Staffordshire Outlook November 2019 by Staffordshire Outlook

November/December 2019

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a pair of tickets to Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre Win a pair of tickets to Totally Tina at the Victoria Hall Win a pair of tickets to Slade at the Birmingham 02 Institute

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A Message From the Editor Hello readers, Welcome to the November/December edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. I cannot believe that I am writing this, and that Christmas is just around the corner! Hopefully you are all getting ready for the festive season? In this edition we have plenty of Christmas adverts and editorials to give you some ideas for loved ones presents, recipes to eat on Christmas Day, Festive days out all this inside and much more. The winners from the September/October edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We continue to have some lovely comments from the winners of the great prizes they have won in the magazine. Don’t forget to enter the fantastic competitions in this edition, a pair of tickets to this year’s pantomime Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre, a pair

Congratulations to:

of tickets to Totally Tina at the Victoria Hall and a pair of tickets for Slade at the 02 Institute Birmingham. 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

Enjoy your read ….. Myrna

Contents

Winner of a pair of tickets to A Taste of Honey at the Grand Theatre Alice Pedley, Norton Canes Winner of pair of tickets to Stone Food & Drink Festival Catherine Owen, Wimblebury Winners of a pair of tickets for The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Georgina Potts, Huntington Ray Turley, Burntwood Lynn Woodward, Hatherton Rebecca Street, Cheslyn Hay Phil Lloyd, Heath Hayes 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

Midland Independent 4/5 Shugborough Estate 6 Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre 8 St Giles Christmas events 10 Carvers 12 Rita Sanders 14 Hednesford Park wins award 16 SI Cannock World Porridge day 16 Puzzles 18 Daniel Wynn Interiors 20 Christmas Tree festival 22 Cannock Rotary 22 Tech Aluminum Systems Ltd 24 Lowes Building & Maintenance 25 Stafford Riverway Link 26 Victorian Christmas Market 27 Burnets for the Border 30 Standeford Christmas Trees 31 Paint Wizard 31 CHAPS National memorial 32 JW Stonemasons 33 Keep your dog’s safe this Christmas 34 Tracy Mason Travel 36 Totally Tina 38 Cannock & District Men’s Probus 40 Penn Singers 40 Harrisons Sports Club 41 Recipe 42 Eating out over the festive season 44 Cannock Ladies Probus 46 Women’s Institute 46 A Better Life Now 48 La Minky 50 The Dressing Rooms 52 Slade 53 DJM Jewellery 54 SI Cannock YBYR 58 Smilecrafters 59 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 61 Cupra Ateca by Rob Taylor 62 Volkswagen T-Cross by Rob Taylor 63 What are Lasting Powers of Attorney 64 Index of advertisers 65 Puzzle Solutions 65 Midlands Water Softeners Ltd 66

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

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Think carefully and Take advice before accessing your pension

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

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

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

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

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

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

John Webb

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

Midland Independent Financial Services is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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

www.midlandifa.co.uk

Come and enjoy everything Shugborough Estate has to offer this winter. Come and enjoy everything that Shugborough Estate has to offer this winter. The Georgian Mansion is closed for the duration of November while it is thoroughly cleaned, conserved and decorated for the festive season, but with 900 acres of Grade 1 listed Parkland, there are still plenty of other areas to explore. Wrap up warm and take in the beauty of Staffordshire on one of the estate’s winter walks, maps are available at Visitor Reception; or explore the gardens and farm buildings, learning about their history as you go. No matter how long you decide to stay, a visit to the Mansion Tea-room or Park Farm Café for a hot meal or a slice of cake is a must. If you’re bringing your dog along for a visit, remember to take them into the café for a treat, there will be one waiting.

opportunity to get involved in festive celebration at the estate, but it’s probably best to visit earlier in the month if you’re planning on buying Christmas presents from the shop!

At this time of year, Shugborough’s gardening team are working hard to make sure that the gardens are prepared for the upcoming months, spring bulbs have already been planted for next year and winter works are continuing, and the knowledgeable team are always open to answering questions if you see them around. Produce from the Walled Garden is available at the Plant Centre for a small donation, so don’t forget to pop in before you leave. Shugborough’s working farm is also preparing for the cold months ahead. You may see the farm team out and about looking after the variety of rare and historic breeds on the estate during your visit, again, the team are open to questions about their work. Shugborough’s farm cares for Longhorn cows, Southdown sheep, Dorking chickens and Tamworth pigs, and as a working farm, the animals are out grazing in the fields. Everybody loves seeing photographs of the animals on the estate so be sure to tag the location if you upload them onto social media. Don’t miss the gloriously decorated mansion over Christmas, come back for a cosier, indoor visit from 30 November and see the unique and grand decorations inspired by the designed landscape of the estate. The gardens will also be decorated if you want to venture back outside with a hot drink and a camera. Shugborough should be at the top of your list for a festive visit, if you would like to take part in an activity such as festive flower arranging on 28 November or carol singing on 6 December, check the website for details on how to book. The lantern parades on 20 and 21 December are another

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

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

Enjoy winter at Shugborough Estate As the mansion is decorated for the festive season, wrap up warm and explore the rest of the estate. Bring the family along for a winter walk and end your trip with a hot drink and a tasty treat from the tea-room or café. These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

Competition

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Saturday 30th November 2019. Winner will be notified by telephone. In which soap opera did Ryan Thomas play Jason Grimshaw? A) Coronation Street B) Doctors C) Emmerdale D) EastEnders Competition Terms and Conditions Winner to collect tickets from the box office on the night of the performance Tuesday 10th December 2019 at 7.15pm. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

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CANNOCK FRIENDS OF ST GILES

Christmas events

St Giles continues to offer a host of services: in-patient care, day patient and out-patient care, Hospice at Home, bereavement counselling - and so much more. The people of Cannock are always incredibly generous in their support of all that the local group of friends of St Giles does and that support is very much appreciated. Photo left: St Luke’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

Cannock Friends of St Giles have recently presented a cheque for £2,000 to St Giles Hospice. Secretary Lynda Williams and Treasurer Trish Mellor presented the cheque to Dr Emma Hodges, St Giles CEO when they attended an event for all Friends’ groups. The group has organised many events, including speaker events with Lord Digby Jones and Colin Tebbutt, raising much needed funds for the work of the Hospice and promoting St Giles in many ways. Cannock Friends are involved each year in events in Cannock in the time leading up to Christmas. In November the group will decorate a tree at St Luke’s church in Cannock as part of the Christmas Tree Festival. Members of the public visit the church and are able to make donations for any of the groups represented there. The Festival is open from 21st – 23rd November.

