Staffs outlook issue 41 aug15 v3 by Staffordshire Outlook

staffordshire outlook Magazin e

Delivered to: Stafford, Penkridge, Acton Trussell, Teddesley Park, Little Haywood, Great Haywood, Hixon, Western Downs, Parkside, Haughton, Gnosall, Littleworth, Rowley Park, Derrington, Castlefields

August/September 2015 www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Great prizes to be won inside this issue: Win a three course meal for two at The Dog & Doublet Inn Win weekend tickets for the Stone Food Festival Win tickets for Blood Brothers at The Grand Theatre August/September 2015

Inside: Restaurants, Motoring, Entertainment, Education, Beauty, Home Furnishings, Interiors, Charities, and lots more! 01

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

Chase Grammar School 100% GCSE 5 A*- C

Food for thought Open Day Saturday 3rd October 2015, 11am to 3pm

Independent Co Educational School from Nursery to A Level Scholarships and School Transport Available Contact the School Secretary to make an appointment to visit the school www.chasegrammar.com, tel 01543 501800, Convent Close, Cannock, WS11 0UR

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

A Message From The Hello readers, Welcome to the August/September edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. Summer is finally here, and the sunshine has made an appearance. Hopefully this continues throughout the summer holidays, so we can all have fun in the sun! We have many advertisers in this edition including, The Sports Plus Arena if you are looking at some summer holiday activities for the children. Featured in the eating out section is a restaurant review at The Dog and Doublet Inn all this inside and much more. The winners from the June edition are below. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We continue to have some lovely comments from the winners of the great prizes they have won in the magazine. Don’t forget to enter the fantastic competitions in this edition, including A fabulous meal for two at The Dog and Doublet Inn, Weekend tickets for Congratulations to: Winners of family tickets to the West Midlands Safari Park Kerry Blamire, Castlefields Ann Warren, Parkside Kathryn Roster, Meadowcroft Park Jason Dodd, Penkridge Jean Cadman, Hixon Winners of tickets for The Mousetrap at the Grand Theatre Helen Johnson, Acton Trussell Janet Newey, Gnosall Julie Durose, Penkridge

Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Ltd 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ Tel: 01952 321334 Staffordshire Outlook Magazine is published by Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Limited www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Advertising enquiries Sharon Caldwell - Sales Director Email: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Editorial/What’s on information Mal Caldwell - Editor Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

Editor

the Stone Food Festival and tickets for The Blood Brothers at The Grand Theatre. 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 in the sunshine…

Contents

Mal

New Director at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton 4 Clair’s Conservatories 6 Hardy sages for the flower garden 8 Standeford Garden 9 Win tickets for The Blood Brothers 10 Penn Singers 12 New State of the Art Library 14 Tech Aluminium Systems Ltd 16 DRF Kitchens & Bedrooms 20 Compton Hospice opens a new shop 22 Puzzles 24 Buckley Loft Conversions 25 Win tickets for Stone Food Festival 26 Autism Charity wins Queens Award 28 The Sports Plus Arena 30 Walkers Raise over £1000 30 Tettenhall College 32 Compton Hospice 34 Recipe of the month 36 The Dog and Doublet Inn Restaurant Review 38/39 The Dog and Doublet competition 40 Blue Ginger closes for renovation 40 Carvers Marathon 42 Get set for the Summer 44 SI Inspirational Women 48 Smile - The Priors Dental Practise 49 SUSSED for summer 51 The Chase CACI Clinic 53 New Home for Shire horse Society 54 Sue Starr Hypnotherapy 52 Coronation Street stars visit market 56 Bank Holiday Market 56 DSN Accountants 57 Goodwills 59 3 Hammers Golf 60 Buxtons 65 Sense and Subaru-ity by Rob Taylor 64 Best of British by Rob Taylor 65 Index of advertisers 66 Puzzle Solutions 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.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

New Director at

pton Hospital m a rh e lv o W h lt a e H Nuffield With an established 15 year track record at Nuffield Health, Karen Pattison has been appointed to the pivotal role of Hospital Director for the 40 en-suite bedroom private hospital in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton from the end of March. Beginning her career as a locum Pharmacy Technician travelling around the Cheshire and Manchester area, Karen’s first role with Nuffield Health was at the North Staffordshire hospital as Pharmacy Manager from where she progressed to commercial manager and active member of the senior management team. Karen then moved to the south west to help with the commissioning of a brand new £20 million Nuffield Health hospital in Bristol. On the back of this success, the role of Hospital Director at Hereford and then Glasgow followed. Hospital Director Karen Pattison is clearly delighted with her new role at the pleasantly situated hospital in Tettenhall, saying “What I am enjoying most about Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital is the warmth of the people here, both patients and staff. All the team here are very friendly, caring and welcoming and willing to go the extra mile to make the hospital experience a relaxing one. Building on the success of the last 37 years that the hospital has been here, I am looking forward to developing Wolverhampton’s private hospital even further for patients. In the next two years, we are planning to install a whole new diagnostic centre with our static 1.5T MRI suite and a purpose designed eye clinic. We will be looking for local people to join our Patients’ Forum to help us and our clinicians design the services we need for the future.”

Rapid Expert Diagnosis and Treatment At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital we want you to have the facts at your fingertips regarding private healthcare - you can choose your consultant, your hospital and get an appointment quickly.

New Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Karen Pattison, in the extensive grounds of the private hospital

You don’t need to be in a health insurance scheme to get an opinion from a private specialist or to access our hospital facilities, all with plentiful free parking. Self-pay care packages are available, with interest free credit, so you don’t have to pay up front all at once. A letter of referral will be required from your GP, then simply ring our helpful customer service team to make an appointment with the right specialist, right away. Just ring 01902 793269. As an indication of prices, consultations cost from £150 and joint injections start from £350. For some typical procedures, prices start as follows: • Varicose vein treatment from £350 • Carpal tunnel release £1885 • Hernia repair £2700 • Cataract removal £2470 For our self-pay patients, we offer a Price Match Promise where we will meet any comparable price and there are no limits on our aftercare services.

In addition to the outstanding care provided to private patients, Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has been named as a top performing independent hospital in the most recent NHS Partners Network Report on Independent sector providers caring for NHS patients. In a 2015 NHS Partners Network Report, Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital performed particularly highly for primary knee and hip replacement surgery, where it was found that patients had significantly improved knee and hip functionality and reduced pain, using the Oxford Knee and Hip Score technique.

At Nuffield Health, our patients regularly comment on our excellent services – see www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

*Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

Specialist areas of treatment from first rate clinicians include hip and knee replacement, foot and ankle, hand, shoulder and elbow surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer treatment, neurology, heart problems, men’s and women’s health and general surgery, such as hernia repair, as well as onsite physiotherapy. Additionally, all types of surgery for eyes, ear, nose and throat and oral surgery through to bariatric, cosmetic and plastic surgery, are available.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

• No waiting lists • Dedicated private facilities • Imaging results in days not weeks • Choose your Consultant • Free parking • Post Discharge Recovery Programme • Interest free medical loans

Why choose Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital? Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital offers the highest standards of clinical care, with Consultant-led treatment, spotlessly clean rooms, and a team of dedicated and experienced nurses. You don’t need private medical insurance to get private healthcare at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, you can pay for yourself. What’s more, if you pay for yourself you are covered by our exclusive Promise. The Nuffield Health Promise is our pledge to our patients, where we ensure that you receive a clear and transparent price for your treatment, the very best in clinical care, and with no limits on your care***.

Specialities covered at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital include: • • • • • •

Cardiology Dermatology Endocrinology Ear, Nose & Throat Gastroenterology General medicine

• • • • • •

General surgery Gynaecology Neurology Ophthalmology Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Orthopaedics

• • • • • •

Paediatrics Physiotherapy Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Rheumatology Radiology Urology

For more information or to book, contact

01902 275 211 wolverhampton.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8LE

*** Where necessary, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required. Where a prosthesis is required for your procedure, this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s expected prosthesis lifetime. Clinically required indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of your condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of your procedure. The Nuffield Health Promise applies for patients paying for themselves and excludes fertility services.

NHOD-15-152 Wolverhampton 218mm x 140mm Portrait .indd 1

15/06/2015 11:32

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

s Ltd

System Clair’s Conservatory

Jassie, Keith and team at Clair’s Conservatory Systems Ltd

Clair’s Conservatory Systems Ltd is a passionate family run business, owned by Husband and Wife, Keith Turley and Jassie Clair. Clair’s Conservatory Systems Ltd manufacture bespoke Conservatories, Orangeries, Windows, Doors and Patios. So whatever the size and colour of your future product, as they manufacture, this can be done to how you desire and not standard sizes and colours like other companies. Keith is the company surveyor so he will take care of the job from start to complete, Keith will deal with all of the planning, building regulations, planning applications so there is no need to use a third party. Jassie says “Our technical expertise and in-depth understanding of the industry means that we have become one of the most trusted independent suppliers of windows, doors, orangeries and conservatories in the area. We’re not just window suppliers. We also have our own installation team, which allows us to see the market from your perspective, as well as from the point of view of suppliers. This in turn gives us a unique overview of the industry as a whole, from manufacturing right through to installation. All of our fitters are fully qualified, FENSA 06

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

registered and have public liability insurance. We’re very proud of our reputation for providing an excellent all round service from sales, through to installation and after-sales, we try to ensure every customers experience is excellent. We can guide you through every stage, from your initial ideas through design, survey, building works and final installation; making your dreams reality. And when your new installation is complete you can enjoy it safe in the knowledge that you have a 10 year guarantee from a company who value customer service!” Staffordshire Outlook met Jassie, Keith and all of the team to see how great this business is run, with Jassie being a lady in such a male dominated industry and being so successful at this. All of the staff have so much respect for Jassie. Clair’s Conservatory Systems really is a great place to work with Jassie and all of the staff having fun whilst working and meeting deadlines. With this in mind I can see this company being very successful for many years to come. Contact them today for a free no obligation quote: Clair’s Conservatory Systems Ltd, Unit 33 Pillaton Hall Farm, Cannock Road, Pillaton, Penkridge ST19 5RZ. Call: 01785 714554

Windows • Doors • Conservatory Roofs Clairs Conservatory Systems is a family run business who have been manufacturing windows, doors and conservatory roofs since 2002. Another conservatory supplied and fitted from base building and plumbing to plastering and electrics. Conservatory roofs manufactured with glass or polycarbonate. Another satisfied customer from Stafford saying thank you to Keith (one of our directors), for a job well done.

It’s your choice, we will price for both. At Clairs we also manufacture the windows and doors, in all colours from white to black, grey to blue, whatever your needs.

It’s so much easier when you can buy from one place, so why not give us a call. Call us for a free quotation today on 01785 714554

www.clairssystemsltd.co.uk

All quotes are free o f charge

Clairs Conservatory System Ltd Unit 33, Pillaton Hall Farm, Cannock Road, Pillaton, Penkridge, ST19 5RZ

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

en By Martin Blow

wer gard o fl e th r fo s e g sa y rd Ha

Most people’s introductions to the wonderful world of salvias is either courtesy of sage, the well-loved herb grown from time immemorial for its culinary and medicinal value or perhaps the bright red bedding plant Salvia splendens traditionally planed with blue lobelia and white alyssum for a truly patriotic display.

They grow in dry or moist soils and can be grown in light shade or a sunny spot. In very hot, dry conditions the flowers will be over more quickly so add compost to the planting hole and water if dry. They grow well in alkaline (chalky), neutral or mildly acid soils. Add lime annually if planting in extremely acid soils.

However, hardy, perennial salvias are becoming increasingly popular as great garden plants for people and bees. These are not edible but make a wonderful, longlasting display in the garden.

Snow Hill and Blue Hill (properly called by their German names Schneehügel and Blauhügel) are the shortest ones I grow and are snow-white and sky-blue respectively. Among my favourites are the slightly taller May Night (indigo blue) and East Friesland (blue) and the lovely Rose Queen (pink).

There are a vast array of perennial salvias to choose from including many tender types, but this month I’m focusing on the hardy, perennial European types that are great for most gardens. Of the European species, the best for general garden use are the wood sages and these are varieties of Salvia nemorosa, sylvestris and superba. 08

They have rough leaves and short spikes of flowers from June through July. If you cut them back hard after flowering they will normally oblige with more flowers in late August into September. The planting distance for these is about 12-18in apart. They come in many shades of blue, pink, violet and also white and vary in height from 1ft through to 3ft 6in.

