a walks map. Finish your day off with a tasty treat from one of the two tea rooms at Shugborough. Both serve hot and cold drinks, freshly baked cakes and biscuits, and lovely warm meals. 6

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

If you enjoy your visit to Shugborough, keep in mind that there are currently plenty of opportunities to gift your time to the charity by helping out as a volunteer. Challenge yourself, make new friends and shake up the working week. Apply through their website today. 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. 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 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography ÂŠ National Trust Images

Outdoor adventures made at Shugborough Estate Visit Shugborough Estate this February half term for tips on going greener. Enjoy the great outdoors with a walk around the estate, embrace nature and finish your trip off with a hot drink and a slice of cake. nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

Competition

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets for CURTAINS on Tuesday 31st March at 7:30pm. Heading to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 31 March – Saturday 4 April is the smash hit musical CURTAINS, fresh from a run in London’s glittering West End.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of Cabaret and Chicago, this production tells the story of Jessica Cranshaw, star of the new Broadway-bound musical Robbin Hood, who has been murdered on stage on opening night! The entire cast and crew are suspects. Time to call in the local detective, Frank Cioffi, who just happens to be a huge musical theatre fan. With a nose for crime and an ear for music, Frank has his work cut out trying to find the killer whilst giving the show a lifeline. Starring Jason Manford (The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls), Strictly Come Dancing Winner Ore Oduba and Carley Stenson (Les Miserables, Legally Blonde, Shrek, Spamalot and Hollyoaks), this hilarious whodunnit is packed full of catchy songs, unforgettable characters and plot twists galore! Talking about what audiences can expect from CURTAINS, Jason Manford says “they can expect great music, a wonderful and talented cast, hilarious comedy and you’ll be questioning right the way through to the end, whodunit?!”

CURTAINS from 31 March – 4 April 2020 are now on sale. Tickets can be booked in person at the theatre, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk. 8

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

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 Sunday 22nd March 2020. Winners will be notified by telephone. Ore Oduba was recently crowned the winner of which TV show? A) X Factor B) The Voice C) Strictly Come Dancing D) Dancing on Ice Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night of the show on Tuesday 31st March 2020. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity

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Retired-but not retiring? Starting new interests or expanding hobbies is something we often want to do when we have more time to pursue them. The U3A is for the retired and semi-retired. There are now over 1000 groups across the country. Stafford U3A chairman, Tony Pearce says “meeting new friends, learning new skills, exercise and enjoyment are all to be found in Stafford U3A.” Many people wish to take up new activities as they leave full time employment. We have something to engage everyone from the astronomy group, birdwatching, cycling to the ukulele or woodcarving groups, via quizzing or quilting. Singing and dancing are both good for us. We have a fun singing group, one for Scottish country dancing and one with Thai Chi providing a calm way of exercising. We also have Bridge, canasta, chess and scrabble groups which provide quieter moments not to mention mah-jong. Most of our groups meet in the daytime. Language learning — we have French, Spanish, German, Catalan and ancient Hebrew! A chance to refresh or start a new? There are also various levels of walking groups from strolling to Trail walking. With about 70 groups we hope that we have something to interest many people. If there is an activity or interest group

that we do not already cover, we have a member who will help coordinate the starting of new groups. Our coach outings planned for the better weather months start at Leon’s Coaches, then usually pick up in Weston and Rising Brook. For 2020 our first trip will be to Lichfield Cathedral and the Memorial Arboretum with guided tours. June will be to Shrewsbury, then Powis Castle, including a river cruise with refreshments. Norma Jackson looks after both the garden group and theatre trips. Plans are already made for both groups to have their outings by coach and car sharing this summer, going to Coughton Court in Warwickshire to visit the gardens, and a visit in August to Hooksgreen Herbs near Stone. As Tony says “we are all volunteers and costs are kept to a minimum. Join us now and get more out of life. “

For more information please ring Pauline on 01785 259251 or email: psblackmoreu3a@gmail. com.

45th Annual Miners’ Get Together Members who attended the 45th Annual Miners’ Get Together contributed to a collection towards the project to install a national memorial to all who worked in the country’s coal mines at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire. Len Prince, who started work at Cannock Wood Colliery then at Littleton, was a shift change engineer; he spoke to everyone at the annual event to tell them of the proposed memorial which will honour them all. He asked them to help with the fundraising and a fabulous total of £225.00 was collected. Keith Littley who was a charge hand at West Cannock Fives presented the monies to Len, who represented CHAPS - Chase Arts for Public Spaces - the group responsible for the national memorial. The Annual Miners Get Together began in 1974.It is organised by Harry Wilkes for the mechanics and electricians who worked at West Cannock Fives, now they are joined by Littleton and Lea Hall. Harry was himself a shift change engineer at West Cannock No 5 and then at Littleton Colliery. The event has been held now for 45 years, usually on the Saturday between Christmas and the New Year, giving Electricians, Mechanics and Officials the opportunity to rekindle friendships and share stories of their times in the pits.

10 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

The fundraising campaign is going well – please email info@chaseartsforpublicspaces.co.uk for information regarding how to donate. More information about the memorial, to be completed by June 2021, is available on the website: www. chaseartsforpublicspaces. co.uk and on the Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ ChaseArtsForPublicSpaces Photo: l to r: Keith Littley presents the collection to Len Prince

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Chemical incident drill takes place in Cannock A practice chemical incident drill has taken place next to a new housing development in Cannock.

which will help us both to review and improve procedures involving the leakage of chemicals.

The ‘emergency drill’ was organised and carried out by waste management company Axil Integrated Services and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. It was planned more than six months ago but most of the Axil staff were unaware it was happening in a bid to simulate a ‘real life drill scenario’. The actual drill saw 12 people take part, with some wearing gas-tight hazardous material suits, and lasted an hour and 45 minutes.

“The main involvement from ourselves is to save and protect life which can be achieved by liaising with onsite staff and gaining specialist knowledge which we then use to safely bring the incident to a competent conclusion. We achieved this with only minimal learning objectives.” Dr Mark Pennington, Head of Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) at Axil Integrated Services Ltd, added: “Incident exercises like this are normal practice in an industrial setting and there is no reason for the public to panic. We just felt it was more important than ever to carry one out after new homes were built just four metres from our site. We wanted to ensure that both Axil staff and the emergency services are prepared for any potential chemical spill and to aid the understanding of the layout of the site, which accepts a large range of materials with various hazards. “The drill was a success and lessons were learned on both sides. It also provided Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service with a chance to practice putting on the gas tight hazardous material suits, which can be pretty complex, and highlighted some of the challenges when wearing these, including being able to communicate with colleagues.

The drill took place close to the housing development on Walkmill Lane - one that hit the headlines last year amid fears houses were too close to Axil’s Cannock premises, which handles toxic and hazardous waste. The exercise involved the rescue of a mannequin who had theoretically been working in an area where flammable materials were being stored and was found lying on the floor, presumably overcome by fumes. The ‘Site Manager’ had gone to investigate, wearing the correct respiratory equipment, and also became a ‘casualty’. Fire crews arrived on site and to investigate and rescue the ‘casualties’, whilst Axil staff cleared the area to avoid further ‘casualties’. Fire crews identified a container that was leaking (water was used during the exercise) and dealt with it accordingly. After this, a post-incident debrief took place. The drill was also observed and feedback and recommendations given to Axil Integrated Services and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Andy Read, Crew Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was excellent to work alongside Axil Integrated Services to deliver a specific training exercise 18

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

“It is worth pointing out that whilst it is less common to conduct spillage drills, particularly when they involve two fire crews, it is good practice for hazardous waste operators to do them so we can all learn how to manage any potential emergency situation. It is obviously better to learn in a theoretic situation and be prepared for a real incident. This was a positive exercise which went well and displayed some excellent teamwork. We are grateful to Andy and his team for their assistance.”

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Quick Crossword 1

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Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 12 14 16 18 19 21

Red fruit (6) An agreement (6) Water activity (4) Pieces (8) Non-attendance (7) Slightly inebriated (5) Quarrel (5) Brine (7) Holding tightly (8) Pain (4) Customer (6) Soak up (6) Spider's trap (6) Tepid (4) Neat (7) Begin (5) Determined (8) Smells badly (6) Supplied with (8) Line drawing (7) Infrequently (6) Cling to (6) Unclean (5) Plus (4)

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16 Infrequently (6)

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SUDOKU

10 Pieces (8)

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Puzzle solutions on Page 64

1 Spider's trap (6) 20

2 Tepid (4) STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020 3 Neat (7)

4 words www.cute.co.uk www.good-looking.org www.ugly.com www.attractive.net

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 21

IO IG I DE EA AS S I IN NT TE ER RI O R R DDE E SS IG N NI D By Daniel Wynn, Interior Designer- -www.danielwynninteriors.com www.danielwynninteriors.com By Daniel Wynn, Interior Designer ____________________________ ____________________________

Year ,N Start NN ewewYear ,N ewewStart !!

a new year there generally seems to be ForFaornew year there generally seems to be a a

need for change, to de-clutter, change your need for change, to de-clutter, change your looklook start a fresh in the home. andand start a fresh in the home. It can daunting when selecting which room It can be be daunting when selecting which room chose what style Interior to to chose or or what style to to go go for,for, butbut Interior Designer Daniel Wynn is here to help show Designer Daniel Wynn is here to help show youyou how to transform your home a warm neutral how to transform your home withwith a warm neutral palette his trademark luxurious style. palette andand his trademark luxurious style. 2020, some of the major trends warmer For For 2020, some of the major trends areare warmer hues such as caramels, toffees honey, which hues such as caramels, toffees andand honey, which become go-to design will will become thethe go-to for for design andand youyou cancan in your home to make it sophisticated useuse in your home to make it sophisticated andand inviting. inviting.

inspired by hotel bedrooms LEFT: LEFT: Feel Feel inspired by hotel style style bedrooms (Images: Daniel – Interior Design). (Images: Daniel WynnWynn – Interior Design). RIGHT: Harmonious Fabrics to Bottom: James RIGHT: Harmonious Fabrics (Top (Top to Bottom: James HareHare Kai Fabric, Clarke & Clarke) Silks,Silks, Kai Fabric, Clarke & Clarke)

PS DDE SE ISGI G N NTT I PI S Tothat get that luxurious a neutral To get luxurious look look withwith a neutral palette of colours, the is key to make palette of colours, the key to ismake sure sure it allit all balances against other. are Daniel’s balances against eacheach other. HereHere are Daniel’s top tips: top tips:



 Instead of using onwalls, the walls, optafor a Instead of using paintpaint on the opt for textured silk wallpaper in a taupe. soft taupe. textured silk wallpaper in a soft



 When choosing furniture for modern When choosing furniture aim aim for modern reminiscent of art piecespieces that that are are reminiscent of art deco deco classics. classics.



 regards In regards to pattern, it refined In to pattern, keep keep it refined by by opting for beautiful geometrics in a large opting for beautiful geometrics in a large rug rug and accent cushions. and accent cushions.