Photo: Voices of Tantallon

On December 8th they will be holding the annual Light up a Life service at 6.00pm at St Luke’s Church. It is always a very emotional service when all those who wish to remember the life of a loved one join in a service of celebration and light. The Book of Remembrance will be available for viewing in the Lady Chapel both prior to and after the service and Cannock Friends will serve refreshments - which are offered free of charge - in the church following the service. Bel Canto will again be offering a musical section during the service. Everyone who wishes to join in with this service will be made very welcome. Cannock Friends will be at St Luke’s Church again on Thursday 12th December when they have been nominated to receive a donation from monies raised at a concert – “Swinging into Christmas” - given by Voices of Tantallon and organised by Cannock Chase Conservative Association. 10 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

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

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Bathroom ideas and inspiration Whatever your style, whether you’re after a sleek, clutter free family space or a splash of hotel chic – if you’re planning to refresh your bathroom, we’ve got it covered! From statement baths to space-saving storage, Carvers are on hand with a host of inspiration! Refreshing a bathroom doesn’t always require a total overhaul, it can be as simple as swapping the basin, changing the taps or even looking at some new lighting.

definitely experiencing a renaissance now, but it’s important to set the right tone. Think gentle champagne and rose gold shades, rather than showy orangey tones. These can be incorporated through your choice of taps and showers, all finished in brass, chrome and nickel. Whatever option you choose, its often the tiles, flooring, accessories and other all-important finishing touches that really bring the dream to life. Flooring, paint and lighting solutions, which add unique touches to your bathroom project are all available from Carvers, along with the Tile Choice showroom in store, which stocks a wide range of floor and wall tiles and Dixons for all your decorating needs.

2019 has been marked by the return to the organic and natural, highlighting new and functional designs. So, when it comes to bathroom design, the trend sets to be super clean colours, seamless lines and a practical, yet simple arrangement of spaces. Natural materials and industrial fittings are another strong look for bathrooms this year and needn’t cost a fortune. Reclaimed materials work really nicely teamed with modern bathroom suites and fittings and would help to create a bathroom with real character. Continuity is key to seamless lines and one way to achieve this is the use of one single material for cladding the walls and floors, ensuring smooth flowing lines and textures and is a great way to create the feeling of space (.. if this is something that you are lacking). Clever bathroom lighting needs careful consideration and instead of one main light source, the use of multiple lighting devices highlighting separate areas visually increases the space available. Colour options for decorating purposes are undoubtedly ruled by white, however the classic decoration of black and white is set to be a hit, with the introduction of tones of grey for something a bit more unique. Showcase geo patterned tiles on both walls and floors in muted tones for a truly modern feel. For those who prefer brighter colours as an accent, opt for bold natural colours, such as lemon, emerald, turquoise, blue, indigo or amber, if you are wanting to make a statement and give your bathroom a bit of character. Blush pink is the colour of the moment and it offers a light-hearted contrast to the usual neutral pallet. Cheaper than tiling, wallpapering your bathroom can add stunning colour and take plain white tiles to a whole new level. Avoid papering directly behind a bath or basin (due to splashing) and try sealing the paper with a matt decorator’s varnish to create a longer lasting look. Chrome has been king for some time, with regards to accessories and brassware and recently there has been a definite trend for a more modern metallic finish. Gold is 12

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Carvers unique design centre showrooms have a complete range of modern, contemporary and traditional bathrooms, with accessories to suit every budget. The design team can fully manage the project and offer a complete design and installation service, should you require. Buy Now, Pay Later finance packages are also available.

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Always a Pleasure by Rita Sanders Over thirty years ago, my husband and I decided to get a dog. After much deliberation, we chose a Samoyed. I contacted the Breed Association for a list of breeders who had recently had a litter of pups. I rang the breeder nearest to us but unfortunately all the puppies had gone to new homes but she said that if she could think of anyone who had a puppy for sale, she would let us know. Two days later she rang me to say that one of the pups (who was now six months old) had been returned to her and asked if we were still interested. We went down to see the dog, immediately fell in love with her and brought her home with us. We called her Zara. Zara was a big hit in the village, no-one had ever seen a Samoyed before. The children called her ‘the polar bear dog.’ Although she was beautiful with a lovely nature, if left alone she was very destructive. She did a lot of damage to the house and to personal property. She should have put me off the breed altogether, but fortunately, she didn’t. In order to find out more about the breed, we joined the British Samoyed Club and at the end of our first AGM we found ourselves on the committee. We met some really nice people who were very knowledgeable about the breed and the general consensus of opinion on Zara’s behaviour was that she was suffering from separation anxiety and perhaps a furry friend may help. It was through the BSC that we heard about the Samoyed Rescue Society and because I care very much about animal welfare I wanted to learn more about the work of the rescue. It was through the Rescue Society that we heard about our next Samoyed. He was 23 months old and had been taken in by a rescue kennel in South Wales. We drove for four hours through snow to go and see him. He was painfully thin and could barely walk. I knew immediately that I couldn’t leave him there so he came home with us. We called him Max. Sadly, Zara died and Max missed her dreadfully, we needed to get another Samoyed. We heard about Tia, she was six months old when she came to live with us. When Max died, we needed a friend for Tia and along came Siani, she was around eight years old. She had been living in a barn and been used as a ‘breeding machine.’ 14

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Whilst we still had both Tia and Siani we heard of an eighteen month old dog who had been bouncing from kennels to homes and back to kennels. I didn’t really want three dogs but agreed to give it a try to see how it worked out. We called him Tsar, he was a lovely dog and a real gentleman around my two ‘old girls.’ When Tia and Siani died, we welcomed Misty into our home. She was ten years old and a gentle old soul. It was around this time that I retired and decided to write a book detailing the individual stories of my beautiful dogs. My book is called Always a Pleasure and contains lots of coloured pictures of all six dogs. It is available for purchase direct from the publishers www.authorhouse.com or from Amazon. There is also an eBook version available to download. I can’t imagine my life without a dog. To me, having a dog is Always a Pleasure. After my book had been published, we rescued Samoyed number 7, her name was Faith and she came to live with us when she was six years old. Sadly she died suddenly just before her 10th birthday. We were absolutely devastated. We immediately started the search for another Samoyed to rescue. We now have Samoyed number 8. His name is Zeus, we’ve had him for four years and he will be five next month. He is a typical Sammy, he is full of energy and loves life, we live in the country and he is fascinated with birds and squirrels and he has made lots of doggy friends in the village. If you have had dogs for years, have just got your first dog or are thinking of getting one, I am sure that there is something in the book that will be of interest to you.

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Hednesford Park wins gold for third consecutive year

self-confidence. They have worked through all weathers and deserve this recognition for their efforts, along with all the volunteers who helped make it happen.”

Hednesford Park has scooped a gold Britain in Bloom Award for the third year running at the Britain in Bloom regional awards ceremony that took place in Birmingham on 8 September.

Volunteers gain valuable skills from the work they do in Hednesford Park, if you would like to get involved, please meet at Hednesford Park Pavilion every Wednesday at 9.30am or Contact Lynn Evans on 07896 239717 or email: lynnevans@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

This achievement recognises the involvement of local schools, vulnerable groups, and local people in many different activities and projects throughout the year. The Britain in Bloom Award criteria assess how we have incorporated the history of the park, developed the area and what our plans are for the future. The judging relies very much on community involvement and delivery of their projects. A weekly gardening group called Plant Pots, are a group of young people from Littleton Green Community School who come into the park and help in the gardens. Last year they gained their Level 3 RHS Schools Award with the work they achieved in Hednesford Park and have been a key reason why we achieved the gold award again. Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “I’m very proud of the children and the work they have done in the park. They have helped achieve this much coveted award as well as improving their skills and building

Photo: From left to right: Amy (holding the RHS Schools Gardening Award Level 3), Mr Reece, Callum, Teejai, Keogh, Miss Scanlan from Littleton Green Community School and Councillor Christine Mitchell.