The newer variety Caradonna grows to about 2ft tall and has lovely blue flowers and black stems in summer adding to their drama. One of the tallest is the aptly named Amethyst which grows to 3ft or slight more. This one has a very long flowering period from June to September or even October without the need to be cut back at all. You can increase your plants by cuttings or dividing in early spring. We’ve tried seed but results can be disappointing. Salvia transylvanica is especially tough and has deep blue flowers in mid-summer. This one can be grown from seed perfectly well. A firm favourite with the bees is Salvia Purple Rain which has whorls of purple-blue flowers along its 2ft 6in stems throughout the summer. Of course there are also many ornamental varieties of the herb sage for growing in a free-draining, sunny spot and you can find types with purple, golden and variegated leaves.

Martin and Janet Blow garden in south Cheshire where they run the mail order nursery Specialperennials.com You can meet Martin at plant hunters’ fairs at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sat 1st August, Dearnford Lake, Whitchurch on Sun 2nd August, the Dorothy Clive Garden on Sunday 30th & Monday 31st August and Weston Park on Sun 13th September. All plant fairs open at 10am. Please see www.planthuntersfairs for full details.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

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

service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Cannock

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

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

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

Transform your garden this summer If you are looking to transform your garden this summer, then look no further than Standeford Garden Construction. We are a family run Business established in 1954, and are now into the fourth generation of the Wright family. We are the experts in Garden construction, based at Old Stafford Road in Coven. Standeford Garden construction includes many components within the garden landscaping sector ranging from Driveways, Tarmac, Block-paving, Gravel, Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, General Landscaping, Site Clearance and much more. Over the 61 years that’ we have been trading, we are very proud to say that we have earned an excellent reputation for constructing gardens to the highest quality. All of our work is expertly crafted by trained professionals, and finished to a very high

Standeford ta de o Garden Construction Established 1954

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS • Block paving standard. We provide an extensive range of services to suit every taste and budget. We promise that we will make your garden the envy of your street! Call now for a free no obligations quote. We also provide a supply only for Soil, Stone, Sand, Logs and Kindling Old Stafford road Slade Heath, Coven WV10 7PH 01902 790238 07748 636549 Like our page on Facebook - Standeford Garden Construction

• Natural stone paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Slabbing • Fencing • Site clearance • All general landscaping • Suppliers of stone, soil, sand etc. Like our page •on Facebook Standeford Garden Construction

07748 636 549 01902 790 238

OLD STAFFORD ROAD, COVEN

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Competition

Two lucky winners can each win two tickets to see BLOOD BROTHERS on Monday 26th October at 7.30pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. The legendary BLOOD BROTHERS arrives at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday 26th to Saturday 31st October. Willy Russell’s captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS, and Bill Kenwright’s production, having celebrated over 20 years in London at the Phoenix Theatre, continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance. No wonder BLOOD BROTHERS is now ‘The musical for all time’. ‘A Triumphant evening... Unmissable and unbeatable’ The Spectator ‘DAZZLING’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Exhilarating... One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12 or please visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Starring Marti Pellow and

Maureen Nolan

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 11th September 2015. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Can you name the twin boys in Blood Brothers? A) Barry and Paul B) Mickey and Eddie C) John and Edward D) Charlie and Craig Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

roup Penn Singers - NAC G up Gro Midlands South-West

Penn Singers is a mixed voice friendly community choir with approximately 70 members who sing under the enthusiastic and imaginative leadership of our musical director Helen Smith. The choir performs a wide repertoire of music ranging from classical, spiritual, folk and musicals. Helen has been with the choir for nearly 5 years. She studied music Birmingham University where she began conducting, working with choirs, orchestras, wind bands as well as musical theatre productions. Helen was a member of the CBSO Chorus and has performed with them throughout Europe.

Our aim as a community choir is to foster the cultivation and enjoyment of good music. We are keen to support local charities by raising funds at our concerts. We have long been a keen supporter of Compton Hospice and look forward to maintaining a long and fruitful relationship with them and their remarkable work. Our concert Voices for Hospices will be support Compton Hospice and St Mary’s Hospice, Stourbridge on 10 October 2015 at Dudley Town Hall. Joining us on this occasion will be tenor soloist Russell Painter and the full Jackfield (Elcock Reison) Brass Band. Russell Painter started singing as a chorister in St George’s Church, Kidderminster. He moved to London to study at the prestigious Guild Hall School of Music and Drama. He is now

a freelance singer and has made his mark up and down the country. He is a keen concert recitalist and after dinner entertainer. He is a regular guest with our choir and enjoys a loyal following. The Jackfield Brass Band has a long illustrious history dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. It maintains a strong presence in Jackfield village (near Telford) and continues to entertain audiences. In 1998 Chris Lewis became the band’s musical director and under his leadership the band qualified for the National Final’s Great Britain. Coming back up to date the band comprising of approximately 40 talented musicians got off to a flying start in January 2015 at the Butlin’s Mine Workers Concert. The band put on a great performance coming third out of nineteen bands. It has recorded several cds the latest ‘Feeling Good’ received critical acclaim from the Brass Band Press. Anyone who has heard the Jackfield Band will have had an unforgettable experience, contributing to their loyal following throughout the West Midlands. Singing a wide variety of songs which include Be still my soul; Bogoroditse Devo; Come what may; Like a singing bird; Nimrod; Seal Lullaby to name but a few.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Call for a brochure Tel: 01543 505539 Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 7XN

www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

w Plans unveiled for ne tafford for S state-of-the-art library

Cllr Ben Adams Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning with Steve Burnham, Principle Property Surveyor (Entrust) and Garry Jones, Site Manager, Novus building Solutions Limited

People in Stafford can look forward to a brand new modern library bringing with it innovation, information, culture and learning resources to the town. The new library, based at Staffordshire Place 1 in Tipping Street will not only offer access to books and resources for members of the public, but a range of modern facilities for businesses, community groups, schools and colleges.

new products and prototypes, while Raspberry Pi’s will be available to help children and young people learn coding and other computer science skills needed for the jobs of the future.

reading also continues to be our priority and the new space and facilities will help motivate and inspire young people, while developing their skills in technology, engineering and science.”

Cllr Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills at Staffordshire County Council explained that Technology had really transformed how people read, accessed information and what they wanted from their library. Ben said: “The new library will be a good example of how libraries can be revitalised to be at the centre of people’s lives now and in the future, whether they want to live, work or socialise.

Organisations will be able to offer adult learning courses and support local artists and the new Children and Teen’s area will provide space and facilities for young people to learn, meet and explore. The new facility is an example of how libraries can be used flexibly to meet the changing needs of local communities, whilst ensuring continued access to books and learning from the wider libraries network.

Offering the latest in technology the library will be more accessible, with a more flexible space and will continue to give access to over one million books and over three thousand e-books as well as computers and free Wi-Fi. New digitable touch tables will also give people easier access to online archives, photographs and other materials.

“The new Innovation Suite, with the latest technologies will be a vibrant and attractive space for local businesses, community groups, schools and individuals to explore, learn and be inspired.

A new Innovation Suite will provide access to 3D printing, helping people and businesses to design and develop

The library is expected to be opened in September and people can get the latest updates on progress and opening announcements at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/staffordlibrary.

“Supporting children and parents to access education, information and

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Ben added: “The new library will also complement the exciting redevelopment in the town centre, while supporting local businesses, promoting skills and learning and helping to grow the local economy.”

50% Sale on selected ranges

New Showroom Now Open Visit our website or call for details. New ranges on display.

Freephone : 0800 316 1078 Visit our website: chasewood-furniture.co.uk Visit our online shop: furniture-for-bedrooms.co.uk

10 Year Guarantee Call for a Free Home Visit Call for a Free Brochure

124 Anglesey Business Park, Littleworth Road, Hednesford WS12 1NR| WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 321334

your home with to in er m m su e th g n ri B ems Ltd Tech Aluminium Syst

Can you imagine a wide open space added to your home this summer, instantly generating a contemporary, stylish look? You can open up an entire area during warm summer days or partially foldback depending on the amount of fresh air and space you require. We manufacture standard windows and doors, bifold and patio doors, curtain walling and balustrade at our factory in Rumer Hill, Cannock. We manufacture all of our products in house therefore maintaining a consistently high standard and quality. Manufactured and installed to provide maximum viewing areas, our bi-fold and sliding doors add the 21st century to any property and can provide you with clearer access to your patio or garden bringing the outside in, just unlatch the high security locking and with a light push you have the access to your outdoor living area. When closed, Bi-fold and sliding doors offer shelter and warmth with little reduction in natural light, allowing you to stay connected to the outside from the comfort of your home. Our products meet the stringent security standards required for construction, security, safety, weather-tightness and strength of performance. This means behind its striking looks, your door is robust and built to last all-year round. Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Glass production has developed so much over the past few years that almost anything is possible to achieve your desired look, so please do not hesitate to contact us with your bespoke ideas, plans and projects. 16

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Whether we are asked to create and plan original bespoke designs from your requirements or we are working with other architects and designers, we promise you that from the moment we take on your project, we will work very closely with you from the start to the finish. With our wealth of experience you can be assured that our ability to transform some style into your property comes with an attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality and performance, our aim is to deliver a first class product, at a competitive price. After we have installed your product, we offer after sales care advice to maintain and increase the effective life of your bespoke glass product. So if you are looking at updating your property and injecting style and the 21st century cutting edge chic, with a local Cannock based company, contact the team at Tech Aluminium Systems Ltd. For more information visit www.techalumsystems.co.uk, call 01543 467272 or pop into the new showroom at Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, WS11 0ET.

• Curved Glass • Glass Balustrade & Balconies • Glass Partitions • Glass Doors, Patio Doors, Bi-fold Doors • Shop Fronts, Canopies & Entrance Glass Tech Alum Systems Limited Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate Rumer Hill Road Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0ET

01543 467272 admin@techalum.co.uk

www.techalumsystems.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

SIDE TABLE

TV & MEDIA UNIT

£199 .99

£719 .99

RECLAIMED INDUSTRIAL BOATWOOD COLLECTION COFFEE TABLE

NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER

£ 234 .99

USE COUPON CODE KIR10 FOR EXTRA 10% DISCOUNT www.rootwoodhouse.co.uk

Rootwood House Handcrafted • Recycled • Fairtrade

£259.99

£394.99

£539.99

Rootwood House, 79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton. WV1 4JD Tel:| AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 01902 715 9852015 Email: sales@rootwoodhouse.co.uk STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK

£459.99

MADE WITH REAL

SWAROVSKI E L E M E N T S

40% Discount on Nolte Starlight Bedroom Sets call today or visit us in store

SALE NOW ON

79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton. WV1 4JD Telephone: 01902 428 489 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 19 01952 321334 Email: interiorsitalia@hotmail.co.uk

rooms

DRF Kitchens & Bed

Our designers are passionate about designing kitchens and bedrooms. Our staff offer the best level of service, friendly and polite whilst remaining professional at all times. They aim to fulfill all your requirements but also design a kitchen or bedroom that suits your personality whether this is traditional, or contemporary. We are very experienced at providing kitchens and bedrooms in Staffordshire to the highest quality.