 Metallics always a best friend Metallics are are always a best friend to ato a neutral scheme. To compliment a warm neutral scheme. To compliment a warm look,look, bronzes and brass. chosechose bronzes and brass.



 Always a variety of textures get that Always havehave a variety of textures to gettothat ‘balanced’ – from: velvets, shagreen, ‘balanced’ look look – from: velvets, shagreen, and porcelain through to frosted and porcelain through to frosted glass,glass, linenlinen and white flowers. and white flowers.



 compliment To compliment a neutral lighting To a neutral look,look, lighting is keyis key to making it is warm and welcoming: to making sure sure it is warm and welcoming:

1. Placing uplighters behind furniture against Placing uplighters behind furniture against will cascade the light around a room. wallswalls will cascade the light around a room. 2. Opt a multiple ceiling pendant Opt for afor multiple ceiling pendant that that will will shower a room shower a room withwith light.light. 3. Choosing metallic finishes for lights Choosing metallic finishes for lights will will the scheme cohesive. keep keep the scheme cohesive.

2. 3.

Silk Textured Wallpaper (TEKTURA) 2. Table (RV ASTLEY) 3. Neutral cushions – KANDOLA, Bottom – KELLY HOPPEN) 1. Silk1.Textured Wallpaper (TEKTURA) 2. Table LampLamp (RV ASTLEY) 3. Neutral cushions (Top (Top – KANDOLA, Bottom – KELLY HOPPEN) 4. Side (BERNHARDT) 5. Armchair (LUXDECO) 6. Faux (JOHN RICHARD) 7. Reed Diffuser (CULTI) 8. Frosted 4. Side TableTable (BERNHARDT) 5. Armchair (LUXDECO) 6. Faux RosesRoses (JOHN RICHARD) 7. Reed Diffuser (CULTI) 8. Frosted VasesVases (EICHHOLTZ) 9. Geometric Rug (THE COMPANY) 10. Abstract Art (LIANG & EIMIL) 11. Porcelain (KATHARINE POOLEY) (EICHHOLTZ) 9. Geometric Rug (THE RUG RUG COMPANY) 10. Abstract Art (LIANG & EIMIL) 11. Porcelain BowlsBowls (KATHARINE POOLEY) 12. Tuxedo Velvet & CHAIR COMPANY) 13. Shagreen Cabinet (THEODORE ALEXANDER) 12. Tuxedo Velvet Sofa Sofa (THE(THE SOFASOFA & CHAIR COMPANY) 13. Shagreen Cabinet (THEODORE ALEXANDER)

22 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

happy to help!

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239

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. 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 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

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 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020 | DECEMBER 2018 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK 2018 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019 Images on this page are recent STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK || NOVEMBER FEBRUARY 2020

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

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Extensions Garage Conversions Porches Alterations Brickwork Chimneys Refurbishments Roofing

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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

Competition

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets to see The Overtones on Saturday 27th June at the Victoria Hall – Stoke on Trent. Multi-platinum selling vocal harmony group, The Overtones are delighted to announce their 11th UK Tour taking place next June / July 2020!

start of an exciting new era for The Overtones. The Overtones member Mike Crawshaw says, “We love performing classic songs and favourites from our albums, there will be plenty of surprises on tour next Summer”.

With 5 top 10 albums and 10 sold out UK Tours, The Overtones will embark on their 11th UK Tour taking place next Summer.

“Over the last 11 years we’ve learnt a thing or two about throwing a party! People come to our shows to let their hair down, get their spirits up and dance their hearts out. We want everyone to leave an Overtones concert with a huge smile on their face and a spring in their step. Next year will be our best tour yet!”

For the last decade, The Overtones have been a household name after appearing on dozens of television shows across the UK and Europe including Dancing On Ice, BBC Breakfast and This Morning to name just a few.

With their innate charm and adherence to vintage modernist style, and a devotion to the timeless appeal of male vocal harmonies, The Overtones are a bridge between pre-rock’n’roll classicism and lively 21st Century entertainment.

After headlining at world renowned venues like The London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall. The Overtones have built a name for themselves as one of the UK’s most prolific live acts. From performing at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace to singing at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in front of one million people. The Overtones have entertained at some of the biggest events on the planet.

They’ve sold over a million albums, made countless TV appearances and filled venues to capacity on tour after tour, all the while building a relationship with their fans that has real depth and devotion.

In 2019, the group welcomed new member, Jay James who rose to prominence working with the likes of John Legend and as a finalist on The X Factor. The announcement heralds the

2018 saw the group release their sixth album ‘The Overtones’. The Overtones - STOKE ON TRENT – Victoria Hall Doors open 7.00pm / Show Start Time – 7.30pm Box Office No: 0844 871 7642 Tickets are now on sale

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

How many sold out tours have The Overtones had? A) 5 B) 15 C) 10 Competition Terms and Conditions

Winner to collect tickets from the box office at the Victoria Hall on the night of the show on Saturday 27th June 2020. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available.

a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not

way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Cannock

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Transform your garden this summer If you are looking to transform your garden this summer, then look no further than Standeford Garden Construction. We are a family run Business established in 1954, and are standard. We provide an now into the fourth generation extensive range of services to of the Wright family. suit every taste and budget. We are the experts in Garden We promise that we will construction, based at Old make your garden the Stafford Road in Coven. envy of your street! Standeford Garden construction Call now for a free no includes many components From small roof repairs new roofs obligationsto quote. within the garden landscaping · Dry Ridge Systems We also provide a supply sector ranging from Driveways, only forRest Soil, Stone, Sand, Tarmac, Block-paving,· Gravel, Ridge Tiles and Repointed Logs Systems and Kindling Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, · Dry Verge General Landscaping, Site Old Stafford road · Chimneys Removed/Repointed Clearance and much more. Slade Heath, Coven · we UPVC cleaning service WV10 7PH Over the 61 years that’ Damage 790238 have been trading, we· are Storm 01902 07748 636549 very proud to say that·we Flat Roof Systems have earned an excellent Like our page on Call for a free no obligation quote: reputation for constructing Facebook - Standeford 07979 836363 or 01785 878550 gardens to the highest quality. Garden Construction All of our work is expertly crafted by trained professionals, and finished to a very high

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Linwood Trade Supplies Whether you’re a first time DIYer, a seasoned home renovation specialist or a professional tradesperson, you’ll find that the staff at Linwood Trade Supplies are always available to give advice and information. We pride ourselves on the quality of our stock and the personal service we give. Take a peek in our warehouse and you’ll find it’s jam packed full of beautiful wall coverings. From top quality wallpapers to all manner of paints and wood stains, we’ve something for every wall and every project in our DIY supplies store in Cannock. You’ll find exciting new wallpapers, traditional wall coverings and all kinds of paint and wood stains, in our well stocked decorating supplies stores in Cannock. Whether you’re looking for emulsion for your walls, gloss for your woodwork or need gallons of industrial paint for that commercial project, you’ll find exactly what you need in our well stocked DIY supplies warehouses in. We stock leading brands such as Dulux, Johnstone’s and ICI, Industrial and domestic paints, for both trade and retail sectors. As with all our decorating supplies, Linwood Trade Supplies always offer extremely competitive prices for all our paint products. You’re going to be spoilt for choice by our extensive range of wallpaper. In fact, we have one of the largest selections of wallpaper in the country. And with so many types to choose 2019 16 26 2018 STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK| SEPTEMBER |OCTOBER FEBRUARY 2020 28 STAFFORDSHIRE

from, we’re bound to have a style you’ll love. Styles from leading suppliers Sanderson, Morris & Co and Harlequin. If you want to add a little colour and protection to your wood, our wood stains are the perfect solution. Available in a range of natural colours and some more unusual variations, they’ll add an extra special touch to wooden items all around your home. You’re no longer limited to natural wood stain colours, but can choose from a myriad of colours including pinks, blues and greens. They’re the perfect finishing touch for floors and to complement your wallpapers, paints and other wall coverings. Of course, no DIY store would be complete without a comprehensive range of DIY accessories. That’s why Linwood Trade Supplies stock all kinds of useful products for all kinds of DIY and decorating projects including all kinds of paintbrushes, including Harris paintbrushes, Wallpaper paste, paste brushes, rollers, painter’s overalls, bibs and braces and dust sheets. Unit 1 Brookfield Drive, Walsall Road, Cannock WS11 0JN www.linwoodtrade.co.uk

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27 29

Perfect Primulas The name primula comes from the Latin for “first” and the native Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a herald of spring in many woodlands. There are many types of primrose, some common and easy and others rare and requiring special conditions. This month I’m going to focus on some I’ve found easy enough for most gardens provided you meet the general requirement for a moist soil and some shade from the hot sun. Primulas can be easily raised from seed but do best from very fresh seed, collected as soon as (or even just before) the seed pods open and sown immediately. If you need to keep seed, then its best in a sealed jar in the fridge. The seed compost must not dry out and a humid atmosphere helps – cover the seed tray with a sheet of glass or a clear plastic bag. In the right conditions seed can germinate in 3 weeks or so. Once the plants have clumped up it is best to divide them after flowering, or perhaps in early autumn in a cooler spell of weather. Dig up the clump and break it into individual rosettes. Shorten the leaves by about half to reduce water loss. Replant or pot up the small plants and keep moist and shaded while there get established. There are lots of British native Primulas, including the woodland Primrose. The Cowslip (Primula veris) is one of the most accommodating, even growing on dry, sunny banks and seedling around to form large colonies naturalised in grass. Hybrids of these natives gave us the Polyanthas – well-loved bedding plants that are nonetheless perennial flowering every year if divided after flowering. One of my favourite types is the Gold Lace Polyanthus with its yellow centre and gold-edged almost black petals. Some of the most dramatic and easy to grow are the candelabra primulas with their multiple whorls of flowers along upright stems. There are many colours and hybrids to choose from including Bessiana (pink), Bulleyana (orange), pulverulenta (deep pink) and the dramatic Inverewe (burnt orange). These definitely need damp conditions and are traditionally grown next to streams and ponds or in woodland boggy areas. If allowed to seed, they will mix and produce plants in many colours. Another favourite is the Drumstick Primula (P. denticulate) with its short flower stems topped with a ball of flowers in white, blue or pink. These tolerate 30 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

slightly drier conditions but must not dry out completely if they are to do well. Primulas can be subject to a few pests and by far the most devastating is vine weevil which seems to have a special liking for fleshy roots. Vine Weevil grubs are small and white with a brown head. If plants are flagging in the spring sunshine, dig or pull them up and search out the grubs and destroy them or feed them to your local Robin! Replant the plants. Apart from that most gardeners will find primulas easy to grow and trouble free. 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. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2020 We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Alderford Lake, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ on Sunday 8th March 2020, free entry to Fair; Carsington Water, Ashbourne DE6 1ST on Saturday 14th March free entry to Fair & Country Park; Sugnall Walled Garden, Nr Eccleshall ST21 6NF on Saturday 21st March, Fair & Garden entry £1; The National Memorial Arboretum, DE13 7AR on Sunday 29th March, free entry to Plant Fair & Arboretum; Battlefield 1403, Shrewsbury SY4 3DB on Saturday 4th April, free entry to Fair; Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU on Easter Sunday/ Monday 12th/13th April, Fair & Gardens £4 (less than half standard price); Middleton Hall, Nr Tamworth B78 2AE on Sunday 19th April, entry to Garden, Hall and Fair £3; Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich B71 4BG on Saturday 25th April, free entry to Fair. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect. For full list of plant fairs for 2020 please see www. planthuntersfairs.co.uk