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

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

Mary’s Meals is a registered charity which sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education. These life-changing meals attract hungry children into the classroom. The food fills their empty bellies so they have the energy and opportunity to learn, giving them the chance of a brighter future. The meals also support families struggling to feed their children while boosting the country’s wider economy. Mary’s Meals feeds more than 1.5 million children in 18 countries around the world every school day. In countries including Malawi, Liberia and Zambia, the children receive vitamin-enriched maize porridge. Mary’s Meals launched World Porridge Day to celebrate the huge difference our daily meals make to the lives of chronically hungry children. Cannock Soroptimists have supported Mary’s Meals in various ways for many years 16 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cannock Rotary Club Supporting Charities Locally and Internationally

The Club will be running its annual 10K Road Run on Cannock Chase on Sunday 24th November and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Air Ambulance Charity.

In the last few weeks the Club have supported a number of charities with cash donations.

On the run up to Christmas Cannock Rotarians will be collecting at ASDA in Cannock and at TESCO in Hednesford, the above gives a clear example of how we spend the money generously donated by local people at these any other events throughout the year. If you wish to find out more about the Rotary Club of Cannock please visit the Club’s website at www.cannockrotary.co.uk.

The Club sponsors Children at Terio School in South Africa, this has been an ongoing programme to help children into education who are unable to attend state school because they were not registered at birth and do not have a birth certificate. The Club presented Trish Smith with a cheque for £600 to cover the education of 3 children for the next 12 months (see attached photo). The Club has donated £200 to Chasetown Community School to help with replacing play equipment. Following on from last years successful Christmas campaign the Club has again donated £500 to provide bags of essential goods to help poor people in the Cannock area. The Club will also be providing winter clothing for those in need, particularly homeless people in the Cannock area. The hurricane disaster in the Caribbean created a desperate need for help, the Club has donated £500 via Shelter Box and Aqua Box to help those people most in need.

22 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Photo: President Geoff Clegg presents a cheque to Trish Smith for Terio School in South Africa.

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

Images on this page are recent projects

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

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

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Land Lease and Open Day Funding Boost for Stafford Riverway Link Project The Stafford Riverway Link project that is aiming to restore the 18th Century waterway link between the Staffs and Worcestershire Canal at Baswich and the town centre has received a major boost. The Finney family who own the land at Baswich, where the original canal Basin and towpath is currently being rebuilt, have generously agreed to release the land to the SRL Community Interest Company, which was set up by an enthusiastic group of local volunteers in 2009. The Finney family are well known in the area as it farmed there for many years and had a retail milk business in Stafford. Ivor Hind Chairman for Stafford Riverway Link said: “This is a significant development for us and we’re grateful for the generosity and support of the Finney family as well as the increasing number of local businesses and organisations who are sponsoring and supporting us. It has always been and remains our aim to restore the historic river and canal waterway that links the county town of Stafford to the national waterways network for the benefit of the community and all interested groups”.

Pictured: Eunice Finney Jeremy Le Froy MP Baswich Borough Councillor Ann Edgellor SRL Chair Ivor Hind It was an opportunity for local people to rediscover a lost part of Stafford’s heritage, meet the volunteers who have made the Stafford Riverway Link project possible, inspect the work done and the progress they have made so far and how they are working to bring boats back up the River Sow into the centre of Stafford, as it was in the 1800s and 1900s.

The landowner, Eunice Finney and her family have followed her late husband Bill’s wishes to lease the land, on a nominal Peppercorn Rent, to the Stafford Riverway Link. Eunice Finney ARAgS commented, “We are pleased to see this project progressing and proud that we can hand over the lease for the land to the Stafford Riverway Link in return for a yearly Peppercorn rent. My late husband strongly believed that the project would benefit many Stafford residents and the wider community, these plans will start to re-write the history books for Stafford. “

Displays included the history of the Link along with competitions, prizes and games for children to play AngloWelsh kindly provided free canal boat trips to Sunday’s visitors and refreshments were provided by Staffordshire Young Farmers and The Crepe Revolution. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to help with the project or a member of SRL, please come along to our next Work Parties at the Baswich site on 10-12 October, 8 and 9 November and 6 and 7 December. To celebrate this excellent news, a Public Open Weekend took place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2019. The lease for the land was officially signed and handed over by Eunice to Ivor in return for £1 per year on the Saturday. The Open Weekend itsel, received hundreds of visitors including invited guests during the weekend and raised over £1,200, another great boost for the Project.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

For more information about the history of the link and the work of the SRL CIC or to make a donation visit either: www.stafford-riverway-link.co.uk or www.facebook.com/StaffordRiverwayLink Crowdfunding page: https://fundly.com/restoringstafford-s-missing-link

Penkridge Victorian Christmas Market…

drinks and festive food, including a traditional Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings.

After the huge success of last year’s Victorian Christmas Market, the organisers have announced that they will be making several changes to the event this year. With over a third more stalls, plus additional entertainment, it will be even bigger and better than last year, making it a great way to start the festive season. Held on Sunday 24th November at Penkridge Market, the event will also open an hour earlier, running from 12pm – 7pm, giving you extra time to enjoy the festivities.

In addition to all this fabulous food and drink, there will be Craft Stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery, candles and soaps to handcrafted wooden gifts, snowmen and toys, making it easy to find unique presents for all your friends and family.

The Market will be bursting with 150 stalls, selling a wide variety of delicious food and drink plus local crafts, as well as plenty of entertainment to keep the children amused. Local producers will be selling everything you need for your Festive Feast, from cheeses, pickles and preserves to Christmas Cakes and mince pies. And if you’re struggling to know what to buy someone, what better present than a hamper full of delicious food and local delicacies. If you’re feeling peckish yourself, there will be a wide variety of refreshments available, including jacket potatoes, pizza and burgers, plus for the first time, a Gin and Prosecco Bar! The Old Deanery Farm Cafe will also be open serving hot

There will of course be all of your Christmas accessories including decorations, cards, wrapping and wreaths, making it easy to ‘wrap up’ all of your Christmas shopping in one enjoyable day. Father Christmas will also be making an extra-special guest appearance, as well as Punch and Judy, ensuring that the children are never bored! There will also be plenty of entertainment to keep the older children amused with Arthur’s Fun Fair, a fire eater and juggler, as well as a choir singing Christmas Carols, to get everyone in the festive spirit. With free parking, free admission for children and just £2 for adults, it’s a fantastic, affordable day out for all the family. For further information on the event, please telephone 01785 714221 or log onto the website www. penkridgemarket.co.uk

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

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

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

3030 STAFFORDSHIRE STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK| |NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2019 2019

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

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Pictured: A model of the memorial

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

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

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

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Life with an incurable illness doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean the festivities have to stop

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Tracy Mason Travel would like to welcome Jo Heeley who has joined the vibrant team. Jo has 25 years’ experience in the Travel Industry. Jo’s real passion is for the USA/Canada, Vietnam/Cambodia and Cruises. She has a wealth of knowledge in these areas and can help you decide the best destinations to travel. Jo really enjoys cruises with her own family and has visited various countries including Fjords to the Caribbean.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of our clients from Tracy Mason Travel