DRF Kitchens and Bedrooms are manufacturers of high quality kitchens and bedrooms, located in Burntwood.

is no exception. In the kitchen there are now integral televisions, wine coolers, and clever units which make maximum use of the space available. We have a large selection and choice of products in our showroom for you to

Manager, Tim Jones, is proud of the service he and his team provide “we are happy to provide you with a free no obligation quote; either bring in your own measurements, or we’ll come to your home and do this for you. We pride ourselves on our no pressure sales, our priority is to retain customer satisfaction at all times. This

We are an established business with over 20 years’ experience in the trade. We are very popular for our wide range of designs, colours and materials for your kitchen and bedroom needs. Being a manufacturer we can offer you a more bespoke design for your kitchen or bedroom so regardless of size, colour or materials, just call into our showroom for a chat. We manufacture to trade and retail. DRF will provide you with an extensive kitchen range to include all the space saving features of fitted and made to measure furniture; in addition to soft close doors, a range of worktops which include granite and other hard wearing options. Convenience lifestyles mean people are demanding new gadgets for all areas of our lives and the kitchen

choose for your kitchen and bedroom requirements. We also offer kitchen and bedroom planning, designing and installation service to help you make your house feel comfortable and make your house in to a dream home.

allows us to maintain our reputation for excellence. Our dedicated and enthusiastic team will ensure that your new kitchen or bedroom design project will be completed on time and will be hassle free”. We also specialise in kitchen and bedroom fittings and accessories. Our showroom is filled with various taps, tiles, flooring, dishwashers, microwaves and cookers to compliment your kitchen. Come and visit our showroom to find your dream Kitchen or Bedroom. Showroom opening times Monday-Thursday 8.00am-5.00pm Friday 8.00am-4.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 3.00pm Tel: 01543 683666 www.drfkitchensandbedrooms.co.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

We suppl y to trade and reta il

DRF Kitchens and Bedrooms Manufacturers of Kitchens and Bedrooms Please call into our showrom to see our large selection of high quality kitchens and bedrooms Monday-Thursday 8.00am-5.00pm, Friday 8.00am-4.00pm and Saturday 9.00am-3.00pm

01543 683666 e : t i m . d r f @ h o t m a i l . co m

w w w . d r f k i t c h e n s a n d b e d r o o m s . c o . u k Unit 5, New Road Industrial Estate, Burntwood, Staffs WS7 0BU 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Compton Hospice Open’s Second Superstore in Cannock

Following the successful opening of its first Superstore in Wolverhampton City Centre earlier this year Compton Hospice opened the doors to its second Superstore on Church Street in Cannock on Thursday 21st May. The charity, which supports families affected by terminal illness, has been providing care to patients in the Cannock and surrounding areas for a number of years but up until now has not had a shop in the area. Paul Carter, Trading Manager at Compton Hospice, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring our second Compton Hospice Superstore to Cannock. We pride ourselves on offering customers an enjoyable shopping experience which in turn will help us to generate funds towards providing care for terminally ill patients and their families.” The store, which will be located in the former Blockbuster unit on Church Street, will feature a range of departments including men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, furniture, home and electrical goods, brica-brac, Compton Kids corner and giftware items, and will be supported by a team of up to 30 volunteers. 22

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Compton Hospice

Caring Together

Charity Reg No: 512387

Grace Ruston, PR & Marketing Officer for Compton Hospice, added: “The opening of our second superstore will be one of the ways that we as a hospice plan to raise funds so that we can expand and develop our Community Nursing team. “This is a vital service which allows terminally ill people to be cared for in their own homes and for which demand is at its highest. “Care is delivered to patients and families free of charge, which in turns costs us as a charity over £6 million ever year. The funds raised from sales generated in the Cannock Superstore, as well as our other Compton Hospice charity shops, help make a significant contribution towards these running costs.” The store officially opened its doors to the public on Thursday 21st May with many excited customers waiting outside the doors eager to hunt out the latest bargains. The Compton Hospice Cannock Superstore is located at Church Street, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1DH and is open from 9am to 7pm – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Those interested in volunteering at the store are asked to contact Compton Hospice directly on 01902 774545 or email admin@compton-hospice.org.uk

Specialist Installers of Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Composite doors • Windows • Patio Doors • Conservatories • Bi-Folding doors • Fascias Sofits Tel: 01785 256085 Unit 8, Astonfields Road Business Park, Stafford, ST16 3UF

www.winterwarmth.co.uk

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

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

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

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

01543 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 7 Road with houses each side (6) 8 Attorney (6) 9 At liberty (4) 10 Fight (8) 11 Promised (7) 13 Be in accord (5) 15 Spectre (5) 17 Most delicate (7) 20 Entering a country by force (8) 21 Assist (4) 22 Dreaded (6) 23 Skilled (6) Down 1 Depots (6) 2 Existed (4) 3 Piled (7) 4 Dull (5) 5 After sunset (8) 6 Save (6) 12 First floor (8) 14 Protective spectacles (7) 16 Chased relentlessly (6) 18 Wages (6) 19 Takes care of (5) 21 Joints above

SUDOKU

Pictograms 5 words

REDUCTION BREATHER 5 words

NOW

2 words Puzzle solutions on Page 66

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

OFFICEE

Buckley Loft Conversions is a family managed company based in Cannock, producing 1000’s of outstanding conversions & extensions all over the Midland’s area, adding space, value and style with innovative design and quality construction. Whatever your budget or requirements a loft, garage conversion or extension could be the ideal solution to your particular needs. With the added bonus of providing additional usable floor space, personal design input and the increase in value to your home. To help we provide a Free Design & Quotation – After visiting your property to discuss your needs and ideas we return with hopefully a design you will be delighted with – for inspiration visit www.loft-conversions.com

CREATING A NEW RELAXING SPACE

With our in-house team of professional’s surveyors, architects, administrators and construction personnel, together with our bespoke joinery workshop and craftsmen, we will enhance your house to make it your dream home Call 0800 136 152 to book your free consultation.

• Loft Conversions • Garage Conversions • Extensions • Manufacturers of Bespoke Staircases

Freephone: 0800 136 152 w: www.loft-conversions.com e: enquiries@loft-conversions.com

FREE DESIGN & QUOTATION DESIGN • PLANNING • CONSTRUCTION

50 Park Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0BT, UK

Company Reg no: 03668849 | Vat number: 715499802

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ering! th a G ic m o n ro st a G T S Staffordshire’s BIGGE

Stone

Food & Drink Festival Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October 2015. 2015 marks the 11th year the Stone Food & Drink Festival has graced the charming canal town of Stone; bringing together the region’s finest culinary talent. On festival Friday and Saturday the town centre bustles with crowds visiting the High Street Farmers’ Market - where you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and veg to meat, poultry, game, preserves - and much more. From noon on Friday through to Sunday afternoon, the main festival at Westbridge Park opens its gates; offering the chance to discover Staffordshire’s very own food heroes, browse stalls from some of the UK’s finest artisan producers, enjoy informative presentations in the Talks and Tastings Tent, watch top local chefs in action in the Demonstration Kitchen and even join in with interactive cookery lessons. Little ones, meanwhile, will be kept entertained with free children’s cookery classes, activities, face painting and an educational yet fun treasure trail. There’s also ready to eat food on offer to suit every taste – from filled Staffordshire oatcakes through to exotic street food, fine dining in the pop-up gourmet restaurant while light lunches and afternoon teas are served in the pop-up tearoom. For beer lovers, Staffordshire brewers are out in force, while for those in search of a more sophisticated atmosphere, an elegant bar serves wine and champagne by the glass or bottle alongside a delectable selection of cocktails. Great live music throughout

the weekend, meanwhile, helps ensure a party atmosphere for the hottest date in Staffordshire’s culinary calendar. Festival Chairman, Richard Stevens, says: “The festival remains a not-forprofit, community organisation and while its core objective remains to help bring business into Stone and provide a great weekend for both the community and visitors alike, we have expanded our aims to promoting the great food & drink available locally and helping to put Staffordshire firmly on the ‘foodie’ tourism map. We see more and more visitors coming each year and travelling from further afield – once again in 2015, alongside some firm favourites there

will be some exciting new additions set to be announced so there will be something for return visitors as well as those coming along for the first time.” More than just one big weekend! Alongside the three-day foodie extravaganza on Westbridge Park, visitors will find plenty on offer in and around Stone during the week running up to the ‘big weekend’. Stone’s enviable selection of pubs and restaurants run a host of special events from themed evenings and wine tastings to foodie pub quizzes; with special festival offers available in many town centre shops and eateries.

WIN a pair of weekend passes to Stone Food & Drink Festival 2015 This month we have teamed up with Stone Food & Drink Festival to give two lucky readers the chance to win two pairs of three-day passes to the Stone Food & Drink Festival; offering yourself and a companion access to the main Westbridge Park site on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October simply answer the following question:

How many years will the Stone Food & Drink Festival have been running by this October? a) 8 b) 11 c) 15 Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ. Please ensure that you include your name, address and telephone number. Entries to be received by the Friday 11th September 2015 Competition Terms and conditions: Winner will be chosen at random from all the correct entries and notified by telephone. No cash or alternative prize available.

Entry to Westbridge Park £6pp/day; weekend tickets £15pp (accompanied under-16s free). For more information visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

SB Plastering by Stuart Ba

skerville

As a fully qualified, insured plasterer, I specialise in domestic work and have 8 years’ experience in the trade. I pride myself on providing a professional but friendly plastering service. I work to the highest standard possible to ensure customers get the perfect finish they expect. An ex-military individual, I have a strong work ethic, and believe this has served me well during my 8 years of self-employment. I am highly motivated, and have excellent problem solving skills that I can use to ensure I am able to complete whatever job the customer is looking for.

I understand the need to work closely with my customers to ensure I understand their exact requirements, and I carefully explain all aspects of the job I am to carry out for them, so that there are no surprises for them along the way. I believe honesty and integrity are extremely important in order to build up good relationships with my customers, and will encourage them to recommend me to friends and family. I pride myself on working in a clean manner, and will always leave a customer’s house spotless either at the end of each day, and/or at the end of the job.

 Plastering  skimming  Dry-lining

Please see below a few customer testimonials: I’m very pleased with the standard of work completed on these jobs. I will be hiring SB Plastering for more jobs around my home. Stuart fitted me in at short notice, gave me a fair/ realistic price and was a pleasure to meet. Thanks again SB Plastering. Great price and great work. Work was prompt and of high standard, I need the job doing quickly and Stuart was very helpful in achieving this. I am more than happy with the quality of the work and would recommend him to anyone.

 artex CovereD  skirting  laminate Flooring

07957 326447 sB-Plastering@mail.Com FinD us on FaCeBook

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Queens Autism Charity wins

Award

Lisa Snape and Pauline Hanrahan

Volunteers behind a charity which supports children and adults across Staffordshire with autism have been honoured for their outstanding work.

to be honoured in this way and for the services we offer within the community to be recognised.”

The North Staffs Aspergers Autism Association, based in Newcastle Under Lyme, has been given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award that can be given to local volunteer groups in the UK and recognises outstanding work in the community.

Over the past 13 years it has gone from strength to strength, helping children and adults with autism - a lifelong disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.

Charity chairperson Lisa Snape and treasurer Pauline Hanrahan accepted the award at a garden party held at Buckingham Palace on May 28. An official presentation evening will be arranged later in the year to receive the certificate signed by the Queen and a crystal glass commemorative chalice from one of her majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants.

The charity offers a range of groups for the children and teens to reduce isolation and provide social opportunities. It also provides support groups where they can seek support, share stories, and benefit from the experience of others. Adult members also benefit from monthly social gatherings and regular events and outings.

Mrs Snape said: “We are truly delighted to have been chosen for the Queen’s Award thanks to the nomination by Andrea Smith one of our members.

Ms Hanrahan said: “Anyone can join whether you are a child, an adult, a parent or carer, whether you have a diagnosis or are awaiting a diagnosis.

“It was a real pleasure and privilege to collect the award from Buckingham Palace.

“We welcome everyone”.

“It is a suitable tribute to all the committee members and volunteers who give up their time to offer help and support to families in the area affected by autism. “In total we have ten trustees and seven volunteers, and five members of staff who facilitate and assist the groups and helpline, providing an invaluable service to our members. “I would like to thank them for all their hard work, without their time and dedication, we would not have won this award.” Ms Hanrahan added: “The whole day from start to finish was magnificent and it’s great for our charity 28

The charity was set up in 2002 and serves the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire areas.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

“It has really helped my family and we hope to continue helping other families. “We have so many wonderful groups to choose from including a lego group, a craft group, a swimming group a gaming group and much more. “I have met so many amazing people during my eight years as a trustee and we are so pleased that this great honour has been bestowed on our charity.” For further information visit www.nsaaa.org.uk or contact 01782 627002.

LARGEST DISPLAY OF FIRES & FIREPLACES IN THE AREA

SERVICING & REPAIRS

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

*** FIREPLACES MADE TO MEASURE *** BESPOKE SERVICE AVAILABLE *** OVER 100 DISPLAYS OF GAS, ELECTRIC, SOLID FUEL & FIREPLACES

FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Tue - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm Sun - Mon Closed

FREE SURVEYS

1st Floor Units 6/7 Norton Canes Business Park Norton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS w w w . f I r e s I d e f a c t o r y .w e b s . c o m

FREE DELIVERY*

01543 277366

STAFFORDSHIRE’S NEW READY MIX CONCRETE SERVICE DIY PROJECTS •

COMMERCIAL

•

CONTRACT

LET US DO THE MIXING!

Freshly mixed on-site from our specialised vehicles

Tel: 01785 630 280 Or visit: www.accumix.co.uk

KM 535803

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

What is better than building your children’s confidence while there having FUN? Sports Plus Arena will offer children a safe facility to get involved with various sports and activities.