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Top winter weather tips for pets Remember these tips to keep your pets safe this winter Know your dog’s limits! Some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young dogs get cold more quickly – so adjust the amount of time they stay outside! If your dog enjoys being outdoors and you will be outside longer than a few minutes, consider outfitting it with a sweater or coat to keep it warm. Hypothermia and frostbite pose major risks to dogs in winter, so remember, if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your dog! Wipe their paws! During winter walks, your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of chemicals including salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when you return from walks to prevent him from licking it off and becoming sick. Purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home for an extra level of safety. And when wiping off your dog’s paws, remember to check for signs of injury, such as cracked or bleeding paws. Keep them on a lead! More pets become lost in the winter than any other season because snow can disguise recognisable scents that would normally help them find their way home. Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping dogs on leads and just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped, which is now a legal requirement. Check your car! Cats often sleep in the wheel wells of cars during the winter months to keep warm. If you start your car and a cat is sleeping on your tyre, it can be severely hurt or even killed by moving engine parts. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your bonnet or beeping the horn before starting your car. This will wake up the cat and give it a chance to escape before starting the car.

Avoid the ice! When walking your dog, be sure to avoid frozen lakes and ponds. Your dog could be seriously hurt or even killed if the ice breaks. Leave them at home! Just as hot cars are dangerous for pets in the summer, cold cars pose a threat as well! Only take your pets in the car if it is necessary, and never leave them unattended. Be seen! Due to daylight savings, many of us are relegated to walking our dogs in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog safe by wearing reflective gear (clothing, lead, collar, etc) and keeping your dog close when walking on the street. Give them shelter! Ideally, all pets should live inside. If your pets live outdoors primarily, bring them indoors during subzero temperatures. For the rest of the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the shelter so it faces away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Also, pets that spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal when the temperature is low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to metal. Avoid spills! Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs because it is very sweet to taste, but it is extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death when ingested. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze that spills in your garage, and keep the bottle somewhere your pets cannot access. Be prepared! Winter brings extreme weather that can cause power outages. Have an emergency plan and make sure they include your pets! Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, and medication to last your pets at least five days. Most likely you will never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned ahead!

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

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Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep. School OPEN DAYS Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th March 2020 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. daily No appointment necessary Stafford Grammar School offers the best start in life for children and young people. We provide the best of both worlds: a school with outstanding academic success that feels like a family. We understand that choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. That’s why we hope you will come and visit us on our Open Week and find out what makes Stafford Grammar School so special.

For young people who enjoy the performing arts, Stafford Grammar School is the place to be. With the opportunity to join choirs, vocal groups, Concert Band, Big Band, Orchestra and other ensembles, music is flourishing at Stafford Grammar School. Music performances are held regularly in school and our music ensembles and choirs have performed in the Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. Our Concert Band has received platinum awards in national competitions and has enjoyed successful tours in Spain, France, Italy and Prague. Drama continues to thrive and our school musicals are performed to sell-out audiences. We are currently producing 9 to 5 and over the last few years, musical theatre productions including Les Miserables, West Side Story, Fame, Sister Act& 9 to 5 have been produced to an exceptional standard and received acclaim in the local press. Pupils also have the opportunity to take additional LAMDA lessons and perform in our junior and senior school plays.

We believe that happy children succeed and so we provide the encouragement and support for every child to fulfil their potential. We find the best in everyone and help our pupils discover their strengths and nurture their talents. As one of our new pupils said, at Stafford Grammar ‘everyone can be themselves!’

With such a lively variety of activities, it is easy to see why Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep. School are such vibrant communities. We aim to give our pupils an exciting and challenging education. Based upon the values of hard work, kindness and respect, we strive to provide an enriching education that will inspire our pupils and enable them to make the most of every opportunity in their lives beyond school.

Our Open Days offer you the opportunity to see Stafford Grammar and Stafford Prep. School in action on a real working day. All classes from Reception to Sixth Form will be open and you will be able to talk to the Headmaster, staff and pupils, enjoy a tour of the school and see real lessons.

Our extensive transport network means that we are accessible to families from a wide range of areas. Financial assistance with school fees is available through scholarships for academic, sporting or musical excellence and bursaries based on an assessment of household financial circumstances.

Our school has become established as a centre of excellence and each year our Sixth Form students gain admission to the top universities. Whilst we pride ourselves on being the highest performing co-educational school in the area, the real spirit of Stafford Grammar School is to be found in the smiling faces, laughter and sense of fun that pupils and teachers experience every day.

We look forward to welcoming you to Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep School. Places now available in most Year groups.

There is something for everyone at Stafford Grammar School. Our students excel in sport, music, drama and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and societies. Our sports teams have an enviable record of success, winning local, county, regional and national competitions. Our pupils are continually inspired to excel in sport by others who have gone on to achieve sporting success at national level in sports as diverse as swimming, football, rugby, cricket, athletics, archery and ice hockey.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

To find out more about our school, visit www.staffordgrammar.co.uk or call us on 01785 249752. With so much going on, you can follow @ StaffordGrammar on Twitter and Facebook to read the latest information.

STAFFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Open Days, March 18th- 20th 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.

STAFFORD PREP SCHOOL

www.staffordgrammar.co.uk

01785 249752 01952 321334 headsec@staffordgrammar.co.uk | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 37

CannoCk

Caravan aCCessories

helping you enjoy the great outdoors 28

S TH HO AN W D WE 29 EK TH EN M D AR CH

Come and join us for our show If you’re looking weekend on Saturday forward to taking28th and Sunday 29th March.

your caravan out on

thehave open this We lots of road great offers across the board on allthen of our accessories, summer, you’ll all weekend. need to pay a visit

There will be live cooking to Cannock Caravan demonstrations from CADAC and Accessories first. representatives from some of the Stocking everything market leading brands.caravanners could possibly need – as well as plentywill forbe motorhome Refreshments available. owners the Hope youand cancampers come andtoo join- us! independent family-run business supplieseverything customers with an Stocking caravanners impressive range could possibly needof– products as fromas industry-leading brands. well plenty for motorhome owners andexplains: campers “Caravanning too - the The Team independent business and campingfamily-run is as popular as supplies with an it’s ever customers been as more andimpressive range of products from more people want to industry-leading escape brands. the hustle and bustle of the city and seek out an adventure – or “We’ve enormous maybegot justansome peacerange and of products sale at our 12,000sq quiet - inon the great outdoors. ft store. Our caravan accessory And Cannock Caravan Accessories ranges include everything from can fittings, provideelectric clientsequipment with all those gas essential – and luxury – items and lighting to TVs, barbeques, that’ll makeand theireven trip solar complete. homewares panels.”

“We’ve got ranges an enormous Motorhome include range of products on sale mirror at our 12,000sq storage solutions, ftguards, store. bike Ourcarriers caravan accessory and ranges includeproducts. everything from Fiamma/Thule gas fittings, electric equipment Of course, there’s all-manner and lighting to TVs, barbeques, of spare partsand for caravans homewares even solar panels.” and motorhomes too. Motorhome ranges include storage solutions, mirror There’s also an impressive guards, bike carriers and selection of awnings from leading Fiamma/Thule products. brands like Isabella, Kampa, Dorema, Vango andall-manner Ventura. Of course, there’s of spare parts for caravans “Full awnings, inflatable and motorhomes too. awnings, porch awnings and motorhome There’s also an impressive awnings are all available at our selection of awnings from leading store (over 30 on display).” brands like Isabella, Kampa, Dorema, and Ventura. And whenVango it comes to camping, there’s plenty toinflatable choose from “Full awnings, awnings, as well:awnings “You’ll find everything porch and motorhome you need are for aallcamping trip, awnings available at our apart from store (overthe 30tent!” on display).” And when it comes to camping, With more than 44 years of there’s plenty to industry choose from experience in the as well: “You’ll find everything the team have worked hard you need forcustomers a camping to bring their thetrip, apart from the tent!” finest selection of caravanning and camping accessories. With more than 43 years of experience in the industry

38 66 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

the worked hard “Weteam pride have ourselves on the to bring their customers excellent customer service the that finest selection caravanning we offer. We are of a friendly team, and camping accessories. knowledgeable and always on-hand offer advice.” “We pridetoourselves on the excellent customer service that Theoffer. company has abuilt an team, we We are friendly excellent reputation based on knowledgeable and always the excellent service and topquality on-hand to offer advice.” products that they offer. The company has built an excellent reputation And you don’t have tobased just visiton the service and topthe excellent store to benefit because quality we haveproducts a websitethat thatthey you offer. browse too www. And youaround don’t have to just visit cannockcaravanaccessories.co.uk the store to benefit because we have a website that you “Any website queries are dealt browse around too www. with by all members of the team cannockcaravanaccessories.co.uk in store - who can be contacted “Any website- queries dealt by telephone and our are online with by all can members of the customers also email ourteam in store -departments who can bedirectly.” contacted different by telephone - and our online customers can also email our So, whether you’re a seasoned different departments directly.”

caravanner or maybe just

So, whether you’rewhy a seasoned caravan curious, not visit caravanner or maybe just Cannock Caravan Accessories caravan curious, why not visit and start planning your Cannock Caravan Accessories getaway this spring? and start planning your getaway this summer? wolverhampton west magazine