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Tracy Tracy Mason Mason Travel Travel would would like like toTravel to welcome welcome Elaine Tracy,Mason Jackie,Travel Elaine, Katie and Jotoatwelcome Tracy Mason wouldElaine like to wish all of their clients a Tracy would like Elaine veryhas Merry Christmas and a team. Happy New Year! who who has has joined joined the the vibrant vibrant team. team. Elaine Elaine has has a wealth a wealth who joined the vibrant Elaine has a wealth ofof knowledge knowledge in in the the Travel Travel Industry. Industry. She began began her her ofTracy knowledge in the Travel Industry. She began her She said “over the years we have acquired many loyal clients who have now become great career career with Don Everall Everall Transglobe, Transglobe, moving moving onon toto career with Everall Transglobe, moving onallto friends. We want toDon thank all of you forwith yourDon continuing support and wish you a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2019. We look forward to welcoming new clients and with our work work for for a specialist a specialist Cyprus Cyprus Company. Company. Having Having a a work for a specialist Cyprus Company. Having a professional and friendly level of customer service you too will be booking your holidays for many years to come”. passion passion forfor ski-ing ski-ing Elaine spent spent a year a year with with Crystal Crystal passion for ski-ing Elaine spent a Elaine year with Crystal Ski Ski Holidays, Holidays, before before taking taking her her expertise expertise back back the the Ski Holidays, before taking her expertise back to the If you are looking for a different Christmas present this year, then why not treat your loved ones to a toto Tracy Mason Travel giftHighstreet voucher to use for your next holiday or city break. These are available now, Highstreet where where her her enthusiasm enthusiasm forfor Skiing, Skiing, created created Highstreet where her enthusiasm for Skiing, created please call for more details. fine ahfine sandy sandy beach one the the largest largest Ski Agencies Agencies in in the the West West Midlands. Midlands. onebeach the largestone Ski Agencies inSki the West Midlands. All the staff at Tracy Mason Travel offers the highest levels of personal service and care and ub, Club, Elba Carlota Carlota a Elba are dedicated to sourcing the perfect holiday to suit you and your budget. We specialise in an extensive of travel from UK breaks, to around the world made holidayswhere dream hethe ocean ocean and andrange Elaine`s Elaine`s other other passion passion istailor is forfor Florida Florida where she she can can Elaine`s other passion is for Florida where she can to your destinations. We book through all of the well-known operators including Classic, TUI, First Choice, welcome y welcome is is an an Jet 2, Olympic, Kuoni plus many more. As we are totally independent we will source the prefect recommend recommend a variety a variety of of accommodation accommodation from from recommend a variety of accommodation from holiday for you. ouples. ples. beautiful beautiful town town homes homes with with a private awithin private hot tub tub within within aa townbeautiful homes with a private hot tub a hot Tracymiles Mason Travel is few 100% financially secure andDisney, holidays including flights are ATOL protected few miles miles from from Disney, thethe perfect perfect family family villa villa with with aa few from Disney, the perfect family villa with a by the Government-backed Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under our ATOL. For holidays and travel ooms and and suites suites 4*4 srooms 4* Elba Carlot private private pool pool orair,or an array offancy of hotels. hotels. If you If you relaxing relaxing arrangements which not include travel ouran financial protection is administered by fancy thefancy private pool ordo an array of byhotels. Ifarray you relaxing Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) under our membership L5132. standard h standard and byby the beach beach after after a hectic time time at at thewill the parks parks Elaine Elaine will will byand the beach after athe hectic time ata hectic the parks Elaine ging a freeform a freeform tailor an itinerary itinerary to to include include the the Gulf Gulf Coast, Coast, Miami Miami andyour time deciding tailor ancall itinerary to an include Gulf Coast, Miami and Please in totailor speak about yourthe 2019/2020 holiday, relax with a coffee andand take From Bi urt ourt and and gym, gym, thethe Keys Keys or or a Caribbean a Caribbean Cruise. Cruise. your nextor destination! the Keys a Caribbean Cruise. 7 7nig n 7 nights includin ectivities activities and and reare well well catered catered forfor Travel for and p Tracy Tracy Mason Travel Travel is is celebrating celebrating their their 11th 11th anniversary anniversary Tracy Mason isMason celebrating their 11th anniversary Stone Cross, Penkridge, Stafford parate rate pool. pool. this this month. month. We We hope hope you you will will all all agree agree that that 11 11 years years is is this month. hope you will all agree that 11 years is ST19 5ASWe - 01785 712332 a huge a huge achievement achievement forfor any any business! business! a huge achievement for any business! 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Christmas at Prague There are numerous options for short- haul travel in December, as well as the better known European cities of Rome, Venice and Madrid, great to visit at this time of the year when the crowds are less and the temperature more conducive to sight-seeing, there are also many interesting, historical centres to visit serviced with direct regional flights. One to put on your list is the city of Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic and a history book of architecture and a beautiful medieval town. From late November to early January is also home to several Christmas markets to absorb the festive atmosphere in the Old Town Square and St. Wenceslas Square with decorated wooden huts selling traditional crafts, toys and gifts. Smaller markets are also dotted around the city on Republic Square and Havelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, and by St Georges Basilica at Prague Castle. Sample some of the traditional barbequed klobasa sausages, or cakes and pastries like the Trdelnik, a hot sugar coated pastry. You can also try the traditional Czech beers, Pilsner, Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar or a cup of hot mulled wine or svarak. In the Old Town square you can also see a nativity scene with stable and live animals as well as Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the three kings, and the impressive Christmas Tree from Ceska Lipa in the North. The Astronomical Clock in the Old Square chimes on the hour with a procession of the twelve apostles. A festive atmosphere not to be missed!

Fly from Birmingham on the 6th December Staying at the Le Petit Hotel, Prague 3 star 3 nights from ÂŁ335pp Including flights, 22kg luggage

Stone Cross, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5AS - 01785 712332 01952 321334 321334 || WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 37 37 01952

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets to see TOTALLY TINA on Saturday 30th November 2019 at the Victoria Hall – Stoke on Trent. UK’s Number 1 TINA TURNER tribute ‘TOTALLY TINA’ rocks into its 10th Year! Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s favourite Tina Turner spectacular…. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast. When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs! Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled her to stadium concert stardom. Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the SUPREME Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she’s got the legs, but most of all, she’s got THE voice. Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, fun-packed musical spectacular! Ten years have passed since the number one Tina Turner tribute first sprang to life in the vibrant city of Liverpool, but a Lifetime Achievement Award and many other prestigious accolades along the way have earned Justine Riddoch’s ‘Totally Tina’ a deserved top spot in the musical tribute world. She’s determined the Show will always be known as ‘Simply The Best’, which is particularly fitting in 2019 – the 30th Anniversary of the much-loved song of the same name, released in 1989. The cast and crew of Totally Tina are pulling out all the stops this year with the promise of a brand new, custom-made performance featuring a whole host of fresh ideas, coupled with the band’s now famous humour. The Show is designed to make the audience feel that the legendary performer is right back in front of them, strutting her stuff on the most famous legs in show business! This year’s production is a heady mix of nostalgia and surprise with all the favourite Tina Turner hits, her best duets, much-loved covers and the odd twist in the tale. All the songs are enhanced by the customary flourish of sparkling stiletto heels, flamboyant tail feathers, high energy dance routines and musical genius. There’s plenty of audience engagement and post-show ‘meet and greets’ too, making the Show more personal. In fact, it’s probably the closest thing to a live Tina Turner concert! 38 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Totally Tina has been the UK’s official number one Tina Turner Tribute for the past six years, winning Best Female Artist, Best Choreography, Best Sound & Lighting, Best Website, Best Theatre Production Show and Best Video over the years. Tickets for the STOKE ON TRENT – Victoria Hall show taking place on Saturday 30th November are available from: Totally TINA - STOKE ON TRENT – Victoria Hall Doors open 7.00pm / Show Start Time – 7.30pm Box Office No: 0844 871 7642 Website - https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/totally-tina/ victoria-hall/

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Friday 22nd November 2019. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Totally Tina tribute act is celebrating which anniversary this year? A) 5 years

B) 15 years C) 10 years

Competition Terms and Conditions Winner to collect tickets from the box office at the Victoria Hall on the night of the show on Saturday 30th November 2019. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available.