Need Flexibility? Look no further. We offer coaching sessions on both evenings AND weekends and throughout the holidays.

Highly Qualified & Experienced to work with children and are DBS/ CRB Enhanced Checked & Fully Insured with First Aid Training.

Owners Sports Plus Scheme are excited to be launching the NEW Sports Plus Arena in time for the 7 Week Summer Holidays and already work with thousands of children each day in hundreds of Primary Schools across the UK.

Children’s Birthday Parties

4 to 11 year olds

Holiday Camps Non Term Time

• MULTI-SPORTS FUN • FOOTBALL COACHING • DODGEBALL COACHING • DANCE ACADEMY • RUGBY COACHING • BALANCEABILITY (2 - 6 years) “Learn 2 Cycle Programme”

There are Holiday Camps being held at our arena throughout the school holidays Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.00pm that offer a wide range of Sports & Activities aimed to build individual skills while incorporating team building and playing games. All activities are supervised and structured so that it gives encouragement for your child to try out new and different experiences.

Why not come down and see our Multi Purpose Tiger Turf pitch with Shock Pad fully enclosed with tight netting? That’s not all, we also have a seating area for parents to watch their children develop and have fun.

All of our Sports Coaches and Physical Activity Professionals are

All birthday parties are delivered by our experienced team who work in schools providing Physical Education Support and know what a FUN exciting experience is required for a perfect party. Choose from our 3 party packages to suit you… Gold Party Experience Silver Party Experience Bronze Party Experience Contact us for further details: The Sports Plus Arena Unit 12, Lakeside Business Park, Walkmill Lane, Cannock, WS11 0XE www.thesportsplusarena.co.uk 0845 643 1998

The Sports Plus Arena offers a modern indoor facility that is designed to give children a positive learning area while having FUN.

in farewell 0 0 0 1 £ r e v o e is ra rs e Walk acher te d a e H ty u p e D r fo t even Current and former students, families and staff from Blessed William Howard Catholic High School raised over £1000 by taking part in a sponsored walk at Seven Springs on Cannock Chase. More than 60 walkers of all ages took part in the event which was also held to mark the retirement of Deputy Headteacher, Nigel Dudley. Mr Dudley was a member of staff at Blessed William Howard for a remarkable 25 years, during which he was heavily involved with the PTA fundraising activities. This sponsored walk was to mark his departure, and was well attended by 30

former pupils who remembered Mr Dudley from their days at the school. The money will be a significant boost for the school’s fund raising campaign for a new minibus. “I am delighted that once again so many turned out for this family walk across the Chase. It was great to talk with members of the school community whilst also raising

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

money in support of this important school resource. My thanks are extended both to all the walkers and the PTA committee for all the work that they do throughout the year to support children in the school.” commented Mr Dudley. The walk took place in May with most of the sponsorship money now collected.

NOW OPEN Multi-Sports FUN

Football Coaching

Dodgeball Coaching

Rugby Coaching

Dance Academy

Balanceability Bikes

(Learn To Cycle Programme)

ne La

A46 A4

W alk

ill

gS tre et

Wa tlin

A34

We Are Here

• Holiday Courses • CHildren's BirtHday Parties • Weekly sessions

ll L

Walsall R

M6 TOLL

The Sports Plus Arena

Unit 12, Lakeside Business Park Walkmill Lane, Cannock, Staffordshire

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK Member

Tettenhall College

As one of the leading independent schools in the region, Tettenhall College is there for every step of your child’s educational journey. From the first written words of our youngest pupils to sixth formers moving on to university, we take pride in each individual achievement. The journey begins at our nursery, where children join us from the age of two. Once again judged to be ‘Outstanding’ in our latest official inspection, the nursery helps young children develop confidence and an enthusiasm for learning which continues throughout the School. Welly walks, music sessions and creative play sow the seeds for successful social and educational development, which is taken to the next level at our excellent Preparatory School. There, dedicated staff take the time to nurture each child’s individual strengths, preparing them for the challenges of senior school. Being part of an ‘all-through’ school with a closeknit community provides a seamless educational experience, with no anxiety over secondary level change. All children are known and valued and feel secure in their surroundings. Our pupils enjoy activities such as Forest School in our stunning ancient woodlands. This will be enhanced by a complementary new mountain bike trail, one of many exciting new additions which are part of a multi-million pound redevelopment currently taking shape. It includes a new floodlit Astroturf pitch, a new tennis and netball area and a high ropes facility. Cafe culture is also being embraced, with a new coffee shop set to be unveiled for the start of the autumn term. This will be open to Sixth Formers, parents and staff and will be housed in the old stable block that formed part of the original Thorneycroft estate.

The boys’ boarding house will have a major facelift incorporating 21st Century facilities and ensuite accommodation. The School’s oldest building, The Towers, is one of the county’s few Grade II* listed buildings and expert conservation architects are currently working on sympathetic modernisation plans. It is home to our own theatre, where talented pupils regularly perform full-scale musical productions. Our pupils also frequently support professional productions at The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton; performing arts is a real strength of the School. Reading is a vitally important part of school life and a love of books is developed at a very early age thanks to our wonderful library and literature-based activities. Pupils are taking part in a Year of Reading event, enjoying author visits, awards, a new Preparatory School Book Club, fairs and workshops. Last year was a record year for A Level A* performers and our overall pass rate was almost 99 per cent. Pupils went on to top universities, including Oxford and UCL. GCSE results were also excellent, with pupils achieving top grades. Eleven Year 10 pupils and one Year 9 pupil also took their Maths GCSE a year early, with all achieving top A* and A grades. While we are very proud of these academic achievements, we understand the importance of extra-curricular activities and offer an innovative and varied programme, from games clubs to sports. Pupils are also top performers in English Speaking Board Exams and are encouraged to undertake voluntary work and charitable pursuits. Our children have been praised by inspectors for their excellent behaviour, good manners and confidence, a reflection of our school ethos. We give them skills beyond the classroom which help them succeed in whichever path they choose to take. If you would like to start your child’s educational journey with us, at any stage, please contact our admissions team to arrange a visit and see first-hand the happiness and enthusiasm of our pupils. Our next official Open Day is Saturday 26th September from 10am – 1pm. For further information and to reserve your place, please contact the Admissions Team at the School on 01902 751119 or email admissions@tettcoll.co.uk.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Molly, Year 4 Forest School

take a closer look...

Open Morning Saturday 26th September 2015 10.00am - 1.00pm

A unique atmosphere with remarkable opportunities, where every pupil achieves their personal best. To reserve your place please contact admissions@tettcoll.co.uk or telephone 01902 751119.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Thank you!… by Sue Chance Around this time last year, I explained how the demand for our hospice care in the home service had dramatically increased by over 20% in just two months.

I also asked if people would be willing to help contribute towards the daily cost of these services by making a small donation. Thank you so much if you helped to support us in this way. I am delighted…

Caring Together

Charity Reg No: 512387

There is an urgent need to meet the ever growing demand of local people with an incurable illness. We will never charge patients for the care they receive but we ask for your support in order to be able to expand our care to where people need and want it most… in the comfort of their own home. Any small donation towards this would be very gratefully received.

to let you know that thanks to the local support a total of £34,235 was raised through the Compton Hospice ‘Hospice Care Everywhere’ appeal. This means we are now able to make positive plans for the future of our desperately needed community based care.

How to donate:

The kind support has enabled us to:

Post your donation to us using the form overleaf to 39 Compton Road West, Wolverhampton WV3 9DW

• engage additional Healthcare Assistants as part of our Hospice at Home team, providing personal and emotional care 24/7 as part of either the night team or day team • initiate a recruitment programme to double the number of our Community Nurse Specialists, who offer an holistic assessment of our patients and their family’s needs in their own home, identifying any physical, psychological, spiritual or social needs and issuing prescriptions where necessary, preventing any lengthy wait for new medications when time is of the essence. • actively recruit a specialist palliative care doctor whose role it is to assess and monitor patients and to provide symptom and pain relief to people in their own home.

Visit: www.compton-hospice.org.uk/donate/online/ Text COMP01 followed by the amount you wish to donate e.g £5 to 70070

Most people are aware that we have an excellent inpatient unit at Compton Hospice which offers free expert medical and nursing support for local people with an incurable illness. However very few people realise that for every one person we care for on our ward, there are 33 more people we are looking after out in the community. At any one point in time, Compton Hospice is tending to over 500 patients, most of whom are being cared for in their own homes. Most of us express a wish to die in our own homes with our loved ones around us and at Compton, we do everything within our power to ensure this can happen wherever possible.

Please, if you can continue to help…

We will never charge our patients for this care and we receive only 1/3rd of the cost from the NHS. We therefore ask you to consider making a donation towards the cost of this important service which allows families to cherish their time together in their own home.

We aim to double the size of our Community Nurse Specialist team over the next few years at an estimated ongoing cost of £200,000 per annum to Compton Hospice.

We are so fortunate to have supporters who donate so generously to ensure that Compton Hospice can continue this care for local people.

• overall, to provide dignity and comfort to many more people wishing to spend the last weeks and days of their lives at home.

Compton Hospice

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Hospice Care Everywhere

Please write your message of support below. Your tag will form part of bunting which will be hung up in our main reception during July and August.

Thank you so much for your support To Compton Hospice

Thank you From

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

By Michael Peter Whitehurst Email: mike@takefood.co.uk

Recipe of the month Chicken and Sweet Potato Pizza Equipment • 2 baking trays • Good quality parchment paper • Rolling pin • Mixing bowls Ingredients PIZZA DOUGH • 500g Khorasan Flour (plus extra for dusting) • half tsp of Maldon sea slat flakes • 1 tsp quick acting yeast • 375ml of warm water • 2 tbsp of rapeseed oil TOMATO SAUCE • 1 tube of tomato puree • 1 tsp sugar • 50ml of water TOPPING Guideline quantities - you can add as much as you like. • 1 large chicken breast (220g) • 1 large sweet potato • 1 ball of mozzarella • 8 mushrooms pan fried in butter • 2 sprigs of fresh oregano • 1 bulb of garlic • 100g of grated mild cheddar • 8 slices of salami • Rapeseed oil 36

Serves 6 - 8

Method Read through once and measure everything out before starting. PIZZA BASE Mix together the flour, yeast and water in a bowl and once a dough is forming add the salt and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. Put the dough back into the bowl, drizzle the oil over it and wrap with cling film. Leave the dough to rise for a couple of hours then turn out onto a floured surface and punch the air out of it. Portion into 4 dough balls and roll out onto your baking trays. TOMATO SAUCE Squeeze the puree out of the tube into a bowl and mix with warm water and sugar stirring until the sugar has dissolved. This needs to be the consistency of tomato ketchup. TOPPING Switch your oven on to 200oC While the dough is rising you can cook the chicken, potato and garlic. Rub a little oil and seasoning onto the chicken breast, bake the potato in its skin and put the garlic bulb in the oven in one whole piece. Once cooked you should be able to just squeeze the roasted garlic out of its little pods. The potato will take the longest so if you want it all to cook at the same time cut the potato into smallish chunks and toss in oil and seasoning. To build your pizza, place a sheet of parchment paper onto each of the baking trays and then roll out the dough into 4 individuals or 2 large bases onto your baking trays and push into corners to fit or keep as traditionally shaped round bases. Brush the tomato sauce all over leaving a 1 inch frame around the outside. Now simply just break up the chicken and place all over with chunks of the sweet potato, mushrooms, cloves of roasted garlic, leaves of oregano and chunks of ripped mozzarella. Roll up the slices of salami together and slice into strips then just sprinkle over the pizza with grated mild cheddar and season with sea salt and pepper. Bake in a hot oven for about 12 minutes. SERVING SUGGESTION Garnish the pizza with a mix of rocket and fresh basil leaves dressed in rapeseed oil and grated or shaved parmesan. Serve with roasted new potatoes (toss the potatoes in oil, sea salt and fresh rosemary before roasting.)

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

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

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

* over a 2 month period

For further details on promoting your venue Call Sharon Caldwell on: 01952 321334

At The Dog and Doublet Inn we take pride in our home cooked wholesome food. We use only the freshest and most seasonal produce which is locally sourced wherever possible. Alongside our main food menu we also offer a Sandwich Menu (12-6pm) and delicious Sharing Platters & Grazing Boards (12-8pm) which can be enjoyed either inside or in our garden if the weather allows

Dog & Doublet Inn Sandon Stafford ST18 0DJ

Tel: 01889 508331 Email: info@doganddoubletsandon.co.uk

www.doganddoubletsandon.co.uk

Download Our FREE Restaurant Diary Booking App

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

The Dog & Doublet In

Comfortably nestling in the beautiful village of Sandon, Staffordshire, The Dog and Doublet Inn offers luxury accommodation and a traditional restaurant.