Come and see us at Dorema, Stand 1030

Come Come and visit usvisit Vicky Come and and visit us us Vicky Vicky on Dorema Stand 1010 on on Dorema Dorema Stand Stand 1010 1010 LouiseLouise onLouise Kampa stand on on Kampa Kampa stand stand 1000 and 1104 1000 1000 and and 1104 1104

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CARAVAN & MOTORHOME AWNINGS CARAVAN ACCCESORIES FIAMMA AWNINGS CAMPING EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT CARAVAN & MOTORHOME AWNINGS CARAVAN CARAVAN && MOTORHOME MOTORHOME AWNINGS AWNINGS SECURITY CARAVAN ACCESSORIES / FIAMMA CARAVAN CARAVAN ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES / FIAMMA / FIAMMA GAS AWNINGS / CAMPING EQUIPMENT / // AWNINGS AWNINGS / CAMPING / CAMPING EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT WATER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT / SECURITY ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT / SECURITY / SECURITY HEATING GAS / WATER / HEATING GAS GAS / WATER / WATER / HEATING / HEATING FULL RANGE OF SPARES

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www.cannockcaravanaccessories.co.uk Unit 4, Watling Street Business Park, (A5 Between Norton Canes & Brownhills) WS11 9XG Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm WEWE ARE HAPPY TO372 BRING 41 YEARS OF OF EXPERTISE WITHIN THETHE Tel: 01543 400 Facebook: Cannock Caravan Accessories WEARE ARE HAPPY HAPPY TO TO BRING BRING 4141YEARS YEARS OFEXPERTISE EXPERTISE WITHIN WITHIN THE 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39 |||| WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK INDUSTRY TO TO OUR PREMISES IN CANNOCK WITH 12000 SQ SQ FT INDUSTRY INDUSTRY TOOUR OUR PREMISES PREMISES ININCANNOCK CANNOCK WITH WITH 12000 12000 SQFT FT

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ROAR-SOME NEW ARRIVALS ARE PRIDE OF SAFARI PARK… The cat’s out of the bag at West Midland Safari Park as keepers announce the exciting arrival of two litters of incredibly cute African lion cubs. After a gestation period of around four months, tenyear-old Scar gave birth to three cubs on 27 August 2019, with the second litter of four cubs following three weeks later on 17 September 2019, for sevenyear-old Amber. Now with both sets of cubs around four months old, they are almost ready to meet the public. Keepers suspected that the two females might be expecting after witnessing mating behaviour with dominant male, five-year-old Tsavo, who arrived at the Park with his two brothers in 2016. Tsavo is dad to both sets of cubs, making the seven adorable youngsters half-siblings. As with all animals born at the Park in 2019, keepers have chosen names for the cubs beginning with

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

the letter ‘H’. Scar’s cubs have been called Hunter, Hercules and Hernatty (two males and a female), whilst Amber’s are named Harabi, Hodge, Havoc and Hira (three males and a female). Head Keeper of Carnivores, Chris Hodgkins, said, “We are so excited to share our news about our latest arrivals. As both Scar and Amber are firsttime mums, we wanted to disturb them as little as possible, so this has meant keeping them away from the rest of the pride in a special area of our lion house. Now both sets of cubs have had all their vaccinations and have been introduced to each other, as well as some of the pride, they are almost ready to meet the public, from February half term.” He continued, “Both mums gave birth to their litters with no struggles and have proven to be excellent

mothers. We left them alone for the first few days, checking on them occasionally from a distance to make sure they were moving around and feeding well. Once the cubs became a bit more active, we started to introduce them to the different areas of the lion house, whilst the rest of the pride were out on the Safari. This gets them used to the different textures, sights and smells and it was great fun watching them tentatively take their first steps in the new areas. “Once both sets of cubs had their vaccinations and health checks at eight weeks and twelve weeks old, we mixed the mothers and cubs together. The cubs instantly started playing together, chasing each other around and jumping all over both mums. They have been inseparable ever since and we often find them all cosied up together or playing.”

West Midland Safari Park is open every weekend during the winter and opens daily for the summer season from 15 February. Admission prices are £24.00 for adults, £20.00 for children aged 3-15 years and £22.00 for concessions. Children under the age of three are free.

Over the next few weeks, keepers will start to introduce the cubs to the rest of the pride, including dad, Tsavo and uncles Jilani and Jengo. From February half term (15 February 2020), guests will be able to get their first glimpses of the fearsome felines, on the drive-through safari.

Further information and a range of VIP experiences are available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ WestMidSafari.

This month we have teamed up with West Midland Safari Park and one lucky reader will win a family ticket.

Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Saturday 29th February 2020. Winners will be notified by telephone.

For your chance to win please answer the following question:

Competition Terms and Conditions

All of the animals which were born the park in 2019, their names began with which letter? A) E

B) C

C) H

Admission includes a summer Free Return Ticket and discounts of up to 35% are available when booking in advance online. The Adventure Theme Park is closed during the winter season.

Winner will be chosen from random from all the correct entries and notified by telephone. Prize is a family ticket this will be for four persons to visit on one occasion. Not valid during special events. Theme Park rides charged extra. Prize must be redeemed by the 6th November 2020. No cash or alternative prize available.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 41

GB Dog Training is owned and run by Gavin Beechey Gavin is passionate about helping you gain the very best from your relationship with your dog.

aggression and anti-social behaviour, socialising your pets in a controlled manner. With a pocket of dog treats for those positive moments, consistency and determination, there is no problem that we cannot help with. There are no gimmicks used just a love of working with dogs. Guiding owners to become positive dog handlers, to lead and set boundaries for both of you to abide too. Always remembering that sometimes it is the owner/ handler that needs to change, so that the dog has a role model to follow. This will ensure that a positive and loving bond is built with dog and handler.

We give you help and advice with all aspects of training your dog, from walking on a loose lead to coming back when called. We deal with behavioural problems including antisocial behaviour, barking, inappropriate chase behaviour and aggression. We will give you support and advice with all of these areas working together to overcome them. You will have the opportunity to experience training in ‘real life’ scenarios such as working alongside roads if cars are a problem. Support staff will bring out my dogs to aid work overcoming

We regularly hold dog socialisation walks which are always very popular! Only dogs that have previously attended a one to one lesson with Gavin are able to attend. We charge £5 per dog for the walk. Please see below some of the great reviews that happy clients have left. Freddie is my Hillbrae rescue Staffie. He was so scared of anything and everything, on 2 or 4 legs, that he’d start to growl and snarl at other dogs, and even the vet. Gavin has spent time gaining Freddie’s confidence and explaining, more importantly, to me what psychology is going on to understand why he was reacting how he was. Today Freddie walked around Apley Woods as a different, confident dog, wagging his tail at every dog he met. Thanks Gavin, as you keep saying, it’s life changing. Jo Rees If anyone needs a dog trainer, I can highly recommend Gavin. Me and Sweep have been for our second lesson today for his & my anxiety meeting new dogs (I was probs the most anxious lol) Best decision I have made with Sweeps training was contacting Gavin. A1 & 5 star service. Looking forward to our next session! Nichola Jane Brown Gavin is great guy he really knows his stuff with dogs he makes me feel confident there is hope for my shadow who is a Cyprus rescue and has anxiety issues around other dogs. Gavin is a genuinely nice guy who you can have a good chat with nothing less than a 10/10 from me Elizabeth Leanne

42 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

GB DOG TRAINING PROFESSIONAL FAMILY BUSINESS

HOME VISITS AND GROUP SESSIONS AVAILABLE Lead Pulling Aggression Anxiety Barking

Greeting visitors Jumping up Poor recall

Fully Insured MY ABSOULTE GUARANTEE TO YOU IS IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH ANY TRAINING SESSION OR RESULTS YOU PAY NOTHING

At GB Dogtraining we pride ourselves on providing a high level of service and expertise in the training of dogs. From puppy socialisation to basic obedience to behavioural issue we can help.

Visit www.gbdogtraining.co.uk Mobile: 07583 954991 Like our Facebook page GBdogtraining.uk and see all of our fantastic reviews from happy customers.

See our recommendations and 5 star reviews on Facebook

RECIPE

Butternut & Chicken soup, Aromatic and naturally sweet with ginger Serves 6

Here’s something to get you into the mood for a healthier new year. Remember it’s not just about cutting things out but including things into your diet such as fibre and antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS

CHICKEN SKIN CRACKLING

Rapeseed oil Black pepper Turmeric, Maldon sea salt

The 3 reserved chicken skins Maldon sea salt

CHICKEN

USEFUL INFO

3 chicken breast skin removed and reserved Rapeseed oil Maldon sea salt

Pre heat oven to 180oC Cooking time 1 hour 15 minutes.

Preparation time 20 minutes Course - Winter warmer for lunch or your evening meal

METHOD

• Top and tail the squash then cut down the middle length ways and spoon out the seeds. Peel if you want to and cut into 1 inch chunks. • Spray the squash with low cal oil and place on a baking sheet, season with slat, pepper and rosemary then bake for about 30 minutes or until soft and browning a little. • Peel and fine dice the shallots and ginger and in a pan sweat off on medium heat in a little rapeseed oil, finely slice the coriander stalks and add to the mix. Now remove from the pan leaving any oil you can behind and turn the heat to full and then add the chicken breast and maybe a little spray of oil if the pan is too dry. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides and put on a Baking sheet / roasting tin. Roast in the oven for about 18 minutes. • While the chicken is roasting away re heat the coriander stalks, shallots and ginger and add in the roast squash leaving a few chunks for garnish. Now add the turmeric, sea salt and black pepper, add in the vegetable stock and coconut milk, heat the stock and milk then use the stick mix to puree the contents, if you find it a bit runny you can simply simmer it until it reduces down to your desired thickness. • Remove the corn from the cob and steam for a few minutes. • If you want to use the chicken skin you will need 2 identical baking sheets. Line one with parchment and stretch the skin apart so it lays as flat as possible and season, trim the skin if there is a little too much fat. Place another piece of parchment over the top of the skin then place the other tray on the top to keep the skin flat as it cooks. Roast for about 20 minutes and once crisp either garnish 44 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

your soup with the shard or chop into small bits with fresh chives and sprinkle over your soup just before serving. • To serve the soup pass it through a sieve to make a smooth soup or leave it as is with a few lumps and bumps that escape the blending process. Pour the soup into your bowls, carve the chicken breast at an angle and sit in the soup, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sweetcorn and thinly sliced red chilli. If using the skin just liberally sprinkle all over the breast and finish with a clump of fresh chives. Serve with some freshly baked sour dough bread. I’ve switched to flora plant based buttery just to cut out a few animal products here and there. I find the flora doesn’t do a bad job of resembling butter.