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

• • • • • • • • • •

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

WE ARE HAPPY TO BRING 43 YEARS OF EXPERTISE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY TO OUR PREMISES IN CANNOCK WITH 12000 SQ FT OF LEISURE ACCESSORIES AND OVER 35 AWNINGS ON DISPLAY!

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

OF OF LEISURE ACCESSORIES AND OVER 35 AWNINGS ON ON DISPLAY OFLEISURE LEISURE ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES AND AND OVER OVER 3535AWNINGS AWNINGS ONDISPLAY DISPLAY

Are you retired or semi-retired, then why not consider joining Cannock & District Men’s Probus Club?

www.pennsingers.org.uk

The club’s primary aim is one of friendship, fellowship and sharing interests amongst our members.

Penn United Reformed Church

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

Saturday December 7th 2019 Guest Phaedra Brickwood

We meet on alternate Monday mornings at 10:15 at the Cannock Conservative Club located at High Green, Cannock, WS11 1BE Forthcoming speakers and social event for your diary: • 4 Nov My Family in Cambodia – Crissy Caseley • 18 Nov Astronomy – Michael Gallear • 22 Nov Social Evening with Kevin Leeson • 2 Dec Memories of the Seaside – Peter Cadman • 6 Dec Joint Probus Carol Service – at St Stephen’s, Bideford Way • 16 Dec Looking After Inuit People in LabradorCaroline Parks (followed by Christmas Lunch) If you would like to attend a meeting as our guest please contact our Chairman, Patrick Garnett Tel. 01785 604263 e-mail: patrick.garnett@virginmedia.com

(WV4 5QP)

Monday December 9th 2019 Guest Russell Painter

7.30pm

£8.50

Tickets: 01902 338570 01902 652992

Penn Singers Charity Fund Supporting Birmingham Children's Hospital PENN SINGERS is a Registered Charity No 503894

Member of the National Association of Choirs

CANNOCK TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP CHRISTMAS EVENTS Newly formed Cannock Town Centre Partnership will be organising two events for Cannock Town this year as well as taking part in an established event at St Luke’s Church. The Board will be decorating a Tree for the Christmas Tree Festival, held at St Luke’s Church, Cannock from November 21st – 23rd. This event is supported by many local groups and charities and is always a feast for the eyes – do go along and see the beautiful decorations! Saturday November 30th sees the new Christmas Lights switched on! A day of activities is planned, beginning at 11.00am with craft stalls and children’s rides. At 3.00pm a Town Crier will announce the early evening proceedings which begin with the Salvation Army Band playing next to the Christmas Tree from 3.30pm. At 4.00pm Santa arrives in Town –and at 5.15 the lights will be switched on! There will be a firework display at 5.30pm to round off the day’s proceedings – everyone is invited to come along and enjoy the day. An event new to Cannock is a Lantern Parade which will take place on Saturday 21st December. It will start from the park opposite to Asda, participants gathering from 3.45pm for the Parade to start winding its way through town from 4.00pm. The Parade will finish near to the Christmas Tree in the centre of Town where a brass band will be playing 40 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

carols for everyone to join in or simply listen and enjoy. Light refreshments will be provided. Part of the fun will be making the lanterns – instructions for making your own can be picked up from Cannock Library or you can join a workshop on Saturday 14th December between 2.00pm and 3.00pm at Cannock Library, Cannock Shopping Centre or McDonalds in Church Street. All – young and not so young - are invited to bring their own lanterns [no naked flames!] and join the Parade! For more information please email admin@ourcannock. com or visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/ OurCannock

HARRISONS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Christmas is upon us and we have some outstanding live bands performing during November and December. You really should come along to see and listen to these excellent musicians. It’s a real buzz to watch a 5/6 piece band performing and you can just enjoy the music or make full use of our dance floor. Have a look at our Facebook page (Harrisons Sports and Social Club) for all the information of what’s on entertainment, skittles nights and sports events. Every Saturday night we have entertainment with live bands and mainly music from 60s/70s/80s which is very popular. 9pm start till 11.30pm and just £3 at the door. Midnight bar. Every Tuesday night is Over 35s Disco Party, with popular DJ Ron Dixon this is a good fun night and an ideal place to make new friends or celebrate a birthday or some other special event. The music starts at 8.45pm till Midnight. £2.50 pay at the door. Look out for our Special/Tribute Friday nights; there are a number of events planned for 2020. The excellent Me and Mrs Jones Show, Buddy Holly and Beatles Tributes Oompah Night and more. Tickets are available for these evenings and seats are allocated so you can be sure to sit with our friends. Keep a look out, you will see them listed in this in this magazine and on our Facebook page

Wednesday is Bingo night with 9pm start money and prize games. We also have Snooker, Pool, Crib, and Angling Club. Crown Green Bowling teams in the summer. We are a private members club; membership runs from 1st January to 31st December each year. Now is a very good time to join for 2020. Membership application forms are available now at the club. Harrisons is open from 4pm Mondays to Thursdays and all day on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. We have a good selection of beers, including cask ales gins and wines available, all at very reasonable prices. We do hire rooms out for special occasions, Birthday Days, births, to funeral wakes. You can find us in Wharwell Lane just off the A34 in Great Wyrley WS6 6EU. But don’t forget have a look at our Facebook page. Look forward to seeing you in HARRISONS; it’s a really good friendly place to be were visitors are welcome PS. CHRISTMAS DISCO Tuesday24th December 8.45-1130, entry by ticket only. A HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY HEALTHLY NEW YEAR to you from all at Harrisons.

Harrisons

Sports & Social Club Wharwell Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 6EU Tel: 01922 412138 or 07801 236481 Open from: 4pm Mon - Thurs, All day Fri, Sat & Sun.

Happy hour 5pm to 6pm.

November 2019

September

December 2019

Friday 1st BLUES BROTHERS SundayBAND 1st OPEN MIC NIGHT TRIBUTE Thursday 10th SMOKEY JOE COUNTRY Saturday 2nd12th GREY TONES BAND Thurs 5th APEX JAZZ & SWING Saturday IAN CHARLES BAND Sunday 3rd OPEN NIGHT Thursday 17thMIC NEW WASHBOARD SYNCOPATORS Saturday 7th DODGE CRUISERS R&R Thurs 7th BILL BAILEYS ALL STARS Saturday 19th RUN DEVIL RUN BAND BANDCOUNTRY BAND JAZZ BAND 24th Thursday KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Saturday 9th RUN DEVIL RUN BAND Thurs 12th DOG RIVER COUNTRY Saturday 26th TWO D's BAND Thurs 14th PETER BODDIS Saturday 14th TIM ROONEY COUNTRY BAND Saturday 16th1st CITY LIMITS Thursday CHRISBAND CARMELLSSunday VINAGE15th JAZZ OPEN BAND MIC NIGHT Thurs 19th JOHN WILDWOOD & Sunday 17th OPEN NIGHT Saturday 3rd MICKIA FRIENDS Thursday 21st8th MEL & MARY Thursday JOHN WILDWOOD & COUNTRY FRIENDS Saturday 21st CHEVY BEL AIR BAND COUNTRY DUO Saturday 10th LUKE Saturday 23rd YESTA YEARS BAND Tuesday 24th XMAS DISCO PARTY Thursday 15th APEX JAZZ & SWING BAND Thurs 28th KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY (tickets) Saturday 17th SHERIDAN LEIGHSaturday 28th KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY COUNTRY BAND Thursday COUNTRY BAND Saturday 30th22nd FLYING KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Saturday 24th BLUE MUSTANG BAND. BAND COLOURS BAND