Walking past the large outdoor seating and table area in front of the entrance, we decided as were early, to enjoy a drink outside before dining as it was such a pleasant evening. We were also informed that during the summer months, when the weather permitted that sandwiches, sharing

Perfectly situated with easy access from the M6 and A51 The Dog and Doublet is a charming Arts and Craft period Inn and welcomes anyone who loves character and has a healthy appetite for delicious food! This evening I was meeting an old school friend for dinner and we both agreed that we wanted to dine at The Dog and Doublet, as many family and friends had recommended the restaurant to us. On our arrival we both stated that this was a truly impressive building in such a great location.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Download Our FREE2015 Restaurant Diary Booking App

platters and grazing boards could also be enjoyed inside or in the garden area. Once we had finished our drinks we went inside to the restaurant area where we were greeted by the Operations Manager Marianne who guided us to our table which was in the archway of the restaurant with absolutely stunning views out of the huge window.

The restaurants décor, we described as a traditional country feel but with a modern twist!

The desserts were both delicious and refreshing and were a wonderful end to a wonderful meal.

Our waitress for the evening, Tanisha introduced herself and gave us the evening dinner menu, we also ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio from the extensive wine list.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Dog and Doublet Inn and would recommend it to anyone visiting Staffordshire.

Making a choice from the menu was really hard as everything sounded so appetising.

The Dog and Doublet Inn main menu is served Monday to Saturday (12:00 – 2:30pm and 5:00pm – 9:30pm)

We started with the baked garlic and rosemary camembert (to share), tomato chutney and warm rustic breads. This starter was perfect before our hearty mains.

Sandwich Menu (12-6pm) and delicious Sharing Platters & Grazing Boards (12-8pm) which can be enjoyed either inside or in our garden if the weather allows.

For our main course we opted for the cider braised pork belly, sprouting broccoli, smoked apple puree, crispy black pudding and potato gratin and my friend choosing the slow cooked hickory smoked pork ribs, sticky BBQ sauce, coleslaw, piri piri fries and griddled corn. When our mains arrived they were beautifully presented and were full of flavour and most enjoyable. Surprisingly there was space for dessert so I chose the warm raspberry and almond bakewell tart with vanilla mascarpone and my friend having the profiteroles, chantilly cream and chocolate sauce.

An “Early Doors Menu” is available Monday to Friday (5.00pm 6.00pm). Enjoy a main course for £9.95 or two courses for £12.95. On Sundays The Dog and Doublet Inn offer a Sunday lunch menu (12.00 - 4.00pm) and (5.30pm 8.00pm) along with a Sunday snack menu available until 4.00pm. Afternoon Tea is available Monday – Saturday (3:00 – 5:00pm) £9.95pp or add bubbly for an extra £5.00pp. Booking is essential. 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

eal for two m e rs u o c e re th a in W

with wine

This month we have teamed up with The Dog & Doublet Inn, Sandon, for one lucky reader to win a spectacular prize of a three course meal for two with a bottle of wine. The Dog & Doublet is a charming yet stylish gastro inn which is strategically placed between the county town of Stafford and Uttoxeter, Lichfield and Stone, and is easily accessible from the A51 and M6, making The Dog and Doublet Inn the ideal base from which to explore the many delights which Staffordshire has to offer. Taking you back to traditional Inn Keeper hospitality, The Dog and Doublet Inn provides a warm and friendly ambiance, making it the ideal place for you to truly indulge, enjoy and relax. Our luxurious boutique style bedrooms with exquisite decor and furnishings are the ideal haven for a peaceful nights rest. Providing you with total comfort in lush surroundings, all 11 bedrooms are en-suite and feature modern day amenities such as flat screen televisions and complimentary Wi Fi. The Lewis Partnership also runs The Moat House, Acton Trussell, The Swan, Stafford and The Bear Grill, Stafford.

Dog and Doublet Inn, Sandon, Stafford ST18 0DJ

For your chance to win this fantastic prize please answer the following question: How many luxury bedrooms does The Dog and Doublet Inn have? Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook. co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ. Please ensure you include your name, address and telephone number. Entries to arrive by Sunday 13th September 2015 Terms and Conditions: The competition prize will be a three course meal for two with a bottle of house wine. Over 21’s only. Booking will be subject to availability and must be taken by the 30th November 2015. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to The Dog & Doublet Inn.

s doors Blue Ginger closes it tion for a ma jor renova Blue Ginger, Cannock has temporarily closed its doors for a major renovation. The restaurant which is located on the Stafford Road in Huntington, has been run by Abdul and the team for the past 3 years and will be closed until mid-September. The Staffordshire Outlook caught up with Abdul Karim the owner of Blue Ginger who explained that he and his staff have been successfully running the restaurant for 3 years. 40

Abdul said “We are all very excited for the restaurant to be renovated, and our customers will be amazed how the restaurant will look! The restaurant is planning on being closed until the second week of September and we will then have a launch night to showcase the renovation. We have gained so many new and loyal returning customers and the restaurant has gone from strength to strength, Last year being a great year for us with another 5 star rating off rate My Place, and also we gained a certificate in excellence off Trip Advisor! Hopefully with the restaurant having the renovation we will generate even more new customers.” We will keep you all posted with updates, and the launch night in the Staffordshire Outlook magazine.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Blue Ginger, Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 4NU Telephone: 01534 500300 www.bluegingercannock.com

Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)

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

Described by many customers as a culinary experience of a lifetime.

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

01902 307846 01902 738299

Eat in or take away

Mondays

two dine with a bottLe of wine for just £20

New to Tuesdays

LoveLy picturesque outdoor seating areas, gorgeous hanging baskets, chiLLed wines and fine aLes. Large car park

New Restauran!t Menu out now new Look out for ourection hanging skewer seL

Our new Gluten Free night coming

s! soon on wednesday

"skewer and sweet" - free dessert with every hanging skewer

Sizzling Thursdays

traveL around the worLd in fLavour. aLL sizzLer dishes onLy £10

Fridays

Live entertainment every friday from 9pm

Six Meat Sundays avaiLabLe every sunday from noon tiLL 6pm. from just £7.95

open daiLy foR food

monday to friday noon - 3pm & 5pm-9pm, aLL day saturday, sunday noon - 6pm

01543 503302 shoalhilltaverncannock@yahoo.co.uk Sandy Lane | CannoCk | StaffS | WS11 1Rf

Find us and our menus on

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Carver Wolverhampton marathon events

attracts parents and children to have a run after the main events have set off around the course. This year the planners have included a 3K walk to the event list. Race Director and Chair of the planning committee Mary Harding said “It has always been my ambition to find an event that everyone can be part of”. Wolverhampton has been identified as having a higher than average obesity rate, so Mary and the marathon committee have joined forces with the Public Health Department and hope that families will enjoy the walk inside the park and that this might stimulate an interest in taking regular exercise. Starting outside West Park and finishing inside the park the events are set to attract thousands to Wolverhampton to either take part or support their friends and family who will be running, cycling or walking.

Henry Carver, Steve Bull & Hugh Porter taking part in the cycle ride from a previous event

Preparations are well under way for the staging of the annual Carver Wolverhampton Marathon Events. Now in their 18th year the events have grown in population and attract thousands of competitors to Wolverhampton to take part in their chosen events. Wolverhampton Marathon was put back on the map after a lapse of a number of years and was the brainchild of the late Roy Carver and Ivan Savage, who became chair of the planning committee, which led the marathon forward. The half marathon was added later together with a five stage relay over the marathon distance.

champion Hugh. Cousins Furniture now sponsor the cycle ride. As the relay numbers started to go into decline the organisers decided to replace it with a 10k race. Sponsored by Marston’s Brewery this event has also grown. The children’s mini marathon is still in place and

Entries are already coming in for all the events taking place on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH and there will be a chance to enter throughout the day on Saturday 5th September. Year on year local companies continue to sponsor and support this wonderful event for the City of Wolverhampton that raises thousands for local charities. This year the proceeds from the marathon events will be shared between Compton Hospice, Beacon Centre for the Blind, Samaritans and The Mayoral Charity Fund.

Then Hugh Porter and his wife Anita had a vision of including a cycle ride to encourage family participation. This has grown in popularity as hundreds take to the streets on their cycles, often riding alongside four times world

For more details visit the website www.carverwolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk 42

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

The West Midlands’ Leading Cosmetic & Beauty Clinic Botox Treatment

Treatments Include… 15% OFF ALL TREATMENTS*

Before

After

Typical Before & After images (which have not been altered or changed) following combined BOTOX, Dermal Filler & MNT treatments which were photographed approximately two thirds of the way through a treatment process. The Cottage Surgery not only utilise the skills of the West Midlands’ most respected & ground breaking injectable specialist surgeon, but also Laser technologies, MNT treatments, skin resurfacing methods & leading Cosmeceutical Skin Care regimes. This is to ensure the best effects and outcomes for our patients.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Acne & acne scarring Anti-ageing Birth marks Botox Chloasma Dermal fillers Electrolysis Laser hair removal Hyperhidrosis Tattoo removal Medical peels Melasma Microdermabrasion Non-surgical face lifts Pain relief Photo-rejuvenation Pigmentation Pigmented lesions/Liver spots /Sun spots/Age spots Port wine stains Rosacea Scarring Skin rejuvenation Skin tags Smoking cessation Sports injury Stretch marks Sun damage Telangiectasia Thread vein removal Verruca removal Wart removal Wrinkle reduction injections

“An honest detailed consultation was followed by effective caring treatments. Thank you for your understanding and improving my self confidence. I really wish I’d found your clinic sooner!” – H. Patel, Halesowen

Cottage Surgery: Book Your FreeThe Today • Consultation Established since 1992 • Professional, affordable treatments

* Towho gain 15% Telephone: 01384 940499 • Trained, certified staff use off any treatment, please book your treatment on or before 30th September 2015 state of the art technology Email: enquiries@cottage-surgery.co.uk and mention this advert. Offer cannot be claimed alongside any other offer. Website: www.cottage-surgery.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Summer at La Minky The Waxing

(Hair today gone tomorrow)

Get set for the summer The summer is here and we can look forward to long lazy days and balmy nights but are you ready to cast aside your winter wardrobe and bare all to the world? If not we can help you be summer body confident here at La Minky with a key range of treatments.

The Preparation We offer a full body exfoliation service that really revives the skin and prepares it for the summer months. A body brush, then an exfoliant is used from feet upwards (avoiding sensitive areas and the face) which helps improve skin tone, sloth dead skin cells and improve your general health, The treatment is finished with a velvety moisturiser to soften and sooth the skin.

We also have the Classic Bronzing Mist available in our salon that is guaranteed to deliver gorgeous, streak-free results every time. Especially formulated for perfect, even colour that dries in sixty seconds. Developed with aloe vera and various other hydrating formulas, the St Tropez Classic Bronzing Mist nourishes and hydrates the skin, while melanin technology tailors colour to suit any skin type. Another additional benefit is the Aromaguard fragrance technology that eliminates typical tanning aroma, leaving you instead with a subtle, refreshing fragrance. This product continues to develop for over four hours to build colour and generate a superb tan and again lasts on average for 5 days with the correct aftercare. Why not treat yourself to range of St Tropez products that will help maintain your tan once you leave the salon:

The Tan There’s nothing quite like a healthy, glowing, natural-looking tan to make you look and feel fantastic. If you want the confidence to show off your pins but don’t want the possible damaging effects from sun bathing why not try our St Tropez Spray tan. You can get that healthy just off the beach look in minutes with the new St Tropez revolutionary Spray Tan Express. It lets you select how dark you want to go by choosing when you shower. The formulation contains fast-acting ingredients that absorb quickly into the skin while intelligent shade technology allows you to select your depth of colour. It is great for those busy days or last minute nights out as you can develop a light, sun-kissed glow after 1 hour, or if you have more time why not go for a golden tan that takes only 2 hours to develop. Or the ultimate deep, dark bronze result after 3 hours or more before showering. Once showered your skin feels smooth and silky. This look if properly cared for can last on average for 5 days. 44

Patch test required for tanning products 48 hrs before treatment. Please contact the salon to arrange an appointment and pre- treatment advise today on 01543 500340.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Before you know it’ll be time to pack your case and fly off for sunnier climes. You may have all the bestsellers, sun protection and beach towels you need but will you be ready to disrobe? Here at La Minky we can have you bikini ready with our range of waxing treatments from under arms, legs, toes to intimate. We are experts in regular and intimate waxing for both male and female. The wax we use is especially designed for intimate areas, is very supple and makes for a comfortable application and removal.