Experience the Gourmet, Tasting or A La Carte menus available in our 2AA Rosette Restaurant or relax and unwind with great food and drink by the blazing log fire in our Lounge Bar.

Our award-winning Orangery Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience; the magnificence of our location coupled with the temptations of our menus.

Whichever choice you make we promise you the freshest, finest dishes accompanied by unrivalled quality and service in a spectacular setting The Moat House Hotel, Lower Penkridge Road, Acton Trussell, Staffordshire ST17 0RJ Tel: 01785 712217 Email: info@moathouse.co.uk www.moathouse.co.uk

Would you like to reach over 40,000* readers in Cannock, Stafford and surrounding areas?

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

* over a 2 month period

For further details on promoting your venue Call Sharon Caldwell on: 01952 321334 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 45

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.

46 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020 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?

wolverhampton west magazine

TDRBridal tdrbridal tdrbridal

0121 423 2777 Option 1

24 Manor Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8QB

Open: Monday: 9:30am - 8pm Tuesday: 9:30am - 8pm Wednesday: 9:30am - 3pm Thursday: 9:30am - 8pm Friday: 9:30 - 5pm Saturday: 9:00am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm

hello@tdr-bridal.co.uk

The Moat House at Acton Trussell launches exclusive use weddings for 2020

Newly engaged couples looking for a venue in the West Midlands will be interested to find out that The Moat House at Acton Trussell is launching exclusive use weddings. Exclusive wedding parties at The Moat House will have the freedom of the whole property, with plenty of space for as many as 200 evening guests as well as the capacity to host quieter and more intimate celebrations. With a limited number of dates remaining for 2020, available dates in 2021 and 2022 are expected to fill fast. Steeped in history, the Grade II listed manor house dates back to the 1500s and has had a number of extensions and additions over the centuries, including The Orangery Restaurant which has held two AA rosettes for 21 years. Couples will have the opportunity to sit with the Head Chef to craft a uniquely personal menu for their wedding breakfast. When it comes to food and drink, the tastes of modern brides and grooms looking for more personalised and informal dining experiences have been considered - so whether it’s a four course fine dining meal or an interactive, carveat-the-table roast dinner couples want, they’ll be well-catered for here. Relaxed grazing tables and feasting platters are expected to be a popular choice for less traditional couples. Those couples opting for exclusive use will be able to take their pick of four ceremony spaces: The light-filled Orangery, usually home to the award-winning restaurant; the Lakeside Pergola set in the picturesque grounds; the oak-beamed and intimate Colin Lewis Suite; or the large and versatile Acton Suite, which has views out over the canal and stunning Staffordshire countryside. Emily Lewis, Director, says: “Tradition is important to us, but the needs of modern couples are changing and we want to reflect that. We believe every couple is unique and every couple deserve to feel extraordinary on their wedding day. With exclusive use we are offering the chance to make The Moat House completely yours for 24 hours.” 48

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

Couples can take advantage of the venue’s invaluable wedding concierge service - a team of professional wedding and event coordinators whose job is to take the stress out of your big day. With exclusive hire, use of all 41 bedrooms in the four star hotel is included, providing overnight accommodation for the couple and up to 92 friends and family members. The announcement that The Moat House is open for exclusive use weddings coincides with the launch of the venue’s new website by Provoke Marketing & Design. Couples who want to find out more can visit the website to arrange a viewing with the wedding concierge, or book a menu tasting to get a flavour of the food they could be enjoying on their big day.

The Moat House Lower Penkridge Road, Acton Trussell, Staffordshire, ST17 0RJ info@thelewispartnership.co.uk www.moathouseweddings.co.uk

01785 712217

The Moat House is the flagship venue of The Lewis Partnership, a family-owned hospitality company established in 1988. Renowned across Staffordshire and the West Midlands for its award-winning food and unrivalled service, The Orangery Restaurant at The Moat House has held two rosettes for 21 years. The venue also has a 41 bedroom, 4AA* hotel and is conveniently located less than 2 miles from M6 junction 13.

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.

Are you looking for a beautiful unique gift for your loved one this Valentines? Then contact DJM Bespoke Jewellery. 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.

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.

Happy

VALENTINES

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’.

01543 328885 sales@djmbespokejewellery.co.uk www.djmbespokejewellery.co.uk

01952 321334 01952 321334|| WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK |WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 51 49 01952 321334 51

Aristocats

WINTER SALE

50 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

• • • • • • • • • • •

Aldo Martins Basler Betty Barclay Eugen Klein Faber Frank Walder Joseph Ribkoff Just White Olsen Oui Rabe

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

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

Tel: 01902 344003

New Year, New You! Set realistic goals to achieve New Year’s resolutions On the eve of 2019, many of us will follow the tradition of making a New Year’s resolution. But realities show that most of us won’t achieve that resolution by the time 2020 comes around or maybe ever.

simply saying you’re going to lose weight or stop smoking won’t happen if you don’t have a plan and specific goals to do so. Set small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of overwhelming goals on Jan 1st. If your goal is to lose weight, figure out what steps you need to work on to achieve that. That could mean finding time in your schedule to go to the gym or finding other ways to exercise that you can squeeze in. If it’s to save money, it might mean also taking time to pack a lunch to take to work every day rather than going to the sandwich shop next door (that might help you achieve your weight-loss goal, too). If you’re trying to stop smoking, recognise most people can’t quit cold turkey and you’ll probably need to find some stop smoking tools or classes. Set benchmarks, but make them realistic. Don’t expect to lose 2 stone that first month, for example. Perhaps your resolution is simply that you weigh less at the end of January than you did on the first of the month, and the same applies for February and March until you get an idea of what is realistic. Then set goals for future months based on what you learned.

Some people will make resolutions that are mostly out of their control, “I’m going to fall in love this year,” or “I’m going to get my dream job”, but there are plenty of achievable lifestyle changes we could all make to improve our health and well-being in the coming year.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t quite hit or goals or ended up cheating a little. Smoking a cigarette after a high-stress day at work doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Neither does having dessert one night when you’re out with friends. Keep your eye on the long-term prize.

Whether it’s to lose weight, save more money or quit smoking, the reality is that making a New Year’s resolution is simple goal-setting, something that most of us likely do every day at work or elsewhere in our lives. Some of those achievements are big, and some of them are minor victories. And whether we realise it, most of those achievements came from having a plan.

If you can, find someone who shares a similar goal. Find a workout buddy or someone at work who used to smoke and could be leaned on for support.

New Year’s resolutions tend to be sweeping declarations of improvement in the coming year. But STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK| FEBRUARY | JANUARY 2020 2019 22 STAFFORDSHIRE 52 OUTLOOK

Lifestyle changes are hard, because our behaviours, both the good and the bad, are developed over time. If you set a resolution to make a change in 2019, recognise that it won’t be easy. But let’s all resolve to make a positive change in the coming 365 days and set a prize for achieving it.

The last taboo Women of all ages are making strides in their lives like never before – we really are “Sisters doing it for ourselves”! But there is still one barrier which needs to be broken down and for women to talk about. Those annoying leaks, dribbles and accidents which happen when we laugh, sneeze or exercise. 7 million women in the UK – of EVERY age – have an issue with incontinence. This could be due to giving birth, surgery, the menopause or neurological issues – none of which are shameful or unnatural. And yet, we suffer in silence and shame; limiting our social lives, feeling anxious and isolated and spending £1,000s on products unnecessarily. We have a pain free, non-invasive treatment which is revolutionizing women’s lives in just six sessions over three weeks! The Esmella Chair was bought by Suzanne Morison, the founder of the company, who had suffered from urge incontinence for many years and was becoming increasingly isolated and anxious. The results were so astonishing, Suzanne wanted to help other women with similar issues have a “Better Life Now” and knew with this revolutionary treatment she could.

Working alongside her daughter in law, Gloria, they work from the privacy and comfort of their home, aiming to make their clients feel relaxed and unselfconscious about the treatment; soon becoming confidants. They want this treatment to be accessible to every woman of every age 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. Please call Suzanne or Gloria on 01543571833 or 07376 069032 for a confidential chat or take a look at the website www.betterlifenow.co.uk

A New, Exciting Breakthrough Treatment from the United States to Treat ‘OOPS Moments’. REMAIN FULLY CLOTHED

NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURE

75% PAD REDUCTION

WALK-IN WALK-OUT PROCEDURE

CALL 01543 571833 / 07376 069032 EMAIL info@betterlifenow.co.uk WEBSITE www.betterlifenow.co.uk

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321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK town & 01952 village life magazine | january/february 2020 53

St. Valentine's Day - A Mystery of Love

As a nation we are not particularly prone to celebrating saints’ days. We don’t do as many parts of Europe do, hold fun-filled festivals to celebrate this or that saint’s memory. Few of us celebrate a saint’s day dedicated to ourselves as they do in France say. Indeed if you asked the average personin-the-street to name any saint and the day he or she is celebrated, St.Valentine’s Day would probably be the only one they could name with any certainty. Stranger still is the fact that this particular saint is no longer included on the Vatican’s ‘official’ list of saints. So who was this extraordinarily persistent saint, when did he live? Where did he come from? And why for goodness’ sake, does he represent everlasting and passionate love? There are several candidates. Some say he was a bishop from Terni who met a martyr’s death in Rome either during the time of Claudius the Second or perhaps Aurelian. If during the latter’s period of influence, then the date has been set at AD 271 with the event actually occurring on February 14th. Then there was a Roman priest martyred for his faith in AD 269, an Umbrian bishop executed in AD 273 and any of a series of nameless centurions who followed their Christian loved ones into the arena when they were condemned to martyrdom for their beliefs. Trying to relate the dates of these martyrs to February 14th is hardly possible because the calendar has been changed radically since those ancient times. February 15th saw the start of the Roman festival of Lupercalia which was a favourite time for Roman emperors to stage mass executions for the edification of the Roman people.