October

Thursday 29th

PETER BODDIS COUNTRY BAND

Every Tuesday TRIBUTE NIGHTS 8:45pm-Midnight DISCO PARTY TIME with For more details on any of our upcoming tribute nights, please DJ Ron Dickson - Music visit our the facebook page : across decades. Harrisons Sports Goodand music, Good people, Social Club

Good times, Visitors welcome

See our facebook page for Dixieland jazz or full details. country music band Live Music Venue.

on every Thursday night. Only £3. 60s/70s/80s BINGO NIGHT Disco Night everyWednesday Tuesday 8.45pm to every start 9pm Visitors always 12 midnight £2welcome. at door Live entertainment Dixieland Jazz or Saturdays countryBingo music band on every Thursday night Only £3 on Wednesday nights.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 41

RECIPE

Mushroom boudin blanc with shallots, sage and apple Serves 6

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

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

INGREDIENTS

GRAVY

BOUDIN BLANC

• • • •

allergens in bold red

• • • • • • • •

1 kilo of shroom dogs sausages contains sulphites

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

•

• • •

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

• • • • • • • •

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

PEARL BARLEY RISOTTO • •

METHOD

200g pearl barley 1 large leek trimmed and washed

• Peel the skin from the ‘shroom dogs contain sulphites or Linda McCartney Sausages work well too but they contain soya • Drain the liquid from the butterbeans and set aside for later. • Peel and quarter the red onions, toss in oil, thyme and 1 minced garlic clove and roast for about 30 minutes. • Mash the beans, onions and vegan sausages together thoroughly with grated apple and chopped thyme and sage leaves then roll in parchment paper to get a sausage shape. Go thin or fat it’s up to you. • Wrap with foil into a large Christmas cracker shape and roast for 1 hour (or less time if you make thinner shape) on your roasting tray. • Once cooked allow it to cool for about 20 minutes in the foil. Whilst cooling cook the pearl barley in veg stock. • Bring the water to the boil add in the veg stock, garlic clove, thyme sprigs and barley, boil for 5 minutes skimming off any scum that floats to the top. • Turn the heat down and simmer for 20 minutes then add in the diced leek and continue to simmer for 15 minutes then add in the petit pois and nutritional yeast. 42 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

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

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

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

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

Caterers, no matter how excellent at other times of the year, still pull out all the stops at Christmas. Special menus are devised. Special meals are created. Restaurants, whether standing alone, or part of pubs, clubs and hotels, are decorated in the traditional, seasonal way. Party bookings are particularly welcome, and special entertainments are put on, to help the party mood go with a swing.

Of course all this costs a little bit more. However, when you think of the service that is provided, not to mention the cooking and clearing away, really the Christmas Day meal is probably the ultimate bargain of all.

There are several good gastronomic ways of marking the coming of this very gastronomic season. You can have a traditional Christmas lunch, most restaurants put these on daily for several weeks before Christmas actually arrives. The menu usually comprises Christmas fare with all the trimmings, with thoughtful additions for those who might just prefer something else. This provides an ideal opportunity to entertain business colleagues, clients, customers, friends or relatives, with an intimate, festive repast. Then there are the evenings. Party bookings enable groups of colleagues, entire departments, whole firms, complete family groups, associations, club members, or just good friends, to gather together and enjoy a memorable evening out. Special menus, seasonal trimmings, discos, bands and groups, are laid on by caterers to please their guests and keep them 44 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

This year, try a festive meal or two at your favourite restaurant, at some time during the hectic weeks leading up to The Day. Gather a group of friends or colleagues together and book a party meal and entertainment. And if you really want to give mum the very best present of all, book a Christmas Day meal for all the family. That way you can be really sure, everyone you know and love, will have the very best Christmas ever!

Cannock and District Ladies Probus Blood Biker

Chairman Margaret Thompson was whisked into our meeting on a motorbike chaperoned by Geoff representing Midland Freewheelers: Emergency Rider Voluntary Service who transfer blood, samples, and medication around the county. Geoff has been a biker since the age of 19, and has now put his love of riding, and experience of advanced driving courses to voluntary use serving as a “Blood Biker”.

For further information contact the Membership Secretary 01889 882166 and www.probusonline.org

Geoff has completed 643 jobs, and ridden 20,800 miles in the last 3 years delivering a range of cargo to NHS hospitals. Midland Freewheelers are totally reliant on donations; and although work with the NHS, are not funded by them. 8 bikes, 66 riders, and voluntary Co-ordinators communicate through apps. Phones and trackers to ensure the transfer of blood, urine, breast milk and medication 24 hours a day and 7 days a week between hospitals. They can also do relay runs with the other 41 groups in the country to deliver from North and South. Geoff has a wonderful ethos: riding motorbikes which he really enjoys, in a worthwhile service to help others. Meetings for Cannock and District Ladies Probus are held on the first Thursday of each month at The Chase Golf and Country Club where they share a meal, and usually have a speaker. Guests are welcome if they book in advance.

Cannock Women’s Institute Members are excited with expectation! In 2020 Cannock W.I. will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary and are pleased to announce we will be having a baby! As our W.I. meet in the daytime, this precludes some people from attending. So, from January 2020 we will be supporting an additional Cannock W.I. Twilight Meeting 7.30pm-9.30pm. Both Clubs will meet on the second Thursday of the month at St. Luke’s Church Hall. If you are interested in your home, crafts, cooking, expanding your social circle, and being part of a large National network of ladies, then come along and try us out. The Launch Party is on 7th November 2019 at 7.30pm St Luke’s Church Hall, Cannock WS11 1DE. Come alone. Bring a friend. Join the group. We are waiting to welcome you! President Di Jones welcomed two new members this month Barbara Millington and Louise McLaughlin. As the Club has a healthy number, members muted the idea of forming another Cannock W.I. who would meet in the evenings. This is an

46 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Picture shows: Chairman Margaret Thompson and “Blood Biker” Geoff.

exciting prospect and a sub-committee was formed to move the idea forward. Our speaker Emma Kirkham delighted us with her knowledge of glass making in the Chase area from as far back as the 14th century. After training in glass making, she experimented by recycling glass bottles, explaining that pieces could take between 20 minutes to 4 hours to produce. After working abroad, she has returned to Cannock Chas to work from her “She Shed”! creating jewellery from dichroic glass which gives a glistening twotone effect. Passionate about keeping glassworks going she runs classes to novices and the more experienced. Memorable advice from Emma is to keep your glass out of sunlight or the dishwasher as changes in temperature can cause the glass molecules to breakdown creating cracks. Photo - New member Louise Mclaughlin (left) with Jill Gooch (centre) and Clare Brooks (right) Cannock Women’s Institute Further information email cannockwi@gmail.com www.thewi.org.uk/staffordshire www.facebook.com/ oakleafstlukes

celebrate the festive season in style at wolverhampton racecourse Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, live entertainment, resident DJ and much more at our racing and non-racing Christmas parties.