We have also discovered a truly wonderful product that can help tackle possible in growing hairs and post waxing irritation. Lemon Myrtle multi-purpose liquid soap is made from all natural ingredients, is suitable for sensitive skin, contains Lemon Myrtle essential oils, has antibacterial properties and can be used as an invigorating body wash that cleanses and protects the skin.

We look forward to seeing you over the summer months and hope our treatments will help you feel ready to step out with confidence this summer. Here’s to going out and enjoying the summer while it lasts!

Let us pamper you this Summer with our fabulous offers La Minky loyalty offer Have 5 appointments and receive a 6th for free, choose one treatment from the following as your free reward:

Eyebrow wax Face & upper body massage Nail tidy and varnish paint (above free rewards available until the end of August 2015)

LaMinky

Spray Tan

10% OFF -

£22.50

(usual price £25)

offer runs until the end of August 2015 Please note a patch test is required 48 hrs prior to St. Tropez tanning treatment

Swedish Back Massage

For £15 (Normal price £25)

Offer runs till the end of August 2015

All offers subject to availability.

Telephone 01543 500 340 www.salonlamink.co.uk

Please mention this advert at time of booking. Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 321334

Looking For The Perfect Body Without Surgery? Imagine a non-surgical fat reduction procedure that costs a fraction of what most treatments cost, is permanent, and tackles those tough spots like ‘love handles’ and belly fat. UltraSlim LipoFreeze Cryolipolysis and Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo are the most effective non surgical body sculpting treatments available on the market today. Inches can be lost off any given area of the body with a short, simple treatment administered in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze (Fat Freezing) delivers controlled cooling to reduce fat by up to 40% during a single treatment, while Ultrasound Cavitation Lipo & RF delivers instant results for fat reduction, in addition to targeting cellulite, reducing stretch marks and tightening loose skin after child birth. We are shaped by what we love, but you’ll love the shape you can achieve at UltraSlim Clinics. 46

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

ULTRASLIM LIPOFREEZE™ CRYOLIPOLYSIS

ULTRASLIM LIPO™ CAVITATION & RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENTS

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

Before and After 1 UltraSlim LipoFreeze™ Treatment

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!

Before

After

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

www.ultraslimclinics.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Inspirational Women

Nominees for the title Inspirational Woman, 2015 with President Midland Chase Region Carol Bailey (4th from right)

Region President of SI Midland Chase Carol Bailey initiated a competition to find the Region’s most Inspirational Woman. Clubs in the Region were asked to nominate a woman who they felt fulfilled that title and at the quarterly meeting in June, 11 clubs gave their presentations to the Region meeting and to a panel of 5 judges. The presentations showed what a wealth of wonderful, inspirational women we have working in the area of Midland Chase. A number of Nominations were for women working within the area of sexual and domestic violence: Lisa Freeman of SARAC (sexual abuse and rape advice centre); Dickie James, CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid; Kathy Coe who began and runs the Pathway Project and Carole Richardson, programme coordinator of a Salvation Army refuge for women. Detective Michelle Lane was nominated for her work for Hope for Justice and the work she does in 48

the area of illegal trafficking, slavery and prostitution whilst Amanda Bevan was nominated for her support of homeless women and families in the Wolverhampton and West Midlands area. Also linked to homelessness is the work in Walsall and now in Rwanda undertaken by Yvonne Gough who works under the banner Churches Together. Other nominees were Jenna Wills for her work with Oxfam, fund raising and providing water in places in the world where it is most needed; Fiona Ford whose own experience with hair loss following chemotherapy inspired her to set up a bespoke service for wig fitting in the Stoke area; Dawn Candy whose inspiration has enabled Home Start to flourish and develop in Tamworth and Karen Ross who works with the charity Rosie’s Helping Hands to raise enormous amounts of money which is distributed to charities and groups for young people in the Walsall and Aldridge area.

had enormous effects on the lives of hundreds of women and children. The judging panel comprised of 3 Past Presidents of Midland Chase Region: Kath Smith, Angela Reynolds, Judith Healey; Immediate Past President of Midland Arden Region Ann Keepax and SIGBI Federation Vice President Ann Hodgson. No one who heard the presentations and met the nominees envied them their role! The winner will be invited to the Region AGM in July when she will be presented with a Royal Brierley Crystal inscribed bowl and a prize worth £150 which will be appropriate to her. Region President Carol thanked all clubs for their nominations and commented on the amazing breadth of work these women cover - all of them truly inspirational!

Each of these women work above and beyond what could ever be expected and the way they work truly does inspire others: that have all For more information about SI please visit the website www.sigbi.org

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

ce Smile… with confiden Did you know that the average person will smile more than four million times during their lives?

procedure to brighten your smile. There are many ways to whiten your teeth, both at home and in the surgery. The Priors Dental Practice offers an extensive menu of whitening choices. This allows the patient to choose from several whitening methods from quick home kits with no special trays required, to in-surgery power whitening, which is intended to significantly lighten your teeth on the day.

Your smile is one of the most important things about you. Smiling is such a simple thing, yet it helps to reduce stress, establish trust and promote a sense of wellbeing. Smiles are contagious, helping to spread good feelings among people, even strangers. To help make sure your smile is the best it can be, ask your dentist if there is anything you are unhappy about. Here at The Priors Dental Practice, we have a wide range of the latest techniques available, from implants and cosmetic dental work to teeth straightening and whitening. Your smile can be enhanced by the whiteness of your teeth. The colour of teeth varies from person to person. Sometimes teeth can get stained through smoking or drinking tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and red wine.

Whether you have a special occasion coming up or you just want to have a whiter, brighter smile, teeth whitening could enhance your smile and boost your confidence.

But there are several ways they can be made to look whiter. Lightening them by just a few shades can make a big difference to your smile. With the summer season fast approaching, teeth whitening is a straightforward, effective and safe

To experience an immediate improvement to your smile and to discuss which type of whitening treatment would be most suitable for you, please contact The Priors Dental Practice to arrange your free whitening consultation. Call one of our friendly team on 01785 712388.

Winners of the Best Patient Care in the Midlands 2014 New patients welcome We provide a comprehensive private dental care service including: • General Dentistry and Hygienist Services • Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry • Root Canal Treatments • Orthodontics and Smile Enhancements Mr John Scholey (Specialist Orthodontist) BDS FDS RCS (Edin) FDS (Orth) RCS (Edin), MOrth RCS (Edin), MOrth RCS (Eng), MDentSci Dr Daniel Young (Associate Dentist) BDS (Sheffield)

01785 712388

www.thepriorsdentalpractice.co.uk

Mark Emms (Principal Dentist) LDS RCS (Edin) MSc (UCL) Conservative Dentistry GDC No 59898

Miss Karen Juggins (Specialist Orthodontist) BDS (Hons), MFDS RCS (Eng), MSc, MOrth RCS (Eng), FDS (Orth) RCS (Eng) Dr Lukas Javorskis MSc Endodontology (Kaunas, Lithuania)

The Priors Dental Practice, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Staffs. ST19 5AP info@thepriorsdentalpractice.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Learn to Swim with South Staffordshire’s Swim Academy Learning how to swim is a crucial life skill and one that everyone regardless of their age should learn to do. South Staffordshire’s Swim Academy offers local people of all ages the opportunity to learn to swim for health, safety and for fun.

The academy which operates at all four of South Staffordshire’s leisure centres has a lot to offer: • High quality swimming tuition at affordable prices • Lessons from 3yrs up to adults • Beginners and non-swimmers to advanced standards • Good teacher/child ratios • Lessons run throughout the whole year to ensure continual progression • Assistants in the water to aid weaker classes and give additional support for swimmers What else makes us special? • Our swim teachers are professionally trained • We follow the STA’s international Learn to Swim programme – one of the most successful ranges of learn to swim and aquatic courses in the world • Above all, we make learning to swim fun, progressive, inclusive, safe and affordable. This means that everybody is: • Encouraged to enjoy themselves • Motivated to improve • Taught step by step with rewards at every level • Supervised within a safe environment • Given the opportunity to develop all four swimming strokes What’s more, those who enrol get: • Free swimming for those that pay by Direct Debit • Free success tracker • One to one lessons available on request (extra charge)

FREE Adult or Child Swim Pass Voucher valid until 4th September 2015 Terms and Conditions: Voucher offers 1 free swim during a public session - Voucher cannot be redeemed against swimming lessons - Child to parent ratios apply in the water - please contact reception for full details and for swimming times - 1 voucher per person, per offer - Voucher must be presented at reception. Name……………………................................................................... Postcode……………………... Date………....................…………… Leisure Centre…………………...................................................... Staffordshire Outlook magazine - August 2015

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

iday Activities

- Affordable School Hol 5 01 2 D E S S U S er m Sum Fun filled programmes are on offer this Summer to entertain children aged 5-12 years old.

• No Block Booking, Just Pay As You Go • Parents can ‘Drop and Go’ or ‘Stay and Spectate’ • Visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sussed to find out if you are eligible for any discounts on the leisure

Why Choose South Staffordshire Council?

centre activities, or if your Parish Council is

• Affordable Prices

holding any activities within your actual parish.

• Local, Friendly and Convenient

Cut out your FREE voucher below…

FREE JUNIOR SWIM PASS Valid 20th July – 4th September 2015. Voucher must be presented at reception. You must be aged 5-12 years to use this voucher. 1 voucher per person, per offer. Children under 8 must be supervised in the pool by an adult. Vouchers can be cancelled at any time. Contact your leisure centre for swim times. The leisure centres will be closed for bank holiday on 31.8.15



• Great Range of Activities

Name……………………....................................................... Date………………................................................................. Centre………………….......................................................... Staffordshire Outlook magazine – August 2015

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

s Your skin matters to u

In the last edition we looked very briefly at the concept of: ‘Sana in corpore sano faciem’ – ‘a healthy face on a healthy body’ The question is how do we achieve this? We are all subject to mental and physical pressures, both of which affect how we look and feel. In addition, we are surrounded by many differing pollutants which can have a serious, negative effect on the skin. A balanced nutritious diet and regular skin care regime using the best products are an essential basis if you wish to keep your face healthy. At The Chase CACI Clinic we use and sell only the very best facial products. The ‘Heaven’ Range by Deborah Mitchell contains only the finest ingredients and we are finding the results are everything they claim. We are happy to order anything you require from the ‘Heaven’ range. The Nature’s Sunshine Healthy Living Products also contain only the top grade constituents, again we are getting very positive feedback from clients who are using them. The products can be ordered on our dedicated website page. 52

There is an increasing range of treatments available to complement a healthy diet and good skin care regime to ensure that your features remain healthy and radiant. The CACI machine makes use of micro currents which make the muscles toned and give the skin a healthy glow. The CACI microdermabrasion treatment makes use of a gentle but effective silicon abrader which removes the dead cells on the surface of the skin. The Overline Radio Frequency machine reaches deeper into the dermal layer of the skin and encourages Collagen to regenerate. The Apilus Electrolysis machine is best known for being the only permanent method of hair removal. However, it can do much more including the removal of thread veins, skin tags and milia. To ensure clients receive the maximum benefit from treatments, The Chase CACI Clinic also makes use of a Facial Steamer to ‘deep clean’ congested skin, when appropriate. Facial steaming has been used for many years to treat the skin. To this day some people simply steam their face above a bowl of hot water with a towel over the head. Steaming can help keep the skin healthy by opening up the pores and removing oil and blackheads to help prevent skin irritation and acne. Visible skin is dead skin; to produce new skin, cells divide in a process called

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

mitosis. When they are new, skin cells are plump and firm. By the time they reach the uppermost layer of skin, the cells are flat, hard and dead. They are bound to each other and to the living tissue below via a type of cellular cement. As people age, however, they do not shed the dead cells as quickly, and skin begins to look old, depleted and tired. Steam helps loosen the cellular cement that binds too many dead skin cells to the surface of skin. The action of steaming increases blood flow and circulation which can help tired skin look more youthful. By using the appropriate combination of equipment and facial products in conjunction with a healthy diet you and The Chase CACI Clinic can work together to ensure that your face has the best possible protection against the traumas of life in the 21st Century. Why wait, give us a ring or visit our website (details opposite) to arrange your free consultation and take that first step towards: ‘Sana in corpore sano faciem’ – ‘a healthy face on a healthy body’ Remember you are never too young or too old to start looking after your skin.