40 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY 2019 54 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

The Lupercalia was also a festival dedicated to the celebration of fertility and indirectly love. Young men roamed the streets dressed in the skins of sacrificial animals, in pursuit of any woman or girl they could catch. Any female touched by one of these young men was assured of her fertility in the coming year - for one reason or another! The river god Pan was also said to roam abroad at this time and could be encountered in the reeds by rivers and streams. Doubtless many an encounter took place but whether Pan was responsible for the result is an open question! The Romans brought the Lupercalia to Britain but it is pretty certain that a similar festival pre-dated its arrival. The Romans as usual, simply mixed and matched both religions and festivals and added them to their own extensive pantheon of gods and list of celebratory events. It is an interesting fact that only in Britain is this festival still observed. A similar custom once observed in France on the 1st day in Lent and dedicated to Pan and Juno is long defunct. When trying to trace the shadowy figure behind the legend, the fact that Roman soldiers were the main celebrants of the day does indicate a connection with that unfortunate centurion, though whether he died voluntarily for love, was executed for some misdemeanour or was killed accidentally while shepherding his prisoners into the arena, will probably never be known. The truth is the day is probably a composite of several Pagan festivals, Christianised at some time by missionaries in the way they did at the time and given the name of some unfortunate martyr who just happened to meet his death at around the appropriate date. The Lupercalia itself was eventually superseded by the Feast of Candlemass, and St.Valentine, whoever he was, was left on the calendar of saints because there was simply no one else to claim the day. One thing is certain, if he did indeed exist as a person, he would have been amazed to know how long his sacrifice would be remembered.

New Year New You? 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 time of year, can be ideal moment for new dentures particularly if you have an upcoming event, family occasion or even a holiday in the coming months. Or perhaps you just want something to give you a lift and added sense of confidence. 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 55

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WHAT IS LIPOFREEZE? WHAT ISIS LIPOFREEZE? WHAT LIPOFREEZE? Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or Fat Freezing) is a new phenomenon and proven non-invasive Lipo procedure. Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or or Fat Freezing) is is a new phenomenon and proven non-invasive Lipo procedure. Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze Freezing) a new phenomenon proven non-invasive Lipo procedure. It uses cooling technology that Fat results in localized fat reduction. Theand technology behind Cryolipolysis, was It uses cooling technology that results in localized fat reduction. The technology behind Cryolipolysis, was It uses cooling technology that results in localized fat reduction. The technology behind Cryolipolysis, was designed and developed by dermatologists at Harvard Medical University. Their analysis revealed that fat designed and developed by dermatologists at Harvard Medical University. Their analysis revealed that fatfat designed and developed by dermatologists at Harvard Medical University. Their analysis revealed that cells are more responsive totothe effects ofofcold inincontrast totothe surrounding tissue. Fat cells crystallize cells areare more responsive thethe effects cold contrast thethe surrounding tissue. FatFat cells crystallize cells more responsive to effects of cold in contrast to surrounding tissue. cells crystallize atatdifferent temperatures causing complete cell death. It is specific in breaking down the fat cells whilst different temperatures causing complete cell death. It is specific in breaking down the fat cells whilst at different temperatures causing complete cell death. It is specific in breaking down the fat cells whilst sparing all the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve fibers. sparing all the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve fibers. sparing all the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve fibers.

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Dieters Dieters turn toto Dietersturn turnto ‘fat ‘fat freezing’ totolose lose ‘fatfreezing’ freezing’to lose DOES IT Christmas love DOES ITWORK? WORK? Christmas love DOES IT WORK? Christmas love YES There are numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before &&after photos which support the YES - There areare numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before after photos which support thethe YES - There numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before & after photos which support effectiveness of fat freezing. It is widely known as one of the most effective non-surgical fat loss solutions, effectiveness of fat freezing. It is widely known as one of the most effective non-surgical fat loss solutions, handles effectiveness of fat freezing. It is widely known as one of the most effective non-surgical fat loss solutions, handles handles capable ofoflosses up toto59% during clinical trials ofoffat cells ininain session. capable losses upup 59% during clinical trials fatfat cells asingle single session. capable of losses to 59% during clinical trials of cells a single session.

HOW DOES IT HOW DOES ITWORK? WORK? HOW DOES IT WORK? AAspecial vacuum suction cup/handpiece with cooling plates isispositioned on the selected body area. The special vacuum suction cup/handpiece with cooling plates positioned onon thethe selected body area. The A special vacuum suction cup/handpiece with cooling plates is positioned selected body area. The area is then chilled fat cells are especially sensitive to cold exposure. Cooled fat cells crystallize and as area is then chilled fat cells are especially sensitive to cold exposure. Cooled fat cells crystallize and asas area is then chilled - fat cells are especially sensitive to cold exposure. Cooled fat cells crystallize and aaresult no longer function inintheir usual way and breakdown (Apoptosis) via the body’s natural functions. result nono longer function their usual way and breakdown (Apoptosis) viavia thethe body’s natural functions. a result longer function in their usual way and breakdown (Apoptosis) body’s natural functions.

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WHEN WILL I ISEE RESULTS AND ARE THEY PERMANENT? WHEN WILL SEE RESULTS AND ARE THEY PERMANENT? WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS AND ARE THEY PERMANENT? This depends on the individual, the fat thickness, and the area treated. Changes happen over aanumber This depends onon thethe individual, thethe fatfat thickness, and thethe area treated. Changes happen over number This depends individual, thickness, and area treated. Changes happen over a number WHAT IS LIPOFREEZE? WHAT IS LIPOFREEZE? WHAT IS LIPOFREEZE? ofofweeks, so some patience is required 12 weeks being the estimated time to see the maximum result, weeks, soso some patience is is required - 12 weeks being thethe estimated time to to see thethe maximum result, of weeks, some patience required - 12 weeks being estimated time see maximum result, Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or Fat Freezing) is a new phenomenon and proven no Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or Fat Freezing) is a new phenomenon and proven no Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or Fat Freezing) is a new phenomenon and proven although some of our clients begin to see changes at around 2-3 weeks. In clinical trials 12 weeks although althoughsome someof ofourourclients clientsbegin beginto tosee seechanges changesat ataround around2-3 2-3weeks. weeks.In Inclinical clinicaltrials trials1212weeks weeks post treatment, 9 out of 10 people saw an undeniable reduction in the treated area when comparing post ofIt 1010people saw an reduction inin the treated when comparing Itout cooling technology that results localized fat reduction. The technology posttreatment, treatment,9 9out ofuses people saw anundeniable undeniable reduction treatedarea area when comparing in Ituses uses cooling technology that results in localized fat reduction. The technolog cooling technology that results inthe localized fat reduction. The technolo measurements and photographs. The fat cells that will are crystallized through the Cryolipolysis procedure measurements and photographs. The fat cells that will are crystallized through the Cryolipolysis procedure measurements and photographs. The fat cells that will are crystallized through the Cryolipolysis procedure designed and developed by dermatologists atatat Harvard Medical University. The designed and developed byby dermatologists Harvard Medical University. The designed and developed dermatologists Harvard Medical University. T are absorbed by the body’s natural processes. Once destroyed the fat cells cannot grow back as long as areare absorbed byby thethe body’s natural processes. Once destroyed thethe fatfat cells cannot grow back asas long asas absorbed body’s natural processes. Once destroyed cells cannot grow back long cells are more responsive to the effects ofof cold ininin contrast to the surrounding cells are more tofat the effects cold contrast toto the surrounding cells are more responsive to the effects of cold contrast the surroundin surroundi you maintain aahealthy lifestyle, providing aresponsive fat reduction ininthe area treated. you maintain healthy lifestyle, providing apermanent permanent fat reduction thethe area treated. you maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing a permanent reduction in area treated.

atatat different temperatures causing complete cell death. ItIt isItis is specific ininin breakin different temperatures causing complete cell death. specific breakin different temperatures causing complete cell death. specific break sparing allall the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve fibers. sparing all the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve fibers. sparing the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve fibers.

ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS Target Excess Fat & Reduce Cellulite Target Excess Fat Reduce Cellulite Target Excess Fat &&Reduce Cellulite DOES WORK? DOES ITIT WORK? DOES IT WORK? • Treat 4 areas simultaneously to reduce time and costs Treat upup 4areas areas simultaneously reduce time and costs ••Treat up toto4to simultaneously totoreduce time and costs YES - There are clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before &after aft YES There are numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before YES -- There are numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before && after • Clinically Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective •Clinically Clinically Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective •numerous Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective •freezing. The latest to banish unwanted fat permanently •freezing. The latest banish unwanted fatof permanently effectiveness iswidely widely known as one the most effective n effectiveness fatfat Ittreatment known as one of the most effective non •freezing. The latest totoknown banish unwanted fat permanently effectiveness ofofof fat Ittreatment isItistreatment widely as one of the most effective non • Undeniable results by up to 40% in only one treatment • Undeniable results by up to 40% in only one treatment • Undeniable results by up to 40% in only one treatment capable losses 59% during clinical trials cells asingle single sessio capable losses upup toto 59% during clinical trials fatfat cells session capable ofofof losses up to 59% during clinical trials ofofof fat cells ininin aasingle session • No Surgery, Scars & Downtime No Surgery, NoNo Scars NoNo Downtime ••No Surgery, No Scars &&No Downtime • The treatment all stars and celebrities have The treatment allthe thethe stars and celebrities have ••The treatment all stars and celebrities have been shouting about HOW DOES WORK? been shouting about HOW DOES ITIT WORK? been shouting about HOW DOES IT WORK?

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housands of people in Northern Ireland are freezing their fat off after Christmas, thaninburning it off at theare gym, after signing a new housands rather of people Northern Ireland freezing their fatup off for after housands of people in Northern Ireland are freezing their fat off after treatment at rather UltraSlim in Belfast uses after extreme coldup to for blast Christmas, thanClinics burning it off at that the gym, signing a new Christmas, rather than burning it off at the gym, after signing up for a new treatment at UltraSlim Clinics in Belfast that uses extreme cold to blast away love handles, muffin tops and spare tyres. treatment at UltraSlim Clinics in Belfast that uses extreme cold to blast away love handles, muffin tops and spare tyres. away love handles, muffin tops and spare tyres. The procedure, which can be done during a lunch hour, is proving The procedure, which be done during a lunch hour, is proving particularly popular withcan men women who not want The procedure, which canand be done during adolunch hour,surgery is proving popular with menaand women who doagainst not want orparticularly liposuction. seeking pre-emptive thesurgery particularlyThose popular with men and womenstrike who do not want surgery or liposuction. Those seeking pre-emptive strike against the festive bulge are hooked up to a machine that uses vacuum or liposuction. Those seeking a pre-emptive strike against the festive bulge are hooked up to a machine thatthe uses vacuum pressure and deep cooling to target fat below skin, festive bulge are hooked up to a machine that uses vacuum pressure andand deep target fathips, below thethe skin, freezing unwanted fatcooling cells intothe thighs, buttocks, pressure deep cooling towaist, target fat below skin, freezing unwanted cells in the waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms andfat back. freezing unwanted fat cells in the waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms and back. abdomen, arms and back. Patients can answer emails and telephone calls, read a book or Patients canwhile answer emails telephone calls, read a book or or watch a film having the and Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze treatment. Patients can answer emails and telephone calls, read a book a for film while having Cryolipolysis Itwatch is used small areas ofthe fatthe that refuse to LipoFreeze budge with treatment. diettreatment. and watch a film while having Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze It isItused for for small areas ofwithout fat thatthat refuse to budge withwith dietdiet andand anesthetic orbudge medication. exercise alone and is done is used small areas of fat refuse to exercise alone andand is done without anesthetic or medication. Because the procedure totally non-invasive, clients can exercise alone isisdone without anesthetic or medication. Because thethe procedure is totally non-invasive, clients cancan activities directly after treatments. return to normal Because procedure is totally non-invasive, clients return to normal activities directly treatments. According to normal Hanna McCormac at after return to activities directly after treatments. According to Hanna McCormac at at UltraSlim Clinics, is best for According to itHanna McCormac UltraSlim it isitbest for for those who Clinics, areClinics, moderately UltraSlim is best those who areare moderately those who moderately overweight and overweight and overweight and removes up to 40 removes to removes to 40 per cent ofup fatup in 40 pertargeted cent of fat in in per cent of fat the area, thethe targeted targeted area, with the resultsarea, withwith thethe results results showing gradually showing gradually overshowing a periodgradually of over a period of over a period weeks after the of weeks after thethe weeks after procedure. procedure. procedure.