FROM

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“Don’t make me laugh!” “I didn’t sleep very well last night” “Excuse me, where are the toilets?” If your inner chatterbox is constantly talking to you with things like that, then you’ll be aware of how energy sapping and time-consuming incontinence can be. Even the word isn’t nice – the images it conjures up are nothing like what you may be dealing with. But it does impact on your mental health, finances, confidence, personal relationships and leisure activities. It can be caused by so many things, and affects women of all ages and yet it’s still a taboo subject. The embarrassment and perceived stigma prevent many women seeking help and finding a solution. If you have gone to your GP, they may have given you little hope as, up until now, there have been very few effective remedies. Without invasive surgery, drugs and very little physical effort, Better Life Now can offer you a solution to those sleepless nights, little accidents and self-consciousness. Fully clothed, you are seated on the Esmella Chair which has been specially designed and engineered to use electromagnetic energy to exercise your pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises are notoriously difficult to do (and who remembers to do them anyway!?) but the Esmella Chair does over 11,000 Kegels in just 28 minutes in a non-invasive, pain-free way. 48

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Suzanne Morison

Gloria Morison

SAY NO TO LEAKS AND DRIBBLES

A New, Exciting Breakthrough Treatment from the United States to Treat Incontinence REMAIN FULLY CLOTHED 75% PAD REDUCTION NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURE WALK-IN WALK-OUT PROCEDURE

FROM ONLY

£49

PER MONTH

CALL US Suzanne 07376 069032 or Gloria 07393 949904 EMAIL US info@betterlifenow.co.uk

www.betterlifenow.co.uk

Cost £150.00 per treatment. Introductory offer for 6 recommended treatments £750.00. 1 Deposit £225 and £49 per month for 12 months. Other options available.

Get ready for a Glamorous Christmas

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

Leanne Groom SPMU/Microblading FOR ALL AGES

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

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

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

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

50 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

Reiki is known as energy healing where a technique called palm healing or hands on healing this can reduce stress and increase relaxation which triggers the body’s natural healing abilities. Aids better sleep, supports the immune system, balances the emotions and mind, pain relief, cleanses toxins, and can also help with migraines, asthma and eczema. Carrie is offering £5.00 off any treatment when quoting this advert. Please call Carrie direct to arrange your appointment 07926 788947. Remember to book your appointment as soon as you can, so you don’t miss out and beat the Christmas rush. We all look forward to seeing you over the festive season.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team x

our fabulous offe

LetSwedish us make Back you Mass fabulous this festive season feel fantastic with our fabulous offers Party season ready fingers & toes! Let us make you feel

For £15 (Normal price £25)

Experience chip-free manicure technology runs tillMassage the end of October 2 Swedish Back with theOffer superior CND® SHELLAC® with 14+ day nail colour.

ForIntimate £15 Waxing

Shellac manicure £18 (pre offer £22) (Normal price £25)

Offer runs till the end£18 of October 2015 Shellac pedicure (pre offer £22)

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Shellac manicure & pedicure Intimate combined £30 Waxing (pre offer £44)

intimate waxing 20%allAvailable OFF for men

Offer runs till the end of December 2019 ----------------------------

all intimate waxing Smooth silky hair offer

& women

LaMinky

Take theAvailable FRIZZ out of winter for weather men with a Lisse Design Keratin Smoothing Treatment offer until the end of October &runs women (lasts approximately 3 months) offer runs until -the October £99.00 (forend Midoflength hair)2015 Offer runs till the end of December 2019

---------------------------After-care After-care service servic Holistic Therapies withwith Carrie for our clients our clients wit £5 offfor all treatments hairReiki, extensions Including Reflexology and

hair extensions

Hopi Ear Candling Wash, conditioning Offer runs till the end of December 2019 treatmentWash, and blow dry conditioning ----------------------------

From £12

and Leannetreatment Groom Microblading

Get your brows looking perfect for Christmas plus free top up Book 4£150 After-care service's (pre offer price £180) theof 5th FREE2019 Offer and runs tillget the end December

blow

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Book 4 After-care serv andtoget the 5th FRE All offers subject availability.

Please mention Offer runs tillthis theadvert end of October 2 at time of booking. Telephone Telephone 01543 01543 500 500 340 340 www.laminky.co.uk www.salonlamink.co.uk

Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD

All offers subject to availabi

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.

52 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019 86

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

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

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets to see SLADE on Sunday 22nd December at 7.00pm at Birmingham 02 Institute

Competition

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

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

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

A date for your diary, Slade are back for Christmaaaas! To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Saturday 30th November 2019. Winners will be notified by telephone.

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

B) 1966

C) 1986

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

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

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

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

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

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

01952 01952321334 321334|| |WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 55 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 51 51

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

will have you wearing that dress with confidence in no time.

DOES IT WORK? YES - There are numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before & after photos which support the effectiveness of fat freezing. It is widely known as one of the most effective non-surgical fat loss solutions, Imagine a non-surgical reduction in asession. comfortable, relaxed capable of losses up to 59% fat during clinical trials of fatadministered cells in a single

procedure that costs a fraction of what

environment. Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze (Fat

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

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

Target Excess Fat & Reduce Cellulite • Treat up to 4 areas simultaneously to reduce time and costs • Clinically Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective • The latest treatment to banish unwanted fat permanently • Undeniable results by up to 40% in only one treatment • No Surgery, No Scars & No Downtime • The treatment all the stars and celebrities have been shouting about

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UltraSlim Clinics Street 36-38 Berry 36-38 Berry Street Wolverhampton Wolverhampton WV1 1HA WV1 Tel: 1HA 0844 288 7297 Tel: 0844info@ultraslimclinics.com 288 7297 Email: Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com

www.ultraslimclinics.co om

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

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

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

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

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

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

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

British Dental Technology Clinically Compliant | Professionally Produced

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

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

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Start your fitness journey here Memberships from £21 per month Complimentary health checks Free personal fitness programmes Get in touch Email: leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk

LEISURE

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Codsall Leisure Centre 01902 844032