The Chase Clinic

Private Clinic by appointment only

" Putting your face first so your looks last" • The latest top of the range CACI Ultimate machine • Apilus Xcell PUR electrolysis machine - only the third in the country and the first outside the South of England. • The very latest Synergy Radio Frequency and Light Therapy equipment. • All combine to give the very best outcomes for discerning clients. • Stockists of 'Heaven' Products by Deborah Mitchell

10% off

for readers of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine - please mention advert when booking

Professional, Caring and Ethical Please contact us about

Personalised vouchers for any occasion!

www.chasecaciclinic.co.uk

Pillaton Hall Farm Pillaton Penkridge Staffordshire ST19 5RZ

01785 713477 07432 027763

info@chasecaciclinic.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

e Society rs o H e ir h S r fo e m o h New 6 National Show for 201

The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses will move to a new venue for 2016, it has been announced. Next year the Shire Horse Society National Show will be held at Bingley Hall in the centre of Staffordshire County Showground. The move is being made to cater for increasing visitor numbers to the show, who are keen to support the iconic breed which a few decades ago was in danger of dying out. The National Show, which will be staged on 18th, 19th and 20th March 2016, is expected to attract more than 200 horses from across Europe, as well as visitors from around the globe, and is billed as the largest gathering of Shires seen anywhere in the world. Shire Horse Society secretary David Ralley-Davies said: “Our National Show has been steadily gaining in popularity again recently and we wanted to ensure that everyone who wants to go gets the chance to attend, hence the decision to move to a bigger and more central venue for 2016. 54

“Bingley Hall will also provide additional facilities for exhibitors and their horses, such as indoor stabling for the majority of horses being shown. We’re very excited to announce our new indoor venue, and are looking forward to welcoming many new visitors, as well as our loyal followers and our members, to the showground next year.”

“The Shire Horse Society’s National Show is quite a spectacle, and the ideal opportunity for members of the public to see these gentle giants of the horse world in all their glory,” said David Ralley-Davies. “It also gives us the chance to raise awareness of a breed that has a unique and fascinating history and heritage.

The Shire Horse Society, which is based at Rockingham Castle on the Leicestershire/Northamptonshire border, has signed a five-year deal to stage its National Show at Bingley Hall – starting in 2016.

“At the same time, it provides us with the opportunity to promote the efforts that are being made to safeguard the breed’s future. We have been running a Save Our Shires campaign to raise awareness about Shires and numbers have steadily increased, thanks to the dedication of a band of enthusiasts, but fewer than 500 new foals are registered every year by the Shire Horse Society, and Shire horses remain an endangered species.”

The show, which has been held at a limited number of venues in England over its long history, is believed to be one of the oldest, almost continuous, horse shows in the world, having been held for the first time at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, in 1880, when the charity was named the English Cart Horse Society. It is the flagship event for the Shire Horse Society, which is the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse. Since 1878 the organisation has been working to protect the breed.

The show will include a new Friday evening ridden performance, along with a ringside show dinner, which will be followed by two days of competition and classes. It will be the first qualifier of 2016 for the Horse of the Year Show and will feature a range of classes, with horses shown in-hand, ridden and in harness.

Tickets will go on sale later this year via the Shire Horse Society’s website www.shire-horse.org.uk Follow the charity on Facebook or Twitter - facebook.com/shirehorsesociety and @saveourshires

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

py Sue Starr Hypnothera “Throughout the last year, my client base has continued to increase. Clinical Hypnotherapy continues to develop credibility as a leading alternative therapy and features in many media stories mostly for the right reasons! Our point of difference is that we include more behavioural tools, such as CBT and NLP, alongside Hypnotherapy to support clients in achieving their personal goals”. Sue Starr Hypnotherapy has over the last 3 years established itself as a leading practice in South Staffordshire. Sue continues “Teenagers and young children (as young as 6) are an increasing part of my client base; they tend to be great fun to work with and engage really well with therapy. The diversity of issues faced can range from low confidence, anxieties, exam pressures and bullying. GP and school referrals for this continue to highlight a broader shortage in support for young people where quick response is essential”

As well as the regular client base, last summer saw an increase in people wanting Hypnotherapy prior to weddings. Best Man speeches, Bride confidence and self-esteem concerns have so far been supported by Sue, “Weddings are supposed to be the best day of a couples lives, however, this pressure of being in the spotlight, organising so much and wanting it to be perfect can be overwhelming. We help with the mindset so that the big day can be fully enjoyed by confident, in control Brides, Grooms and the Best Man!” The most important thing is that a client really wants a beneficial change for themselves and that they are committed to making a change. Expecting a magic wand result with no hard work or challenges is not the case with Hypnotherapy. “Many people nowadays want quick fixes with no effort; Hypnotherapy requires dedication from the client to bring about change. But combining Hypnotherapy and client commitment facilitates long lasting change rather than a temporary fix!”

Sue Starr Dip Hyp, DNLP, GQHP, GHRreg is a fully qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and is registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register, General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, and the NHS recognised Complimentary & Natural Healthcare Council. www. suestarr-hypnotherapy.co.uk Contact Sue on 07530 310 375 or email sue@suestarr-hypnotherapy.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

arket M e g d ri k n e P it is V rs Coronation Street Sta Penkridge Market welcomed some very famous guests on Saturday (4th July) as Ashley and Kirk (actors Steven Arnold and Andrew Whyment) from Coronation Street paid a very special visit to the Market The stars were there to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Market’s resident Butchers, D&R Meats, who have been trading since 1985. Ashley and Kirk, who famously ran the Butchers on the hit soap, were very busy on the day, serving customers and posing for photographs. The two actors certainly pulled in the crowds, with the owners having to bring in an extra refrigerated lorry of meat to cope with demand. Founder of the company, David Davis said: “We were obviously thrilled to have Ashley and Kirk helping us on the store and the customers absolutely loved it. The anniversary was a huge milestone for us and we

just wanted to do something to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported us over the last 30 years.” The company now runs one of the largest auction fleets in the country, attending various Markets including Penkridge Market every Wednesday and Saturday. Matt Williams, Manager of Penkridge Market said: “We were delighted

when D&R Meats told us that they wanted to run this event and want to congratulate them on their 30th anniversary. They have been coming to the Market for nearly 5 years now and our customers only ever have good things to say about them. I think it’s a combination of the quality of the meat, the fantastic prices and the friendliness of their staff that make them so popular.”

ar Boot Sale C & t e rk a M y a d li o H Bank Penkridge Market will be holding a Brilliant Bank Holiday Market and Car Boot Sale, on Monday the 31st of August. The event will run from 9am to 3pm, and with free admission and free parking, it’s a fantastic free day out for all the family! The site has an indoor market and hard standing area, so it’s a great day out, whatever the weather! Around 100 market stall holders will be selling everything from fabulous bread, cakes and cheeses, to plants, tools, toys and soft furnishings. If you fancy a bargain then don’t miss the Car Boot Sale, with approximately 50 ‘car booters’ expected. It’s amazing what you can find - everything from tools and furniture, to cheap books, toys, CD’s, DVD’s and even the odd antique. But if you want to take part yourself and turn some of your unwanted possessions into cash, then simply turn up on the day from 7am. The site is all hard standing (so no muddy fields) and with a fee of just £8 per car, you’re bound to make a great profit!

it. That’s the fantastic thing about this site - there is an indoor market as well as hard standing area, so it’s a brilliant day out whatever the weather.” There will also be plenty of refreshments available at The Old Deanery Farm Cafe, which serves a wide range of hot and cold food from a bacon sandwich to delicious fish and chips.

Matt Williams, Manager of Penkridge Market said:

Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449. It is easily accessible from Junction 12 of the M6 and is only 6 miles from Stafford; 7 miles from Cannock and 10 miles from Wolverhampton (postcode ST19 5AP). Admission and parking is free.

“We always have a great turn out at our Bank Holiday Markets as even if it’s raining, people still really enjoy

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

cy Firm Your Local Accountan DSN Accountants Limited is a firm based in Staffordshire and offers a full range of accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals.

•

Bookkeeping

•

Tax returns

•

CIS refunds

•

VAT

•

Payroll

•

Business start-up’s

DSN Accountants is an established Accountancy firm in the Staffordshire area serving clients throughout Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Drawing on the years of experience gained with top accountancy firms we offer the complete range of audit, accounting and taxation services for sole traders to small and medium sized businesses.

manufacturing, retail, investment,

DSN Accountants offers the knowledge, expertise and service of the larger firms but with a more personal service at much lower rates.

With a portfolio of clients in the local community that spans many industries and sectors such as, and, construction, we pride ourselves in offering a service that DSN Accountants are a small friendly firm that can offer the quality services of the larger firms at just a fraction of the cost.

Services • • • •

is specific to your individual needs. At DSN Accountants we consider all clients equal and offer the same prompt, efficient and quality service

Statutory Accounts Statutory Company Audits Company and Personal Tax Planning Management Accounts

to all our clients whether they be a local builder or plumber right up to the larger limited companies we service.

• Statutory Accounts • Personal Tax • Corporate Tax • Management Accounts • Book Keeping • Payroll • Statutory Company Audits • CIS • VAT DSN Accountants Limited Barn 8, Office 4 Dunston Business Village Dunston, ST18 9AB

DSN Accountants are proud sponsors of

Tel: 01785 413148 Mobile: 07826 840147 Email: dean@dsna.co.uk

www.dsna.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

17 MERCIA DRIVE PERTON A well positioned and immaculately presented detached bungalow close to open fields and standing in a favourable South Staffordshire village close to local amenities and within convenient travelling distance of Tettenhall Village and Wolverhampton city centre. Benefitting from full double glazing, recently fitted new combination boiler and an attractive private rear garden. Entrance Hall, Lounge, Modern Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms, Bathroom. Garage and Pretty Rear Garden. No Upward Chain

OFFERS AROUND ÂŁ199,950 VIEWING: Please contact the Tettenhall Office.

13-15 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8QS Telephone: (01902) 747744

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk

of Attorney’? r e w o P g in st a ‘L a d e e Why do I n After a Will, one of the most important documents that all adults should have in place is a Lasting Power of Attorney. These documents, ‘LPAs’, enable you to personally choose who will be authorised to make your decisions should you loose mental capacity. Do not think loss of mental capacity is only a problem for the very elderly perhaps with dementia. It is not an age related problem. Anyone can loose capacity at any age. Sadly all it takes is something as simple as a fall or a car crash, or a stroke. And this can happen to anyone at any age. If you do not have the documents in place and the problem does

occur, then someone, generally, but not always a family member must make application to the Court of Protection for them to be authorised by that court to make your decisions. This process is very long and complex and expensive. It can take up to 9 months and several thousands of pounds in fees. This is a very painful process for a family member to have to undertake on your behalf. And, you may end up with someone you would not have chosen yourself having the legal authority to make your decisions for you. Even worst is the case where the court may have to choose a professional person as attorney, who will then be charging your estate significant fees,

possibly for years, for making your decisions for you. The answer is very simple, have your LPAs prepared now, while you can clearly make your own decisions about who should be the named attorneys. For further information, advice and guidance call Mike Humpherson who is the local Senior Consultant representing Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. A home visit service is provided to take your instructions for your Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Contact details: Mike Humpherson T: 0845 678 7010 M: 07771 992717 E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk W: www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk

STOP!

Advertising does NOT have to break the bank

Prices starting from just £70

- advertise in your LOCAL magazine

So leave piggy alone! Contact: Sharon Caldwell

t: 01952 321334

e: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

There is one small job that you have been meaning to do for years…

Make Your Will

Single Wills only £80 per person (+ VAT) Mirror Wills for couples, £75 per person (+ VAT)

A home visit at a convenient time. For more information & appointments call:

0845 678 7010 Visit our website:

www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk LOCAL BUSINESS BASED IN PENKRIDGE You nominate your own Executors, typically your family. Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Will Storage, Estate Planning and Guardianship Trusts.

No piggy banks were harmed in the production of this advertisement

Protected by Professional Indemnity Insurance. Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. Members of the Society of Will writers.