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36-38 Berry Street 36-38 Berry Street 36-38 Berry Street Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Wolverhampton WV1 1HA WV1 1HA WV1 1HA Tel: 0844 288 7297 Tel: 0844 288 7297 Tel: 0844 288 7297 Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com nnnon-invasive Lipo procedure. non-invasive Lipo procedure. ven non-invasive Lipo procedure.

P a Seas ea For more For more For more information visit information visit information visit their website at their website atat their website www.ultraslimclinics.com www.ultraslimclinics.com www.ultraslimclinics.com for the latest news for the latest news for the latest news and video’s about the and the andvideo’s video’sabout about the procedure. procedure. procedure.

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You can contact the You can contact the You can contact the clinic directly on clinic directly onon clinic directly info@ultraslimclinics.com info@ultraslimclinics.com info@ultraslimclinics.com or call 0844 288 7297 oror call 0844 288 7297 call 0844 288 7297

ULTRASLIM LIPO™ CAVITATION ULTRASLIM LIPO™ CAVITATION ULTRASLIM LIPO™ CAVITATION & RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS &&RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS 36-38 Berry Street, Target Excess Fat, Cellulite & Tighten Skin Target Excess Fat, Cellulite Tighten Skin Target Excess Fat, Cellulite &&Tighten Skin 3 Wellington Park, Belfast Wellington Park, Belfast 33Wellington Park, Belfast Wolverhampton, WV1 1HA &after after photos which support the photos which support the • Instant Results for Fat Reduction • Instant Results for Fat Reduction after photos which support the • Instant Results for Fat Reduction Northern Ireland, BT9 6DJ Northern Ireland, BT9 6DJ Northern Ireland, BT9 6DJ • Totally Non Invasive Totally Non Invasive ••7297 Totally Non Invasive ve non-surgical loss solutions, non-surgical fatfat loss solutions, Tel: 0844 288 Tel: 0844 288 7297 non-surgical fat loss solutions, Tel: 0844 288 7297 • No Surgery, Needles • No Surgery, No Needles • No Surgery, NoNo Needles Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com ession. Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com sion. Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com sion. • No Pain, No Side Effects, Downtime! • No Pain, No Side Effects, NoNo Downtime! • No Pain, No Side Effects, No Downtime!

www.ultraslimclinics.com www.ultraslimclinics.com www.ultraslimclinics.com

donon the selected body area. The the selected body area. The on the selected body area. The Cooled cells crystallize and ooled fatfat cells crystallize and asas oled fat cells crystallize and as the body’s natural functions. the body’s natural functions. aiavia the body’s natural functions.

36-38Berry BerryStreet Street 36-38 Berry Street 36-38 Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Wolverhampton

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 57

GET PAID TO EXERCISE Distributors required for: Gnosall and Haughton To deliver a quality magazine every other month. Ideal for mature, semi-retired or mums at home. Competitive Rates of Pay. If you are interested please give Sharon a call on:

01952 321334

15 minutes of fame! The opportunity to play live at a festival. Erndor50 Promotions and Staffs Fest are working together at Staffs Fest 2020 and have added another dimension to the three day music festival held at Lower Drayton Farm between Stafford and Penkridge, just one mile from Junction 13 of the M6. The ‘Erndor50 Introducing Stage’ will be a great platform for musicians to go global is open to for both up and coming musicians and bands and the more experienced; with no age limits. The competition selection of the winner will be via public vote. The slot for those selected is for fifteen minutes, the three tracks played will be filmed and the choice made out of the three by the artist, will be uploaded onto the Staffs Fest Facebook page. The musician or band with the most views after seven days will play on the central Main Stage in 2021 To be part of the selection process call John Davis 07775 714280 director of Erndor50 Promotions for submissions.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

The competition takes place within the festival on Sunday the 24th of May between 12- 6pm. Lorraine Conkey festival director said; “The festival gets bigger and bigger each year and our aim is to bring people from all over the UK to the West Midlands for three days of great music food demonstrations and workshops, will have four stages, all undercover this year. We have kept to free camping whether you come for one night or all weekend and under 16s free, creating a great staycation for people in the area and further afield. Caravans, tents and campervan can access the site from Thursday teatime and stay until the Bank Holiday Monday. We want every one of all ages to come along and have a great time.” For more details and tickets go to www.staffsfest.co.uk and find on Twitter and Facebook

Sue Starr

ESTABLISHED CLINICAL THERAPIST It is estimated that 1 in 6 adults in the last week have experienced a common mental health problem. Mixed anxiety and depression accounts for one fifth of sick days in the UK. And what cannot be measured, is the emotional impact on the individual plus their family and friends. The range of support is increasing but still massively under resourced. In 2017, the Government produced a green paper highlighting the importance of tackling mental health in the UK. Recognising that from an early age, people suffer needlessly, without realising that support is available. Many schools and universities recognise mental health challenges and encourage parents to identify this in their child’s development. Sue Starr is often recommended by local schools to parents whose children struggle with mental health.

relationships with local schools, GP’s and Dental Practices and seen a real shift in positivity towards the use of talking therapies”. She adds “we work with our clients to provide the therapy they need; be that hypnotherapy, NLP or CBT. Whichever is best suited to how the client would like to proceed and whichever gets the best outcome”. Sue has experience with a vast range of personal challenges and symptoms that people have been struggling with, sometimes for years. Her youngest client was 6 and oldest 84 showing that talking therapies really can be of benefit to anyone. www.suestarr-hypnotherapy.co.uk www.teenageemotionalstresstherapy.co.uk

The NHS uses a range of talking therapies including hypnotherapy, CBT and others. But the resource is very limited, waiting times are weeks and quality of support varied. Sue Starr has been an established therapist since 2012 and has consistently worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds and conditions. Sue says “we have strengthened our

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Stafford Christmas Show 2019 The annual SSPA Events ‘Stafford Christmas Show’, took place at Blessed William Howard Catholic High School on Saturday 14thDecember.

This year saw approximately 25 different acts, including both dancers and solo singers from Stafford Sports and Performance Academy, Dappa, Supa Fly with Hayley and StagedRight, involving around 250 young people taking to the stage, giving them the opportunity to perform and showcase their talents in front of their friends and family. Each of the performances put a smile on the faces of everybody in the audience watching, as a variety of different genres of dance and music were performed, by both the dance groups and solo singers.

After each group practising for weeks on end for the show, credit in particular must be given to the dance teachers of each dance group for their dedication and hard work, which most definitely came to light during the show, as it was made very clear to see so many of the children coming off the stage inspired and longing to perform again! Having gotten feedback from children, parents and teachers alike has confirmed that many of the children in particular have massively benefited from this unique experience of performing on stage as a collective group of peers but of course friendships. As always thanks must go to all the staff working at Blessed William Howard on the day of the show, for their contribution in making the event run as smoothly as possible from the front of house staff, to the technical and backstage staff, whilst many thanks also go to Richard from Epic Action Imagery for photographing and capturing the event so well!

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

As the shows continue to gain momentum plans have already been made regarding this year’s showcase. The Christmas showcase is open to any schools and groups in the Stafford area and can enter by calling Steve on 07793891029. Next up for SSPA events are four nights of School and Community Choirs performing at the Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford over four nights in February. Tickets are now on sale at the box office.

Stephen Glover - SSPA Events Ltd stephenglover@sspa-events.com T: 07793891029 Facebook - www.facebook.com/GottaSingGottaDance/ www.sspa-events.com