Penkridge Leisure Centre 01785 714152

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre 01922 417790

Wombourne Leisure Centre 01902 898202

24/04/2019 14:05

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

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About 80% situated of varicose women, The clinic, in vein the patients legs atbut night, and at the Wolverhampton The men Vein Clinic Nuffield Hospital, varicose are veins. Mr Hobbs is 42% the with both For further information visit led Keep active: Regularvaricose exerciseveins helps pump blood out of the of men will develop by theintime they reach only surgeon the West Midlands by Mr Simon Hobbs, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, treats Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being affected equally. www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk leg and reduces the congestion in the veins. This particularly currently offering the VenaSeal their 60s many ofmedical these men suffer in silence. the vast majority of varicose veins as walk-in, walk-out uses theto–latest applies peopleinwhose jobs Closure involvesystem, sittingalongside or standing otherstill procedures, under local anaesthetic, with greatly enhanced technology to diagnose and treat popular treatments such as for Exercise long periods. 4. Promotes Long-Term Vein Health recovery compared to traditional surgical treatments. During Radiofrequency ablation, enabling the veins that are the underlying Physical activities such as walking, swimming, and staira consultation, an ultra sound scan will be performed to people to have their veins treated Lose weight: Excess weight can cause compression of the Before Procedure Post Procedure cause of improve unsightly and symptomatic climbing circulation. When your blood flows with minimal discomfort. detect the source of the problem and from the size and veins, especially groin sitting and varicose veins. in Mrthe Hobbs isare theless without restriction, your veinswhilst likely to exacerbate experience position, indicate the best treatment for you. the symptoms of the varicose veins. Even small amounts of the pressure causes veins. only surgeonthat in Westvaricose Midlands weight loss can help with symptoms. currently offering the VenaSeal Recognised bybyallallmajor Recognised majorMedical MedicalInsurers Insurerswe wealso also Closure system, alongside other accept self-referrals Wear compression stockings / socks:IsCompression 5. Professional Treatment the Only socks accept self-referralsfor forself-paying self-payingpatients. patients.For For help withtreatments the flow of blood out of the stockings legs back can to the heart further popular such as information to schedule a Consultation further informationorabout treatments visit www. Certain Solution Compression and can be cheaply fromveins, most but chemists. Radiofrequency ablation, enabling visit www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk simonhobbsveins.co.uk or to schedule a Consultation minimise thebought effects of varicose the onlyYour way to doctor may be yourself able give you medical grade stockings people to have theirtoveins treated contact Gill on (01905) Post 793216. completely rid of them is through treatment fromon Before Procedure Procedure prescription. with minimal discomfort.

Love your legs

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

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

Please call 07555 581698 info@simonhobbsveins.co.uk www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road | Tettenhall | Wolverhampton | WV6 8LE

117

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

Please call 07555 581698 info@simonhobbsveins.co.uk www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road | Tettenhall | Wolverhampton | WV6 8LE

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

BY ROB TAYLOR

Cupra Ateca

SPORTINESS & SPEED

I am routinely confused by change. Move anything around the house from its designated spot and I’m lost. I am a man of precision and pedantry. I like everything to be exactly where I left it, so when I read that Seat had moved the goalposts on their Cupra brand I was mildly peeved. Since its inception the sporty Spanish arm of Volkswagen has enlivened its regular stock of vehicles with ‘Cupra’ badging to designate extra sportiness and speed. But now Seat has made Cupra a brand in its own right, which is still to be sold through Seat dealerships. Now with a new logo, Cupra comes first, then the model name. This is the new Cupra Ateca. It is the first vehicle from Seat’s award-winning motorsport division and is supposedly ‘the ultimate expression of uniqueness, sophistication and performance, constructed through passion and designed to captivate car enthusiasts around the world, creating vehicles that aren’t founded in nostalgia but rooted in the present.’

Bold claims indeed, as whichever way you slice it, this Ateca is a large, high-riding SUV so traditionally it should struggle to pull off all of the aforementioned claims. However, much tinkering has taken place in the intervening years between when I first learned the laws of physics at school and today’s present crop of super-quick SUVs. The boffins at Seat have definitely been busy because this vehicle lives up to the hype. Taking as a starting point what is Seat’s best-selling crossover to date, the Cupra Ateca combines sportiness and practicality in a sophisticated design with the highest performance of any SUV outside of premium manufacturers. It gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which develops 296bhp and 295lb ft. It does 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and its top speed is 152mph. It also gets all-wheel drive, a DSG automatic gearbox, adaptive suspension, and a bespoke exhaust. Realistically, it costs just under £40,000 but that’s still not an awful lot for numbers that only the usual suspects from Germany can otherwise muster. The seven-speed DSG transmission, which is linked to a 4Drive all-wheeldrive system, handles the power well and this vehicle is just as accomplished

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | NOVEMBER 2019

through tight, low-speed turns as it is through lazy, fast corners. You’d never drive it in any way other than sensibly with your family on-board and even when alone I don’t feel even the fruity crackles from the exhaust will persuade wanton abandon. Featuring special, Cupra body styling, exclusive – and massive – diamond-cut 19”alloy wheels, glossy black exterior details externally and striking new Cupra logo and lettering inside, plus standard equipment that includes keyless entry and start system, wireless charging, an 8” touchscreen system, Dynamic Chassis Control and Park Assist, and Alcantara bucket seats, this Ateca will definitely turn heads and turn on even lapsed petrolheads who today require a little more for themselves, post-family demands. The interior exudes a combination of driver focus, comfort and refinement. Materials are high-end and everything fits and is finished to the highest standards. It carries occupants in complete luxury, wafting them from A-B with a surfeit of power hitherto unassociated with Seat. But then of course that’s the point of the re-branding, this Cupra Ateca is a departure form the norm in the very best possible way.

BY ROB TAYLOR

Volkswagen T-Cross

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

‘Small but perfectly formed’ loosely describes the Volkswagen Polo. Anything that looks like a Golf that’s been shrunk in the wash gets my vote. After all, why buy increasingly large vehicles for our increasingly congested road network? In reality, all you really need is a decentlysized and spec’d hatchback – anything more and, really, you’ve just been suckered into buying beyond your needs. Ah yes, but what about the cult of the SUV that’s currently sweeping the nation? Typically SUVs are big aren’t they? Traditionally yes; but, topically, no. The new Volkswagen T-Cross proves my point nicely. The fifth and most compact Volkswagen SUV ever, it sits below the T-Roc in the brand’s fast-growing SUV line-up and above the Polo in the full VW line-up. Underneath its bodyshell is the same platform as the Polo and as such it is very dainty indeed. This versatile and practical urbanfriendly SUV is offered in S, SE, SEL, and R-Line trim. Entry level S trim cars are identifiable by their 16-inch ‘Rochester’ alloy wheels, while the

entire T-Cross range gets electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors as standard, in addition to an eightinch touchscreen ‘Composition’ Media infotainment system with VW Connect and automatic headlights. That’s a fair amount of stuff for a fair price: the range starts at £16,995. Other gadgets and gizmos include a city emergency braking system and ‘Predictive Pedestrian Protection’, as well as Lane Assist with blind spot plus lane-keeping system and Hill Start Assist. All of which add up to make the T-Cross a vehicle with some of the highest levels of driver assistance in its class. And if you care about how it drives – and I’m not entirely sure that most people do these days – the pick of the engine line-up is the entry-level, turbocharged 1 litre three-cylinder, which produces 94bhp. Whether you mostly pootle in town or not, this gutsy power-plant gets the job done, being especially urgent at low revs (the TSI unit develops 175 Nm of torque and does 0-62 mph in 11.5 seconds). Another point of recommendation is the effortlessly light steering – particularly useful if you’re jammed

up in a tight car parking spot or even if you’re tumbling down a country lane, because the steering adapts and weights up accordingly. As ever be wary of over-egging it and lobbing on 17” ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels because they will in some part affect ride comfort. However, SE models come with them as standard, as well as black roof rails and front fog lights with cornering function; a leather-trimmed, multifunction steering wheel; and a variable boot floor. Thankfully all T-Cross versions benefit from a signature, sliding rear bench seat as standard. This practical feature offers brilliant flexibility, providing a choice between enhanced rear leg room and a bigger load area of up to 455 litres. So if you want a little of what you need with a lot of what you want in a super-small package check out the new T-Cross. It fills as neat a gap in Volkswagen’s range as it does the gap in your life. Plus, you’ll be driving an SUV, so, what’s not to like?

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1. BEHIND THE TIMES 2. KISS OF DEATH 3. KICK IN THE TEETH

9 2 17

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

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