Legal Services Ltd

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

’s game n a m h c ri a st ju t o n Golf Wolverhampton-based Golf Complex 3 Hammers seem to have found the elusive secret in getting more people into the game of golf. With 5 full time PGA Golf Professionals, the Covenbased complex is attracting both men and women into learning a new sport with the success of their unique beginner golf programme. The Professional Golfers Association and England Golf both recognise the 3 Hammers Golf Academy Learn 2 Play Golf courses as the best example of learning the sport. Get into Golf is an initiative carried out with hundreds of golf clubs throughout the UK to introduce new people to the game of golf. The 3 Hammers Golf Complex has topped the charts with their very own version of the “Get into Golf” programme. Golf Academy Director and Head Professional Rob Bluck said “we have created the ideal formula and environment for people to learn the game of golf and we are delighted that our achievements have been recognised by the governing bodies of the sport”. Over 350 new students got into golf at the Coven-based venue last year and they have now introduced new levels of their unique beginner programme to cope with high demand. Voted as the Number 1 Golf Development Centre

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

in Staffordshire by England Golf – 3 Hammers remains as the first call for affordable golf for all the family. And women think so too! Last year saw a huge number of ladies taking up the game with 55% of all new students being female. The 3 Hammers devised their Learn 2 Play Golf Programme taking students through 4 levels of golf tuition in weekly 1 hour sessions. The attraction for lady golfers being that the programme is affordable at only £20 for a 4 week course and that the 3 Hammers is open to everyone. Rob Bluck added “Our students enjoy learning in a fun, relaxed, friendly environment and with the golfing season now well under way we are expecting that our successful Learn 2 Play formula will continue to go from strength to strength”.

3 Hammers Golf Complex Old Stafford Road, Coven, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV10 7PP Golf Reception: 01902 790428 www.3hammers.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Buxton’s Ltd Buxton’s Ltd is a family firm that have been supplying lawnmowers and other garden machinery for 50 years. From their site on the edge of Cannock Chase the company has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the major suppliers of garden machinery in the midlands. We have a wide range of garden machinery in our showroom and our experienced staff are always on hand to help you select the right tool for your garden, whether it is a spade or a Ride on lawnmower. We also have a range of demonstration machines so that you can be sure you are getting the right equipment before you buy.

SPECIAL OFFER

your old garden machinery. Ask our staff for a valuation. We are main dealers for all the machinery we sell , so we can carry out any warranty work that is needed quickly and efficiently . Our team of factory trained mechanics can carry out servicing and repairs on all your garden machinery . All repairs we do are guaranteed.

Our prices are always competitive, but you can reduce the cost of your new equipment even further by part exchanging

We are happy to be bringing you some special prices, exclusive to readers of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine, this time on our range of STIHL products The offer prices below are valid until the end of August 2015. Please bring in a copy of the advert into the showroom or quote Staffordshire Outlook at time of order.

Superb savings on STIHL until the end of August 2015 To qualify simply bring this voucher in store or quote Staffordshire Outlook at time of order T: 01785 712397 MS 170 Chainsaw

E: enquiries@buxtons.net

FS 38 Cordless Strimmer RRP £159 now £149

RRP £179 now £159

HS 45 Hedge Trimmer RRP £265 now £199

HSA 25 Cordless Shears RRP £109 now £99

RE 88 Pressure Washer RRP £139 now £109

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

ritish Best oRofb B Taylor By

I wave to the chap sitting hunched over the wheel of his shiny newfangled French “crossover vehicle” (read: a hatchback on stilts that costs twice the price) with an air of condescension – fans of the Monarchy will know it as the ‘Royal Wave’; signalling that he may now at last break free from the shackles of the oblique junction, which has kept him prisoner since the road system became dreadfully overwhelmed on this sunny Friday afternoon. But this is not purely a gesture of goodwill. It has a lot more to do with the fact that said sorry commuter has protruding from his car’s rear a modestly-sized two-seater sofa, which is dangling precariously in a way that has the makings of a skit more hilarious than a clown riding a tiny bicycle; and I just want to get a better look. And all of my smugness owes entirely to the new Honda CR-V that I’ve been driving all week, which is a proper fullblooded 4x4 SUV. Yes, it may have been 64

among the first of a wave of SUVs that helped coin the term ‘crossover vehicle’ some twenty years ago, but it’s nothing at all like the detritus of hybrid shapes and styles that litter today’s highways, being as they are just nothing short of a marketing person’s wet dream. Here we have a vehicle that does entirely what it sets out to do and makes no apologies for it. It’s not some wishy-washy, limp-wristed modern day aberration or fad – and I’m looking squarely at you Mr Amateur Furniture removalist – but it is instead a marvel of sense and reason; a paradigm of practicality and a bastion of bloody-mindedness. Every since the first iteration of the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) landed here in 1997, Honda has refined and tweaked the concept only ever-so-slightly, making it just-perfect for every generation thereafter, in wilful defiance of gimmicks and trends. And it’s worked. In the first nine months of last year, the CR-V was the world’s best-selling SUV with nearly 50,000 being sold in Europe alone. People always respond in droves to good, sensible stalwarts for which there are no substitutes: the CR-V is big; not monumentally “Hummer-Big”, just big enough for a two-seater sofa; and a dog; and a load of shopping. Honda quantifies all this space at 589 litres, or with seats folded, 1146 litres. Yet

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

when at the wheel, you are never overly aware of the CR-V’s size, as it is easy to point and park, especially thanks to the as-standard on all models above ‘S’ spec front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera and reverse tilt mirror. And all this comes as no surprise since this SUV is developed, engineered and built in the UK. This attention to the UK is both refreshing and rewarding when it comes to being out and about because the CR-V copes admirably with every surface, providing a comfy ride and proving itself to be an excellent motorway cruiser. Interior build quality is noticeably good and there’s plenty of kit thrown in for the £34,670 this top-spec EX model costs. Now in its fourth-generation, this face-lifted model features a beefier take on the sublime 1.6 litre diesel, which develops nearly 160 bhp and in my case is mated to a new nine-speed automatic gearbox that promises big improvements in both economy and power. All of which is reflected in impressive stats: 55.3 mpg, despite the four-wheel drive system; 139 co2 g/km and 360 Nm of torque. The data is supported in the real world as well: I averaged nearly 50 mpg. So then: it’s a real SUV built for the real world. Our world: the UK. And it’s fast becoming as much a British institution as the monarchy.

d Subr aru-ity Sense aBynRo b Taylo

The trouble with the ever-increasing raft of technology in cars is that, like a chid with a bottomless bag of sweets, manufacturers just don’t know when enough is enough. Drive - or even just go so far as to open the door on - almost any new car today and you are berated with myriad beeps and bongs. Everything from dashboard “oil pressure OK” pop-ups to parking sensors and messages about risk of ice on road is deemed ‘bong-worthy’, but I find it all hugely distracting and at times deeply unsettling. You’re a dipstick if you don’t regularly use the oil dipstick and if you can’t figure out for yourself that falling temperatures may be a potential driving hazard then you should probably just stick to having snowball fights with your friends. I don’t trust parking sensors or reversing cameras, that’s why I turn around in my seat when reversing… and also because vampires have no reflection. So I say, enough is enough. At last I’ve found a car that credits me with a modicum of common sense – the new Subaru WRX STI. I enjoy the sense that with the STI everything essential to driving safely and soundly is unspoken and reassuringly present, but without any trace of annoying bossiness. You may

think this odd given that the STI is the Japanese marque’s iconic sports saloon; a car that is a demonstrable powerhouse of speed, brimming with attitude. You may think that with more power and performance comes a greater need to interfere in the business of driving, but it doesn’t. Thankfully. Instead Subaru just gets on with equipping every WRX STI with a cavalcade of kit to make your time in the vehicle as safe – and fun – as possible. Most noteworthy are newly tweaked A-pillars to improve forward visibility; greater use of ultra hightensile steel to provide a cocoon which maximises protection through passive safety, as well as a revised ESP system with multiple modes that is so clever that the STI can boast near identical braking performance in both wet and dry conditions. And yet there still exists an option to disable the systems if you want to have more fun on a racetrack and since this latest STI has a upgraded suspension set-up and tweaked chassis that was benchmarked dynamically against a Porsche 911 Carrera S in development, why wouldn’t you? Forget egregious coddling and the faux safety of the aforementioned beeps and bongs: what could be safer than permanent four-wheel drive? With any Subaru there exists an implicit trust between manufacturer and owner: a tacit agreement that rather refreshingly gives power back to the

people, breaking the shackles of the Nanny State. And – my goodness – what a lot of power there is. There may now be nary a Impreza badge in sight, but today this Scooby is still the biggest beast on Bodmin Moor. It packs just as much horsepower as ever (296 bhp) and oodles of torque (300 lb ft) on its way to a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and it spits it all onto the tarmac through four gargantuan tailpipes. Crucially for all aficionados of styling, a big rear wing and the option of 18” gold alloy wheels and iconic Subaru World Rally Blue paint are back too. It looks stunning and redolent of a proper Impreza of yore and now that it costs some £4,000 less than its predecessor – because of the vagaries of exchange rate witchcraft – the STI is more attractive than ever at £28,995. In fact newly improved practicalities make this STI better to own than ever before. Fuel consumption is now a credible 27.9 mpg; interior tactility is much improved with flourishes of Alcantara fabric and leather, high grade materials, well-tooled switchgear and there’s lots of as-standard equipment. The ride is comparatively comfy too, plus the soundtrack from the burbling 2.5 litre Boxer power-plant is hugely addictive. Oh, and it’s wicked fast. With four doors and a big boot, there’s never been a more exhilarating – or safer – way of getting you and your kith and kin from A to B. Ding - dong: absolutely no need for a bong.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

Index of Advertisers Accountants DSN Accountants

Council 57 South Staffs Council

Beds & Bedroom Furniture Chasewood CRS DRF Kitchens and Bedrooms Interiors Italia Rootwood Roll-a-robe

15 11 21 19 18 23

Beauty Cottage Surgery La Minky The Chase CACI Clinic UltraSlim Carpets (Supply & Fit) CRS

43 45 53 46/47 11

Hospital (Private) 50/51 Nuffield

Hypnotherapy 49 Sue Starr

Dental Practise The Priors Dental Practise

Driveways Interior Designers Accumix Concrete 29 Interiors Italia Standeford Garden Construction 9 Kitchens Education DRF Kitchens and Bedrooms Chase Grammar 2 Loft Conversions Tettenhall College 37 Buckley Loft Conversions Fire-place Fireside Factory 29 Plastering Services SB Plastering Furniture/Furnishings CRS 11 Restaurants/Eating Out Interiors Italia 19 Dog & Doublet Inn Ralvern Ltd 13 The Kings Repose Rootwood 18 The Shoal Hill Tavern

Car Sales/Services/Repair Four Ashes Renault Specialists Ltd 67 Garden Standeford Garden Construction Charity/Hospice Compton Hospice Children’s Activities The Sports Plus Arena South Staffs Council Concrete Accumix Concrete

35 Garden Machinery Buxtons

Tiles 9 Tile Choice Wills 65 Goodwills

31 Glass & Hardware Specialists Windows 50/51 Tech Alum Systems Ltd 17 Clair’s Conservatory Systems Cloudy 2 Clear Golf Course Winterwarmth 3 Hammers Golf 61 29

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

PICTOGRAM

1. A cut above the rest 2. He came out of nowhere 3. Office party

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

19 21 25 27 37 41 41 68 59 7 9 23

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

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

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

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

12 Reg Vehicles (3 years old) - Your MOT is (or soon will be) due - Check your date of registration on your vehicle log book. • MOT testing arranged • Large stoock of new and used parts • Computerised diagnostic (main dealer equipment) • Accident/mechanical repairs & insurance work undertaken • All work is fully guaranteed! • Courtesy Cars free of charge • Pick up and Drop-off service* • Servicing while you wait *conditions apply, please call for more details

MOT WITH ANY SERVICE

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

10 Reg and 60 Reg Vehicles DONT FORGET YOUR CAM/TIMING BELT!

Most Renaults require Cam/Timing Belt change at 72,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). Cam/Timing Belt failure will result in serious engine damage, so make sure yours is changed at the correct intervals. Call us for more details.

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

01902 790123

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

O ILER F TH TA

-E X

LI N

TILE

AR YE

TILE R

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS

L LE N

U CE I N M

IP LT

Great value on all tiles inc.natural stone

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

50 all tiles UPTO

% off

CANNOCK

LICHFIELD

WALSALL

BILSTON

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

13 Titan Way Britannia Ent Park Lichfield WS14 9TT

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

7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

01543 469400

01543 264795

01922 746666

01902 405526

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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 OPEN 7 DAYS A| WEEK