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Theextended Vein Clinic, periods led by Mr Simon detect the source of the problem these assessed and treated be quickly full detect Vascular the source Surgeon, of the problem Hobbs, Consultant lead by Mr Hobbs, beVascular quickly back back to toVaricose full activity activity are caused by During a Consultant aaand consultation, an ultra Hobbs, Consultant Vascular lead byveins Mr Simon Simon Hobbs, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, from the size and has never easier. Varicose veins are majority caused by of a varicose During consultation, anposition, ultra and from the size and position, has never been been easier. Surgeon, treats the vast majority enjoying the benefits of healthy treats the vast veins as walk-in, walkmalfunction of valves in the veins Surgeon, treats the vast majority 2. 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During aa consultation, an ultra sound and from from size and bulges at theby skin’s surface. enhanced recovery compared to Surgeon, treats the vast majority thethe consultation fee position, is scan £150 and Many varicose veins cause symptoms such as aching treatments. During consultation, an ultra sound Symptoms include aching, itching, enhanced recovery compared to Surgeon, treatsveins the cause vast majority the consultation fee is scan £150 and malfunction of valves in the veins Many varicose symptoms such as aching indicate the required treatment. Symptoms include aching, itching, will be performed to detect the source of the problem and malfunction of valves in the veins traditional surgical treatments. anthe ultrasound ofproblem both legs is £99. indicate required treatment. and itching, swelling and restless legs at night and the of varicose veins as walk-in, will be performed to detect the source of the and traditional surgical treatments. swelling, throbbing and restless an ultrasound of both legs is £99. and itching, veins swelling restless legs at night andcauses the blood of varicose as and walk-in, which to pool and swelling, throbbing andposition, restless indicate from the size and the best treatment for which causes blood to pool and The clinic, situated in the legs at night, with both men and sensation of throbbing over the vein, but untreated veins from the size and position, indicate the best treatment for For further information visit walk-out under Recognised by all major Medical Thevein, clinic,but situated in the legs at night, with both men and sensationprocedures, of throbbing over the untreated veins For further information visit walk-out procedures, under Recognised by all major Medical result in painful and unsightly you. Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being affected equally. www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk result in painful and unsightly can to of skin, eczema, you. being affected equally.Insurers.www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women local anaesthetic, with can lead lead to brown brown areas areas of damaged damaged skin,inbulges eczema, local anaesthetic, with greatly greatly Insurers. For For self-paying self-paying patients, patients, uses the latest medical at the skin’s surface. ulcers, and clots. usesto the latest inbulges medical at the skin’s surface. enhanced recovery compared ulcers, bleeding bleeding and blood blood clots. the consultation fee technology to diagnose and treat enhanced recovery compared to the consultation fee is is £150 £150 and and Symptoms include aching, itching, technology to diagnose and treat Symptoms include aching, itching, the veins that are the underlying traditional surgical treatments. an ultrasound of both legs is £99. the veins that areswelling, the underlying traditional surgical treatments. an ultrasound of both legs is £99. 3. Men Get Varicose Veins Too throbbing and restless cause of unsightly and symptomatic 3. Men Get Varicose Veins Too swelling, throbbing and restless cause ofare unsightly and symptomatic About 80% of varicose vein patients women, but 42% The clinic, in legs at night, with both men and varicose are veins. Mr Hobbs is the For further information visit About 80%situated of varicose vein women, The clinic, situated in the the patients legs atbut night, varicose veins. Mr Hobbs is 42% the with both men and For further information visit of varicose veins by they reach only surgeon the West Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk of men men will will develop develop varicose veins by the theinintime time theyMidlands reach only surgeon the West Midlands Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being affected affected equally. equally. www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk currently offering the VenaSeal their 60s – many of these men suffer in silence. currently offering the VenaSeal uses the latest in medical their 60s manyinofmedical these men suffer in silence. uses the –latest Closure system, alongside other Closure system, alongside other technology to diagnose treat popular such as 4. Long-Term Vein Health technology toPromotes diagnose and and treat treatments popular treatments such as 4. Exercise Exercise Promotes Long-Term Vein Health Radiofrequency ablation, enabling the veins that are the underlying Physical activities such as walking, swimming, and stairRadiofrequency ablation, the veins that are the underlying Physical activities such as walking, andenabling stairpeople swimming, to have their veins treated Before Procedure Post Procedure cause of unsightly and symptomatic people to have their veins treated climbing improve circulation. When your blood flows Before Procedure Post Procedure cause of improve unsightly and symptomatic with minimal discomfort. climbing circulation. When your blood flows with minimal discomfort. varicose veins. Mr Hobbs is the without restriction, your veins are less likely to experience varicose veins. Mryour Hobbs theless likely to experience without restriction, veinsisare the causes varicose veins. only surgeon in West Midlands the pressure pressure that causes varicose veins. only surgeonthat in the the West Midlands currently Recognised currently offering offering the the VenaSeal VenaSeal Recognised by by all all major major Medical Medical Insurers Insurers we we also also Closure system, alongside other accept self-referrals for self-paying patients. 5. Professional Treatment Is the Only Closure system, alongside other accept self-referrals for self-paying patients. For For 5. 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BY ROB TAYLOR

Skoda Kodiaq

A SUPER FAST SUV

First things first: I really like Skoda. It is a no-nonsense brand in an increasingly silly motoring landscape: a serious face in a class full of clowns. And it really is needed now more than ever because more and more manufacturers insist on pandering to the supposed wants and wishes of buyers still in denial. It may be true that when you passed your driving test, years and years ago, UK roads were available to be enjoyed; allowing you to push the envelope of your car’s performance, if you were so inclined, but today we are nearing gridlock. Christmas 2019 in the West Midlands has been a near neighbour to the seventh circle of Hell. Nothing blunts performance more than a sloth in a Honda Jazz crawling at 20 mph for no reason at all. Or a line-up of cars parked on a roundabout. So if we’re barely able to get anywhere nowadays, why are cars – broadly speaking – getting faster: at the vehicle’s top end of course, but, crucially, more accelerative? Supermarket car parks are especially lethal because of this. Enter into this world the slightly anomalous Skoda Kodiaq vRS. 62

A super-fast take on an already pleasant family SUV. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard. It provides everything the ever-growing target group for powerful SUVs could wish for. Exceptional dynamics are on offer, both on and off the road, or so I’m told. When it was tested at the Nürburgring it set a lap record for seven-seater SUVs. Skoda has had a long and successful history with its vRS performance arm: the Octavia has always been the jewel in its crown. And the Kodiaq certainly looks the part and looks to uphold the Czech brand’s reputation. Its bold appearance speaks to combine a “modern” lifestyle with sportiness: dynamic driving experience allied seamlessly to daily use. And the big Skoda can certainly handle whatever you may throw at it: a shopping trip, a family outing or a holiday and it does it all with a superlative level of refinement for this price-point (prices start at just over £42,000). It offers the latest technology for infotainment and connectivity, a splendidly tactile interior and more seating than in a cathedral. The car also features a Wi-Fi hotspot and enables access to the Skoda Connect services. It is also the first time that a Skoda rides on 20” ‘Xtreme’ alloy wheels as standard and – gosh –

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY 2020

they’re pretty, even though not optimal for ride comfort on harsh B-roads. Furthermore, the range of standard equipment includes full-LED headlights and LED tail lights, so buyers are well taken care of when it comes to kit. The Kodiaq’s 2 litre, four cylinder, engine is boosted by two turbochargers which give some heady numbers: 236bhp at 4000rpm and 369lb ft of torque, between 1750-2500rpm. Even with a chunky kerbweight of 1805kg, it manages 0-60mph in 6.8seconds (even choosing to add in the extra two seats to make it a 7-seater only slows it just by a tenth). Top speed is 136mph and there’s no manual option so you can be assured that the silky VW Group seven-speed DSG gearbox will get you there on-point each time you put this behemoth through its paces. But – oh – here’s the problem: you will so rarely be able to do that that you may at some point wonder why you put so much stock into speed when plainly you don’t have the Nurburgring’s “Green Hell” available to you on a Monday morning, after breakfast. I know I couldn’t find chance to even get close. So instead I settled down and soaked up all the brilliant things the Kodiaq can give drivers and passengers. And I found that all the best bits had nothing to do with speed.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon

BY ROB TAYLOR

A SEDATE LEVEL OF LUXURY

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback never looked quite “right” to my eye. It was handsome, in a brutish way, and it was certainly striking but with an elongated front end and sawed-off rear it seemed squat and bulbous. A Benz ought to be elegant, full of swooping lines and curvaceous bumps and I always felt the Hatch locked away a lot of untapped visual beauty. Turns out, Mercedes has been listening. OK, – scratch that slither of ego – Mercedes hasn’t, but happenstance has it that now the German leviathan has given us just what I’ve been asking for: the A-Class Saloon.

Saloon isn’t available in entry-level SE spec and this may have to do with the labyrinthine roster of cars manufacturers keep these days. Push price-points only slightly and you almost negate the existence of another model. It’s definitely positioned too closely to the coupestyled four-door CLA in my book.

It looks just as I hoped it would, with short front and rear overhangs and has the proportions of a dynamic and compact saloon car. Further expanding an already best-selling A-Class range (despite what I think it looks like; the UK bought plenty, six million A-Class models have been sold since 1997), it showcases the latest in-car technology and it’s available in a choice of two trim lines: Sport and AMG Line. The

Compact executive cars continue to sell in strong numbers and so will this I’m sure. A seven-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard and when you’re wafting around in this level of sedate luxury, you certainly won’t want a manual. This 1.5-litre 180d diesel (yes, of course you can have a petrol) engine produces 116 bhp and 260 Nm of torque and promises a range of up to 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle. Despite

Like the hatchback, every model comes packed with a high specification as standard: Sport model features twin seven-inch displays including a central touchscreen with MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation; comfort suspension; DAB radio; 17” alloy wheels; automatic two-zone climate control; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Speed Limit Assist; and Keyless-Go starting function. AMG Line customers get 18” AMG alloy wheels and vaguely more aggressive AMG body-styling.

emitting just 110 g/km of CO2, it has a top speed of 125 mph, and can do 0 to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds. Of course, there are a number of option packages available. The Executive equipment package costs £1,395 (which isn’t too much when tacked onto a vehicle which starts at around £28,000) and upgrades the central touchscreen media display to 10”, as well as adding Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and heated front seats. The Advanced Navigation package introduces augmented reality into the onboard satellite navigation. Using a camera located at the top of the windscreen, the infotainment screen overlays the navigation display with the actual road ahead, making for clearer guidance. The A-Class Saloon offers, unsurprisingly, a lot of practicality over its hatchback sibling. The boot holds 420 litres and allows for comfortable loading and unloading. The interior offers a real feeling of spaciousness, helped by the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard, which extends, uninterrupted, from door to door. Sit inside and you’ll feel like you’ve made it. Thank goodness Mercedes decided to make it.

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Index of Advertisers Beds & Bedroom Furniture Roll a Robe 27 Cousins 16/17

Driveways Standeford Garden Construction 31

Beauty Salons & Clinics A Better Life 53 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 61 UltraSlim 56/57

Education Stafford Grammar

Electrical Appliances Empire Appliances

Bridal Shop The Dressing Rooms

Financial Adviser Midland Independent Financial Services Limited

Building Services Lowes Building & Maintenance

Caravan Accessories Cannock Caravan Accessories

Furniture and Furnishings Cousins 16/17 Ralvern 12/13

Garden /Landscaping Standeford Garden Construction

Carpets & Flooring Premier Carpets & Flooring

4/5

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Zero Dry Time 19

Garage Roller Doors Garolla Garage Roller Doors 21 Shield Roller Garage Doors 15

Composite Doors Clair’s Composite Doors

66/67

Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum Systems Ltd 2

Hypnotherapy Sue Starr 59

DIY/Paint Linwoods Trade Supplies

Jewellery DJM Jewellery

Dog Trainer/Dog Care GB Dog Training

Kitchens Empire Appliances

Dentures Clinic Smilecrafters

Ladies Fashion Aristocats 50/51 Loft Conversions Buckley Loft Conversions

Mobile Body-shop Paint Wizards

National Trust Shugborough Estate

Restaurants The Moat House

Roofing LF Home Improvements 32/33 Roofix 27 Staircases Lyndale Ltd

Tiles Tile Choice

Travel Agents Polka Dot Travel

Wills Goodwills 65 Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Tech Alum Systems Ltd

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